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LIBRARY

OF THE

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTURAL

COLLEGE

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vy.67

.)u\-E 26, 1920

THE

GARDENERS' CHRONICLE

Jt SK^klu Illustrate Jfnuntal

HORTICULTURE AND ALLIED SUBJECTS

(ESTABLISHED IN 1841.)

VOL. LXVIL— THIRD SERIES.

JANUARY TO JUNE, 1920.

LONDON
41, WELLINGTON STREET, COVENT GARDEN, W.C.2.

1920.

June 26, 1920.

The Gardeners' Chronicle.

INDEX OF CONTENTS.

JANUARY TO JUNE, 1920.

(For Special Headings see under Answers to Correspondents; Books; Certificated Plants, etc.; Law Notes; Obituary;
Plants, New; Scientific Committee; Societies; and Illustrations.)

Aberdeen Chair of Botany,
appointment to, 138, 211

Aberdeen, horticultural demonstra-
tions in, 12; new park for, 313

Acacia dealbata, 173; A. pyc-
nantha, 86

Acacia, timber of the, 37

Acacias for pot culture, 169

Acalypha hispida, 143

Acer circinatum, 139

Adonis amurensis, the double, 115,
145

Agricultural Botany, National Insti-
tute of, 235

Agricultural research, 61

Agricultural training for disabled
ex-service men, 273

Agricultural Wages Board, 187 ; ap-
pointment of new Chairman of,
287

Agriculture, tropical, 12

Akebia in S.W. Scotland, 101

Alchemilla argentea, 115

Alexandria, horticulture at. 250

Aleyrodes (or White Fly), 44, 68.
80, 96, 108, 134. 160. 173

Algaroba tree in Hawaii, the. 212

Allotment, produce from a 10-rod,
242.

Allotments, 62, 94, 187, 200; at
Edinburgh, 85; at Epping, 11; at
Merton. 176; in Surrey. 35, 114;
in the Thames Valley. 138

Allwood Bros., Gold Flora Medal
for 289; nurseries of. 309

Almond, flowering of the. 100

Alpine garden, the, 5, 13. 31, 49,
66, 101, 115, 127, 140, 155, 171.
193, 203, 213. 253. 265, 307

Alpine Meadows of Burma-Yunnan,
118

Alpine Strawberries, 25

Amelanehiers, 317

America : Association of Kew Gar-
deners in, 262; Bulb-growing in,
36; Iris Society for, 24, 152; Iris
trials in, 36 ; Orchid Society for,
187, 200 ; plant quarantine in, 62 ;
the Paeony in, 151

American Apple trade, the, 199 :
American plants in England, 52

Anchusa myosotidifolia. 140

Androsace glacialis, 155

Anemone blanda scythinica. 265:
A. cylindrica, 31 ; A. St. Brigid,
270, 308; A. sylvestris, 121

Answers to Correspondents : —
Acacia Bailevana, propagation of,
112: Acetylene refuse, 174, 186;
Apple Baddamore, 198 ; Apple. seed-
ling, 150; Anples injured. 84, 150.
__ 198, 222, 322; Azaleas, injured,
f>j 124, 150; chemical fertilisers for,
q-) 98 ; Beans, unsatisfactory, 174 ;
» — Begonia injured, 84;' Black
U-j Currants injured, 174, 312;
t Bonus and reserved pay, 272 ;
Books, 112, 174; Brassicas,
QCclub-root in, 84; Brown Elm
cldust, 34; Oalanthes injured, 46:
3£Carnations injured. 98 : Cauliflowers,
60; Cedrus atlantica glauca, 210;
Charlock, destruction of, 46:
Choisya injured. 186: Christmas
Roses injured, 198; Chrysanthe-
mums, injured. 248: for outdoors.
112; Cinerarias, 84; Clivia roots,

34; Copperas, spraying 'with, 112 :
Cucumbers injured, 260; Daffodil
bulbs injured, 288; Damsons and
Bullates, propagation of, 60 ; Dig-
ging, 174; Eelworms in manure,
22 ; Elm timber, the price of, 198 ;
Employer's liability, 60; Enkian-
thus campanulatus, 174; Equise-
tum, exterminating, 248 ; Fern
and Cactus, 22; Ferns from
spores, 174; Figs, 22,< 222. 248;
Flowers for market, cultivation of,
98; Fruit cultivation, 150, 198;
Fruit-room, cleaning a, 322 ;
Fruit trees, priming in autumn,
234 ; Garden, staff for a, 322 ; Gar-
deners and unemployment, 150 ;
Gardeners' Chronicle, volumes
of the, 186; Gardener's licence
for under-, 84; Gardener's
notice, 70; Garrya elUptica, 112;
Gloxinias injured, 150. 260 ;
Gooseberry Bush injured, 322:
Grafting wax, 1112; Grafting on
Laburnum, 124, 162 : Grapes,
varieties of, 10, 84; Greenhouse
heating, 124, 322; Herbaceous
plants for chalky soils, 112;
Herbs, medicinal, 174; Hydran-
geas, blue 174, 248 : Insects
for naming, 22, 210, 234, 260;
Lapageria injured, 198 ; Lawn,
lime dressing for, 112 ; Moss
on, 312 ; Leech, horse 162 ;
Lily of the Vallev, 136:
248; Melon plants wilting. 322;
Mushrooms 124. 300; Names
of fruits. 10. 22. 34, 60, 98, 112,
136, 150, 186. 260, 322; Names
of plants, 10, 24, 46, 60, 70, 124,
136, 150, 174, ,186, 198, 210. 234,
248, 260, 272, 288, 322; Narcissus
failing, 60; Narcissus poeticus
ornatus, 150 ; National Diploma in
Horticulture, 98; Nectarines, Sil-
ver Leaf disease on, 288; Orchid
leaves damaged, 248; Paeony in-
jured, 272; Paradise stock, "248 :
Parks, employment in, 84; Paved
garden, plants for a. 150; Patent,
application for a, 248; Peaches
injured, 46. 150. 174, 210, 222,
248. 260. 288: Pear trees, failure
of. 98. 136: Pear Dana's Hovev,
34 : Pear tree, grafting a, 112,
248: Pear trees, weevils on, 260;
Peas unhealthy, 288 ; Pelargoniums
diseased, 198: Peppermint, 10;
Picea injured, 210; Pineapple
cultivation, 112 ; Plants, atenant's,
222,248 : for carpet bedding, 34; for
hous/? decoration. 162; for a paved
garden. 150: Plum t"»es. Silver
Leaf disease in, 150; Plums fall-
ing. 322: Potalos, mew, inside
old, 322 : Rabbits eating tree
stems. 84: Bats destruction
of. 222 ; Red currant fruits
falling 288: Rhubarb, Hobday's.
198; Rhubarb running to flower.
234; Richardia, abnormal, 124;
Richardias injured. 210; Rose
Marcihal Neil. 234; Ru»e
shoots diseased. 248; Roses, for
market. 136; Salvia splendens
attacked by Dodder, 260; Schizan-
thus failing, 198; Seed testing,
22; Sh;d!n(s. Dutch. 22: Shrubs
for borders, 112; for chalky soil,
34; Silver-leaf, 150, ' 288:

Sludge manure, 34; Society,
local registration of, 136; Soil, the
excavation of, 300; Sulphate of
copper solution, 70, Sulphate of
iron, for fruit trees. 136, Sweet
Peas under glass, 222; Tennis
Court, 322 ; . Timber, how
to measure, 150 ; Tobacco,
Turkish and Virginian, 150; Toma-
tos, cultivation of, 46, 60, 150.
174; Tree stumps, blasting, 162;
Tricholaena and Tellima, 174 ;
Tulips "breaking," 300; Tulip
disease. 272, 288; Turf, right of
removal of, 70 ; Union Jack design
for flower bed, 210; Vines in-
jured, 46, 222, 248, 272. 300. 322,
Violets diseased, 210; Wages
and hours tor gardeners, etc.,
150, 210, 260 ; Watercress cultiva-
tion 322; Weed in pond, 150,
272,' 322; Window boxes, 70;
Witches Broom on Lime trees,
112 ; Wisteria grafting, on Labur-
num, 162

Anthemis cupaniana, 290

Anthericum Liliastrum, 121

Antirrhinums, 53

Ants, method of destroying. 152

Antwerp Flower Show, 114. 126.
233, 244

Aotus gracillima, 232

Aphides and frost, 78

Aphis, a plague of, 32

Apiary the. 45. 106. 305

Apple Day, a national, 164

Apple trade, the American, 199

Apples : Alfriston, 160. 186. 201.
232, 243, 270; Cox's Orange Pip
pin, 171; Crofton Scarlet, 25;
Egremont Russet, 158 ; Ellison's
Orange, 108 ; Queen Caroline, 9 ;
Radford Beauty, 93 ; Spencer's
Seedling. 9 ; Syke House Russet,
158: Thomas Coomber, 158;
Tythby's Seedling 93

Apples : packing and grading,
93. 290; double grafting. 142.
243; home-grown. causes of
low prices for, 47, 92, 95; October
dessert, 8, 20, 56 : prices for late.
220.

Arbor Dav in Manchester. 126

Arnold Arboretum, 194, 212, 317;
effect of the severe winter in the,
266

Artichokes. 79

Arum Lilies at Swansea, 320

Asparagus, 170

Asperula, garden species of, 91 ;
leaves blackened, 322.

Asystasia (Mackaya) bella, 51, 143

Austria, horticulture in, 241

Azaleas from Kurume. 194, 205

Azara integrifolia. 89

Baoatelle, best new Rose at. 301
Bailev, L. H. [Nursery Manual.

The), 251
Ranana growing in Queensland, 71
Rasic slag as manure, 152
Bean, a. gigantic, 289
Beans, Runner, 182
Bee-hives, site for. 45
Bees, the management of, 45 106,

305
Begonia, manicata. 269; B. poly-

antha. 143: B. sempi'iHon-us

gigantea, 143

Begonias : fibrous-rooted, 277 ; from
November to March, 230, 298;
winter- flowering 43

Belgian seed trade, 2

Belgium's gratitude to British horti-
culturists, 86

Big bud in Currants, remedy for,
31, 122

Birch, the, as a street tree, 122, 157
183

Birds and buds, 95, 134, 196, 220

Birmingham, new park for. 200 ;
Potato Exhibition at, 212.

Black Currant, the, 223

Black-leg in Potato clamps, 235

Bois, M.D., appointment of. 273

Books : horticultural and botanical,
the sale of. 290; scientific and
technical, 134

Books, Notices of : — American Rose
Annual. the, 251; Botanical
Magazine, 302 : British Rain-
fall (H. R. Mill and Carle S.
Salter), 27; Calendar of Garden
Operations, the. 230; Everybody's
Book on Garden Annuals
(Haslchurst Greaves), 220; Flora
of Chepstow, the ( W. A. Shooh
bred), 237; Flowering Trees and
Shrubs for use in South Africa
(T. R. Sim), 158; Forest Woods
. and Trees in Relation to Hygiene
(Augustine Henry), 54; Fossil
plants {A. <1. Steward). Ill:
Guide to the Identification of our
more useful Timbers (Herbert
Stone), 314; Handbook of
Forestry, the (A. D. Webster).
167 : Insect Pests and Plant
Diseases in the Vegetable
and Fruit Garden (F. Martin
Duncan) 8: Lawns and Greens
(T. W. Sanders). 237; Manual of
American Grape-growing ( IF. P.
Hendrirlc), 303; Meteorology for
All (D. W. Horner), 27;
Nursery Manual, the (L. H.
Bailey), 251: Outlines of the
History of Botany (Harvey
Gibson), 139; Practical Hardy
Fruit Culture (Richard S toward),
100: Roses, Their History.
Development. and Cultivation
(Rev. J. H. Petnhrrton). 263;
Study of the Weather, the (E. H.
Chapman). 27; Sweet Peas and
Antirrhinums (William Cuth-
bertson). 220; Twentieth Century
Potatos (J. Fraser), 220.

Books, sale of, 314.

Botanical artist, a forgotten, 278

Botany : new Professor of, at Aber-
deen, 138, 211; the relation of, to
commerce, 138

Bournemouth Parks, new superin-
tendent of the, 86

Brassica cross, a, 9. 20

Brassicas, club root in, 134, 160

Rrasso-Cattleya Menda. 3

Brasso-Laelio-Cattleva Jupiter, 275;
B.-L.-C. Tonio, 15

Brown Oak timber, 37

Bryndir, Orchids from, 89

Buckwheat, the cultivation of. 262

Buds for grafting, selection of. 163

Bull, garden, the, 67. 133, 255

Bursaria spinosa and Indian Wax
Scale. 61

Bushy Bark Horse Chestnuts, 236

IV. The Gardeners' Chronicle.

INDEX

June 26, 1920.

Calceolarias, herbaceous, 181. 277
Cambridge degree in horticulture,

273
Cambridge, lecturer in botany at,

11
Camellia reticulata, 183
Campanula Vidalii, 193
Campanulas, hybrid, 290
Canarina campanulata, 53
Cardiff, the R.H.S. show at, 289
Carnation Souvenir de la Mal-

maison, 19
Carnation stem rot in America, 36,

95
Carnations : American, for Belgian

growers, 151; perpetual, 144, 156,

172, 217; stem- rot of, 36, 95
Castilleja acuminata. 140
Cattleya amethystoglossa, 77 ; C.

Enid. Dovercourt var., 39; C.

Portia. 15: C. Rhoda, 117
Cauliflowers. 103

Ceanothus Gloire de Versailles, 41
Celeastrus articulatus, 55
Celsias for th,e flower border, 179

Certificated Plants :— Anemone St.
Bavo, 221 ; Auriculas : Bookham
Blue. 196; Jean Holding. 247;
Jennie Scott, 247 ; Landrail,
247; Mrs. Saunders, 247;
Mrs. T. E. Owens. 247; Azalea
Dr. Oosthock, 245; Begonia Peace,
?«1: Brasso-Cattleya Clifton ii
Gratrix's var., 234; B.-C.
Enchantress. 33; B.-C. Gatton
Lily var. Triumph, 196; B.-C.
Princess Mary var. exquisitam,
33 ; Brasso-Laelio-Cattleya Joan
var. Excelsior. 221; B.-L.-C. Lua,
174 ; Oalanthe burfordense, 33 ; C.
Papilio, 33; Cardamine pratensis
lilacina plena. 196; Carnations:
Lady Inverforth. 281: New
White Clove, 310: Renown,
221; Wivelsfield Claret, 196;
Catasetum viridifolium, 33:
Cattleya Cowanae alba var.
Jeannette, 174 ; C. Fabia atro-pur-
purea. 33; C. Harrisoniana. The
Grange var., 174; C. Hesta
magnifiea. 312: G. Ladv Rowena
The Bride, 174; C. L. R.
var. White Swan, 173; C. Mar-
guerita, 247: C. Memoria F. M.
Ogilvie var. The Premier, 124 : C.
Mendelii Bridesmaid, 234: CM.
Diana, 69 ; C. Moira alba, 33 :
C. Mrs. James Watson. The Dell
var. , 58 ; C. Snowdrop inter-
texta, 124: C. Snowflake var.
Noel, 246; C. Tityus Fasey's var..
221; C. T. Royal Monarch. 247.
O. Trianae alba var. Mary
Regina, 174; C. T. The Baron,
124 : Chrysanthemum The

Favourite, ' 32: Clivia St.
Nicholas. 245: Comus Nuttallii,
196 ; Cymbidium albanense
Joicey's var., 58; C. Alexanderi
amabile, 174; C. A. var. La
France, 247; C. A. var. Ideal,
247; C. Diana Bolholt var.. 124;
C. Gottianum superbum, 174; C.
Actaeus Lady Greensleeves, 69;
C. Angela, 33: C. Astarte. 124:
C. aureimi Hyeanum. 69; C.
Christopher vai. Praesigne, 33;
C. Cyclops West Point var.. 69;
C. Cyril Lee. 33; C. Draco Lee's
var.. 33; C. Elise magnificum. 69;
C. Eurvades Carter Place var.,
69; C. Florence Spencer, 135; C.
Joy Sander. 69; C. Lathamianum
Wrigley's var.. 69: C. magnifi
cum, 69: C. Memoria F. M.
Ogilvie. 69, 81: C. Mem. F. M.
0. var. Rex. 173; 0. Moonbeam
var. W. G. Groves, 33 ; C. nanum
var. W. A. Stewart, 33; C.

Olympus var. The Chairman, 69 :
C. Orva, 33; C. Our Prince, 33;
C. Perseus Queen Alexandra, 124 ;
C. Radium, 124; C. Rheims
Invicta, 69; C. Seraphina var.
Marcel, 174; C. Tigris, 33; C.
Victor Hugo var. King John, 33 ;

C. Virginia, 69; C. Zadie, 69;
Daphne Cneorum alba, 196 :
Delphinium Blue Bird , 310 ;

D. Pannonia, 310; Dendro-
bium Austinii Bolholt var.
173 ; D. dellense, 124 ; D. Findleya-
num album, 173 ; D. Lady Jellicoe,

173 ; D. Melpomene splendi-
dissimum, 173: D. nobile Gibsonii
124; D. nobile Hercules, 173; D.
primulardii. 300; D. Samuel
Gratrix. 124; D. Schultzii, 124;
D. Sir Frederick Moore, 124; D.
Sir F. M. var. magnificum, 173;
D. venustum, 247 (see also p. 300) ;
Dianthus Harold, 281; D. Jean,
281; D. Robert, 281 ; D. Rufus,
281 ; Freesias : Apogee, 221 ;
Quakeress. 134; Rosebud. 134;
Gaillardia Downer's Double, 310;
Galanthus nivalis Imperati, 81 ;
Geums : Lady Stratheden, 281 ;
Orangeman, 281; Helleborus
Ena, 134; H. Gertie, 134;
Iris Ann Page, 281; I.
Balaruc. 281; I. kashmiriana var.
Raniket, 245; I. Prospero, 281: I.
xiphium Voerman, 281 : I. Yellow
hammer, 221; Laelio-Cattleva
Alborak, 32; L.-C. Beatrice. West
Point var., 174; L.-C. Eunice var.
Snowdon, 196: L.-C. Firminii. 69;
L.-C. General Allenbv, 174;
L.-C. Joy Sander, 234; L.-C.
luminosa aurea The Premier, 247;
Mrs. Willoughby Pemberton, 311 ;
L.-C. Schroderae Our Queen. 69;
Lilium Farreri. 281 ; Lvcaste
cruenta Bridge Hall var., 124; L.
Skinneri var. alba, 124; L. S.
Cazador. 234; L. S. var. Crimson
Glow. 124; L. S. delicatissima,
234; L. S. var. Fairy. 69: L. S.
var. Great Rex. 124': L. S. var.
His Excellency. 124: L. S. ingens,
124: L. S. var. Phoebus. 124:
L. S. rosalba 124; L. S. var.
Rosy Morn.. 69: L. S. Roval
Beauty, 23_4 ; L. S. rubella
superba. 17o ; Milton ia Bleuana
var. Princess Elizabeth, 109; M.
Memoria Crown Princess Mar-
garet. 279; Myosotis dissitiflora
hvbrida Roll of Honour, 245:
Narcissus Firetail, 197; N. John
Masefield, 197; N. Magnificence,
135; N. Mrs. Leonard Harrison.
135; N. Orange Glory. 197; N.
triandrus calathinus, 135; Odon-
tioda Alcantara Ralli's var., 32;
Oda. Alcantara var. rubra,
234; Oda. Bradshawiae Colossus
124; Oda. Chanticleer. var.
suoerba, 234: Oda. Colinge var.
rubra, 174: Oda. Decia. 221; Oda.
Fabia Ralli's var.. 246; Oda
Gatton Glory. 279; Oda,. Gloss
Broadlands var.. 246; Oda. Leon
Perrin. 196: Oda. Madeline
Ohristabel. 174; Oda. Orphana.
247: Oda. Red Cross Bracken
hurst var.. 173; Oda, Sir Douglas
Hall. 174: Oda. Zenobia Hough-
tonii. 247; Odontoglossum Adula.
221 ; Odm. armainvillierense var.
Mary, 174: Odm. Bonaparte. 221:
Odm. Colonel Leith Haddon
House var., 33: Odm. Conqueror
Fasey's var.. 109; Odm. crispo-
Solon var. Kenneth, 279; Odm.
Diamond, 221 : Odm. Doreen
magnificum, 312; Odm. Doris
majesticum, 174; Odm. Doris
West Point var., 124; Odm.
Dorothy Arkle, 81 ; Odm. Elfrida

var. magnificum, 234; Odm.
excellens var. Golden Dawn, 247 ;
Odm. Fabia Frant Court var.,
221; Odm. Gipsy Queen, 173;
Odm. Joy., 196; Odm. Henry
Vni., 109; Odm. Hymen, 135;
Odm. Laurentia lilacinum, 174;
Odm. Memoria Nurse Cavell, 174;
Odm. Parsifal, 173; Odm. per-
cultum Black Knight, 124; Odm.
Pescatorei albens Ogilvie's var.,
247; Odm. Pluto, 174; Odm.
Promerens var. Duchess, 247 :
Odm. Promerens Prince Henry,
247; Odm. rayonatum, 124: Odm.
St. George, 174 ; Odm. St. George
var. Albion, 279; Odm. St. Peter.
174; Odm. Thwaitesiae Fasey's
var.. 33; Odm. Tityus. 234; Odm.
crispo-Solon, 81, 174; Odm.
crispum Gladiator, 234; Odm. c.
Lady White, 124; Odm. c. var.
Pearl White, 124; Odm. c. Rosa-
mund, 174; Odm. c. Trojan, 247:
Odm. c. Troytown, 234, Odm. c.
Virgin Queen, 124; Odm. c. West
Point Monarch, 124; Odm. c.
Yuletide, 33; Odm. eximium
Shackletonii. 234; Odontonia
Gladys, 279; O. Pittiae, 81;
Orchis foliosa. 279; Paeony
Souvenir du Professeur Cornu,
245 ; Papaver orientale Lord Lam-
bourne, 281; Phyllodace (?)
aleutica, 196 ; Picea Albertiana,
281; Pinks: Mrs. Geo. Walker,
281; Victory, 281; Polystichum
angulare divisilobum plumosum
densum No. 2, 281 ; P. angulare
divisilobum plumosum robustum.
Perry, 281 ; Primula Aileen
Aroon, 245; P. denticulata niagni
fica, 134: P. Margarita Linda
Pope, 196 ; Pyracantha yunnan-
ensis var. Warley, 310 ;
Rhododendron calophyllum, 134;
R. Donna Anita, 196: R.
Don Emestii. 196 ; R. Donna
Florenza, 196; R. Richard
Gill. 196: R. The Don. 196:
Roscoe Humeana, 281 : Roses :
Constance Casson. 232; Mrs.
Curnock Sawdav. 232, 310; Padre.
232; Rev. F. Page-Roberts. 232:
Saxifraga Monica, 245; S. Tum-
bling Waters, 281; Schizanthus
roseum compactum. 281 ; Sophrn
Cattleya Saxa var. flamea, 69;
S.-C. Saxa magnifica, 124:
Sophro-Laelio-Cattleya Meuse var.
magnifica, 135 ; Sweet Peas :
George Shawver. 282 : Hawlmark
Lavender. 2«2 : Le Mabdi,
310: Mildred Howard, 310;
Picture. 282; Tangerine, 282;
Tulips : Advance. 221; Alceme,
246: Dido. 246; Firenze, 221:
Vinda caerulea var. Bluebeard.
33

Preliminary Commendation : — Odon-
tonia Dora. 279

Certificated Fruit :— Apple Alfris-
ton. 135

Certificated Vegetables : — Peas :
Prime 311; Prosperity, 311;
Reading Wonder, 311 ; Swedes :
Acme. 69; Naylen's Ruta Baga.
69; Nonesuch Purple Top, 69:
Superlative Garden. 69: Yellow
Garden. 69

Oestrums, hybrid, 220
Chadwick lectures, the, 224
Chamomile cultivation in Scotland.

2
Chapman. E. H. (Study of the

Weather), 27
Chatsworth. the great conservatory

at, demolition of, 119

Chelsea Show, the, 279, 298;

Orchid Tent at, 305
Chermes attacking Douglas Fir, 318
Cherries under glass, 68
China, the Chrysanthemum in, 188
" Chrysantheme, le,'' 47
Chrysanthemum Autocrat, 217
Chrysanthemums, 5, 18, 53, 87, 134,

157, 173, 185; in China, 188;

in France, 176
Cider industry, the, 262
Cider tasting at Long1 Ashton, 199
Cirropetalum, 275
Citrus inodorus, 289
Clianthus, 63; C. Dampieri, 123
Clover, wild white, for pastures,

176
Clusia grandiflora, 315
Cogniaux, Alfred, appreciation of,

12
Colonies, notes from the, 309
Columneas, 193
Conservatorv. demolition of the

great, at Chatsworth. 119
Conifers, odours of, 318
Corydalis tuberosa (C. Cava). 189
Cotoneaster rotundifolia, 131
Cotton cultivation in Egypt, 176;

in Uganda. 152
Country produce, exhibition of, 235
Covent Garden Market and Estate.

100, 152
Cowper's Summer House at Olnev,

302
Crabs John Downie and Dart-
mouth, 55.
Crabtree, Miss, 278
Crocus tommasinianus, 119
Crop and stock on the, home farm,

45
Croydon Chrysanthemum Show, re-
vival of the, 85
Crystal Palace, fire at, 72; re-
opening of the, 212
Cultivation, deep, 30
Cultural memoranda, 19, 39, 120,

144, 171, 177, 215, 242
Cuthbertson, William (Surd Peas

and Antirrhinums), 220
Cuttings, 7, 42, 143 177
Cyclamen europaeum longevity cf,

122
Cymbidium Alexanderi, 153; C.

Diana var. concolor, 183; C-

I'Ansonii, 153, 274
Cymbidiums, hybrid, 103
Cynoglossum amabile, 140
Cynorchis, 183

Cypripsdium chrvsotoxum striatum.
'33; C. Hazeldene, 153; C.

Latona. 3; C. Memoria F. M.

Ogilvie, 103; C. Mrs. Alfred C.

Hanbury, 3
Cvpripediums from Westonbirt, 31

Dahlias for garden decoration . 258
Dalibarda repens, 213
Dalkeith gardens, 274
Daphne Mezereum, 75
Darfiald Rectory. Yorkshire, the
Garden of the Rev. Walter Stone-
house, in 1640, 240. 256. 268. 296
Dartmoor, the proposed Industrial-
isation of, 12, 62
Datura sanguinea, 208
December, the weather in, 44
Deciduous hedges, 49
Deepdene, Dorkinjj, sale of, 164
Dendrobium Bassettii Deanlands
var.. 213: D. Pierardii. 239; D.
primulardii, 239. 308; D. primu-
linum. 239
Desfontainea spinosa. 75. 173
Douglas Fir. the. 48; attacked by

Ghermes 318
Drainage of small areas, the, 106
Drynham, Walton-on-Thames, 257
Dumfries municipal bowling jireen
charges, 273

June 26, 1920.

INDEX

The Gardeners' Chronicle. V.

Duncan, F. Martin, (Insect Pests
and Plant Diseases in. the
Vegetable and Fruit Garden), 8

East Molesey, recreation ground

for, 100
Edinburgh: allotments at, 85;

Botanic Gardens, notes from the.

294; parks in, 35, 199, 250, 261,

289, 290, 301
Eelworm disease of Narcissus, 176,

206, 218
Egypt, cotton-growing in, 176
Elaeagnus argentea, 307
English versus Scottish gardeners,

172, 208
Enham Village centre for disabled

men, 187, 232
Enkianthus campanulatus, 237
Epiphyllum truncatum, 48, 80
Epping, allotments at, 11
Erica darleyensis, 165
Erinus alpinus, 171, 265
Erodium pelargonifloriun . 127
Erysimum linifolium. 307
Erythraea Centaurium, 13, 96
Eulalias, 39

Eulophiella Elizabethae, 191
Evergreen hedges, 12, 44
Ewell, "Garden of Remembrance "

at. 301

Fairfield lecture, the, 249

Fann, crop and stock on the home.

45
Farm school, gift of, for Suffolk, 23
Farmers' Land Purchase Co., 62

Farrer's. Mr. Reginald, second ex-
ploration in Asia. 6. 29, 66. 104,
142, 204, 266

Felstead, Mr. Walter, appointment
of, 86

Fern flora of tr=es, the. 309

Fernery, the, 17

Ferns as decorative plants, 17

Fertilisers, the use of. in counter-
acting adverse climate. 224

Fish poisons as insecticides, 313

Flagstaff, new, at Kew, 37

Florence, the Tulips of. 181

Florists' flowers, 18. 52, 73, 87,
144, 207, 217. 258

Flower garden, the, 4. 14. 26. 38,
50, 64. 75, 90, 103. 116, 129, 140,
154, 166, 178, 190 203, 215, 226,
238. 253, 265, 276. 292. 304. 316

Flowering bulbs, cultivation of, in
America, 36

Flowers in season, 164

Flowers, seasonable indoor, 15

Food kitchens in London parks,
188

Food production, increased, 235

Food trains, 36

Foreign correspondence, 19, 73, 230.
242, 290

" Foremarke " Challenge Cup for
Gladiolus, 85

Forest fires, 12

Forest trees, "flight" of pollen,
236 ; seeds of, sown by aeroplane,

Forestry Commissioner, assistant.

152
Forestry notes, 37
France, choice Chrysanthemums in,

176
Fraser, J. [Twentieth Century

Potatos), 220
Fraxinus Mariesii, 157
Freesia names and the R.H.S. Floral

Committee, 208, 232, 243

Fritillaria, 241

Fruit conference at Wye College,

85, 126
Fruit growing, education in, 113;

in Nova Scotia. 313; research in.

61, 211
Fruit register, 5, 55, 93, 158, 171,

200
Fruit trees, hardy, assisting, 73
Fruits : Under glass, 5, 14, 26, 38,

50. 64. 74. 90, 102, 116, 129, 141.

154, 166, 178, 190, 232, 214, 227,

238. 252, 264. 276. 292, 304. 316 ;

British grown, exhibition of. 137
Fungus, adjectival form of the

word. 209, 232

Galanthus Elwesii var. Cassaba,

62; G. nivalis Perfection, 203
Galega Hartlandii, 319
Garden villages conference at Croy-
don, 24
Gardener, the, 2

Gardeners' Chronicle, the, Seventy-
Five Years Ago, 2, 12, 24, 36, 48,
62. 72, 86 100, 114, 126, 138,
152. 164, 176. 188, 200, 212,
224. 236. 251, 262, 274. 290. 302.
314
Gardeners' education and training,

42, 63, 95, 123, 145, 220, 290
Gardening and food production,

lectures on. 188. 290
Gardens in Edinburgh, lecture on,

62
Genista sagittalis, 165
Gentiana excisa, 253; G. verna

angulosa, 265
Gesnera cardinalis, 308
Gh,ent, International Horticultural

Conference at. 259
Gibson, Harvey (Outlines <>f the

History of Botany), 139
Gladiolus, "Foremarke" Challenge

Cup for, 85
Glasgow, new park for. 250. 303
Glasgow Parks. Director of. 289 ;

staff of, 236
Gooseberry Mildew Order, 10
Grape Madresfield Court, 5, 31. 55
Grapes in unhealed houses, 20, 44
Grass-land campaign, a, 72
Greaves, Haslehuxst (Everybody' s

Book on Garden Annuals), 220
Green crops for dairy cows, 261
Greenhouse plants in February, 104
Greenwich Park in spring tiny, 250
Guillaumin, M., appointment of, 273
Gunnersbury estate, proposed new
public park in the, 188

Hamamelis. 131

Hamjiton Court : Accident at. 72

spring flowers at, 113, 243 ; vine

at, 176
Hardy flower border, 121, 153, 189.

290'
Hardy fruit garden, the, 4. 14, 26.

38, 50, 65. 74, 90, 102, 116. 128.

140, 154. 166, 179. 190, 202, 214.

226, 238, 252, 264, 276, 292, 304.

316
Hare, Mr. F. E., honour tor, 200
Hawaii, the Algaroba tree in. 212
Heath fire in Surrey. 151
Hedges, deciduous, 49; evergreen,

12; 44, 75, 108
Helichrysum coralloides, 35 ; H.

rosmarinlfolium, 317
Ifendriok, W. P. {Manual of

American Grape Growing). 303
Henry, Augustine (Forest, Woods,

and Trees in 'Relation In

Hygiene), 54
Herbaceous border, an interesting,

67
Hildehrandssou Dr. . awarded the

" Symons " Medal, 23

Himalayaberry, the, 20
Hippeastrum pardinum, 155
Holland, garden produce under glass

in, 224
Hope, iir. Collingwood. appoint-
ment of. 289
Horner. D. W. (Metiorologu for

All), 21
Horse-chestnuts in Bushy Park. 236
Horticultural demonstrations at

Aberdeen, 12; from a train, 249
Horticultural Education Association,

249; events in 1919, 1; training

centre for Middlesex, 23
Horticulture and the State, 113
Horticulture in Austria, 242; in

Russia, 77
Horticulturists, honours for, 176
Hutchinsia alpina, 127
Hyacinths, " Cynthella," 290

I

IilAW Bum, plant collecting on the,

168, 228, 306
Impatiens Herzogii, 318
Imperial Botanical Congress, 126
(nclosure and Tithe Acts, 290
Insect pests and plant diseases, 133
Insects, spray proof, 35
Ireland, notes from, 17. 147
Iris laevigata, Fischer, 274
Iris Society for America, 24. 152
Irises : Bog, 209; colouring of. 19,
290; hybrid bearded, 76. 88. 184,
225 ; trials of, in America, 36
Isatis tinctoria

Jam making, sugar for, 187
Jasminum nudiflorum, 89
Javanese Rhododendrons. 195

K

Keeble, Dr. F. W., marriage of,
163

Kelso Abbey, 2

Kew Guild Journal, 144

Kew : museum of economic botany
at, 113; new flagstaff at, 37;
notes from, 104; hostel for the
garden staff at, 114; Peace com-
memoration trees at, 24 ; tennis en
the Green at, 85; war memorial
at, 152

King, John K. and Sons, fire at
premises of, 235

Kitchen garden, the. 4, 14. 26. 38.
50, 64. 74, 90. 102, 116. 129,
141, 154, 166, 178. 190. 202, 214,
226, 238, 252. 264, 276, 293, 304.
316

Labels, garden, 270
Laelia monophylla, 275
Laelio-Cattleva Cecidom, 191; L.-C.

Hildom, 191
" La Linnea " alpine garden. 101
Lancashire Potato trials. 235
Land settlement for ex-Service men,

24 187, 211. 232. 313
Land, vacant railway, utilisation

of. 123
Larch canker. 175, 195
Law Note: — Bulb trade, custom of

the. 322
Lazv-bed method of planting

Potatos, 145
Leaf curl of Potatos, 176
Leaves, propagation by, 120
Lebanon Oak. the. 139
Legacies of an untoward season, 95

Leicestershire, fruit crops in, 308
Leslie, Mr. Peter, visiting America,

301
Lettuces, 103, 133, 192, 201
Lilies, in 1919, 180; Japanese, 27
Lilium auratum macranthum, 67;

L. giganteum, 103, 289 ; L. specio-

sum, 133
Lily, a new Chinese. 114; a new

hybrid (Liliuni regale x L. sar-

gentiae), 255
Linarias, 184

Linn Park, Glasgow, The, 12
Lithospermum Froebelii. 140; L.

purpurea-icaeruleum, 307
Lobelia tenuior, 217
Lobjoit, ilr. W. J., appointment

of, 301
Long Ashton, cider tasting day at,

199
Lonicera Standishii lancifolia, 101
Lopezia miniata, 43
Loropetalum chinense. 183
Luculia, 16

M

Macedonia, vegetable cultivation in,

94, 105
Mackaya (Asystasia) bella, 51, 143
Macquarie Island, the flora of, 85
Maize, the origin of, 114
Malope, 105

.Manchester, Arbor Day in. 126
Mangin, Mods. L. , appointment of,

23
Maps, ordnance survey. 138
Market fruit garden.' the, 28, 92,

130, i:9. 206. 254. 294. 317
Masdsvallia, coccinea, 239 ; M. ignea,

239
Melons, early, 120
Melville. Mr. David, presentation

to, 126
Merton and Morden, town planning

at, 86
Merton, allotments at. 176
Meteorological lectures, 23
Mill, H. R. (British. Rainfall). 27
Miltonia Bleuana Reine Elisabeth,

239
Mlltonias at Chelsea. 315
Ministry of AgriciUture. work of

the, 211
Mints, variegated, 107
Mistleto. hosts for the, 9, 20, 44, 56,

69, 80, 108, 122, 145, 173, 185
Moles attacking cabbages, 8
" Monro, Geo., Ltd.," concert, 61,

114
Moraea iridioides Johnsonii, 165,

297, 320
Morayshire, damage by sandstorm

in. '262
Moth, the buff-tip. Pygaera (Pha

lera) bucephala, 5
" Mountain Ash," Australian. 37
Mussel scale, a specific for, 152

N

Narcissus, eelworm disease of,

176, 206. 218
Narcissus Firetail, 227; N. Soleil

d'Or, 145
Nierembergia rivularis, 121
Norfolk, demonstration farm in. 151
Nova Scotia, fruit-growing in. 313
Novelties, registration of, 73
Nursery notes, 107. 308
Nuttallia cerasiformis, 253

Obituary: Bartlebt, Edmund,

186; Boudier, Emile, 137; Oalder,
John S., 260; Chappellier, Paul,
70: Crocker, Alexander Morrison,

VI. The Gardeners' Chronicle.

INDEX

June 26, 1920.

110: Cowan, ("has. W., 162;
Craig, James, 10 : Cypher, Mrs.
John, 322 ; De " Candolle,
Augustin, 300: Delacour, Th.,
137 j Dohson, W. H., 110, 146;
Downie, Mrs., 186; Famish.
William Rohert, 60; Fox. Free-
man, 21 ; Gurney, George, 60 ;
Hewitt, Dr. C. Gordon, 174;
Holmes, William, 212: Kennedy,
James, 97 ; Lange. John, 97 ;
Loder, Sir Edmund Giles, 210;
Low. William, 10; McCabe.
William James, 260; McKenzie,
William, 234; Monro, George,
287; Moorman, Jacob William,
234; Neale, J. J., 21; Teeters,
Augustin Andre, 186: Parsons,
Alfred, ^0: Poison. Jules. 137;
Prime, Henry, 148: Earn, F. K.
322 ; Rourke. James 136 ;
Saccardo, Dr. P. Andrea. 174 ;
Selkirk, the Countess of. 44;
Sharp. W. 234; Silsburv, J. H,
136; Snell,' John. 210. 222: Stan-
ton. George. 148; Sutherland,
William. 110; Taber, George
Hugo, 124 : Trussler, George. 60 ;
Tutcher, W. J.. 198, 208; Wilson
Dr. John H., 44, 59

Odontioda Camden, 274: Oda
Gloss. 263; Oda. Nada Ralli's
var. 39 ; Oda, Pierrette, 213 ; Oda.
Vera Belle, 305
Odontocidium epiphorum. 183
Odontoglossum Clotilde. 213; Odm.
crispum Lady Newnes, 3: Odm.
Eden. 263; Odm. Harold var
Master Dick, 213; Odm. Mrs.
Harry Worsley, 213 : Odm. Oweni-
anum. Rolfe, "275 : Odm. Phillip,
263; Odm. Phillipsianum aureum.
263 ; Odm. Triomphe de Bruges,

Onoidium snlendidum. 153

Onion fly, 122. 160, 185, 220

Onion Smut, 313

Onions, cultivation of. 30, 56

Onosma albo-roseum, 31

Orchid houses, the. 4. 14. 26 38.

50. 64, 74. 90, 102, 116, 129, 140.

1.55, 167. 1.78, 190, 202, 214. 226.

239 252, 264, 276, 292, 304, 316
Orchid notes and cleanings. 3, 15,

31. 39. 76. 89. 103, 11.7, 153, 1«3,

1&3, 191, 213, 239 263, 274. 305,

315
Orchid Society for America, a

national. 187, 200
Orchids: at the Dell, Egham. 315;

from Brvndir. 89: in 1919. 3;

hybrid. 15, 117. 153, 169, 213
Orchis foliosa, 191 ; 0. latifolia,

191; O. Mrmbyana, 315; 0. prae.

termissa var. pulchella, Druce,

76
Ordnance Survey maps, 138
Ourisia coocinea, 5, 66, 101
Oxytropis pyrenaica, 265

P

Paeonia Delavayi, 185

Paeony in America, the, 151

Paint, a whitewash, 24

Pampas Grass, 19

Paris, spring flower show in, 250 ;
Horticultural Congresses in, 314

Park, new public, for Birmingham,
200 ; for Edinburgh, 301 ; for East
Molesev, 100: for Glasgow. 250.
301 ; for Gunnersburv, 188 ; for
Ware, 188

Parks and open spaces in London,
176

Parks, Royal, speed limit in. 176

Parliament, horticulture in, 302

Parsnips, 79

Pea, Mangetout, 122

Peach leaf curl, 151

Peaches, Amsden June, 73; Crim-
son Galande, 9

Peaches, disbudding and thinning.
182

Pear scab, 137

Pear Winter Peach, 73

Pears, wild, 297

Peas, late. 308

Peat, " nitric," 12

Pelargoniums, scarlet, for winter
blooming, 193

Pemberton, Rev. J. H. (Roses:
Their History, Development, and
Cultivation) , 263

Perennials, raising from seed, 144

Petasites fragrans, 91

Phosphate rock, supplies of, 86

Phylloxera certificates, 21

Picea jezoensis, 139

Pinus Thunbergii, 139

Pistacia lentiseus, 41

Pitwood, sales of, 36

Plants : American, in England, 52;
distribution of, 99 ; early flower-
ing, 125; hygiene of, 40, 54, 108,
138; indoor, 131, 143, 155, 308;
notes, 16: novelties in, 8

Plants, Kew or Noteworthy :—
Berberis nrthobotrvs. 77, 108;
Catalpa Duclouxii, Dode, 303;
Caulophyllum thalictroides, 63;
Clematis Pavoliniana, 177 ; Picea
Glehnii. Masters, 89; Rhododen-
dron Fraseri. 225 : R, praevernum,
n. sp.. 127; Verrieres, rare shrubs
at. 303

Plants under glass, 4. 15. 27, 39,
51. 64. 74, 90. 102, 117. 128.
141 154, 166, 178, 191, 202, 214,
226, 238, 252. 264, 276, 292, 304,
316

Pleione Pricei, 183

Polygala Vayredae. 203

Poppies. Iceland, disease of, 62

Pot plants, convevancp of. by
passenger train, 163, 187, 322

Potatos : America, 68 ; The
Champion. 145; McPherson, 20

Potatos: Black-leg of, 235; Com
mon Scab of. 163; crops of, 72,
96, 176, 120, 132. 170, 173 : early,
in Ayrshire, 145; early. m
infected areas. 152: methods of
planting 8. 20,32.44. 95. ,145. 158;
mosaic disease of, 85 : sale of, in
Ayrshire, 313 ; seed price of. 151 :
seedling, 18 : spraying of. 182.
258. 270. 298 308': trials of, in
Lancashire. 235 ; varieties of, 44
108 ; Wart Disease of, 302

Primroses, blue, 173

Primula leucophvlla. 203: P.
obconica, 171: P. Wattii. 48

Primulas, the Reading. 107

Pronagation, hints on. 43. 120. 177.
287

Prunus microlepis, 139

Publications received. 24, 36, 62, 72.
86, 126. 152. 200. 224. 250

Pygaera (Phalera) bucephala. 5

Pyracantha, p yellow-fruited. 55
Pvrus auricularis, 267 : P. flori-
bunda, 229

Queenslanp, Banana growing in.

71
Qnercus Libani. 139

Rabbit breeding, 212

Rabbits eating tree stems, 55

Railway rates, new, 11

Rainfall, the, 80

Ranunculus nyssanus, 101

Rat trap, a varnish, 12

Reid, Mr. John, a gardener station-
master. 164
Rhaphithamnus cvanooarpus, 204

Rhododendron Edgeworthii, 208.
220; R. glaucum, 275; R. moupl-
nense, 205; R. sutclmenense, 127,
172

Rhododendrons, in flower at Kew,
71 ; Javanese, 195

Rhyniaceae, 126

Richmond Terrace Gardens, 11, 114

Riviera, the Palms of the, 216

Rochea, 303

Romneya Coulteri, 121

Rosary, the, 251

Roscoea cautlioides, 101

Rose Frances Gaunt, Gold Medal

for, 301
Roses, attar of, 2; early, 251; new,

41; planting of, 16; pruning of,

216
Rothamsted Experimental Station,

the, 301
Royal Academy, the. 224
Roval Colonial Institute, gift to the,

11
Royal Horticultural Society's

examinations, 61
R.H.S. Gardens Club, journal of

the, 199
Russia, horticulture in, 77

Salter, Carle. S. (British Fain-
fall). 27

Sanders, T. W. (Lawns and
Greens), 237

Saponaria officinalis, 49

Sarracenias, 195

Saxifraga Burseriana sulphurea,
119

Saxifragas, the lingulate, 319

Saxifragas, classification of 36

Schizostylis coccinea, 143, 173

Schneider. M. Georges, monument
to the late. 223

R. ilia italica. 255; S. lilio-
hyacinthus, 255

Scientific Committee ; — Aquilegia
hvbrid, 321: Aucuba. iapnnica,
white -berried. 245 ; British plants,
69 ; Carnation : foliage mal-
formed, 298 ; Wheat-ear, 321 ;
Oheiraavthus x 245; C. x Ma.r-
shallii, 298; Chinese plants, 245;
Cypripedium insrigne. twin-
flowered. 69: Daffodils, certi-
ficate for. 259 ; Davidia in-
volncrata. 69: Elwes, Mr, H. J.,
various plants from, 259, 321;
Freest, variegation of stem in.
147; Holly berry, 69; Iris seed-
lings. 298; Irises, hybrid. 245:
Mercurialis anmrus. 69; Onci
dium x incurnephorum. 69;
Pelargonium sport. 298: Pleione
pogonoides, 69: Primrose Evelyn
Arkwright, 245; Primula crosses,
147 ; Primula Juliae x elatior.
109, 147: Pruning of seedling
fruits. 147; Rhododendrons, 245.
298; Senecio squalidus. 69: Snow
drop seedlings. 109: Tulip, with
bulb in leaf-axil. 298; Veltheimia
viridtfolia, 147; Veronica, lobeli
oides, 260; Willow seeds, 109.

Seaweed as a manure, 151

Seeds, electrolytic treatment of,

113 ; germination of, 273 ; sowing

of, 68
Senecio candidans, 153
Shakespeare, flowers of, 2. 188. 227
Shoolbred, W. A. (Flora of

Chepstow, the), 237
Shrewsbury, spring flowers at. 262
Shrubs, late flowering, 12
Silene acaulis, 193
Silver Leaf Disease, 2. 18, 31. 72,

134, 235. 258. 270, 308
Sim, T. R. (Flowerinq Trees and

SHrvbs for use hi iV. Africa). 158
Snowv Flv, 44. 68. 80. 96. 108, 134.

160. 173
Soapwort. the double. 49

Societies : — Association Francaise
rVHorticulture. 151 ; Bath and
West and Southern Counties,
236, 271; British Carnation, 100,
147; British Florists' Federation,

69; British Gardeners' Associa-
tion, 33, 124, 159; Chamber of
Horticulture, 10, 47, 80. 176. 210,
249, 302, 320 ; Chester Paxton, 21,
97,126; Croydon Chrysanthemum ,
85 ; Dumfries and District Horti-
cultural, 164; East Anglian Horti-
cultural Club, 21 ; Economic
Biologists, 138, 321 ; Fruiterers'
Company, 47; Gardeners' Com-
pany, 261; Gardeners' Horti-
cultural, 137; Gardeners' Royal
Benevolent Institution. 11. 35,
56, 62, 301 ; Hampstead Horti-
cultural Association, 164; Horti-
cultural Club, 36, 97. 124, 125,
198. 249, 298; Kew Guild, 250
300 ; Lea Valley and District
Nurserymen and Growers' Asso-
ciation, 10 ; Leeds and District
Market Gardeners', 148; Linnean,
97, 137, 151 ; Manchester and
North of England Orchid. 33, 69.
124, 173, 234, 247. 272: National
Auricula and Primula, 233. 247:
National Chrysanthemum. 47, 59
70; National Dahlia, 35, 59 :
National Gladiolus, 23 : National
Potato Society of Great Britain
and Trel?nd. 212; National Rose.
58, 223. 232. 313 ; National Sweet-
Pea, 151 : National Union of Hor-
ticultural Workers (late B.G.A.).
173. 185: Norfolk and Norwich
Horticultural. 36: North of Eng-
land Horticultural, 146 : Ormskirk
Potato Show and Conference,
187 : Petersham Flower Show, 35 ;
Professional Gardeners' Associa-
tion. 16<i • Richmond Horti-
cultural, 71: Roval, 126; Roval
Botanic, 2, 211 ; Royal Caledonian
Fortieultarpl. 59,' 235; Roval
Gardeners' Orphan Fund. 83. 100,
151, 236. 271; Roval Horti-
onltural, 11. 32. 57. 69. 8], 106.
109. 134. 137. 147, 160. 196, 209,
212. 921. 245. OdQ, oqg QfA 279
289, 298, 310. 321 ': Roval Horti-
cultural and Arboricultural of
Ti-eland. 198- Rov»l National
Tulip, 246: Roval Scottish Ar
boriculturail, 9; Saltaire and
Shiplev Rose, 2; Scottish Horti-
cultural. 59, 100. 174;
^•^ciete Dendrologiqxie de France,
Tf.- Soci^te Nation-1- Horti-
culture de France. 122. 313. 321 •
Surbiton. Kingston, Dittons and
District Chrysanthemum, 9. 223;
Surveyors' Institution, 188 :
United Horticultural Benevolent,
and Provident, 45. 97, 125, 147.
209. 260, 321; Wakefield and
Northern Tulip, 187, 300: Wind-
sor Pose. 126; Women's Farm
and Ga.rden TTnion. 250 • York-
shire Flower Show and Gala, 36.
311, 314; Yorkshire Professional
Gardeners, 97.

Soil, disinfection of. bv hot water.

71 ; temperature of the, 23
Solanum aculeatissimum. 32
Sophora. tetraptera. 204
Sophro-Laelio-Cattleva Brilliant,

191; S.-L.-C. Lowellii. 213:

S.-L.-C. Margrand. 117
Sparmannia africana. 155
Spathoglottis, 183
Sphaeralcea ambigua. 153; S.

pedata, 140
Spring flowers. 119, 157. 164. 195
Spring, precocious. 99
Staward. Richard (Practical Hardy

Fruit Culture). ICO
Steward. A. C. (Fossil Plants). 177
Stone, Herbert (Guide to the Identi-
fication of Our More Useful

Timbers), 314
Strawberries : alpine, 25, marketing

of, bv aeroplane. 274; "red

plant " in, 269
Streptocarpus hybrids, 293

Jr/KB 26, 1920.

INDEX

The Gardeners Chronicle. VII.

Sugar Beet, in Scotland, 47;

factory, at Kelham, 188, 199
Sugar: For jam-making, 100, 187;

home-grown, 2, 47, 188, 199, 274
Sulphate of Ammonia, priGes of,

262
Surrey, small holdings in, 35, 114
Swanley Horticultural College, 23,

289
Sweden, the late Crown Princess of,

250
Sweet Pea Annual, 113
Sweet Pea Review, 47
Sweet Peas : In 1920, 73 ; in the

West Indies, 274
" Symons " medal, award of the,

23
Symphytum canescens, 203
Synthyris reniformis, 203, 253, 265

Terregles, Daffodil Day at, 211
Thames Valley, allotments in, 138
Thlaspi rotundifolium, 213
Timber, exhibition of empire-grown,

138, 301; home-grown, 152
Tithe, redemption of, 24
Tomatos, artificial pollination of,

236
Trade Notes, 10, 21, 34. 70. 97. 110,

149, 185. 209. 248, 260, 320

Trail, the late Dr. W. E., 113,
289

Tree stems, earthing up, 37

Trees and shrubs, 41, 55, 75, 89,
101, 122, 131, 139, 157, 165,
183, 194, 204, 237, 253, 266, 275
307, 317

Trentham, sale of the estate of, 250

Trials, 35, 36, 235

Trinidad Botanic Gardens, cen-
tenary of the, 212

Trochodendron aralioides, 196, 237

Tropaeolum polyphyllum, 127

Truffaut, M. Georges, honour for,
61

Tulip city of Canada, the, 12

Tulips of Florence, 181

Tydaea, 65

Uganda, cotton growing in. 152
Ultra violet light, 122

Vegetables, 8. 30, 79, 103, 133. 145.
158. 170. 182. 219; in 1850 2.
prizes for, 2

Veitch, Sir Harry J., 62, 85
Verbena chamaedryfolia, 196
Verbenas, 207
Veronica, edinensis, 317; V.

Hulkeana, 307
Verrieres, rare shrubs at, 303
Vine borders, inside, 95
Vine Maple, the, 139
Vines, spring planting of, 219
Viola calcarata, 171
Violets, double, cultivation of, 215

W

Wages, minimum, 100. 126, 164.

187, 261, 289
Waldsteinia fragarioides, 171; W.

trifolia, 171
Wandsworth, flower show at, 313
Ware Priory, gift of, to the public,

188
War graves commission. 11. 211
Water Lilies, 275
Weather, the, 44, 95. 99, 149, 152,

248 ; effect of the, 95, 289
Webster, A. D. (Handhook of

Forestry), 167
Weed-killer, 200

West Indies, Sweet Peas in the, 274
Westminster Hall roof, 48
Wheat, the world's supplies of, 12

White City exhibition, cancellation

of, 72
White Fly, 44, 68, 80, 96, 108, 134,

160, 173
White Poplar in Surrey, the, 20
Wilson, Mr. E. H., new exploration

tour of, 212
Wimbledon Common, the windmill

on, 188
Winter Moth and grease banding,

95
Wireworms, effect of ammonia on,

176
Wisley : Expedition to, 261 ; ex

soldiers at, 187; horticultural

scholarship at, 23; report on

the gardens at, 231 ; the Rock

Garden at, 188 ; trials at, 35
Wistaria chinensis, 131; W.

multijuga, 165
Women gardeners, 20
Women's Institutes, 250
Wood, superfluous, in fruit and

other trees, 224
Wve. fruit growers conference at,

126
Wyllie, Mr. George, retirement of,

274

Zanthoruiza apiit'olia, 237

VIII. The Gardeners' Chronicle.

INDEX

June 26, 1920.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

Acacia pycnantha, 87
Adonis amurensis, 159
Androsace glaeialis, 155
Anthericum Liliastrum, 121
Antwerp slower Show, the, 236.

242, 243, 244
Apples: Crofton Scarlet, 25;

Thomas Coomber, 158; Tythby's

Seedling, 93
Arum Lilies at Swansea, 320
Asystasia (Mackaya) bella, 51

Begonia Gloire de Sceaux, 43;

B. polyantha, 143
Begonias, group of fibrous-rooted.

277
Berberis orthobotrys, 77.
Blackberry aphis. 78
" Blue garden " at the Chelsea

Show, 293
Briscoe, Mr. T. W., portrait of, 4
Buff-tip moth, eggs of the, 5
Bungalow in the valley region

(Hpimaw, China), 28
Burton, Miss Mary B., portrait of.

100

Calceolarias, herbaceous, Messrs.

Sutton and Sons' exhibit of, at

Chelsea. 282
Carnation Wivelsfield White, 148
Cattleya Portia. 15
Caulophyllum thalictroides, 63
Ceanothus Gloire de Versailles. 41
Celsia cretica, 179
Chatsworth, the great conservatory

at, 119
( 'heimatobia brumata, 95
Ohermes Cooleyi on Douglas Fir,

318
Cherry Governor Wood, pot tree of.

68
Chrysanthemums : Autocrat, 215,

217; Mrs. H. E. Dixon. 53
Clematis montana in China, 9
Clematis pavoliniana, 177
Clianthus Dampieri. 123
Clivia St. Nicholas, 251
Clusia grandifolia at Cambridge.

315
Coelogvne asperate., 129
Corvdali« tbalictrifolia, 189
Coutts, Mr. John, portrait of. 4
Cowper's summer-house at Olnev.

302
Cremanthodium : A -white-flowered.

in China. 204; a yellow-
flowered. 266
Cyclamen europaeum, 122
Cyp'-ipedium Memoria F. M.
'Ggilvie, 103

Daffodil bulb infested with Eel-

worm disease, 207
Daffodils at Gravetve, 157

Darfield Rectory ; plan of the
garden at, in 1640, 241; of the
new orchard, 297; of the Saffron
Garth, 296

Dianthus Allwoodii Susan, 309

Drynham, Walton - on - Thames :
Rhododendrons at, 257 ; water
garden and roekeiv at. 258

Dykes, Mr. \V. R.. 'portrait of. 72

Eelworms. quiescent, 206; head of

adult, 206
Elaeagnus argentea, 307
Enkianthus campanulatus, 237
Erinus alpinus, 265
Ervthraea Centaurium. 13
Eupatorium Raffillii. 19.
Exacum macranthum. 141

Felstead, Mr. Walter, portrait of.
86

Galanthus Elwesii var. Cassaba.

62
Gravetve. Daffodils at. 157

Hare, Mi-. F. E., portrait of. 200
Hawthorn, a well-kept hedge of. 49
Heliilirvsum rosmarinum. 317

I

Iris garden at the Chelsea Show.
295

Iris unguicularis, 88; I. Yellow-
hammer, 225

Isatis tinctoria, 305

Italian garden at the Chelsea Show.
291

Jordan. Mr. F., portrait of, 5

Kew : New flagstaff at, 36, 37;
proposed memorial at, 153

Lazy-bed method
Potatos. 145

growing

Legg, Mr. Sidney, portrait of, 4
Lettuces, Cabbage. 192, 201
Lilium auratum var. platvphvllum.

27; L. Fairer! , 284; Lilium sp.

(Farrer's), 7. 180, 181
Lily, a hybrid, raised fr~m Lilium

regale and L. sargentiae. 255
Lily, trumpet, unnamed, from

Kansu, 115
Lobjoit, Mr. W. J., portrait of,

301
Lonicera Standishii lancifoli.i, 101
Luculia gratissima, 17

M

Mackaya (Asystasia) bella, 51
Malope grandiflora alba, 105;

M. g. rosea, 105
Miltoni? Bleuana var. Reine

Elisabeth (see page 239). 117
Monro, George, portrait of the late.

287
Moorman. G. W., portrait of the

late. 234
Moraea iridioides Johnsonii. 164.

165
Moth. Buff-tip, eggs of. 5; winter

95
Mucuna sempei virens ( ?) at

Verrieres 303
Myosotis dissitiflora Roll of

Honour, 263

N

Narcissus bulbs and plants

affected by Eelworm disease. 207,

208, 218. 219
Narcissus Firetail. 227 ; N. John

Evelyn, 167; N. Magnificence.

146
Nomocharis pardanthina, 29

Oak, evergreen, hedge of, 75
Odontioda Joiceyi, 169
Odontioda Nada Ralli's var., 39
Odontoglossum crispum Lady

Newnes, 3
Odontonia Gladys, 279
Orchis foliosa, 191; 0. latifolia, 191

Papaver orientale Lord Lambourne.

280
Pateman, Mr. T.. portrait of. 4
Peach shoot disbudded. 182
Petasites fragrans. 91
Picea Glehnii. 89
Picea jezoensis. 139
Pleione Price i, 183

Polystichum angulare divisilobum

ph-:mosum robust lira, 283
Potatos: Edzell Blue, 133; Kerr's

Pink, 132
Primula Wattii. 48
Primulas in the conservatory at

Hillside, Reading, 107
Primus cerasifera Pissardii, 194,

195
Pygacra (Phalera) bucepha.la, eggs

of, 5
Pyracantha crenulata Rogersiana

forma flava, 55
Pyrus Aria, 269 ; P. am icularis,

'267; P. floribunda, 229

Rheum Alexandrae in China. 142
Rhododendron sp. (Farrer's), 6; R.

glaucum, 275; R. Loder's White;

257 ; R. moupinense, 205
Rock garden at the Chelsea Show,

299
Rose aphis. 79
Rose Rev F. Page Roberts. 233

S

Saxifraga lingulata. 231. 319. S.

Tumbling Waters. 281
Silene acaulis, 193
Solanum aculeatissimum, fruits of.

31
Stanton, George, portrait of the

late, 149
St. Peter's Court. Broadstairs.

herbaceous border at, 67
Synthyris renifornhs. 203

Thlaspi rotundifolium. 213
Tropaeolum polyphyllum, 127
Tulip Firenze, 239
Tvdaea amabilis. 65

Viola calcarata. 171

W

Wheeler. Mr. H.. portrait of. 4
Winter M-tb. 95
Wistaria chinenns, 131

SUPPLEMENTARY COLOURED ILLUSTRATIONS.

Cattleya Rhoda, Fowler's variety (March 6. 1920)

Iris laevigata (June 5, 1920).

January 3, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

THE

No. 1723 — SATURDAY, JAN. 3. 1920.

CONTENTS.

A Ipine garden , the—

Orchid notes and glean-

Ourisia coccinea

5

ings —

Apple Queen Caroline

9

Laelio - Cattleya Gol-

Belgian seed trade

2

den Light ."

3

Books, notices of

8

Brasso-Cattleya Menda

3

Chrysanthemums —

Cypripedium Latona

3

Early cuttings

5

Cypripediinu Mrs.

tj

Chamomile cultivation in

Alfred C. Hanbury

3

Scotland

2

Odontoglossom Oris-

Cuttings

7

pum Lady Xewnes

3

Farrer's, Mr. Reginald,

Orchids in 1919

3

second exploration in

Peach Crimson Galande

9

Asia

6

Plant novelties, protec-

Fruit register

5

tion for

8

Gardeners' Chronicle

Potatos, spade versus

Seventy-Five Years

plough

8

ago

2

Roses, attar of ...

2

Horticultural events in

Saltaire Rose Show

2

1919

1

Shakespeare, flowers of

2

Kelso Abbey

2

Silver leaf disease

2

Mistleto, hosts for the...

9

Sugar beet

2

Moles attacking Cab-

{Societies ...

9

bages

8

"The Gardener"

2

Moth, the buff-tip, Pyg-

Trade notes

10

aera (Phalera) buceph-

Vegetables —

ala

5

Brassica cross, a

8

Obituary —

Vegetables in 1850-2

Low, William

10

small prizes for

2

Craig, James

10

"Week's work, the ... -

,5

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Eggs of the buff-tip moth on a blade of grass

Lilium species (Fairer)

Odontoglossom Lady Newnes

Portraits of Messrs. T. W. Briscoe, 4 ; J. Coutts, 4 ;
Jordan, 5 ; S. Legg, 4 ; T. Pateman, 4 ; H. Wheeler, ,.
Rhododendron, a new Chinese

Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week
deduced from observations during the last fifty
years at Greenwich, 38.04°.

Actual Temperature: —

Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street,
Covent Garden; London, Wednesday, December 31,
11113, 10 am.: Bar. 38.7.; temp. "4.5°. Weather-
Rainy.

As a violent storm leaves
1919. the waters tossing- for

many days after it has
passed, so the war has left an aftermath of
trouble during- the year af transition from
war-like to peaceful times. The unsettled
political and economic weather had its
counterpart in the seasons ushered in by ao
untoward spring, followed by a dry summer
and an autumn which, though generally
mild, brought sharp snaps of early frost.
Yet, in spite of inclement conditions, the
past year turned out less unpropitious than
might have been feared. The fruit harvest,
which at one time looked none too promis-
ing, proved, after all, to be good. In the
case of soft fruits, the reduced acreage re-
sulted in a shortage, in spite of fair average
yields, and, as was foreseen by those who
knew that the area under these fruits was
onlv three-quarters of that of pre-war years,
prices ruled high and resulted in a serious
embarrassment to the jam manufacturers,
whose finished product was subject to a con-
trolled price. The year, however, will long
be memorable for its fine Apple harvest, and
those who had the opportunity of seeing the
Kentish orchards in early autunn will not
soon forget the wonderful sight which the
heavilv-laden trees presented. It was
especially a Cox's Orange Pippin year, and
that variety brought much-needed returns to
many growers who had suffered from the
scarcity of the previous year. Unfortunately,
the dislocation of transport and the general
shortage of trucks prevented the prompt
marketing of all the Apple harvest and
caused serious loss to growers in the less-
accessible districts. Noteworthy in this
connection is the relatively extensive increase
in the use of motor transport for marketing
the produce raised in districts within motor-
range of London.

Probably the greatest difficulty with
which growers have had to contend is

the steady rise of prices of material and the
increased labour bill, and it will take some
time yet before the industry can adapt itself
to these new conditions. Not a few horti-
culturists have hoped and believed that some-
thing would be done to give them at least
a period during which they could reconstruct
their industry which, in certain districts, had
suffered severely from the war. However
great that hope and belief might have been.
it is to be feared that the general high level
of prices will deter the nation, which, after
all, is highly embarrassed, from accepting
even a temporary restriction of imports. If
this forecast proves correct it will be only by
improving market facilities and transport
arrangements and' by combined marketing
that British growers will be able to hold their
own. There is, however, the hope that as
Europe becomes more settled there will be a
greater general demand for the produce of
the soil, and hence a lessened danger of
competition and driving land out of intensive
cultivation. The year has seen a beginning
<rf the State scheme of land settlement.
Already several thousands of ex-Service men
have received holdings, and in the near
future the numbers will be greatly increased,
although shortage of houses and slowness
of building must delay the fulfilment of the
programme.

Among the most notable horticultural
events of the year was the effective
establishment of the British Chamber of
Horticulture, which we believe is destined
to play a large part in consolidating and
promoting the interests of commercial horti-
culturists. The need for the special organisa-
tion of horticulture has also been recognised
by the Board of Agriculture by the establish-
ment bv the late President, Lord Ernie, of
a Horticultural Division of the Board, con-
cerned specifically with all forms of " petite
culture." As the result of the activities of
the Horticultural Division of the Board,
Horticultural Subcommittees of the Agri-
cultural Education Committees have been set
up in most counties; these have co-opted
practical horticulturists1, and are now engaged
in drawing up programmes destined to pro-
vide instruction and demonstration not only
for allotment holders and cottage gardens,
but also for the large number of smallholders
engaged in intensive cultivation.

Other events of importance have been the
resumption of the Kent Fruit Show, the
institution of an East Anglian Fruit Show —
the inaugural meeting of which, at Cam-
bridge, proved at once the excellence of the
fruit grown in that district, and the need for
improved methods of packing. During the
year. Lord Grenfell retired from the Presi-
dency of the Royal Horticultural Society,
and was succeeded by Lord Lambourne, who
had proved himself for many years a devoted
and wise friend of horticulture. Tow:ards the
end of the year also, the Rev. W. Wilks, re-
tired from the secretaryship of the Society,
and. Mr. Dvkes has been nominated by the
Council as his successor. The year indeed
was full of changes for the Society, for, in
addition to those just mentioned. Dr.
Keeble relinquished the post of Director of
the Gardens at Wisley to take up that of
Assistant Secretary' at the Board of Agricul-
ture. He was succeeded at Wisley by Mr.
Chittenden, whose connection with the Gar-
dens has extended over many years, and
whose wide knowledge of horticulture is
the best augury that this research station
will continue to increase in activity and im-
portance.

One of the events of the year which
caused mose serious apprehension among
the nursery trade was the introduction
by the United States of the most catholic-

system of import restrictions to which horti-
cultural plants have ever been subjected. The
original scheme made it all but impossible to
send many categories of horticultural plants,
to the United States, and, although certain
concessions were made which have eased
the situation, nurserymen continue to re-
gard the restrictive order with grave mis-
givings and apprehension. The new prin-
ciple adopted in this restrictive order is that
a plant is, or may be^ prohibited, not because
it may be the means of introducing certain
specified pests, but because it might serve-
to introduce some unknown pest which in
turn might prove inimical to American horti-
culture. It is greatly to- be hoped that the
Order will not be enforced in siuch a way
as to oust European growers from the
markets of the United States. Yet another
notable event of the year was the issue of
the first number of a journal devoted to
pomology, and all interested in the advance-
ment of fruit-growing will wish Mr. E. A.
Bunyard, under whose direction the journal
of Pomology is published, every success in
his public-spirited venture- Very regret-
table was the spread of certain plant
diseases which threaten important crops, and
particularly Wart Disease of Potatos and
Silver Leaf of Plums. The extension of the
foimer goes on apace, and there is but little
doubt that the new outbreak was almost
always to be traced to diseased " seed."
More severe measures are to be taken to
ensure that seed shall be clean, but how
to rid the soil of this pertinacious pest re-
mains, unfortunately, unknown. In the case
of Silver Leaf, a new Order has been intro-
duced by the Board of Agriculture, with the
cordial consent of fruit growers, which
should do much to prevent the spread of the
disease in Plum orchards <md plantations.

Perhaps the event which gave most satis-
faction to the general body of horticulturists
was the revival of the R.H-S. Chelsea Show.
It was a symbol of peace, and as such greatly
welcomed. It was, moreover, a wonderful
proof of the energy and resource of nursery-
men and florists, for though the show did
not reach the high level of excellence of
pre-war exhibitions, it far exceeded the ex-
pectations of those who best know how seri-
ously our nurseries had been depleted during
the war. The interest taken in the show and
in the conference held in connection with it,
was also a striking proof of the fact that the-
public delight in gardening is ever increasing
and extending. Nurserymen, indeed, are
experiencing no little difficulty in meeting
the demands for certain kinds of plants, and
in particular fruit trees and Roses. Time,
however, will remedy the present shortage,
and there is every indication that, provided a
more settled and stable state of affairs comes
about, the industry of horticulture will enjoy
once again its due share of prosperity.

During 1019, horticulturists had to mourn
the death of not a few of their colleagues —
Sir frank Crisp among the number, whose
generosity and kindliness endeared him to a
wide circle of fiiends; Mr. George Bunyard,
whose services to fruit-growing were great
and universally established; Mr. William
Goldring, to whose horticultural knowledge
and taste many of our gardens bear witness ;
Mr. Edmund and Mr. John Rochford, <>l
market-gardening fame; Mr. John McKer-
char, and the distinguished gardeners, Mr.
Jesse Willard and Air. T. W. Turner.

Although it is idle to pretend that serious
difficulties do not confront us .ill in the
days of the present year, yet we may draw
a certain measure of hope from the fact that
during the past year, with its usual firm,
handedness, the nation has plucked from/
the Nettle of danger the flower of Safety.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[January 3. 1920.

Belgian Seed Trade.— During the first seven
months of the year 1919, the amount of seeds
imported into Belgium were (in kilos), Colza
and Rape. 4,644; Flax, 9,751,136; and other
-seeds, 3,769,698 ; valued at 9,983 ; 10,597,402 and
5,331,466 francs respectively. The exports
amounted to (in kilos), 3,040; 295,998: and
473,113 respectively, valued at 2,470, 370,445
and 1,064,791 francs respectively.

" The Gardener."— We learn that our enter-
prising contemporary The Gardener will, at an
early date in the present year, alter its title
to that of Popular Gardening. At present the
double title is 'being used so as to familiarise
readers with the proposed change.

Saltaire Rose Show. — The Saltaire Rose Society
has decided to revive the annual show in 1920.
The exhibition will be held m Saltaire Park,
as hitherto, on July 7, and will be on the same
extensive scale as its predecessors. The Society's
100 guineas challenge trophy wiL) again be
offered for competition, and there wiil be the
usual open classes, dn addition to those for
amateurs and local growers.

Small Prizes for Vegetables in 1850-2.— In the
Border Horticultural Society's records there are
entries to show that in the year 1850 the late
Mr. James Dobbie, founder of the firm of
Dobbie and Co., won first prize for six Early
Round Potatos, and this prize was 2s. ; in the
same year he won 3s. as first piize for six Leeks.
In 1851 his first prizes for two French Marigolds,
two African Marigolds and one German Green
were Is. each ; for one Winter Cabbage and for
four Pears, his second prizes were 6d. each, and
for six spring Onions and four haking
Apples, the prizes were 2s. each, and
for six Leeks, 3s. Mr. Dobbie was also a
successful prize-winner in 1852, and his first
prizes were as follows : — Two French Marigolds.
Is. ; two African Marigolds, Is. ; three seedling
Pansies raised by the competitor in 1851. 3s. :
four Dahlias, 4s. ; and best collection of vege-
tables (six Onions, six Leeks, six Carrots, six
Early Potatos and one Cauliflower), 5s. As Mr.
Dobbie had to travel ten miles, from Duns, to
exhibit at the Border Horticultural Society's
show at Coldstream, it is evident he appreciated
the honour of winning prizes far more than their
monetary value.

Chamomile Cultivation in Scotland. — Some
interesting particulars were brought out in a
paper on " Scotch Chamomile Flowers," read at
a recent meeting of the North British Branch
of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain,
in Edinburgh, by Mr. H. W. Blair, who gave
details of the cultivation of the Chamomile in
Scotland in former years. The plant was formerly
extensively cultivated in the Deeside area of
Aberdeenshire, where it was grown in place-
now more profitably devoted to Strawberries.
Many cottagers also cultivated the Chamomile
in their- gardens, employing the flowers for their
own use and selling the surplus to chemists.
The large supplies received from Belgium and
elsewhere have made the cultivation of the
Chamomile unremunerative in Scotland.

Silver Leaf Disease. — In addition to being
very common throughout the country, Silver Leaf
disease is known on the Continent and also
in South Africa. New Zealand and Canada. The
many investigators who have handled the prob-
lem agree that the fungus is not present in tin-
tissues of " silvered " leaves, and that the
" silvering " is really an unusual reflection of
light from the leaf surface, due to the dis-
organisation of leaf tissues by a toxin which is
secreted by the fungus and finds its way to the
leaf. Recent investigations by Bintner serve to
show that the fungus is not found naturally in
the leaves, but if artificially introduced into
a leaf iby inoculation, will develop there and
produce the familiar " silvering." He states
that the fungus may enter the wood through a
wound anywhere, from the topmost branches to
the superficial roots, and though trees may be
saved, provided those branches to which the
disease is confined are cut away immediately,
there is little hope if the disease be present in
the trunk.

Attar of Roses. — The attar of Roses industry
is centred in the Thracian plain with the little

Bulgarian town of Kasanlik as its headquarters.
There are 173 villages in the district, each
devoted entirely to Rose culture. According to
Chambers's Journal, the industry dates back
two centuries, and is a legacy from the Turks,
who first discovered the special quality of the
soil — a soil which produces Roses capable of
yielding a more exquisite essence than the blooms
of any other country. The plantations are
arranged in high parallel hedges, a hundred
yards long or more. The Rose harvest begins
about the middle of May, and the average yield
is about 6,250.000 Roses per acre. ' The collected
blooms are despatched to the various centres for
distillation. The operation of distilling the Rose-
water occupies from one to one and a half
hour, and it is essential that all the petals
picked on a particular date shall be distilled on
the same day. Twenty-four hours' delay in dis-
tillation means a considerable loss in the yield
of the perfume. To extract the attar from the
Rose -water a second distillation is necessary, and
in this process the liquid first obtained is reduced
to one-eighth its original volume. Thus, from
forty quarts of Rose-water not more than five
quarts of attar can be secured. More than 4.000
pounds of Roses are required to produce one
pound of attar-. In 1904 no less than 8.147
pounds of attar of Roses was produced at Kasan-
lik. That meant the distillation of something
like 13,657.312,000 Rose blooms, all of which were
grown on the surrounding plain.

Kelso Abbey. — The Abbey of Kelso, founded
in the year 1128, and for many years one of
the most influential of the Scottish Abbeys, will
in future be maintained by the State, and
-recognised as a national monument, as the
result of an agreeement which has ibeen made
with the Duke of Roxburgh. Other Scottish
Abbeys held under somewhat similar conditions
as national monuments are those of Dry-burgh,
Jedburgh, and Melrose.

Home-grown Sugar. — An effort to establish a
Beet-sugar factory was originally made some
1 fifty years ago, at Lavenham, in Suffolk. This
attempt failed. The enterprise was strongly
supported by Lord Denbigh who, some twenty
years ago, carried out experiments with a view-
to proving that Sugar-beet, of which farmers
knew nothing, could be grown profitably in
this country. The next step was the forma-
tion of the National Sugar-Beet Association,
strongly supported by the Duke of Bedford and
other leading agriculturists. This carried out
much useful experimental work right down to
the commencement of the war, an attempt being
made in 1912. by means of a factory erected at
I'antley, in Norfolk, to put the industry on a
working basis. Unfortunately the necessity -if
providing a substantial area of suitable land
lor the production of roots adjacent to and under
the control of the factory was overlooked. Pro-
duction was left entirely to the enterprise of the
farmers, who failed to provide the roots in
quantities sufficient to make the undertaking a
success. Last year, the British Sugar-Beet
Growers' Society, Ltd., formed in 1915 under- the
chairmanship of Sir Beville Stanier, M.P., pur-
i based the Kelham Estate, near Newark, Not-
tinghamshire, a portion of which was
subsequently sold to the Board of Agri-
culture, to he developed as a farm colony
under the Land Settlement Scheme. The re-
mainder, some 2.800 odd acres, is worked as a
large farm, with the ultimate object of intro-
ducing Sugar-beet as the main crop as soon as
a factory can be erected. Meanwhile, the land
is devoted to cereals and stock, with a small
area of Sugar-beet for feeding and for seed
production. The manager of the estate is Mr.
Sidney Colyer, formerly farming assistant to
Sir Daniel Hall, K.C.B., and he acts under the
control and direction of a Joint Committee of the
Board of Agriculture and the Sugar-beet
Growers' Society. The Society has now brought
the enterprise to a point where, to establish it
on a sound commercial footing, a large outlay
of capital is required. With this object in view
it is now proposed to form a public company, and
the Government contemplate taking up a portion
of the capital. The title of the proposed com-
pany will be " Home-grown Sugar. Limited."
and" the nominal capital £1.000,000. half of which
is to be issued, the proposal being that the

Government will take up £250,000. the remainder
being offered to the general public.

Flowers of Shakespeare. — The trustees and
guardians of Shakespeare's birthplace are laying
out the " Great Garden " attached to lus house,
"New Place," (which forms part of their New
Place estate) as an old-fashioned Elizabethan
garden, and are desirious of stocking it
thoroughly with old English flowers. The
trustees have already planted the smaller garden
attached to their birthplace property with
flowers of Shakespearean association. Now that
they are pursuing the like plan on a comprehen-
sive scale in the larger area at New Place, the
trustees think that many lovers of Shakespeare
may welcome the opportunity of contributing
some of their own flowers and so help to call
anew into existence the original aspect of the
garden which is especially identified with the
poet's prime. The flowers which the trustees
chiefly want are : — Madonna Lilies. Carnations,
Crown Imperials, Rosemary, and Roses. Other
old English flowers which are not specifically
mentioned in Shakespeare's plays, but were well
known hi his time, would also be welcome.
Offerings of such flowers, or, indeed of any
others mentioned in Thomas Hill's Profitable
Arte of Gardening, 1568. or his Gardener's
Labyrinth, published under the pseudonym of
" Didvmus Mountain." in 1577, in Lyte's
Herball, published in 1578, or in Gerard's
Herball, published in 1597. the year in which
Shakespeare bought New Place, may be sent by
carrier, post, or rail, to Frederick C. Wellstood,
Esq.. M.A., Secretary to the Trust, Shake-
speare's Great Garden, New Place, Stratford
upon-Avon.

" The Gardeners' Chronicle " Seventy-five
Years Ago. — Allotments. Mr. Cowper's Bill.
I ion perfectly convinced of the great advan-
tages that will ' accrue to the labourer by a
judicious system of afllotments, always keeping
in mind that land thus appropriated should be
let at the farmmg price. Yet, being intimately
acquaiated with parish affairs, there appears to
be insuperable difficulties to overcome in legis-
lating upon the question. If it. is made incum-
bent "upon wardens to hire land, in the event
of no waste land existing, and to pay for it out
of the rates, how are they to decide who is to
benefit by it ? For it is quite certain all cannot ;
and, as 1 have before remarked, those who pay
rates as poor men will have a claim. Under all
circumstances, and with the knowledge of the
petty jealousies so prevalent in every small com-
munity, I am averse to legislative interference,
which would excite endless squabbling and dis-
content. Since the subject of garden allotments
has been brought before the public so pro-
minently, landowners have more generously
encouraged the project. The efric?joy of the
plan appears to rest mainly on two points, viz ,
a moderate rent to the holder, and not per-
mitting him to have more than a qu-trter of =>n
acre, free from tithes and lates — these to be
charged in the rent. I am also an advocate for
small farms (more of this another time), which
should be. kept distinct from allotments; the
latter must not, on any account, be allowed to
run into the former : such, a mistake would
destroy the benefit of both. A man must have
either just enough to employ his leisure hours,
or sufficient ground to maintain himself and
family without seeking work elsewhere. Per-
haps the condition of the labourer and manu-
facturer was never lower than it is at present,
yet the idea of supposing men will take advan-
tage of an indulgence, and neglect their master's
interests, is too uncharitable to be entertained for
a moment. I am satisfied the desire to raise
themselves in the estimation of their fellow
creatures .is still uppermost in the thoughts of
the working classes, and only requires proper
encouragement to shine forth, and become
evidence of a true and kindly spirit. Falcon, m
frord. Chron., Januany 4, 1845.

Holiday Lectures at the Royal Botanic Society.
— On January 5. 12, and 19, Professor A. W.
Bickerton will give lectures cm " Stars and
Flowers" in the Museum at the Royal Botanic
Society's Gardens, Regent's Park, commencing
at 3 o'clock on each occasion.

January 3, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

ORCHIDS IN 1919.

Notwithstanding the many and increasing
difficulties which Orchidists have had to Con-
tend with during the past year, interest in
Orchids has been fairly well sustained, at least
up to the standard of the past three or four
years. The scarcity of fuel has been one of the
chief difficulties of growers. Orchids have been
freely exhibited during the past twelve months,
although many enthusiastic amateurs of the old
school have discontinued showing their plants
owing to difficulties of transport. With all this,
however, increased interest is shown by collectors
of specialities and good hybrids, particularly in the
area from which the exhibits at the Manchester
and North of England Orchid Society's Shows
are drawn. The Manchester Society is doing
good work, and the list of their certificated plants
includes many valuable novelties of the past
year. The Royal Horticultural Society, which
is again in possession of its fine hall in Vincent
Square, Westminster, has attraoted good exhibits
of Orchids at most of the fortnightly meetings,
whilst the summer exhibition in the Chelsea
Hospital gardens included almost as many of
these beautiful flowers as in pre-war times.
During 1919 the R.H.S. Orchid Committee has
awarded fourteen First-Class Certificates, sixty
Awards of Merit, eleven Preliminary Commen-
dations, and one Certificate of Appreciation, the
last-named being confirmed by the Scientific
Committee. The awards in the aggregate are
approximately similar to those of last year,
although there is a great falling off in the
exhibits deemed worthy of the premier award of
a Eirst-Class Certificate, the numbers being
fourteen for the past year against twenty-one in
1918. The additional number erf certificated
plants painted for the Society's collection for
comparison and reference brings the total to
2,511.

As has been the case in recent years imported
species have no part in the honours awarded,
although many species have been shown to
advantage in groups, and even those of botanical
interest have appeared in fair quantity. It is
expected that importations of Orchids will again
be made in the near future. Already some have
arrived in good condition. Few startling novel-
ties have appeared during the past year, the
greater number being improvements on existing
types, in which the tendency to merge pre-
viously distinct sections rather than to produce
distinct types has been evident. The list of
varieties awarded the F.C.C. , however, includes
some fine results. Odontioda Lady Veitch.
raised by Messrs. Armstrong and Brown, and
shown by H. T. Pitt, Esq., is considered to be
the best deep red form yet raised, whilst Mr.
Pitt's Odontoglossum harvengtense, Pitt's
variety, is one of the best yellow Odontoglossums.
Sir Jeremiah Colman. Bart., in Brasso-Cattleya
Gatton Lily, var. Purity, and B.C. speciosa
Gatton Park variety has two of the best whites ;
Laelio-Cattleya excelsior, Ashtead Park variety,
and L.-C. Excelsior, var. The Globe, shown by
Pantia Ralli, Esq., are charming novelties in
their section ; as are Baron Schroder's L.-C.
Schroderae magnifica and L.-C. Bellatrix. Other
plants awarded the First Class Certificate and
worthy of special mention are two brilliant forms
of Sophro-Laelio-Cattleya Anzac, shown by Messrs.
Charlesworth and Co. at the Chelsea Show, the
very fine Disa Blackii grandiflora of Messrs.
Flory and Black, and Odontoglossum Asion,
shown by W. R. Fasey, Esq., at the last meeting
in the year.

Plant's which received the R.H.S. Award of
Merit, included some fine Odontoglossums from
Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., H. T. Pitt, Esq.,
Messrs. Charlesworth and Co., Messrs. Sanders,
and Messrs. Armstrong and Brown, who also
received Preliminary Commendations for plants
of much promise.

The periodical lists of new hybrids published
in The Gardeners' Chronicle show that
hybridists are as keen as ever in making
new crosses. The tables of last year enumerated
261 new records, as against 214 in 1918. The
following Orchids were illustrated in Card.
Citron, during 1919: —

Brasso-Laelio-Cattleya Imogen — March 15, p. 127.
Brasso-Laelio-Cattleya Joiceyi— Nov. 1, p 222.
Cattleya Browningiana lilacina — Jan. 4, p. 1.

Cattleya illustris — Aug. 16, p. 95.
Cymbidium grandiflorum — Oct. 18, p. 198.
Cvpripedium insigne Sanderae, at Wiseton —

Mov. 29. p. 275.
Cypripedium John Hartley — Jan. 18, p. 27.
Cvpripedium Perseus — Feb. 15, p. 73.
Cypripedium Shogun — Jan. 18, p. 28.
Dendrobium fusiforme — March 29, p. 156.
Dendrobium speciosum nitidum — March 29. p.

155.
Laelio-Oattleya Honoria, Orchidhurst variety —

Nov. 22, p. 263.
Macodes Rollissonii — March 1, p. 93.
Odontioda Ladv Margaret, Gatton Park var. —

May 3, p. '214.
Odontioda Ladv Veitch — May 3, p. 218.
Odontioda Cyclops (Marvel)— March 29. p. 158.
Odontoglossum Ajax — April 5, p. 168.
Odontoglossum crispum Lehmannii — March 17.

p. 236.
Odontoglossum crispum Oakfield Sunrise — Mav

17, p. 245.
Odontoglossum crispum Pittianum — May 17. p.
235.

ODONTOGLOSSUM CRISPUM LADY
NEWNES.

The illustration in Fig. 1 depicts the very
beautiful Odontoglossom crispum Lady Newnesr
which was one of the most attractive specimens
in the decorative department of the show held
at Chelsea Hospital Gardens on June 25, and
the two following days, in aid of the Horti-
cultural War Relief Fund. The plant illustrated
is one of the best of MessTs. Charlesworth.' s
famous strain of 0. crispum xanthotes, its pure
white flowers, much reduced in size in the
illustration, having the occasional clear yellow-
blotches of the type. In their strain of this
charming class, Messrs. Charlesworth have also
developed a branching habit in the plants.

CYPRIPEDIUM LATONA.

Mr. Alexander sends a fine flower of
this hybrid between C. Alcibiades (Leeanum x
Mons. de Curte), and C. Niobe (Fairrieanum X
Spieerianum). The broad, dorsal sepal is white

FlG. 1. — ODONTOGLOSSUM CRISPUM LADY NEWNES

Odontoglossum crispum Rosemarv — Mav 17. p.

237.
Odontoglossum harvengtense, Pitt's var. — June

14, p. 290.
Odontoglossum Miguelito — July 12, p>. 20.
Odontoglossum platvcheilum — June 21, p. 304.
Odontoglossum The Tiger— May 24, p. 250.
Phaius grandifolius — June 21, p. 307.

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

BRASSO-CATTLEYA MEXDA WITH FOUR
FLOWERS.
Following the finely-developed inflorescence
of three large blooms of Brasso-Cattleya Nestor
(see Genet. Cliron.. Nov. 29. 1919, p." 275), R.
Windsor Riekards, Esq., Usk Priory, Monmouth-
shire, now sends a grand infloresoence of B.-C.
Menda (B.C. Digbyano Mossiae x C. labiata)
with four flowers arranged in bouquet-like form,
and constituting probably a record spike. The
perfectly-formed flowers are of a delicate Peach-
blossom tint, the lip having a chrome-yellow disc
with purple markings at the base, and an oblong
violet blotch in front of the disc.

with a small pale green base from which
ascend to the centre numerous dotted lines
of purple colour, changing to mauve at
the extreme points. The petals and lip have
a yellow ground, and are tinged with reddish
chocolate ; the petals also have dark chocolate-
purple spotting on their inner halves.

CYPRIPEDICM MRS. ALFRED C.
HANBIRY.
A MAGNIFICENT flower of this fine new-
cross between C. Hera Euryades splendens
(Boxallii x Leeanum) and C. gigas Corndean
Hall variety (Harrisianum superbum x Lawrence-
anum) is sent by Frederick J. Hanbury, Esq.,
Brockhurst, East Grinstead, in whose collection
it was raised and Ls now flowering for the first
time. It proves to be the largest, best anil
most perfect in shape of the very dark hybrids
of tlie C. l'viainus class. The broad dorsal
sepal is dark mulberry-red, changing upwards
to bright mauve, the' lines branching at the
broad pure white margin. The extraordinarily
broad petals arc dark chocolate purple, with
pale yellow margins, and some dark spotting on
pal,' yellow ground. On tin- lower halves bhi
surface of the lip is chocolate purple.

THE GARDENERS' M CHRONIC LE.

[Jaotjart 3, 1920.

The Week's Work.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By T. W. Briscoe, Gardiner to W. R. Lysaght, Esq.,
Castleford, Chepstow.

General Remarks. — Brighter and longer days
■will mean a busy time at the potting bench,
therefore the annual cleansing of the houses

should be com-
pleted .soon.
Examine each
plant for insect
pests. Where
necessary, fur-
nish new labels.
This is an im-
portant detail,
especiallywhere
seedlings are
raised, as seed-
lings are usual-
ly grown under
numbers, the
parentage be-
ing recorded in
the stock book.
It is a good
plan to have two foooks, one ior everyday
use, the other kept in a place where it is sate
from fire. A stock of the various fibres, peat, and
Sphagnum-moss should be obtained, pots and
pans washed, also a quantity of broken
receptacles for use as drainage material.
Blinds should be overhauled and repaired, and
the order given for new ones. Where
Oak or Beech leaves are employed in the
potting compost for Orchids, a quantity should
be collected and stored in a dry and well-
ventilated shed. When the sticks and rubbish
are picked out, and the leaves rubbed through
a half-inch mesh sieve, a light, flaky mould
remains, which, when mixed with other
materials, is valuable for potting certain
Orchids ; the Brazilian Miltoraas far example.

Dendrobium. — Where Dendrobiums are grown
in quantity, the flowering period may he pro-
longed if a few of the more forward specimens
are placed in gentle warmth. Select plants
with thoroughly ripened pseudo-bulbs and
showing signs of swelling at the nodes. The
change from cool, resting conditions- to a very
worm house should be gradual. Watering
should be done at long intervals, for if the
roots are watered too liberally, the plants will
make premature growth instead of flowers.
Directly the flower buds are visible, more water
may, with advantage, be given. D. aureuim, and
most of its hybrids, respond readily to gentle
■forcing.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN

By T. Patkmax. Gardener to C. A. CAIN, Esq.. J.P.,
The Node, Codicot*1, Welwyn, Hertfordshire.
Planting Operations.— Whenever the weather
and soil are suitable to permit of the work
being dons arrears of planting should be com-
pleted. The
weather in
late autumn
was favour-
able for the
planting of
fruit trees.and
especially in
heavy soils.
At the time
of writing the
soil is in good
condition for
working and
should be well
trenched be-
fore the trees
are planted,
and mixed
with mortar
and wood ash.

Ordinary garden soil, with good loam added, is
rich enough for trees in their first few years.
If the weather conditions aire not favourable
for planting when the trees arrive from the
nursery, take out a trench and heel them in,
covering all the roots with soil to protect them
from drying winds. It is a good plan to have
a few loads of fresh loam in an open shed,
where it will keep dry and be in readiness for
planting almost at any time. Failing an open
shed it may be put in a heap and covered with
sheet iron or old boards. I do not recommend
planting fruit trees deeply in heavy soil. Care
should be taken to have the soil at the bottom
of the hole firm, and slightly raised under the
stem of the tree. The roots should then be
carefully spread out, and if any have been
damaged in lifting make a clean cut in an
upward direction to 'favour the development of
new roots near the surface. The soil should be
trodden firm, after a quantity has been placed
in the hole, provided it is dry enough for
trampling. Secure the stem to a stake. Top-
dress the roots with leaf-mould or a little short
manure. Bush trees are usually planted near
paths in the kitchen garden, and should be about
four feet from the edge of the path. The trees
themselves should not be closer than twelve feet
from each other.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

Dowager Ladi
Yorkshire.

By Sidney Legg-, Gardener to the
Ni "Nui'HXHOLME, W.irter Priory,

The Dianthus Garden.— I believe that in the
near future the Dianthus garden will take as
important a place in flower gardening as the

Rose garden or
rock garden.
The Dianthi
have been
greatly improv-
ed during recent
years, and the
introduction of
the D. Alwoodii
varieties has
lent a new in-
terest to the
afmily. For the
Dianthus gar-
den proper. 1
strongly advo-
cate a sunk
garden some
two or more
feet below the
general ground
level, and of
very irregular
outline. Flagged pathways, or connected stepping
stones, which should be at least 4 feet wide,
are an advantage. The north and eastern out-
line may be bounded by an irregular protection,
after the manner of, but not so erect as, a dry
wall ; fewer stones and more soil is the correct
idea to follow. Embellishments, where re-
quired, should be of stone ; such as lowly-plaoed
Japanese lanterns, or chairs and stools of
original design. Thorough drainage of the soil
is an all important factor in the Dianth-is
garden. At the present time the plants should
be kept scrupulously clean and free from
fallen leaves and decaying matter, and a light
application of basic slag may be applied between
the plants without delay.

The common Pinks, Rock Pinks, and Alpine
Pinks are most suitable for furnishing the
irregular rocky sides or banks of the Dianthus
garden. They live longest when elevated above
the general ground level and also show to
better advantage. The Cheddar Pink (D.
caesius) is in its element when it has gained a
foothold between rocks, and in this position will
brave the winter. Varieties of the Chinese
Pink (D. sinensis) are beautiful, and also ac-
commodating ; they may be treated as annuals
or biennials by sowing seeds either early or late
in the season, and are useful for filling vacant
places and sharply defined points. The m.ni\
varieties of D. Caryophyllus and D. barb at us
are best arranged to give colour in bold, irregu-
lar masses; an ordinary rich medium loam not
deficient in lime suits them admirably.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By H. WHEELES, Gardener to Mrs. Jenneb, Wenvoe
Castle, Dear Cardiff.

Forewords. — All vegetables are worth grow-
ing well, and the slight extra labour and
attention involved are well repaid in increased

produc tion,
extra size, and
enha need
quality of th •
produce. In
view , of the
fact that ex-
hibitions are
being revived
and the great
increase of
local organisa-
tions resulting
from the food
product ion
m o vem ent,
I propose t o
introduce from
time to time a
few remarks on
the cultivation
of vegetables
for exhibition.
Onions. — Onions with deep bulbs, and those
of a flatter type will not always do equally well
in the same soil, and where this is true it is
advisable to grow the type that is known to
do best. Where extra large bulbs are desired
sow seed now in compost consisting of three-
parts old potting soil and one-part loam, with
sufficient sand and leaf-mould added to render
the soil porous. Place the soil in seed-boxes,
press it firmly and soak it thoroughly. When
the box has drained, sow the seeds evenly,
covering them very lightly with fine soil. Place
a sheet of glassi over the box until the seeds
germinate, when the boxes should be placed in
a light position in a house having a tempera-
ture ofl 55°. The ground intended for these
Onions should be trenched, and enriched with
a heavy dressing of decayed cow-manure. . When
the work of digging is completed, top-dress the
plot with basic-slag at the rate of two ounces
to the square yard.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By John Covtts. Foreman, ltova.1 Botanic Gardens.
Kew.

Forewords. — For many years the character of
indoor gardening has been undergoing marked
changes. The large, specimen stove and green-
house plants
that were at
onetime com-
mon in most
largo gardens
disappea red
years ago,
and in them,
it is to be
feared we
have lost
many inter-
esting and
beautiful
e x o t i c s .
For some
time previous
to the war the
cultivation of
indoor plants
was tending
more and
more to become simply a process of growing a
limited number of subjects for purely decorative
purposes. It only needed the war with its
attendant evils, including shortage of fuel and
labour, to put a finish to many collections of
stove plants, and, as things are at present, there
seems to be little hope {for some years at least)
of any keen interest being taken in the cultiva-
tion of choice stove and greenhouse subjects.
Still, it is to be hoped that where possible some
efforts will be made to preserve the stocks of
interesting and rare plants. In the meantime re-
duced staffs render it difficult to maintain a large
and varied collection of plants. In such cases

JANUARY, 3, 1920. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

it is advisable to inspect the plants occasionally
and discard any that are in poor health, or not
worth cultivating, for even in the 'hest collec-
tions there are generally plenty of subjects that
might with advantage be consigned to the
rubbish heap. It is well to remember that
gardeners are often judged, not by the number
nl' good plants they grow, but by the few
failures that are always conspicuous ; it is a
good gardener that has mastered the difficult
art of knowing what to throw away.

Preparations for Spring Work. — It will save
much time and worry in the approachmg busy
season if preparations are made for work in
advance. All washing and cleansing of houses
should 'be finished as soon as possible, pro-
pagating cases cleaned out, and filled with fresh
plunging material; flower stakes examined,
nainted and sorted into different lengths and
riower-pots washed, so that they will be clean
and dry when wanted. If not already done,
stocks of loam, leaf-mould and sand should be
placed under cover where the materials will
keep dry. The loam should have a dressing
of lime ; this is important, for although the good
gardener periodically applies lime to ground out-
of-doors, he too often neglects to add it to
potting soils, although they probably are more
in need of it, for the loam is generally cut from
old pasture or park lands, which are often
neglected as regards liming.

FRUIT REGISTER.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

fiv F. .ToTtm?
Ml'.

I Mil it Cr IT,

Gardener to Lieut.-C61.

F.ml Manor, Lirgflekl, Sur

Vine Eyes. -If the renewal of old Vines or

Mie planting of a new vinery is contemplated,

the present is a suitable time to select primings

of the differ-
ent varieties
required. The
Vine eyes
may either be
inserted in
small pots, or
in squares of
iurf ; when
turf is used
rhe roots do
not get
cramped. If a
suitable house
or pitj is not
a va liable,
defer the
rooting'of the
eyes until next month. When the days
lengthen, rapid' growth will justify the delay,
and strong, young Vines will be available for
planting in May, these being preferable to one
ven- or two-year-old canes. The eyes may be
started ill a Melon or Cucumber house, where
bottom-heat and moisture are available.

Cucumbers. — Great care and attention are
necessary to maintain a, constant supply of
Cucumbers in February and March. Keep the
plants trained thinly and crop them lightly.
Top-dress the roots from time to tune with
-ich warm compost, and feed them on occa-
sions with weak liquid manure warmed to the
same temperature as the interior of the house.
A night temperature of 65° to 68° should be
maintained, according to the weather; take
advantage of bright days to admit a little air,
and at such times the temperature may be
allowed to rise, A moderately moist atmosphere
may be maintained by damping the paths and
beds on al'l favourable occasions. ijow more
seeds in small pots and plunge the latter in a
bottom-heat of 30°. The seedlings should be
grown near the roof-glass in a house having a
temperature of 68°.

General Remarks. — The pruning of Vines and
Peaches and the cleansing of houses should be
completed, taking advantage of wet days to
utilise the services of the outside staff. In-
terior walls should be washed with hot lime,
with a handful of flowers of sulphur added.
Few other materials are better for washing
Vines than Gishurst Compound. Houses in
which fruit trees are resting should be kept as
cool as possible until the time arrives for start-
ing them. Collect, a large heap of leaves and
litter and store it under cover

GJRAiPE MADRESFIELD COURT.

Tins magnificent Grape is not grown so ex
tensively as one would expect considering its
good qualities.

Doubtless the chief reason why it is not
looked upon with (more favour in many places,
is because the berries are very liable to split
at a certain period. In a mixed house of Grapes
it is very difficult to prevent a small amount
of splitting, but where a house or even half of
a. house can 'be devoted to the variety, there
is no difficulty in preventing the trouble.

In these gardens we are fortunate in possess-
ing a " Madresfield " house. The vines are
grown on the extension system, and, by with-
holding water entirely as soon as the first tinge
of colour is seen on a berry, allowing a little
more lateral growth to develop at that stage
and affording ample air by day and night on
all favourable occasions, we rarely have a split
berry and the bunches finish perfectly.

The roots are given liquid manure as soon
as the Grapes are cut and while the foliage is
still green and the roots active. This stimulant
is also applied after the bundles are thinned, and
a final application is given as soon as the berries
have finished stoning. No further stimulant is
employed and mulching material is never placed
on the borders.

I may add that the houses are span roofed,
and the roots are restricted to the inside border.
Where the roots are allowed to grow outside
the vinery I have found it advisable, after
the berries begin to swell for the second time,
to cuver the border with zinc sheets to prevent
heavy rains from saturating the roots. If this
precaution is neglected and the season happens
to be a wet one. the berries are almost sine to
split. ./. (4. Bemnt, Melton Constable.

TH

ALPINE GARDEN.

OURISIA COCCINEA.
It is easier to secure and grow a plant of
Ou.risia coccinea than to flower it, and those
who have had most experience of this fickle
subject are the least prepared to dogmatise
regarding how it may be induced to bloom.
Even those who are happy enough to own a good
plant which flowers freely have often to confess
themselves baffled when they attempt to estab-
list it in -another part of the same garden and
in what appear to be precisely similar con-
ditions. The foliage is pleasing, and a mass of
the elegantly formed leaves rising but little above
the ground on creeping stems is a pretty sight.
But it is. to iprocure a profusion of its eight or
nine inch steins, carrying their delightful vivid,
almost vermiilion-scarlet flowers, that our energies
are directed, too often in vain. The usual advice
to select a cool, moist spot for the plant is good,
so far as it goes, but it is not enough to secure
flowers, and I cannot say that any certain con
dilions will or will not induce the plant to bloom.
Doubtless a cool, moist peaty soil, with perhaps
the addition of a little sand when heavy, is best
suited to 0. coccinea, but it seems a matter of
chance whether the plant will reward the grower
with its flowers or remain a carpet of greenery.
S. Arnott.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

EARLY CUTTINGS.
All but the latest varieties of Chrysanthe-
mums have done flowering and cuttings of the
large flowering varieties may he inserted singly
in small pots. Shoots arising from the base of
the plants provide the best cuttings; those
made from shoots higher up the stems, should
be free of flower-buds. The soil for potting the
cuttings should consist of sifted, good loam, leaf-
mould and sand, made firm in the pots. After
inserting the cuttings firmly in the pots give
them a, thorough watering. They may be rooted
in a frame set uip in a cool house and the light
covering the frame should be removed ea<h
morning for a short period. Scottish Grower.

THE BUFF-TIP MOTH, PYGAERA
(PHALERA) BUCEPHALA.

In <,'an/. Chron., August 16, 1919, we pub-
lished an illustration of the Buff-tip moth,
from a sketch by the late Miss Kate Ashley,
showing the 'caterpillar attacking Rose leaves,
also the moth, pupa and eggs. The eggs are
usually laid on the leaves of trees, hut
Mr. Geo. Kent, Brocket Gardens, Hatfield, found
specimens last summer attached to a blade of
grass {see Fig. 2), which is very unusual. Mr.
K. G. Blair, F.E.S., of the British Museum,
informs us that the female usually oviposits on
the leaves of trees of various kinds, Lime, Elm,
Oak, Willow, and many others, the eggs 'being
usually arranged in groups of 40 or 60 on the
underside of the leaf; but, as is particularly
the case with moths whose larvae have a. varied
range of diet, the. female Buff-tip is not very
particular where she deposits her family and
will frequently lay on an Oak fence or on a
lamp-post, or, in captivity, on the side of a box.

The caterpillars when first hatched remain
huddled together in a cluster on the leaf with

pIf;. 2.— EGGS OF THE BUFF-TIP MOTH ON A BLAPF.
OF GRASS, X 4.

their heads outwards, and in feeding soon recline
the leaf to a skeleton of veins. Like

many of their allies they have a peculiar haibii
..I cocking up their tails when at rest. After
their first moult they migrate to a neighbouring
leaf, leaving a little group of black cast skins
behind them; as they get older they have a
tendency to separate. The presence of a party
of Buff-tip larvae in a tree is very evident; one
or more branches will be noticed stripped hare
of leaves amid the surrounding foliage. These
bare branches, and a rain of black pellets oil
excrement on the ground beneath the tree, may
frequently be noticed in early autumn, in tree
after tree among the young Limes commonly
grown along suburban streets. When full grown.

the black and yellow-striped caterpillars, al I

2 inches long, crawl or fall to the ground, ami
are to toe found crawling about on the footways
in search of a spot of exposed earth in which
to burrow. The dark reddish-brown, shining
chrysalis is formed a few inches beneath the
surface of the ground, without any cocoon or
other protection, and remains till the moth
emerges in the following June.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[January 3, 1920.

EDITORIAL NOTICE.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the
PUBLISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, WC-

Editors and Publisher- — Our correspondents would
obviate delay in obtaining answers to their com-
munications, and save us much time and trouble, if
they would kindly observe the notice printed weekly
to the effect that all letters relating to financial
matters and to advertisements should be addressed
to the Publisher; and that all communications
intended for publication or referring to the Literary
department, and all plants to be named, should be
directed to the Editors. The two departments
Publishing and Editorial, are distinct, and much
unnecessary delay and confusion arise when letters
are misdirected.

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

Special Notice to Correspondents— The Editors
do not undertake to pay for any contributions or
illustrations, or to return unused communications
or illustrations unless by special arrangement. The
Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any
opinions expressed by their correspondents.

Letters for Publication, as well oe specimens of
plants for naming, should be addressed to th*
EDITORS. 41, Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, London. Communications should be

WRITTEN ON ONE BIDE ONLT OF THE PAPER, sent (It

early in the week as possible, and duly signed by
the writer. If desired, the signature will not be
printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith.
Illustrations.— The Editors will be glad to receive
and to select photographs or drawings suitable for
reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable flowers,
trees, etc., but they cannot be responsible for loss
or injury.

MR. REGINALD FARRER'S SECOND
EXPLORATION IN ASIA.*

No 12. — First Seeds.

THE glory of the tree-Rhododendrons is all
gone hy July, and it would really be too
much to expect later months to rival
the earlier in the beauty and bounty of their
yield (though. I am told of July Rhododendrons
that equal, if they do not surpass, their pre-
decessors). R. agapetum is still in glory
though, and I am not far from calling this the
finest scarlet Rhododendron I know. On the tops
there is still the Rhododendron with the
orange trumpet: and now on the Pass
and the Ridge there is opening yet
another of high merit, being a thin, straggly
hush , with narrow and intensely aromatic
foliage of deep, metallic bronze-green or purple,
that further enhances the chann of its loose
heads of medium-sized flowers of soft rosy pink,
heavily marked inside with mahogany brown.
(See Fig. 3.) This is a charming plant; and
every July Rhododendron has its especial
value. But the Pass is now to be visited for
early seeds, and we cannot even linger over
Xomocharis, now in more stupefying millions
than ever over the upland grass. The principal
object is that incomparable blue Primula of
April, though I also have my eye on the little
white woodlander, now also due, as well as
faint hopes of P. bella. But these Primulas of
ttie Davidii (?) and Sonohifolia groups have a
very puzzling way with their seed. The scape,
pedicels and calyx stiffen and fatten, and the
seed matures in a cushion-shaped mass beneath
a membranous covering. But this ravels away
ere long, and the seed is revealed, still green,
lying in the disk, at the mercy of wind and
weather, so that one is under the necessity of
gathering it when one can. By July, indeed,
the " Blue" is ready, ibut the little " woodland
white " still tarries, yet seems to shed its seed
even greener than the other. Both, I fancy,
will "want special care in raising — particularly
the blue one — and might profitably he treated

* The previous articles by Mr. Farrer were published
in our issues for June 21, June 28, July 12. August 9,
August 23. September 6, September 27. October 18,
November 1, November 22, and December fi. l.')l!h

as if they were Rhododendrons. As for P.
bella. this is not nearly ready yet, but surprised
me by a new characteristic, hitherto unknown
to me. or lUiieinembered. in P. bella, for a large
proportion of the plants, after flowering, develop
four or five fat pink stolons that radiate from
the crown, and strike root from fresh rosettes at
the end. Has anyone experience of this habit
in true P. bella?

But seeds are not all there is to see on the
Pass in the opening of July. All the earlier
flowers are now at their full : Xomocharis is
ubiquitous, and by the pathside Anchusa,
Thalictrums and Corydalis combine in a haze of
azure and white and gold. In the deep brake
there is little or no blossom, but wherever the
light sufficiently penetrates the damp gloom may
be seen the noble plumes of Rodgersia sambuci-
foliti. Beautiful as R. aesculifoha was, in the

high, with well displayed flights of fine flowers
of the richest blue. The choicest plant of all.
though, was found by my companion, Mr. Cox,
in a grassy glade up above the Pass. Here he
came on a colony of some twenty stems, and no
ini i] i'. of a tall and stately Liliaceous plant (see
Fig. 4). which I tan only compare to a magni-
fied Hyacinthus eandu-ans, but that the stems
are leafy and the flowers of a deep and soft
satiny role-crimson. Can this be Lilium
Thompsonianium ? — of wliich I have no experience
nor any diagnosis at hand. If so. L.
Thompsonianum should be better worth having
than its rarity in our gardens would suggest;
and also easier to cultivate. For I must now
repeat my conviction that the conditions here,
in the Alpine region, are much more those of a
temperate English north-country summer than
in any other mountain range I have yet

Fn

O. — MR. FARRER S NEW RHODODENDRON, WITH SOFT-PINK FLOWERS.

deep gorges of Siku, I think that this one even
surpasses it. For. though there may not he
much to choose between them in tropical
amplitude of foliage, in R. aesculifolia the
flower's were always creamy, whereas in R.
sambuci folia no two spires turn out the same
colour, but all are in delicate and tender tones
of pink. For open woodland glades this
Rodgersia (like all the others, for that matter)
should be a treasure for naturalising: I long
to see the day when they shall all be established
'by thousands, and wonder that these noble
plants still seem so comparatively rare, and are
still choicely cherished in comers of the rock-
work dell — the last place in vhe world to suit
their voluminous development. As for the
Thalictrum, I should only reiterate my former
praise, with large additions; and the Anchusa.
too, is a. treasure,- growing- not more than a foot

travelled. After a fine spell in iMay-June, the
rains are now on. And what they amount to in
this favoured corner of the Burma-Chinese alps
is i steady succession of downpours every night,
with abundance of low cloud each morning,
gradually clearing up to a fine and more or less
sunny afternoon. "Fine spells" are also to be
expected with greater frequency and of greater
length as time goes on, but meanwhile the
summer conditions here are so like those of the
West Riding that, though the warmth is pleasant,
Peaches do not ripen till September at Hpimaw
Fort, while corn, and even Oats, will not ripen at
all, not even down in the much greater warmth
and openness of the valley. There is nothing here
of the hard, hot, summer brilliance which, even
in the high alps of N.W. China, unfits so many
of its plants for our comparative lack of
summer sun ; nor anything much either of

January 3, 1920. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

N'.W. China's blasting and immovable winter
cold.

But, however large and varied te a range,
sooner rather than later one comes to an end
of its botanical resources, and meets everywhere
with only repetition of things by this time
grown commonplace, that when first seen elicited
ories of delight. In the deep gullies that
descend from the Ridge a middle-sized Musk of
brightest yellow now haunts the wettest places
among the stones; while on the moss-cushions
that hang on the shady cliff-walls of the
ravines, a little Tofieldia is thrusting nut fluffy
spikes of pure white ; while higher up on sunny
rocks Potentilla davurica begins to open golden ;
and by the Pass the mont ana-Clematis has been
succeeded by the full expansion of the acuminate
one (see Fig. 5) which now reveals itself an
even handsomer plant, of a rather warmer
white. Lower down, and the first harvest is to
be got of a charming little Liliaceous plant,
which bedecked all the coppice in April with
heads of Puschkinia bine blossom on % inch
stems. In that stage I could not name it, but
now its scapes have shot up to a couple of feet,
and its pedicels have elongated to match, each
one of them carrying an oval, dry, seedful
henry of a bloomy-blue, ripening to black. So
that I wonder if it may not he a Clintonia.
In any case, blossoming at the same time, it
ought to naturalise delightfully among wood-
Anemones and Primroses : and has the added
attraction of thus producing fruit quite as
pretty as its blossom, and in an entirely un-
expected style. But rabbits and slugs would
have to lend it their fear olr forebearanee at
home : in the Alps there are no such enemies to
fear — as I grow weary of trying to explain to
enthusiasts who are continually asking me why i
do not Senhouse all the fells of Ingleborough
till they are solid with Chinese Primulas and
Poppies. You might as well hope to naturalise
Lettuce in a warren. Reginald ]<'ari< r.

CUTTINGS.

" Cfttings of half-ripened wood taken
with a heel, inserted in sandy soil, and
put. in a -close frame with a gentle
bottom-heat root readily," is the usual adivice
given for the propagation of hardy trees and
shrubs, but the statement is not true of all hard-
wooded plants. I have tried .several experiments
with various cuttings during the past two years,
and have found that the above formula is.
in sooie instances misleading. So far, i
have not found it possible to work out
any definite rules regarding the rooting of
cuttings, for what holds good for one auibjecl
may be entirely wrong for another. For
instance, if a Clematis cutting is made with a
heel, or cut at a joint, as is usual with anost
cuttings, it will not root, but if it is cut through
at an internode, it will form roots from almost
any part of the internode, or from the joint
above, or from .both.

I have noticed that cuttings produce roots in
various ways, the commonest being 'where a
callus is formed at the base, and the roots
spring from it usually all round. Sometimes the
roots develop only on one side, but that is because
one or more become sufficiently advanced to
supply everything necessary to (the well-being
of the cutting, a check to these advanced roots
being balanced by the production of others in
the same circle. Most of the commoner flower-
ing-shrubs form roots in this manner, usually
in from two to four weeks' time after insertion.

Another way in which roots are formed is
where a cutting is made with a heel, which
calluses over, but the roots are produced from
practically the whole of the stem below the
ground-level, the callus apparently having little
to do with root-formation. This is seen in the
Ericaceae and Vacciniaceae, a few of the garden-
forms of Philadelphus and Caanothus, and in
Stewartias. I have been particularly interested
in the behaviour of cuttings of Sinowilsonia
Henryi, a Chinese member of the Hamamelideae.
These were inserted on June 6th, and were
rooted in early August. As this is an entirely
new genus, I lised soft cuttings, and 'made some

with a heel ; a few were out at the internodes and
some at a joint or two above the heel. Every out-
ting formed roots, but those which were out at an
internode were by far the best rooted. In every
case roots were produced from the stems, none
whatever from the 'base, and in each instance
there was from a quarter to half- an -inch of
sound wood between the callus and the roots.
Fortunearia sinensis, an allied plant, produced
roots from the callus in what may be termed
a normal maimer.

Besides Clematis, I have found that shoots
of Meliosma' can only be rooted as inter-
nodal cuttings. When made at a joint or with a
heel the cuttings formed a callus and lived for
a year or more, but they never produced roots.
Tf taken when quite young and cut at an inter-
node shoots of this genus may be rooted in

of the cuttings, and the roots appearing from a
somewlrat recessed space in the centre. At the
same time cuttings of Nothofagus procera and
N. obliqua were inserted, of which the former
were mulled in six weeks, the roots springing
from the callus in the ordinary manner, while
of the cuttings of the latter, only two were
found to be rooted at the end of three months.
They were all — about twenty of them — made
with a heel, but the two that formed roots made
them from the centre of the lowest internode,
the part below having rotted away.

I have only given a few instances as some
proof of what I contend, viz. : — that it is h'jk
always necessary to have " cuttings of half-
riipened wood taken with a heel " to ensure
successful rooting. All the cuttings mentioned
have been of verv soft wood, and many of them

Fig. 4.--

MR. FARRER S EXPLORATIONS ; LIUUM SPECIES FOUND ON THE CILADE ABOVE THE PASS.

about ten or 'twelve weeks. Cuttings oi
-Meliosma Beaniana, M. cuneifolia, M. imyriantha,
M. Oldhamii, and M. Veituhiorom, inserted on
June 6th, were just forming roots at the end
of August. I always make these internodal
cuttings with a slanting cut at the base, which,
in my experience, renders the cutting less liable
to rot, though this is open to further experi-
ment. The roots of Meliosmas are produced
from the inner bark at the lowest part of the
cutting and go straight down until they Peach
the. bottom of tin- pot. A return of fifty per
cent, ol routed cuttings is as much as one may
exp& t .

On the 18th of May 1 inserted Eoutx young
growths of AeSculus Wilsonii, a new Chinese
Morse-Chestnut, Iwo of "which formed mots in
about eight weeks, the other two dying. These
cuttings were taken with a heel, and the roots
were produced from the centre of the base, a
callus forming regularly all round the bottom

have Tooted when not made with a heel. So far
as I have heen> able to judge, roots are not
always produced from the same part of the
wood, but may be formed from the outer or
inner barks, or even, but more rarely from Abe
pith or centre. It follows, therefore, that ex-
periment is necessary when dealing with a new
plant, even if it is a member of an old genus.
With those plants that " will not root from cut-
tings "—a common phrase in gardening and
garden literature — it is probable that the right
kind of cutting has not been tried at the proper
time. I am inclined to believe with Pn>fessor
Balfour that cuttings of any plant can be
rooted, provided they are taken at. the right
time, and are the proper part of the plant, i«>
employ. All our present knowledge of plant
propagation has been the result of continued
experiment, and the same means must be used
with the new plants that are being raised or
introduced every year. J. Clark.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

\.\ \NTARY 3, 1920.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

Insect Pests and Plant Diseases in the Vegetable
and jfruit Garden.*

Till': I Hie of this book is somewhat misleadiug
in that neither inseet pests nor diseases of fruits
and fruit trees are even mentioned, and indeed
the expressed aim of the author is to assist the
allotment-holder.

The book consists of two parts, one dealing
with insect pests and the other with fungous
diseases of vegetables.

The use of technical ternvs has been largely
avoided, and where used are usually sufficiently
explained.

The aim of the book has been to place before
amateurs information on common garden troubles
in as simple a form as possible, and at the same
time to confine the matter within small limits-

The author has largely succeeded ; and where
he has failed, the failure is not the author's
fault, but is due to the fact that he has set
himself an impossible task. To attempt to give
an account of insects, even though confined to
their external differences, and without the
aid of diagrams, in the limits of a few small
pages is almost impossible. Doubtless any
entomologist will easily follow the description
given, but it is doubtful whether the account
will leave more than a hazy impression on the
ordinary reader.

At the end of the general description of
insects the author has omitted to mention the
Earwigs when describing the order Orthoptera.
It may at least be claimed that they are com-
moner inhabitants in a garden than are cock-
roaches or even locusts or crickets, which are
mentioned.

The rest of the portion of the book devoted to
insects deals with such as are commonly met
with in any garden or allotment, though mention
might have been made of the leather jackets and
cockchafer larva, those frequenters of newly
turned land.

The typical life history of aphides given has
a very curious omission. After describing hatch
ing of the eggs and parthenogenetic production
of young by wingless females, the author passes
on ' to the' appearance of the sexual forms,
giving no indication that part of the very
targe increase in numbers of aphides is due to
the appearance of winged parthenogenetic
females. In describing the Bean aphis also the
author for once fails to explain technical terms
in that " honey tubes (cornicles) " is mislead-
ing, since the' honey dew is _ secreted by the
anus, moreover, the term " ochreous " can hardly
be understood by the ordinary man.

There are a few other points that also call for
attention. Cabbage fly is said to cause " warty
or gall-like swellings" on the roots of
Brassicas, a description which does not tally
with the reviewer's experience, and which sug-
gests the attack of Ceutorhynchus ruficollis.
the Turnip Gall weevil, an insect, which, though
excessively common, is not even mentioned in
this book! Amongst the remedies mentioned no
account is given of the use of tarred felt discs,
which have been successful both in America and
this country. To advise rotation of crops as a
remedy is not particularly helpful either to the
allotment holder or gardener since, of necessity,
a large proportion of his crops are of the Brassica
family and it is quite impossible in practice to
avoid a fairly close rotation for these plants
Anyhow, the Cabbage fly is winged, and will find
no difficulty in flying a few score of yards.

The second part of the book is devoted to
plant diseases, and most, if not all. of those com-
monly met with in a garden are included.
After giving a general description, the author
passes to an account of the ordinary Potato
disease, in which occurs the statement that the
mycelium may pass down the tissues of diseased
stems, certainly a highly contentious dictum, and
of which no positive proof has yet been ob-
tained. Besides Bordeaux mixture as a pre-
ventive, mention should be made also of the
easily made Burgundy mixture. Everyone
can procure washing soda in good condition,
but the acquisition of good lime is a far more

• Inject Pests and Plant Diseases in the Vegetable
anil Fruit (tardea F. Martin Duncan. London :
Constable and On.. Ltd. Prioa; 3s. 6d. netr.

difficult matter. Again, the author advises a
weaker spray for young foliage when, as has
been shown ' by Barker and Gimingham, for
copper sprays, young uninjured foliage is much
more resistant to spray damage than older
foliage.

A notable omission occurs in the treatment
given for wart disease of Potatos when abso-
lutely no reference is made to immune varie-
ties, of which there is now a large number,
r.nd, in addition, the statement is made that good
cultivation may check the severity of the dis-
ease, which it emphatically does not. Lastly,
though lime is given as a remedy for finger and
toe disease, no reason is given for its good effect.
and the reader is left innocent of the fact thai
the organism cannot grow in an alkaline medium.
flu' plates dealing with insects are clear and
to the point, but those dealing with the fungous
diseases are more suitable for a text book of
fungi thru lor a handbook intended for the
amateur. Not even with the strongest lens
could anyone see such minute objects as swarm-
ing zoospores, and the author must have spent
much time before he was in a position to draw
the conjugating archegonium and antheridium
of Pythium de Baryanum figured on Plate VIII.
If ^uch time had been devoted to the repro-
duction of good illustrations of the microscopic
ieatures of the diseases described the book would
have gained considerably in value.

VEGETABLES.

A BRASSICA CROSS.

The Mendeliau law !>-. I take it. generally
accepted, although the percentages vary slightly
a- regards similarity to the pa-vent plants ac-
cording to species. Alter many efforts to obtain
a hyrbrid Autumn Giant Cauliflower x Kohl-Rabi.
success has at last crowned my efforts, and I
find the progeny is the ratio of 9 to 6 ami the
remainder (that is as to shape) a very polyglot
mixture. One seed only was obtained, which
germinated and grew into a .sturdy plant, which
stood in the open throughout the wint&v
1918-19, flowered in June. 1919. and the
resultant seed was sown August. The bulb us
part was attached to a toot stalk of a inu h
more sturdy nature than that of the ordinary
Kohl Rabi and had a circumference of 23 inches.
The plant was grown in soil of an ordinary
nature, as it was thought a rich rooting-medium
in glit cause excess of vigour and result in the
shedding of the flowers before the seed set.
Plants hearing reddish foliage of the Kohl-Ra.bi
are forming a true sphere; tile ones with the
light-g-een leafage are now of a Medlar shape.
The polyglots are, in shape, several phases of
oval. long, medium and short, but all the leaves
are the same as to shape, that is. longer than
Kohl-Rabi, shorter than the Cauliflower, yet com-
bining the general characteristics of each.
Undoubtedly the plant will prove an acquisition
as a Cauliflower is provided tor table, and the
resl of the plant is suitable as food for stock.
Cauli-Rabi.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

[The Editors da nut hold themselves responsible far
the opinions expressed ha correspondents.]

Moles Attacking Cabbages. — I have a patch of
spring Cabbage itr an outer kitchen garden
that has recently been attacked by moles.
The first thing I noticed wrong was that some
of the plants were eaten out at the hearts, leav-
ing only the outside basal leaves. On examina-
tion I found a small hole about the size of a
mouse hole in the soil by the side of the stem
of the plant, and about four inches deep. 1
naturally concluded the mischief was caused by
mice, but on a closer examination I found it
was moles, and that they were working their
way through the bed without having made any
casts. I »in interested to know if it is an un-
usual thing for moles to attack Cabbages in
this way. I". Gammon, Eynsha/m Hall Gardens,
Witney, Oxon.

Protection for Plant Novelties. — I trust the
admirable article iby Mr. Bliss on p. 278 will

receive the attention it deserves. Almost every-
one is agreed that the position of the raiser of
a new fruit is about as bad as it can be, but
lew realise how much the production of novelties
is checked by the want of some system for
ensuring t" tin- raiser fair return for his skill
and labour. At present only an enthusiast in-
dependent iti financial considerations can afford
to spend years in hybridising and testing, with
the certainty that if he does raise a really good
thing, others will reap the harvest. Given fair
play, we should soon have a boom in new fruits
and vegetables, many of which would be a
national gain. To show how the present system
works. 1 may mention that my father spenl
yeais in hybridising Go-apes, and was the first
to cross the Eastern and American species.
Of many hundred seedlings, which cost an
average of thirty shillings each to test, several
were put in commerce, but only one (Golden
Queen! did more than pay the expenses of
distribution. This made a profit of about £200,
but it is needless to add that the net result was
a financial loss. Who raises Grapes now? There
are difficulties in the way of patenting fruits,
etc., but these are not much greater than in
1'ie case of mechanical inventions and are sur-
mountable. The chief point to remember is,
that in spite of many and great difficulties and
frequent litigation, 'the patent system is m
practical working, and inventors under it do,
as a rule, secure the benefits to which they are
entitled. Chm. K. Pearson, F.L.S.

October Dessert Apples.— I may be able
to throw light on Apple Bowhill Pippin,
having purchased a tree from Messrs.
Rivers. Sawbridgeworth, over 20 years ago.
In shape the iruit somewhat resembles _ a
medium-sized specimen of Blenheim Pippin.
The «kin is pale yellow when the fruit is ripe, but
in 1) vonshire this Apple was not fit lor table until
the latter part of November. I consider Benpni
an excellent Apple for dessert during October
and early November, and the same is true of
Rival and Kerry Pippin. The latter variety-
won ths 1st prize in competition "lor flavour
some years ago at a fortnightly meeting of the
Royal Horticultural Society. I venture to
include Court of Wick and Scarlet Pea-mam.
two excellent varieties for use during October.
While recognising Beauty of Kent and Emperor
Alexander as excellent cooking varieties, lew
would class either as a dessert sort. Wealthy
has high colour, and the tree crops freely, but it
Ins never appealed to me as a dessert fruit.
,/. Mayne, Eltham.

Potatos : Spade versus Plough.— It has luce
clearly demonstrated within the past five years
that our system of attempting to provide home
grown food in abundance for our population is
radically out of joint. We have been helped and
advised' in all possible ways by a benevolently
paternal Government, and yet the business is an
utter failure. Any practical gardener who lias
taken the trouble to torn, an estimate knows
that a maincrop Potato, given fairly ordinary
attention, is capable of producing 30 or more
tons per acre in an average season, and yet we
have the authorised estimate of 5.7 tons for the
, ounfcry just issued. It is true Potato crops have
been comparatively light this season, owing to
the long continued drought, but even in 1918.
which was a very favourable year, the official
figure was onlv an average of 6.6 tons. This
state of affairs, coming as it does in companj
with a loss of home-grown feeding products, has
arisen mainly from preventible causes, and
makes one exclaim. " Alas ! my country, so
magnificent in war, so helpless in peace." Hav
we not yet been sufficiently chastised? Have om
dear ones bled in vain? If not, why this
apathy7 Why should we hand a bankrupt-state
down to our children simply because we are too
lazy or too ignorant to make use of Gods
blessings so bountifully showered on us? Shall
we wait for the women to show us the way as
they have done in many things of late, or shall
we "return to pre-war days, and sit still while the
foreigner supplies our necessaries? We shall
not always be able to pay for the foreigner's
attentions, and then something else will happen.
A new world is not what we want: there is still
much beauty in this old one of ours which we
are only just beginning to see, much wealU

January 3, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' ' CHRONICLE.

waiting to be tapped, and much happiness which -
only wants looking for. But what is the prin-
cipal cause of our failure to grow Potatos? It
is the antediluvian plough which we still hold
so dearly. Let us commit to the scrap heap all
types of that implement which merely skim
under the surface a few inches and make a
plaster of the soil if it is damp, while leaving
a hard base whereon to rest the seed. The
routine which follows is of an equally barbarous
type, and all this after the seed tubers have
been carefully selected, prepared and tended
through autumn, winter and spring. There is
nothing so good as a steel fork for preparing
ground for planting, and I believe it would pay
to prepare all the ground in this way when we
consider that the crop might be easily quad-
rupled. The spade should not be used for the
purpose unless the soil is very dry. I am not
acquainted with the more modern forms of
cultivators, 'but those I have seen are wrong in
principle and the results do not justify the
energy expended. Do not let us attempt too
much. We should try to make the best of the
top spit, and most of the best producing gar-
dens have no more than this to depend on. My
crude idea of a cultivator would be a suffieientlv
weighted revolving cylinder fitted with 12-inch
spikes. There would be much less resistance
than when any thrusting implement, like deep
scarifiers, for instance, are used, and there
would be no plastering. There may be already
some simple and effectual cultivator in existence,
but one can scarcely imagine this to be the case
or the mischief-making plough would have long
since been ousted. Let us scrap the plough for,
Potatos. Wm. Taylor.

Apple Queen Caroline or Spencer's Seedling.
— We have a large standard tree of Apple
Queen Caroline growing here, and it usually
bears a good crop of medium-sized fruits. It is
a good cooking variety, with quite an acid
flavour. The skin is clear yellow, and the fruit
keeps well into December. I have known this
particular tree for twenty-one years, but have
never seen the variety growing elsewhere : it is
cjuite healthy and a strong grower. G. H. S. ,
Aldescar Hall Gardpnx, Langley Mill. Derby-
shire.

Peach Crimson Galande. — Allow me to add my
testimony to what has already been stated as
to the merits of this excellent Peach. I grew
it for several years as a pot tree, and thus
grown I found it always of excellent quality
and also one of the best for appearance. It sets
well, possesses a good constitution and, more-
over, it packs well, being very firm when quite
ripe. For dessert it is one of the best, being
of high colour when well ripened. It parts from
the stone quite readily, and the flesh is crimson
next to the stone. I should place it among the
six best Peaches, either for growing under glass
or on the open wall. As with most of the small-
flowered varieties, the abundance of its pollen
is a good point. Jas. Hudson, V.M.H.

Hosts for the Mistleto. — Mistleto is more
common in the orchards of Hereford than in
the eastern counties, or those airound London.
I have not yet seen it on a Rose bush (see Vol.
LXVL, p. 322), but on several other members
of the same family. It is plentiful in some parts
of Buckinghamshire, and in 1912 existed on
twelve different species of trees, in Stoke Park,
near Slough, but some of the trees have since
been cut down. It was very vigorous on almost
every one of the numerous Lime trees in the
park. Other hosts for it were the Hawthorn,
Apple, Cralb-apple, Norway Maple, Robinia
Pseudacacia, Hornbean, Elm, Pavia rubra,, com-
mon Walnut, Black Walnut, and Black Italian
Poplar. The clusters get to the largest size
•on Lime, Black Italian Poplar, English Elm
and Apple. Mistleto also grows on the Mountain
Ash, Pear, Sycamore, Horse Chestnut, Pavia
flava, Ostrya vulgaris, Beech. Salix alba,
Viburnum, Cladrastis tinctoria, Crataegus
odoratissima, Acer monspessulanum, Pyrus Aria.
Fraxinus Ornus, Olive, Aspen, Birch, /Magnolia
glauca, Oak, Service Tree, and Acer rivbrum.
I have a record of it growing upon the Oak
in at least six different counties, in 1887: also
a record of it on the Rose in Worcestershire, of
the same date. J. F.

SOCIETIES.

ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTUEAL.
Aberdeen Branch.

The members of the Aberdeen Branch of this
Society held their monthly meeting in the
Douglas Hotel, Aberdeen, on Saturday, 13th
ult. Mr. A. Forbes Irvine, of Dnuni, the
president, was in the chair, and there was a
representative attendance. The main feature of
the meeting was a paper by Mr. John Rule,
forester to His Grace the Duke of Richmond and
Gordon at Huntly Lodge, on the Bin Wood.
Huntly, Aberdeenshire — one of the most noted
"ripe " woods in Scotland — during the war.
The Bin Wood, Mr. Ride stated, covered two
distinct hills, 800 feet and 1,037 feet high
respectively, 2,258 acres in extent, and to go
round it, one would have to travel eleven miles
over very rough ground. The Bin Wood had
not been cut before its time, like many of the
woods throughout the length and breadth of
the country, but at the mature age of 80 years.
It had proved a great asset to the nation in the
part it had taken in the great war. The planter
of 80 years ago never thought his seedlings
would ultimately be timbering the trenches in

of this country, fearing that the initial cost
of replanting at present-day expenditure would
be ruinous to proprietors.

Sir John R. Gladstone, Bart., of Fasque,
Kincardineshire, ppoke of the importantoe of
having cattle and sheep on the forest trampling
m the seed when natural regeneration of the
woodlands was contemplated, and referring to
the success which had attended this method in
the Glendye district of his estates.

Mr. George D. Massie, the lion, secretary
of the branch, in his annual report, stated that
there were now in the branch 168 members, 32
having been admitted during the past year.
They regretted the death of Dr. James W. H.
Trail, professor of botany in Aberdeen Uni-
versity, and Sir David Stewart of Banchory
House. The year's proceedings had been
marked by great enthusiasm. A number of
new members were admitted, including Captain
Ramsay, Commissioner to the King at Balmoral
Castle ; Commander J. W. G. Lines of Raemoir,
and Mr. James Stewart, Castle Forbes.

Office-bearers were elected as follows : —
president, Mr. Irvine of Drum ; vice-presidents,
Sir John R. Gladstone. Bart., of Fasque; Mr.
John Michie, M.V.O.; Mr. John Clark, head
forester to the Marquis of Aberdeen and Temair,
Haddo House ; and Mr. S. J. Gammell of

Fie

-MR. FARRER S EXPLORATION'S : THE NEW MONTANA-CLEMATIS WITH WHITE FLOWERS.

(See page 6.)

,i world conflict. Bin Wood's uses to the
locality had been many and varied in affording
shelter and amenity, supplying wood for all
the needs of a wide agricultural district, its by-
products, such as brushwood and '"rosity roots,"
having been of great value to the people of the
district, and especially to the poor of the town
of Huntly. But by far the greatest benefit of
the Bin Wood had been the lucrative employ-
ment it afforded to many people. Including
planters, at least 20 men. on an average, had,
in one way or another, found regular employ-
ment during the last 80 years. Replanting had
been carried on for the past fifteen years, and
already parts of the rugged hills were beginning
to have a. quite wooded appearance.

Mr. John Michie, M.V.O. , formerly forester
and factor to the King, at Balmoral Castle, ex-
pressed approval of Mr. Rule's system in regard
lo the replanting of the Bin Wood, where it
had ibeen cut, pointing out that in forestr'y.
as in agriculture, a rotation of crops was
desirable, Larch following Scotch Fir. or
Spruce in the wTetter portions. Mr. Rule,
in answer to Mr. George Wyllie, forester ,n
Ballogie, Aberdeenshire, said that at the time
the Bin Wood was planted, comparatively little
attention was being paid to the best methods
of forestry, or the Bin could have carried
double the crop planted.

Mr. Sydney J. Gammell of Countesswells,
emphasised the importance of greater attention
being [laid to natural regeneration of the woods

Countesswells ; lion, secretary and treasurer, Mr.
George D. Massie, advocate, Aberdeen ; and for
vacancies in the committee the four retiring
members were re-elected — Mr. George Wyllie,
Ballogie, Major R. J. Xicol of Ballogie, Mr.
Donald Muniro, O.B.E., Banchory, and Mr.
Peter Leslie, Aberdeen University; while Lord
Forbes, Castle Forbes, was appointed to take
the place of Sir John R. Gladstone. Bart., as
a member of the Council on the latter's pro-
motion to be a vice-president.

SURBITON, KINGSTON, DITTONS AND
DISTRICT CHRYSANTHEMUM.

December 17. — The annual general meeting of
the above society was held at the Waggon Hotel,
Surbitun, on this date. The finances of the
society are in an improved condtiion, for there is
now a balance in hand of £29 9s. Id., an increase
of £23 19s. lOd. on the balance brought forward
from 1915, when, owing to the war, the society
suspended operations. Mr. J. Salter Cox continues
to be president, and a committee, which includes
Messrs. J. S. Kelly and M. L. Sargent, mas
elected. To the regret of the meeting, -Mr. T.
Smith resigned the secretaryship, and the ap-
pointment of a successor was left in the hands
of the committee. After some discission it
was decided by a narrow majority to increase
the annual subscription from 2s. 6d. to 5s. Next
year's show lias been fixed fur November 3.

10

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[January 3, 1920.

©bituarp.

William Low. — We learn with regret that
Mr. William Low, gardener to the Duke of
Grafton, Euston Hail, Thetford, Suffolk, died
about three weeks ago. He was well known in
gardening circles in East Anglia and had
recently completed forty-nine years' service at
Euston Hall.

James Craig — We learn with regret that Mr.
James Craig, market gardener, Viewfield, David-
son's Mains, Edinburgh, died at his home on
Christmas Day, at the advanced age of 77.
His remains were laid to rest on Monday, the
29th ult., in Warriston Cemetery, Edinburgh.

TRADE NOTES.

CHAMBER OF HORTICULTURE.

At a meeting of the Council held on
the 17th ult. it was stated that the Ministry
of Transport was making enquiry into specific
difficulties reported 'by the Chamber and was
in communication oni the subjects of the
Advisory Panel, and the Railway Rates Com-
mittee enquiries. As to anthracite supplies in
respect to which transit was delayed through
railway congestion, this matter is " being care-
fully watched.

A further conference on the Regulation of
Imports will be arranged for Tuesday, 20th
January, 1920. The Import of American Apples
in competition with home-grown produce will
be brought forward for full discussion at this
meeting. Meantime the Chamber is arranging
to obtain views from its affiliated Societies and
other organisations as to a practical method of
meeting the interests of the Trade. It was felt
that standardisation of growing, packing and
grading is essential, and possibly a commission
of enquiry into American methods as a basis
for educational propaganda might hereafter 'be
arranged by the Chamber.

The misunderstanding as to an early round
table conference with the Agricultural Organisa-
tion Society was disposed of 'by the Council's
minute deciding to invite concrete evidence
from all those interested in this matter as a
basis for further action.

Mr. S. McGredy (Portadown, Ireland),
Messrs. C. Sharpe and Co., Ltd. (Sleaiford,
Lines.), and Messrs. T. Walter Ware, Ltd.
(Bath), were duly elected Members of the
Chamber.

The First Annual General Meeting of the
Chamber was fixed for Friday, 6th February,
1920, at 2.30 p.m., and will be held in the
Council Chamber of the Royal Agricultural
Society, 16, Bedford Square, W.C.. kindly
placed by the Society at the disposal of the
Council. Further details will be announced
nearer the date. All Standing Committees at
present elected remain in office until this
meeting.

The Council has appointed five delegates
representing the Fruit Section of the Chamber,
to meet in Conference representatives of the
leading jam manufacturers, on Wednesday,
January 14th, 1920. It is hoped this may
result in the establishment of a good under-
standing in the interests of the Trade.

It was reported that the progress of the
Hours of Employment Bill was being watched
on behalf of the Chamber, and a Special Com-
mittee appointed by the Council was prepared
for immediate decision in case of the necessity
arising. Statistics had been prepared at the
request of Government Departments, showing
the custom followed to keep men in regular
employment all the vear round.

The Lea Valley and District Nurserymen and
Growers' Association will hold its annual
dinner at the Cambridge Rooms. Great Eastern
Hotel, Liverpool Street. E.C., on Friday,
January 16. Mr. H. O. Larsen. J.P., will
preside.

The Board of Agriculture again calls the
attention of nurserymen and others to the new
Gooseberry Mildew Order, which revokes all

previous Orders dealing with this disease except
the Fruit Orders of 1915 and 1919 (Orders re-
ferring to the importation of frmt and the con-
signment of diseased fruit to markets).

Under this Order notification of disease is
required from persons growing Gooseberry and
Currant bushes for sale. It is illegal to sell
Gooseberry or Currant bushes affected -with the
disease, but a grower after notification may
prune away all diseased tips and then sell the
bushes without a licence. The onus of seeing
the bushes are free from disease rests with the
seller. All restrictions on the movement of
Gooseberry and Currant bushes which have been
in force in Wisbech, Kent, Worcestershire, etc.,
are removed, 'but the new Order enables an
inspector to forbid the removal of visibly
diseased bushes, and also to deal with diseased
bushes moved in contravention of the Order.
The Board retains power under the Order to deal
with fruit growers and private owners who fail
to take proper steps to check the disease.

The importation of Gooseberry bushes is still
prohibited, but that of Currant bushes is now
allowed without licence.

The Board regrets to find nurserymen and
growers of 'bushes for sale are not exercising
the necessary care and removing the tips before
selling the bushes. The Board will strictly
enforce the provisions of the Order dealing with
the sale of diseased bushes, and in such cases
of contravention reported to them are institut-
ing legal proceedings.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

How to Grow Peppermint : H. it. Pepper-
mint is very easy to grow in any soil, except
that which is shallow and consisting largely
of sand. In this case the application of
animal or green manures to increase the
moist ure-holding capacity of the soil will
enable the Peppermint to grow more
vigorously. In gardens with soils of average
good quality it will prove easy to grow. It
does not object to partial shade, 'but if the
shade is too great and the soil very damp in
winter the roots are liable to die away. In
well-drained soil and moderate shade this
will not happen. One great point in growing
most of the Mints in gardens, and keeping
them free from disease (Puccinia Menth^e).
is to transplant them annually, using only
small pieces of the healthy, young, under-
ground stems or rhizomes, and giving
sufficient room to prevent crowding. They
are most liable to disease in wet soils and
wet seasons, when crowded. The above refers
to ordinary garden cultivation. If vou desire
to grow Peppermint for the sake of its
essential oil you should select a chalky soil,
in an open or fully exposed position. It is
usually grown upon flat areas on the top of
the chalk downs in Surrey. It is not
desirable to get great bulk of stem and leaf,
but rather a dense development of the oil
glands upon all parts of the plant, and
especially on the leaves and inflorescence.
This is the reason why dry chalky soils, fully
exposed to sunshine and air are selected. If
the soil is very pool' it may be manured, and
the Peppermint planted in lines 18-20 in.
apart and 1 ft. in the lines to allow room for
the horse-hoe or Planet junior-hoe to keep the
ground clean and well aerated in summer.
The planting may be done in March or early
April, 'before growth is much advanced. The
rhizomes must not be long exposed to drying
winds or strong sunshine preparatory to plant-
ing, oecause they get dried up and killed by
a few hours of exposure.

Names of Fruits : X. J. P. 1, Chau-
montelle ; 2, Fondante d'Automne : 3,
Monarch ; 4, Glou Morceau ; 5, Marie
Louise ; 6, i landers Pippin ; 7. Nonsuch ;
8, not recognised ; 9, Stone Pippin ; 10,
Piles Russet. — McT. 1, decayed; 2, Queen;
3. Pott's Seedling ; 5. Nancy Jackson ; 6.
Beauty of Hants ft, Nonsuch; 8. King of the
Pippins; 10, Cox's Orange Pippin; 11, Ohas;

Ross; 12, De Neige; 13, Prince Bismarck; 14,
Bess Pool; 15, Wyken Pippin; 17, Norfolk
Stone Pippin; 20, Golden Noble; 21, Orange
Goff; 22, American Mother; Pears, 2, 3, 4
and 5, decayed; 6, Pitmaston Duchesse; 7,
Louise Bonne of Jersey ; 8, Van Mons Leon
Le Clerc ; 9, Beurre Hardy ; 10, Beurre Diel. —
M. C. 1, Tyler's Kernel; 2, not recognised;
3. Lucombe's Pine Apple; 4, Broad Eyed
Pippin ; 5, Reinette du Canada ; 6, Melon
Apple.— J. D. 1, Flower of Kent; 2, King of
Tomkin's County; 3, Lady Henniker; 4, New
Bess Pool; 5. Lady Henniker; 6, Graham's
Apple; Pear, Duchesse d'Angouleme. —
G. A. U. 1, Tower of Glamis; 2, Winter
Hawthomden; 3, Golden Pippin; 4, Allington
Pippin ; 5, Blenheim Pippin. — B. N. 1,
Fondante d'Automne ; 2, Bellisime d'Hiver ; 3,
Scarlet Golden Pippin, —if. S. 1, Reinette
Franche; 2, Yorkshire Beauty; 3, Lord
Suffield ; 4, Christmas Pearmain ; 5; Vicar of
Beighton ; 6, Hanwell Souring; 7, Mabbot's
Pearmain; 8, Nonsuch; 9, Herefordshire Pear-
main; 10, Lodgemore Nonpariel; 11, Lord
Derby. — II'. D. and Sons. A. Golden Spire;
B and C, decayed. — >IF. and S., Ltd. Lady
Henniker. — E. P. D. and Sons. Queen
Caroline.— T. E. P. 1, Cornish Mother; 2.
Bess Pool; 3, Melon Apple; 4, Gascoyne's
Scarlet; 5, Cornish Gilliflower; 6, Sturmer
Pippin; 7, Calville St. Sauveur; 8, Round
Winter Nonsuch ; 9, Colonel Yaughan ; 10,
Cockle's Pippin; 11, White Paradise. — G. B.
1, Blenheim Pippin; 2, Wyken Pippin; 3.
Northern Spy ; 4^ Sam Young ; 5, Dutch
Mignonne; 6. Cockle's Pippin. — Pom. Winter
Greening. — H. 8. 1. Lane's Prince Albert; 2,
Claygate Pearmain ; 3, Mank^s Codlin ; 4,
decayed; 5, Emile d'Heyst. — A. C. 1, Lord
Grosvenor; 2, Small's Admirable; 3, Roi
d'Angleterre; 4, Peasgood's Nonsuch; 5.
Northern Spy ; 6, Dean's Codlin ; 7, Annie
Elizabeth ; 8, Fearn's Pippin ; 9 and 10.
decayed. — C. S. 1, decaved; 2, Benin-
d'Amanlis.— A. E. S. 1, Woodcock; 2,
D'Arcy Spice ; 3, Lord Derby ; 4, Blenheim
Pippin. — A. L. Beurre Hardy. — Hythe. 1.
decayed; 2, Calville St. Sauveur; 3,
Chaumontel ; 4, Aromatic Russet; 5, Annie
Elizabeth; 6. Sandringham. — D. S. 1, Man-
nington's Pearmain ; 2, Loddington Pearmain ;
3. Sturmer Pippin; 4, Wellington (Dume-
low's Seedling) ; 5, Beauty of Kent ; 6, Melon
Apple.— T. R. S. 1, Jolly Beggar; 2, Striped
Beefing; 3, Hanwell Seedling; 4, William's
Favourite. — M. L. H. 1, Warner's King; 2,
Stirling Castle.—/. S. 1, Withington Fill-
basket; 2, Beauty of Kent; 3, Waltham Abbey
Seedling; 4, Gascoyne's Scarlet; 5, decayed; 7.
Gloria Mundi ; 8, decayed ; 9. Pitmaston
Duchess ; 6, Louise Bonne of Jersey.

Najie of Plant : W. Heaver. The specimen
sent is Pyrus A-\ria (White Beam Tree), which
tree is very different in appearance to the
Mountain Ash (Pyrus Aucuparia), though the
two are closely allied.

Varieties of Grapes : F. The best black
Grape to grow with Muscat of Alexandria is
Madresfield Court. It is a fitting companion
to the Muscat for the show board : it ripens
a little in advance of the other, ibut if grown in
the cooler end of the house it will keep well.
It is of fine quality and flavour, and receives
high points from judges. These Grapes may
both be grown in a comparatively cool vinery
when the borders are inside, and the soil
quite under control ; and with a night
temperature of 65°. Assuming that Grapes are
to be grown in a three-quarter-span house, and
no better plan can be followed, these are the
two best varieties, to plant for the purposes
indicated. Neither Muscat Hamburgh nor
Mis. Pince. both of excellent quality, are so
dependable for high-class finish as the
Madresfield Court. Both, however, ripen
somewhat later.

Communications Received.— H. E.— \Y. L.— W. J. S.
—A. D.— S. A.— J. li. A.— 11. A. F.—R 1 ( !.-
A. o. H. B.— E. F.—R. A.— J. H.— J. .M.. Chicago

G. W.— W. H. ('.— It. \V— F. T -It. \V T. Mrs
M.— W. T.— S. W. P.-H. R. D.

January 10, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

1:

THK

(garfonm' (EbrxmidU

No. 1724 — SATURDAY, JAN. 10. 1920.

CONTENTS.

Aberdeen, horticultural

Orchid notes and glean-

demonstration at ...

12

ings

15

Alpine garden, the —

Pampas Grass

19

Erythraea Centaurium

I a

Plant notes

10

Apples, October dessert

20

Potato cultivation, spade

Brassica crosses

20

versus plough

20

Canada, the Tulip city of

12

Potato McPherson

20

Cogniaux, Alfred

12

Potatos, seedling

18

Correspondence, foreign

19

Railway rates, new ...

11

Cultural memoranda ..

iy

Rat trap, varnish

12

Dartmoor, the proposed

Richmond, threatened

industrialisation of...

12

disfigurement of the

Epping allotments

11

Thames view at

11

Evergreen hedges

18

Roses, planting

16

Fernerv, the

17

Royal Colonial Insti-

Flowers, florists'

1H

tute, gift to the

Jl

Flowers, seasonable in-

R. H. S. exhibition at

door ...

15

Cardiff

11

Forest fires, fighting...

12

Shrubs, late flowering

12

" Gardeners' Chronicle"

Silver Leaf Order of

Seventy-five years ago

12

1919

18

Gardeners' Royal Bene-

Societies

21

volent Institution ...

11

Soldiers' graves

11

Grapes in unheated

Sowing forest tree seeds

houses . ...

20

bv aeroplane

11

Himalavaberrv. the ...

20

Trade notes

21

Ireland, notes from ...

17

Tropica] agriculture ...

12

Lecture in Botauv. at

"Week's work, the ...14,15

Cambridge

11

Wheat, the world's sup-

Linn Park. Glasgow, the

12

plies of

12

Histleto, hosts for the

20

White Poolar in Surrey,

" Nitric " peat...

12

the

20

Obituary

21

Women gardeners

20

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Cattleya Portia with eighty four flowers, a fine plant of 1^

Erythraea Centaurium ... ... 13

Eupatorium Kattillii ... ... 19

Luculia gratissima flowering in the Temperate House,

Kew ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1"

Average Mean Temperatt/re for the ensuing week
deduced from observations during the last fifty
years at Greenwich, 38.1°.

Actual Temperature: —

Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street,
Covent Garden, London, Wednesday, January 7,
19-30, 10 a.m.: Bar. 39.9; temp. 30°. Weather-
Cold and dull.

There are countless
Soldiers' Graves. men an,d women who
will derive consolation
from the knowledge that their relatives who
fell in the war lie buried not in some name-
less and neglected grave, but in ground
consecrated and kept and tended with even'
care that can be bestowed upon it. (low
this work has been done may be read in
Captain A. W. Hill's account of soldiers'
graves-*

In wind-swept Flanders the giraves lie
sheltered by lines of Maritime Pines, Poplar
and Sycamore, underplanted with Willow
and Sea Buckthorn, and near the coast the
desolation of the sand dunes is mitigated in
summer time by blue and mauve and white
annuals — N.emophila, Phacelia, Linaria,
Asters and Alyssum.

No matter how inhospitable the soil, the
horticultural officers attached to the Imperial
War Graves Commission have found means
to lend it some touch of life and to establish
some plant-memorial to the memory of the
dead — for the Canadian there is Maple
•grown from seed sent to Kew from Canada ;
and for the Australian, Tasmanian Eucalyp-
tus, E. Gunnii and E. whittingehamensis,
which may be expected to prove hardy in
northern France ; for the New* Zealand
soldier there are Olearias and Veronica
Traversii ; and for the Indian, Iris, Marigold
and Cypress, plants which they held sacred.

Every cemetery in France and Belgium
and in Italy, constituting the burial places
of our heroes, is British ground, made so by
the line and generous act of the Govern-
ments of those countries. Men skilled in the
raising and care of plants are engaged in

• Journal nf Roy. Hort. Soc., XLT, 1919. Part 1.

planting and tending these burial places and
wherever it is possible, perennials are
planted bordering on the graves — double
white Pinks, London Pride, Mossy Saxi-
frages, Cerastium and Thrift, and at the foot
of each Cross, Polyantha Roses, Laven-
der, Rosemary, Iris and Heaths. At Wim-
ereux, Cotoneaster frigida and Sycamore
have been planted, and on the ground
between the graves, Nepeta Mussinii, the
mauve flowers of which make a beautiful
contrast with the sands. The graves in the
Asiago Mountains are planted with Alpines,
Saxifrages and Cyclamens and Gentians ;
in the cemeteries of the Venetian Plain,
dwarf Rose bushes, Irises ' and carpet-
ing plants are being established ; and in
the Riviera, that most imposing of all
plants which stand as sentinel over death,
the Italian Cypress, Cupressus sempervirens
var pvraiiiidalis — the monitor of immor-
tality." '

By its solicitude in the care of soldiers'
graves Kew has rendered a g;reat service to
the Empire, and the account which Captain
Hill gives of the wav in which the task is
being performed will bring solace to many
hearts. Many will remember with gratitude
the large part which Captain Hill has taken
in the pious work of national remembrance.

It is difficult to under-
Epping stand the attitude taken

Allotments. Up, by the Epping Forest
Commissioners in re-
quiring the 2,000 allotment holders at Wan-
stead Flats and Epping Forest to surrender
their allotments. There may be reasons why
the land should not remain permanently
under allotment cultivation ; if so, it should
be the duty of the Commissioners to convince
the public of the validity of those reasons ;
for, so far as w-e know, the Commissioners
are not to be regarded as absolute owners of
the land, but rather as trustees administering
it on behalf of the public. It may, perhaps,
be urged that the permanent establishment
of allotments in this district would spoil the
amenities or restrict the facilities for the
public enjoyment of the ground. This, how-
ever is easily ascertained1, and if enquiry
shows that it is the case, then ultimately the
allotment holders 'must be called upon to
surrender their holdings. We confess, how-
ever, that until such an enquiry has been
held we are sceptical of the cogency of the
claim. It may be that the allotments are un-
sightly— many are ; yet that is in itself no
reason for disturbance, unless it can also be
shown that it is impossible, either by screen-
ing them with permanent plants, or by other
means, to prevent the allotments from
spoiling the landscape. But whether per
manent possession may be granted or not,
the decision of the Commissioners to
remove the holders at the present time,
although it is no doubt in accordance
with the rights vested in the Commissioners,
is, nevertheless, to be deprecated. For,
even though when the allotments were
provided a term was set upon them, con-
ditions of high post-war prices effer power-
ful reasons for extending the term. The
allotment movement has by common consent
proved so (beneficial to the community that
pre-war .habits of thought should 'be dis-
carded and the most sympathetic attitude
taken towards them. The intervention
of the Prime Minister in favour of the
holders is therefore a source of satisfaction
to all who desire to see allotment garden-
ing encouraged and extended, and we trust
that this intervention may be successful not
only in extending the time of possession, but

also — unless good proof is forthcoming that
permanent allotments in this case are
opposed to the general interests — in the con-
tained maintenance of these food-producing
plots.

Lecturer in Botany, at Cambridge.— Mr. A. G.
Tansley has been appointed I niversitv lecturer
in botany at Cambridge.

Threatened Disfigurement of the Thames View
at Richmond — The proposal to construct a wharf
on, the Middlesex bank of the Thames, at
Twickenham, for the purpose of loading barges
with gravel, is arousing considerable opposition
in the Richmond district. The Heston and
Isleworth District Council has already entered a
protest, as it consider the wharf, with
cranes and loading platforms, would be preju-
dicial to the amenities of the river and would
disfigure one of the most charming spots of river-
side scenery.

Munificent Gift to the Royal Colonial
Institute — Mr. Hugh R, Dsnison. managing
director of the Sydney Sun, and a Life Fellow
of the Institute, has given a donation of £25,000
to the Jubilee Building Fund of the Royal
Colonial Institute, because he considers the
Institute to be a " means of strengthening the
threads which connect the various parts of our
Empire together."

R.H.S. Exhibition at Cardiff.— Responding to
an invitation from the Lord Mayor of Cardiff,
the President and Council of the Roval Horti-
cultural Society have decided to" hold a
horticultural exhibition in that city on
July 6, 7, and 8. It is nearlv thirty-five' years
since an attempt was made by the Society to-
hold an exhibition in the provinces, during
which period its educational exhibition work has
been confined to London as a centre, combined
with the sending of deputations to provincial
societies. Every possible effort is now being
put forth to make the Cardiff exhibition a
great success and in everv wav worthy of the
leading horticultural society of" the world. The
President and Council have decided to award
the Coronation Cup to the best exhibit in the
show. The Wigan Cup for Roses will also be
given on this occasion, and the Gordon-Lennox
Cup for the hest exhibit of fruit.

Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution The

eightieth annual general meeting of the members
and subscribers of the Gardeners' Royal Bene-
volent Institution will be held at " Simpson's,"'
101. Strand. London, on Thursday, the 22nd
inst. , at 2.45 p.m. After the business meeting,
which will include the reading of the annual
report of the con.mittee and a statement of the
accounts of the Institution, twentv annuitants
will be elected. The chair will be "taken by the
treasurer and chairman. Sir Harry J. Veitch.
at 2.45 p.m. The poll will open at 3 p.m. and
close at 4 p.m.

New Railway Rates.— The increase in railway
rates for goods, announced by Mr \ Neal
secretary to the Ministry of Transport,' is in-
tended to produce an additional sum of fifty
million pounds per year to balance the
deficit on. the working of various rail-
way systems. The new charges will not
be uniform and will ■vary from 25 per cent
to 100 per cent., with a flat rate of 3d. to Is',
•per ton, but the greatest increase is on the small
parcels traffic, on which an additional 100 per-
cent, will he charged. There is no increase on
the cost of transit of fertilisers. Market growers
will view with apprehension the increase of 100
per cent, on returnable empties, for almost all
marketable produce is conveyed in boxes or
baskets which have necessarily to be returned
to the consignee. The increased cost of transit
on fruit is expected to be infinitesimal.

Sowing Forest Tree Seeds by Aeroplane—
With a zeal which is not according to knowledge,
.one of the Californian State representatives has
urged the Forestry Service of his State to com-
mence an afforestation programme in the fire-
swept districts nf flie Sierra Mada range h\
utilising aeroplanes for the distribution of seeds

12

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[January 10, 1920.

over these areas during the rainy season. Any-
one with the slightest knowledge of the subject
wall understand that it would only ibe a waste
of seeds, time and money to attempt afforestation
by such means.

Forest Fire Fighting. — The carrier pigeons and
equipment of tliis department of the
American Navy, announces the United
States Department of Agriculture, has been
acquired for service in combating the forest
fires that so often become destructive in that
country. The pigeons are to be distributed over
the forest zones, ready, in cases of need, to
carry messages to headquarters.

Late Flowering Shrubs. — A brief article in
a recent issue of Irish Gardening, on the above
subject draws attention to the following plants
for the autumn flower garden : — Elsholtzia Staun-
tonii. a native of China, which in September
and October bears panicles of small, purplish-pink
flowers: Caryopteris Mastacanthus, a half-hardy
native of China and Japan, and a Verbenaceous
shrub, which produces corymbs of bright blue
or violet flowers in October ; Escallonia monte-
vidensis which generally inquires the shelter
of a wall, has evergreen leaves and large panicles
of white flowers ; and Bursaria spinosa, also
suitable for a wall and white flowered, with an
agreealble scent of Hawthorn.

" Nitric " Peat. — The Italian Government is
converting certain types of ainmunition-exph'sive
into fertiliser — a new method of turning swords
into ploughshares. The method adopted is to
dissolve out the nitrate of ammonia and add
powdered peat to the solution. As a result a
fertiliser named nitric peat is produced, con-
taining 18.8 per cent, ot " ash," of which 42.8
per cent, is nitrate of ammonia. The value of
the fertiliser is about equal to that of nitrate1
of soda.

Alfred Cogniaux The 5th volume of the

Bulletin du Jardin Hotanigue d> 1'Klnt a jiru.r-
■ lies contains an appreciation of the work of
Alfred Cogniaux, the distinguished botanist of
the Botanic Gardens, whose death took place
during the war (April 15, 1916).

A Varnish Rat Trap. — The use of strong
lithographic varnish as a means of destroying
rats is recommended by Dr. Howarth, Medical
Officer for the City of London. According to
the report of an interview with Dr. Howarth,
published in the Times on January 2, the
varnish should be warmed until it will "run ' by
heating it over a saucepan or other contrivance
filled wi'h water, and then spread one-sixteenth
to one-eighth of an inch thick on pieces of
strawboard or fairly thick cardboard, some
15 inches by 12 inches in size. About an inch
margin is left u.ivarnished and bait is placed
in the centre of the board and stuck to the
varnish. The trap is placed along a run or
near rat holes, and will serve for about four
days, after which the board must be scraped and
revarnished.

The Proposed Industrialisation of Dartmoor. —
The proposal to develop the mineral and other
resources of Dartmoor must of necessity arouse
apprehension in the minds of those who love
the wild and shy beauty of that part of Devon,
and Mr. Eden Phillpotts has done well to draw
the attention of the public, by means of a letter
to the Times (on December 27), to the project.
What would appear to he a semi-official an-
nouncement of the attitude of the Duchy of
Cornwall towards the proposal appeared m a
subsequent issue of the same journal and
should reassure those who feared that the Duchy
might be tempted to sell its birthright of beauty
for a mess of pottage of industry. On the
contrary, if it can be shown that the proposed
installation of reservoirs and of machinery can
be effected without serious detriment to the
amenities of the moorland, and that material
prosperity would follow the industrialisation
of a part of the airea, reasonable opposition
would doubtless be withdrawn. The difficulty
is, of course, to estimate the permanent effect
of the scheme for making Dartmoor a source of
electric power. There are, of course, districts
in France, as for example in Haute-Savoie.
where the industrial exploitation of water power
has been conducted with no considerable destruc-
tion of the amenities of that beautiful region.

It is a difficult question to resolve, but we can
at least hope that in the consideration of this
scheme the importance of preserving the
spacious beauty of Dartmoor will not be
overlooked.

The Tulip City of Canada. — St. Thomas City
hopes to become the Tulip City of Canada this
year. Altogether nearly 40,000 Tulip bulbs,
mostly of named varieties, from Holland, have
been planted in various parts of the city. The
St. Thomas Horticultural Society has planted
over 22,000 bulbs in the boulevards, while the
London and Port Stanley Railway Company has
filled two immense beds at its new depot. The
movement for beautifying the city has been ably
supported by a large number of residents, who
have planted Tulip bulbs freely in their front
gardens, as also have many business houses.

Tropical Agriculture. — On Tuesday, February
3, Sir Francis Watts, Imperial Commissioner of
Agriculture for the West Indies, will lecture at
the Royal Society of Arts on "Tropical Depart-
ments of Agriculture, with special reference to
the West Indies." Lieut, -Colonel Sir David
Plain, Director of the Royal Gardens, Kew,
will preside.

The World's Supplies ol Wheat.— The impor-
tant question of the future of Wheat production,
with special reference to the Empire, is dealt
with at length m the current number of the
Bulletin of the Imperial institute. The annual
production of Wheat in the world prior to the
war amounted to about 110,000,000 tons, the
largest producers being the Russian Empire, with
an output of 22,000,000 tons, and the United
States, which provided nearly 19,000.000 ions.
During the war the production in Europe as a
whole, and in Russia in particular, decreased
considerably, but outside Europe there was a
great expansion. The acreage under Wheat in
Canada, the United States, Argentina, India and
Australia in 1918 was over 25 per cent, larger
than the average acreage for the five years before
the war. and it is considered that at the present
time there is a sufficiency of W neat, even without
the help of Russia, to meet the requirements of
the world. As regards the future also there is
reason for optimism. There are vast areas of
land suitable for Wheat-growing yet to lie
opened up in Canada, Australia, South America.
Siberia and other countries, whilst the present,
low average yield of 13 bushels per acre is
capable of great improvement. In recent
years the increase in the world's production has
been due, to a great extent, to an increased
yield per acre.

The Linn Park, Glasgow. — This park, acquired
in 1919 by the Corporation of Glasgow, is, we
learn, to be made accessible to the public shortly.
The necessary improvements have been under
the consideration of Mr. James Whitton, and it
is expected that a beginning will be made with
the paths before long. The park is a highly
picturesque one, situated on the banks of the
river Cart, at Cathcart, and comprising many
beautiful features. A considerable time will be
required in which to develop the park, but it
is not intended to interfere with the natural
features. A considerable expense will be in-
curred before the absolutely necessary work can
be carried through, and some of the ibuildings
at present on the property will call for a heavy
outlay. The Linn Park has been acquired since
Mr. Whitton gave his paper on the Glasgow
parks at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural
Society in March last, so that no reference to it
appears in Mr. Whititon's paper published in
the S.H.S. Journal, Vol. LXV., Part 1.

Horticultural Demonstrations at Aberdeen. — A
large and deeply interested company met at
Craibstone Farm and Gardens, the experimental
station of the Aberdeen and North of Scotland
College of Agriculture, on Saturday, the 27th
rdt., to view a most interesting and educative
exhibition of Potatos, Turnips and other horti-
cultural produce. Not only were there many
professional gardeners present, but a pleasing
feature was the large, number of plotholders who
attended. The exhibits included 400 varieties of
Potatos. 180 varieties of Turnips, and Carrots in
the various stages of decay caused by the Carrot
fly, with numerous large, well-formed sound

specimens that had been treated with a specific
to combat the scourge. Experts gave a demon-
stration in the winter pruning of iruit trees and
bushes. Professor Hendrick, head of the College,
was present and was accompanied by Mr. G. E.
Greeuhowe, lecturer in horticulture, and Mr.
William M. Findlay, superintendent of experi-
ments at Craibstone, to whom the chief credit is
due for the fine display. The object of the
Potato experiments at Craibstone was to decide
the cropping powers of the various varieties. It
was seen early in the day, however, that large
numbers were similar in this respect. Accord-
ingly, attention had been directed to dividing
them into different types and varieties. Of Up-
to-Date type there were no fewer than 80 varie-
ties, all similar. Of second earlies, there were
two main types — British Queen and Abundance —
and of earlies, Duke of York, Epicure, Harbinger
and Sharpe's Express. Taking Up-to-Date, for
example, it had been found that a large number
of the varieties were almost similar in so far as
cropping power was concerned. Of the 80 varie-
ties, there were probably 20, or more, any one
of which was as good as the other. Any differ-
ence which was found to exist was due probably
to the source of the origin of the "seed." Mr.
Findlay emphasised the importance of the origin
of "seed," and said it was a matter which did
not receive the attention it deserved. Much
interest was taken in the display of Carrots — some
stunted and cankered, grown without preventive
treatment against Carrot fly, and other, well-
formed, sound specimens, to which Mr. Greeu-
howe had applied his specific. The Carrot fly
preventative which gave such good results is
composed of one ounce of sheep dip (about a
table-spoonful), diluted with one pint of water,
and mixed with 14 lb. of dry sand. The
mixture was applied twice weekly during the
months of May, June and July, at the rate of
one handful of the prepared sand to each square
yard of ground. Among Apples specially re-
commended for cultivation in the north of Scot-
land were Golden Spire, Bramley's Seedling
(crimson and green), Prince Albert, Baillie
Xeilson, Warner's King and Ecklinville.

The "Gardeners' Chronicle" Seventy-five
Years Ago. — Propagation by Leaves. — We have
never heard of anyone striking Orange trees
from their leaves, but we entertain no doubt of
the possibility of the thing; for although in this
country we rarely attempt to apply the practice
to any sorts of leaves except those of a fleshy
texture, like Gloxinias, Gesneras, etc., yet Mr.
Neumann tells us that the hard and dry-leaved
Theophrasta latifolia has been struck by him in
this way ; and what is more, that when the leaf
was cut into two halves, the one half struck
root as well as the other. It will be obvious to
all who know what a Theophrasta is, that
if such a leaf as that may be made to strike root,
there can be no conceivable difficulty in obtain-
ing the same results from the leaves of Oranges.
Lemons, Sweet Bays, Rhododendrons, Hollies, or
any other sort of evergreen. The difficulty will
reside in the varying structure of such plants,
and the consequent uncertainty about the pecu-
liar treatment which each leaf may demand.
What may be extremely proper in one case
will be destructive in another. Experience is
therefore wanted; and numerous experiments
must be made to determine the details of such a
practice. But those experiments will have a better
chance of leading quickly to success if the theory
of the action of leaves is understood. No plant
can form a new individual without first organis-
ing a bud. That must be in all cases the first
step in the process of propagation. Now buds
are known to spring exclusively from the soft
pulpy or cellular matter that constitutes tin-
flesh' of plants, and not from their solid woodv
(or bony) parts. This cellular matter is formed
by Nature out of organisable fluids produced
by the leaves, and by the leaves only, or their
equivalent, as in the instance of the green bark
of the leafless Cacti. Hence it follows that
leaves are really the great agents of propagation
in any case, whether layers, cuttings, or other
forms' of multiplication are had recourse to ; for
the power possessed by the parts of plants so
named is derived immediately and exclusively
from the leaves. No wonder, then, that leaves
should themselves become agents of propagation.
— Gard. Ghron., January 11. 1845.

January 10, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

Vd

EVERGREEN HEDGES.

For shelter and appearance, evergreen hedges
have much to recommend them over those
formed of deciduous plants, and require less
attention in keeping them trimmed.

March and April are good months in which to
plant evergreens for hedges, as the plants start
into growth almost at once and escape the severe
frost sometimes experienced when they are
planted in the autumn.

Thorough preparation of the site is of great
value in ensuring success, yet too often slip-
shod methods are adopted, such as using no
manure, or not even digging the soil deeply.

In all cases the ground should be dug deeply
or, where it is of a heavy character and retentive
of moisture owing to an impervious subsoil,
trenched. In the case of sandy soil or light
loam, deep digging will suffice. Half decayed
manure should be put under the plants and a
mulching, 2 inches thick, laid over the surface
to a distance of two feet around them. This
will serve to conserve the soil moisture during
the dry weather, and eventually rotting will
encourage the roots to grow near the surface.

For a hedge over 5 feet high, nothing equals
Thuya Lobbii. The growth is fast and dense,
whilst the colour' is pleasing : being dee;i green in
summer with a bronzed tint in tne cutunvn and
winter. Two trees, eighteen inches high,
planted to the yard Trill quickly form a hedge
so march as 20 feet high if required, and at
that height need not be more than 2 feet wide
if properly trimmed.

What could be better for a shelter to a fruit
tree plantation, kitchen or flower garden, or as
a screen to hide an unsightly object? Thuya
occidentalis (American Arbor Vitae) is a good
subject for a hedge up to 8 feet high. The
deep bronze hue in winter is even more
emphasised than in T. Lobbii. Plants of this
Conifer should be planted 15 inches apart.
Cupressus Lawsoniana, tinged on the under, and -
deep green on its upper, surface, is a suitable
tree for a hedge 6 feet high. This Conifer
should be planted 2 feet apart, as the growth is
more dense than in other subjects.

Where variety in colour is required, Thuya
gigantea aurea, with its rich tint of gold, makes
a pleasant picture in the garden, and the golden
Arbor Vitae provides a snnilar colour.

The common or English Yew is muoli
appreciated for the making of hedges, in fact
it is the most popular of all hedge plauts. A
fault is its slow growth, but it has the
advantage of great density, is easily kept in
order when established, and provides a thorough
screen. Plants of a bushy character should lie
set 1^ ft. apart.

The common gireen Holly makes one of the
best hedges in existence, especially for planting
iu sandy soil or deep loams. Where the subsoil
is heavy in texture the leaves show a tendency
to drop prematurely, but this may be obviated
by deep trenching. Unless the plants are well
selected — bushy below — it often takes a lohg
time to establish a hedge dense at the base ;
until this is assured the leading shoots should
not be allowed to extend upwrards. The month
of April is the best time to plant Holly, placing
the plants 1 foot apart.

Where broad, tall hedges or screens are
required, the common Laurel is suitable. The
variety colchica grows faster than any other and
has very large leaves of a dense green colour.
The plant will extend as much as 2 feet or even
more in one season. For a close, compact, neat
hedge, the variety rotundifolium is best, as it
is so amenable to clipping and, being compact
in its growth, it is especially well suited for
hedges. In colour perhaps it is a little pale.
The Caucasian Laurel is also suitable; the
leaves are long, narrow, and dense green. This
is, perhaps, the hardiest of all Laurels. The
common Laurel possesses many good points,
but its worst fault is that it is more subject to
injury by frost than any other.

The Portugal Laurel deserves much more
attention as a hedge plant than it receives.
A hedge of this evergreen 12 feet high and
6 feet in thickness is a notable object in any
garden. It is not wise to plant Laurels too

thickly; bushy plants, two to the yard, quickly
form a thick hedge. Deeply trenched soil and
an abundance of manure favour quick growth,
and the manure causes the foliage to develop a
deep colour. February and March are suitable
months to prune finally, and August for the
removal of long shoots of the current season.

The common Spruce Fir, if planted when not
more than eighteen inches high and the side
shoots pruned carefully, quickly grows into a
thick hedge, and has a much better appearance
than many persons would think who have not
seen this Conifer used as a hedge plant.

Berberis Darwinii, with its rich orange
blossoms in the spring, and its dense growth
of green foliage, is a most interesting subject
for a hedge. Unfortunately the plant is liable
to be injured by 25° of frost, which makes gaps,
otherwise it is a most desirable plant for a
hedge. By putting in one plant of common
Holly to two of Berberis as a protection, frost
may to some extent be warded off. To obtain
freedom in flowering, vigorous growth should be
encouraged by affording the roots manure, and
allowing all growth to remain until flowering is
past, in May, when the hedge should at once

mon subject for the purpose, yet an interest-
ing and desirable one. The foliage is dense,
tinted dark green in winter, and the plant is
pretty in the spring when in bloom. Common
Furze, where the soil is of a sandy character,
quickly forms a thick hedge of dark green,
much ornamented with its golden blossoms in
spring.

Tile shape in which evergreen hedges should
grow is a matter of convenience, but they
have, in my opinion, the best appearance when
trained with upright sides and flat top, not more
than 2 feet wide, except in the case of Laurels,
where they should be 3 feet. E. Molyru ux.

THE ALPINE GARDEN.

ERYTHRAEA CENTAURIUM.

The common Erythraea or Centaury is one of
our prettiest native plants. It is frequently
met with in dry pastures, by roadsides, and on
sandy banks. It is extremely variable in habit,
some speciments growing only an inch or two

Fit!. 6. — ERYTHRAEA CENTAURIUM : FLOWERS PINK.

be closely out. It will at once commence to
make new growth, upon which the following
season's blossoms will form.

Cupressus (macrocarpa and its yellow form
grow amazingly fast. These Conifers are well
suited for planting as screens, but are liable tit
be blown down if allowed to extend too rapidly
and are also apt to become somewhat thin at
the base if allowed to start away too vigorously.
To avoid this, remove the point of each tree
and plant voung specimens 2 feet high.

Where dwarf, compact hedges are required,
Retinospora plumosa and its golden form are
excellent, and so is Box, except, perhaps, that the
last is too slow in growth; the rotundifolia
variety of Box is more suitable than others.
Rosemary makes an interesting hedge; the
plant grows freely, is amenable to close cutting
and thoroughly hardy in any situation.

The common Laurustinus is another uncoim-

high, while others are more than a foot tall.
The one illustrated in Fig 6 was a foot high
and nearly as much across; it was covered with a
mass of pink flowers dining the summer, when it
was one oT the most attractive plants in the rock
garden. Erythraea Centaurium is a biennial
or annual and makes an excellent plant
for naturalising in the rock garden among
other low-growing plants as, owing to
its light growth, little harm is caused by its
presence in odd corners. In poor, chalky soil
larger flowers are produced on small plants,
while in richer ground the plants lend to more
foliage and smaller, fewer flowers. In contrast to
lv Ccnlaui'iuin, which prefers full sunshine, E.
Massomi. Ihe other member of the genus, from
I he Azores, prefers half shade and rich soil
This species is a perennial and produces a pi'O
fusion of prostrate stems bearing an abundance

of large, pink flowers.

]4

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[January 10, 1920.

The Week's Work.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

JJy T. W. Briscoe, G&rclcner to \Y. R. Lysaght, Esq.,
Castleford, Chepstow.

Cattleya. — Certain of the winter-flowering
Cattleyas and Laelio-Gattleyas, and especialy
hybrids of C. laibiata, possess a more
or less thick sheath around the flower
spike, which occasionally sets up decay at
the top of the pseudo-bulb. If the weather
is dull and foggy, care should be taken
to make a clean cut when removing the sheath,
and, at the first signs erf decay, dust the affected
part with powdered charcoal or sulphur.

Zygopetalum Mackayi. — Plants of this Orchid
have passed the flowering stage, and those
root-bound may be repotted when the new
growth is a few inches high. Z. Mackayi is a
vigorous rooting subject, and requires a some-
what liberal compost consisting of good, fibrous
loam, and a small quantity of partially decayed
leaves. For a few weeks after being disturbed
the plants should be grown in a light position
in the Cattleya house, but when they are re-
established a cool-intermediate temperature will
suffice. The roots should be given plenty of
water while the plants aire making their growth.
This useful, winter flowering Orchid may 'be
raised readily from seeds.

Seedling Dendrobiums. — These commence grow-
ing early in the year and any necessary repotting
may be done when roots are developing at the
base of the new growth. Small pans provide
the most suitable receptacles, .and they should
have a wire handle attached to suspend them
from the roof-rafters. The handles may also be
used as a support to the pseudo-bulbs and new
growths. The compost should consist of fibrous
peat or Osmunda fibre and Sphagnum-moss in
equal parts. The materials should be made
moderately fine, and a sprinkling of sharp sand
may be added. Grow the plants in a warm house,
and afford water in moderation or the young
shoots will invariably damp off.

Temperatures.— The following day tempera-
tures should be maintained in the respective
houses : — East Indian or warm house. 65°-70° ;
Cattleya or intermediate house, 60°-65° ;
Odontoglossum or cool house, 55°-60°. The
maximum temperatures should be at mid-day.
At night, the temperature may be 5° lower than
the minimum given for the <iay. During oold,
frosty weather it is better to allow the tempera-
ture to fall slightly below the figures given rather
than drive the fires to their utmost capacity. At
such times the atmosphere should not be
surcharged with moisture.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN

By T. Patemax, Gardener tn C. A. Cain, Esq., J. p.,
The Node, Codioote, Werwyn. Hertfordshire.
Varieties of Apples and Pears. — I do not
advise the planting of many bush Apple trees
of the early dessert sorts. A sufficient number
only should be planted to furnish fruit- that
may be consumed direct from the trees. The
varieties Irish Peach, Beauty of Bath, Lady
Sudeley, Worcester Pear main and St. Everard
may be recommended. Plant freely the follow-
ing varieties : (dessert) Cox's Orange Pippin,
St. Edmund's Pippin, Ellison's Orange, Rival,
The Houblon, Ribs ton Pippin, Belle de Boskoop,
Barnack Beauty ; (culinary) Lord Grosvenor,
Grenadier, Warner's King, Bramley's Seedling,
Lane's Prince Albert, and Newton Wonder.
Pears that crop well here as bush trees are
Clapp's Favourite, Souvenir du Congres, Mar-
guerite Marillat, Durondeau and Doyenne du
Cornice.

Pruning. — -No hard and fast rule can be laid
down as to the proper time for pruning hardy
fruit trees. Apples and Pears may be pruned
from the end of October until the end of1 March ;
It is advisable, however, to complete the work as
early in the New Year as possible, and it should
be done in fine weather, as the cut surfaces heal

better when it is mild than in times of frost.
Use a sharp knife in preference to secateurs, for
pruning with secateurs tends to produce bad
spurs.

Bush Apples. — The extent to which pruning
may with advantage be practised in the case of
bush Apples depends very largely on the par-
ticular variety. Certain soils of Apple* produce
short, stubby side shoots from four to six inches
long, terminating in bloom buds. If these are
shortened the most flruitful parts of the trees
are cut away. The longer side shoots should be
cut back to within two or three eyes and the
leading growth shortened as required. 'Leaders
on young, established trees may be left 15 to 18
inches long and the cut should be made at a
bud pointing in the direction growth is required.

Pears. — Bush Pears on the Quince stock may
be pruned as advised for bush Apples.

Preparations for Top-Grafting Old Trees. —The
shoots of old fruit trees intended to be grafted
before the sap is on the move should be cut
back in preparation for inserting the scions,
which should be obtained from healthy trees.
They should be placed temporarily in the soil
to keep them moist.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By F. Jordan, Gardener to Lieut.-Col. Spender Clay,
M.P.. Ford Manor, Ling-field, Surrey.

Strawberries. — Where suitable accommoda-
tion is available and very early berries are
required, the first batch of Strawberries was
started last month. The night temperature
should not be increased for the present beyond
45c, with a few degrees higher by day, as
growth will be slow during the first few weeks.
The majority of growers start their first plants-
in the New Year in a house having a tempera-
ture of 40° to 45°. If the pots are stood on
a bed of sweet, fermenting leaves the gentle
heat will stimulate tJhe roots, and prevent early
attacks of red spider. Clear the pots of weeds
and worms, and ram the soil firmly when it is
moderately dry. Little or no water will be
needed during the first few weeks, and water
should only be given after careful examination
shows that moisture is needed.

Pot Vines.— The buds of the earliest pot
vines are swelling. Let the forcing of these
vines be done, as much as possible, during the
day. Renovate the fermenting material if the
heat has declined; this will soften the effects
of fire-heat, assist the roots of the vines,
and also create more natural atmospheric
moisture. Pay careful attention to dis-
budding, retaining the strongest and best-
placed shoots, and leaving the laterals
about 20 inches apart on either side. As soon
as the leaves are developed, discontinue syring-
ing the vines, damping the paths and other
available spaces only. At this stage the tem-
perature may range from 55° to 60° at night,
according to the weather, until the vines come
into flower, when 65° to 68° should be main-
tained, with 10° higher by day with sun heat.
Examine the pots daily and use tepid water only
to keep the roots moist.

The Orchard jHouse. — Where suoh varieties as
Cardinal and Early Rivers Nectarines and
Duchess of Cornwall and Duke of York Peaches
are grown, pot trees need not be started until
the Xew Year. Select trees in moderate-sized
pots which are full of roots, having thoroughly
ripe new wood well set 'with buds. Where
a mild bottom-heat can be provided, this will
be found a great help to the trees. Stand the
pots on other inverted pots, aud place leaves
and litter, which have been prepared previously,
around them. Start with a low temperature of
40° to 45°, with plenty of air.

Fi^s in pots and those planted in borders
should be started, and here again gentle fer-
menting materials are of great advantage. The
temperature of the house may range about 50°
— a little more or less, according to the weather.
Syringe the trees with tepid water once or twice
daily as required, and sufficiently early in the
day* to allow them to dry before night. At all
times avoid hard forcing in severe weather :
rather let the temperature decline a few degrees
than use an excess of fire-heat.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By H. Wheeler, Gardener to Mrs. Jennes, Wenvoe
Castle, near Cardiff.

Hotbeds. — 'Where brick-pits or frames are
available for the early forcing of vegetables on
hot-beds j the latter should be made forthwith.
Oak and Beech, leaves mixed with long stable
m&nure offer the best materials for the purpose
as they maintain warmth for a long period.
The leaves and dung should be in a moist
state and used in the proportion of two
parts of leaves to one of stable manure. Turn
the material on alternate days ; in about ten
days it should be in a suitable condition for
making the hot-bed. Wheire frames are to *be
used, the hot-bed should be at least three feet
high in the front and four feet at the back ; it
should exceed the width and length of the
frame by at least 2 feet 6 inches. The quantity
of hot-bed material to use in brick-pits will be
governed by the depth of the latter. Pro-
ceed to make up the bed by putting the
material in layers and beating, it very firmly with
the (back of a digging fork. Place the 'frame
in position and finish, the work by placing nine
inches of fine soil inside the frame. Put the
lights on and when, after a few days, the bed
does not feel unduly hot, sow the crop.

Potatos. Tubers for forcing should now be
planted in heated pits, choosing those that have
been prepared for early planting, and with
strong sprouts. Select a dwarf-haolmed, early
variety, and plant the tubers in rows 15 inches
apart, allowing a distance of 10 inches between
the sets in the rows. Do not plant deeply ;
more soil may be added when top growth is
three to four inches high. By planting
sliallowly, the tubers will derive full benefit
from sun-heat ,

Asparagus. — Asparagus will force readily now,
but it is important that strong roots not younger
than three years be used. Place the crowns
closely together on a hot-bed and cover them
with three inches of light soil. Given a light
position and a temperature of 60° to 65°, shoots
should be ready for cutting in three weeks.

General Remarks. — The present is a suitable
time for selecting the positions and space for the
various crops it is proposed to grow during the
coming season. Root crops should not be
grown in recently manured ground, but in soil
that has been well manured for a previous crop.
By this time the seed catalogues are in the
bands of most gardeners, and growers should
choose varieties that are known to do Well in
their locality. A few novelties and varieties
which have attracted special notice in the past
season should be included in the order.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By Sidney Lkgg, Gardener to the Dowager Lady
Nv-vuvitxHOLMr.. Warter priory, Yorkshire.

Dianthus Garden. — Mice and slugs are
very partial to species and varieties of
Dianthus, therefore it is necessary to be
always trapping these vermin. It is also
advisable to wage war on sparrows . a nd t ii e
careful cultivator will, when introducing
new loam., see that it is not infested with
wire worms. Those constructing a Dianthus
garden and not having sufficient plants to com-
plete the planting, may utilise any of the fol-
lowing subjects for the time being without
misgiving: — Lavandula, in variety, Sarntolinn
incana, alpine Auriculas, Veronica incana, V.
spicata, Statice Bonduellii, Narcissi, ■ Tulips
and bulbous-rooted Irises. On no account use
creeping and spreading plants like Cerastium
tomentosum as, when established, they are diffi-
cult to eradicate and are a constant source of
trouble.

The Spring Garden. — During the war the trees
in many Pine copses were felled. Some of the
copses were comparatively small and included
Birch trees (Betula alba). Those having a
copse of this kind in the near vicinity of the
pleasure grounds, with the majority of Pines cut
out, will have the foundation for a spring garden.
Once the pathways and necessary clearings have
been made the soil will need to be thoroughly
trenched, liberally manured and, in some in-

January 10, 1920.J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

15

stances, mixed with suitable materials to render
it porous. It is not advisable to plant a large
variety of subjects at the commencement; one
genus — for instance, the Primulaceae — is prefer-
able to many. Species of Primula, Tulipa, Nar-
cissus, Scilla and Anemone are ample to start
with and will give a very effective display;
other genera may be introduced to extend and
prolong the season as and when required. The
large bunch-flowered Primroses show to best
advantage when massed. Of Tulips, those of
the Gesneniana, type are most suitable. Scilla
sibirica and Anemone apennina should be planted
on rising ground and in such a manner as to
provide a sheet of colour. With regard to tones,
it is wise to let the light and soft shades pre-
dominate. The sombre colours may be utilised
in the 'background and then gradually toned off,
towards the more open stretches, to pure white.
Remove all decaying branches from the trees at
the present time and clear away any rubbish
linit may have accumulated. Should fungi
attack the trees, use soluble paraffin specific to
eradicate them. If jackdaws prove trouble-
some, erect a cage four feet high and use a
wide-meshed net at the top. Place some corn
in the trap and the birds will pass through the
net but cannot fly out of the cage.

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

SEASONABLE INDOOR FLOWERS.

BRASSO-LAELIO CATTLEYA TONIE.
A pretty tiower, of good size, of this new
cross between B.-L.-C. Cooksomi (B.-L. Mrs.
M. Gratrix x C. Dowiana) and C. Verms
(Dowiana x Iris) is sent by the raisers, Messrs.
Oharlesworth and Co., Raywards Heath. C.
Dowiana aurea being also in the parentage of
C. Iris, this Oi'chid is represented in the cross
three times, and shows its influence strongly in
the new hybrid, practically to the exclusion of B,
Digbyana in B.-L. Mrs. 1V[. Gratrix, which only
appears in the slight fringe on the lip and the
very firm substance of all the segments. The
sepals and petals are bright chrome yellow witli
an orange shade. The lip is rosy-imauve 'with
orange base. The fleshy column is white.

CATTiLEYA PORTIA.
I enclose a. photograph of a plant of Cattleya
Portia which flowered here recently, when it
(arried no fewer than eighty-four flowers. I
think it may interest you and your readers.
C, Portia, you will remember, is the result of
crossing C. Bowi'ingiana with C. labiata. ' '.
Kench, Broomhill Gardens, Spratton, ]\7or-
lhampton.

So far as is consistent with accommodation
and individual requirements, those responsible
for the decoration of show houses should culti-
vate as great a variety of plants as possible. A
list of a tew showy subjects that might be more
generally cultivated may be useful at this time.
Coleus thrysoideus. Pycnostachys Dawei and
Eranthemum put. helium, are all beautiful blue-
flowered subjects that are in flower during
winter or early spring, while Erlangea totmen-
tosa, Eupnturiuni macrophylhun, E. Raftillii (see
Fig. 9), and E. innthinum are useful plants.

purplish flowers.
Acacias that are
worthy of imore

with lavender blue

There are also a. few

so useful as to be

general cultivation; these are A. platyptera

A. longiflora, A. longifiora v;ir. mucronata, A.

hasbata and A. Raileyiana, which, if planted

out in a conservatory, will give a wealth of

sprays suitable for cutting about Christmas

time.

Jacobinia chrysostephana should be grown for
December flowering, as there is no other subject
in that month that surpasses it in its wonderful
orange-yellow colouring. Foreman.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By John Coi:tts, Foreman. Royal Botanic Gardens,
Kew.

Hippeastrum.— The earliest plants of
Hippeastrum may he started at any time now,
selecting those plants that were repotted and
started early last year as these matured early last
season. It is important in growing early Hippe-
astrunis to select plants that do not require
repotting. The soil should have several soakings
to wet the material thoroughly; then turn the
plants out of their receptacles and correct faulty
drainage. Remove some of the top soil, top-
dress the roots with rich compost, and plunge
the puts in a hot-bed with a bottom heat of
70°. The plants should require very little
water until the flower spikes 'begin to develop
and some leaf growth is made. If infested with
mealy bug, the bulbs should be cairefully cleaned.
a.nd a sharp outlook be kept every day for stray
bugs. Within the next few weeks the collection
should be examined, and all plants that require
it shaken out, cleaned and repotted, using as
small pots as possible. They will then be
ready for introducing into beat as required.
Last year's seedlings, at present in 60-sized
pots, will, sometime during the present month,
require a shift into 48-sized pots ; very young
seedlings should not be dried off until they attain
flowering size.

Eichardia. — A batch of plants of Richardia
Elliottana should be potted in 6-inch or 7-inch
pots, according to the size of the tubers. As the
roots develop from the crown of the tuber,
they should be covered with some two inches
of soil, and not left exposed, as is sometimes
done. The pots should be little more than half
filled with compost, to allow room for top
dressings asthe plants develop. A temperature
of 55° is suitable at the commencement of forc-
ing. Exercise great care not to overwater the
plants until they have made fresh roots and top
growth, hut when growing actively give them
liberal supplies of water and frequent applica-
tions of diluted liquid manure. R. Pentlandii and
R. Mrs. Roosevelt should be afforded similar
treatment. _ Plants of R. afrioaina in full growth
and showing flower should be given liquid
manure and soot water liberally at least twice
n, week.

Sweet Peas. — Seedling Sweet Peas raised from
seed sown last autumn should he ready for
placing in their flowering pots, after which they
should be grown in a cool, light house near
to the roof-glass. Water them with extra care
until the roots become re-estaiblished in the soil.

Chrysanthemums.— As good, strong cuttings
of Chrysanthemums become available, continue
to propagate according to requirements. Large
flowers have a certain value in hold floral
arrangements, hut they are not nearly so popular
as the more decorative blooms, including the
many beautiful single varieties

R FLOWERS.

NEW HYBRIDS.

(Continued I mm November S, 1919. p. 240.)

Brasso-Cattleya Benvemlto

Brasso-Laelio-Oattleya Golden Caskei

Brasso-Lnelio-Cattlcva Thyone

Cattleya Imperial

Cattleya Peter

Cattleya Pittportia var. Lady Leon .

Cattleya Quebec

Cymbidhun Argo

Cymbidium Ceres

Cypripedimn Boston Beauty

Cypripedium Oharmion

Cypripedium Hestia

Cypi-ipedinm Leviathan

Cypripedium Peacock

Cypripedinm R,oyal Oak

Cypripedium T. Abbot

Cypripedinm Thias

I lio-Cattleya Bellatrix

Laelio-Cattleya St. Bernard ...

Laelio-Cattleya Goldon bight ..
Odontioda Carola ...

Odolntiodla Livinia

Odontioda Saturn

Odonfoplossnm Argon

OdontoglOBsum &sion

Odontoglossum Caroln

Odontoglossum Colombia

Sophro-Onttleya Vomoh
Sophro-Laelio-CaUleya Rainbow

Parentage.

0. Maggie Raphael alba x B.-C. Ilene
B.-O. Mrs. J. Leeman x L.-C. Nelthi

Beauelerk

B.-C. -Airs. .1. Leemonn x L.-C. Thyone

Hardyana x Luegeae

Peetersii x labiata

Mrs. Pitt X Portia

Mrs. Peroy Bigland x choeoensis alba

Winniannm x erythrostylum

I'Ansoni Oravenianum x insigne Sanderao
Dante magnineom x insigne Chnntinii
R. Aslnvorth x Alcibiades illustris ...

Cyclops x Lady Dillon

Fulshawense x insigne Harefield Hall ...

Baron Schroder x Hera

Dreadnought x Reginald Young

Leeonum x Harri-Leeamim

Desdemona x Beeckmannii

L.-C. Be-lla alba x C. Fabia Ellbo

L.-C. Rubens x C. labiata ... ■

Luminosa x Golden Fleece

Odm. l'Empcreur x Oda. Diana

Oda. Thwaitesti x Odm. amabile

Odm. A.rgon - Oda. Bnnderoe

Edwardii x amabile

Solon . Ar|uitani:i

Queen Alexandra. X SeoUinnum

\i 0 Sander x s^lendidum

s c. hens ■ C Tonus

0. Dowiana x S.-L.-0. de V.re B. in-bilc

Kxhibitor.

Baron Schroder.

H. T. Pitt, Esq.

Hassall and Co.

Sanders.

Florv and Black.

Sir H. S. Leon.

Sir J. Colman.

Q. Hamilton Smith. Esq.

G. Hamilton Smith, Esq.

H. T. Pitt, Esq.

Mrs. W. It. I

Mrs. W. R, Lee.

Sanders.

Sanders.

S. Qratrix,

Keeling.

Charlesworth.

Baron Sonrdder.

Florv and Block.

Sir Geo. L. Holford.

IV Smith, Esq.

R. G. Thwnites, Esq.

R. o. Thwaites, Esq.

R. G. Thwaiti i -

W. R. Fasey, Esq.

Charle worth.

Sanders.

Florv and Black.

Pantia Italli. Esq.

Esq.

K>

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[January 10, 1920.

EDITORIAL NOTICE.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the
PUBLISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, W.C.

Editors and Publisher. — Our correspondents would
obviate delay in obtaining answers to their com-
munication ft . and save u» muck time and trouble, if
they would kindly observe the notice printed weekly
to the effect that all letters relating to financial
matters and to advertisements should be addressed
to the Publisher ; and that all communications
intended for publication or referring to the Literary
department, and all plants to be named, should be
directed to the Editors. The two departments
Publishing and Editorial, are distinct, and much
unnecessary delay and confusion arise when letters
are misdirected.

Special Notice to Correspondents. —TV"1 Editors
tin not undertake to pay for any contributions or
illust rations, or in return unused communications
or illustrations unless by special arrangement. The
Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any
opinions expressed by their correspondents.

Local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige by

sending to the Editors early intelligence of local
events' Vthehj to be of interest to our readers, or of
any mutters which it is desirable to bring undir
the notice of horticulturists.

Letters for Publication, as well as specimens of
plants for naming, should he addressed in thS
EDITORS. 41.. Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, London. Communications should be
early in the week as possible, and. duly signed by
the writer. If desired, the signature will not be
printed, but kept as a r/unranfee of good faith.

Illustrations— T he Editors will be glad to receive
and to select photograph* or drawings suitable for
reproduction, ,,f gardens, or of remarkable flowers,
trees etc., but they cannot he responsible for Toss
"r injury.

PLANTING ROSES.

THE late autumn — from October to Christ-
mas— is recognised by rosarians as the
planting season, and seldom have I
known an autumn in which the condition of the
soil has been so excellent for planting from
start to finish. For the operation of making or
remaking beds for Roses, the ground can seldom
be too dry for the comfort of the gardener, and
October provided us last year with almost ideal
conditions in this respect, while even the rains
of November failed to render the condition of
the ground more than pleasantly moist, and
produced nunc of that stickiness in which we
almost fear to tread the ground too recklessly
lest we should puddle the compost. There has
been this past season no excuse tor failure t"
secure firm planting; one might almost have used
a ramming iron without evil results, and whatever
the future may have in store for us we may
rest assured that, iii ordinary care lias been
exercised, a good start has been made in the
first operation of the rosarian's year.

It is the more to lie regretted that stocks of
Roses have, of necessity, been somewhat short.
No one need be surprised at this for the Roses
we buy now must have been budded in 1918
when many skilled hands were absent from the
nurseries, and the stocks must have been
planted a year earlier, 1917. when most
of the ground in the country was sadly
needed for food production. The weight of the
war was heavy on us in both these years and
when we now feel at greater liberty to plant
what we would, we find the position is rather
that we must plant what we can.

Nevertheless, owing to the enterprise of our
nurserymen, and perhaps through improved
methods of preparation and communication
they may have learnt during the war, I fancy
that both I and my fellow gardeners have fared
better at the hands of our tradesmen than most
of us dared to hope at the beginning of the
season ; while it may be that having to plant
what we can rather than what we might have
selected may have proved less evil than
we anticipated, and certainly in some cases
that have come under my notice has an-
troduced out friends to Roses of merit that
they might not have thought of for some years,
if at all, had their choice been entirely free.

The renovation of Rose beds, aod the con-
struction of new beds, are rightly regarded as
the first operations of the Rose grower's year,
which thus begins in the autumn. It is often
surprising how long a well-made bed of Roses
will last in good condition with little more
attention than the annual manuring in spring
and the sprinkling of a little lime or basic
slag on the soil in autumn. I have a few beds
that have been planted for over 15 years without
renovation and they are still doing well ;
the plants make annually nearly as good growth
as when they were first planted, while in other
cases only 3 or 4 years after planting has
elapsed before renovation was called for.

A question one is often asked is " My Roses
have been planted so many years, ought I to
dig them up?" and without further information
it cannot be answered satisfactorily. So long
as Roses continue to flower well and miake good
growth it is unnecessary to disturb them, but
so soon as the plants are seen to be failing,
investigation becomes necessary, and the cause
should he sought for. The failure may arise
from many causes. Sometimes pruning has been
neglected and the plants fail to make good
growth from the 'base. Sometimes, without
apparent reason, the plants appear to be getting
prematurely old, and in other cases the sarnie

thing may occur tin gh attacks of some fungus.

Again, the plants may appear healthy and make
fair growth and yet flower badly, in which case
either unsuitable soil or the invasion of tree
roots may he suspected. Finally, owing to
neglect or failure to apply effective remedies,
the plants may have been seriously crippled by
mildew, red rust or black spot diseases. In all
these eases renovation of the bed and replanting
are usually desirable, though in the last case
(crippling through mildew, etc.) if the trouble
is not very bad. it may be deferred in order to
attempt, in another season, tr.ore effective and
, irlv treatment.

The nature and extent ..I' the renovation of

the bed that is called for before replanting -t.

I.i a great extent, depend mi the cause of failure.

There are two classes of »i id fungi that

are very pernicious to Roses, and they
may occur either separately or in combination.

One is a fungus that attacks dead wood and
also invades the living plants. Where this is
present it may be seen in the form of white
hvphae permeating the soil, attacking and
whitening hits of dead wood and primings which
have fallen into the soil. If the Rose plant3
are attack. I the white fungus will he found
running down the outside of the roots and little
blackish fungi, like small toadstools on stalks.
about U inches long, may. in autumn, often he
seen crowing out of the Rose plant near toe
collar. The other fungus is not. I think, per
ceptible to the .ye in the soil, hut it attacks
the bark of the Roses, specially near the collar
or in standards near the scat of grafting, though
the injury may also occur at other points on the
stem The injury may he HtAle noted at pruning
time ami if the' attacked stem is allowed to
remain it grows for a short time at the top,
hut the new shoots wilt and die before long,
a mishap often erroneously attributed to frost.
In both cases if the attacked plant is pulled
or ,|iie up it will be found to smell strongly of
Mushrooms.

Where either of these fungous invasions have
occurred the soil should either be removed and
fresh compost substituted (which is doubtless
the safest plan), or at least the ground should
be thoroughly trenched, all affected soil deeply
and i an fully buried ami the top filled in either
with fresh soil or with that from the bottom of
I he bed. So fan- as I can judge the fungus does

not usually extend very far below the surface,
and I fondly hope may be killed by burial at
a sufficient depth.

Where no fungus is present and renovation is
chiefly required because of the age of the
beds, less drastic, treatment is necessary, but
trenching the beds is often advisable, and if
top spit is procurable from a fresh site, there is
nothing better for incorporating with the upper
foot of soil, together with a moderate quantity
of old manure. If some ingenious person would
invent a method of slightly roasting soil without
burning it, it would solve many difficulties in
renovation. Dressings of basic slag are of great
value in Rose growing, but this fertiliser should
not be used when fresh animal manure is dug
into the bed, or much of its value will be
wasted. Basic slag is essentially a manure for
autumn application, because it is slow in action.
It has several advantages for our purpose. It
contains phosphates to feed the plant and harden
the tissues against disease; it contains lime to
sweeten the soil and render its food con-
stituents more readily soluble for the use of the
plant ; it does not appear to do harm to Roses
as do many artificial manures if the proper pro-
portions are exceeded. As a convenient guide
to the amount to be used a 5-inch potful may be
spread over aibout 4 square yards, or a. 2 yard
run of a border 6 ft. wide.

In the making of new Rose beds regard
must be had to the nature of the soil, and this
varies so much that only general directions can
be useful. Where the land is gravelly, or chalk
comes near the surface, excavation to at least
2 feet 6 inches in depth and filling with good
soil is essential. There are, however, many soils
where after drainage has been attended to little
more than trenching the ground and working in
well-decayed manure seem necessary.

The best Rose soils seem to oocur near the
outcrop of clay formations, and so where the staple
is pure clay the addition of material to make
the soil lighter and more porous is desirable.
White Hose.

PLANT NOTES.

LUOUI/IA.

The Luculias, when in flower, are amongst the
most attractive of plants, equally' on account of
their exquisite perfume as for their attractive
appearance. Flowering in mid-winter they are
doubly welcome, and deserve a wider cultiva-
tion than they receive even if they are rather
difficult to manage. Plants succeed best when
planted out in a light position in a house where
the minimum temperature does not fall below
40°.

In favourable conditions they grow fairly
quickly and form good hushes (see Fig. 8). The
nuts should not be placed in very rich compost,
and the plants seem to do best when the mot
room is restricted to about three feet. The com-
post should consist of fibrous loam, peat, leaf soil
and sand. Cuttings root easily and quickly pro-
vided they receive proper attention, and are
placed ill suitable propagating cases. Soft
cuttings taken immediately after flowering
usually do best. The cuttings should ibe about
three ' inches long, and fairly strong. They
should not be allowed to flag. Cuttings inserted
singly in small, well-drained pots filled
a I out two thirds with soil give the best
results. The soil should consist of sand,
peat, and flaky leaf -mould in equal parts.
Cuttings strike' mure easily when the pots n""a
dipped rather than when watered overhead, but
a slight spray occasionally is advisable. When
roots are formed the plants grow rapidly, and
should be potted on as required, giving a small
amount of additional space at each potting.
Large plants may be grown in pots, but planting
out gives better results, although occasionally

January 10, 1920.1

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

17

one sees fine specimens in pots or tubs. In any
case ample drainage is necessary. After flowering
the plants may be pruned rather severely, and
they should be' kept rather dry at the roots until
they are started again — usually about the end of
March — when they will grow rapidly. The
shoots may require pinching once or twice during
the summer, according to the growth made,
and the plants will flower freely from the wood
thus formed. Unfortunately the flowers are use
less for decoration when cut. as they fade almost
at once. The two species .grown are L.
gratissima and L. Pinceana. the former being the
belter known.

L. gratissima has rose to nesh-cnluiired, rather
fleshy and very sweetly scented flowers with
tubular corollas. The inflorescence forms a
terminal cyme, having upwards of twenty
flowers. The leaves are elliptic acuminate, very
shiny in healthy specimens, smooth above and
hairy below, especially on the veins. The
species is a native of the temperate Himalayas,
and is figured in Bot. Mag., tab. 3946. It was
introduced in 1823. L. Pinceana has much the
same ha.bit of flowering, but the flowers are
white to piuiky white. Some authorities consider
this to he the more fragrant of the two species,
but I consider the former to have the more
scent. The most prominent character which
distinguishes it from L. gratissima is the raised
lump or callus at the junction of the corolla
lobes. The ha,bit of growth is not so upright,
and the leaves are rather smaller, tough and
leathery, and have mm~e numerous veins, a.nd
quite smooth surfaces. This species is figured in
/In/. Mai/., tab. 4132. Both species are in flower
i;i the Temperate House at Kew. II". //.

THE FERNERY.

FERNS AS DECORATIVE PLANTS.

While some F.-nrns require a comparatively
high temperature and a liberal amount of
atmospheric moisture, there are numbers that
will thrive in an ordinary greenhouse or con-
servatory. They are, among other uses, avail-
able for the decoration of the dwelling house.
Many conservatories attached to town houses
do not receive a gleam otf direct sunshine and,
with no heating arrangement, are ill suited tor
the cultivation of plants in general. In such
houses a selection of hardy Ferns may be
depended upon to provide a satisfactory display.
Even though many of the plants are deciduous
there are, however, fair numbers of evergreen
Ferns, which will, even in the depth of winter,
form an interesting feature.

In many gardens, especially in those attached
to small suburban houses, there is often a damp
shady corner where scarcely anything will thrive,
except hardy Ferns. The more vigorous kinds
should be chosen for such a purpose; the
densely crested and depauperated varieties are
not suitable. In my small back yard in London,
dignified by the name of a garden, a narrow
border which never received a glimpse of sunshine
was always attractive from the collection of hardy
Ferns which there found a congenial home.

A visit to Coven t 'Garden Flower market
in the early morning will serve to show the
extent to which greenhouse Ferns are grown by
some firms. Large numbers of these plants are
disposed of in thumb pots at a very cheap price,
and. in addition, decorative specimens of
different sizes are exceedingly numerous. The
bulk of these market Ferns1 are grown in the
regulation market pot five inches in diameter.

A selection of greenhouse Ferns that will
remain for some time in the dwelling house with-
out injury is as follows : — Adiantum cuneatum,
A. decorum, A. fragrantissimum, A. fulvwn,
A. gracillimum, A. Mariesii, A. Williamsii, Asple-
nium bulbiferum, A. Colensoi, A. Nidus, Blech-
mem Occident ale, Cyrtomium falcatum, Davallia
bullata,D.canariense, D. dissect a, 1). La.wsoniana,
D. tenuifolia, Doryopteris palmata, Lastrea aris-
tata variegata, L. lepida, L. patens, L. varia,
Lomaria ciliata, L. gibba, Nephrodium mdlle,
Xephrolepsis exaltata, and plumose varieties,
Onychium japonicum, Osmurida palustrjs, Poly
podium aureum, P. glam-um, P. Mayii, P.

Schn eider ianum, Poly sti chum triangulum, Pteris
argyrea, P. Childsii, P. cretica, P.
cretica albo-lineata, P. cretica major, P.
heteropliylla, P. leptophylla, P lungittolia
Mariesii, P. soatberula, P. serrulata, P. serrulafta
cristata, P. tremula, P. tren.ula Smithii, Todea
africana, and Woodwardia orientale.

At one time peat was considered necessary for
the successful culture of Ferns, but now-a-days
it is not used to anything like the same extent
as formerly. There are a few Ferns for which
peat is essential, tout most of the decorative
kinds, such as are enumerated above, will thrive
equally well in a compost where leaf -mould

NOTES FROM IRELAND.

The 90th annual general meeting of the Royal
Horticultural and Arboricultural Society of
Ireland was held at the offices, 5, Molesworth
Street. Dublin, on the 17th ult., Mr. A. V.
Montgomery, in the absence of the President,
the Marquis of Headfort, presiding.

The Hon, Secretary, Sir Frederick W. Moure,
reviewed the year's work, as stated hi the
report, which, with the balance sheet, was
unanimously adopted. The Chairman, while
regretting a deficit on the year's working, con-

Fir;. 8. — LT70ULIA GRATISSIMA

[Photograph byC. P Uaffill

FLOWERING IN THE TEMPERATE HOUSE, KEW.

takes the place of peat. A mixture of equal
parts of loam and leaf-mould with a liberal
sprinkling of rough silvea: sand will suit most
Ferns. The plants should, as a rule, be potted in
spring before the young Fronds are produced,
but in the case of young specimens of quick grow-
ing kinds they may be shitted into larger pots
whenever necessary.

Direct sunshine during Ihe greater part of the
summer is harmful to Ferns, hut tin- plants are
not, as a rule, shaded so densely now as was
the 'practice it one time. When the roots are
poilioimd an occasional dose of liquid manure or
some other stimulanl Is beneficial to many Perns,
provided it is applied in a weak form. II'.

gratulated the members on the solvency of the
Society. Col. Sir Frederick W. Shaw, D.S.O.,

and Mrs. George Mitchell, were elected to fill
' ,ii sneies on the council.

The series of lectures undeT the auspices ol
the R.IT.S. of [reland, which, by permission of
the Royal Dublin Society, are being given in
the theatre, Le>inster House, Dublin, will be
i esumed On January 14. when Mr. .1. \\\

I y.i nt , of tlie Royal Botanii Gardens, Glas-
iie\m. will treat on Herbaceous Plants, to be
followed on January 21 by Ml' W. S. Irving,
Department of Agriculture (Ireland), on Apples.
and concluding on January 28 with Professor
( '. II Pethy bridge's lecture on Fungous Pests.

IS

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[January 10, 1920.

Mild, wet periods have prevailed since the
wintry snap which was accompanied 'by
rather heavy snowifalls, and the rainfall
has been copious enough to avert the
city's water famine which threatened at
mid-autumn. Situated away in the wilds
of Wicklow, where the Vartry river is
impounded in huge reservoirs, the purity and
softness of Dublin's water supply is a boon only
perhaps appreciated when failure, or shortage,
L> imminent.

The annual general meeting uf the Drummoncl
Benefit Association for Land Stewards and
Gardeners, held at 58, Dawson Street. Dublin, on
December 19, 1919, disclosed a very satisfactory
balance sheet, cash to credit, chiefly invested
in trustee securities, amounting to £2,941
3s. 6d.; while £213 had been distributed in
benefit grants during the year's working under
review. Facts and figures shown, too, at the
winding-up of the Irish branch of the Vegetable
Products Committee, undei the auspices of the
R.H.S. of Ireland, for supplying fruit 'and
vegetables to the Navy, justified the unanimous
opinion that its working had been eminently
satisfactory, the generous support given to the
project throughout Ireland resulting in over
£3,000 having been subscribed, enabling ex-
tensive purchases of market garden produce,
apart from considerably more than 1,000 tons of
produce given from private gardens during the
41 years' working. A"., Dublin.

FLORISTS' FLOWERS.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

The average grower has not the time nor the
means to specialise in the cultivation of large
b 'looms of Chrysanthemums for exhibition; still,
many commence the year with the determination
to have finer blooms than before, as in their
season few flowers, are brighter, and none to the
grower more interesting than Chrysanthemums.
December is a favourite month for propagating,
but in the north, where conditions are not
favourable to early growth, January-rooted
plants are preferable. The best cuttings are
shoots about three inches long that spring from
the base. Certain varieties are shy in producing
suitable shoots for cuttings, and stem shoots
have sometimes to be made use of. The chief
objection to these is their tendency to produce
a. flower-bud after being potted for the first
time, but they invariably grow satisfactorily
and prove but little the worse. In order to pre-
vent the check that usually follows the potting
of newly-rooted cuttings, they should be inserted
singly in small, well drained pots filled with a
mixture of good loam. lc.it mould and sand.

The less important varieties may be placed
around the sides of 3-inch pots. A propagating
frame resting on a closed bench covered with
shingle, in a oool greenhouse, affords an ideal
rooting place, and if a little air is admitted
daily after the hist week, there will be little or
no danger of loss through damping. Very little
water beyond that given immediately following
the insertion of the cuttings is necessary, and
if they show signs of flagging, spraying lightly
overhead when closing the light will usually
suffice to make them turgid again. When able
to withstand the atmosphere of the house, the
plants should be removed to a shelf near the
roof glass. Throughout their whole existence
plants intended to produce large blooms should
grow steadily, but during the time they are in-
doors the less fire-heat employed the better, as
cool, airy conditions are necessary* to obtain
short-jointed, sturdy growth. Neglect, and par-
ticularly in regard to watering during the early
stages, must he guarded against, as it does not
end with outward signs ol distress; the roots
suffer also, the fleshy ends wither and until
others form growth is practically at a standstill.
Over-watering is no less an evil, resulting in
sickly foliage and sappy growth. Blooms of
superior finish can only be obtained from well-
ripened shoots, and to this end culture should
be directed.

New varieties aTe available in greater number
than for some time, and certain of them hid
fair to become popular, but, owing to circum-
stances connected with the wair, the usual ex-

hibitions have not been held in many places.
The following sorts introduced last season are
of outstanding merit : — Mrs. G. S. Gotterill,
yellow ; Rear Admiral Keyes, deep rose ; and
Peace, a yellow sport from the giant, white, in-
curved-Japanese Jjouisa Pockett. In favourable
districts all these Chrysanthemums will give
good blooms on natural first-crown buds pro-
vided they are strong plants, but in the north
it is almost impossible to secure buds early in
August unless stopping is done about the
middle of .May, according to the vigour of the
plants. Amongst novelties of 1918, Mt. Lloyd
I leorge is probably the finest crimson variety
yet sent out. The blooms are of average size,
and the florets droop perfectly, showing no
leverse. a built many so-called crimson Chrysan-
themums have. Creditable flowers result from
a natural break the first week in June, although
with an early start second crowns, may be
obtained. H. Medhur.-t is worthy of a place in
collections for its uniqiue colouring — dream,
edged mauve ; the plant is an easy' one to grow
General Petain, pink on white ground, has
already a fair number of admirers; it is a fine
incurving Japanese sort that only needs good
treatment to have it in perfection. This variety
does not develop early buds, and should be
stepped in April. Of earlier introduction, among
those seen to advantage on last season's exhibition
boards is Princess Mary, a yellow sport from
the well-known white Queen Mary. If anything,
it is an easier grower than its parent, in that
late buds do not show the "eye " so much, in
poor growing districts both these Chrysanthe-
mums give the best results when stopped in mid-
April, as the buds require a longer period than
most in order to develop full centres. W. Rigby,
yellow, and its popular- parent, Mrs. G. Drabble,
require similar treatment. Sir E. Letcbworth
is a handsome bloom of rosy-purple colour, with
a silver reverse, and should be in every collec-
tion. The blooms are good from either first or
second crown buds. Equally as easy to manage is
the beautiful pink Mrs. Algeron Davis, and the
massive, incurved Rear Admiral, rosy cerise,
with bright gold reverse. Golden Champion is
a variety that will not lack favour for some
time, for besides being a flower of exceptional
quality, the plant is easy to grow, the buds
opening to perfection on natural Hist crowns.
Edith Cavell, chestnut bronze, is a desirable
variety in every respect, and tin- blooms should
develop Iram second crown buds ; the yellow
sport from \V. Turner, Mrs. H. Tysoe, i> another
v; riety of merit. Others of equall value include
Daily Mail, Mrs. C. Edwards, Undaunted, and
Mrs. M. Sargent. Blooms of the true incurved
varieties are very effective in large vases. They
open more readily than the Japanese sorts, con-
sequently the buds do not require taking quite
so early in the season. In addition to the older
varieties the pure white Percy A. Dove, the
golden yellow- Miss D. Adams, and the soft pink
Mrs. S. Dove are all to be recommended. /''. T.

SEEDLING POTATOS.

Mr. Chittenden did well to ventilate the
question of Seedling Potatos in his note on this
subject (p. 264, vol. LXVL). I think he is right
in stating that one of the principal causes of the
multiplicity of names which we find given to
Potatos that are practically similar in every
respect is the fact that the form to which the
new name is given is a seedling. That is, un-
doubtedly, the reason why there are so many
synonyms amongst Potatos. Mr. Chittenden
wrote: — " That seedlings similar to existing
varieties do arise, has been denied." Denied by
whom'? Surely not by those who have had any
experience at all in the raising of seedling
Potatos and other plants.

Certain varieties of Potatos set seed freely to
their own pollen. It is my experience that the
progeny of such are worthless ; the worker, on
such a basis, is in a vicious circle and is simply
recreating sorts that are already in cultivation
or are really indistinguishable from the seed
p arent . 'For too ma 1 1 y al 1 eged n ew Pot at os
have gained recognition becamse they were seed-
lings, and, as such, were supposed to be
new varieties. Thus the multiplicity of names.

and a consequent list of " too much alike
varieties." The Potato does not stand alone in
this respect, and many instances could be given
of a variety of names applied to forms that are
practically similar in the cases of other plants.
Take Grapes. The late Mr. J. A. Pearson, of
Lowdhani, one of the ablest raisers and growers
of the Vine, wrote thus of Muscat of Alexandria
— " It reproduces itself with little change from
seed. Its various varieties, Bowood Muscat,
Charlesworth Tokay, Tynningham Muscat, and
some twenty others are so similar that I never
yet met a man who could separate the bunches
af fruit when mixed, or could name the plants
with any certainty." The same thing may be
said of Black Hamburgh and other Grapes. Let
us, again, take the Green Gage Plum. It re-
produces itself from seed and, in consequence,
it has at least forty synonyms. So, too, does
the German Puune, and it also has a la/rge list
of synonyms. Perdrigon White and St.
Catherine are also examples of Plums that come
fairly true from seed. Bavay has recorded a
similar experience with Cherries, and the saime
remarks apply to Apricots, Raspberries, and
Peaches.

Decaisne, one of the most famous of French
pamologists, gives a notable instance in the
case of tihe Pear, and his experience is con-
firmed by that of Lerdy, an equal authority.
Scott, of Yeovil, probably, the greatest pomo-
logical authority of Britain, gives a typical
example in the case of the Apple. He describes
the Apple Jacques Lebel, raised at Amiens, as
practically identical with Blenheim Pippin.
\Vith Apples, however, as with other things,
instance after instance could .be given of seed-
lings being practically identical with the seed
parent.

I know that many Potato raisers are a law
unto themselves on the question of new
varieties, but they cannot afford to neglect the
experiences of those who work with other
subjects. The same natural laws govern the
reproduction of Potatos as govern, say.
Apples, Peal's. Plums, or anything else in the
vegetable kingdom. Many Potato experts ignore
those laws altogether, and others have no
knowledge of them. No one, surely will treat any
Potato expert seriously when he denies that seed-
ling arise which are similar to existing 'varieties.
Tin' whole trouble in regard to the Potato arises
from the fact that there are too many raisers
and distributors who are not familiar with sorts
thai are already in commerce, and with sorts
that have already been discarded. The mere
fact that a Potato, or any other plant, is a
seedling is no piroof that it is distinct from sorts
alreadv raised. Gi '•>'</<■ M . Taylor, Edinburgh.

SILVER LEAF ORDER OF 1919.

The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, by
virtue and in exercise of the powers vested in
it under the Destructive Insects and Pests
Acts, 1877 and 1907. and for the purpose of pre-
venting the spreading in England and Wales of
the pest known as Silver Leaf, which is destruc-
tive to fruit trees and bushes, do order as
follows :-

Definitions.

The expiossion " the Board " means the Board
of Agriculture and Fisheries; the expression
"Plum trees" includes any stock, stool or
cutting of a Plum tree; "Inspector" means an
Inspector of the Board or of the Loral
Authority; " The Lo<al Authority" means as
regards any District the Local Authority for the
l>i>tri< t under the Diseases of Animals Act, 1894.

Destruction of Dead Wood.

(1) The occupier of any premises on which
Plum trees are growing shall cut off and destroy
b'j fine on the premises all the dead wood of
each Plum tree before April 1 of each year. and.
where the dead wood in the trunk of any such
tree extends to the ground, the occupier shall
grub up and destroy by fire upon the premises
the whole of any such tree, including the roots,
before that date.

(2) An Inspector may at any time serve ;l
notice on the occupier of any premises requiring

him to cut off and Vstroy by fire within 1 lie

January 10. 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

19

time specified in the notice and on the premises
any dead wood of any tree or bush of any kind
•whatsoever on the premises on which there are
■visible fruiting bodies of the fungus Stereum
purpureum.

Power of Entry.
Any Inspector of the Board or of the Local
Authority upon production, if so required, of his
appointment, may for the purpose of enforcing
this Order enter any premises on which he has
reason to suspect that a tree or bush to which
this Order applies, is or recently has been, and
■examine any such tree or bush thereon and any
wood cut from any such tree or bush.

Service of Notices, &c.

(1) For the purpose of this Order a notice
shall be deemed to be served on any person if it
■is delivered to him personally or left for him at
his last known place of abode or business, or
sent through the post in a letter addressed to
him there; and a notice purporting to be signed
by an Inspector shall be prima facie evidence
that it was signed by him as an Inspector.

(2) A copy of every notice served under this
Order shall be sent to the Board by the Inspector
by whom the notice is signed.

Notification of Order.
This Order shall be published by the Local
Authority in accordance with any directions
given by the Board.

Offences.
Every person shall be liable on conviction to
a penalty not exceeding ten pounds who : —

(1) fails to comply with the requirements of
this Order, or of any notice served under
this Order, or

(2) wilfully obstructs or impedes any Inspector
in the exercise of his powers or duties
under this Order.

Commencement and Application of Order.

This Order shall come into operation on the
iirst day of January. 1920. and the Order shall
applv to England and Wales. This Order mav
be cited as the Silver Leaf Order of 1919.

FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE.

CULTURAL MEMORANDA.

SOUVENIR DE LA MALMAISON
CARNATION.
Young layers of Souvenir >de la Malmaison Car-
nations are ready for shifting into larger pots.
This type of Carnation should still be kept on
the dry side, both at the roots and top growth.
In winter they should be given no more water
at the roots than will suffice to keep then, from
shrivelling, and without a spot on the foliage.
This dry treatment is the only preventive of and
the only cure for "rust," and 'in conjunction with
these conditions a little fresh air should at all
times be admitted to the house and the water
pipes kept only just warm. The frequent re-
commendations to spray with all sorts of sup-
posed remedies is just so much waste, and worse
than useless, in that spraying with fluids pro-
vides the conditions for' the propagation of
disease. Foreman.

THE COLOURING OF NEW IRISES.

Regarding the blending of colours in Iris,
alluded to by R. S. Sturtevant, in Gard. Chron.
of December 20, 1919, p. 309, I may state that
the variety Eldorado raised and sent out by
Messrs. Viluiorin-Andrieux and Co. in Paris some
time before the war, is the one showing the most
perfect blending of blue and yellow, not half
and half, such as blue standards with yellow
falls, as in many varieties of the variegata
section, hut both standards and falls pass
gradually from golden yellow at the claws to
deep lavender at the top of the divisions. As its
niame implies, it is indeed a golden variety
to which no other approaches.

I take this opportunity to point out to
amateurs that among the new varieties this firm
as sending out this year the three following have
flowers much larger than the largest previously
known sorts. Readers will judge from the
measurements given for both falls and standardsj
taken when flat : —

Magnifica (macrantha). — Falls deep violet,
very long and pendent, 11 cm. x 6 cm. ; stan-
dards clear lavender, very broad, 10 cm. X
'8 cm. ; this extraordinary flower is thus more
than 6 inches from the top of the standards to
the top of the falls, in its natural shape.

Ballcrinc (pallida). — A self, pale blue lavender
with extraordinarily broad divisions and one of
the most sweetly scented of Irises ; stem some-
times over 4 feet high ; falls, 9 cm. x 7 cm. :
standards, 8 cm. x 9 cm.

Ambasmdeur (squalens). — Somewhat like
Jacquiesiana with velvety purple falls, 10 cm.
X 5 cm. ; and light, smoky purple standards. 9
cm. X 54 cm. This variety is not so remarkable
for its size as for its great substance, the falls
being so thick as to stand almost horizontally,
and the stem, as stiff as a stick, reaching some-
times n ear I v 4 feet. .$'. M., Pari*.

picture, particularly when the weather is bright
and the plumes are reflected in the water. As
Mr. Turner remarks, a background of evergreens
serves to enhance their beauty as well as pro-
vide shelter — a very important matter here.
Another fine colony is planted in the lowest part
of the pleasure grounds on sea level and within
a few yards of tidal water. These occupy a
considerable area and usually arrest everyone's
attention when first seen, and when in flower
they present a veritable forest of plumes. It is
with considerable difficulty that a person is able
to get between the clumps. On the rising ground
above them is a large tree of Cupressus
macrocarpa, which, together with Cryptomerias,
Araucarias, and other Conifers, backed by the
stately Silver Firs, makes a fine setting.

Planted in company with the last mentioned
Pampas group are several plants of Arundo
conspicua, which, though not so stately, I am
inclined to think are for several reasons much
in. ue desirable. They send up their plumes

Fig. 9.-

-eupatorium raffilllt
(See page 15.)

FLOWERS purple.

PAMPAS GRASS.

The illustration and note on Pampas Grass on
p. 315, Gard. Chron., vol. LXVI., have in-
duced me to contribute a few remarks on this
highly decorative plant. At Fota, the Pampas
Grass has been largely planted, with excellent
effect, and there is considerable variety in tile
colouring and the form of the plumes. In one
part planted on an island in company with tile
New Zealand Flax and close to the water's edge,
specimens of Pajimas Grass make a charming

long before the Pampas Grass does, and retain
their beauty long after them.

At the time of writing (January 1). the
Pampas Grass clumps present quite a bedraggled
appearance, owing principally fco the unusually
wintry weather experienced here during the
month of November, and heavy rains and gales
in December, hut the Amndos are still quite
attractive, and pure in their colouring. Isolated
clumps of the Pampas Grass which have become
very dirty and unkempt may be easily cleaned
by setting fire to them. ' E. Hi, -bit. Fota
gardens, Qwtenslovm, Co. Cork.

20

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[January 10, 1920.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

[The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for
the opinions expressed by correspondents.]

Grapes in Unheated Houses. — Mr. Taylor's
experience in growing Grapes in unheated houses
for the past 8 or 10 years is certainly interesting
as well as educational, but the point is, would it
be sound practice to grow either Muscat of
Alexandria or Madresfield Court in an (unheated
house as a private or commercial undertaking?
I agree that the bunches from an unheated house
would be safer out, bottled and stored away
from the fog and frost. Even then a flow-and-
return hot water pipe, iwdth a valve to
regulate the heat, is useful in the Grape
store to counteract the effect of a damp
atmosphere during continued wet weather
or following a sudden thaw. As one of the
causes of the splitting in Madiresfield Court is
an excess of water over sugar in the com-
position of the pulp, this might, in a large
measure, be prevented by growing the vines
in warm and comparatively dry conditions,
strict attention, of course, being given to the size,
composition, and treatment of the 'border, which
should have a perfect system of drainage.
/. B. A.

The Himalayaberry (see p. 312).— Mr. J.
Bintner and myself were responsible for the
pruning and tying of the plants in the Rubi
collection at Wisley in 1918. I remember the
Himalayaberry particularly as it was such a very
strong grower, and I suggested to the
Superintendent that laterals of new growth
should be retained as far as possible and tied
their full length. The shoots needed a lot of
tying and twisting about, which aroused the
Superintendent's interest and curiosity, for
without his sanction I could not have done any-
thing of the kind on my own initiative. I saw
the results were fully justified in early Septem-
ber when I last visited Wisley. It is gratifying
to read, on p. 312, Mr. James Hudson's remark
on the Himalayaberry, "It has fruited finely at
Wisley." C. A. Jaraine.

Potato McPherson. — I was very pleased to
see a, favourable notice o£ this excellent, second
early Potato, contributed by Mr. E. Molvneux,
in Gard. Chron.y p. 318, December 20," 1919.
I have grown it for several years, and my ex-
perience of it coincides with that of your able
correspondent. It is extensively grown in this
locality, where its excellent quality when cooked
is highly appreciated, during September ami
October, at which period it is at its best ,
although we have been using it up to the present
and find it quite good. On the low ground
skirting the shores of the Firth of Tay, where
the soil is very sandy, it is sometimes affected
by what is known here as " sand ring,"
especially if the tubers are left too long in the
ground; but a mile or two inland, where a fine
loamy soil prevails, tulbers of splendid quality
are obtained, quite free 'from this blight. To
those who are unacquainted with " sand ring,"
I may state it is a dark ring in the flesh of the
tuber, about a quarter of an inch or so under
the skin, and quite unobservaible until the
tubers are cut. As will be readily understood,
it detracts from the appearance of the Potato
when cooked, and lowers its quality. The
McPherson Potato was raised in this district
about 15 or 16 years ago by a market gardener
named Colin McPherson, -who for a nunrber of
years carried on business at Braefoot, Carnoustie,
Forfarshire. Regarding its parentage, I ©an
learn very little further than that it was raised
from seeds taken from a Potato fruit picked at
random, and even the name of the variety
producing the seed is unknown. It is un-
doubtedly an excellent second early variety, well
worthy of extended cultivation, and it is highly
gratifying to learn that it has reached so far
south as Swanmore. If the variety cannot be
obtained elsewhere, Messrs. D. and W. Croll,
or Messrs. Thyne and Sons, Dundee, may be
able to supply it. W. Little, Carnoustie.

The White Poplar in Surrey. — Though often
confused with the Grey Poplar there are
numerous trees of the White Poplar (Populus
alba), scattered about over a wide area of
Surrey, and numbers of them are of con-
siderable size. For instance, there are three

trees 50-70 ft. high at Barwell Court ; one at
Holm Lacey 60 ft. ; one at Pyrford 60ft ; two
trees in a meadow outside Ockham Park, 70-
75 ft. high, of wide spread and splendidly
furnished with branches ; and two trees near
Coomibe Lane, west of Wimbledon, 60 ift. high.
All the above are female -trees ; indeed, I have
not observed a male tree, large or small. One
of the characters 'by which the species can be
recognised is the white wool on the undersides
of the leaves, especially on young trees and on
vigorous summer shoots. I was examining a
dried specimen in a private herbarium and felt
almost certain that it was P. canescens, because
the leaves were perfectly devoid of the white
wool. I discovered a round-headed tree, how-
ever, in a meadow near the banks of the Thames,
below Weybridge, which had 'few or no strong
summer shoots, and the ovate or rounded leaves
were quite glabrous before the end of September.
The shape and condition of the leaves at that
date make the tree very difficult to distinguish
from the Grey Poplar. The best time to see
such trees, however, is when they are in bloom
at the end of March or early in April. At that
time the female catkins are only % to 1 in. long,
but the yellow or golden bracts are so con-
spicuous that the identity of the tree can fee
established at a considerable distance away. The
female catkins of P. canescens are much longer
and the bracts are brown or grey-brown, accord-
ing to age. J. F.

October Dessert Apples. — I think the list of
Apples by It. L. C. in Thompson's Gardeners
Assistant may be termed an authoritative one.
In Vol. II. of the 1907 edition, page 91, Septem-
ber Beauty is described as : " Dessert, Oct. -Nov.,
tree compact and well branched. Growth
slender, forming a good bush on a dwarfing
stock, and fine trees on the free stock, though
slower in coming into bearing. Fruit small,
round or slightly conical, yellow and red, richly
flavoured when ripe." Perhaps this description
may have escaped the notice of E. M. He can
also see a tree growing in the gardens at Rother-
field Park, Alton, Hampshire, which is much
nearer to him than Wisley. E. F-

It would require too much of your valuable

space to reply in full to Mr. E. Molyneux's
letter in your issue of December 27
last. By the" tone of his letter it would appear
I had taken up an unreasonable attitude in
referring him to the R.H.S. Gardens, Wisley.
instead of giving him the details he requires
myself. Winch is best ; to tap information at
the source, or take it secondhand? The R.H.S.
Gardens at Wisley are mainly for the purpose
of experiment, and a source of knowledge to
all the R.H.S. Fellows, who include all ranks
of horticulturists. At Wisley will be found the
best equipped Horticultural Laboratory in the
world. Mr. Chittenden, the Director, is one of
the foremost scientific and practical horti-
culturists of the day, and Mr. WT right, the
Superintendent, a man of the old school of
gardening, is one of the few who has assimilated
the scientific and practical knowledge evolved
in the last twelve or fifteen years. Is it there-
fore unreasonable of me to refer Mr. Molyneux
to this source of information, and what are the
R.H.S. Gardens for but to supply such in-
formation? I may say at once that the
authorities at Wisley are most courteous and
obliging to all inquirers. If Mr. Molyneux is
candidly seeking information with a view to
its use, to refuse, to be influenced by tile proved
facts in regard to infertility in Apple blossoms
is not the right frame of mind to go about it-
He should read Mr. Cecil A. Hooper's article on
the subject on page 278, Gard. Chron., 1919.
Mr. Molyneux convinces me that he is an
expert cultivator, but one requires resource in
obtaining the newer varieties of Apples from the
nurserymen and a certain amount of adventure
in giving a trial to a method of culture which
may 'be quite new to some individual. As
regards raising the soil 6 inches, which system
is the more likely to nourish the plant success-
fully (especially through a drought) — planting
at '2 ft. 6 in. deep or at 3 ft deep? And
would not the deeper soil keep the roots
cooler than the shallow soil? C. A. Jardine.

Women Gardeners.— I think that possibly the
readers of The Gardeners' Chronicle may be

glad to know of a Bureau through which they
can get into touch with women gardeners. 1
therefore write to state that the Women's Ser-
vice Bureau, which was opened in the first week
of the war, has been the means of advising,
training and placing over 59,000 educated
women in suitable work of a varied character.
Tliis Bureau is not an Employment Agency in
the ordinary sense of the term, as it is main-
tained entirely by voluntary donations from the
members of the Society, and from those who
benefit by its services. Particular care is taken
in the selection of suitable applicants, and all
classes of workers are supplied, both for in-
door and outdoor work, including gardening.
P. Strachey, Secretary, 56, Victoria Street,
S.W.I.

Brassica Crosses. — I have read and re-read the
letter appearing in your issue of January 3rd,
signed Cauli Rabi, but I can hardly think the
writer wishes liis remarks to be taken seriously.
In the first place, there is not the slightest
difficulty in obtaining crosses between Cauli-
flowers of the Autumn Giant type and Kohl
Rabi ; indeed, so easily do they intercross that
tons of Cauliflower seed have been spoilt by
the inexperience or carelessness of growers who
have planted seed crops of Cauliflowers and
Kohl Rabis in too close proximity. As many
of your readers know, practically all Cauli-
flower seed of the Autumn Giant class is grown
in the south of Italy, but, unfortunately, Kohl
Rabi seed is also grown there for Continental
houses. It would be almost impossible for any-
one to make a really exhaustive series of trials
of Italian Cauliflower seed in any season without
finding certain parcels absolutely spoilt and
useless from intercrossing with Kohl Rabi. Of
course, it is equally true that trials may be
made of many stocks of Italian Cauliflower seeds
which show no trace of intercrossing with Kohl
Rabi, but this is only another way of saying
that the best of Italian seed growers know
the necessity of keeping their plantations of
Cauliflower and Kohl Rabi at great distances
from one another. Your correspondent writes:
il Undoubtedly the plant will prove an
acquisition, as a Cauliflower is provided for table
and the rest of the plant is suitable as food for
stock,'' but all practical seed-growers know that
there is no possibility of developing a pure Cauli-
flower head except by rigorously excluding any
possibility of cross-fertilisation with any other
type of Brassica, for the slightest intermixture
at once gives wild and coarse -looking heads
which are broken up with leaflets, badly dis-
coloured, and absolutely useless. Experience
has also taught us that the many types of
Brassicas which now form such valuable culinary
plants can only be brought to perfection and
kept true to type by complete isolation during
the flowering and seeding stages. In Volume
XXXVIII. of the Linnean Society's Journal is
published a -paper by myself entitled, "Brassica;
Crosses," and this paper gives a detailed report
of crosses made between many of the Brassicas,
showing exactly how far Mendelian ratios were
obtained, and how far it was possible to per-
petuate new hybrid forms of commercial value.
Arthur W. Sutton, Beading.

Spade v Plough for Potato Cultivation. — I
have read with interest Mr. Wm. Taylor's
remarks re " Spade versus Plough." I think it
would be almost impossible to scrap the plough
entirely for the cultivation of Potatos, but I
quite agree that the {fork is the best cultivator,
although its use- would entail very considerable
labour for 20 or 30 acres of Potatos. A method
I have practised with success is to follow the
plough with a single horse- hoe converted into
a grubber. This means that all the smooth,
hard surface of the sub-soil is broken up, leaving
a good depth of workable soil, and I have grown
some fine crops of white and red Belgian Carrots
therein. I feel sure such a method is good for
any root crop. C. L. Branson, Youlbury.

Hosts for the Mistleto. — To the very
interesting list of hosts for the Mjstleto given
in your issue of January 3rd, by J . F. (see p. 9),
may be added the Medlar and, as a variety, the
Red Thorn (single), which are among the 20 or
30 host plants grown here since my garden was
planted in 1905. Each year I have taken berries
from the Christmas decorations and rubbed

January 10, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

~21

them on to sundry plants, mostly Apple trees.
As a result I have growths for every year up
to 1913, since when, strangely, none has
developed, unless those of 1918 we starting high
up on a Poplar ; but as the growth, after a year,
is microscopic. I have not used a ladder to hunt
for it. Trees on which repeated attempts to
establish Mistleto have so far failed are the
Glastonbury Jrtolv Thorn and Double Flowering
Crab. The clusters of Mistleto from my earliest
efforts would now be over a yard through had
they not been severely cut for Christmas decora
tions and to spare the hosts. The berries are
usually abundant, perhaps because male flower-
spravs are placed among the female blossoms.
The sowing has been done in the middle of or
late in January. Boughs also have been placed in
the trees and' Mistle thrushes have evidently
assisted. Except in the case of the Arbutus,
the Mistleto fruit takes longer to mature than, that
of any other of our common shrubs. The berries
on our exposed north-east slope, 360 feet high,
are hardly white by Christmas and probably not
fully ripe till two to four weeks later. The
blossoming has varied from January 15, in 1916,
to March 16 and 25 in 1917, for the male and
female blooms respectively. J. Edmund Clark.
Purity, Surrey.

In addition to the list of " Hosts for the

Mistleto " mentioned by /. F. I may add Acacia
and Medlar. A Medlar oamwing Mistleto was
removed last -winter when reorganising our
kitchen garden. The Apple espaliers here are
literally smothered with Mistleto. A few yeairs
ago a "bush Apple was planted in place of an
older tree that died, and the third year after-
wards a shoot of the parasite was seen sprouting
from a clean, smooth branch. We had also two
strong bunches of Mistleto growing on Roses,
and numerous Hawthorns are full of Mistleto.
Geo. W. Stacey, Ghorleywood Cedars.

SOCIETIES.

CHESTER PAXTON

The Annual Meeting was held in the Free-
masons' Hall, Chester, Mr. X. F. Barnes, Eaton
Gardens, presiding. In his annual report for 1919
the Honorary Secretary, Mr. G. P. Miln, said : —
" It is gratifying to find that there has been a
considerable increase in the membership of the
Society during the past year. This goes to
prove that interest in the Food Production move-
ment is still being maintained in the city and
neighbourhood. The exhibition of vegetables
and fruits held in the Town Hall in September,
at which allotment holders and cottagers were
represented by nearly 300 entries, -was a great
advance on anything of its kind ever held in
Chester, and it is proposed to hold another
exhibition of a similar nature in the Town Hall
during the coming autumn. A series of lectures
held during the early spring was well attended
and much appreciated by allotment holders and
others interested in horticultural subjects."

Mr. T. Gibbons Frost, J. P., who was cordially
thanked for his continued interest in the Society,
was re-elected President, Mr. N. F. Barnes was
unanimously re-elected Chairman of Committee,
and Professor Newstead, F.R.S., was re-elected
Consulting' Naturalist. On the express -wish of
the Chairman and Committee, Mr. G. P. Miln,
J.P., consented to retain the offices of Secretary
and Treasurer.

EAST ANGLIAN HORTICULTURAL CLUB.

The annual meeting of the East Anglian Horti-
cultural Club was held on Wednesday, the 10th
nit. ; Mr. W. Shoesmith presided.

The 30th annual report of the committee,
presented by the secretary (Mr. G. Todd), was
very satisfactory. A number of the members
who had been away in connection with the war
had rejoined the club, and the numbers were
steadily increasing by this means, and also by
the request for admission by many of the allot-
ment holders of the district. The series of
lectures and essays had proved a source of much
educational value, and the conning year looked
like being equally successful. Most points at
the monthly competitions were secured by Mr.
C. H. Fox.'

The finances are in a very sound condition, as
was evidenced by the auditors' report, as pre-
sented by Mr. H. Perry.

Mr. W. Shoesmith was unanimously elected
to the position of president Mr. C. H. Fox
was elected acting vice-president. The office <>i
librarian was again accepted by Mr. J. C. Abel.
Mr. G. R. Todd was again elected to the office
of secretary. The auditors were re-elected, as
was also the Measurer.

Mr. H. Perry was askod to undertake the
office of representative of the club on the
committee of the Norfolk and Norwich Horticul-
tural Society.

©bttuarp.

J. J. Neale. — We regret to have to record the
death of Mr. J. J. Neale, of Oxton, Kenton,
Exeter (ioirnierty of Penarth,), who -died 'of
peritonitis, following an operation for appendi-
citis, on the 29th nit., at the age of 65 years.
Mr. Neale was one of the oldest, most observant,
and enthusiastic of our Orchid lovers, many of
his plants, and especially the rare species,
having been recorded and some of them illus-
trated in The Gardeners' Chronicle. He was
also fond of insectivorous plants and others
with uncommon characteristics. He leaves a
widow, six sons and three daughters, all of
whom are interested in Orchids, so that, we
iinderstand, the important collection will be
retained and cared for by the widow as by her
late lamented husband, who sound his chief
recreation in his garden and Orchid houses.

Freeman Fox. — We deeply regret to learn that
Mr. Freeman Fox passed away on 22nd ult., at
the age of 72 years. He had been ill for some time
but his end came somewhat suddenly. He was
head gardener to the late Mrs. Penn, of the
Cedars. Lee, for about 30 years. He was a
very active member of the Lee, Blackheath and
Lewishan. Horticultural Society, as committee-
man. trustee and vice-chairman ; and of the Kent
County Chrysanthemum Society he was hon.
secretary for the last 15 years of its existence,
and it was mainly due to his efforts that the
society was able to continue its activities. He
was a keen supporter of the Royal Gardeners'
Orphan Fund, and always collected funds for
this gardeners' charity at the annual exhibitions
with which he was associated. Mr. Fox leaves
a widow and daughter, to whom we extend our
deepest sympathy. The funeral took place on
the 29th ult., at Hither Green Cemetery.

TRADE NOTE.

In view of the resumption o»f trade with the
Continent on the part of English nurserymen,
the Board of Agriculture is prepared to issue
Phylloxera certificates, where required, if the
usual conditions are fulfilled. These certificates
are issued under the authority oi regulations im-
posed 'by Continental countries, which state
that : "No Vines must be grown on the nursery,
or within 22 yards of it, unless they are sepa-
rated by a sufficient obstacle, such as a wall, or
by being grown in pots, to prevent the passage
of the roots into the nursery.11 Where the
nursery has been inspected during the year, and
the usual fee of £2 2s. for the nursery inspec-
tion has been paid, no further charge will 'be
made, except the nominal fee of 5s. per 100
for the issue of the certificates. If an inspector
has to make a special visit to the nursery to
satisfy the Board that Vines are not present, a
fee of £2 2s. will be charged, but this will
include the issue of 25 certificates. Where the
Board, as the result of inspections in the past .
already have the information that Vines are
not -usually grown in the nursery, the certificate
can be issued without further inspection. In
these cases the fee will be 10s. 6d., to include
the issue of 25 certificates in any one year, or
£1 Is per 100 in the same year. Applications
should be made to the General Secretary. Board
of Agriculture and Fisheries, 72. Victoria
Street. S.W.I.

MARKETS.

COVENT GARDEN January 7th.
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
quotatious. It must be remembered that these quota-
tions do not represent the prices on any particular
day, but only the general average for the week pre-
ceding the date of our report. The prioes depend
upon the quality of the samples, the way in which
they are paoked, 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. — Ens.

Fruit ;

Average
a. d. s, d.

Wholesale Prices.

Apples (English)
—Km? of the Pip-
pins per i bus.
— Cox's Orange

Pippin per Jbus.

best

— Blenheim Pippin

per bus.
— Newton SVonder
— Lane's Prince

Albert, per bus.
— Bramley's Seed-
ling per bus. . . t
—Brit. Columbian —

Cox's Orange

Pippin

Jonathan

Grime's Golden

Nonesuch

Mcintosh Red

New Town

Oregon New Town 20 10
— Nova Scotian —
— G.Russets . . 40 0-45 0

—Wagners . . 12 0-14 0

— Rtbston Pippin

per case 16 0-18 0

3 6-60

8 0-11 0

8 0-12 0
5 0-86

6 0-80
; 0- 8 0

20 10

20 10

J 19 0-20 (
18 C

20 10-

s. d. s. d
Bananas, singles 25 0-35 0
Chestnuts

—Italian 40 0

Grapes Alicante 2 0-26
—Special per lb. 3 0-40
— Gros Colmar .. 2 6-30
—Special . 3 6-46

—Muscat, per lb. 10 0-12 0
—Canon Hall 10 0- 12 0

— Almeria per

barrel .. ..20 0-40 0

Lemons 300's 24 0-23 0
Oranges —

360 04 0-28 0

300 !

f|}{} | 2S 0-32 0

Nut3 — Brazils(new)

per cwt. 125 0-130 0

Cob Nuts, per lb. 12-14

Walnuts 2i kilo. 50 0-55 0

Pears —

— Beurre D'Anjou 30 0- 35 0

— Cahfornian —

Winter Nelis case 40 0-45 0

Pineapples each . . 3 0-86

2 0-
8 0-

s. d.
Asparagus, English

Devon 50's ...

Middlesex

D3von 100's ..
— French, (Paris

Green)

Beans Guernsey,

per lb. . .
Beets, per bag . .
Cabbage, per doz.
Carrot3, per bag
Cauliflower, per

doz

Celery, per fan,

(12 heads)
Cucumbers, perdoz
Garlic, per lb.
French Luttuce

per doz.
Herbs, per doz.bun.
Mint, per doz bun. 15 0
Mustard and Cress,

per doz. punnets 1 3
Mushrooms, per lb. 2 3

3. d.

6 0- 7 e

8 0

22 6-25 0

14 0-16 0

3 0-
7 0-

4 0

8 0

4 0- 6 (1
10 0-11 0

Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices.

s. d.
Parsley, per doz.

bunches
Parsnips, per bag
Peas Guernsey,

per lb.
Potatos, per cwt. 11 6-14 0
Radishes, per doz.

bunches
Rhubarb Forced

per doz

Seakale per punnet
Spanish Onions

4 tier 22 0-

5 tier 24 0-

Spring Onions, per

doz.bunches . .
Sprouts, per

bag 28 lb.
Tomatos, English,

New Crop

per doz. lbs.
— Teneriffe,

Best, per bundle 32 0-35 0
Turnips, per bag 9 0-

4 0-80

3 6- «

24 0- ■

1 6- -

3 6-

4 0

1
3 0

2 0-30

16-20

2 6-36
2 0-26

4 0

5 0-60

10 0-12 0

Onions, per cwt. 10 0-14 OWatercress.perdoz 0 9

Remarks.— Business continues satisfactory in volume
in most sections. English Apples show a slight in-
crease in quantity as well as a tendency to improve
in price Sijme particularly fine fruits of Bramley's
Seedling and Newton Wonder are to hand. British
Columbian Apples are arriving in excellent
condition, and remain in firm request. Hot-house

Grapes oontinue good, and business and prices show
a slight advance. The market is practically clear or
Pines, but shipments *are expected at the week-end.
Teneriffe Tomatos are in short supply and good marks
of selected fruits are in exceptional demand. English
Asparagus does not sell well, and must be con-
sidered cheap relative to other forced vegetables, for
which the demand continues good. Cauliflowers are in
plentiful supply, and reasonable in price. Prices for
green vegetables are slightly firmer, as are also those
tor good Potatos.

Plants in Pots, &c. : Average Wholesale Prices.
(All 48's, per doz. except where otherwise stated.)

d. s. d.|

i Cyclamen
10 0-12 0, 48'sperdoz.

Ericra hyemalis—
^ 48's per doz

ZZ U ™ « Erica Mclanthera,

48 0 72 0

per doz.

tralia Sieboldil

48's per doz. ,
Asparagus plumo-

sus ..
— Sorengeri
Aspidistra, ereen
Begonia Gloire

de Lorraine
48's per doz.
Azealeas, each 3 0-
Uacti per tray

12's. I5's „ 6 0-6 OlPoinsettia

Chrysanthemums 48's perdoz.

48'sperdoz. .. 24 0-30 0 iRoman Hyacinths
Cinerarias, per doz. 15 0-24 0 on bulbs,

Marguerites white

24 0-31 n I Palms Kentia ..

5 0- 7 61 -60'a ■■

! — Cocos

24 0-36 0

30 0-36 i>
18 0-24 0
24 0-36 0
15 0-18 0
24 0-36 0

24 0-30 0
7 0-80

Rf.mahks, — A few coloured Azaleas arc bhe Densest

-aibjret.s in ibis department. There an- als-» a !--\\ J>oU

nt large Hyacinths and Roman Hyacinths, which are
put up in boxes of 12 and 24 bulbs. Many standi are
empty, and business is quiet in this department,

22

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[January 10. 1920.

Ferns and Palms : Average Wholesale Prices.

8. d. n. d.
Adiantum

cuneatum 48's

per doz. . . 12 0-15 0

— elegaD9 . . 15 0-18 0
Asplenium 48'a per

doz 12 0-18 0

— 32's . . . . 24 0-30 0

— nidus 48's .. 12 0-15 0
Cyrtomium 48's 10 0-15 0

Cut Flowers, &c

b. a s. d
Nephrolepis. In

variety. 48'a 12 0-18 0

— 32'a .. ..24 0-36 0
Pteria. in variety

48'a .. ..12 0-21 0

— large 60'8 . . 5 0-60

— amall 60'a . . 4 0- 4-6
72'a per tray of

15'a .. .. 3 6 4 0

Average Wholesale Prices.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Azalea white, per
doz. bun. ... 12 0-15 0

Camellias per doz.
Carnations per doz.

blooma. best

American var.

Chrysanthemums —

— White, per doz.
blooms

— Yellow ., • •
—Pink
— Spray White

per doz. bun.

— Coloured
per doz. bun.

Daffodils, Single,

per doz bun,
Freesia, White

per doz. bun.
French Flowers —
— Anemones, Pink

per doz. bun. ...
— Lilac white

per doz. spray 4 0
— Marguerites yellow

per doz. bun. 5 0-6 0

— Mimosa, per pad 20 0-~o I'
—Narcissus, Paper

White per pad 15 0-18 0

Soleil d'Or, per

doz. bun. ... 4 0
— Ranunculus, Carmine

0 0

per doz. bun.

Scarlet ... ■
— Violets,

Parma, per bun
Heather, white

per doz. bun.

„. d. s. d
Lapagerias.perdoz.

blooms . . 5 0

Lilium longiflorum,

per bunch . . 18 0-20 0
Lilium speciosum

album per bunch 6 0-70

- rubrum per bun 6 0-70
Lilv of the Valley

per bunch ... 2 0-30
Narcissus, Soleil

d'Or, per doz. bun 10 0-15 0

Grand Primo
per doz, bun.
Orchids per doz. :

- Cattleyaa
— Cypripediums

per doz.
Pelargonium, dou

ble scarlet.per

doz. bun.
Richardia (Arums)

per doz. blms.
Roses per dozen

blooms —

• Liberty

— Melodv

— Mme. Abel
Chatenay .

— Ophelia

— Richmond
Roman Hyacinth

per doz. spikes
Tulips, White,

per doz. bun. .

Scarlet ... .
Violets Single

large per doz.

bun.
10 0-12 Ol— Ordinary

6 0-70

4 0-10 0
4 0-10 0
8 0-15 0

30 0-48 0

30 0-48 0

24 0-30 0

10 0-20 0

0 0-

12 0-18
12 0-15 0

10 0-12 0

10 0-12 0
24 0-30 0

5 0-10 0

15 0-24 0
9 0-12 0

12 0-15 0
10 0-18 0

9 0-12 0

12 0-18 0
10 0-15 0

2 0-26

3 0
3 0

2 6-

8 0-10 0
5 0-60

REMABKS.-With the exception of Roses. .ill oth
flowers from home growers appear to be «*«"*»"
the demand, and their prices are considerably .lower.
Daffodils are now available in increasing q^.tus.
and white Freesias are the newest subjects offered.
Tulips are also more numerous and of better quality.
Small consignments of flowers are arriving from t he
Channel Islands. consisting of .ingle Daffodils
Freesias, Narcissus, Grand Primo, N. Soliel d Or, single
Violets and Smilai. The last, has a ready sale owing
to the shortage of Asparagus and Adiantum (Maidenhair)
Fen. Large quantities of Paper White Nareiss arrived
from the South of France last week, but many baskets
were in a very poor condition, and were sold at low
prices. Many packages of yellow Marguerites and
Mimosa also suffered in transit. A few baskets of
Anemonies and Ranunculus are arriving in good con-
dition. Supplies from abroad were not. so heavy I hi-
morning, and prices are again higher for best quality
flowers.

APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING
WEEK.

MONDAY, JANUARY 12. .,

United Horticultural Benefit and Provident Society ;

Committee Meeting.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13.

Royal Horticultural Society's Committees meet.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14 .

East Anglia-n Horticultural Society Meeting.

GARDENING APPOINTMENTS.

Mr O G Hales, for the past two and a half years
with His Majesty's Forces, and previously Gardener
and Bailiff to H. L. Peabson, Esq., Meopham Park,
as Gardener and Bailiff to W. H. J. Babnabd, Esq-
Stone House, Reigate, Surrey. (Thanks for P.O. 2s.
for R.G.O.F. Box.— Ens.)

Mr, w. H. Wain, formerly Gardener to Lady Scott,
The Yews, Windermere, as Gardener to E. J.
WooLLEr, Esq., at West Thorpe, Bowdon, Cheshire.

Mr. A. G. Inkpen, three years on war service, pre-
viously at Enville Hall and Blankney Hall Gardens,
as Gardener to Mrs. Page Cboft, Fanhams Hall,
Ware, Hertfordshire.

CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

DonniE & Co., Edinburgh.— Seeds.

Stewart & Co., 13, So. St. Andrew Street, Edinburgh.—

Seeds.
CLIBRANS, Altrincham. — Seeds.
Sitton & Sons, Rending.— Seeds.
Ed. Webb & Sons, Ltd., Wordsley, Stourbridge—

Seeds. , „, , T i

ALfBEi) Dawkins. 408. King s Road, Chelsea, London,

S.W.10— Seeds.
FOREIGN. _. _. .

Leonard Seed Company. 226-230. W. Kinzie Street,

Chicago.— Seeds (wholesale)

Beetle Attacking Chrysanthemums. —
E. A. S. V. : The insect attacking the Chrysan-
themums is a plant bug, not a beetle. By
means of its sharp, piercing proboscis it sucks
the sap of the plants and might easily caruse
"blindness." When the plants are not in
flower spray them thoroughly with the follow-
ing specific : Soft soap, lib. ; nicotine (95 per
cent, purity), foz. , water, 10 gallons. Use
hot water to dissolve the soap, add the nico-
tine and the required amount of water.

Dutch Shallots : II". II'. If the bulbs are
firm anu otherwise in good condition the
Dutch shallots should be as suitable for plant-
ing as any others.

Eelworms in Manure. — B. O. H. : Send a
sample of the manure containing the eelworms
packed in a small tin box.

Fern and Cactus : II". F. Howarth. There is
no sign of any disease on either the Fern or
the Cactus, tot both have the appearance
of having been affected by frost. Similar
injuries might result from too low a tempera-
ture generally. You do not say under what
conditions the plants have been grown, but
we should advise you to keep them in a
warmer house.

Figs : F. It is certainly advisable to make
the bottom and sides of the Fig border of con-
crete, as for a Vinery, and this is even more
essential if the soil is overcharged with
moisture. Two rows of 4-inch pipes should
be arranged at the front; with ventilators
to open through the wall and between these
pipes. These two rows of pipes should be
extended around both ends of the house if
possible. Assuming that a path will ;be pro-
vided under the apex of the roof, one return
pipe might rest on each oi the piers on either
side of this path. This should be the
minimum amount of piping used. As to soil,
if the planting out svstem is adopted, let it
be even rougher than that for Vines, using
mortar rubble freely from the size of a smalll
egg down to that of a hazel nut, Lime rubble,
if easily obtainable in the district might also
be added, as this will act more quickly than the
mortar rubble. Use small pieces of charcoal
also. These component parts should be quite
one-third of the whole. Choose rough, fibrous
loam, and if with a calcareous tendency, so
much the better. Make the compost firm
when arranging it in the border, but
only provide' for one-third of the space for
the' first few years. If pot trees are used, and
we are disposed to advise these, more variety
and a better succession can be had. If planted
out, three trees to the 35 ft. are ample, i.e.,
three at the front and three at the back, with
one at either end— eight trees in all. These
should be as follows :— two of Brown Turkey,
two of White Marseilles, two of Negro Largo
and two of Bourjassotte Grise (these should be
easilv obtainable). Violette Sepor might take
the place of White Marseilles if desired. If
pot trees tie decided upon use the same
varieties, but twice as many trees, as all
the surface may be taken up with them, and
also add four each of St. John, or Pingo de
Mel, as" early sorts, and Violette de Bordeaux
as a late one, 24 trees in all, which will be
just over 23 sq. ft. to each tree. Pot trees
come into ibearing almost at once, but planted
out trees will take even longer than a newly
planted Vine to arrive at maturity.

Names of Fruits : C. W. S. 1, Wadhurst
Pippin ; 2. Reinette Franche ; 3, decayed ; 4,
Norfolk Stone Pippin; 5. Scarlet Nonpareil;
6 Nonsuch; 7, Small's Admirable; 8, Leather -
roat- 9, Ribston Pearmain; 10, Stunner
Pippin—/. <?• B. 1, Waltham Abbev Seed-
ling- 2. Wyken Pippin.— A. A. 1, Brabant
Bellefleur; 2. Washington; 3, Roi d'Angle-
terre • 4, Adams's Pearmain ; 5, Herefordshire
Pearmain; 6, Reinette de Caux ; 7 Round
Winter Nonsuch ; 8, Rymer.— R. B. Mmchull
Crab—/. G. 1, Norfolk Beefing ; 2, Cellini ;
3. Roi d'Angleterre; 4. Radford Beauty; 5.
Ashmead's Kernel; 6, Court of Wick: 7.

Broad-eved Pippin ; 8, Lane's Prince Albert, —
A'. F. 'Mere de Menage.— G. L. R. 1, York-
shire Beauty; 2, Lord Burghley. — E. B. 1.
Nonsuch ; 2, Winter Hawthornden ; 3, Bed-
fordshire Foundling; 4. Beautv of Kent. —
A. K. 1. 12 and 14, decayed : 2, Hoary
Morning ; 3. Stunner Pippin ; 4, Calville
St. Sauveur ; 5, Flower of Kent ; 6, Hormead's
Pearmain; 7, Bess Pool; 8, Adams's
Pearmain ; 9, Lord Suffield ; 10, Beauty of
Kent; 11, Hanwell Souring; 13, Cox's Pear-
main.— J. G. Calville Rouge d'Hiver. —
A. W. M. 1, Flanders Pippin; 2, Small's-
Admirable ; 3, Winter Strawberry ; 4, Beautv
of Kent; 5, Nancy Jackson; 6,Ma'bbott's Pear-
main; 7, Fearn's Pippin; 8, Pile's Russet; 9.
Ashmead's Kernel Improved; 10, Minchull
Crab; 11, Yorkshire Greening. — E. A. 1.
Lane's Prince Albert; 2. Cullen ; 3, Yorkshire-
Beauty; 4, Catshead.

Seed Testing in England and Wales.
R. G. A. — The tests required under the
Testing of Seeds Order, 1918, may be made
by the seller himself, or by a private testing,
station, or by the Official Seed Testing Station.
The fees charged for testing seeds by the
Official Station are as follows : — To Farmers.
— A report will be furnished to bona-fide Eng-
lish and Welsh fanners at the rate of 3d. per
sample on seed which the farmer himself is
proposing to sow. Samples to be tested at
the 3d. rate must be accompanied by an under-
taking that the test is not required in con-
nection with a declaration for sale. In the
case of tests which a farmer requires for the
purpose of a declaration for sale, he is required,
to pay the fees chargea'ble to seedsmen, i.e.,
Cereals, per sample. Is. Od. ; Roots and
vegetables, other than Mangels and Beet, per
sample, Is. 6d. ; Mangels, Beet, Grasses and
Clovers, per sample, 2s. Od. ; the sizes of
samples for testing must be as follows : —
garden Turnip, garden Cabbage, garden Kale,
garden Kohl Rabi, Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli,
Cauliflower, Carrot, Parsnip, Onion, not less
than ^ oz. ; Ryegrasses, Meadow Fescue,
Cocksfoot, Crested Dogstail, Timothy, Alsike,
White Clover, field Turnip, Swede, Rape,
field Cabbage, field Kale, field Kohl Rabi.
Mangel and Beet, not less than 2 oz. ; Wheat,
Oats, Barley, Rye, Tares or Vetches, Red
Clover, Crimson Clover, Trefoil, Lucerne, and
Sainfoin, not less than 4 oz. ; Peas and Dwarf
French Beans, not less than 6 oz. ; Broad
Beans and Scarlet Runner Beans, not less
than 8 oz. Each kind of seed must be enclosed
in a separate strong envelope and forwarded
either separately or in a well-made-up parcel
addressed to "Board of Agriculture and
Fisheries, Seed Testing Station. 18. Leigham
Court Road. Streatham Hill, S.W.16. You
can obtain suitable envelopes for the purpose,,
free of charge on application to the Station.
A slip of paper nnust be enclosed in the
envelope with each sample (suitable slips are
provided with the envelope supplied by the
Station) giving the following particulars : —
(1) Name and full postal address (including
county) of sender; (2) date when sent; (3)
kind and variety of the seed; (4) sender's
reference number or mark if several samples of
any one variety of seed are sent ; (5) _ the
name and address of the person (or firm)
from whom the seed was (or is) to be pur-
chased ; (6) the price per lb. or per other
measure ; and (7) copy of declaration as to
purity, germination', etc., given by the seller.
The particulars asked for in Nos. (1), (2), (3)
and (4) above must in all cases be given,
but it is to the sender's advantage to supply
the further particulars per Nos. (5), (6) and
(7), although he need not necessarily do so as
a condition upon which the seeds will be
tested. If sent by letter post and properly
addressed in accordance with the above in-
structions, the postage on the samples need
not be paid, but if sent by parcels post it
must be paid.

Communications Beceived.-W W. and Co.—
H H R.-F. J.— E. M. B— O. C— B. A.— S. A.—

e' l b.-h. b.— b. h.-b. h. m.-g. v. S.— 8. L.-

E' C — H B.— E. M— T. P.— a. T. R.— R. F.-T. W. B,
— ,T C— C C— F. H.— H. H.— H. B.— J. G.--K. F.
— D McO.-R. T.-W. T. W.-H. V— E. M. G.—
F W C— E. H. J.— J. A. N.— .7. B. B.-H. T. E.

January 17, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

23

THE

(Baxbtntts €htonidt

No. 1725 —SATURDAY, JAN. 17, 1920.

CONTENTS.

Aphis, a plague of ... 32

Apple CTOfton Scarlet ... 25

Books, Notices of:

British rainfall ... 27
Meteorology for all ... 27
The Study of the
Weather 27

Bulb garden, the:

Lilies, Japanese, is the
garden ... ... 27

Cultivation, deep, the
value of 30

Farm School, gift of a,
for Suffolk 23

Farrer*s, Mr. Reginald,
second exploration in
Asia 29

Fruit garden, the market 28

Gardeners' Chronicle,

seventy-five years ago 24

Garden Villages Confer-
ence at Croydon ... 24

Grape Madresfield Court 31

Horticultural Training
Centre for Middlesex 23

Land settlement for ex-
service men 24

Mangin, M. L 23

Meterorological lectures 23

Orchid notes and glean-
ings:

Cypripediums from
Westonbirt . . .
Fault, a whitewash
Peace commemoration

trees at Kew
Potatos, spade verms

plough for
Red currants, big bud

mite on

Silver Leaf

Societies :

National Gladiolus . . .

Manchester and North
of England Orchid .. .

Royal Horticultural . . .

British Gardeners' As-
sociation
Soil temperature
Solamim aculeatissimum
Strawberries, alpine ...
Swanley Horticultural

College

Symons Medal, award of
Tithe, redemption of ...
Vegetables :

Onions, exhibition ...
Week's Work, the 26,
Wisley, horticultural

scholarship at

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Apple Crofton Scarlet

Farrer's, Mr. Reginald, exploration :

Bungalow in the valley region
Lilium auratum var platyphyllum

Nomocharis pardanthina

Solanum aculeatissimum, fruits of

2S
27
29
31

Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week
deduced from observations during the last fifty
years at Greenwich, 38.38°.

AOTTTAL Temperature : —

Gardeners1 Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street,
Covent Garden, London, Wednesday, January 14,
1920, 10 a.m.: Bar. 29.9; temp. 42°. Weather-
Cold, bright and windy.

Soil

Temperature.

Every student uf plant
life realises that soii tem-
perature plays an impor-
tant part in plant growth,
and the more lie recognises this fact the more
he has reason to regret the scantiness of our
knowledge of the mechanism by which soil
temperature is determined. The philosophic
gardener will therefore read with pleasure and
profit Captain Franklin's account of experi-
ments and observations on the subject.*
Captain Franklin prefaces his paper with a
criticism of the custom of takings the grass
minimum temperature as an index of the
probability of the occurrence of frost. The
fact that grass is a bad conductor
of heat, in consequence of which the tempera-
ture of the soil immediately beneath the grass
may be many degrees — 15 F or more — above
that of the air on the grass, suffices to show-
that the grass minimum temperature affords
no certain indication of soil temperature. On
the contrary, no such large differences exist
between the temperature of the air resting' on
open soil and that of the surface soil itself,
For in this case there is no non-conducting
mat to prevent equalisation of the surface
temperature and that of the air in immediate
contact with it.

It is to be concluded, therefore that the
grass minimum temperature gives a false im-
pression of that of air over open soil. Hence,
for cultivators who desire to know the
chances of frost, a determination of the sur-
face soil minimum is more useful than
that of the grass minimum.
The cooling of soil is due to radiation,

* " The Cooling nf Soil at Night, with Special Reference
to Late Spring Frosts." by Captain T. Bedford
Franklin, Proc. Roy Soe. of Edinburgh, August 5, 1919.

evaporation and the fall of cold rain or snow.
The amount of radiation is determined by tile
clearness of the atmosphere and its relative
humidity. It will also depend on the dryness
of the surface soil — the drier the greater the
radiation.

As radiation proceeds its effect in cooling
the surface soil is counterbalanced by the heat
conducted from the lower part of the soil, and
when the soil freezes there is also the latent
heat which serves to prevent a further fall
of soil-temperature.

From these general considerations the
author concludes that the amount of radiation
(R) is equal to the sum of the amount of heat
conducted (C) from below, the latent heat (L)
and the heat given up in the cooling of the
surface layers (CSL) : —

R = C + L+CSL.

If, flhen, any three of these factors be
known, the fourth is also known.

By a series of observations Captain Frank-
lin has succeeded in showing" that the relation
expressed in the formula holds good in prac-
tice.

He thus arrives at the important conclusion
that the prediction of frost on a given night
depends on the possibility of estimating —

1. Average relative humidity during the night.

2. The temperature at a given depth — say,
4 inches — at the time of the surface mini-
mum.

3. The conductivity of the soil between the
surface and that depth.

4. The difference between surface soil tem-
perature and that of the air above it.

He also suggests that it should prove
possible to predict the minimum temperature
on calm, clear nights from observations taken
in the afternoon. From actual observations
taken by means of electric resistance thermo-
meters the author finds ground for believing
that this suggestion is well founded.

Captain Franklin has investigated the
thermal effect of soil coverings on sur-
face soil temperatures. The materials
experimented with were loose soil, ashes,
manure, fallen leaves and grass. Of these
coverings grass is the most efficient,
making at the maximum a difference
of 150 F; fallen leaves are next in effici-
ency, 70 F, manure, 6.50 F, ashes, 6° F, and
loose soil, 30 F, from which it would appear
that a winter soil mulch might make the
difference between freezing and non-freezing
of the roots of half tender plants. The pro-
nounced effect of ashes in reducing the fall
in surface soil temperatures is also of
interest. It throws light — new to some
of us — on the significance of the prac-
tice of plunging potted bulbs, and it
suggests that the gardener has close at
hand a material with which to cover any
"roots" which may be precious and apt to
suffer from frost. An application possibly
worth trying would be the use of ashes for
banking up Celery or Leek ridges.

Finally the author points out how impor-
tant must be the effect of grass in permitting
the over-wintering and precocious growth of
bulbous and other plants which have their
stations in meadows and other grassy places.
Thanks to its property of non-conduction, the
temperature of the soil beneath grass remains
higher than that freely exposed in open, culti-
vated land, and hence plants growing therein
are able to make an early start in spring.

For a like reason the pests, leather-jackets,
etc., which hibernate beneath grass are well
protected. It would be interesting to know
whether fruit trees in grass are apt to flower
earlier than those in cultivated ground, and
also whether the deep planting of bulbs owes
something of its advantage to the fact that in
well-drained soil the spring temperature is

higher in the deeper layers of the soil than
it is nearer the surface.

Captain Franklin's paper is a valuable
contribution to soil physics, than which no
subject is of greater interest or importance
to gardeners and growers generally.

Horticultural Scholarship at Wisley We learn

that Sir' James Knott has presented the Royal
Horticultural Society with a sum of money for
the establishment of a scholarship at the Society's
Gardens, Wisley. Candidates must he between
16 and, 22 years of age and must pass first class at
the R.H.S. General Examination in Horticulture
on March 21. The scholarship will be of the
value of £30 a year for two years, and candidates
must make application on or before March 10.

Swanley Horticultural College.— The governors
of the Horticultural College, Swanley, have
appointed Miss F. M. G. Micklethwait, A.R.C.S..
F.I.C., as principal of the college. Miss
Micklethwait is a former student of the college,
and was a Beit Research Fellow. She has done
much good work both as a practical gardener and
as a research student.

The National Gladiolus Society— The winding
up of this Society has now been completed by
Mr. P. R. Ban- and Major G. Churcher. The
sum of £16 Is. 2d. realised has been handed to
St. Dunstan's Hostel for Blinded Soldiers and
Sailors and the £15 15s. 9d. Five per cent. War
Loan lias been transferred to the Trustees of) the
same Charity. The Society's Register, Colour
Chart and other papers remain in the care of
Mr. P. R. Ban-. The President's Challeng'e Cup
has been returned to Sir Francis Burdett, Bart.,
who imrarms us that he has presented the cup
to, and it has been accepted by, the Royal Horti-
cultural Society for annual competition between
growers of Gladioli.

M. L. Mangin.— M. L. Mangin. the French
botanist, has been appointed director of the
Natural History Museum, Paris, in succession
to M. E. Perrier.

Meteorological Lectures.— Sir- Napier Shaw
will deliver a course of nine lectures on "A
General Survey of the Globe and its Atmos-
phere,'' at the Meteorological Office, at 3 p.m
on Fridays, beginning on January 23. Admis-
sion is free.

Award of the " Symons " Medal.— The Symons
Gold Medal for 1920 has been awarded by the
Council of the Royal Meteorological Society to
Dr. H. H. Hildebrandsson, of Upsala University,
in recognition of his distinguished work in con-
nection with meteorological science.

Horticultural Training Centre for Middlesex.—
At Bury Farm. Enfield, a Middlesex training
centre in horticulture is being started for parti-
ally disabled ex-Service men. The scheme has
the support of Mr. Alfred Bath, J. P.. the
tenant, who himself served with the Royal
Fusiliers on the Western front.

Gift of a Farm School for Suffolk— Lord
Iveagh, who has done so much for deserving
causes, is anxious to help those sons of agri-
cultural labourers who, being bright, intelli-
gent and fit for more responsible work than that
which would fall to their lot in ordinarv circum-
stances, are barred from advancement by lack of
education. To this end he has purchased the
Chadacre Hall Estate of some five hundred acres
in the county of Suffolk, and is prepared to
defray the whole cost of establishing a Farm
Institute for forty or fifty boys who will be
admitted at the age of 16 years after some
training on a farm. While the Institute is in-
tended primarily for the sons of poor parents,
particularly of farm labourers, the cases of the
sons of small farmers and small-holders will he
1 uiisidoicil. to^rtlier with cases rfxunmended to
the Governing Committee by local authorities,
school managers., clergy and •others. Lord
Iveagh hopes that it will be possible for the
Farm Institute to begin work at Michaelmas.
No fees are to be charged, board, lodging and
insi ruction being mi irelv fi ■■<

24

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[January 17, 1920.

Garden Villages Conference at Croydon. — The
Surrey Land Settlement Committee has organised
a, conference for the purpose of securing support
for its scheme of establishing near Croydon a
Garden Village for ex-Service men and others.
The conference will be held in the Croydon
Town Hall on January 26-30. and the subjects
and speakers will be : — Jan. 26 — The Ideal
Garden Village — Its Part in National Recon-
struction, by Mr. Ebenezer Howard ; Tile Win-
terslow Colony, by Mr. Mark Poore ; and Prin-
ciples of Housing 'and Town Planning, by Capt.
R. L. Reiss. Jan. 27 — Pise Building and its
Possibilities, by Mr. Clough Williams-Ellis;
Brick V. Wood, by Mr. Alfred Crofts; and
Utility Rabbit Keeping, by Mr. C. A. House.
Jan 28— The Value of Bee Keeping in Land
Settlement as a Rural Industry, by Mr. W.
Herrod-Hempsall ; Goat Keeping, bv Mr. H. S.
Holmes Pegler; and The Most Profitable Way
of Cropping a 20-Rod Plot, by Mr: S. T. Wright
(Superintendent of the Royal Horticultural
Society's Gardens). Jan. 29 — Intensive Culture
by Means of Heated Movable Glass Houses,
bv Mr. A. Pullen-Burry ; Roadside Fruit Tree
Planting, by Mr. R. G. James (County In-
structor in Horticulture, Cheshire) ; and Co-
operative Organisation for Smallholders and
Allotment Holders, by Mr. Geo. Nkholls. Jan.
30 — Transport as a Factor in Housing, by Capt.
G. Swinton ; Bird Sanctuaries, by Mrs. Frank
Lemon; Taxation of Land Values, by Alderman
F. C. K. Douglas; Land Nationalisation, by Mr.
Joseph Hyder; and Perpetual Tenure, by Mr.
Mark B. F. Major. Admission is free each day.

Land Settlement for ex-Service Men — A
review of the work of settling ex-Service men
on the land accomplished by the County Coun-
cils and the Councils of County Boroughs during
1919, as agents for the Ministry of Agriculture
and Fisheries, has just been issued. This shows
that Councils have on their lists 24,921 ex-Ser
vice applicants who have applied for 429.697
acres. Of these 15,008 applicants have so far
been approved as suitable for 251.568 of the
acres applied for. Although the Land Settle-
ment (Facilities) Act, which was passed to
facilitate the acquisition of land for ex-Service
men. received the Royal Assent as recently as
August 19 last, Councils have already actually
acquired, or agreed to acquire, 151,548 acres
under the Act. In addition the Councils have
under consideration 76,929 acres, the bulk of
which, it is hoped, will be acquired at an early
date. Two County Councils alone have failed
to acquire a single acre for ex-Service men— the
London County Council and the Rutland County
Council. So far 3,788 men have actually been
settled on their holdings, a total area of 51.697
acres, and the figures given above would appear
to show that the promises of the Government
with regard to the provision of land for. men who
have fought for their country are being redeemed
■in a satisfactory manner almost everywhere, ex-
cept in the two counties already mentioned.

Redemption of Tithe. — Owners of land who
■desire to rid themselves of the liability of pay-
ing tithe may do so under the Tithe Act of 1918
at°a reasonable cost. During the past twelve
months applications for redemption of tithe rent
charge amounting to nearly seventeen thousand
pounds, and to capital values of about £300.000
have reached the Board of Agriculture. Although
the tithe included in these applications must be
regarded as considerable, being, for example,
nearly eleven times as much as that in the
applications received between the 1st December,
1912. and 30th November. 1913. the Tithe Bill
of 1918 has not completely fulfilled the hopes of
some of its supporters. Undoubtedly applica-
tions would h.->ve been larger but for the wide-
spread belief that redemption proceedings
involved landowners in a considerable amount of
trouble. In point of fact nothing more is
required in the great majority of cases than that
the applicant should write to the Board of
Agriculture, giving particulars of the tithe rent
charge he wishes to redeem, together with the
names and addresses of the owner and collector
of the charge. All other work falls upon officers
of the Board. It is of interest to note that at
the moment, when tithe rent charge is payable
to the incumbent in right of his benefice, the

cost, of redemption works out at about seventeen
years' purchase of the present annual value.
Where tithe rent charge is otherwise held, the
consideration is about fifteen and a half years'
purchase. Those who cannot supply correct
particulars of the tithe rent charge should send
to the Board a plan of their property prefer-
ably on a 1/2,500 scale ordnance sheet with the
boundaries of the land to be redeemed clearly
and accurately set out with a coloured edging.
If further particulars are desired, they can be
obtained, together with the necessary forms of
application, free of all charge, on application to
the Board of Agriculture.

Peace Commemoration Trees at Kew. — In the
autumn of 1917 some seeds of common Oak and
of Horse Chestnut were received at Kew which
had been collected on the battlefields of Verdun.
They had been sent by the Mayor of that city to
the London and North-Western Railway Company,
whose officials forwarded a few of each kind to
Kew. The seeds were sown and twenty-one
Oaks and eight Horse Chestnuts were raised from
them. In view of their interesting origin these
trees appeared very appropriate to plant as
memorial trees. Accordingly three of them, two
Oaks and one Chestnut, which had been
established in pots for the purpose, were planted
on Peace Day, July 19. 1919. the day of the
Great Victory Procession in London. Two of
them are on the southern slope of the hill which
is crowned by the Temple of Aeolus, the other
is between No. 1 Museum and the Temple of
Arethusa. Considering the interest with which
these trees are likely to be regarded by future
generations, when the great war has receded into
the dim past, we agree with the Keu- Bulletin
that it is desirable to put on record the time
and place of their planting. By desire of His
Majesty the King, two of these Oaks and two of
the Chestnuts were planted at Windsor on the
same day. In the public parks at Reading, under
the auspices of Messrs. Sutton, two Oaks were
also planted. A Chestnut was sent to Keswick
for the same purpose.

An Iris Society for America. — Iris fanciers in
the United States propose to form themselves
into a special society for the purpose of pro-
moting the culture and development of the Iris.
It may eventually include in its purview the
study of all known species and varieties ; the com-
piling of a list of horticultural sorts with their
parentage, synonyms, name of originator and
date of introduction; their proper classification;
compilation of a history of Iris growing; cultural
directions for different climates; a study of Iris
diseases and pests; the establishment of test and
exhibition gardens in various sections of the
country ; the organisation of Iris exhibitions,
and publicity thi'ough articles and bulletins,
lantern slides and lectures. The Society hopes
to encourage Iris breeders everywhere, and at
the same time to discourage the introduction of
inferior novelties.

A Whitewash Paint. — A whitewash that is
said to be almost as serviceable as and cheaper
than the cheapest paint for wood, brick, or
stone, has been used by the United States
Government for whitewashing lighthouses. It
has also been used to embellish the east end of
the White House in Washington. The white-
wash is made as follows : — Slake half-a-bushei of
lime with boiling water, cover during the process
to keep in the steam, strain the liquid through
a fine sieve or strainer, and add to it a peck of
salt, previously dissolved in warm water, 3 lb.
of ground rice boiled to a thin paste, and stirred
in while hot. £ lb. of Spanish whiting, and lib.
(jf clear glue previously dissolved by soaking in
cold water, and then hanging it over a slow
fire in a small pot hung in a larger one filled
with water. Add 5 gallons of hot water to the
mixture, stir well, and let it stand a few days,
covered from dirt. The wash should be applied
hot, for which purpose it can be kept in a kettle
or portable furnace.. By the addition of colour-
ing matter various shades of colour may be ob-
tained. The colouring matters generally used are
ochre, chrome, Dutch pink, and raw sienna for
yellows and buff ; Venetian red, burnt sienna.
Indian red, or purple brown for reds; celestial
blue, ultramarine, and indigo for blues : red and

blue for purple grey or lavender; red lead and
chrome for orange ; Brunswick green for greens.
Yellow ochre added to the whitewash gives a
cream colour; lamp-black or ivory black pro-
duces a pearl or lead tint; 4 pounds of umbel
to 1 pound of Indian red and 1 pound of lamp-
black makes fawn; and 4 pounds of umber and
2 pounds of lamp-black produces the common
stone colour.

The " Gardeners' Chronicle " Seventy-five
Years Ago. — Potatos. — I have observed lately
the result of some experiments which have been
made in raising Potatos ; and from trials which
I have also made, I entertain no doubt but that
planting wrhole Potatos of a middling size is
much preferable to those which are cut. In dry-
ground or in ordinary seasons the latter no doubt
grow very well, but there is always a loss by
cutting in pieces the large Potatos while the
others not so valuable are available. In damp
or wet ground not thoroughly drained, or in
cold, backward seasons where vegetation is
checked, the cut sets parch and never grow, so
that blanks of some yards are everywhere visible,
whilst the drills planted with whole Potatos are
as close as a hedge. I have also made some
experiments as to the best and easiest mode of
keeping the one crop of Potatos in a proper state
for use until the following crop is ready.
Persons residing in the country who have frames
of glass can have Potatos very early, and they
can also have old Potatos kept in pits in the
earth, etc., but people residing in towns, the lower
classes especially, have no such conveniences. In
the spring, when the Potatos begin to grow, they
send out long shoots, and when these are removed
others succeed — the root all the time shrivelling
and wasting its substance. An effectual way of
killing the vegetative powers at that period jand
no sooner) occurred to me. The heat of boiling
water being 212°, and three minutes being
sufficient to boil an egg, the question came to be,
how short a time would effect the present object?
and an immersion till a person could count six
seems amplv sufficient; this might be tested
exactly, and be done on a large scale with a
copper and netted bag. Potatos so served keep
for many weeks quite plump and fresh and until
new ones could be got in the market at a
reasonable price. This plan may also be useful
for preserving them longer fit for use at sea.
where vegetables are not to be had. Observer,
Gard. Chron., January 18, 1845.

Publications Received.— The Fungicida!
Properties of Certain Spray Fluids. J. Vargas
Eyre, E. S. Salmon, and L. K. Wormald
Cambridge : At the University Press. A
Critical Revision oj the Genus Eucalyptus.
J. H. Maiden, Svdnev, Australia: 2s fid. nett
William Applegatc Gullick. The Hardwoods
of Australia. By Richard T. Baker. Sydney :
W. A. Gullick, Government Printer.
Final Report of the Women's National Land
Service Corps. London : 50, Upper Baker
Street, N.W.I. Bulletin of Peony News.
No. 9. Edited by A. P. Saunders, American
Peony Society, " Clinton, New York.
U.S.A. Journal of the Royal Horticultural
Society. Vol. XLV. Part 1. London :
W. Wesley & Son, 28, Essex Street.
W.C. Henry Nicholson Ellacombe. A
Memoir. By Arthur W. Hill. London :
" Country Life " Library, 20, Tavistock
Street, Covent Garden. W.C. Price 10s fid
nett. 'A Common Disease of Potatos. Stem
Rot, Rosette or Little Potato. By D. G.
O'Brien, MA. Glasgow : West of Scotland
Agricultural College. Bulletin, No. 91-. Annual
Report of Ike Massachusetts Agricultural
Experimental Station. Boston : Wright and
Potter, State Printers, 32, Derne Street.
Practical Exercises on the Weather and
Climate c( the British Isles and North West
Europe. By W. F. Stacey, F.R.G.S. Cam-
bridge University Press. Outlines of the History
ofBotanu. Bv Harvev Gibson. London : Adam
& Charles Bla"ck, Sohb Square. Price 10s. nett.
Notes from the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh.
Vol. XI. Edinburgh : William Grant Craib,
M.A. H.M., Stationery Office, 23, Forth Street.
Temperature in Relation to Quality cf Saeetcorn-
By Neil E. Stevens & C. H. Higgins. Washing-
ton : Government Printing Office.

January 17, 1920. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

25

ALPINE STRAWBERRIES.

Alpine Strawberries, i.e., the Quatre
Saisons of French cultivators, are better
known on the Continent than in Great
Britain. Both in France and in Italy they are,
however, much appreciated and I saw them in
fruiterer's shops in Borne, at Easter, in 1902.
Where these were grown I know not, but
presumably in the extreme south, or in Sicily.
I was requested to start the cultivation of
Alpine Strawberries by the late Mr. Leopold
de Rothschild in 1895. I found, almost at the
start, that the best results were to tie obtained
by raising the necessary stock from seed every
year and never to depend upon runners, unless
I was short of plants, and then only the first
runners. I had to find out what was the best
season for saving the seed, so as to ensure a
supply of plants and fruits. Altogether it was
albout three years before I decided upon a definite
method of cultivation and then I was enabled
to work almost with certainty.

The cultivation of these luscious fruits has
not been taken up in this country so extensively
as it deserves to be. I am somewhat surprised
at this, but the lack of interest is no donlbt
partly explained by the persistence with which
traders include Alpine sorts in their Straw-
berry lists, and offer runner's for sale, which is
an utter mistake. Up-to-date seedsmen have for
some years past listed Alpine Strawberries in the
seed catalogues every spring. Raising plants
from seeds is the correct method to follow, and
as the season for making out the seed orders
is now with us, I advise growers to order a few
packets of Alpine Strawberry seed. It is
necessary to secure new seed, i.e., seed of the
previous season, to ensure a high percentage of
germination.

I obtained the 'best results when I sowed the seed
early in April, using shallow boxes, as for other
seeds, when large reuimlbers of plants were needed.
Sow in light soil ; sandy loam and leaf-soil
passed through a fine meshed sieve provide the
best compost for the seeds and seedlings. The best
place wherein to raise the seedlings is a Peach
house, or other structure where the temperature
is similar at that season of the year. Those
growers who raise Celery at about that season
may safely adopt similar methods for
Alpine Strawberries with good results. Watch
the condition ofl the soil closely, damp it as
may 'be needed, and shade the boxes from bright
sunshine. Prick out the seedlings, as for Celery,
in due course. Do not allow a high temperature
or the seedlings will draw up weak and spindly ;
when they are well established ventilate the
house or pit freely.

As soon as these young plants are becoming
crowded a place should be prepared for pricking
them out ; frames from which bedding plants
have been removed will answer well. Estimate
the required quantity and prick out the plants
six inches apart. Here they may remain until a
plot of ground can be spared upon which to plant
them. For this final planting allow eighteen
inches from plant to plant. An open piece of
ground suits Alpine Strawberries, but not a hot
border in front of |fruit-trees on a wall. They
need plenty of adr and moisture when in growth.
It is not, however, essential that the ground
should be in the open, for Alpine Strawberries
grow freely if planted in partial shade, but not,
however, where there would be an excess of drip
horn overhanging trees. The site chosen should
be well prepared by deep trenching and
manuring ; the manure should be of a light
character. I find that well-decayed leaf-soil is
one of the best manurial additions, as
well as old Mushroom bed soil or spent
hot-bed material. The Alpine Straw-
berries have much in common with our
wild, or wood Strawberry ; indeed I consider
them closely related. After the ground has
been prepared it should be worked over again
and broken down finely, and if the work is com-
pleted by the end of September that will be
sufficiently early. I have always had the greatest
success when planting was finished before the
middle of October.

The young plants should be lifted with as good
a ball of soil and roots as possible and planted
carefully ; make the ground firm and then water
them to settle the soil around the roots. After

this there is not much further to be done
that season other than such routine work as
hoeing lightly as may be found necessary. At
all times remove runners and thus concentrate
the strength of the plants in tile crowns.
During the first winter the plants should be
examined after severe frost and if any have been
lifted thereby, and have their roots exposed,
they should be pressed back firmly into the soil.
When growth commences in the spring all
vacancies should be filled from the reserve bed.
Keep the runners picked off persistently, and in
order to strengthen the plants remove the first
flower spikes also. In order to have good fruits

kind of crop. Picking the fruits is best done by-
pulling off the berries without stalks and placing
them in a light punnet, which, if quite clean,
\m\y be sent to the table as it is.

These Alpine Strawberry fruits were most in
request at Gunnersbury for breakfast, and for
afternoon teas and tennis parties. There are
not many varieties from which to choose, but 1
have proved the following to be quite reliable :
Sutton's Large Red Alpine. Rouge Ameliore or
Improved Red, of which there is a desirable
white variety, and Belle de Meaiux, a dark red
form, almost rotund and of excellent quality.
.Ins. Hudson, V.il.R.

Fig. 10. — APPLE cboftoh scarlet.

for picking from the middle of August onwards
until the early part of October, I made it a prac-
tice to pick off all flower spikes until the end of
June, then left half the bed untouched and removed
spikes from the other half until a fortnight later.
At this period the beds should be mulched with
light strawy material, such as that taken from
the plantations of summer fruiting Strawberries.
During the period of active growth water must
be applied as may be necessary, and when the
mulch is applied, give a light dressing of
Peruvian guano, as this will add vigour to the
plants.

After the mulch has been given it is a good
plan to leave the runners alone ; the following
spring, however, they may be carefully thinned.
The first gathering of the berries should take
place about the same time as fruits of Royal
Sovereign come into use out of doors, but the
crop should continue until the middle of August.
Then, being assured of the succession of fruits
from other plantations, this early bed may be
disposed of and the site prepared for some other

APPLE CROFTON SCARLET.

Dr. Hogg, in The Fruit Manual, describes
Crofton Scarlet as " a most, delicious dessert
Apple, oti first-rate quality : in use from October
to December and does not become mealy.'' It
seems remarkable that such a fine variety should
receive neglect from growers, yet apparently it
is but little grown now-a-days, and few who saw
the specimens exhibited at the meeting of the
Royal Horticultural Society on November 18,
last, had ever seen this Apple before.

Mr. Divers, who exhibited the fruits, spoke
in high praise of this old Apple as a. dessert
variety, a typical specimen of which is illus-
trated', natural size, in Fig. 10- It will be
i ii 'ii that tlic fruit is of medium size and slightly
angular on the sides. The colour is bright led
on the side next to the sun. hence the name.
'llic flesh is firm, crisp, sweet, and of rich
flavour. The origin of this old Apple is not
known, except that it came from Ireland.

26

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[January 17, 1920.

The Week's Work.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By F. Jordan. Gardener to Lieut. -Col. Spender Clat,
M.P., Ford Manor, Lingfiekl, Surrey.

Permanent Trees.— The earliest Fig house
should be closed at once. Examiue the borders,
and see that they are in a suitable condition,
down to the drainage. Very little, if any, fire-
heat will be necessary.

Early Vinery.— This house should now be
closed with a night temperature of 46° to 50°.
The necessary moisture will be provided by
lightly syringing the Tines and bare spaces once
or twice daily, according to the weather. Give
the borders one or two good waterings with
tepid water, and keep the house closed for ten
days or a fortnight, without heat or ventilation.

Melons. — The present is a suitable time to sow
Melon seeds to obtain plants that will furnish
ripe fruits early in May. Where efficiently heated
pits are in readiness, with everything sweet and
clean, a start may be made. Sow seeds of some
early fruiting variety singly in small pots and
plunge the pots in material providing a bottom-
heat of 75° to 80°. Let them be fully exposed to
the light and cover the pots with glass until the
seed leaves appear-. Where fermenting material is
used a. good heap of litter and leaves should be
got in readiness by turning and mixing them.
These early plants are best grown in 12-inch
pots plunged closely together in the ferment-
ing material, but stood upon inverted pots
to prevent sinking and possibly strangling
the tender shoots. Use clean, well crocked pots
and have sufficient warm compost, consisting of
fairly heavy loam and lime rubble with a dash
of bone meal added, in readiness. If planting out
is preferred, use similar compost placed on turves
arranged grass side downwards in the form of a
ridge. Set the plants in the soil when they are
quite small and make the compost fairly firm.
Maintain a bottom-heat of 75° to 80° ' and a
minimum night temperature of 65° to 68°. rising
to 75° or 80° by day with sun-heat. Promote a
moist atmosphere by frequent light sprinklings
of water warmed to the temperature of the
house.

Pines — The cultivation of these plants is
only attempted nowadays in a few private
establishments, and I shall only occasionally refer
to their treatment. The first 'batch of plants of
the Queen variety should be selected and plunged
in a steady bottom-heat of 80° to 85°, with a
night temperature of 65° to 70°, rising to
75° or 80° during day with sun-heat, according
to weather. These temperatures must not be
exceeded during the next few weeks. Maintain a
moist atmosphere by frequent dampings, but
guard against drip or excessive moisture in dull
weather.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By Sidney Leoo, Gardener to the Dowager Lady
Ninuirnholme. Warter Prior}-, Yorkshire.

The Formal Garden — It is highly important
to give strict attention to the drainage of the
soil. All necessary digging should be completed
with the utmost speed and the bed suitably
manured in accordance with the requirements of
the plants to be utilised. The planter's plan
made out last August will greatly facilitate the
general work of suitably preparing the beds and
also contain the name's of the plants, together
with the quantities required to complete
the ultimate bedding. Test the soil, and if
found deficient in lime give a dressing of about
6 ozs. of slaked lime per square yard to the
surface, after the digging has been accomplished.
This may be followed in the spring with an
application of superphosphates at the rate
of about four ounces per square yard.
The fertiliser will need to be lightly
forked in and the operation will improve
the ground for planting. One method of testing
soil as to whether it is, or is not. deficient in
lime, is as follows : — Place a small and fair
sample of the soil in a transparent vessel and

pour a moderate quantity of hydrochloric acid on
tile earth. If the liquid effervesces freely, plenty
of lime is present for the time being. Where
beds are known to contain eehvorms — probably
introduced through the medium of leaf-mould —
and for various reasons it is not practicable to
remove the soil a dressing of sulphate of potash
will be found serviceable. The best results are
obtained by applying the potash 4 or 6 weeks
previous to planting and thoroughly forking it
in the soil.

Datura cornigera (syn. Brugmansia Knightii).
— Standards of this plant are handsome subjects
for planting at the beginning of June in the
sub-tropical garden. The double white flowers
overhanging a carpet of Funkia ovata aurea. are
very pleasing. A very sheltered position should
be chosen for the plant in the open. Cuttings
may 'be inserted singly in small pots and rooted
in gentle warmth. Repot the plants when
they need it. grow them quickly and keep them
to one stem until the desired height is attained,
then gradually grow them in cooler conditions.
A top-dressing of old cow manure provides the
best stimulant for the roots.

Tools. — Too much attention cannot be given
to the proper equipment of a garden staff with
suitable tools. The tools should be as light as
possible, consistent with strength. English
manufacturers have much to learn in this respect
from their American competitors. I have seen
wheelbarrows m use that would turn the
elastic steps of the most enthusiastic apprentice
into the pled of a tired worker. Mowing
niachines should be thoroughly overhauled so
that no delay may occur in the spring. An
inspection of tools should take place at least
twice a year.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN

By T. Patehan, Gardener to C. A. Caix, Esq., J. P.,

The Node. Codicote, Welwyn, Hertfordshire.

Propagating Bush Fruits.— A few bush fruits
should he propagated annually from cuttings.
Select strong, healthy shoots of last season's
growth, about 15 to 18 inches long. Remove
all the buds from the lower part of the cutting
(except in the case of Black Currants)
retaining 5 to 6 on the top to form the branches.
The cuttings will root readily in ordinary garden
soil. After they are inserted examine them
occasionally, and if they have become loosened
by the action of frost, make them linn again by
treading the soil on both sides of the rows.

Morello Cherries. — Although generally grown
on north walls. I advise planting a few trees of
Morello Cherries on a north-west aspect. Trees
planted here on a north-west wall fruit better
than those facing due north. In some counties
the Morello grows well as half-standards, and
when visiting a garden just outside Derby last
year I was very much surprised at the fruitful-
ness of such trees. The fruits were easily pre-
served from birds by fixing four poles to form a
square, making them rigid by nailing a batten
from pole to pole, and covering all with a net.

Pruning the Morello. — The Morello Cherry re-
quires different pruning and training to other
kinds, as the fruits are cliiefly borne on the pre-
vious year's growth. Therefore as much of the
young wood should be retained as possible, but
branches that are bare of young wood should be
removed. Care should be taken not to bruise
any of the shoots.

Apricot. — The Apricot is one of the most
difficult of the hardy fruits to cultivate, and it is
more affected by our unfavourable climate than
any other outdoor fruit. ' The sudden
death of branches is a common occurrence for
which no one at present seems able to find a
remedy. I have noticed that when the trees
have carried heavy crops many branches die the
following year. It is advisable, therefore, to
give the roots of trees bearing bounteous
crops liquid fertiliser during hot, dry
weather. The Apricot fruits on the previous
year's growth and also on spurs on the older
branches; it is advisable, therefore, to retain as
much of the young growth as may be necessary
to fill the allotted space upon the wall, but
guard against overcrowding the branches. Thick
.lusters of spurs should be thinned.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By H. Wheeler. Gardener to M>s. Jenner, Wenvoe
Castle, near Cardiff.

Seakale and Rhubarb. — If the crowns of these
plants intended for forcing have not been lifted
already, they should be dug up, as they will
force more easily after exposure. Rhubarb roots
intended for future requirements may be left
on the surface of the ground, but the Seakale
plants should he placed in ashes, leaving only
the crowns exposed. The Mushroom house is
often used for forcing these plants ; but
almost any place where total darkness may be
ensured with a temperature of 50° is suitable.
Excellent results may be obtained by packing
the roots in deep boxes and filling them up to
the crowns ofi the plants with light soil. Place
the boxes under the stage near the water-pipes,
covering the top of the box, or the side of the
stage, with sacking to exclude the light. Rough
boards on edge, or slates, will answer the same
purpose. Water the roots thoroughly, and take
care that they do not become dry afterwards.
When lifting Seakale, select straight thongs from
the lower roots as stock for planting again in the
spring. The roots for propagating should be
cut in six-inch lengths, making the cut level
across the top and slanting at the bottom to
distinguish the crown end. Tie the roots in
bundles and plunge them in ashes until they
are required for planting.

Hot-beds. — As soon as hot-beds are ready, sow
seed of Carrots of the Horn type in drills made
10 inches apart ; and between the Carrots sow
Radishes of the Early Gem type, which will
mature early and allow the Carrots to occupy
the whole of the space when they are pulled.
Early Milan Turnips should also be sown, allow-
ing a distance of 12 inches between the drills ;
if seed of white, Turnip-shaped Radish is sown
between the Turnips the Radishes will provide,
earlier, a good substitute for white Turnips for
any purpose in which the latter are used. The
soil should be light and fine, and watered after
the seed is sown. Close the lights until the
seedlings of the various crops enumerated appear,
when air should be admitted on all favourable
occasions to prevent the seedlings from becoming
drawn and weakly.

Lettuce. — Sow. in pans, a small quantity of
Lettuce seed of a dwarf, quick-maturing variety,
eventually pricking out the seedlings into boxes
and transplanting them into frames.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By T. "W. Briscoe. Gardener to W. R. Ltsaght. Esq.,
Castleford, Chepstow.

Coelogyne cristata and its varieties. — These
chaste Orchids will soon produce their flower
scapes, and the plants will be benefited by a
more liberal supply of water than hitherto. The
quantity should, however, be increased gradually,
tor at present the roots are inactive although
fresh top growth will be evident. Care must be
taken to prevent moisture collecting in the new
growth, or the scapes may decay. If several pans
are grown one or two may be placed in a warm
house, to produce a few early flowers.

Calanthe — With the exception of C. Regnien
and its varieties, Calanthes have passed the
flowering stage, and should now undergo a period
of rest in a house having an average temperature
of 50°. Some growers allow the pseudo-bulbs to
remain in the pots, and this is a very good plan
if stage room is available, otherwise they may
be turned out of their pots, removing all the
soil and most of the dead roots, and re-arranged
in shallow boxes with a little sand around their
bases. Water will not be needed and the atmos-
phere should be on the dry side.

Seedling Cypripediums. — These Orchids may be
repotted directly they have filled their present
pots with roots, irrespective of the season.
Others that may have lost their roots through
over watering or any other cause should also
receive attention. Healthy specimens will need
a liberal amount of root space, and, as a ride,
a pot two sizes larger than the old one shoidd
be employed. Fibrous peat and Sphagnum-moss
provide a suitable rooting medium, but for plants
nearing the flowering stage, and having C.

January 17, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

27

insigne either directly or indirectly as a parent,
a proportion of good loam may be added to the
compost. I

Cypripedium. — Seeds of Cyipripediums may be
sown at tliis season. Sow them on the soil
of plants of the same genus that will not require
repotting for a year or so and that offer a clean
pot surface, free from Sphagnum -moss and
lichens. Give the compost a thorough soaking
with water, and after the water has drained away
sprinkle the seeds thinly and evenly over the
surface. Henceforth watering must be done with
great care, for the seeds are easily washed over
the sides of the pots. Never allow the host
plants to become dry at the base, and. if they
are grown in a warm division, the fertile seeds
will soon germinate. If seedlings do not appear
in a month or two no anxiety need be felt, for
I have known instances where twelve months
have elapsed before the seedlings have appeared.

Cyrtopodium.— The spring flowering C. Ander-
sonii will soon show signs of activity and any
plants not producing a flower spike may be re
potted directly the new growth begins to develop.
Specimens in bloom should not be disturbed for
a week or so until the scapes are removed
Oyrtopodiums produce strong, fleshy roots, and
need fibrous loam and rough peat as a compost.
During the (growing period a warm, moist house
is necessary, and an abundance of water at the
roots. When the growth of the pseudobulbs is
completed the plants should be grown in a cooler
temperature, with less moisture both at the roots
and in the atmosphere. C. punctatum and C.
palmifrons require similar treatment.

THE BULB GARDEN.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By John Codtts, Foreman, Royal Botanic Gardens,
Kew.

Lilium. — As Lily bulbs come to hand they
should ibe potted forthwith, for if left exposed
to the air for any length of time they soon
shrivel and quickly deteriorate. In proportion
to their size. Lilies, and especially those of the
stem-rooting section, require fairly large pots,
which should be drained thoroughly. All the
following do well in good mellow loam, with the
addition of leaf-mould and good, sharp sand to
keep the compost porous: — L. longiflorum,
L. auratum, L. speciosum, L. Henryi, and
L. regale. They are all stem-rooting species,
and their pots should be little more than half
filled with compost, to allow for subsequent top-
dressings when roots develop from the stem.
There should be a. great future for L. regale
in gardens, as it is not only perfectly hardy, but
a splendid subject for pot culture, and may
be flowered in two years from seed. When
potted, Liliums are 'best grown in a cold frame
until they have made plenty of roots.

Cyclamen.— Plants of the florist's Cyclamen
from a sowing made last August and wintered
in pans should, if not already done, be trans-
ferred to thumb pots filled with a light rich com-
post to which old mortar rubbish has been added.
Grow the seedlings in a light, position on a
shelf near to the roof-glass; in their earlier
stages they enjoy a fairly high temperature of
some 50°, rising to 55° during the day.

Half-Hardy Annuals.— Seeds of half-hardy
annuals used for conservatory decoration, in-
cluding Godetia, Clarkia, Schizanthus and Statice
Suworowii, should be sown forthwith. It is
true that most of these plants are best raised
(he previous autumn, but in the immediate
vicinity of London it is hopeless to sow them
then, as they are ruined by the winter, and
better results are obtained by deferring the
sowing until tlhe turn of the year.

Roses in Pots— The batch of Roses specially
prepared for indoor flowering should now be
pruned and top-dressed. Examine and correct
faulty drainage. A night temperature of 40° to
45° is sufficient in the early stages of forcing.
Spray the plants with clear water during bright
weather, and, as growth advances and the light
gets stronger, increase the temperature. Ven-
tilate with great care, as cold draughts in-
pvit.iMy lead to mildew on the foliage.

JAPANESE LILIES IN THE GARDEN.

Now that the seas are open again we shall, no
doubt, continue to obtain from Japan bulbs of
the beautiful native Liliums which are so useful
in the garden as well as in the greenhouse.

The finest of them all is, perhaps, the grand
variety of Lilium auratum known as platy-
phyllum (see Fig. 11). The blooms are 10 inches
in "diameter and richly coloured with cream and
gold. This fine Lily succeeds well in the open.
Home-grown bulbs of this variety are usually
better than those imported as they are not
deprived of their lower, fleshy roots, which the
Japanese are apt to cut away before packing
the bulbs, regardless of the fact that these roots
should never be destroyed. The supply of home-
raised bulbs is, unfortunately, very limited.

In planting these Lilies out of doors, a hole
of considerable breadth (according to the
number of bulbs) and to the depth of two feet
should be made, filling in the lower six inches

Frc 11. — LILIUM AURATUM VAR. PLATYPHTLLUM.

with broken crocks and ashes, which should
be covered with rough pieces of peat or dry
sods with the grass side downwards.

Over this layer should be placed a little
fine soil, consisting of loam, leaf-mould and
charcoal in small pieces, on which the bulbs
should rest, at a depth of six inches below the
surface, packing it round firmly with similar
compost and making all firm. Where the bulbs
are planted early in the year it is desirable to
protect them by placing a piece of glass or a
bell-glass over them until March, but air must
not be entirely excluded in doing so, the object
of the protection being to keep the bulbs fairly
dry until they begin to grow.

When the stem appears all protection should
be removed and a top-dressing of good loam,
charcoal, and leaf-mould placed around the
plant, adding to this occasionally, as the stem
grows, and giving a weekly dose of soot water
or other liquid stimulant as soon as the buds
appear, after which plenty of water should be
supplied in hot, dry weather.

In October, when the stems have dried off,
they should be removed, but they must not bo
cut down until this gradual ripening of the
foliage is completed, for it is necessary to the
formation of flowers for the following season, a

process which begins in the centre of the bulb
as soon as the blossoms fade.

A conical heap of ashes raised over the bulbs
will protect them in winter, or a layer of dry
leaves may be put down with a piece of glass
over them, raised on bricks. If ashes are used
great care must be exercised in removing them
the following March, when the plants will be
pushing up their stems, which are exceedingly
brittle. In cold, wet soils the bulbs may be
taken up for the winter and potted, planting
them again in February or March, but they
make stronger growth in the open ground, and
it is worth while to give them the slight pro-
tection they need in the garden. /. L-

Jtir/tinoild.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

The Weather.

The weather has a great bearing on gardening,
and gardeners will find much useful information
iti this book on The Study of the Weather*
although it is intended primarily as a Nature
Study book.

There is perhaps no subject in which the
school teacher must be more alert and resource-
ful than that of the study of the weather. Pro-
verbially uncertain in a climate such as ours,
"weather " does mot adapt itself to the prepared
lesson, and yet its very •variableness renders it
a valuable Nature Study subject. Mr. Chap-
man's little volume is an' excellent guide to
weather observations, "arranged with a certain
adaptability to all times and seasons," and em-
phasising "the pressing importance of observing
what you can and ivhere you can." The open-
ing chapters of the book show that much useful
work can be done "without instruments, while
the simple exercises in the drawing of weather
charts bring out the value of co-ordination in
such work. Every lesson is eminently practical.

The Clerk of the Weather.

One of the by-products of the great war has
been a recognition of the importance of meteoro-
logy by the "man in the street." Notably with
this evolution of aircraft have new problems
been provided for the meteorologist, and on his
skill in forecasting the fate of the airman often
depends. This fact has so gripped the imagina-
tion of many who are not meteorologists that
they desire to know something definite about
the work of the modern Clerk of the Weather.
For such, "whether man, woman or child," Mr.
Horner's workt has presumably been written,
but it is doubtful if even the most enthusiastic
among them will care to wade through many
pages descriptive of the meteoro logical instru-
ments, or will want to know " how some of the
instruments are made." Mr. Horner has some
amusing stories to tell, and concludes his
volume with a chapter on " Weather-Saws and
Rules." An excellent introduction is contributed
by Mr. de Carle Salter.

British Rainfall.

This fifty-eighth annual volume from the Brit-
ish Rainfall Organisation^ contains the usual ex-
haustive statistics, based on records from almost
5,000 stations, of rainfall in the British Islands
for the year under review. A series of 24 maps
show not only the monthly rainfalls, but the
percentage fall of each month to an average of
35 years, while a map in colour brings out in
a graphic way the relation of the total fall in
1918 to the same average. In the section on
"The Distribution of Rainfall in Time," Dr.
Mill discusses in an interesting way the " rain
days," "droughts," and "rain spells" of the
year. Equally interesting is his treatment of
"seasonal rainfall." where two groups of six
months each are made the subject of a. careful
analysis. Mr. Salter contributes a valuable
article on 'The Relation of Rainfall to Con-
figuration."

* The Study of tfiti Weather, E. H. Chapman, viii
-f 131 pp. Cambridge University Press. :is. 6d. net.

1 Meteorology for Alt D. w . Horner, xii -f ]St pp.
Willi, ihv ami Co. (i«. net.

fUritinh Rainfall II. It. Mill and Mr. de Carle
s. Salter- 68 + 843 pp. Rdwnrd Stanford, Ltd.

28

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

fjANTTARY 17, 1920

EDITORIAL NOTICE.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the
PUBLISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, W.C-

Editors and Publisher. — Our cor respondents would
obviate delay in obtaining answers to their com-
munications, and save us much time and trouble, if
they would kindly observe the notice printed weekly
to the effect that all letters relating to financial
matters and to advertisements should be addressed
to the Publisher • and that all communications
intended for publication or referring to the Literary
department, and all plants to be named, should be
directed to the Editors. The two department)
Publishing and Editorial, are distinct, and much
unnecessary delay and confusion arise when letters
are misdirected.

Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editors
do not undertake to pay for any contributions or
illustrations, or to return unused communications
or illustrations unless by special arrangement. The
Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any
opinions expressed, by their correspondents.

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

Letters for Publication, as well as specimens of
plants for naming, should be addressed to th"
EDITORS. 41, Wellington Street. Covent
Garden, London. Communications should be

WRITTEN ON ONE SIDE ONLY OF THE PAPER, sent as

early in the week as possible, and duly signed by
the writer. If desired, the signature will not be
printed, but Jeept as a guarantee of good faith.
Illustrations.— The Editors will be glad to receive
and to select photographs or drawings suitable for
reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable flowers,
trees etc., but they cannot he responsible for Toss
or injury.

THE MARKET FRUIT GARDEN

THE year that has recently closed will long
be remembered by market growers for its
glorious summer and heavy crops of clean,
healthy fruit. In the writer's memory it will
stand out even more vividly on account of the
absence of serious trouble from pests and diseases.
It is true that caterpillars of the Winter and
other moths were very numerous in early
summer, but full preparation had been made for
their appearance, and they were much more
quickly and successfully dealt with than in the
previous year. In some districts, of course,
growers were less fortunate, or the plague of
caterpillars was worse, and much damage was
done, whilst in other places there was a severe
visitation of Apple-blossom weevil. Apart from
these two pests there was little to complain
a.bout. Fungous diseases gave hardly any
trouble, and I have never known a season so
free from the various aphides that attack fruit
trees.

The year's rainfall at my station was 29.82 in.,
which fell on 148 days. It was thus the driest
of the last eleven years with the single excep-
tion of 1917, when the total fall was only
27.67 in. The year 1919 was not, however, so
dry as the prolonged summer drought led one
to believe, the heavy rain of the opening months
bringing the total actually slightly above the
average of the eighteen years during which my
record has been kept, viz., 29.74 inches.
Prospects for 1920.

It is hardly to be expected that crops of
orchard fruit will be as heavy this year as they
were last. It is true that the trees have ripened
their wood thoroughly and aire full of fruit
buds, so that profuse blooming is probable ; .but
they must feel the strain of carrying such a
heavy crop during a dry summer, and will most
likely set less fruit in consequence. The season
may, however, be none the less prosperous on
that account. We can hardly have too much
small fruit (Gooseberries, Currants, etc.), for
which there is sure to be a good demand, and
dessert Apples are not likely to be a drug in
the market ; but of Plums and cooking Apples
half crops would probably pay best. The public
cannot use unlimited quantities of these unless

sugar is plentiful, and there is, unfortunately,
little chance of the sugar scarcity being over-
come this year. The grower who has to sell a
■heavy crop of cooking Apples at the prices
ruling last year is Wot to be envied. The labour
of picking, packing, and carting is very expen-
sive, and there will now be increased railway
rates to make matters worse. Added to this, a
big yield means an increased call for manure,
which is still almost prohibitive in price.
Practically all the grower's requirements in the
way of tools, trees, manure and spraying mater
ials. are even dearer than they were last winter,
and quite as difficult to obtain at any price.
High values for fruit are therefore a necessity if
growers are to prosper, and last year's experi-
ence shows that these cannot he realised with
a full crop at home and even sub-normal
imports. Cooking Apples were cheap through-
out the season, and even now the very 'best
realise no more than 8s. per bushel wholesale.

Pf.sts and Diseases.
Knowledge of what is in store for us in the
way of iasect and fungous enemies in the
coming season would be worth much to a grower.
Personally. I do not expect a repetition of the
caterpillar plague of the last three years with
anything like the same severity. I have grease-
banded nine acres of Apple trees, and have
secured quite an insignificant catch of winter

TC^^SCaSSm^^BBB^HHSuHSHB

Fig. 12. — MR. farrer's explorations :

BUNGALOW IN THE VALLEY REGION.
(See p. 29.)

moths. The dry summer, with insect enemies of
caterpillars unusually prevalent, was no doubt
responsible for a great decrease in these pests,
whilst spraying carried out in such favourable
weather proved more deadly than usual. This
year I am prepared for a strenuous spraying
campaign against aphides, as another plague of
these is about due. Moreover, I see that the
reporters of the Board of Agriculture record the
appearance of great numbers of Apple and Plum
aphis eggs on orchard trees in Kent, Norfolk,
and Worcestershire. With respect to fungous
diseases there are few data to go upon, Ibut it is
to be hoped that the past dry summer has sub-
dued there to a considerable extent. Certainh
the trees look healthy at the present time, there
being little evidence of Apple scab on the young
wood, for instance.

Wet Weather Work.
As there were only nine days without rain
during December the problem of providing work
under cover became acute. This is always a
difficulty on a fruit farm. Plenty of hands are
essential even in winter if the outdoor work is
to be kept under, hut the trouble is to find
profitable work for them when rain falls
heavily. At one time a small regular staff could
be kept, and any extra hands required were

taken on casually on the understanding that they
must lose time when the weather prevented
them from doing the job foT which they were
engaged. As the law stands at present a man
must be given employment in any weather if he
presents himself ready for work. Presumably,
however, the employer is not obliged to provide
work under cover. He could say : " There is the
job for you if you care to get on with it in the
pouring rain." But few, I imagine, are hard-
hearted enough for that. To the credit of the
men I am glad to say that I find them much
more ready to keep out in the ram than they
used to be before wages were raised. Still,
there are times when work under cover must be
found. The making of boxes for picking and
storing Apples used to be a regular winter job,
but the price of timber is now so high that there
is little temptation to add to the stock of boxes.
Old ones are mended, steps and ladders repaired,
Currant cuttings made, and Potatos put into
trays for sprouting. For the less skilled hands
there is always the sawing of logs for firewood,
a job which could "be done far more economically
with an oil engine and circular saw.

Artificial Fruit Spurs.

I am surprised to find that many Kentish
growers still shorten laterals to a.bout half an
inch to form fruit spurs on Apple trees. I
thought that 2 in. was now considered the
minimum. Certainly the larger the spur, the
greater the probability of a fruit bud maturing
on it the first, season. Only in the case of a
prolific variety with slender laterals can even
a 2 in. spur be depended on to form a fruit bud
ii one year. Robust growers with stout laterals
more often Tespond with growth whicih has to
be spurred again for two or three years before
the coveted fruit bud appears. On such vigorous
varieties I like to make the spurs about 5 in.
long. Then the first season one or two shoots
develop from the end buds, but there is a
good chance of getting a prominent fruit bud
nearer the base. The following winter the spur
is shortened to this bud, and the thing is done.
There is, I admit, a. curious temptation to make
short, neat spurs when pruning, but it certainly
dei'-ays fruiting. As a matter of fact, the longer
the wood left in the first instance, the greater
the chance of getting a fruit bud close to the
parent stem, and therefore the shorter the re-
sulting spur when completed.

According to an account of Australian methods
of pruning which appeared recently, a very
different plan of inducing young trees to come
into bearing is followed there. Hard pruning is
the rule for three or four years after planting,
just as it is here. After that the laterals are
left full length until fruit buds form on them,
when they are shortened to one of these strong
laterals, and those springing from the upper
side of nearly horizontal branches are cut clean
out. leaving the weakest to fruit. The object is
to make the tree bear along the laterals rather
than on short spurs along the main branches.
The reason for shortening the laterals ultimately
to one of the fruit buds is that, if left full
bngth, the spurs nearer the base die out in time.

The plan appears to me to be the best thai
could be adopted for bringing a. tree quickly
into bearing. There is no doubt that fruit spurs
form along laterals much sooner if they are left
entire than if shortened. In this country, on
any but rich soils, or under very generous cul-
tivation, the probability is that prolific varieties
would hear too soon and remain stunted in
growth. Presumably, if this plan be followed,
the main branches must be fewer and more

January 17, 1920. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

29

thinly disposed than we usually have them to
make room for the laterals.

Crab-Apples for Market.

A relative who intends to plant some adjacent
land with fruit trees is putting a number of
John Downie Crab-Apples in the hedgerows sur-
rounding the proposed orchards. The main idea
is to secure a crop from land that would other-
wise he unproductive, and it is hoped also that
the free-blooming Crabs will serve to pollinate
the other Apples. In this latter they can hardly
fail to fulfil a useful purpose, ibut whether the
fruit will be profitable to market remains to be
seen. It should meet with a ready demand, as
people seem to be fully alive to the value of
Crabs for making jelly, and John Downie would
make an attractive appearance in the shops.

The Silver iLeaf Order.

The Silver Leaf Order, which came into force
on January 1, should meet with the approval of
all up-to-date growers. It simply makes it com-
pulsory to cut out all dead wood from Plum trees
before April 1 every year, and burn it. In-
spectors of the Board of Agricultui'e, or the
local authority may also order the burning of
any dead wood of other trees on which there
are visible fruiting bodies of the fungus Stereum
puipureum. Market Grower.

MR. REGINALD FARRER'S SECOND
EXPLORATION IN ASIA.

No. 13.— .The Rains.

Hpimaw and its adjacent, ranges have no
special rainy season. The monsoon cloud-masses
are not able to advance so far north against
the barrier of the Bnrmo-Chinese Alps that
hedge the deep valley of the Salwen on the
east from the head-waters of the Nmai Hka
Irrawaddy on the west. This, indeed, is the
official trieory, and as such I state it with all
the solemnity it deserves : in actual practice,
however, the Hpimaw ranges seem to have a
very effective rainfall of their own, and the
plant-collector experiences torrential deluges
©very day and night, and almost all day and
night, from June to November. Roads

(or tracks) are washed away ; convoy
and pilgrimage become impossible ; the
steady downpours discourage everything except
fungus ; boots and bags adarn themselves
obstinately in blue fur, and the dried specimen
cases turned into successful Mushroom houses.
This is the rainy season here at its best : at its
worst it must not only damp all collecting-
ardour, but swamp it out. Fortunately, this
season the monsoon rains swept up in their
main mass to India, and left Burma no more
than her normal share : but last year India was
left parched and dry, while Burma received all
to herself the whole portion that should have
been divided 'between the two. The heavens
wept as insatiably as Rachel in Ramah, and the
Alps retired for five months together into a solid
blank darkness of unceasing deluges. In a more
average season this is what happens : About the
end of May or beginning of June the fine weather
breaks : cloud-banks advance steadily out of the
south-east, and rain ibecomes more frequent and
violent, especially at night. As June matures,
the rain becomes more impartial in its distribu-
tion over all hours of the twenty-four, and by
the third week of the month amounts to a
fairly persistent soaker from dawn to dark, and
round again. The new moon often brings a
break of a few days, but July marks the real
climax of the rains, and for a week on end at a
time nothing is heard but the incessant roar of
wr.+etf on rain-forest or thatched bungalow.
After this, matters insensibly begin to ameliorate.
I have been favoured with a break of miraculous
duration in August, and, generally speaking, the
breaks become longer, and the spells of down-

pour shorter as the months go on — though in
this particular season September is waking up
with a prolonged attack of ill-temper for the
unnatural amiability of August. But the
weather does not definitely and finally dry its
tears until frost begins to lay hold of the high
tops in October. It may be judged, then, from
this first-hand account, how little the plants of
this region have to dread from the heaviest rain-
fall of Scotland, Westmoreland or Ireland. The
only marvel to me is, indeed, how they ever
accumulate sufficient sun-force to set. their seed
or mature it

Not that the valleys lack heat, and even
torrid heat, in occasional glimpses of the sun
throughout the summer. But before 1
descend their steamy depths in pursuit of a
July Rhododendron, I had better, at the risk of
repetition, give a detail of the zones into which
my brief experience divides the flora of these
parts. In the first place, nip to 4.000 feet, all
may be reckoned as tropical, half-hardy, or un-
trustworthy ; from four to six thousand feet, little
better can be said, though the distrust need not
be quite so desperate. This is the region of the
deep river glens, buried in close forest, and
walled by high hot steeps of grass and Bracken,
with woods of evergreen Oak. This may be called

It may be imagined then, that the valley zone
docs not offer very much. Mimulus ringems (it
seems) is very handsome with its purple and
paler-purple helmets, sprawling along the
damper gravelly places of the wayside. There is
also a pretty, sprawling Commelina with blue
flowers, and blue stamens fluffy as if of chenille;
and September brings into hloom the universal
Anemone vitifolia of these hot grassy foothills,
a sadly inferior, small-flowered, white form, as
compared with its ample^faced pink development
up the Kansu Borders of Tibet. But the glories
of the valley region are the Hedychiums.
One of these, indeed, ascends to the uppermost
limit of the Middle Zone and abounds all over
Hpimaw Hill ; so that it might easily prove
generally trustworthy even in the open at home.
Unfortunately it is not the most brilliant, having
spikes of rattier ragged white and yellow flowers,
borne at an angle to the stem. Another white and-
yellow species, but much larger and more solid
and more sumptuous, belongs to moist places in
the lower valley region ; while the most gorgeous
of all has stout spires of brilliant cinnabar-ced,
and luxuriates in dells of the middle region.
But all these depths are the paradise of Orchids,
and give little hope of hardiness, when one sees
great golden flights of Dendrobium flopping from

[Phiitugraiih by "Reginald Fan
Fig. 13. — nomocharis pardanthina flowering in its native habitat.

• The previous artiolea by Mr. Fa.rrer were published
in our issues for June 21, June 28, July 12, August 9,
August 23, September 6, September 27, October 18.
November 1, November 22, December 6, 1919, and
January 3, 1920.

the valley zone: the gravelly soil, the acute
slopes, make this a dry region, despite deluges
the most Noaohian. Rhododendrons will not
tolerate it at all, except on the actual cliffs of
the river ghylls. From six to nine thousand
feet matters begin to amend, and plants of
this region may or may not be hardy, as their
mood and the gardener's fortune may prove.
Some certainly are, some as probably are not,
for this is the zone of the upper grass slopes,
and the rain forest. I call it generally the
middle zone, and we could divide this again into
Lower, Middle and Upper, where at about 9,000
feet the Tain forest definitely passes into the
Alpine zone with the appearance of the great
Hemlocks, Pines, Piceas and the Campbellioid
Magnolia. Of the two notable Lilies, Lilium
Wallichianum belongs to the lower middle zone,
and L. nepalense (to my surprise) to the middle
— iboth being plants of the open grass slopes, but
hatrdly, if at all, occurring together, as L.
nepalen.se only begins where L. Wallichianum
leaves off. From nine to eleven thousand feet
the Alpine zone is forest, with glorious open
glades of Nomocharis (see Fig. 13) tailing off at
eleven thousand feet into the Upper Alpine zone
of scrub, Bamboo, etc. j arid this again, at twelve
thousand feet, lands us at long last into the bare
openness of the high Alpine zone.

the high trees. It is almost with a sense of
detachment that one passes along, peering out
through the dense vallance of rain perpetually
streaming off the hrim of one's hat. But, even
if it be only for the greenhouse, I have my eye
on a Saxifragaceous bush of some five feet, with
large domed heads of turquoise- blue blossom;
Luculia gratissima is more charming than ever
in the rocky gorges of the Ngaw Chang ; and
there are queer Scitamineads, with fantastic
spires of azure or canairy colour, that I should
like to try conclusions with. After all, let
cultivators remember that a large number of
species quite hopeless of cultivation in the open
of an English garden may easily find themselves
safe and at home in the deep, close shelter of
some shady overhung ghyll or dell in an English
wood. In this direction I am quite sure that
experiment will prove almost as profitable as it
will certainly he interesting. As for the Rhode-
dendron after which I undertook these long days
of dripping peregrination, it proved to foe K.
crassum or thereabouts — a noble, great white-
trumpeted species, and another fit subject for
the experiment suggested above. And so, having
found it, I turned homeward again ;
whereupon the rain immediately left off
and the weather became brilliant. Reginald
Forrrr.

30

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE

[January 17, 1920.

VEGETABLES.

EXHIBITION ONIONS.

One of the most important items in the
successful culture of large Onions is thorough
preparation of the ground the plants are
intended to occupy. The position chosen should
receive the maximum amount of sunshine and
have full exposure to air. The size of the plot
will be according to the number of rows planted ;
there should be a space of fifteen inches between
the rows and of one foot at each end of the bed.
Take out a trench at one end, the width of the
bed, and one spit deep, and wheel the soil to the
other end. Next shovel out the finer soil, and
place this also at the opposite end. Then put a
good layer of farmyard manure in the trench,
and fork this into the bottom soil, thoroughly
mixing the soil and dung. If the subsoil is
heavy add old road scrapings, potting shed
refuse, mortar ruohle, or anything that will keep
it open and facilitate a free passage of water.
The Onion is a deep-rooting plant, and should be
grown in deep, sweet soil. Turn over the second
spit of soil on the site of the one excavated, and
put the "crumbs " from the bottom of the
second trench on the top. Continue in this way
until the whole bed has been trenched, using the
soil wheeled from the first trench to fill in the
last one. Leave the surface as rough as possible,
and dust it freely with soot and lime or wood
ash.

The seed should he of a good strain ; nothing
is gained by using cheap seed. It should !be
sown early in January in boxes or pans, which
should be clean arid well-crocked, with rough
pieces of turf placed over the drainage. The
compost should consist of two parts fibrous loam,
one part leaf-mould, and one part manure from
a spent hot-bed, sifting the whole through a half-
inch mesh sieve. A little sand or fine charcoal
mixed with the soil will help to keep it open
and sweet. Three parts fill the pans or boxes
with the compost, and make the latter
moderately firm ; finish with a sprinkling of the
finer soil. Sow the seeds thinly and evenly,
and merely cover them with fine soil, which
should be pressed down by means of a flat piece
of board. Label the pans, water them, and
place them in a house having a tempera-
ture of 60c. Cover the seeds with a piece of
glass, and on the latter .spread a sheet of paper.
They will soon germinate. Therefore a close
watch should be kept after a day or so, and. as
soon as the seedlings appear, remove the cover-
ing, and place the receptacles in a light place.

Subsequent Treatment.

The young plants may he pricked out when
ready for transference into boxes two feet long,
one foot wide, and four inches deep. The boxes
should be clean and carefully crocked with rough
turf or leaves over the drainage material. Use
similar compost as advised for seed sowing, with
the addition of a little bone meal. Make it firm
in the boxes, and lift each plant as carefully
as possible, as the roots are very long and
every one should be retained in order that the
plants may grow quickly. Make a good hole for
each one (about two inches apart) and drop the
roots straight down into it, allowing the base
of the plant to be just under the surface of the
soil. Press the soil firmly around each seedling
and make the surface level as the work pro-
ceeds. Care in transplanting is an important
detail to observe. Plants put out with only
half their roots never make good headway after-
wards. When the boxes are all filled they n.ay
be placed in a vinery or Peach house that has
been recently started, as near the roof glass
as possible to encourage the development of
sturdy growth, or, failing this, in a frame with
one row of four-inch piping running through it is
suitable. Keep the plants close for a day or
two, syringing them overhead in the early after-
noons, and watering them whenever they' appear
to be dry, taking care, however, not to over-
water. Air should be admitted on all favourable
occasions, hut on cold, windy days, such as are
frequent in early spring, they may be kept
in somewhat closer conditions. As the season

advances admit more air. until, as the plants
gain strength, the lights may be removed en-
tirely during warm days. Early in April or
thereabouts the boxes may be removed to cold
frames or shelters, where they may remain until
planting out time arrives.

Summer Treatment.

In the meantime the bed should receive atten-
tion. About a fortnight before planting-timr
give it another dressing of soot and wood-ash,
and fork this material well below the surface,
breaking up the surface soil as finely as possible
and leaving it for a few days to settle. On a
fine day, when the surface soil is dry. tread
the bed firmly, but on no account do this when
the soil is at all wet and sticky. Weather per-
mitting, the second or third week in April is a
suitable time in which to plant Onions, and if the
advice given above is followed, the young
plants should then be ready for transference to
the bed. Mark the lines at the distance stated,
and use boards to stand on. Lift each plant
carefully, with a ball of soil, and plant firmly
with the bulb just under the surface, but no
deeper. It is a good plan to water each row
with a rosed can as it is finished. The plants
may be syringed every afternoon in warm, dry
weather, but should cold weather prevail do not
wet the plants, as moisture is pro-
ductive of mildew. Rather use the Dutch
hoe to stir the surface soil thoroughly. Hoeing
at all times is very beneficial, as it favours
quick, healthy growth.

When the plants have become well established,
give the roots a good soaking of diluted manure
water and, in another ten days or so, apply a
dusting of concentrated fertiliser, or, failing this,
soot and wood-ash. and water this in. or. better
still, apply it in showery weather. Watch
closely for mildew and, if this disease appears,
dust the affected part with flowers of sulphur.
In some seasons the Onion maggot is very
troublesome. It may soon be detected, as in
infected plants the growth begins to flag and
turns yellow ; and if the bulb is examined the
maggot will be found at the roots. A
sprinkling of lime round the roots will
sometimes arrest the injury, but, more often
than not. it is best to root up the plant
and burn it. The soil from which these un-
healthy Onions are removed should be dusted
with fresh lime. The bed should be we'll
watered in dry weather : light waterings are
worse than giving none at all as it encourages
roots to develop near the surface, and the hot
sun shrivels them. About the middle of June
or before, if thought necessary, give the bed a
top dressing of manure from a spent Mushroom
bed or from an old hot-bed. as this will
keep the surface roots cool and encourage good
growth. Every effort should be made at that
stage to keep the plants growing healthily,
and a liberal syringing overhead each afternoon
in sunny weather will be of great benefit to
them. Use the hoe whenever possible, as
there is no greater aid to growth. As
the bulbs begin to swell the loose" skins
should be removed from them and any tops that
are likely to bend over should be supported by
neat stakes. As autumn approaches and the bulbs
begin to colour, give less water both at the
roots and overhead, as the night dews will be
sufficient to satisfy their needs in this respect.

During early autumn the grower should
frequently examine the crop, removing all loose
skins to allow the sun and air to reach the bulbs
and develop the straw colour, which indicates
good culture. As they ripen, the tops will bend
over easily. Bend the tops in between every two
rows, with the foliage all laid one way. This
allows the sun and air to reach the bulbs. In
about a week's time lift each bulb with a fork,
but do not quite sever all the roots.
Allow them to remain for a few days, and then
lift them completely and rub the soil gently
from the roots. Dry the bulbs on boards or old
staging raised off the ground, and in a few days'
time remove them to a greenhouse or airy shed
and lay them down carefully to allow the tops
to wither completelv. When this occurs cut the
tops off close to the bulbs and tie each neck
tightly with a piece of string. H. W. Thatcher.
Carllun Hardens. Marl-el Harhnro'.

VALUE OF DEEP CULTIVATION.

War conditions have compelled many growers
to demonstrate the possibility of gardening well
on lines altogether opposed to long-held opinions
and theories. The fact that Grapes have never
been better than when produced almost or wholly
without applied heat has been already com-
mented on in these pages. And what happened
in England has been the case also in Scotland.
Not only in the more favoured parts, but even in
the Highlands, equally favourable results have
been obtained. My own experience, however,
goes to show that late Grapes without fire heat
do not keep well.

But it is rather to experiences in the open
garden that I .wish to refer. It was impossible
to cultivate deeply much of the garden during
the war, let alone trench it, and it was only
during the past autumn that all vacant ground
was retrenched for the first time since before
the war. In each successive year conditions be-
came worse, so that up to the present year I
had to produce crops practically without culti-
vating the ground at all. This can be done quite
well with certain crops, e.g., Brussels Sprouts,
Broccoli, and Spinach immediately succeeding
Potatos. For Strawberries, however, such con-
ditions would appear to court failure. Yet one-
year-old Strawberries were seldom, if ever, better
than they were last year, and these, as well as
the crop for the present year, were planted in
undug ground. The process was simple. The
runners were encouraged to root quickly by
means of an application of chemical manure, and
when ready they were lifted by means of a
trowel, each with a ball of soil attached, and
planted in a hole madealsoby the use of a trowel,
similar manure being mixed with the loose
material moved in making the hole. This was
made firm around the roots of each plant, which
was then watered and left to itself, except for
hoeing, till spring, when cow-dung and more fer-
tiliser were applied. Kentish Favourite was the
most successful variety. This year I have this sort,
also Givon's Late, Sir J Payton and Bedford
Champion treated similarly, and to date they
all look well. Two and three years ago planta-
tions of Raspberries had to be renewed, and these
were planted in unprepared ground, but well
mulched. These, too, are doing we'll. Part of
the recent year was by far the worst for garden
work, and winter crops generally had to be
planted with scant preparation. Savoys, for
instance, were treated as the iStrawberries had
been, with the difference that the site for each
plant was loosened by a spade, a little manure
being sprinkled on the ground previously and
the plants set with a dibber. Two kinds of fer
tilisers were used, and the plants, though all
doing well, showed a great difference in growth
and appearance, and at the present moment the
two batches might well be taken for very
distinct varieties, though all were raised from
seed of the same packet sown at the saime time.

The only flowers that had no previous cultiva-
tion were respectively Geraniums and Dahlias.
The latter were not very successful, but the
forimeT did perfectly well.

Some grass land that had been planted for about
25 years with Narcissi was cropped for three
years, after being broken up, without the addi-
tion of any manure beyond a sprinkling of an
artificial fertiliser during the period of growth.

Some readers may assume that I am in the
foregoing remarks recommending a system of
non-cultivation. On the contrary, had the ground
not been deeply cultivated for a very
long pea-iod. I should have been courting disaster
in attempting to grow crops as just related.
Part of the grounds were deeply trenched over
200 years ago, and in that ground trees have
made vastly superior timber to those in the
immediate vicinity, but in ground unprepared.
Similar variations may be seen in fanning. If it
is believed that the soil, and not the farmer, is to
blame, it may, on the contrary, be shown that
the gardens of the labourers on the farms pro-
duce crops equal to any. So we must conclude
that deep cultivation on the farm would yield
equally good results as the workmen's plots.
7t. P. Brotherston.) Twiinghdm Oard'n*, Ea*f
Loth tan.

January 17, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

31

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

CYPRIPEDIUMS FROM WESTONBIRT.

From Sir George L. Holford's gardens, Weston-
birt, Mr. H. 6. Alexander writes : " Herewith
I am sending you a selection of blooms of some
of our Westoii'birt Cypripediums. We have
a goodly number of plants in flower and
many fine things to follow. As you will see
from the blooms sent, they are getting back
to their old form in spite of the rather bad
time they have had during the war." The
flowers are magnificent examples and include
the following :— C. Golden Fleece (insigne
Sanderae X Antinous) the best recommendation
of which is that it is an improvement on C.
insigne Sanderae, with the same clear yellow
and pure white colour. C. Rossetti magnificum
(insigne Sanderianum x Maudiae), coloured like
C. Golden Fleece, but with emerald green lines
in the petals and dorsal sepal.

C. Lord Wolmer, Westonbirt variety (Hera
Euryades X Leeanum Clinkaberryanum), upper
sepal -white with dotted lines of purple colour,
the lower sepals being enlarged and coloured
like the dorsal sepal. C. Pixie (Alabaster X
Aloibiades), a grand flower of the same class
as the last-named and also having the abnormally
large lower sepals.

C. Lucifer (F. C. C. vax.), (Niobe, Westonbirt
var. X Hera Euryades), a very large and hand-
some flower of Niobe style, but much enlarged.

C. Brighteyes (Earl Tankerville X Sultan), a
cliarming, very dark flower, the large maroon
blotches on its fine white dorsal sepal being
very showy.

C. Cyclops (A. M. var.) (Actaeus x
fulshawense), a gigantic flower of the C.
Dreadnought class and coloured like C.
fulshawense, but darker and formed on a larger
scale. C. Corsair and C. Baldur, two fine
Westombirt hybrids, are also very distinct and
pretty, both derivatives of C. Niobe Westonbirt
variety.

THE ALPINE GARDEN.

ONOSMA ALBO-ROSEUM.

Studying the records of Onosmas known to
the botanist the rock gardener feels that he, at
all events, is no Alexander -with no more worlds
left to conquer. 0. albo-roseum has, however,
been in cultivation for a considerable time and
is the one which ranks next to 0. tauricum in
popularity. It is many years since 1
first met with it and was induced by its beauty
to cultivate it. It charmed me then and charms
me still with its rather woody branches and its
hairy leaves and lovely tubes of waxy white
tinged with red in the most delightful way. It
is lovely on level rockwork but is still more
beautiful when growing from a fissure of rock or
between the stones in a wall garden. 0. albo-
roseum loves loam, peat, or leaf-soil and sand,
and ought to have a dry sunny place wherever it
is planted. Its one enemy, which tends to
shorten its life, lies in the wet of our winters.
If it can be shielded from this by a shelving
rock well and good, but this is not easily done
without depriving it of sun, and it is possibly
better to cover it with a sheet of glass during
the months from October to April. Cuttings
root readily in a frame or cool greenhouse. S.
Arnolt.

ANEMONE CYLINDRICA.

A scathing criticism on Anemone cylindrica
appears in Mr. Reginald Farrer's valuable work,
The English Bock Garden. He dismisses it
with : "A. cylindrica turns out to be a really
worthless weed, with flowers of a feeble yel-
lowish-green, carried singly on long naked foot-
stalks." And it is impossible for those of us
who have cultivated this Windflower to take
exception to the verdict. I believe I first re-
ceived specimens from the late Max Leichtlin,
and, as most of the race are of much beauty, I
expected to have some pleasure in the plant
when it flowered. But it was a great disap-
pointment. The stems were from nine to twelve
inches high and the flower was, as Mr. Farrer
says, of a "feeble yellowish-green." I write this
note as a warning that Anemone cylindrica is
not worth growing. *?. A.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

[The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for
the opinions expressed by correspondents.]

Silver Leaf. — Adverting to my previous note
(Vol. LXVL, p. 212) on this all-important sub-
ject, I am glad Market Grower has entered so
heartedly into the question. It is quite true
there are experts who experiment, and, if the
first trial succeeds, take it for granted that the
experiment has been a success; but, when
practised elsewhere, it is not always a success.
With regard to the specific which I have intro-
duced for the eradication of Silver Leaf,
it has been in the experimental stage for
about eight or nine years. One important point
to bear in mind is the season at which the spores
of micro-fungi go to rest, and awaken again to
activity. So far as I know, mycologists have
said but very little, horticultural mycologists
practically nothing, about this aspect of the
question ; therefore at about the time of, or soon
after, the fall of the leaf, as resting spores of
micro-fungi are being formed, is the season for

The banding of Plum trees "with a penetrating
paste that will not kill the bark nor injure the
layers of cambium cells, has proved an excellent
remedy. Market Grower inquires on page
302 regarding a surface banding only ; it would
be useless : there are many things, such as
carbolic acid, which will destroy the fungus, and
it will also penetrate and kill the subject. I shall
be pleased to .communicate with readers
interested in the prevention and destruction of
this malady amongst Plums. Magider Palae.

Big Bud Mite on Red Currants — Last year
you were good enough to publish an appeal of
mine for Red Currant twigs in connection witti
Black Currant Gall Mate. Owing to the lateness
of the season I had very few replies, and I should
be greatly obliged if I might appeal to your
readers again for material. The position is this :
I can find Eriophyes ribis almost anywhere on
Red Currants growing in the grounds of the
Research Station. The question, therefore, is
whether that is a peculiar state of the bushes
here or whetlber, as is far more probable, the

Fig. 14. — fruits of solanum aculeatissimum.
(See p. 32.)

attacking them. In spring the spores germinate
and the disease spreads very rapidly. Having
studied the character of the spores, and the
life of the mycelium, experiment was largely —
so to speak — made easy. The year 1919 was very
favourable to the propagation and the develop-
ment of Silver Leaf, and, having sprayed
in early April, 1919, against the disease,
and, further, finding such trees flourish-
ing and free from attack, whilst con-
trolled trees near by, unsprayed, unattended to,
were suffering badly, one was bound to confess
that the cure was effective. Then it was, that,
after (1) careful study of the life history of the
spore, (2) the correct time for attack, and (3)
the strength at which the spray can be used, I
considered the time was ripe to make the remedy
known to the fruit-growing world. My experi-
ments have been carried out without any fee or
reward, partly owing to a deep interest in the
subject of micro-fungi, and, secondly, to en-
deavour to preserve our Plum trees from destruc-
tion. Spraying Apple trees in winter destroys
many forms of fungi, besides destructive insects.

distribution of E. ribis on Red Currants is far
wider than is generally supposed. I find the
most common place for infected buds on the Red
Currant is towards the base of a 6ide shoot.
It would help me in this investigation if growers
would kindly send me a few twigs (preferably
side shoots), taking care to preserve at least the
four basal buds. The name of the variety and
the approximate distance from the nearest Black
Currants should be stated. A. H. Lees, Agricul-
tural and Horticultural Besear'ch Station, Long
Ashton, Bristol.

Grape Madresfield Court and Inside Borders. —
Mr. Besant (p. 5) does well to call attention to
the good qualities of this Grape, not the least of
which is that it succeeds well in a cool Peach
house where there are generally many oppoi
tunities for running up a single rod of a vine-be
tween the Peach lues, especially near the palli
where it need not be syringed daily. In such ;i
house desirable Grapes will he ready to cut early
in September. I am well acquainted with the
vines at Melton, which Mr. Besant manages so
well, and where he has such ample opportunity.

32

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[January 17, 1920.

with inside borders, to grow this Grape to per-
fection. All vines should have their roots re-
stricted to an inside border as they are then more
under control. I saw the vine growing from
which the late Mr. Meredith, of the Garston
Vineyard, Liverpool, cut those bunches with the
large berries that really brought this Grape to
public notice. The vine was planted inside a
lean-to house, facing east, and grown on the
extension principle, which is in every way suited
to this variety. Later, part of the vine was
carried through the partition and eventually
occupied the whole of the structure, annually pro-
ducing fine crops of excellent fruit. Those
wonderful bunches, too, of Mrs. Pince, which
Mt. Meredith grew, and which caused such a
sensation, were from vines growing in an inside
border. To return to the variety Madresfield
Court, I know of no other Grape that will pro-
duce the quantity of high-class bunches, com-
bining size of berry and flavour, that this
variety will. Vines of Madresfield Court planted
at Swanmore in 1879 have borne heavy crops
ever since. E. Molyneux.

Spade a. Plough for Potatos Few will

disagree with Mi-. Taylor (p. 8) as to tile advan-
tage of manual labour over horse labour in the
production of the largest crops of Potatos. In
the garden it is usual to trench the soil in
alternate years as much as three feet deep, at
the same time adding manure near the surface,
not always for the Potato alone, but for crops
to follow in due course. This method of cultiva-
tion will produce a crop at the rate of 30 tons
per acre. But surely Mr. Taylor sees a huge
difficulty in such preparation where hundreds of
acres are cultivated on one holding as compared
with the few rods in a garden. At the present
price of labour the most enterprising of our
Potato growers would hesitate .before launching
on such a programme, especially when such men
produce from ten to twenty tons per acre by the
aid of plough. Does not Mr Taylor see what
little difference there is between the maximum
crop of the hundreds of acres and the crop from
the few rods, taking into consideration the cost
in time and money ! E.

Solatium aculeatissimum. — Frequenters of
Covent Garden Flower Market are aware that
some very interesting subjects arrive at various
times, in wicker baskets or " pads," among the
flowers imported from France. At the present
time these exports include pads of Solanum
aculeatissima (see Fig. 14). The stems are stiff
spiny and leafless, but they carry numbers of
roundish fruits, dry and firm, not unlike small
Tomato fruits if the latter were hard skinned and
dull instead of glossy. The colour is rich vermilion
red. Set up in suitable bowls and vases, with
contrasting or harmonious foliage, these fruiting
growths of Solanum aculeatissimum are effective
for home decorations, especially during the dull
season when flowers are scarce and expensive.
Moreover, if kept free from dust the showy
fruits last a very long time in a bright and
attractive condition. S. aculeatissimum is rarely
grown in this country-, but in the warmer,
sunnier south of France it grows freely and
Tipens its fruits. C.

A Plague of Aphis. — This county was plagued
last September with a visitation of winged
Aphides in countless myriads, and it is remark-
able that hardly any notice has up till now
been taken of it in public prints. Cyclists were
almost blinded when rushing through swarms, and
people's clothes were smeared all over with the
insects. They are most active during
sunshine and in the greatest numbers then, but
for days together, at no moment of daylight,
was their presence un-noted. The evolutions of
these insects were very pretty and one could
watch them for long periods without being tired,
and with a wonder whence they sprung and why
they were there. Could it have been a result of
the abnormal heat and drought of the preceding
months? So far as plants were concerned the
vast number was never touched, but in October
the Peach trees on walls and under glass had
leaves, stems and fruit literally covered with
wingless Aphides, the effect of which was pre-
mature defoliation, and probably there will be
a deficient crop this year. S. P. Brotherston ,
East Lothian.

SOCIETIES.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.

January 13. — The first horticultural meeting
of the year, held on the above date at the
Royal Horticultural Hall, Westminster, was of
an interesting character, but oi comparatively
small extent. The attendance w-as good.
Orchids were the plants most largely shown,
and the Calanthes and Laelias were particularly
good. Carnations were scarcely so good as
usual. Alpine flowers and shrubs, Chrysanthe-
mums, Poinsettias and Azaleas were other in-
teresting subjects, while several exhibits of
fruits and one of vegetables lent variety to the
exhibition.

Floral Committee.

Present: Messrs. H. B. May (in the chair),
W. J. Bean, R. C. Xotcutt, John Green. J.
Reuthe, John Heal, C. R. Fielder, Thos. Steven-
son, W. H. Page, Arthur Turner, C. Dixon,
H. J. Jones, Chas. E. Pearson, E. F. Hazelton,
W. P. Thomson, E. H. Jenkins, George Paul,
J. F. Bennett Poe, H. R. Darlington, W. B.
Cranfield, J. Jennings. Jas. Hudson, Sydney
Morris and E. A. Bowles.

Award of Merit.

Chrysanthemum The Favourite. — A shapely,
pure white. Chrysanthemum that is likely to
prove popular because of its lateness of flower-
ing. The blooms are of medium size and with
evenly-reflexing outer florets and incurving cen-
tral ones. The blooms are of very firm texture
and the foliage is neat and light coloured.
Shown by Messrs. Godfrey and Son.

Groups.

Dwarf shrubs suitable for planting in a rock
garden were exhibited in variety by Messrs.
G. G. Whitelegge and Co., and the kinds in-
cluded Juniperus sabina prostrata, J. canadensis,
J. japonica aureo-spicata, Rethiospora obtusa
nana. R. pisifera nana aurea and the very grace-
ful Thuva occidentalis Ellwangeriana Rheingold.
The same firm showed Saxifrages flowering in
pots and the charming Iris reticulate (Silver
Flora Medal).

Messrs. Allwood Brothers also showed
Carnations in good style, and had fine blooms of
Wivelsfield 'White, " Enchantress Supreme,
Beacon, Triumph, Mary Allwood and the new
perpetual-flowering Malmaison variety Jean All-
wood, with clear yellow flowers (Silver Bank-
sian Medal). — Perpetual-flowering Carnations
were shown well by the Presiuent of the Society.
Lord Lambourne, and grown at Bishop's Hall.
Romford. Of Mrs. H. Burnett. May Day.
Baroness de Brienen, Rose Dore and Nora West
ihere were capital blooms (Silver Flora Medal).
— Messrs. Stuart Low and Co. submitted Car-
nations and included in their group a vase of the
new variety. Mrs. T. Ives (see Gard. Chron.
December '27, 1919), with Brilliant, Sunbeam
and Red Ensign. The firm also showed a few
Indian Azaleas (Bronze Banksian .Medal).

Varieties of Azalea indica, well-flowered, were
exhibited by Mr. L. R. Russell, the leading
varieties being Fred Sander, rose pink, very
handsome; Mdnie. Petrick, pink; Vervaenaena.
blush and bright pink; and Vervaenaena alba
(Silver Flora Medal). — Ferns, Cyclamen and
Hydrangeas were exhibited by Messrs. H. B.
May And Sons (Bronze Flora Medal). — Rhodo-
dendron blooms, cut out of doors in Cornwall , were
shown by Messrs. R. Gill and Son. These in-
cluded R. argenteum, R.barbatum. R. Harrisii. R.
Gornubia and R. arboreum seedlings. With
these were flowering sprays of Erica codonodes
(Bronze Banksian Medal).

The graceful and vivid scarlet Euphorbia
jacquiniaeflora, so useful for winter decoration,
was splendidly shown by C. A. Cain, .Esq.
(gr. Mr. T. Pateman), The Node, Welwyn,
Herts. The graceful plants were well grown and
associated in a large group with equally well
growm Poinsettias, the latter represented by
the scarlet, pink (Trebsii) and cream-coloured
forms (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal).

An attractive group of Chrysanthemums from
Messrs. K. Luxford and Co. included large

vases of blooms of such good late sorts as Winter
Cheer, Enfield White, Mdme. R. Oberthur (an
elegant white variety), and Baldock's Crimson
(Bronze Flora Medal). — Begonia Gloire de Lor-
raine var. Lady Waterlow, exhibited by Sir
P. Waterlow, Trosley Towers, Wrotham, is a
white-flowered form that appears not to be so
effective as the Tumford Hall variety, already
well known. — Mr. J. J. Kettle once again made
a delightful display of Violets, and put up about
three dozen bunches of his new variety named
Mrs. David Lloyd George, which has large and
fragrant flowers (Bronze Flora Medal).

Orchid Committee.
Present: Sir Harry J. Veitch (in the chair),
Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. secretary), William
Bolton, Walter Cobb, A. McBean, R. Brooman-
White, E R. Ashton. I'. Armstrong, J. E.
Shill. Arthur Dve, Frederick J. Hanbury, J.
Wilson Potter, Chas. H. Curtis, R. A. Rolfe,
Gurney Wilson. C. J. Lucas, J. Charlesworth,
S W Flory. Fred K. Sander and Pantia Ralli.

Awards.
First-class Certificate.
Odontioda Alcantara Balli's variety (Oda
Cooksoniae x Od<m. eximium), firom Pantia
Ralli, Esq.. Ashtead Park, Surrey (Orchid
grower Mr. Fames). A magnificent hybrid, and
nearest to the line Oda. Lady Veitch. The flowers
are of large size and perfect in form. The colour
is deep crimson with a golden glow, the margins
of the segments being pure white. This was
exhibited under the name of Oda. Nada Ralli's
var.

Awards of .Merit.

Laelio-Cattleya Alborah (L.-C. Isabel Sande?
X C. Maggie Raphael alba), from Baron
Bruno Schroder, The Dell, Engletield Green
(Orchid grower Mr. J. E. Shill). A large flower
near to the best form of L.-C. Isabel Sander.
The sepals and petals are pure white, and the
lip light violet with white margin and yellow
disc.

Odontoglossum Thwaitesiae Fascy's variety
( Harry anum x Rossii rubescens), from W. R.
Fasey, Esq., The Oaks. Holly Bush Hill, Snares-
brook (gr. Mr. E. J. Seymour). The flowers
show much influence of the O. Rossii parent.
The petals are blush-white barred with claret
colour, the lip mauve, and the crest yellow.

Other Exhibits.

Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., Gatton .Park
(gr. Mr. Collier), showed a fine specimen of
Odontoglossum Gatton Princess, forms of which
have been illustrated in Gard. Chron. , and a
similar variety was described in the issue of
December 13, "1919. p. 299.

Baron Bruno Schroder showed tine forms of
the Dell strain of Laelio-Cattleya Schroderae
and Cypripedium Eurybiades, both of which have
received the highest awards.

Lady Ludlow. Luton Hoo (gr. Mr. Metcalfe).
was awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a grand
group of the handsome Laelia Gouldiana, com-
prising sixty plants bearing, altogether, 430
flowers of bright mauve colour. Great credit is
due to Mr. Metcalfe for so successfully cultivat-
ing this showy species.

Mrs. William Raphael, Castle Hill, Engle-
field Green (gr. Mr. Brown), staged a most
beautiful and effective group of vases of cut
spikes of the pure white Calanthe Harrisii, the
spikes bearing from thirty to forty flowers each.
A Silver Flora Medal was awarded.

Messrs. Charlesworth and Co., Haywards
Heath, were awarded a Silver Flora .Medal for
1 fine group of Odontoglossums, Udontiodas and
Cypripediums. An interesting novelty was seen
in Oncidium incurvophorum (incurvum x
corynephorum). a very distinct hybrid adhering in
form, and in its branched inflorescence, to U.
incurvum, but with the light violet tint on the
inner halves of the segments, as in O. coryne-
phorum. It was recommended to the Scientific
Committee for a Certificate of Appreciation.
Novelties in Messrs. Charlesworth's group were
Odontoglossum Thetis (Solon x Dusky Monarch),
a noble, dark-coloured flower; Brasso-Laelio-
Cattleva" Bellingtonii iB.-L. Mrs. M. Gratrix x
B. Digbyana). and Laelio-Cattleya Theniss

January 17, 1920.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

33

/L.-C. Myrrka x C. Trianae Grand Monarch),
all choice nevelties.

Messrs. Sanders, St. Albans, were awarded a
Silver Banksian Medal for an effective group
of Laelio-Cattleyas, Odontoglossums and inter-
esting species. .Noteworthy among the Cypripe-
diunis were C. Mimosda F. M. Ogilvie's var.
C. British Lion (Cui-tmanii x Pyramus), a grand
and finely-coloured flower; and CJ. -Marshal Haig
var. Victory (Clio x G. F. Moore), a finely-
proportioned flower.

Messrs. Flory and Black, Slough, were
awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a group
of Sophronitis hybrids, Brasso-Cattleyas, and
Sophiro-Laelio-Cattleya Ru'boris (L.-C. Rubens X
S.-C. Doris), which has bright mauve flowers,
ruby-coloured lip and a yehow disc.

Fruit and Vegetable Committee.

Present : Messrs. J. Olieal (in the chair),
G. F. Tinley, W. Poupart, H. S. Rivers,'
W. H. Divers, G. Berry, W. Bates,
Owen Thomas, E. Beckett, ±1. Markham, A.
Bullock, G. Reynolds, W. E. Humphreys, K A.
Bunyard, P. A. Tuckett and Rev. VV. VVilks.

Mr. Cheal, who has been absent from recent
meetings owing to indisposition, received a
hearty welcome from the members.

Several Apples were submitted for award, but
none was considered of sufficient merit. The
most interesting variety was Christie Manson,
which the Superintendent brought from the
Wisley Gardens to draw attention to its fine
appearance, late keeping qualities and prolific
cropping. The fruits resemble those of Hormead
Pearmain in size and shape, but are flushed with
red. The quality is poor.

Three exhibits of Apples received medals.
The best collection was shown by Mrs. Leveson
Gower and was a/warded a Silver-gilt Banksian
Medal. The fruits were very highly coloured
and splendid specimens generally, especially
those of Fearn's Pippin, Lady Henniker, King
of Tomkin's County, Adams's Pearmain, With-
ington Fillbasket, Baumann's Red Reinette,
Blenheim Pippin and Crimson Queening.

Col. W. Davies, Salt Hill House, Slough (gr.
Mr. R. Bullock), was awarded a Silver Banksian
Medal for a collection of Apples in which Blen-
heim Pippin was outstandingly good. There
were also excellent fruits of Claygate Pearmain.
Court-Pendu-Plat, Egremont Russet. Chas. Ross
and Adams's Pearmain.

F. M. Vokes, Esq.. Southampton, showed a
small, but select, exhibit ot Apples of such well-
known sorts as Blenheim Pippin, Belle du
Pontoise, Mabbot's Pearmain, Lane's Prince
Albert and Calville Rouge (Silver Banksian
Medal).

Messrs. Sutton and Sons, Reading, were
awarded a Silver-gilt Banksian Medal for a
collection of vegetables staged in first-class style,
there were capital heads of Christmas White
and Winter Mammoth Broccoli, large roots of
Student and Tender and True Parsnips, excel-
lent Carrots of the Scarlet Horn variety, good
heads of Chicory, large bulbs ot Selected Ailsa
Craig, Imipn'oved Reading and Sutton's A 1
Onions, Golden Ball Turnips, Savoys, and Kales.

MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF ENGLAND
ORCHID.

December 4. — Committee present : — The Rev.
J. Cromblehnlme (in the chair), Messrs. R. Ash-
worth, A. Burns, D. A. Cowan, J. C. Cowan.
■1. Cypher, J. Evans, J. Howes, A. Keeling. D.
McLeod. F. K. Sander. W. Shackleton, E. W.
Thompson, and H. Arthur (secretary).

Awards.
First-Class Certificates.

Cypripedium Victor Hugo var. King John
iBecktoniae X Lathamianiim), from B. J.
Beckton. Esq.

Brasso-Caltleya TSnckantress (B.-C. Digbyano
Menrlelii x C. Fabia), from S. Gratrix, Esq.

Odontoglossum Col. Leith Haddon House var.
(Rossii majiiK x Uro Skinneri), from
P. Smith, Esq.

Catasetwm viridifolvu iti (Botanical), from
Sir H. Leon. Bart.

. Awards of Merit.

Yanda coerulea var. Bluebeard and Cypripe-
dium Moonbeam var. II". (.'. Groves, from Mrs.
Bruce and Miss Wrioley.

Cypripedium Cyclops var. Renown, from
S. Gratrix, Esq.

Lael'w-Cattleya Ettrich Bletchley Pari- var.
from Sir H. Leon, Bart.

Cypripedium Frenchay (Lawrebel x bella-
tulum), from A. J. Keeling and Sons.

Awards of Appreciation — First Class.

Cypripedium Angela (niveum x Fairrieanum),
from B. J. Beckton, Esq.

Brasso-Cattleya Princess Mary car. exquisi-
turn, from S. Gratrix, Esq.

Groups.
Large Silver Medals were awarded to Mrs.
Bruce and Miss Wrigley. Bury (gr. Mr. A.
Burns), and Sir Herbert Leon, Bart, Bletchley
Park, Bucks (gr. Mr. W. W. Field) ; and a Silver
Medal to Messrs. Cypher and Sons, Cheltenham,
for groups.

December 18. — Committee present : — The Rev.
J. Crombleholme (in the chair), Messrs, R. Ash-
worth, A. Burns, A. Coningsby. D. A. Cowan,
J. C. Cowan, J. Cypher, J. Howes. A. Keeling.
D. McLeod, Dr. F. T. Paul. E. Tack, E. W.
Thompson, and H. Arthur (secretary).

Awards.
First-Class Certificates.
Cypripedium Our Prince, Odontoglossum
crispum Yuletide, and Cattleya Moira alba, from
S. Gratrix, Esq.

Cypripedium Cyril Lee (Thisbe x Idinal,
from Mrs. W. R. Lee.

Awards of Merit.

Cypripedium nanurn var. 11". A Stewart, C.
Christopher, var. Praesigne ; Calanthe Papilio
and C. burfordense, from B. J. Beckton, Esq.

Cypripedium Draco Lee's var., from Mrs.
W. R. Lee.

Cattleya Fabia atro-purpurea, and Cypripe-
dium chryso'toxum striatum, from S. Gratrix,
Esq.

Cypripedium Orva (King George x Germain
Opoix), and C. Sanactaeus var. Golden Dawn,
from P. Smith, Esq.

Cypripedium Ti-gris (Earl Tankerville X
Mrs. Mostyn), from Messrs. Keeling and Sons.

Groups.

The following Medals were awarded for
collections : — Gold Medal to S. Gratrix, Esq.,
Whalley Range (gr. Mr. J. Howes) ; Silver
Medals to Mrs. Bruce and Miss Wrigley, Bury
(gr. Mr. A. Burns); B. J. Beckton, Esq..
Irlams-o'th'-Height (gr. Mr. W. A. Stewart) ;
Capt. W. Horridge, Bury (gr. Mr. Coningsby) ;
and Messrs. Cypher and Sons, Cheltenham.

BRITISH GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION.

January 3. — A meeting of the Leicester
Branch of the B.G.A. was held at the Engine
Hotel, Leicester ; Mr. J. H. Baum presided.

Mr. Greenfield, who gave the address, had a
warm reception. He congratulated the branch
upon the splendid progress made since its in-
auguration and hoped this would continue, with
the endeavour to obtain the rate of wages as
set down in the Association's national standard.
The speaker referred to the hard work which
the Executive Council had done during the past
year, and the difficulties which had to be faced.
He asserted there was more blacklegging in
gardening than in any other trade union, and
declared that railwayman, gas-workers, and boot
and shoe workers, were acting very unfairly by
securing the eight-hour day and then making
use of their spare time to undercut their fellow-
workers' wages. Mr. Greenfield said that the
Dolicy of the B.G.A. was not direct action, but
the surer weapon of boycotting. He stated tluit
the membership of the B.G.A. had increased
four-fold during 1919.

MARKETS.

COVENT GARDEN, January 13th.
We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined
reports. They are furnished to us regularly every
Tuesday, by the kindness of several of the
principal salesmen, who are responsible for the
quotations. It must be remembered that these quota-
tions do not represent the prices on any particular
day, but only the general average for the week pre-
ceding the date of our report. The prices depend
upon the quality of the samples, the way in whioh
they are packed, the Bupply in the market, and the
demand, and they may fluctuate, not only from day
to day, but occasionally several times in one
day. — Eds.

Fruit : Average Wholesale Prices.

b. d. s. d. ^ s. d. s. d

Bananas, singles 25 0-35 0

— Specals ... 40 0 —

3 6- 6 0 Grapes Alicante 2 6-30

—Special per lb. 3 8-40

anno — Gros Colmar . . 2 6-36

J —Special . 4 0-46

Apples (English)
—King of the Pip-
pins per k bus.
— Cox's Orange

Pippin per £bus.

best

—Blenheim Pippin

per bus.
—Newton Wonder
— Lane's Prince

Albert, per bus. ;
— Bramley's Seed-
ling per bus. . .
—Brit. Columbian —

Cox's Orange

Pippin

Jonathan

0 0-10 0
5 0-80

—Muscat, per lb. in 0-15 0
—Canon Hall 10 0-15 0

— Almeria per

barrel . . . . 25 0-40 0

Lemons 300's 21 0-25 °

0-so Oranges—

0- S 0,

20 10

20

360
300
250
200

28 0-34 0

Grime's Golden j 19 0,20 0 Nuts— Brazils(new)

130 0-135 0

18 6

20 10

20 10

per cwt.

Chestnuts —

Naples 36 0-40 0

Cob Nuts, per lb. 12-14

Walnuts 2i kilo. 45 0 ■

5 0

Nonesuch

Northern
Greening

New Town

Oregon New Town
— Nova Scotian —
— G.Itussets . . 40 0-50 0 Pineapples, each.. 2 6-

Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices,

a. d. s. d. s. d. 8. d

Asparagus, English. parsley, per doz.

Devon 50's ... 7 0-76 bunches .. 2 d- 3 6

— 100's ... 22 6-25 0 Parsnips, per bag 7 0-80

Middlesex „ ... 8 0 1 Potatos, per cwt. 11 6-14 0

Beans Guernsey,

per lb

Beets, per bag ..
Cabbage, per doz.
Carrots, per bag
Cauliflower, per

doz.
Celery, per fan,

(12 heads)
Cucumbere.perdoz
Garlic, per lb. . .
French Lettuce

per doz.
Herbs,per doz.bun.
Mint, per doz bun.
Mustard and Cress,

per doz. punnets
Mushrooms, per lb.

0-

10 0-11 0
16-20
6 0-80

3 0-40

3 6-46

24 0-42 0

1 6

3 6-40

4 0-60
15 0-

-Guernsey per lb.
7 (l| Radishes, per doz.

2 0-26
16-20

2 0-26
2 0-30

16 0-18 0
18 U-20 0

4 0

4 0-50

.. 12 0-14 0

bunches
Rhubarb Forced

per doz

Seakale per punnet
Spanish Onions

4 tier

5 tier

Spring Onions, per

doz.bunches . .
Sprouts, per

bag 28 lb.
Tomatos, English,

New Crop

per doz. lbs.
] — Teneriffe,

1 3- 1 61 Best, per bundle 40 0

3 0-3 6lTurnips, per bag 8 0-90

Onions, per' cwt. 10 0-14 0; Watercress .per doz 0 fl

Remarks.— An unusunl falling off in business has been
experienced daring the past week, there being an almost
entire absence of demand in many sections. Trade in
English Apples has been particularly slow, in addition
to which the quantities available are much above normal.
Except for selected fruits of Cox's Orange Pippin in
good condition, prices are unfavourable to the grower.
A shortage of hothouse Grapes lias caused a slight ad-
vance in their value. A shipment of fruit from the
Cape is due next week, and should be of interest,
seeing that it consists of Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots,
Plums and Pears. The market is fairly clear of
British Co^mbian Apples from" the last steamer, but a
new shipment is shortly expected. Pines are all
practically cleared, and no consignment of these
fruits is expected for about a week. A few fruits of
the new crop of English Tomatos are available,
but trade in Tomatos is mainly dependent on supplies
from Teneriffe, which are short, and all good brands
are realising the maximum arranged price. English
Asparagus (forced)' continues a slow trade. Prices for
Guernsey Beans and Potatos are well maintained owing
to the small quantities arriving. Cauliflowers are
selling well and arriving in fair quantities. Green
Vegetables are an easier trade, due to the recent open
weather. Potatos are unchanged in price.

Plants in Pots, &c. : Average Wholesale Prices.
(All 48's, per doz. except where otherwise stated.)
s. d. s. d.

1 Cyclamen
10 0-12 0 48's per doz.

„ „ , „ Erica hyemalfs —
!o nil n 48's per doz
- t-o n Erica me!antnera

Aral 1:1 Sieboldit

48's per doz. . .
Asparagus plumo

sus . .
— Sprengeri
Aspidistra, green
Begonia Gloire
de Lorraine
43's per doz.
Azealeas, each 3 0-50-76
Cacti per tray

12% 15's .„ 6 0-60

Chrysanthemums

48"s per doz. . . 24 0-30 0
Cinerarias, per doz. 15 0-24 0'

Remarks.— The chief Howerin
Dnffndils and largo Hyacinth
< 'tn. 1.1 rias, M brguerites . dJro a
Ericas and some boxes of Tulips.

d.
24 0-30 0

24 0-36 0

per doz.
Marguerites-
24 0-3** 0 'Palnn, Kentla .

— eo's . .

— Cocos
Polnsettla

48's per doz.
Roman Hyacinths
on bulbs

30 0-36 P
white 18 0-24 0
24 0-36 0
15 0-18 0
24 0-36 0

4 0-30 0

7 0-80
lants offered are
x pots. Azaleas,
v Cyclamens and

34

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[January 17, 1920.

Ferns and Palms : Average Wholesale Prices

_ J - A » .4 n i

8. d. I. d.

Adiantum

cuneatum 48'3

pet doz. . . 12 0-15 0

— elegans .. 15 0-18 0
ABpIenium 48's per

doz. .. •• 12 0-18 0

— 32'8 . . ■ . 2* °-3° °

— nidus 48'a .. 12 0-15 0
Cyrtomium 48's 10 0-15 0
Cut Flowers, &c

s. d s. d

Nephrolepis. In

variety. 48's 12 0-18 0

— 32's . . . . 24 0-36 0
Pteris. in variety

48's .. ..12 0-21 0

— large 60's . . 5 0-60

— small 60's . . 4 0-4-6
72's per tray of

15'a .. .. 3 6 4 0

Average Wholesale Prices,
d. s. d

„. d. s. d.

Azalea white, per Richardia (Arums),

doz. bun. .. 12 0-15 0 per doz. blms.

Camellias per doz. 6 0-70 uose3 per dozen

Carnations per doz. blooms —

blooms, best — Mme. Abel

American var. 6 " 8 0 Chatenay ..

Chrysanthemums— Roman Hyacinth

— Wbite. per doz.

blooms

— Yellow ., ■ •
—Pink

— Spray White
per doz. bun.

— Coloured
per doz. bun.

Daffodils, Single,

per doz bun,
Freesia, White

per doz. bun.
Heather, white

per doz. bun.
Lapagenas.perdoz.

blooms
Lilium longifiorum,

per bunch
Lilium speciosum

12 0-15 0

9 0-i5 0
2 0-26

in o Per doz. spikes
let SO MPS. White,
i n_ ft 0 per doz. bun. ...

40-80 Scarlet

30 0-48 0 Violets Single

large per doz.
30 0-48 0 bun.

— Ordinary
21 0-24 Cfrench Flowers—
— Anemones, Pink
7 0-80 pgr doz. bun. ...

in ft-l" 0 —Lilac white

1 per doz. spray

s n- 6 n —Marguerites yellow
50 ° per doz. bun. 5 0-60

18 O-20 0 —Mimosa, Per Pad 12 °~15 °
■Narcissus, Paper

36 O 48 0
21 0-24 0

8 0-10 0
5 0-60

6 0-90
4 0- 6 u

album per bunch 6 0-7 0: white per pad )SO-bO

-"Smper bun 0 0-7 0 foleil d'Or, per

Lily of the Valley doz. bun. ... 40 5 0

per bunch ••■ - b J —Ranunculus, Carmine

Narcissus, Soleil , „„ doz. bun. ... 12 0-15 0

d-Or.perdoz. bun 10 0-15 0 f^^ 12 0-15 0

i-i —« t, ri Pfi m ft

^fdoTTun. 10 0-12 0-Vio.ets,

Parma, per bun
24 0-30 0 — Roses,

Ulrich Brunncr
5 0 10 0

Orchids per doz
- Cattleyas
— Cypripediums

per doz.
Pelargonium, dou

ble scarlet.per

doz. bun.

10 0-12 0

15 0-24 0

perdoz 6 0-80

Frau Karl Druschki

perdoz 4 0-80

Safrono, per doz. 2 6 3 0

Remarks -Chrysanthemums are gradually becoming
less plentiful, and stocks show signs of finishing,
esricia h of coloured sorts. Supplies of Carnations
arrsumcient for the demand, and the prices of these
Sowers are the same as last week. Hoses from home
erowers are very few. White and red blooms are
practically unobtainable. Daffodils Golden Spur and
Henrv IrVing are now getting more numerous, and
IS nriws ate falling. Small quantities of Freesia
t,S " gSod 'condition. Lily-oi-the-Vallev of
verVgood quality does not attract many buyers. Small
coSigXnts of Tulips are now being received from
home growers. Large quantities of these blooms have
been arriving from Holland during the «jtt»n
three weeks; also large quantities of white Lilac.
Small consignments of Daffodils, yellow Narcissus.
Freesia and Smilax continue to arrive from the
Channel Islands. Consignments of flowers from the
South of France were not so heavy during Friday and
Saturday last, but the flowers are arriving in better
condition. Thev consist chiefly of white and yellow
Narcissi, Mimosa (Acacia), Violets, Anemones, Ranun-
culus. Parma Violets, and Roses of such varieties as
Ulrich. Brunner, Frau Karl Druschki, and Safrano.
all of which are in good demand.

GARDENING APPOINTMENTS.

Mr J Wynn. for the last )R years Gardener at
Sedgeford Hall, King's Lynn, Norfolk, as Gar-
dener to A. W. Hickling, Esq.. Wing Old Hall.
Oakham. Rutland. .

Mr W Stewart, as Gardener and Superintendent or
the Roval Hospital Gardens, Chelsea, in succession
to the late Mr. T. W. Turner.

Mr F W. Mason, for three years and three months
with His Mojestvs Fores (twelve months as Sergt.-
InBtructor in ' Horticulture), and previously
Gardener to the late Sir Edgar Sebright. Beech-
wood Park. Dunstable, as Gardener to G. Caubury,
EBq., Northfie-ld Manor, Birmingham. (Thanks for
P O. 2s. fid. for R.G.O.F. Box.— Ens.)

Mr W. J. Stables, for more than 18 years
Gardener and Orchid Grower to nr. B. Crawshay.
Esq., Rosefield, Sevenoaks, as Gardener and Orchid
Grower to Ciive CooxsoN, Esq., Nether Warden,
Hexham-on-Tyne.

Mr. H. G. Smith, for eight years Gardener to the
late G. P Spicer, Esq., Voewood. Maiden, Surrey,
and two years and nine months with H.M. Forces, as
Gardener to Mrs. Radcliffe, Broomfield Court,
Chelmsford.

Mr. Ben Ashton, over twenty-three years Gardener
to three Earls of Lathom, Lathom House, Ormskirk,
and for eleven years previously Gardener to Lord
HowARn OF Glossop, Glossop Hall, Derbyshire, as
Gardener to W. E. Whinerat, Esq., Leighton Court.
Neston, Cheshire.

Mr. James McGregor, recently General Foreman at
■Tordanstone, Meigle, Perthshire, as Gardener
to Sir Stuart Coats, at Ballathie, Stanley,
Perthshire.

TRADE NOTE.

AGRICULTURAL WAGES.

A meeting of the Agricultural Wages Board
was held at 80, Pall Mall, London, S.W.I, on
Thursday, the 8th inst.. Sir Aihvyn Fellowes
presiding.

Under the Regulations governing the constitu-
tion of the Board, the term of office of the
" appointed" members expired on December 3.
and it was announced that Lord Lee had
appointed Sir Aihvyn Fellowes (Chairman), Sir
Henry Rew (Deputv-Chairman), the Rt. Hon.
F. D. Acland, Mr. J'. H. Ismay. Mr. C. S. Orwin
and Mrs. L. Wilkins to be "appointed" mem-
bers for the ensuing two years. It was also re-
ported that vacancies for representative members
of the Board caused by the annual retirement of
a proportion of such members in December nac!
been filled by the reappointment of Messrs.
Colin Campbell, H. Padwick, G. G. Rea and S.
Roebotham as representatives of employers, and
of Messrs. R. Green, T. Lovall, R. Richards,
R. D. Walker and Denton Woodhead as repre-
sentatives of workers.

After consideration of the objections which
had been received to their proposal to fix lower
rates of wages for boys engaged in learning agri-
culture, together with reports from the District
Wages Committees on the subject, the Board
decided that the proposal should not be further
proceeded with.

Mr. W. R. Smith, M.P., Chairman of the
Workers' Side of the Board, gave notice that at
the next meeting of the Board he would move a
resolution for a general advance in the minimum
rates of wages for agricultural workers through-
out England and Wales.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Brown Elm Dust as a Skin Irritant : T. R. P
We do not know of any reason why the brown
dust between the bark and wood of Elm logs
should cause skin irritation, as it usually
results ifrom decay or the action of beetles
feeding on the wood or bark, and in some cases
by wood-boring Caterpillars.

Clivia Roots : T. R. P. There is no reason
why the lower roots of Clivia should perish each
year, that is if they are in good condition. In
your case the tremble is doubtless due to some
wrong cult/ujral condition, such as choked
drainage, or over watering, or possibly both
combined. The fluted and crimped appearance
of the leases is caused by the ill health of
the plants, induced no doubt by insufficient
root action. The plant should be shaken out,
and tire roots washed in tepid water, carefully
removing any that are decayed, also the end of
the root stock, if decayed ; when dry, repot the
plant in as small a pot as will accommodate
it, keeping the soil on the dry side until plenty
of roots are formed, as Clivias are very
impatient of much water at the roots after
irepotting.

Names of Fruits : J . G. E. D'Arcv Spice
{Syn. Baddow Pippin). — .7. II'. 1, Radford
Beauty; 2, Woodcock; 3, Cullen ; 4, Lord
Lennox; 5, King of the Pippins. — J. >$'. 1,
Small's Admirable ; 2, Reinette van Mons ;
3, Baumann's Winter Reinette ; 4, Stunner
Pippin; 5, Lord Burghley ; 6, Lady Henniker ;
7, Emile d'Heyste ; 8, Reinette Franche. —
E. H. I. 1, Yorkshire Greening ; 2, VicaT of
Beighton ; 3, Lord Lennox ; 4, Madame Eliza ;
5, Duchesse d'Angouleme. — E. I. Mayor. 1.
Scarlet Golden Pippin ; 2, Orange Pippin. —
■I. S. 1, Stones Apple; 2, Warner's King;

3. decayed ; 4, Small's Admirable ; 5, Hormead
Pearmain ; 6, Court of Wick. — H. W. 1.
Waltham Abbey Seedling ; 2, Blenheim
Pippin ; 3, Potts's Seedling ; 4, Melon Apple ;
5, Cellini.— II'. A. W. 1, Northern Spy; 2,
Lemon Pippin ; 3, Bedforshire Foundling ; 4,
Bramley's Seedling; 5, Hanwell Souring; Pear
decayed. — Anxious. 1, Minchull Crab ; 2.
Emperor Alexander ; 3. Herefordshire Beefing ;

4. Scarlet Tiffing.— C. H. Christie's Pippin.—
T. A. O. 1, Cox's Pomona; 2, Shepherd's
Fame ; 3, 7, 11, and 13, decayed ; 4, Margil ;

5. Flower of Kent ; 6, Tom Putt ; 8, Lemon

Pippin ; 9, Stunner Pippin ; 10, Reinette
Franche ; 12, Fondante du Panisel ; 14,
Josephine des Malines. — J. IF. S. Blen-
heim Pippin.

Names of Plants : C. E. F. The flowers were
not in a suitable condition for identification ;
further, we do not undertake to name florists'
varieties of flowers. A. H. V . Cypripedium
Orpheus, (venstum x callosum). — E. B.
The material (dried skin of the fruits only)
is insufficient for determining, the name of
the plant. It may be Solanum aouleatissimnim,
(see Fig. 14), which is being sent from France
to Covent Garden market for decorations.

Pear Dana's Hovey : D. H. D. Pear Dana's
Hovey is an American variety with somewhat
small fruits that become yellow, with, brown
russet markings when ripe. Hogg gives its
season as from November to January. The
variety was illustrated in Gard. Chron.,
Jan. 29, 1910, Fig. 39, from specimens which
received the R.H.S. Award of Merit. As
the nurserymen you have tried do not stock it
possibly Messrs. E. Bunyard and Co., Maid-
stone, or Mr. J. C. Allgrove, Langley, may
supply trees.

Sludge Manure. — E.- V. : The analysis' JW
send of the sludge only adds up to 65 per
cent. Taken, however, as it stands, it is
practically worthless, since it contains no
potash or phosphates, and the nitrogen con-
tent is very low and probably only slowly
available. Both organic matter and lime
could, no doubt, be obtained more cheaply in
other forms. The sludge would probably not
'be worth the cost of carting.

Shrubs for a Chalky Son, : C. R. The follow-
ing plants will be found suitable for growing
in chalky soil : — Berberis Darwinii, B. steno-
phylla, B. Wilsonae, Buddleia variabilis,
Ceanothus, Cistus, Cornus. Cotoneaster,
Cytisus, Diervilla, Escallonia. Genista,
Hypericum, Kerria japonica fl. pi., Lonicera,
Philadelphus, Magnolia stellata, Ribes
sanguinea, Spartium, Spiraea, Syringa and
Viburnum.

Suitable Plants for Carpet Bedding : R. L. S.
Suitable subjects are bine and white Lobelias.
Siveet Alyssum is also a splendid white
subject, especially if a dwarf form such as
Little Dorrit or White Carpet is used. For
a yellow subject, Golden Feather (Pyrethrum
aureumi) is best, and any good seedsman will
supply a dwarf form of it. All the above can
be raised from seeds sown indoors about the
beginning of March ; the seedlings should be
pricked off into boxes, which, in due course,
can be placed in cold frames where they may
be hardened off for planting out. Alternan-
thera paronychioides aurea, may also be used
as a yellow subject, while for red A. parony-
chioides, or its var. magnifica, are useful.
Purple colouring is difficult to obtain, the only
dwarf plant being the hardy Ajuga reptans
purpurea, with purple foliage; it is increased
by division. There are so called purple
Lobelias, but they are really dark 'blue, and
might serve as a contrast to light blue Lobelias.
Antennaria tomentosa and Veronica incana are
both grey foliaged, hardy plants, very suitable
foir carpet bedding, while Stellaria graminea
aurea, is a hardy subject with yellow foliage.
If a freer arrangement is used, red, white and
good purple-flowered subjects may be had in
Verbenas, which, if distinct colours are
required, should be propagated from cuttings of
named varieties, but Verbena venosa, a purple
flowered plant, is best raised from seed sown
indoors at the end of February. Coleus
Verschaffeltii. Iresine Lindenii, and I. Herbertii,
are all good foliage subjects in varying shades
of red or crimson, and may be kept dwarf by
pinching. They, in common with Altern-
antheras, are readily propagated by cuttings
in a stove temperature, at the end of March or
beginning of April, as they grow rapidly, and
it is not safe to bed them out until the middle
of June.

Communications Received. — Anxious — A. C —

W. J. S.— W. J. W.— .1. H. A— A. M— F. J.— W. R —

.T. B. A.— E. 0.— W. R.— J. 0.— J. F.— S. L.—

C A. J.

January 24, 1920.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

35

THE

No. 1726 —SATURDAY, JAN. 24, 1920.

CONTENTS.

Apiary, the 45

Begonias, winter flower-
ing ... ... ... 43

Carnation stem rot in
^•America ... ... 36

Cuttings 42

Flowering bulbs, cultiva-
tion of, in the United

States 36

Food trains 36

Forestry notes —

Brown oak timber ... 37
Ash, Australian moun-
tain ... ... 37

Acacia, timber of the 37
Edinburgh Parks, games

Gardeners' Chronicle,

seventy-five years ago,

the 36

■Gardeners' education

and training, the ... 42
hardeners' Royal Ben.

Inst 35

Jledges, evergreen ... 44
Helichry sum coralloides

in youth and age ... 35

Horticultural Club ... 36
Home Farm, crop and stock

on the ... ... ... 45

Insects spray-proof ... 35

Iris trials in U.S.A. ... 36

Kew, new flag-stall' at ... 37

Lopezia miniata ... 43

Mistleto, hosts for the ... 44

National Dahlia Soc. ... 35

Norfolk and Norwich

Hort. Soc 36

Obituary —
Selkirk, Countess of'...
Dr. John H. Wilson...
Orchid notes and glean-
ings—
Cattleya Enid, Dover-
court variety
Cvpripeduims from Bir-
mingham
Odontioda Nada Ralli's

var

Petersham Flower Show
Pitwood, sale of
Plant hygiene ...
Propagation, hints on ...
Roses, some new
Royal Hort. Soc.
Societe Dendrologique de

France

Societies —

United Hort. Ben. and

Prov.

Surrey, small holdings in

Trade notes

Trees and shrubs —
Ceanotmis Gloire de

Versailles

Pistacia ientiscus
Free stems, earthing up
Weather —
Weather in December

the

Weather in Scotland

in 1919, the

Week's work, the ...38,39

Wislev, trials at, in 1920 35

39

39

39
35
36
40
42
41
36

35

41
41
37

44
44

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Begonia Gloire de Sceaux, a fine specimen of ... 43

Ceanothus Gloire de Versailles ■■• 41

Flag-stafl, new at Kew 36 and 37

Odontioda Nada Rali'svar. 39

Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week
deduced from observations during the last fifty
years at Greenwich, 38.68°.

Actual Temperature: —

Oardenere' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street,
Covent Garden, London, Wednesday, January 21,
1920, 10 a.m. : Bar. 30.0; temp. 46°. Weather-
Bright

In the large majority of

Heiichrysum plants of our own country

coralloides in the transition from youth

Youth and to age is marked by no

Age, striking change of form

other than that which
increasing bulk makes inevitable. Some-
times the seed leaves are succeeded by small
bract-like leaves before the first rough leaf
appears, but although the latter may be of
simpler form than the later, mature leaves,
It generally resembles them with fair fidelity.
But in other countries where climate offers a
greater range of variety there are many
plants whose juvenile and adult forms are
totally dissimilar from one another. The
best known example of this dimorphism is
that presented by certain species of Acacia,
and it is a botanical cla9s-room exercise to
trace the transition on one and the same
seedling from the much divided juvenile leaf
to the undivided, broadly-expanded leaf base,
in which no trace of the true leaf-
blade remains. To the list of plants which
exhibit such disparity of form Heiichrysum
coralloides must now be added, for, as Dr.
Cockayne shows in a recent contribution*,
the seedling of this species — the Coral Shrub
of New Zealand — is altogether different in
habit and leaf-shape from the adult.

As is indicated by its popular and specific
names, the adult form of H. coralloides
suggests a coralline shape. The thin, smooth
stems are hidden beneath the numerous
small leaves which are closely appressed to
the surface of the stem, and the spaces
between the leaves are white with the cover-

ing of hairs produced on the under surface of
the leaves and projecting beyond their edges.
The under (grated) surface of each leaf is
smooth, pale, and membraneous for more
than half its length, but its upper part is
thick, hard, horny and of a glossy, rather
dark green colour. These apical ends of the
leaves stand out like tubercles from the
white tomentum as though partly embedded
therein.

The habit of the adult plant varies
according to the situation in which it occurs.
H. coralloides is essentially a rock-crevice
plant, and its peculiar xerophytic form evi-
dently adapts it to the dry conditions in which
it lives. According to the severity of the
conditions of wind and sun to which it is
exposed the Coral Shrub either takes the
form of a dense rigid cushion of about ij
feet high by i foot wide — this where it is
exposed to frequent gales and direct sun —
or becomes in less severe conditions of
climate an erect shrub of open habit and
rather smaller size.

The seedling of which, so far, Dr.
Cockayne has found only one example
presents a striking contrast with the adults.
It consists of a straight stem unbranched
above, but bearing near its base eleven short
branches. Covering the stem are white
woollv leaves sheathing at the base, though
the vounger leaves spread out their blades.
These leaves when fully grown are broadly
spathulate, three times as long (A-inch), as
those of the adult plant and covered on
both surfaces with a long tangle of silky
hairs, through w^hich the green of the leaf
shows faintly. On the younger stems that
are produced as the plant begins to
mature the leaves begin to approximate
with those of the adult ; they are smaller
than the earlier formed leaves, imbricating,
and less hairy on the upper portion of the
under surface. Protected by its diminutive
size, the seedling is not constrained to arm
itself against the weather, and only does so
when the increasing inclemency to which it
is exposed imposes the change of form as an
alternative to destruction.

The resemblance of the seedling form to
Haastia Sinclairii is strikingly illustrated in
the figure published by Dr. Cockayne, who
points out in emphasis of the dissimilarity
between the juvenile and adult plants that
they differ from one another at least as much
as do two different species of Haastia, H.
Sinclairii and H. pulvinaris.

Not the least interesting fact in connection
with these dimorphic plants is that in some
of them heredity imposes the change from
juvenile to adult, whether the situation in
which the plant is growing requires it or not.
This is the case apparently with Heiichrysum
corallina. In other New Zealand plants —
Aristotelia fruiticosa, Daervdium laxifolium,
Pittosporum divaricatum, and Rubus
cisaoldes heredity is less Imperious1, and
given a suitable environment the juvenile
form mav persist throughout the life time
of the individual. Without the severe test of
climate such a plant never grows up. It
should therefore be immortal in the sense
that it could not die a natural death from old
age and could onlv succumb at an advanced
age to a mortal infantile ailment.

• " On the Seedling Form of the Coral Shrub, Heii-
chrysum coralloides." by L Cockayne, N.Z. Journal of
Science and Technology, II., Nos. 4 and 5, 1919.

Trials at Wisley in 1920— The Royal Horti-
cultural Society will carry out the following
Trials in their Gardens at Wisley, Ripley,
Surrey, during 1920 : — Antirrhinums. Coreopsis.
Broccoli, Early Peas. Second-Early Potatoa,
Spinach, and late Turnips. A packet of seed of
each variety for trial (of Peas ? pint ; of
Potatos 40 tubers) should be sent to the
Director, from whom the necessary entry forms
mav be obtained, not later than Februaw 20.
1920.

Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution
(Worcester and District Auxiliary). — It is
gratifying to learn from the annual report of
the Committee of the Worcester branch of the
Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution, that
the sum of £85 has been handed to the parent
Society as the results of efforts made on behalf
of the Institution in the locality. The
Worcester Auxiliary sets a fine example to other
districts, and its "results show what may be
done on behalf of this deserving gardening
charity by a strong and representative local
committee. The Bight Hon. the Earl of
Beauchamp is President and the executive com-
mittee consists principally of gardeners in
charge of local establishments.

National Dahlia Society.— The annual general
meeting of the National Dahlia Society will be
held on Monday, the 26th inst., at 35, Welling-
ton Street, Strand, at 4 p.m.

Games in Edinburgh Parks. — A series of
important recommendations dealing -with the
provision of additional facilities for games in the
Edinburgh Parks, together with others relating
to the scale of charges, have been made by the
Parks Committee to the Town Council. The
additional facilities suggested include new tennis
courts at Redhraes, with extensions of the exist-
ing ones at the Meadows and Inverleith Park,
the additional courts at the two last to be
reserved for ladies, together with half of the
existing courts at Bonaly. A recommendation
is also made that an additional .bowling green
be formed at Montgomery Street at a cost of
£400. The recommendations regarding the
charges for the games involve large increases.
The scale for a round of the 18-hole golf
course at the Braid Hills it is proposed
should be 6d. instead of 3d., and that for the
9-hole course, 2d. instead of Id. The charge
recommended for the tennis courts is 2d. each,
where the players are ladies, and 3d. each
where the party* consists of ladies and gentlemen.
The suggested charge for bowlers is 3d.
each player for a full rink of eight players
instead of l£d ; and for pairs and singles the
charge would be 4d. each instead of 2d. The
charge for the use of shoes would be Id. instead
of id.

La Societe Dendrologique de France — After
an interval of hve years, caused by the war, the
Societe Dendrologique de France has resumed
its monthly meetings. It has appointed a new
Committee, -with M. Tisserand as President,
and le Prince Roland Bonaparte and M.
Lecomte, professor at the Museum of Natural
History, as Vice-Presidents. M. Hrokel will
continue to act as general secretary and M.
Dode as treasurer.

Petersham Flower Show.— The Petersham,
Surrey, Horticultural Society, which, like many
similar societies, has suspended its operations
during the past five years, is to renew its activi-
ties. At a general meeting held on the 12th inst. .
it was unanimously agreed to hold a show and
fete on Julv 14, 1920. In former years the
Petersham show attracted a large attendance and,
as a strong sub-committee has been appointed to
make the necessary arrangements, a renewal of
its success may be confidently expected.

Small Holdings in Surrey.— The Small Holdings
Committee of the Surrey County Council has
received 516 applications for email holdings,
representing 6,387 acres of land. It is interest
ing to note that of the applicants 419 were ex-
service men, who required 5,236 acres. The
purchase of part of New Inn Farm, Guildford,
from the Earl of Onslow, has been decided
upon. This holding, comprising 26 acres, with
a cottage and garage, will cost £1,600. Twenty
cottages are being erected on the Homewood
Farm, Ripley, and provision is being made
for 78 cottages at Little Woodoote, Epsom.

Spray proof Insects. — It is reported that Pro-
fessor Melander, head of the Department of
Entomology of the Washington State College,
has stated' that it is quite possible that one of
the results of repealed spraying of fruit trees
with insecticides will be the production of
hardier, resistant races of insect pests, better
able to withstand the poisons used in the washes.
"In other words," he said, "it is possible, from

36

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[January 24, 1920.

a biological standpoint, that we are bleeding the
resistant insects. If there is such a thing as
this, it is a big, big thing in the fruit world.
A few years ago we were sure that sulphur-
lime would kill red spider eggs, and would kill
eggs of the green aphis, yet I have examined I
do not know how many millions of red spider
eggs and failed to find them dead after being-
sprayed with sulphur-lime. The same may be
said of the green aphis in many localities.
Whether it is a biological fact that scale
and other insects are becoming resistant by a
gradual process of weeding out the individuals
that are not hardy, I do not know. But 1 do
know that some of our standard washes are not
nearly so sure and effective as they used to be.
If the biological theory is true that we are
bleeding up scales that are resistant to this or
that spray, it may be that we shall ha>ve to
switch our methods of fighting the pest, we will
say, every 20 years. We will spray with
sulphur-lime ; that will be the 'best for 20 years.
Then we will switch over and take up the oil
emulsion, and spray with that for 20 years, until
we get a scale that is resistant to oil emulsion,
and then come back and switch to the other.
Biologically, it is possible to rear up a breed
that would be resistant." This is an interesting
and somewhat alarming announcement, yet it
may weil be that Professor Melander's conclu-

i-equirements. This early notice is given in
order that specimens and papers may be pre-
pared in good time. Further particulars will be
published in due course, and all communications
should be addiessed to the Secretary, Royal
Horticultural Society, Vincent Square, West-
minster. London, S.W.I.

Carnation Stem Rot in America. — Dr. George
Peltier, of the Illinois Floriculture Experimental
Station, estimates that Carnation Stem Rot
causes a loss to American growers of an average
of over 2 per cent, in the glasshouses, and over
three per cent, in the held The organism
responsible for the disease lives normally in the
soil and sterilisation by steam will destroy the
fungus, but this is not entirely effectual, as
whenever Carnation plants are lifted from in-
fected soil the fungus is re-introduced with re-
planting. The same cause renders the use of
insecticides ineffective and, moreover, as the
fungus penetrates deeply into the tissues of the
plants, surface sprayings are useless. Professor
Lehen'bauei , in an article in The American
Florist, states that the best method of control
is to grow the plants in relatively cool condi-
tions in a house having a temperature of 50° to
53J by night, and 60° to 62° by day. If these
temperatures are not exceeded healthy plants
that are watered carefully and grown in a house

FlG. 15. — THE SEW FLAGSTAFF AT KEW, LYING ON TRESTLES, BEFORE ERECTION.

(See p. 37).

sions will not be bcrne out, for it is possible
that, owing to the abnormal times, the spraying
materials have not been so pure, and conse-
quently not so effective, as formerly.

Cultivation of Flowering Bulbs in the United
States. — In normal times the United States of
America pays about two million dollars a year for
its spring 'flowering, or " Dutch " bulbs, the
value of the bulbs grown at home only amounting
to about 25,000 dollars. An effort is being imade
to increase home production, and with that end
in view the U.S.A. Department of Agriculture
has issued Bulletin 797 of the Bureau of Plant
Industry, which shows that the commercial
culture of Narcissi, Tulips and Hyacinths is con-
fined mainly to the Atlantic and Pacific seaboards,
notably in the north of Norfolk and the north
of San Francisco. In the Ohio and Mississippi
valleys, the Gulf State, Michigan, and even in
Alaska, some kinds of bulbs have been grown
successfully. Particulars of suitable soil and
temperature are given, as well as general methods
of cultivation, harvestry and cleaning, together
with lists of varieties and a. vocabulary of sixty-
four definitions of terms used by bulb growers.
The Bulletin is illustrated.

Classification of Saxifrages.— The President
and council of the Royal Horticultural Society
propose to hold a conference in London, in May,
1922, on the classification of Saxifrages from
the garden point of view, and their cultural

with a small amount of atmospheric moistu»*e
are not very susceptible to the disease.

Sales of Pitwood.— The Board of Trade
anounces that the Pitwood Order, 1919, has been
revoked as from January 2 and all restrictions
with regard to supplies and prices of pitwood
are accordingly removed

Grand Yorkshire Flower Show and Gala.— The
Yorkshire Gala will be held in Bootham Park.
York, on June 16th. 17th, and 18th, 1920. Prizes
to the value of £850 will be offered for flowers,
fruits and vegetables. Mr. H. W. Pulleyn,
Coppergate, Yorks, is the Secretary.

Royal Horticultural Society. — The Committees
of the Royal Horticultural Society will meet on
Tuesday, the 27th inst., on the occasion of the
usual fortnightly meeting.

Food Trains. — At a joint conference of repre-
sentatives of the Holland (Lines.) branch of the
National Farmers' Union, the South Lincolnshire
Wholesale Potato Merchants' Association, and
London members of the National Federation of
Fruit and Potato Trades Associations, a re-
solution was passed urgently requesting the
Minister of Transport to provide without delay
a goods train service for perishable foodstuffs to
all the principal towns in Great Britain from
producing and distributing centres, such trains
to be run to scheduled times, like the passenger
train service, and at such hours as will allow
the produce to be delivered and sold in the

markets in a perfectly fresh condition. The
"huge wastage" of food, adds the resolution,
"which has been caused by railway delays and
inefficiency, >: would thus be prevented. The con-
ference have also asked the Great Northern and
Great Eastern Railway Companies and the Mid-
land and Great Northern Joint Committee to
arrange daily train services from Lincolnshire,
Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire to the
London markets, in accordance with this pro-
posal.

Norfolk and Norwich Horticultural Society. —
This Society will hold its Spring Show in St.
Andrew's hall, Norwich, on April 22; its Rose
Show at Catton Park, on July 8 ; and its
Chrysanthemum Show on November 18, 19 and
20, in St. Andrew's and Blackfriars Hall.

Horticultural Club. — The annual meeting of
the Horticultural Club will be held in the new
Club Room, Royal Horticultural Hall, Vincent-
Square, Westminster, on Tuesday, February 10,
at 4.30 p.m. The President, Lord Lambourne.
will occupy the chair.

Iris Trials in U.S.A.— At the New York.
Botanical Garden, Bronx Park, New Y'ork City,
an Iris garden will be established next spring,
embracing approximately two acres. The
Director of the Garden has asked the American
Iris Society to co-operate with him in establish-
ing this garden and through his kindness this
will .become the Society's first test garden. The
garden will include a permanent collection of all
available species of Iris, and also of all
available horticultural varieties. A special
portion of the garden will he devoted to the
testing of unnamed seedlings. Special committees
of the Society will conduct various types of
work in this garden, and members of the Society
will be asked to contribute plants. The
situation of the garden is ideal, and it will be
under the direct charge of Dr. H. A. Gleason,
who has been one of the prime movers in the
organisation of the new American Iris Society.

The "Gardeners' Chronicle" Seventy-five Years
Ago. — Wares and Babbits. — We have been much
troubled with these pests for years, and have tried
tar, oil, soot, lime, string tarred and oiled, but
all to no purpose. In the autumn of 1843, we-
had a fine plantation of Sturmer Pippins spoiled
in one night, as well as other young Apple trees.
So very destructive were these creatures that we
determined upon having every plant of Crab and
Apple removed into another garden ; but one of
our men observing that he had seen brimstone
tried, and that it had the desired effect, we
immediately set to work, and made a quantity
of matches, like those used for suffocating bees,
and stuck them about the ground (the matches
were not lighted), atid since using the sulphur
not a leaf has been touched. As to rabbits not
eating Rhododendrons, we have proof to the con-
trary, for on a piece of land where we have not
used matches, the Rhododendrons are bitten off
as clean as if the pruning shears had been at
work on them. In very severe weather rabbits
have been known to attack and bark the stems
of standard Roses. We melted the sulphur in an
iron pot, and when hot dipped the matches,
which were made by winding tow, rags, or any-
thing we could lay hold of round sticks, and
firmly binding it on. S. and J. Dillistone,
N'urtteries, Slurmere. {Card. Citron., January
25, 1845.)

' uhlicatinns Received. — Journal of Forestry.
Royal English Arboricultural Society, Avenue
Tress Limited, Drurv Lane, W.C. 2s. Brooklyn
Botanic Garden leaflets, 10,11, 12 & 13. New
York : The Brooklyn Institute of Arts and
Sciences, Washington Avenue, Brooklvn.
Year Bool,- and Diary for 1920. The Fri.il.
Flower and Vegetable Trades. London : The
Lockwood Press, 1. Mitre Court, Fleet Street,
E.C.4. Quality and Value of Important Types
of Peat Material. Alfred P. Dachnowski,
United States Department of Agriculture,
Bulletin No. 802. Washington : Government
Printing Office. Nature and Control of Apple
Scald. Charles Brooks, J.S. Cooley and
D. F. Fisher. Washington : Government
Printing Office. Studies of Philippine Bananas,
Edwardo Quisumbing y Arguelles, The Philip-
pine Agricultural Review. Manila Bureau of
Printing.

January 24, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

37

NEW FLAG STAFF FOR KEW.

Foe more than fifty years, that is tc say, from
1861 to 1913, the flag-staff of Douglas Fir standing
on a mound in the Barberis Dell, constituted a
conspicuous landmark in tike Royal Gardens,
Kew. It was a present to Kew from Mr.
Edward Stamp. The original staff was 159 feet
high, and calculated to be about two hundred and
fifty years old. It was repaired and rehoisted
in 1896, but in 1913, when it was being
varnished, it was found to be affected with dry
rot, consequently it had to be taken down and,
as further repair was out oi the question, there
came an end to the finest flag-staff of its kind
in Europe.

The provision of a new staff created a great
deal of interest, not only at Kew, but throughout
this country and in British Columbia, whence
the original flag-staff came. lAn interesting
account of the history of the new flag-staff,
finally erected on October 18, 1919, is given in
the Kew Bulletin, No. 10, 1919. From this we
gather that the Provincial Government of British
Columbia offered to present a new spar of
Douglas Fir to the Royal Gardens, Kew, to re-
place the old one, and on February 25, 1914, this
offer was accepted. As a result, the forests of
British Columbia were searched by skilled wood-
men until a tree was found that fulfilled the
exacting ideal of the searchers ; yet it was not
until eleven trees had been felled that the
requirements were met. The tree selected was
found some thirty miles north of the city of
Vancouver. After it had been felled, its length
was reduced to about 220 feet, but its height
as it stood in the forest was probably between
280 and 300 feet. The tree was conveyed by
rail and water to Vancouver, and there shaped
to its present form by expert axemen. It is
square at the base for 15 feet up, then octagonal
up to 157 feet, thence to the summit (214
feet) it is round. Its diameter at various heights
is as follows : — Base, 33 inches ; 16 feet, 33
inches ; 52 feet, 29| inches ; 89 feet, 25| indies ;
115 feet, 22i inches; 190 feet, 19 inches; 214
feet, 12 inches (summit). The pith is not in the
centre, but five and a half inches from one side
at the butt end ; from the pith to the other side
of the margin there are 360 annual rings. The
first 100 rings occupy 17| inches, the next 100
rings 7 inches, and the third hundred are com-
pressed into 3^ inches. The tree was 6 feet in
diameter at the base when felled, and prac-
tically all tlhe sap wood was taken off in shaping
it. It is estimated to be about 400 year's old
and the weight, roughly 18 tons, is about four
times that of the old flag-staff.

The directors of the Shire Line of steamers
undertook to convey the flag-staff from Van-
couver* to the River Thames, and on December
29, 1915, the s.s. "Merionethshire" arrived
safely at the London Docks and dropped the
spar into the Thames. It was towed up the
river to Kew, arrd finally conveyed through the
Gardens to the base of the flag-staff mound,
where it remained for a period of 2^ years arrd
was a source of pride to the many Canadians
who saw it. It was hoped at one time that the
Canadian Forestry Corps would undertake the
task of erecting the staff, but they were unable
to do so, although the concrete blocks forming
the base were set in the mound under the
direction of engineers of the Canadian
Forestry Corps. Messrs. Coubro arrd Scrutton
eventually raised the flag-staff, under the direc-
tion of H.M. Office of Works, by means of a
derrick 100 feet IrTigh. A square block of steel,
7 inches in diameter, is fitted into a groove at
the base of the staff and thus supports it. The
new flag-staff, which towers far above the sur-
rounding trees, is a magnificent exhibit for Kew,
a testimony to the generosity and Imperial spirit
of the Premier and Government of Brrtish
Columbia, and an example of the marvellous tree
growths that make the forests of that fine Pro-
vince some of the richest on the face of the globe.
By the courtesy of H.M. Stationery Office
we are enabled to reproduce two of the illus-
trations of the flag-staff given in the Kew
Bulletin. The one in Fig. 15 shows the spar
resting on its support whilst awaiting erection,
the other, Fig. 10, the flag-staff in its permanent
position.

FORESTRY NOTES.

BROWN OAK TIMBER.
This is extremely scarce and valuable, and
no wonder, for it does not exist on the Con-
tinent, being a strictly English product, and
more or less confined to the Midland and Eastern
counties. In Northamptonshire it occurs in the
Welbeck and Rockingham woods; in Bedford-
shire at Woburn and Ampthill, particularly the
latter; while in Hertfordshire splendid examples
are found at Aslrridge Park.

Brown Oaks may be said to occur sporadically,
and are characterised by the timber being of
a pleasant foxy-brown colour, remarkably hard
and close grained, and susceptible of a rich
polish. For panelling and furniture-making it
is highly prized, and in America it is used rn
the ornamentation of Pullman cars, while the
magnificent dining-room in the White House,
at Washington, is entirely panelled with English
brown Oak. Strange as it may appear, the
finest brown Oak trees have been sent
to America, where they are cut either
into veneers or wainscot or used for
the best class of furniture.

The price of brown Oak timber is
comparatively high, being fully four
times that of the best of the
ordinary wood. For a single tree
at Welbeck £50 was paid, while in the
famous Rockingham Forest, or what
remains of it, £41 was realised for a
clean, but by no means big, specimen.

AUSTRALIAN " MOUNTAIN ASH."
This timber, a species of Eucalyptus,
has been found of great value for the
making of oars, and large quantities
are annually exported to various parts
of the country. So well suited is this
timber for oar making that in the
space of a few years it has largely
taken the place of American Ash for
this important purpose. Strength and
elasticity are t)he main qualities re-
quired for oars, and though our native
Ash timber was at one time much used
for the purpose, the weight of even
well-seasoned wood of that kind pre-
cluded its use at a later period with
the introduction of foreign and better
substitutes. It appears, however, that
the true Australian Mountain Ash —
owing chiefly to the restricted areas
over which it is growing, is being sub-
stituted by an inferior wood, that of
the Mountain Gum, whidh greatly
resembles the genuine timber, but is
vastly inferior to it for the particular
purpose required. The Government
have become alive to this substitution
of an inferior timber, and have re-
quested buyers to stipulate that all
deliveries are subject to Government
inspection and certificate, both of
which are obtaiirable free of charge.

For many pur-poses, American Ash
has taken the place of British, but we
question whether, when a fair trial has
been conducted, this will remain the
case, for it is generally believed that
in the long run, Ash of home growth has better
lasting properties than that obtained from abroad.
It is pretty evident that, owing to the use of
rough, brittle Ash wood, chiefly from hedge-
row and field, harm has been done to the
reputation of the best class of this timber, such
as is cultivated in close woods, where the trees
are clean-grained and supple, and of first quality
for use in the most important services where
Ash timber is employed. Old Ash timber, too,
is inferior where bending properties are of first
consideration to that of, say, from 30 to 50
years' growth.

TIMBER OF THE ACACIA.
At one time the excellent qualities of the
timber of the false Acacia were extolled in this
country to such an extent that large numbers
of the tree were planted in Scotland and
England. Certainly, as fence and gate posts
the timber would appear to have almost sur-

Fic

prising lasting properties and not a ifew
experiments in this way proved quite satisfac-
tory, and led many planters to believe that the
Acacia was 'well worth cultivating from a purely
economical point of view, to supply timber for
use both in and out of doors. The wood is of a
beautiful •cream colour, and works smoothly
under the tools of the carpenter, taking a fine
polish. It is, however, hard to season and warps
and splits readily. Gate posts of this wood have
lasted in the ground for 30 years.

For all its excellent timber-producing qualities
the Acacia has never become popular as a British
forest tree, as it is not very hardy, and apt
to die out prematurely. A. D. W.

EARTHING UP TREE STEMS.

Where large quantities of soil have to be
dealt with arrd the cost of removal to a distance

16.— THE NEW FLAO-STAFF AT KEW AS SEEN
IMMEDIATELY AFTER ERECTION.

is prohibitive, injury to adjoining trees by
placing it over their roots and around the stems
most commonly takes place, and where it
cannot well be avoided " dishing » is recom-
mended. This oonsists iir forming a saucer-like
receptacle in the soil around the tree trunk
and at a distance of, say, 6 feet from it.
Sometimes a retaining wall of old bricks is built
loosely around the stem to keep the earth in
position, but in most cases it will be found
sufficient to slope the soil gradually from tin-
trunk backwards at arr easy angle, and thus
allow of the proper aeration of the ground.
Trees, the roots of which have been covered
with soil to such a depth that an unhealthj
condition is brought about, quickly fall a pre}
to fungous diseases and the attacks of injurious
insects. That the forming of a properly con
structed cavitv in the soil around the tree
trunk is of the greatest benefit is well known
to planters. .1. />. W(

38

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[January 24. 1920.

The Week's Work.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By F. Jordan, Gardener to Lieut.-Col. Spender Clay,
M.P.. Ford JIanor, Lingfield, Surrey.

Successional Pines The plants should be

allowed to grow slowly for some time to come in
a house having a night temperature of 60°.
Guard against sudden changes, either in the
temperature or amount of atmospheric moisture ;
the temperature may be allowed to rise a few
degrees on bright days. Endeavour to keep the
plants growing steadily and thus prevent the
fruits developing prematurely.

Vinery. — The second divison may now be
closed, also the first Muscat house. Guard
against a too liberal sprinkling of water,
especially during the dull, damp weather, in
houses in which vines are approaching the
flowering stage. Remove all the weaker shoots
from spurs developing several growths, retaining
only the strongest, which should be prevented
from becoming injured by tying it loosely to a
wire, but do not attempt to train it to its
permanent position for some time to come
Raise the temperature a few degrees by night
and day as the vines increase in growth, main-
taining a steady temperature as recom-
mended when the vines AveTe started in the
second early houses. The Muscat houses should
be about 3 degrees warmer, that is to say, 48°
to 50°. Syringe the rods moderately until
they break into groAvth.

Bottling Grapes. — Bunches of Grapes still
hanging on the Amines should be cut at once and
the stems placed in bottles of water in the Grape-
room. The Grapes will noAV keep better in
bottles in a temperature of 45° than in the
vinery. Examine the bottles frequently the first
few weeks, and keep them well filled Avith water ;
remove all mouldy berries. The removal of the
bunches will allow the vines to be Avatered,
pruned, and the houses washed and painted, and
alterations to be made to the borders, besides
giving the vines a long season of rest.

Ventilation and Temperatures. — There haA-e
been sudden changes dn the day and night
temperatures of late, necessitating great care in
ventilating, the use of moisture and fire-heat.
An excess of fire-heat should be guarded against
as much, in severe weather as on mild days. It
is always safest to maintain a relatively Ioav
temperature in the early stages of forcing,
especially at night ; yet it must be remembered
that a close, stagnant atmosphere is just as
injurious as a very warm, dry one. Gentle
Avarmth in the early stages of forcing is
beneficial, provided the damping and syringing
are regulated in accordance with the AveatheT.
Ventilation at this stage is also an important
cultural detail ; the evil effects of currents of
cold air are not evident immediately, but appear
later, when the edges of the leaves become dis-
coloured.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By H. Wheeler, Gardener to Mrs. JenneR, Wenvoe
Castle, Dear Cardiff.

Broad Beans and Peas. — In the light soil of
a Avarm border facing south a sowing of Broad
Beans and also of Peas may be made on the
first favourable occasion. If the soil and
situation are not favourable, raise the seed-
lings of these early sowings under glass and
transplant them out-of-doors later. Peas may
be sown in pots or in wooden troughs 4 inches
wide and the same in depth, made Avith
detachable bottoms. Place the coarse soil in
the bottom and cover it with fine earth, in
which sow the seeds. Seven seeds may be
placed in each five-inch pot. If Avooden troughs
are used, place the seeds one inch apart, cover-
ing them with an inch of soil. Broad Beans
should be placed thickly together in a box
containing a little light soil and just covered
Avith sand. They will germinate in a week from

sowing and should then be potted singly in
five-inch pots, selecting only those \A-hich have
perfect tap-roots. Grow the plants in a Avarm
house, such as a newly-started Peach-house or
Vinery.

Raising Asparagus from Seed.— Where it is
intended to raise plants of Asparagus from seed
for forming neAv teds, much time may
be saved and stronger' plants obtained
by sowing the seeds in pans and germinat-
ing them in Avarmth than if they are sown m
the open. As soon as the seedlings are large
enough they should be potted singly in 3-inch
pots and kept growing steadily in a moderately
warm house. As Asparagus will occupy the
ground for a long period, the ground should be
trenched deeply, Avell manured and enriched
with bonemeal and other materials that will
tend to promote a light texture, and finally the
surface should be brought six inches aboA'e the
surrounding level. Three roAA's at 18 inohes apart
make a convenient sized bed, the plants to
be the same distance apart in the rows. Where
new beds are made annually, trench an addi-
tional three feet of ground by the side of the
original bed and plant two additional rows,
allowing a space of one foot only between the
plants. Sufficient one-year-old roots will then be
available next season to make another bed and
obv-iate the necessity of raising plants each year.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By Sidney Legg, Gardener to the Dowager Lady
Nl'NBiRNHOLME. Warter Priory, Yorkshire.

Lakss and Streams Advantage should be

taken during the next few Aveeks to cleanse
lakes, ponds, fountains and streams, of
weeds and decaying matter. Plants that groAV
and spread freely may need checking to keep
them Avithin due limits. Preparation should
be made in readiness for the planting of suitable
subjects at the Avater's edge. Where the water
supply of ponds and streams is somewhat limited,
care should be taken that it is not allowed to
waste by percolating through the retaining sides.
Should Avater be lost in this way and the empty-
ing of the pond entail a difficult or inconvenient
operation, the following method may be adopted :
— A Uttle distance from the water's edge, skirt
the sides by taking out a trench 18 inches Avide
and somewhat deeper than the natural clay sub-
soil. Afterwards, fill the trench with clay
"puddle" and continue to add puddled clay until
it is a few inches above the Avater-line. The soil
betAveen the clay puddle and the actual water's
edge will offer a suitable rooting-medium for
Avaterside plants. Take immediate steps to exter-
minate water rats and moor hens. The moor iien
takes a delight in pecking the floAvers of Nym-
phea and is often responsible for ' an
indifferent display of these beautiful flowers.
Fountains may be cleansed by applying
spirits of salts with a stiff brush. Caire must
be taken that the acid is not alloAved to come
in contact with fish or plant life.

The Rubbish Heap — The practice of having a
special dumping place for weeds, trimmings and
lawn mowings — as many gardening enthusiasts
deem essential — is open to serious criticism.
The practice entails much laborious work in
harrowing and carting and should be avoided
whenever possible. Weeds should not be
allowed to seed and then they may, together
Avith any soil removed, be used as a mulch for
shrubs and conifers. If practicable, trimmings
should be burned on the spot and the ashes
used to nourish plant life at close quarters.
Where manure is scarce, a mixture of leaves,
dead flower stems and lawn mowings applied
judiciously during the spring and early summer
will be of decided benefit to plants in the Bam-
boo garden. The soil where Rhododendrons are
massed may receive large quantities of fallen
tree leaves to the ultimate benefit of the plants.
Leaves that have accumulated in shrubberies
should be evenly distributed and forked into
the soil. Collect Oak and Beech leaves from
the open and take them to a properly constructed
leaf-store where they may be turned during in-
clement weather to assist decay. A light
dressing of gypsum applied as the work of turn-
ing proceeds will help to destroy fungi.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By T. Pateman, Gardener to C. A. Cain, Esq., J. P.,
The Node, Codicote, Welwyn, Hertfordshire.

Soil for Cherry Trees.— The best soil for Cherry
trees is a moderately rich loam, with a well-
drained sub-soil. If the soil is heavy it should
be Avell prepared by disturbing it to 'a depth of
two feet six inches and Avorking in plenty of
drainage material and lime rubble.

Planting Pears on Walls.— It is not too late to
plant Pears against walls, but the Avork should be
completed at the earliest opportunity. It is not
advisable to plant Pears in cold, Avet land unless
the soil is specially prepared for the trees. It
would be far better to defer the A\Tork until next
autumn, when the borders may be well prepared
in advance. Where the soil is of a good depth and
either naturallv or artificially drained time will
be saved by planting noAV. Although Pears will
not succeed in dry soils, stagnant moisture at the
roots is productive of serious evils.

Pruning and Training Wall Trees.— Wall Pear
trees are usually trained horizontally in fan
shape, or as cordons. Certain varieties succeed
best when horizontally or fan-trained, and the
following sorts are suitable for these methods of
training : — Beurre Hardy, Beurre d'Amanlis,
Marie Louise, Doyenne du Cornice, Emile
d'Heyst, Pitmaston Duchess and Josephine de
Malines. The folloAving varieties do Avell
as cordons : — Clapp's Favourite, Marguerite
Marillat, Beurre Superftn, Durondeau, Beurre
Alex. Lucas. Chas. Ernest, and Comte de Lamy.
Very little winter pruning will be necessary if
the trees Avere judiciously summer pruned. It
may be necessary to remove useless spurs and
thin others where they have become too thick.
Before nailing the branches in position, trees
that are affected with oyster scale should be
treated as previously advised. All old ties and
shreds should be burned.

Plums on Walls.— The work of planting wall
Plum trees should be completed at an early date.
The border should have been well prepared by
trenching the soil deeply. Lime in the soil is
essential, and this material may be applied in the
shape of mortar rubble or freshly slaked lime,
sprinkling it evenly over the entire width of the
border. Fan-trained trees are the best for Avails
as they admit of the tree being frequently
teneAved by training in young wood. Cut out
badly placed and ill-ripened growths. Train
in young shoots arising from the base of
the tree to form new branches. Shorten the
leading growths and cut back all others not
required for furnishing the wall space to within
three inches of their base. Plums are sometimes
affected Avith mussel scale. Where this is the
case the bark of the trunk and branches should
be well scraped and afterwards Avashed with an
alkaline insecticide.

The Fruit-room — Examine carefully all
Apples and Pears in store and remove any that
are decayed. Let the temperature of the fruit
room be kept as even as possible and admit a
little air on all dry days.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

tly T. W. Briscoe, Gardener to W. E. Lysaght, Esq.,
Castleford, Chepstow.

Atmospheric Moisture. — It is almost impossible
to lay down any hard and fast rule regarding
the number of times it is necessary to damp the
baa-e places in Orchid houses each day. During
dull, moist weather very little damping is
needed, but during a spell of cold, frosty
Aveather, it will be advisable to damp the floors
and stages once or twice daily to counteract the
drying effects of the heat from the water pipes.
The locality also makes a difference ; in low-
lying districts scarcely any additional moisture
is needed throughout the winter months, but if
the houses are situated in an exposed position,
the atmosphere of the interior Avill dry much
more quickly. Damping should always be done
Avith a rising and not a falling temperature.
Endeavour to preA-ent steam rising from the hot
water pipes.

Zygocolax. — These plants are hybrids between
Zygopetalum and Colax, and include Z.-C.

J AN CAR* 2A, 1920. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

3 'J

Amesianus, Z.-C. leopardinus, Z.-C. Veitchii,
i.-U. Uharlesworthu, and Z..-C. Wiganianus.
Xhey require similar treatment to Zygopetalum,
ana should be grown in a house having an inter-
mediate temperature. Kepotting is oe-t done
when the new growths are about two inches
nigh, l'ne quaint Colax jugosus may be grown
in the same house. Hie compost lor these
plants should include partially decayed leaves.
ui.ni uie pseuuo-uuius are luny aeveioped, keep
t,ne roots sugntiy on -the dry side. Inrips are
extremely paitiai to the young shoots 01 these
Urohius, and the plants should be dipped
occasionally in an insecticide, afterwards
placing them on their sides to allow them to
araan.

Phaio Calanthes. — These Orchids are semi-
dc-ciduous, and no not need sucn a decided rest as
Calanthes. As they pass the nowering stage
they should be placed in the driest part of the
Oattleya house, and be given only sufficient water
to maintain the pseudo-bulbs in a plump and
rigid condition, it is very rare that uiese plants
aie quite tree 'from " spot " disease, but if
grown in dry conditions the complaint is not
nearly so prevalent. After a few weeks' rest
the plants will begin to grow afresh, when any
that need fresh soil or a larger pot may receive
attention. A mixture of peat and fibrous loam
forms a suitable compost, and the receptacles
should be filled one-fourth of their depth with
drainage material. Provided the plants are
healthy, and not pot bound annual disturbance
at the roots is not necessary.

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

CULTURAL MEMORANDA.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By John Cotjtts, Foreman, Royal Botanic Gardens,
Kew.

Seed Sowing. — Many indoor plants may be
raised from seeds sown now, including tuberous
and fibrous-rooted Begonias, Grevillea robusta,
Gloxinias, Streptocarpus (if not raised list
autumn), Eucalyptus globulus, E. cordata,
Asparagus Sprengeri, Asparagus medeoloides
(Smilax), and its slender-growing variety myrti-
folia; Asparagus plumosus, and its variety
nanus ; Albizzia lophantha and Acacia
Baileyiana. The soil for seeds should be much
lighter than that in which the plants are grown.
Let the seed pans or pots be clean and dry, and
provided with ample material for drainage. In
the case of very fine seeds, such as those of
Begonia and Gloxinia, the pans should be filled
with soil and watered several hours before the
seeds are sown. Small seeds should be strewn on
the surface without any soil covering. If a
sheet of glass is placed over the seed pan and
the glass shaded, the soil should require no
further watering until the seeds have germinated.
When water is required the pots should be held
in a vessel of water. The seeds of Grevillea
lobusta should be stood on edge, as they are
very apt to rot when sown flat, and this fact is
the cause of the frequent failure of this plant.
Although usually raised from seeds, it is not
generally known that the top shoots root readily
as cuttings. This plant is useful as a stock for
grafting other species of Grevillea, some of
which, such as G. punicea, are "very difficult to
root. Hard-coated seeds like those of Canna,
Acacia, and Asparagus germinate the more
readily if they are soaked for some twelve hours
in warm water.

Table Plants. — The propagation of stocks of
so-called table plants should be continued to
obtain supplies of young plants ample to meet all
the demands of the establishment. The follow-
ing are all useful subjects for this purpose :
Codiaeum (Croton), Cordyline,, Dracaena, small
plants of Cocos WeddelianaandPhcenixRoebelimi,
Pandanus Veitchii, Pilea musoosa, small Ferns,
pots and pans of Selaginella, Aralia elegan-
tissima, Fittonias and Panicum. Grow them in
as small pots as possible. Young plants of
Codiaeums and similar subjects rooted last
autumn require repotting. For decorative work
and floral arrangements it is often difficult to
get fresh, green moss, or suitable plants for
carpeting ; where quantities of such material are
required there is no better subject than Helxine
Solierolii.

CATTLEYA ENID, DOVERCOURT VARIETY
Two flowers of this very pretty cross between
C. Warscewiczii Frau Melanie Beyrodt and C.
Mossiae Reineckiana var. Shiela are sent by
Fred Bedford, Esq., Dovercourt, Fulford, York.
The original cross had rose sepals and petals
and purple lip, but later the cross was made be-
tween C. Warscewiczii Frau M. Beyrodt and O.
Mossiae Wagneri, which resulted in a form with
pure white sepals and petals and violet-purple
front to the lip. This form is closely followed
by the Dovercourt variety, which differs, how-
ever, in having the colouring of the lip dis
played as purple veining on a lighter ground.

0D0XTI0DA NADA RALLI'S VARIETY'.
The illustration in Fig. 17 represents the fine
Odontioda for which Pantia Ralli, Esq., Ashtead
Park, Surrey, obtained a First-Class Certifi-
cate at the Royal Horticultural Society's Meeting
on the 13th inst. The colour is deep crimson, with
a golden glow, the margins of the segments
being white. We are informed by Mr. Fames,
Orchid grower to Pantia Ralli, Esq., that the
parentage of Oda. Xada Ralli's var. is Oda. Red

EULALIAS.

These Japanese grasses are among the best
foliage plants for the summer, and it is a matter
of surprise that they are not more often met
with in amateurs' greenhouses, from which
frost is excluded. The plants are now at rest
and very little water is required at their roots.
Eulalias are easily raised from seeds sown in
spring, especially when a little heat can be
afforded, but from an amateur's point i& is
wisest to purchase a plant or two of the different
varieties, and divide them in February or early
March when growth begins afresh. Cut the
last year's growths close down to the pot, with
the exception of the variegated form, which is
a weaker grower than either E. japonica or E.
zebrina, as this retention of a few shoots that still
have a little life in them, appears to assist new
growths ifrom the base.

The ordinary compost commonly employed
for greenhouse subjects — loam and leaf-soil,
with enough coarse sand to ensure the free
passage of water — will suit these grasses perfectly,

Fig.

17. — ODONTIODA NADA RALLl's VAR.
(F.O.C., E.H.S., January 13.)

Cross x Odm. eximium, and not Oda. Cook-
soniae x Odon. eximium — which makes Oda
Alcantara, — as given when the plant was entered
before the Orchid Committee.

HYBRID CYPRIPEDIUMS.

Mr. Geo. W. Marsh, Orchid grower to H.
Green, Esq., Amberley House, Gravelly Hill,
Birmingham, sends flowers of the following four
large and handsome Cypripediimis : —

C. Hyacinthe, a cross between C. Hera
Euryades and C. hirsutissimum, constituting a
new record. The white dorsal sepal is tinged
with bright mauve and spotted with claret
colour, the sides of the lower sepals being
coloured like the upper.

C. Winifred, obtained by crossing C. Curt-
niannii and C. Pyramius, is a very large and
handsome flower, the petals and lip partaking
much of C. Beeckinannii, the fine white dorsal
sepal having the dark claret blotching of C.
Mons. do Curte.

C. King Ferdinand the Great, purchased from
The Shrubbery collection and probably a form
of C. Pyramus, has a broad white dorsal sepal,
blotched with dark claret colour, and remarkably
broad petals tinged and spotted with claret
colour.
The fourth is a C. Alcibiades cross.

provided the plants are not watered freely until
the roots are established in the new soil. Use-
ful little plants of E. gracillima and E.
variegata may be grown im 4-inch pots, while
for E. japonica and E. zebrina 6-inch pots are
the best.

As soon as the roots are seen at the drainage
hole ample supplies of water should be afforded
them, supplemented by a suitable stimulant
twice weekly. The foliage should be

well syringed daily in bright weather, as red
spider is the plant's greatest enemy. Pot
plants grow 2£ feet to 3 feet in height, and
give a lightness to heavier foliage plants, also
to flowering plants of a more spreading nature.
With the exception of E. gracillima the
Eulalias are quite hardy in Devon and Cornwall,
and form huge clumps in a few years, especially
E. japonica and E. zebrina, the former having
light green foliage, while the latter has crose-tars
of yellow on tile green. The plants grow nearly
eight feet high in sheltered positions, and appear
quite at home among Bamboos and other
moisture-loving plants on the margin of streams,
their drooping inflorescences towards the end of
summer being much admired. The withered
grasses should be cut down early in spring and
a top-dressing of fine rich soil should then be
put over the clumps. James Uayne, Ellham.

40

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

EOtrORIAL NOTICE.

[January 24, 1920.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the
PUBhlbhiiii, 41, "Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, W.c

Editors and Publisher- — Our correspondent* would
obviate aelay m obtaining answer j to thetr com-
mumcattuna, and save ua much time and trouble, t;
they would ktttdly observe the notice printed weekly
to the effect that alt letter* relating to financial
matter* and to advertisement* thoutd be addressed
to the tvuLLaH.tai and that alt commumcuttona
intended fur publication or referring to the Literary
department, and alt plants to be named, ehuuld be
directed to the iiOrrutts. The two depurtm£ni$
fubltshtng and Editorial, are disttnct, and much
unneceaeary delay and confusion arise when tetters
are miedtrccttd.

Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editors

do not undertake to pay fur any contributions or
illustrations, or to return unused Communications
or illustrations unless by special arrangement. The
Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any
opinions expressed by their correspondents.

Local Hews.— Correspondents will greatly oblige by
sending to the Editors early intelligence oj local
events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of
any mutters which it ts desirable to bring' undu
the notice of horticulturists.

Letters for Publication, as well as specimen* of
ptant* for naming, should be addressed to thv
EDITORS, 41, Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, London. Communications should be

WK1TTKN ON ONE SIDE ONLY OF THE PAPER, sent Q8

early in the week as possible, and duly signed by
the writer. If desired, the signature will not be
printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith.
Illustrations.— The Editors will be glad to receive
and to select photographs or drawing* suitable for
reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable flowers,
trees, etc., but they cannot be responsible for loss
or injury.

PLANT HYGIENE.

H\ GIENE has been defined as a series of
rules necessary to keep a body of people
in health, and is based on cleanliness.
Cleanliness is obviously necessary amongst
animals, and the question arises as to whether
it is necessary for plants. There is a great and
increasing opinion that it is, and it has to be
remembered that one has to deal mainly with
masses and not individuals.

A crop depends for its success on (1) soil,
situation, climate and cultivation ; (2) manures,
and variety of plant. ; and (3) absence of pests
and diseases.

Hygiene has most effect on (3). The loss due
to disease amongst plant* must average at least
10 per cent, of the crop, and may rise to so
much as 80 per cent., or 90 per cent, in extreme
cases. So accustomed is the cultivator to the nor-
mal loss of 10 per cent, that it is usually unnoticed.
There is no doubt but that it would pay large
growers to keep a trained assistant doing nothing
else but to look after the sanitation of their crops.
Such a man would distinguish outbreaks of
disease at an early stage, and in many instances
would prevent an epidemic. He would also see
that spraying, etc., were undertaken at the proper
time and spraying materials properly used and
not wasted. His salary would be saved over
and over again. In India and Malay, " pests
gangs," as they are called, are kept on many
estates merely to deal with diseased plants. It
is not generally realised what great losses are
incurred, both financially and in food, by disease.
The following figures will give some idea of the
loss in such crops. The Potato crop in England
in 1919 was 2,730,000 tons. It would have been at
least 10 per cent, greater but for disease of vari-
ous kinds, although it was not a "blight" year.
Thus 273,000 tons of food were lost and roughly
(at £8 per ton), £2,185,600 sterling. The Sugar -
Beet Leaf-hopper causes in some seasons a loss
of £200,000 to the sugar industry. The Codlin
Motli is believed to cause an annual loss of
£2,400,000 in the United States alone. Canada
loses over £40,000,000 worth of staple crops
annually through depredation of insect pests, and
Mr. J. G. Sanders, the Director of the
Pennsylvania Experimental Station, recently
stated in England that the annual loss due to

pests in the United States was 2 billion dollars
(£400,000,000). Mr. J. E. Collin, quoted in the
Journal of the Scottish Board of Agriculture
for July, 1919, calculates that there was a loss
of 12,126,198 bushels of Oats owing to Frit Fly,
in 1912. More recently it has been stated
that the Cotton Boll Weevil costs Texas Cotton
growers £5,400,000 annually.

As an instance where money was saved by
simple sanitary measures, it was calculated that
after grease banding came into something like
general use, the value of the Dutch fruit crops
was increased by over £10,000 annually.

It will thus be seen that by simple sanitary
measures undertaken throughout the world, there
would be a gain of millions sterling as well as a
great increase of food. Cleanliness — and sanita-
tion chiefly stands for this — is therefore necessary
for plant life, and I propose to consider
in what way a grower can apply his
knowledge in the prevention of disease. This
may he divided into four parts, (1) exclusion ;
(2) protection ; (3) eradication ; and (4)
immunisation.

(1) Exclusion of Disease.

While it is obvious that a grower can do little
or nothing to prevent the entrance of pests which
are wind blown, yet he can arrange his crops so
that similar kinds of plants do not adjoin or
follow each other. One of the reasons for
rotation of crops is that pests associated with
one crop shall have little opportunity of in-
creasing on the following crop. Thus Cabbage
and Turnip should be kept apart as regards time
and space as they are attacked by similar pests
such as Gall Weevil and Club-root. The grower
should also try to arrange his crapping so
that similar families are separated and where
possible provide wind breaks, which will tend
to prevent spread of infection by air. Thus
patches of Gooseberries and Currants should be
separated by Raspberries or top fruit trees with a
view to minimising the spread, say, of American
Gooseberry Mildew and Black Currant Mite.

There is one thing, however, that he can do
and that is to see that all newly brought stock
is free from disease. At present it is not illegal
to sell plants or seed infected with disease, and
many fruit trees, for instance, are sold and
brought infected with one disease or another.
A few of the commonest diseases which are
transmitted in the course of trade may he cited.

First as regards seed. Various fungi are dis-
seminated sometimes mechanically and sometimes
associated with the internal structure of the seed.
Where the former is the case, treatment of
the seed by means of fungicides is successful.
Thus Celery blight is carried on the seed to
uninfected soil and is ready to attack the seed-
lings when they come up. Treatment with
formalin or hot water before sowing will prevent
infection although such treatment is of no avail if
the soil is infected. The well-known treatment of
Wheat for smut by bluestone, etc., is carried
out for similar reasons. In cases where the fungus
is carried internally, treatment before sowing is
useless, and care must be taken to select seed
from uninfected sources. *' Seed " Potatos may
be subjected to similar treatment when certain
common scabs are in question, but no treat-
ment is of any value when they are infected
with Wart Disease. Every effort, therefore,
should be made by growers who have clean soil
to obtain their seed from uninfected districts,
as once they have introduced this disease into
their land there are no means known at present
of eradicating it.

Turning to the case of plants introducing
disease, it is common knowledge that diseases
like Big Bud in Black Currants, American Blight

on Apples, American Gooseberry Mildew on
Gooseberries, Gall Weevil and Club Root on
Brassicas are introduced by plants. These, with
the exception, perhaps, of the first named when
infection is slight, can all be detected when
received and it behoves the grower, therefore, to
go over his plants carefully and either reject
them or treat them if disease is present. Enough
has been said to show that the grower by care
exercised at the onset can prevent the spread of
many diseases. It is, of course, still more
necessary for the seed grower and nurserymen to
see that diseased stocks are not sent out,
especially as in the near future administrative
action will be taken if they do so.

(2) Protection.

Having dealt with instances of exclusion, we
may discuss cases where protection may toe
obtained when disease is already in the district
in some form, or where the pest is practically
universal. Where plants aTe indoors, such
disease as " mildews " (whether true mildew or
not) may be largely controlled by ventilation
and every practical grower of Tomatos and Roses
under glass knows that errors in ventilation
or watering will almost inevitably lead to mil-
dew and loss of crop. It is not that a draught
or excessively close atmosphere causes the disease,
but it gives rise to conditions which render the
plant more susceptible and also gives the fungus
a better chance of reproducing itself.

Every grower should realise that, with ex-
ceptions such as the mildews which grow and
reproduce on the outside of the host, a plant
attacked by a fungous disease can seldom be
cured owing to the fact that the fungus usually
develops inside the plant and its results are
commonly seen only when it has finished its growth
and has appeared on the surface to shed its
spores. Hence prevention is essential when
dealing with fungous diseases. This is well
exemplified by ordinary Potato disease or
" Blight." This disease is caused by a fungus
which seems universal, but which can only
become epidemic when atmospheric conditions are
warm and moist. At such times, the plants are
covered with Bordeaux or Burgundy Mixture
so as to leave a thin film of a neutral copper
salt on the leaves. If the fungus is already in
the plant, little or no good is done, although
it may prevent the pest from producing its
spores, but it will prevent healthy plants from
being attacked, as the wind blown spore on
coming in contact with a sprayed leaf is killed
at an early stage and fails to obtain entrance
into the plant. Similarly, fruit growers spray
fruit trees, especially Apple and Plum, before
and after blossoming to prevent attacks of such
diseases as Apple Scab and Brown Rot.

Protection through treatment of the soil is
of great value, more especially where soil can 'be
sterilised, as in small plots and in greenhouses.
This may be done by means of steam or hy
chemicals. Thorough sterilisation, as when the
humus is burnt out, is harmful and plants fail
to grow properly in such soil. Partial sterilisa-
tion not only kills such enemies as wireworms
and millipedes, but minute organisms such as eel-
worms (the cause of the knotted roots in Tomatos
and Cucumbers), and fungus spores, which give
rise to various diseases such as " damping off "
of seedlings. It also destroys the minute animal
organisms (Protozoa) 'believed to feed on and
destroy the bacteria which render food materials
in the soil available for the plant. The bacteria
themselves are reduced to a certain extent, hut
they have greater recuperative powers and so
get to work again unhampered by their foes.

Proper manuring is also a means <>l protection
from disease and growers should see that

January 24, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

41

necessary substances are supplied to the soil.
Lime, for instance, is frequently lacking and the
country must have lost thousands of pounds of
foodstuffs owing to the fact that many growers,
nowadays, itail to lime their soils. Most plants
do not grow 'freely in acid soils, Brassicas
being especially liable in such cases to Club
Root. Bintner, in his recent ipaper on Silver
Leaf, seems to thinik that the absence of lime
predisposes Plum trees to this disease, and it is
certain that Plums require lime in the soil.

Tt has been noted on the Rothamsted plots that
where potassium is absent, plants are more liable
to disease, and certain diseases are present in
that plot which are almost entirely absent flrom
other parts of the field where potassium has been
supplied.

Careful cultivation is also necessary if pro-
tection against disease is to be afforded. The
overcrowding of plants, with corresponding lack
of light and air, so that they become drawn and
spindly predisposes them to disease, and such
giants soon "damp off " if there is an excess of
water. The hoeing and cultivation of land on
which fruit trees are growing should be care-
fully done. Many tree diseases such as canker,
" Salver Leaf" and " die back in Gooseberries,
start from a wound made by careless hoeing
or pruning, which allows the entrance of the
fungus causing the disease. Forest trees are
infected in a similar fashion through a wound
made by the breaking of a branch or 'by some
gnawing animal. Geo. 0. Gough, JJ.S'c,
{To be concluded .)

SOME NEW ROSES.

The first quality required of a new Rose is that
it shall grow. If it will not grow readily and
without excessive requirements in cultural treat-
ment, it must soon disappear. However lovely
its flowers 'may be, however fragrant or per-
fectly formed, if the plant will not grow, and
grow well, we shall soon discard it and go back
to our old favourites of proved constitution and
merit, or we shall seek elsewhere till we find
this necessary quality.

The variety Mrs. Geo. Norwood has fragrance,
good form and pleasant colouring, but if its best
effort is to give a single bloom on a stalk barely
a foot high it can find no place as a garden Rose;
and Lady Mary Ward, even more lovely in
form and colour, is in little better case.
Fortunately, however, we can find some among
the new Roses which are more satisfactory in
this respect, and I propose to mention one or
two that have proved notably useful in this
connection.

Joanna Bridge is one of the first that occurs
to me. It was brought out by Mr. Hicks, who
has shown it well. The flowers aTe thin, of a
nankeen yellow, slightly tinged with pale pink,
very freely produced, and gracefully carried on
the plant. The habit is bushy and this Rose
makes an excellent bedder, the growths pushing
up to nearly 4 ft. by autumn. The foliage is
lasting and good, not suffering noticeably from
disease, and the variety is in every respect one to
be recommended as a good grower to those who
like this type of flower. No one, of course,
would grow it for exhibiting in boxes, for the
flower has only a few more petals than a single
Rose, and. consequently, its only pretension to
form is in the bud state, 'which is not very long
lived. Still, v hen arranged with the buds, seme
of the expanded flowers make a graceful vase.

Walter C. Clark (W. Paul and Son, 1917), is
another variety that has made good growth in my
garden. The Hewers are fairly full, of medium
size, and a deep maroon-crimson. In fact, it is
one of the darkest Roses I have. As a flower
it is likely to be more useful to many than the
first-named, but, so far as I can judge in
one year, it is not so free in the production of
blossoms in the later part of the season, nor
is the plant so bushy, but it makes long growths
of 4 to 5 feet, and it is quite likely that, as a
cut back, it may develop a better habit and
become more floriferous.

Covent Gardeir is a variety that took my fancy
when first shown by Messrs. B. R. Cant and
Sons, and it is great satisfaction to find it is ap-
parently a really first-class flower. The flowers
are somewhere about the same size as those nf

Richmond, and are a very bright and attractive
crimson. The plant brandies well and bids fair
to make one of our best bedding Roses. The
foliage is pleasing, leathery and deep green, and
so far seems free from disease. Taken all round,
this Rose should have a great future.

Golden Ophelia, from the same firm, though
not quite so vigorous as the preceding varieties,
has made much better growth with me than it
seemed to promise when I wrote of it a year
ago, and seems rather above the average in
vigour of growth. The plant is well shaped
and will, I think, be useful for bedding purposes.
The flower is well formed with reflexed petals
and is bright and good in the summer. The only
tiling I have against it is that, like so many
yellow Roses, the colour gets somewhat washed
out in the late autumn flowers. White Rose.

suggest the protection of a wall, fence, or ever
green shrubs if the locality is notably cold ; anc
whether grown against a building or as bushy
shrubs in the open, the position should be well
drained. Some of the Ceanotbuses are ever-
green, but the variety Gloire de Versailles is
deciduous. 0. Turner, Ampthill Park Gardens.

PISTACIA LENTISCUS.
Covent Garden market has recently received
from the South of France flowering sprays of
Pistacia lentiscus. The plant is the source
of " Mastic," a resin obtained by making
incisions in the bark, the chief source of
supply being the island of Scio, in the Greek
Archipelago. The resin appears in commerce
in the foTm of small tears, and in this country
is used in dentistry and in the manufacture of

Fig. 18.— ceanotbt/s gloire de Versailles.
TREES AND SHRUBS.

CRAXOTHUS GLOIRE DE VERSAILLES.
Lovers of flowering shrubs should not fail
to plant one or more specimens of the Mountain
Sweet. These shrubs are equally satisfactory
whether kept in bounds more or less as dwarfl
shrubs, or encouraged to grow high enough to
hide a piece of wall, as shown in the illustration
(see Fig 18). An example of the former treat-
ment, used 'o be fe»n in th3 Royal Gardens,
Kew, where there was a large bed of Gloire de
Versailles. Most of the Ceanotlruses beau- flowers
of some shade of blue, and so associate very
happily with brick or stone walls. To those
planting this subject for the first time. I would

[Photograph by C. Turner.

FLO WERING AGAINST A WARM WALL.

varnishes. Its principal consumption is in the
East, where it is used as a masticatory and for
preserving the teeth and gums. In the East it is
also used for fumigating and in the preparation
of confections and cordials. It has also been
used in medicine in the same way as Chian
turpentine, which is obtained from another
species, viz., Pistacia Terebinthus, and was
formerly used in medicine, and also in the treat-
ment of cancer.

Pistachio-nuts are the fruits of Pistacia vera,
a small tree native of Western Asia and the
Levant, and now spread all along the shores of
the Mediterranean. There are several other
species of Pistacia, native of India, Palestine and
Algeria, which are used for dyeing, tanning and
also medicinally.

42

HINTS ON PROPAGATION.

Though it is difficult to fix
beginning of the

a date for the
gardening year, January is
unuouDteoly the beginning as regards propaga-
tion. With the grauuahy increasing amount of
sunlight, seed sowing may De commenced under
glass. Whether pans, or Doxes are best in which
to sow the seed is a question of individual
opinion— or of necessity, tor the finer seeds
1 prefer pans. Though the soil in them dries
out sooner than when boxes are used, they are
easier to dip and less prone to encourage damp-
ing off and other fungous pests. Within limits,
one cannot give too much care to the prepara-
tion of tne receptacles. Cleanliness and
thorough crocking are essential; if pots are to
be used, half fiff them with drainage material
—it is almost better to have too little soil than
too great a depth.

Even for the largest seeds a level surface is
necessary to ensure even germination, but it is
a great mistake to provide a bulk of fine soil
for small seeds. Tile sittings of the compost
may be placed immediately over the drainage,
working up gradually to the line soil for sur-
facing. This will ensure porosity, without which
the young roots would suffer from want of air.
The seed pans should be dipped, not watered
overhead; this ensures thorough saturation, and
will, in most cases, suffice until the seeds
germinate. Pans for Rhododendron and Erica
seed require special preparation. The light,
peaty mixture should be very thoroughly
rammed, the pans well soaked and left to drain
for 24 hours before sowing takes place. Another
most important point is the even distribution
of the seed. When it is large enough to handle,
it is time well spent to space the seeds instead
of scattering them; each resultant seedling then
has an equal chance.

A start may also be made with cuttings :
there may still be months of winter before lis,
but with the increasing light, vegetation will
commence to grow again at the first favourable
opportunity, and, with the large majority 01
plants, propagation is best effected at the "time
when growth begins. It is then possible to
take full advantage of the co-ordination between
root and top growth, most cuttings striking
best when the parent plant is in active growth.
With the help of glass protection, the stock
plants may be started, but it is a great mistake
to do this before the turn of the year — added
warmth cannot make up for a shortage of light.
But from now onwards, plants which are to be
propagated from cuttings may be introduced
into heat in order to encourage the development
of quick, young growth. This method may
sometimes be necessary; for instance, with
Rhododendron inibricatum. The growth which it
produces naturally is hard to strike, but if the
plants are lifted now from the open, potted
and brought into a house temperature of 50° to
55°, young shoots will quickly develop, and with
gentle bottom heat will strike easily.

The art of taking and striking of cuttings,
like all artificial methods of propagation, can
only be learned by experience. We may learn
to have a sharp knife; to make the rooting
medium firm and level - to water well ; but no
one can tell us exactly what kind of growth to
take ; hard and soft, ripe and unripe, are terms
the degree of which the propagator must judge
for himself, and it will vary, too. from plant
to plant. In most cases soft growth will strike
easily, with or without a certain amount of
bottom heat, but sometimes (as in Onosma
taurica or Iberis sempervirens) the wood must be
half ripe, whilst the majority of cuttings of
shrubs root when the wood is ripe.

A method of propagation which is being more
and more resorted to is by root cuttings — it is
astonishing how many fleshy-rooted plants may
be increased in this way. It is simple, quick
and sure. The roots, cut into one-inch to two-
incTi lengths and inserted in sand, will soon callus
and produce shoots. Anchusa, Papaver orien-
tale, the perenndal Verbascums, Eryngium and
Static* respond particularly well to this method

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

of increase, and each root-cutting may be reckoned
on as a potential plant. Among the smaller
herbaceous piants or alpines to De propagated in
this way are some ot the Ueraniurns and
Morisia hypogea. Ail these make callus buus,
but Anemone japomca and Ostrowskia niagmnca
produce their tmds from the outer layers and
the cuttings must theretore be laid in horizon-
tally instead of uprignt.

rrom iNovember to February, while the plants
are dormant, is the best time to insert these
cuttings; it is therefore not too late to begin
now. though little can be done outdoors yet,
it is not too early to make preparations, such as
ordering seed and digging the soil. An ever
present difficulty is tnat of obtaining manure.
A mixture of leaves, .poultry manure
and woodash provides an excetlent fertilising
material, and especially for Sweet Peas, whdst
for more permanent crops, basic slag or super
phosphate may be added.

Writing at Sweet Peas reminds me that if
they were not sown in October — the ideal time
for most climates — the present is a good time to
sow this annual. Sow five seeds in a large 60
or long' Tom pot, and germinate them indoors.
Grow the seedlings near the glass in a cold frame,
and strong plants will be ready for planting in
the open by March or April i". 0. S.

[January 24, 1920.

THE GARDENER'S EDOCATION AND
TRAINING.

CUTTINGS.

The ai-ticle on Cuttings by J. Clark (see
page 7) is full of interest, especially to one who,
like myself, has had many years' experience of
propagating different plants by means of cut-
tings. It will .prove of great service if only to
call attention to the fact that cuttings of "half
ripened wood, taken with a heel, furnish by no
means the only form in which they can he used
for the propagation of plants in general. In
my younger days, now, alas! many years ago,

with a heel " was the method generally adopted
for most plants. However, after a time, 1
worked under a clever nursery propagator, and
found that there was very much to learn. In-
crease by soft cuttings was, I found out, avail-
able for .many classes of plants. Still, even
then, a great deal depends upon the treatment
the plant has undergone before the cuttings are
taken. Many plants which in the ordinary way
are difficult to strike may be propagated readily
from cuttings, provided the parent plant is
taken — hefore growth commences — into a struc-
ture kept a few degrees wanner than the one
in which it was before. If this is done in early
spring the plant will at once start into growth,
and directly the shoots have lost some of their
succulence, but are still soft, they make the
best of cuttings. In many such cases it is not
necessary to press the soil down as firmly as is
usually recommended for cuttings in general.

Very soft cuttings should be inserted as soon
as possible after removal from the parent plant,
watered, and placed in a close propagating case
before they have time to flag. A curious point
in the rooting of cuttings of greenhouse Heaths
is that if they are covered with a bell glass,
and a cutting should happen to be bent down
by the edge of the glass, it is often one of the
first to root.

Many Proteaceous plants, especially the
Banksias and Dryarodras, are exceedingly diffi-
cult to strike. Belonging to the same order is
Embothrium coccineum, of which at one time
I wished to obtain a stock of young plants.
Having an old plant established in a pot, I
placed it in a heated house and the young
shoots then produced rooted without difficulty.
The advantage of making internodal cuttings
with a sloping cut at the base, as mentioned by
your correspondent, is in entire agreement with
my experience. The warm-house Rhododendrons
of the Javanese section root far more readily
from a long sloping cut than they do if out off
squarely at the base. In the case of short-
jointed growths the whole shoot may be taken
as a cutting, but it should be cut off entire, ap
from the slightly swollen base roots are pro-
duced more readily than from any other part.
W. T.

The reading of your excellent resume of the
year 1919 induces me to send a few notes on the
subject of making an effort, first, to improve
the education, and, secondly, to improve the
training, and thereby raise the status of
gardeners during the period ushered in by the
year 1920. Now that the world war is over,
and the dawn oi a new and better era has
arrived, would it not be well that the gardening
profession should put its house in order, and,
by promoting education and efficiency, endeavour
to keep in the van of world-output, which alone
can work out our national salvation.

The lack of education iu our ranks to-day is
grievous, and the prospects for the future in this
matter, unless some very material improvement
can be effected, are scarely less so. The low
wages now being paid to gardeners cannot be
expected to attract intelligent, clever and push-
ful boys now leaving school ; even the agricul-
tural labourer has tlie advantage in respect of
wages, so that we are likely to have an influx
into our ranks of very indifferent material. I
take it that it is the ambition of every lad
who enters the gardening profession to rise to
be head of an establishment, and every one who
does so aspire has an enormous task before him.

The gardening profession has one peculiarity
shared by few others, in that the head of an
establishment comes daily into contact with
ladies and gentlemen of the very best education,
and he who would retain the respect and good-
will of his employers must so educate himself
that he may be able to converse properly, con-
cisely, and intelligently on any matters con-
nected with his profession which may arise from
day to day. To do this entails a knowledge of
English grammar, botany, and a sound know-
ledge of horticulture, and he who would rise to
the head of his profession would do well to
acquire this knowledge. At the present time
little is being done in the country districts in
the way of night schools, but a return to the
practice which prevailed some twenty years ago
would be money well spent. The two first above-
mentioned subjects could be taught by the local
school staffs, and horticulture could be taught
at convenient centres where the necessary num-
ber to make up a class could attend.

Education in the practical side is no less
chaotic, and the old-time, all-round gardener is
fast giving place to the modern, sectional
specialist — a condition of things which is, in my
opinion, undesirable, so far as the private gar-
dener is concerned, but which is undoubtedly
necessary in the commercial section of the pro-
fession. Occasionally in the advertisement
columns of The Gardeners' Chronicle appear
advertisements for gardeners, preferably Scots-
men, and I have heard it stated many times that
this was merely prejudice. It is not so, how-
ever. In Scotland it is a general practice to put
the boys through a fixed course of work, after
which they are considered to have qualified as
journeymen. This, followed by periods as fore-
men of departments, has raised the profession to
a higher level of efficiency in Scotland than
obtains in England.

This lack of a curriculum is a genuine
calamity in England, no two head gardeners
following the same procedure in the training of
their subordinates. The general adoption
throughout the country of the course followed,
say, at Kew, or Wisley, would be of incalculable
benefit; it would establish a high standard of
efficiency, and give each individual the same
chance of thoroughly learning the profession,
instead of some being pushed forward and others
remaining as " bothy boys " until reaching man-
hood, as at present. Technical education, it has
been stated, was the prime cause of German
commercial success prior to 1914, and I venture
to appeal to the powers that be to provide it in
no stinted measure for the profession of which
The Gardeners' Chronicle is the leading organ,
feeling certain that British thoroughness will
make the utmost of the opportunities provided.
Ben H. Martin, Moreton Paddox Gardens,
Warwick.

January 24, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

43

WINTER-FLOWERING BEGONIAS.

The large ■flowered race of hybrid Begonias,
which were a feature of the R.H.S. exhibitions
a few years ago at this season, are valuable
plants for the decoration of conservatories and
warm greenhouses. Before the introduction of
B. socotrana. the only Begonias suitable for in-
door decoration in winter were the perpetual-
flowering and evergreen fibrous-rooted kinds.
The first species supposed to be introduced into
this country was B. nitida, obtained from
Jamaica in 1777. This is still a very useful
plant for the warm greenhouse ; its flowers are
pale pink. Others are B. fuchsioides, bright
coral red, and B. Dregei, white. The latter is
one of the parents of Gloire de Lorraine. Other
species and hybrids include B. asootensis, pink ;
B. Digswelliana, soft pink ; B. insignis, a free,
vigorous plant with lilac pink flowers ; B. In-
gramii, reddish pink ; B. parvifolia, pure white ;
B. Knowsleyana, blush, a most valuable plant
for providing cut blooms; B. Haageana. which
has handsome foliage, and large trusses of blush-
white flowers ; and B. kewensis, which develops
white flowers freely in clusters and is a most suit-
able subject for growing in baskets. All those
Begonias claim a place in gardens on account of
their flowering freely during the winter. They
require to be grown in a warm or intermediate
house, but during the summer they may be
placed in frames, provided they are taken into
a house having a temperature about 50u to 60°
on the approach of cold weather. The plants
may be propagated freely from cuttings, and
the raiser should be careful to select healthy
shoots free from insects and rust. Cleanliness is
the most important detail in the successful cul-
tivation of these Begonias.

Begonia socotrana was discovered by Pro-
fessor Bailey Balfour, of the Edinburgh Botanic
Gardens, on the island of Socotra, and the
plant was put into commerce by Messrs. James
Veitch and Sons. This species is remarkable in
that it is the originator of two distinct races of
winter-flowering Begonias. It does not belong
to the shrubby or evergreen kinds, or to the
tuberous flowering section, but has clusters of
bulbils at its base, from each of which a plant
is developed. During the summer it goes to
rest, and commences to grow actively again in
the early autumn. Begonia socotrana is a hand-
some, free-flowering species and has proved a
useful plant for the warm greenhouse. The
foliage is very distinct. Messrs. Veitch were
not long in proving its good qualities for
hybridising purposes. They produced from it
a new race of winter-flowering hybrids of beauti-
ful and brilliant colours, which have proved
most useful for the decoration of conservatories
and greenhouses during this dull season. The
members of this section are all the result of
crosses effected between B. socotrana and
summer-flowering, tuberous-rooted species. The
habit of the hybrids is intermediate and quite
distinct from that of both parents. While they
partake of the winter-flowering character of B.
socotrana, the flowers have the large size and
the many bright colours of the other parent.

All these winter-flowering Begonias possess a
strong, vigorous constitution. The single and
semi-double varieties withstand fog and dull
weather far better than the double sorts. The
doubles drop their flowers quickly and the
trusses hang heavily on the plant, whilst
those of the singles and senu-doubles are
poised gracefully and the blooms remain
fresh for a long time. Amongst. the
best of the first hybrids are Elntior.
with semi-double flowers of rose-carmine;
this variety has a neat, compact habit
and is very free flowering. Ideala has
semi-double, bright, rose-carmine flowers and
blooms freely in 60-sized pots. Mrs Heal has
single flowers, each 3 to 3£ inches in diameter,
coloured rose-carmine, toned with scarlet; the
plant is a vigorous grower and the trusses hang
gracefully. Other good varieties are Winter
Cheer, with semi-double, rose-carmine coloured
flowers, each more than 3 inches in diameter.
Ensign, with semi-double flowers of light carmine
colour toned with scarlet, and Winter Perfec-

tion, semi-double, bright rose pink ; a very
distinct shade. Later hybrids superior to some
of the older varieties are : Emita, single,
orange-scarlet, flowers 3 to 3g inches in
diameter. This Begonia was illustrated in
colours in Gard. Chron., November 1, 1913;
Exquisite, single, a fine salmon-pink variety with
a lighter centre ; Fascination, single, rich apricot
shaded salmon ; The Gem, a semi-double variety
of great merit, very floriferous, with intense
brilliant rosy -scarlet flowers ; Rose Queen, single,

" ■ SLi ,
■< iPiili

Fig. 19. — a pine specimen of begonia gloirk in:

SCEAITX.

deep rose in colour, and very distinct ; Admira-
tion, a variety of very compact habit, producing
single, fine bronze-yellow blossoms ; and Optima,
single, of good habit, with pale yellowish-salmon
flowers ; a fine decorative variety. A successful
grower of this Begonia writes: " I -wonder the
members of the Trade do not grow Optima by
the thousands ; or ten of thousands would not be
too many if grown in large 60's or 48-sized pots,
as a market decorative plant." There are
several others, but those enumerated are the

best. The plants are easily propagated from cut-
tings at any time between May and August. The
later cuttings make young plants that are a
mass of flower from November to January. B.
socotrana also crossed readily with the shrubby
or evergreen species before mentioned, and gave
another race of plants unrivalled for their free
flowering, free growing, and compact haibit.
They are suitable for all kinds of winter
decoration.

Begonia Gloire de Lorraine, is one of the most
popular indoor flowers and is extensively grown
in hanging baskets. It was raised .by Mon.
Lemome, nurseryman of Nancy. Agatha
resembles the variety Gloire de Lorraine, but has
larger flowers of richer colour, and the blooms
are more lasting when used for house decoration.
Other good Begonias of this section are Agatha
compacta, a free-flowering, dwarf growing
variety ; Mrs. Leopold de Rothschild, a vigorous
grower, and Turnford Hall, blush white. The
noble variety, Gloire de Sceaux (see Fig. 19) has
leaves of a bronzy, metallic lustre, crimson be-
neath; the flowers, which are freely produced,
are bright rose-pink.

During the past few years many other
Begonias of great merit have been raised
in this country, on the Continent, and in
America. All the winter flowering Begonias are
easy of cultivation ifi given proper care and
attention, and kept free from insect pests. They
should be grown in a house having a
temperature of about 55° in winter; in
a warmer house they are liable to become
infested with insects. The cultivator should be
careful not to give the plants too much water
before they are well rooted, as over-watering is
as injurious as over -potting. A moderate
amount of air should be admitted when
the state of the weather permits. The
houses should be damped two or three
times daily. Winter flowering Begonias
should be allowed a rest during early spring and
summer, and under no circumstances should they
be treated as are the summer tuberous varieties.
They commence to make their growth after
resting and when the shoots are about 3 inches
high they are^ suitable for making cuttings.
During the resting season the plants require very
little water at the roots, only sufficient to keep
them moderately moist. Do not repot the plants
until they have started into growth. When
repotting is done remove most of the old soil,
and use larger pots as required. The compost
should consist of about two-thirds light, turfy
loam, and one-third fibrous peat or leaf-mould
with silver sand added. The greatest secret in
the successful cultivation of these Begonias is
to keep the plants clean and free from insect
pests. John Heal, V.M.II.

LOPEZIA MINIATA.

Tins is a very pretty greenhouse shrub of a
remarkably distinct character and exceedingly
free flowering. It is a native of Mexico, and
was introduced about a century ago, but would
appear to have been lost to gardens for a long
tune. At all events, when it was brought for-
ward about ten to a dozen years ago, it was
almost, if not quite, unknown," but being readily
propagated it soon became distributed. It has",
however, I think, declined in popularity -within
the last few years. This Lopezia, which is
liotanically a near relative of the Fuchsia,
forms, if stopped once or twice when young, a
freely branched little bush furnished with ovate
'eaves about an inch long, thin in texture, and
of a rather pale green colour. The flowers,
which are borne singly on long slender stems
towards the upper parts of the shoots, are of a
pleasing shade of bright reddish pink. They
are so numerous that, though individually only
about half an inch in diameter, a specimen when
in full, bloom is very attractive. The flower is
of a peculiar shape, the most notable feature
being a comparatively large wing on either
side. Cuttings formed of the young growing
shoots, inserted in the spring, will strike root
in :i very short time in a close propagating
Case. It is a very useful plant for greenhuuse
decoral Ve in tin- su rimer. W .

44

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[January 24. 1920.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

[The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for
the opinions expressed by correspondents.]

Evergreen Hedges. — I heartily endorse the
remarks of Mr. E. Molyneux on this subject
(see p. 13). Those who contemplate planting
hedges or wind screens -during the spring will
do well to follow the advice he gives. Here we
have several evergreen hedges composed of the
different plants mentioned, and they are at ail
seasons of the year objects of beauty, requiring
very little labour to keep them in order. In
addition to the subjects mentioned by Mr.
Molyneux, Thujopsis dolabrata is a very
desirable plant for a hedge, and when well
established is hard to surpass for this purpose.
Some of the best hedges in these gardens are
composed of it, and the only attention required
is an annual or biennial topping of the leading
shoots with a knife. A few years ago I planted
a few roots of Tropaeolum speclosa against
this hedge, and also against a hedge of Cupres-
sus Lawsoniana, and tie scarlet flowers
among the green foliage of the ever-
green hodges make a -very pretty picture. Ever-
green hedges arc much more tidy than deciduous
ones. Wilmot H. Yates, Ji'otherfield Park
Gardens.

Hosts for the Mistleto. — I am interested in
the Tecent correspondence in your columns on
this subject. In 1913 I conducted an inquiry as
to the occurrence of the parasite in England, the
results being published in the January dssaie of
the Quarterly Journal of Forestry for 1914. In
that inquiry no instance came to light of the
occurrence of Mistleto on Birch. Hornbeam, Elm,
Cherry, common Walnut, Beech, Lombardy Pop-
lar, or White Poplar, and I should be glad to
know if any reader can refer to specific instances
of such cases. Although no one reported Mistleto
on Plum and Pear, I have since heard of such
instances. More particularly I should be grate-
ful to J. F. if he can inform us where the
parasite can be seen on Beech, and English Elm
(two trees included in his list in the Gard.
Chron. of January 3, p. 9). as these trees have
not, so far as I know, been recorded as hosts for
the parasite either in this country or in any
other part of Europe. W. Somerville, Oxford.

In addition to those trees mentioned by

.7. F. as hosts for the Mistleto. we have it here,
at Arley Castle, Bewdley, also on Quercus rubra
and Crataegus tanacetifolia. Mary T. Wood-
ward.

The Medlar as a host plant for the

Mistleto (see pp. 20, 21) is new to me, though
there seems nothing impossible about it, since
I can now mention twelve species or well marked
forms of Rosaceae on which it grows. I admit
the validity of the single Red Thorn (Crataegus
Oxyacantha punicea) as a record, for the
Mistleto often shows a partiality for certain trees
in preference to other closely allied ones, which
may be more or less immune or unsuitable,
though this may extend to individuals. 1
mentioned only the common Hawthorn.
Crataegus monogvna and C. odoratissima, but
omitted C. Oxyacantha rosea (single Pink Haw-
thorn), on which the Mistleto grew strongly, in
the Oxford Botanic Garden, in 1901. The two
British Hawthorns are considered distinct species
by many botanists, and all the coloured garden
forms, single and double, are varieties of C.
Oxyacantha. The Acacia mentioned by Geo.
W ' Stacey I presume to be Robinia Pseudacacia
or False Acacia, which I included in my list
under the botanical name to avoid ambiguity,
because one species of true Acacia. (A. dealbata)
.rrows to the size of a tree on the south coast
of Devon and in Guernsey. If allowed to extend
mv observations to Switzerland, I could add the
Peach as a host plant. At Sion in that country
a iforest of Pines was more or less covered with
the parasite within the last two years. If. was
also frequent upon Silver Firs. At Verona, in
Italv it grows upon Loranthus, the type of the
order which includes the Mistleto. J. F.

Snowy or White Fly.— The wretched pests
Aleyrodes proletella and A. vaporariorum, the
two forms of the Snowy or White Fly that are

such a trial to the gardening community, appear
to be on the increase and, I am wondering
whether any of your readers have knowledge of
a method of exterminating the pests after they
have become established. Amongst trade
growers, and especially Tomato raisers, much
time and money have been expended in this
direction, and I am afraid without anything
like complete success, and it has occurred to
me that possibly an some out-of-the-way quarter
or a small garden there may be a man lucky
enough to have thought out and efficiently
tested a method of getting rid of these unwelcome
visitors. If there is, may 1 appeal to him to
give other less fortunate growers the benefit of
his experience? E. Beckett, Aldenham Bouse
Gardens.

The Best Potatos. — Potatos vary greatly in
different districts on different soils, and it is
surprising to me that no classified list of the
best varieties in particular districts on varying
soils has been published. The compilation of
such a list would be valuable and I should
be pleased to hear from gardeners work-
ing in different parts of the country, on different
soils, as to which variety of first early, second
early, and main crop Potatos succeeds on their
particular soil. Letters should be sent to me
at my private address, and if sufficient are
forthcoming by tihe beginning of March, I
will let you know what the general opinion is,
as regards the three best Potatos for three
different kinds of soils. E. T. Ellis, Weetwood,
Eccleshall, Sheffield.

Potatos : Spade versus Plough (see pp. 8
and 20.) — Your correspondents do well to call
attention to the poor yield of Potatos from land
cultivated hy the plough ; but the average yield
of 5.7 to 6.6 tons to the acre covers a great deal
of good and bad land and good and bad cultiva-
tion. Potato Up-to-Date, when first put into com-
merce did and, in all probability yet, will
produce 10 tons to the acre in the drained
areas of Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire.
Throughout the country, farmers have to deal
with much less suitable soils, and they have
not yet reached a stage when they can discard
the plough. There has been no mention of the
sub-soil plough for breaking up the hard pan
formed in the course of years by the ordinary
horse-plough. The sub-soil plough was in use in
the early seventies of last century and was still
well known twenty years later. The body and
handles resembled an ordinary plough, but the
whole was much lighter, being furnished with
one strong tine. It was drawn by one horse
and followed along the furrow, immediately be-
hind the ordinary plough, tearing up the sub-soil
several inohes deep. Nor need we overlook the
possibilities of the steam plough, and the other
implements, such as cultivators or scarifiers,
drag-harrows, zigzag-harrows, and chain-
harrows, in getting a deep tilth for Potatos.
J. F.

Grapes in Unheated Houses.— Some years ago
a dwelling house, with a vinery attached, was
unoccupied for nearly three years ; it was owned
bv my employer, but was some distance away,
and si> I could not attend to the needs of the
vines. The vinery was closed more than two years.
I had the key of this vinery, and no one could
get into it but myself. The larger portion of
the border was outside. The vines had looked
after themselves. Before this time the Grapes
always shanked badly. My first visit to this
vinery, after it had <been closed for over twelve
months, was during September, and a great sur-
prise awaited me. The Grapes were all sound,
and there was no sign of shanking or of insect
pests, and if the berries had been thinned the
bunches would have been all that could be
desired. The vinery must at times, during a hot
summer, have been very hot. During the follow-
ing winter I pruned the vines, but during the suc-
ceeding summer they were again left to themselves,
and once more there was a good crop of Grapes.
I may also state that the vines themselves were
much improved in vigour by allowing them to
produce all the growth they could during the two
years. The vinery was kept without ventilation,
water, or fire heat. James Atkinson, Torking-
ton Lodge Gardens, near Stockport.

©bltuarp.

Dr. John H. Wilson.— The death of this dis-
tinguished Scottish scientist and horticulturist
occurred on the 13th inst., at St. Andrews. Dr.
Wilson, who 'was 61 years of age, was lecturer
in Agriculture and Rural Economy at the
University of St. Andrews, and his efforts in
raising strains of Potatos resistant to disease
were successful. We hope to give an apprecia
tion of his work in our next issue.

The Countess of Selkirk. — It is with aniuch
regret that we learn of the death on the 10th
inst. of the Countess of Selkirk, at Balmae,
Kirkcudbright, after a brief illness, the result of
a chill. Lady Selkirk, who was about 83 years
of age, took a keen interest in gardening and
instituted a cottage garden competition far
cottagers on St. Mary's Isle estate and in the
town of Kirkcudbright. Lady Selkirk was a
warm supporter of the Royal Horticultural
Society's War Relief Fund, and was convener of
the fund in the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright.

THE WEATHER.

THE WEATHER IN DECEMBER.

Following a cold November, the month under re
view -was comparatively mild with a mean temperature
three degrees higher than that of the previous month.
Rain fell on 21 days, yielding the considerable total
of 4.28 inches, the wettest day being the 30th, with,
1.05 inch. Of bright sunshine 54.5 hours were registered,
an average of 1.8 hour per day ;ind a percentage of
24; there w<»re 7 sunless days. With, a mean of 29 55
inches, the barometer pressure varied from a highest
of 30.15 inches on the Sth to a lowest of 29.02 inches
on the 27th. The mean temperature was 37.5° with a
mean range of 13° and an absolute range of 28°. On
the 19th and 20th the highest maximum of 48° was
reached, ami on the 26th the lowest minimum of 20u.
The lowest maximum was 33° on the 25th and the
highest minimum 38° on the 20th. For tihe maximum
and minimum the means were 44° and 31° respectively.
On the grass the mean minimum worked out at 2?u
with a lowest of 15° on the 26th ; there were 26
nights of ground frost. At 1 foot deep the soil tem
perature, with a mean of 35°, rose from 35° to 37°
and then fell to 33°. Snow fell on 4 days. The pre-
vailing winds were from the north, south and west, with
galea on the 12th and 19th.

THE WEATHER IN SCOTLAND IN 1919.

The mean temperature for the year whs 44.5°, being
1° below the average. This wa.^ largely the result of
the very cold November, ;Uthough there was a deficit
for other scv*»n months. August had the highest mean
of 57° and November the lowest of 34.5°. The highest
maximum was 78° on July 10th, and the lowest minimum
lio on November 14bh The highest temperature of
which we have a record is 82° and the lowest 8°

Ground frosts were registered on 153 nights during
the yeir; they occurred m every month, December
having the highest roord of 26, while June, July and
August had one each.

Rain fell on 174 days to a total of 25.35 inohes, a
deficit from the available average of 4.31 inches!. May
to October were dry months with a falling off of 8.04
inches; November and December were wet, with fin
excess of 2.80 inches. November was the wettest month
of rhe year, with 4.75 inches, .and July the driest with
0.50 inch. The most rain collected in one day was 1.23
inch on August idth.

No rain fell from 18th to 31st May, a period of 14
days, while the enly 3 rainy days in July were separ
ated hv intervals of 13 and' 12 days A "rainy spell"
lasted from 26th October to 12th November inclusive,
when a total of 3.01 inches was collected. From 1st
December to 27th April snow fell on 15 days, the last
fall being a blizzard. There was a slight fall on
October 25th and on other 9 days to the end of the
yenr.

There were no severe thunders torn. s.

Bright sunshine was registered on 299 days with a
total of 1605.5 hours, an excess of 187.6 hours over the
tverage. HI months contributed to this excess with the
exceptions of January, February and April. The average
number of hours per day works out at 4.4 and the per-
centage at 33.4.

The brightest month was June with a total -if 247.2
henrs, being an average of 8.0 hours per day and 47.7
per cent of the possible, while January was the dullest
month with a total of 35.4 hours, a daily average of
1 1 hour and a percentage of 10.8. August had a higher
percentage thnn anv other month— viz., 49.5, the total
number of hours being 230.6 and the average 7.6 hours.

SusniAEY.— The weather for 1919 was colder, drier and
sunnier than that of the available average.— James
Maltoch, Director of Studies, Training College Gardens,
Kirl&ton-of -Mains, near Dundee.

January 24. 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

45

SOCIETIES.

UNITED HORTICULTURAL BENEFIT AND
PROVIDENT.

The monthly meeting of this Society was held
in the E.H.S. Hall on Monday Jan."l2th, Mr.
Charles H. Curtis, presiding. Five new mem-
bers were elected. One member was allowed to
withdraw the double amount of his interest, viz.,
£5 Is. Od. One member who had reached the
age of 70 years was allowed to withdraw the
sum of £60 2s. 2d., still leaving £10 to his
credit ; and two lapsed members withdrew
£37 lis. 3d. from their lapsed account. The
death certificates of three members were
received and the sum of £150 9s. 5d. was passed
for payment to their respective nominees. The
sick pay for the month on the private side
amounted to £56 14s. 4d., and on the State
Section to £35 3s. 4d., and Maternity benefits
to £6. The trustees reported that they had in-
vested a further £500 in War Bonds.

bee-keepers place bricks on the roofs, but these
cause water to collect under them. The best
plan is to fix a wooden plug in the ground
securely on one side of the hive, tie a rope
to it. and on the other end a brick with just
enough rope to pass over the roof of the hive,
so that the brick will not touch the ground on
the other side. Where bees are suspected of
being short of food, a cake of candy or a frame
of honey, the sealing of which has been scored
with a blunt instrument, may be slipped under
the quilt. Take a piece of bent wire and clear
the floor-board of any dead bees, but take care
when the operation has been completed, to
nearly close the entrance. When snow falls, let
a board rest against the hive to prevent reflected
or direct sunlight from being thrown into the
entrance. This often induces bees to attempt a
cleansing flight on a bitterly cold day, and the
snow is soon strewn with ehilied, dead bees.

THE APIARY.

Br Chloris.

TRADE NOTES.

•The high price of sugar and the reduction
of the sugar ration will cause many to seriously
consider the advantages of becoming bee-keepers.
Honey is an excellent sweetener, of greater food
value than sugar, and may be used for nearly
every purpose that sugar is employed for.

Site. — Hives should be placed in suitable posi-
tions. The site should be protected from north
and west winds, and failing a wall, protection
may »be obtained by planting an evergreen hedge.
Boards may be used, but Ihey form an expensive
screen. Having secured the necessary protec-
tion, clear the ground of all grass and weeds,
which is easily done at this season of the year,
when the ground is soft. When the site is
cleared and levelled, cover it with a good layer
of sifted ashes. The hives should not be
crowded, and at least six feet must be allowed
between them. Each hive should rest on a
separate stand, which should be low, and the
alighting board of each sloping towards the
ground to throw off the rain-water and to
facilitate the return of the heavily laden bees.
This is of especial importance in the early spring,
for the bees are then liable to be bltawn to
the ground under the hives, when they become
chilled and die. The path should be behind the
hives, not in front, for this would interfere with
the free flight of the bees. The openings of the
hives should face south or, better, south-east,
in order that the insects may be induced to go
out foraging by the warmth of the early morn-
ing sun.

Value of Bees. — Beside producing an invalu-
able food, bee-keeping cannot be ignored by
those who are contemplating growing all kinds
of fruit. The best flavoured honey is that from
fruit bloom, and this brings with wax an extra
source of income to the fruit-grower, beside
the insects ensuring pollination of the blossoms.
In districts where pastures have a sprinkling of
white Clover, bee-keeping becomes very lucra-
tive, and the nectar yielded by this plant
is very choice. Other vegetation providing
good forage for these insects are Lime trees,
Alsike Clover. Mustard. Rape. Buckwheat,
Brassicas growing for seed, and Borage. Ling
Heaths are splendid for supplying late nectar
and honey from these plants realises excellent
prices.

Present Needs. — Those who ha.ve hives should
examine the roofs to find out if they are leak-
ing, but no examination of the interior of the
brood chamber should be attempted, as the
season of activity has not arrived. Should
there be leaks, stop them, and supply dry,
"warm quilts, as dampness is the main cause of
dysentery. Many hives have had their roofs
blown off during the recent bad weather. Some

The century old business of Messrs. Toogood
and Sons, on'~ Southampton, Seedsmen to H.M.
the King, is being reconstituted as a limited
company, with a share capital of £250.000 in £1
shares issued at par. The management and staff of
the 'business are not in any way to be changed,
and Messrs. WTilliam George Toogood, E. Kemp
Toogood and W. Cecil Toogood will continue
to devote their whole time to the direction of
the business. By what seems to be a very
sensible provision, applications for shares from
customers and the staff will receive preference.
The subscription list will close on February 3rd.

MARKETS.

COVENT GARDEN, January 20ft.
We oannot acoept any responsibility for the subjoined
reports. Tbey are furnished to us regularly every
Tuesday, by the kindness of several of the
principal salesmen, who are responsible for the
quotations. It must be remembered that these quota-
tions do not represent the prices on any partioular
day, but only the general average for the week pre-
ceding the date of our report. The prioea depend
upon the quality of the samples, the way in whioh
they are paoked, 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. — Ens.

Fruit : Average Wholesale Prices

a. d. a d. s. d. 8. d

Apples (English) Bananas, singles 25 0-35 0

—King of the Pip- —Specials ... 40 0 —

pins per i bus. 3 0- o 0 Grapes Alicante J«-i«

—Cox's Orange —Special per lb. 4 0- —

Pippin per Jbus. — Gros Colmar . . A s- 6 v

best 8 0-11 0 —Special . 3 6- J j

—Blenheim Pippin —Muscat, per lb. 10 0-15 0

per bus. .. 0 0-10 0 —Canon Hall 10 0-15 0

—Newton Wonder 5 0-8 0 — Almeria per

-Lane'a Prince barrel .. .. 30 0-40 0

Albert, per bus. 5 0-8 O.Lemons 300's 21 0-25 0
— Bramlev'e Seed- Oranges —

ling per bus. ..50-80 360 j 30 0-34 0/

— Brit Columbian— 300 •

Jonathan 20 6 250 34 ^33 q

Grime's Golden 1 10 n_9n 0 .,-,

Nonesuch i ia ^ u u Nuts— Brazils(new)

Northern per cwt. 130 0-135.0

Greenine 18 6 Chestnuts —

New To™ 20 10- - Naples 36 0-40 0

Oregon New Town 20 10 Cob Nuts, per lb. 12-14
—Nova Scotian— Walnuts 25 Wlo. 4n 0- —

— G.Itussets . . 40 0-50 0 Pineapples, each.. 2 6- o o

Mr. C. van deb, Sixtis has taken over the
nurseries, including the stock of plants, seed-
lings, and goodwilfof Mr. H. Burnett, Carnation
Giower. Guernsey. Mr. van der Sluys will add
this business to that of his own which has 'been
established over twenty years.

CROPS AND STOCK ON THE HOME
FARM.

THE BEST SEEDS FOR SILAGE AXD
SUMMER SOILING.

In choosing seed for silage crops or summer
fodder, preference is usually given to Tares or
other legumes, because they produce a forage
containing a high proportion of albuminoids. In
the case of Tares or Peas, the stems are so weak
that they cannot support their own weight, and
some other plant becomes necessary to provide
the support required ; if this is not given the
crop lies on the ground, is liable to rot at the
base and becomes very difficult to cut. The
inclusion of a small proportion of Beans will
help to mitigate this defect. The addition of
Oats to the mixture is also an advantage ; they
serve not only to support the weaker legumes,
but also to provide a suitably balanced fodder.

Both Tares and Peas are relatively scarce at
the present time, Tares being the more
expensive of the two. Peas therefore may be
used to replace Tares in whole or in part.

A suitable mixture for spring sowing per
acre would be: — 2 bushels Oats, 1 bushel field
Peas or Vetches, i bushel Beans.

Forage mixture such as the above may be
used with advantage for silage, for soiling, or
making into hay ; they may partlv replace runts
on the heaviest classes of soils, (if intended for
hay, Beans should be omitted.)

A moderate dressing of farmyard manure,
where available, will give good results in most
circumstances ; so also will the following mixture
of artificials per acre:' — ^ cwt. sulphate "I
ammonia, 2 cwt. superphosphate, i cwt. sulphate
of potash.

Vegetables : Average Wholesale Pr

s. d. s. d.
Asparagus, English. _ Mushrooms, perjb.

Devon "SO's
— 100's ...

Middlesex „
Beans Guernsey

per lb. . .
Beets, per bag .
Cabbage, per doz.
Carrots, per bag
Cauliflower, pe

doz.
Celery, per fan

(12' heads)
Chicory,

— Englsh, per lb.
— Belgian

,0-76 Onions, per cwt.
22 6-25 0 Parsley, per doz.

8 0 bunches

Parsnips, per bag

6 0-70 Potatos, per cwt.
10 0-11 0 —Guernsey per lb

2 0-30 Radishes, per doz.
a n- n o bunches
0 Rhubarb Forced

3 0-60 P" doz

Seakale per punnet
3 6-46 Spanish Onions

4 tier

5 tier

0 n,n!P™! Onions, per

ices,
s. d. 8. d
2 6-30

10 0-14 0

2 6-36
8 0-10 0

11 6-14 0

2 0-26

3 0-40
2 0-26

16 0-18 0
18 0-20 0

0 8-0 10

Cucumbers, perdoz 36 0-42 0 Sprouts
Garlic, per lb. . . 1 6- - Dag
per doz

doz.bunches

per

Endr. . .
French Lettuce

per doz.
Herbs.per doz. bun.
Mint, per doz bun.
Mustard and Cress,

per doz. punnets

, bag 28 lb
'- 8 "Tomatos, English

6-5 6

11

New Crop

per doz. lbs. . .
4 0-60 — Teneriffe,

15 0 Best, per bundle

Turnips, per bag
16-2 0,Watercress,per doz

12 0-14 0

35 0-42 0
8 0-90
0 9

Reahres.— There has been considerable improvement
in business during the past week, many sections ehow-
iu» renewed activities. English Apples continue in
heavy supply, although quantities of selcoted, well-
paoked paroe'ls in good condition arc not plentiful, and
prices for such in view of quantities available, have
been steadily maintained. A few fruits of Cox's
Orange Pippin are still coming to hand in excellent
condition. The advanoe in price of hothouse Grapes
is maintained, mainly due to slightly decreased
quantities. A shipment of fruit from the Cape is of
interest, and in view of the scarcity of choice fruit
from home growers. Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots.
Plums and Pears should be in some demand. Except
for a few fruits of Jonathan, Nonsuch and Fancy
Greening, the market is olear of British Columbian
Apples, and the shipment due in a week's time is
eagerly awaited. English Tomatos are now in such
negligible quantities that the requirements of the
Irade are centred on supplies from Teneriffe, which
are realising maximum arranged prices. English

Asparagus (forced) is a slightly better trade. Guernsey
forced Beans and Potatos remain firm in price, due to
supplies being below requirements. Mushrooms, owing
to open weather, are more plentiful. Cauliflowers are
in good demand. Green Vegetables are plentiful and
cheap, but a cold snap would have an adverse euect
on quantity and cause an increase in price. Potatoa
continue a' difficult trade, and are firm in price.

Plants in Pots, &c. : Average Wholesale Prices.

(All 48's, per doz. except where otherwise stated.)

3. d. s. d. s. d ■. d

Aralla Sieboldil Cyclamen

48's perdoz. .. 10 0-12 0 48'a perdoz. 24 0-30 0

taparagus plumo- Erica hyemalis—

sus .. .. 12 0-15 0| 48's per doz . 24 0-36 0
— Sprengerl . . 12 0-18 0'Erlc,a melanthera,

Aspidistra, green 48 0-72 0 perdoz 30 0-36 0

Begonia Gloire Marguerites— white 18 0-24 0

d%8L'°srpe™do, . 24 0-36 oPal^Kentla .. 24 0-36 0

— Cocos . .

24 0-36 0

Azealeas, each 3 0-5 0-7 6"
Uactl per tray

12'*. 16*8 . 6 0-6 O'Polnsettia

Cbrvaantherauma 48's per doz. 24 0-30 0

48'a t>er doz. . . 24 0-30 0 Roman Hyacinths
Cinerarias, per doz. 15 0-24 0 on bulbs, 7 0-80

46

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[January 24, 1920.

Nephrolepis. In

variety. 48 'a

12 0-18 0

— 32'8

24 0-36 0

Pteris. in variety

48's ..

12 0-21 0

— large 60'a

5 0-60

— amail 60'a

4 0- 4-6

— 72'a per tray of

15'a ..

3 6 4 0

Terns and Palms : Average Wholesale Prices,
a. d. i. d. a. d a. d

Adiantum

cnneatum 48'a

pet doz. .. 12 0-15 0

— elegana . . 15 0-18 0
Asplenium 48'a per

doz. .. ..12 0-18 0

— 32'a . . . . 24 0-30 0

— nidus 48'a .. 12 0-15 0
Oyrtomium 48'a 10 0-15 0

Cat Flowers, &c. : Average Wholesale Prices.
3. d. a. d. a. d. a. d

Azalea white, per Richardia (Arums).

doz. bun. .. 12 0-15 0 per doz. Dims. 10 0-12 0

Camellias per doz. 6 0-70 Rosea per dozen
Carnations per doz. blooms —

blooma, beat — Mme. Abel

American var. 4 0-60 Chatenay .. 9 0-i5 0

Chrysanthemums— Eoma„ Hyacinth

—White per doz. per doz. spikes 2 0-26

blooms . . 4 0-10 0SnJowdr

per doz. bun. . . 6 0 8 0

—Yellow ., .. 4 0-80

—Pink „ .. 4 0-80,,.

—Spray White Mips White, „,„„„„

pec doz. bun. 30 0-48 0 P»r doz- bun. ... 24 0-36 0

— Coloured Scarlet 18 0-24 0

per doz. bun. 30 0-48 0 Coloured var. ... 36 0-48 0

Daffodils, Single, Violets Single

per doz bun, 18 0-24 0 large per doz.

Freesia, White bun 8 0-10 0

per doz. bun. 5 0-6 0 — Ordinary .. 5 0-60

Heather, white ,„.,_„ French Flowers-

per doz. bun 10 0-12 0 _AnemoneS| Pink

L,JE?a ,P " * o- « n P" doz- bun- • ■• 6 0-90

blooms . . 5 0-60 x.Ila.c white

Lilium longiaoram per doz. spray 4 0- 6 u

per bunch . . 18 0-20 0 _&arguerit<S yellow

Lilium speciosum per Qoz. bum 5 0-60

album per bunch 0 0-.0 _gimoaa, per pad 8 0-10 0

— rubrum per bun 6 0-70 __ , ^ v
Lily of the Valley —Narcissus, Paper

per bunch ... 3 0-40 white Per pad 10 0-15 U
Narcissus, Soleil —Ranunculus, Carmine

d'Or, perdoz. bun 10 0-15 0 P" aoz- bun. ... 12 0-15 0

Grand Primo Scarlet 12 0-15 0

per doz, bun. 10 0-12 0 — Violets,
Orchids per doz. : Parma, per bun 8 0-10 0

— Cattleyas .. 24 0-30 0 — Roses,

— Cypripediums Ulrich Brunner,

perdoz. .. 5 0-10 0' perdoz 6 0-80

Pelargonium, dou- Frau Karl Druschki

ble scarlet.per per doz 4 0-80

doz. bun. . . 16 0-24 0 Safrono, per doz. 2 6 3 0

Remarks.— Daffodils, Freesins, and Tulips are all
arriving in larger quantities. Varieties of Tulips
consist of La Reine, Thomas Moore. Prince of Austria,
and Yellow Prince; the blooms have long stems, anu
are the finest offered this season. Snowdrops are

available in limited quantities. The supplies of Car-
nations are 6uffioient for the demand, and their
prices are again lower. Large quantities of Violets
are being received from home growers ; also Roman
Hyacinths and white Camellias. The supplies oi Lily-
of-Uie-Valley are reduced, and prices for these flowers
are firmer. Supplies of Lilium longiflorum are
limited, but Richardias (Arums) are more numerous
than last week. Supplies of flowers from the Channel
Islands are increasing. Yellow and white Narcissi,
also Daffodils are arriving in excellent condition from
this source. Since Wednesday last the consignments
of flowers from the South of France, consisting mostly
of paper white Narcissus, Mimosa, and Violets have
reaehed the market in a very bad condition, and very
few packages were suitable for redispntoh to the
provinces. Several consignments have been a long
time in transit owing to the recent gales, whilst there
have been heavy rains in the South of France and
these have damaged many crops. The flowers, more-
over, were packed in a wet condition The largest
consignment of the season, numbering about 2S iOOn
packages, reaehed the market this morning, but many
Hundreds will not even realise the cost of transit

APPOINTMENTS.

The following Appointments are announced in the
Kew Bulletin, No. 10, 1919: —

MrnSl, T Dvn,?' as Assistant f<"' India, in the
Herbarium at Kew, temporarily.

Mr'i. XU s- T,r°uP. Assistant Inspector General of
forests, India, as Professor of Forestry in the
University of Oxford.

Mr- ,H- B Jones, a student in the Imperial College
of Science, as Mycologist to the Ministry of
Agriculture, Egypt

Mr. H. B. Sharpe, a former member of the garden-
ing staff at Kew and for some time Plant Import
Inspe tor in the East Africa Protectorate as an
Assistant District Commissioner in the East Africa
Protectorate.

Mr. Alec Holm. Under-Secretary to the Ministry of
Agriculture, Unir.n of South Africa, and lately in
charge of the Experimental Farm, PoUlefstr'oom
as D rectcr of Agriculture. East Africa Protectorate.

Mr. W. H. Birchenough, as Tropical Agricultural
Instructor in the East Africa Protectorate.

Messrs. P. B. Butler and J. Sparrow, members of
the gardening staff at Kew, as Agricultural In
structure in the East Africa Protectorate.

Mr. C. B. Ussher formerly a member of the garden-
ing staff at Kew. as Horticulturist in the East
Africa Protectorate.

Messrs. P. Chandler and C. Hazel, members of the
gardening staff at Kew, as Assistant District Agri-
cultural Officers, Uganda.

Messrs. A. M. Henderson. T. J. Shaw and
D. Prain, as Agriculturists in the Department of
Agriculture, Nyasaland.

Mr. W, C. Fishlock. formerly a member of the
gardening staff at Kew, and fcr several years
Curator of the Botanic Station in the Virgin
Island-, as Senior Curator in the Department of
Agriculture, Gold Coast.

Mr. T. Laycock, formerly Agricultural Inspeotor, as
Mycologist in the Department of Agriculture, Nigeria
(Southern Provinces^.

Mr. G. B. Pierez, to be an Assistant Superintendent
in the Department of Agriculture. Nigeria (.Southern
Finyinces).

Lt.-Col. P. Summers, R. E. to be Economic
Bntanrst in the Department of Agriculture, Ceylon.

Mr. T- de la Mare Norris, as Assistant Agricultural
Inspector, to be Assistant to the Director of Agri-
culture, Federated Malay States.

Mr. W N. C. Belgrave, B.A., as Assistant Myco-
logist, to he Plant Physiologist in the Department
of Agriculture, Federated Malay States.

Mr. B Bunting, as Assistant Agriculturist, to be
Agriculturist in the Department of Agriculture,
Federated Malav States.

Mr. H. H. Stirrup, M Sc, as Assistant Agricul-
tural Inspector, to be Assistant Mycologist in the
Department of Agriculture, Federated Malay States.

Mr. W. N. Sands, F.LS.. formerly a member of
the gardening staff at "^ew, and since 1899 Agri-
cultural Superintendent in St. Vincent, West Indies.
as Assistant Economic Botanist in the Department
of Agriculture. Federated Malay States.

Mr. P. Birkinshaw, Agricultural Instructor, Depart-
ment of Agriculture, Mauritius, a former member
of the gardening staff at Kew, and for some time
Assistant Agricultural Superintendent. St Vincent,
as Assistant Agricultural Inspector in the Depart-
ment of agriculture, Federated Malay States.

Mr T Jackson, formerly a member of the garden-
in" staff at Kew, and since 1905 Curator of the
Botanic Station. Antigua, ;is Agricultural Superin-
tendent in succession to Mr Sands, St. Vincent

Mr G E. Bodkin, B A, Economic Biologist, as
Assistant Director of the Department of Science
and Agriculture, British Guiana.

Mr F Stell of the Imperial College of Science and
'Technology, as Mycologist in the Department of
Science niid Agriculture. British Guiana.

GARDENING APPOINTMENTS.

Mr. E. R. Beames, fcr six years before the war
Gardener to Lord Brate. Stamtord Ha 1, Hi goy,
and since discharged from active service Gardener
at The Crove, Alviston. Bristol, as Gardener to
Mrs llAGt-E. Norman Hill, Durslev, Gloucestershire.

Mr' S A Young, of Ra.mpton Manor, Retford as
Gardener to S. E. Goodwin-, Esq., Mattersea Hall.

Mr W 'H Tissington has resumed bis duties as

Gardener to* Mrs Locker Laotson. at Barlbrough

Hull. nr. Chesterfield.
Mr John Traill, recently with Col. A. M. gage.

Svdnev L™lge. Hamble, as Gardener to A. *.

Behtlev. Ssq., Woodlands House. Woodlands, neai

Southampton ^ ^^

Forces, and formerly Foreman for three years at
Ro=elei»h Gardens, Woolton, Liverpool, as Gardener
to W. Staveley Taylor, Esq., Springeroft, Aigburth
Hall Road, Aigburth, Liverpool.

Mr A J Lee, as Gardener to Lt.-Col. H. >.
Rave'sscroft, Storrington Abbey, Pulborough.
Sussex. , ,

Mr Jas Stevens, for the past fourteen years
Gardener at Grant-lands, Uffculme. Devon, as
Gardener to Mrs. Ttn-LOCK, Purlev Hall. Pangbournc.
(Thanks for P.O. 2s. for R.G.O.F. Box.— Eds.).

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Address : C. S. The address you require is
The Homefinders Company, Ltd., 160. Picca-
dilly, W.l.

Black Spots on Calanthe Pseudo-bulbs :
A. C. The dark brown spots on the pseudo-
bulbs of Calanthes are due to some cultural
error, and generally result from imperfect
nutrition caused by unhealthy roots. Un-
satisfactory root action may be caused by
an excess of moisture about the roots or by
low temperature combined with an excess of
atmospheric moisture, or all these combined.
It is possible to bring affected plants back to
good health in the course of a year or two
provided special attention is paid to watering
and temperature. The affected pseudo-bulbs
should be kept dry until new growth com-
mences, and the diseased portions should be
treated with charcoal dust and flowers of
sulphur in order to dry the diseased tissues.
When potting takes place, after new growth
has commenced, the pots used should be only

large enough to just accommodate the old
pseudo-bulbs, and in subsequent shifts the
increase in the size of the pots should be
determined by the quantity of roots made
and the general progress of the plant.
Destruction of Charlock : E. C. In view
of the immense number of seeds pro-
duced by a single plant of Charlock
and the extraordinary vitality of the
seed (which may remain buried in the
ground for years without losing its germinating
power), it is most important that seeding
should be checked as far as possible. If only
small numbers of plants are found they may
be pulled out by hand in due course, but in
the case of a badly infected field spraying is
the only remedy. Charlock is more easily
killed when in flower than at any other stage.
The Corn in which it is growing may be
damaged a little by the spray but will soon re-
cover. In the eastern counties it is usual to
apply 40 to 50 gallone per acre of a 3 per cent,
solution of copper sulphate (i.e., 15 lbs. copper
sulphate to 50 gallons of water per acre), but in
western districts a 4 per cent, (i.e., 20 lbs. to
50 gallons per acre), or even a 5 per cent,
solution may be employed.
Names of Plants : II'. C. We do not under-
take the naming of florists' flowers; you
should send specimens of your varieties to the
specialist from whom you purchased your stock,
as, having a collection, he will be better able
to determine the varieties. We may add.
however, that No. 2 is Rayonnate.
National Knapsack Sprayer : C. C. The
makers of the National Knapsack Sprayer are
De Muzy Freres. 4, Knatchbull Road, Cam-
berwell, S.E.
Peach Shoots Diseased : II'. E. A. The Peach
shoots are affected with Botrytis disease,
which generally attacks unripened growths
near the nodes, i.e., the points from which
the leaves are produced. Cut out all diseased
shoots, and spray the trees with a rose-red
solution of permanganate of potash.
Pollinating Tomatos : F. G. The Tomato is
self-fertile and the pollen escapes through
pores at the end of the stamens, so that merely
tapping the plants 'will generally suffice to
ensure a good "set." The pollen is more
readily disseminated when the conditions are
dry, and artificial pollination is best done
about noon, when the atmosphere of the
house is likely to be dry and warm. When
the plants are in bloom keep the atmosphere
dry and circulating by allowing a little top
ventilation. A rabbit's tail fastened to a thin,
pliable stick is useful for dusting the trusses
of flowers, as it catches the pollen and conveys
it from flower to flower.

Vine Roots Unsatisfactory : Correspondent.
Judging from the soil accompanying the vine
roots, it is plain that the rooting medium is not
sufficiently retentive. Too much light material
was mixed with the loam. While there was
some organic matter to decompose, the vines
might have grown fairly well, but when that
was exhausted, trouble would follow. We
advise making a trench about 4 ft. from the
stems, then working back 'with a fork, and
with the fingers remove the soil from amongst
the roots as far as this can be done without
disturbing the plants, then lay the roots in
fresh soil without exposing them longer than
necessary. The fresh soil should consist, pre-
ferably, of loam, rather heavier than light,
mixed with steamed bone flour, 1 cwt. to
5 loaids, a 'bushel or two of good ash, or
burned vegetable refuse, and also a bushel of
old lime, chalk or, what is preferable, mortar
from an old building. If the soil consists of
new, turfy loam with much grass upon it,
the grass should be partly scorched over a
flat fire. Soil whicK has been stacked a month
or two will not need this treatment, but it
should not 'be stacked too long, or the fibre
will be decayed. Much improvement in the
fruit must not 'be expected this year, as the
bunches are already formed in embryo in the
buds.

Communications Received. — H S. — J. G. B. —
H. H. R— A. W. P.— J. P.— H. H. D— G. 8., U.S.A.

January 31, 1920.7

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

47

THE

(gartoturs' Chronicle

No. 17-27— SATURDAY, JAN. 31, 1920.

CONTENTS.

Alpine garden, the :
Double Soapwort, the

Apples, October dessert

Apples, home-grown-
causes of low prices
for

Books, notices of :
Forests, "Woods and
Trees, in Relation
to Hygiene

Epiphyllums

Chrysantheme, le

Douglas Firs

Ep phyllums

Florists' flowers :
Antirrhinums
Canarina campanulata
Chrysanthemums, new

Fruit register :

Grape Madresfield
Court

" Gardeners' Chronicle "
seventy-five years ago 48

Hedges, deciduous ... 49

Horticulture, the

Chamber of ... 47

Mackaya b^lla 51

Mistleto, hosts of the ... 56

<}bituary :

Farrish, William Robert 60

Gurnev, Geo 60

Tressler Geo 60

Wilson, J. H 59

.",.-,

Onions on light soil ...
Plants, American in

England

Plant hygiene

Primula Wattii
Rabbits eating tree stems
Societies :

Gardeners' Royal
Benevolent Institu-
tion

National Chrysanthe-
mum 4'

National Dahlia

National Rose

Reading and District
Gardeners'

Royal Caledonian

Royal Horticultural ...

Scottish Hort.
Sugar Beet in the West

of Scotland

" Sweet Pea Review "

Trade Notes

Trees and shrubs :

Celastrus articulatus

John Downie. and
Dartmouth Crabs

Pyracantha, a yellow-
fruited

Week's work, the ... 50-
Worshipful Company of

Fruiterers

,59
59
58

59
59

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Chrysanthemum Mrs. H. E. Dixon

Gurney, Mr. G

Hedge of Hawthorn, A well-kept

Mackaya bella

Primula Wattii ■ ••

Pyracantha crenulata Rogersiana forma tlava

53
60
49
51
48
55

Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week
deduced from observations during- the last fifty
years at Greenwich, 39.5°.

Actual Temperature: —

Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street.
Covent Garden, London, Wednesday, January 2S,
1930, 10 a.m.: Bar. 29.6; temp. 47°. Weather— Dull.

The Chamber

of

Horticulture.

The memorandum issued
by the Chamber of Horti-
culture at the conclusion
of its first year's work
demonstrates in precise
and definite manner the value of the insti-
tution and the importance of the work which
it is conducting on behalf of horticulture.

There are many reasons why horticulturists
should be represented in a central, common
organisation. The first among these reasons
is "to be found in the fact that horticultural
industry covers an extraordinarily wide fjeld.
It includes fruit growing, market garden-
ing, nursery and florists' work, growing
under glass, seed raising and the trades deal-
ing with ihe supply of materials accessory to
these departments of. the industry — artificial
manures, fungicides and insecticides, horti-
cultural machinery and all those _ garden
implements and materials supplied by
the horticultural sundriesman. In addition
to this not inconsiderable list have to be
added the industry of distribution of horti-
cultural produce, that of market men and
salesmen, makers of " agricultural " baskets
and the like, and to these again must
be added the jam manufacturers who use
a large proportion of the home-grown fruit
crops, and whose goodwill toward and
co-operation with fruit growers is of the
greatest importance to their industry.

Evidently a central clearing house of ideas,
a meeting place for discussions and a strong
organisation to give effect to agreed policies
are essential if the needs of horticulture are
to be encompassed. Moreover, there is a
special reason why a Chamber of Horticul-
ture is necessary at the present time.
Governmental laisser aller is a thing of the

past. On all hands , are to be seen signs
that the State is taking an active in-
terest in the promotion of agriculture and
horticulture. During the past year, for ex-
ample, a Seed and Weeds Bill has been
.ntroduced which imposes certain conditions
on the sale of seeds. Orders regulating the
sale of artificial manures and the cultivation
of fruit trees (the Order relating to Silver
Leaf) have been put into operation. It is
therefore essential not only that represen-
tatives of the horticultural industry should
be consulted during the drafting of such Bills
and Orders, but that the industry as a whole
should have an opportunity of ascertaining
and expressing its views on matters
vital to' that industry. For State assistance
to an industry can only prove successful if
there is close co-operation between the officers
of the Government Department on the one
hand and the industry on the other. Horti-
culture is fortunate in that provision has
been made for securing this co-operation by
the establishment both of the Horticultural
Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Agri-
culture and the Chamber of Horticulture.

Among the many services rendered by the
Chamber of Horticulture during its past year
of existence, special mention may be made
of the discussions held between representa-
tives of manufacturers of insecticides and
fungicides and of the Board of Agriculture.
As a result of these discussions a measure is
in course of preparation to secure that the
chief fungicides and insecticides shall be of
known and published composition and
strength. Following upon this useful piece of
work will undoubtedly come investigations
which will add to our knowledge and thereby
prepare the way for a further advance in the
means of controlling plant pests. Although
mention might be made of the many other
useful services rendered by the Chamber of
Horticulture and referred to in the Memor-
andum, sufficient has been said to show that
(his organisation deserves the support of all
sections of the horticultural industry. With ,
close co-operation between the Chamber and
the Royal Horticultural Society, the great in-
dustry of horticulture should develop more
and more to the benefit, not only of those
engaged in it, but also of the whole com-
munity.

National Chrysanthemum Society.— The annual
general meeting of members of the National
Chrysanthemum Society will be held at Essex
Hall, Essex Street, Strand, London, W.C., on
Monday. February 2. 1920. at 6.30 p.m.. to re-
ceive the report of the Executive Committee and
the financial statement fur 1919. to elect officers
and one-third of the Committee for 1920, and
to transact such other business as pertains to
an annual meeting. The President. Sir Albert
Rollit. LL.D., D.C.L., V.M.H., will preside.

Sugar Beet in the West of Scotland. — The
report on the trials of Sugar Beet in the west of
Scotland, conducted by the Glasgow and West
of Scotland College of Agriculture, is of a satis-
factory character. The district covered the
counties of Ayr, Dumfries, Kirkcudbright,
Lanark, and Wigtown. The average sugar pro-
duction in the roots themselves showed a
percentage of 15.15, and in the juice of 15.95.
Til© yield of washed roots averaged 14.01 tons
per acre. Professor Berry remarks that the ex-
periment would show that where the lifting of
the crop is deferred until October or November
that the storage of sugar by the root continues.

" The Sweet Pea Review."— Mr. C. Harman
Payne writes : — " Having recently been engaged
on a bibliography of the Sweet Pea, for publica-
tion in the National Sweet Pea Society's current
Annual. I have had occasion to come across the
little pamphlet bearing the above title. It is

an anonymous one, published by the Sunset Seed
and Plant Co., of San Francisco. From one
source I gathered it was written by that eminent,
Sweet Pea enthusiast, the Rev. W. T. Hutehins,
but this was subsequently contradicted. In the
recently published Catalogue of the Massachus-
etts Horticultural Society's Library the book is
catalogued under the name of the Sunset Seed
and Plant Co. But there must have been an
author. Are any American readers of the
Gar J. Chron. aware who it was? I should be
glad to know-."

" Le Chrysantheme."— We are pleased to wel-
come the reappearance of this publication after
five years' cessation. The re-issue has now
reached its fourth number, and is quite as in-
teresting as in the pre-war days. After making
all allowances for resignations, deaths and other
contributory causes, the Society still has on its
books 649 members, of which' 69 arc affiliated
societies. We fancy our own National Chrys-
anthemum Society can hardly claim such a po*st-
war condition. At present, owing to increased
cost of paper, printing and labour, our familiar
yellow-covered contemporary is now published
bi-monthly, instead of monthly. We are hoping,
some day, to see a definite V'-ondse about the
pocket edition of the Repertoire des Couloirs
which was under- consideration in pre-war davs.

The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers.— The
St. Paul's Day banquet of the Worshipful Com-
pany of Fruiterers, which was held in the Haber-
dashers' Hall, Gresham Street, on Monday,
January 26, was attended by a distinguished
company, including: The Master, Mr. F. R.
Ridley; the Wardens, the Rt. Hon. the Lord
Mayor and the Sheriffs of the City of London,
the Rt. Hon. Lord Ernie, formerly President of
the Board (now the Ministry) of Agriculture,
the Solicitor-General, the Rt. Hon. Lord Lam-
bourne (President of the Royal Horticultural
Society), Admiral A. W. Waymouth, Major-
General Sir C. V. F. Townshend, Sir Daniel
Hall, F.R.S., Sir J. A. Cockburn (formerly
Prime Minister of South Australia), Mr. Stanley
Machin and Mr. Alderman E. C. Moore — Past
Masters of the Company — Prof. Frederick
Keeble, F.R.S., Mr. Geo. Monro. Jnr. (Chair-
man of the Chamber of Horticulture), Major
Wheeler, M.P. (President of the National Feder-
ation of Fruit Growers, and Master of the Gar-
deners' Company), Mr. T. Major (Acting Presi-
dent of the National Federation of the Fruit
and Potato Trades Association), Mr. R. Wynne
(Secretary of the Chamber of Horticulture), and
the Clerk of the Fruiterers' Company. In the
course of the proceedings, the Master made re-
ference to the importance of placing the most
recent knowledge of means of controlling the
pests of fruit trees at the disposal of fruit
growers, and announced that the Upper Warden,
Mr. J. Q. Rowett. had subscribed £500 towards
the cost of publication of a standard work on
the control of fruit tree pests. Both Lord
Ei ile and the Master made reference to the
valuable work carried out by the Chamber of
Horticulture, and the former urged upon the
fruit growers the desirability of holding in Lon-
don in the near future a great commercial ex-
hibition of British-grown fruits.

Causes of Low Prices for Home-grown Apples.
— The Board of Agriculture, in discussing the
unsatisfactory prices which growers have realised
for their Apples during the past season, attri-
butes the reason to the old failing of neglecting
the essential work of grading and packing. It
is reported that high-grade Apples have been
sold ui some parts of the country at less than £5
a ton. although it may be remarked that fruit
of the same grade coming from other areas has
sold for six times as much. If growers could
attend regularly at the great distributing centres
in cities like London. Birmingham. Manchester
and elsewhere), and could see the condition of
their fruit on arrival, they would learn a useful
lesson. They would be able to compare the re-
turns of well-packed, well-marketed samples witri
the returns of fruit that has been put up badly

and bruised in transit. The n ssity fur proper

grading and packing1 is being emphasised by all
sections of the trade, but, unfortunately, growers

48

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[January 31, 1920.

will not take the warnings to heart. It may be
admitted that the low prices that some farmers
and fruit growers are receiving this year are
mainly due to the abnormal size of the British
crop. At the same time, imported fruit nas been
making higher prices than that from home
growers throughout the season and, as the latter
is quite as good in quality as the former, the
reason for the English growers' failure to com-
pete must be set down to faulty methods of grad-
ing, packing and distribution. Those English
growers who have adopted nn-to-date methods
of cultivation and marketing have obtained fairly
good returns. If their produce has been reduced
in value, it is on account of the enormous quan-
tities of badly packed, ungraded fruit that have
been thrown on the market. There are certain
principles that fruit growers in general, and
Apple growers in particular, should observe care-
fully. In the first place, there must be uniform
grading both in regard to size and quality :
there must be no " topping." Secondly, par-
ages should be made up so that each fruit is
held in position by its neighbours; only in this
way can packages be filled and bruising' reduced
to a minimum. Growers should remember that
retail buyers have little time to spend in mar-
kets and cannot waste that time in estimating
the proportion of sound and unsound or large
and small fruit in an ungraded sample. If they
must buy ungraded fruit they will only give
such a price as is safe to yield profit, and on this
price no grower is likely to thrive. It is an un-
fortunate fact, and one that English fruit growers
would do well to ponder, that, although they
are raising fruit that can hold its own in any
company, they are losing the best results of
their labours because they will not take the
trouble to send their produce to market m a
fashion to enable it to compete with supplies
coming from abroad.

Primula Wattii.— Sir George Watt, after whom
the dainty Primula illustrated in Fig.
20 is named, has settled in Dumfries-
shire, where he cultivates many flowers with
attentive care. The exquisite Primula which
bears his name is a charming plant which
has called forth enthusiastic comments from even
the most ardent and critical Primula devotees,
who can hardly find adjectives sufficiently com-
plimentary to apply to this gem-like * plant.
But, alas ! like so many of the best things, it
is not a plant for the ordinary garden or
gardener. Its cultivation calls* for special
care, as so many of that exquisite but captious
section, the Soldanelloid Primulas, require. It is
not absolutely hardy in our climate, though some
seem to think so, and is subject to damping off,
even in a cool house, after flowering. P. Wattii
calls for such paradoxical treatment as a stony,
yet rich soil, with plenty of water below, but
ample drainage, and rest in winter is essential
— not easy to provide in our humid climate.
The whole plant is exquisite, from its delight-
fully lobed, toothed, white-haired Primrose-
like leaves, to its 'bronzy scape, surmounted by
a pendant head of fringed bells of a hue which
is so difficult to describe that one calls them
"purple" and another "sapphire blue" — per-
haps the former is the more appropriate.

Westminster Hall Roof. — The work of
restoring and strengthening the roof of West-
minster Hall is expected to take at least another
two years to complete. Meanwhile the hall con-
tinues to he filled with the scaffolding, and is
quite inaccessible to the public. The original
estimate of the cost was £60,000, but owing to
the enormous rise in the cost of material and
labour, especially labour, it has now doubled.
The main object for which the work was under-
taken— the preservation of the oaken roof erected
by Richard n. in 1399 — is absolutely secured.
Very little new wood has been put into the roof.

The Douglas Firs. — At a meeting of the Royal
Irish Academy, in Dublin, on the 26th inst. , a
paper was read by Prof. A. Henry on the various
species of Douglas Firs, an important group of
forest trees. The distinguishing characters, distri-
bution, and silviculture of each species were
detailed. An investigation into the anatomy
of the leaves, carried out by Miss M. G. Flood,
M.A. . proved of great interest, no two species
being alike in their microscopic structure. The
paper also contained the results of a research

by Mr. C. T. Bennett, B.Sc, into the peculiar
oils yielded by the leaves on distillation. Tne
Oregon Douglas Fir, much cultivated in this
country for its fine timber, owes its character-
istic fragrant odour to the presence of geraniol
in the oil contained in the leaves. The inferior
species of the Rooky Mountains has a very
different and strong odour, like turpentine mixed
with camphor, due to the presence of pinene and
bornyl acetate.

Eoyal Gardeners' Orphan Fund.— The annual
general meeting of the subscribers to this Fund
will be held at " Simpson's," 100, Strand,
London, W.C., on Wednesday, February 4, for
the purpose of receiving the report of the Com-
mittee and Statement of Accounts for the past
year ; to elect officers for the ensuing year ; to
alter rule 13 by deleting the word " fourteen
in the second line and substituting the word

fifteen"; to elect eighteen candidates to
receive the benefits of the Fund ; and to trans-
act such other business as may arise. The
chair will be taken at three p.m.

Rhododendron Nobleanum Flowering in a
London Cemetery.— Mr. J. D. Robertson, the
Superintendent, informs us that a fine uoe of
Rhododendron Nobleanum is at present in bloom
in the City of London Cemetery, Little Ilford.
The plant is bearing upwards of 300 blooms, each

EPIPHYLLUM TRUNCATUM AND ITS
VARIETIES.

Fig. 20. — primula wattii : a small-growing
species with purplish flowers.

of fair size and good colour. The season of
flowering of this speces of Rhododendron varies
from the end of October to February ; when it
blooms early in October or November a second
crop of flowers usually appear early in the
following year.

The " Gardeners' Chronicle " Seventy-five
Years Ago. An Unusual Fruit: A plant of
Pyrus japonica, of the scarlet-flowering variety,
planted in a border of strong sandy loam, col-
lected from a coppice on the wood-sown land
(part of the plastic clay formation), placed on a
sub-soil of chalk, with a good southern aspect,
and trained to a brick wall, on an elevation of
250 or 300 feet above the sea, has this year pro-
duced with me a dozen or fifteen ripe fruit
filled with abundance of fine, plump, brown,
well-ripened seeds; the fleshy parts of the fruit
being strewed with sugar, made as good a
marmalade as the fruit of the Pyrus cydonia.
or common Quince. It did not, however, re-
tain the highly fragrant smell which the fruit,
when fresh gathered, possesses, but perhaps this
may be owing to some inattention in the dress-
ing, and might have been remedied by more
care. — Hautoniensis. Gard. Chron., February
1. 1845.

Among winter flowering plants that were at
one time far more generally grown than they
are at the present day are the different varieties
of Epiphyllum truncatum. Being of a partially
drooping habit of growth the most general
method of culture is to graft the plants on stems
of Pereskia aculeata, with which they readily
unite. The stems may be from one 'loot and
upwards in height, but from 12 to 18 inches is
usually preferred. Grafting is an exceedingly
simple matter, all that is necessary being to
bead the stock down to the required height, in-
sert the graft in the cleft manner, and hold it
in position by passing one or two of the sharp
spines of the Pereskia through it. The graft
may also be held in position bv tying, but
securing with a spine is usually preferred.
Epiphyllums are not at all exacting in their
cultural requirements. A suitable compost con-
sists principally of loam, lightened by a little
leaf-mould, broken brick rubble and sand-
After the flowering season is over the plants
should be kept somewhat dry at the roots until
the end of February, when, if necessary,.
they may be repotted. At that time
they should be grown in a house having
a minimum temperature of 55°. Thorough
drainage is very essential. In handling
the plants great care must be taken not to break
the slender stein of the Pereskia as the head
of flattened branches is weighty. Grown for a
time in a warm house the plants may, by the
latter part of the summer, be exposed to more
air and sunshine. This will lead to ripening
of the wood and ensure the production of
blossoms. As autumn advances less water will
be required. The flowers will expand in a.
house having a temperature of 50° to 60°.

Beside this method of growing Epiphyllums
they may also be cultivated in hanging baskets.
For this purpose grafting is not necessary, as
ut tings strike Toot very readily, and plants
obtained in this way are more suitable for
hanging baskets than standards.

As out flowers, Epiphyllum were, about half
a century ago, much appreciated. In those days
the formal pincushion-like bouquet was popular.
Every flower was wired, so that the individual
blooms of the Epiphyllum could be used. Being
of a curious, oblique shape, they were often
employed to form the outer floral fringe of the
bouquet. In times gone by there were several
well marked varieties of E. truncatum, hut it is
questionable if many of them could be obtained
nowadays. Favourites were bicolor, coccineum,
elegans, magnificum, salmoneum, and violaceum
superbum.

A second species, E. Russellianum, with rose-
coloured flowers is, or has been, but little grown.

In about the middle of the 'nineties of the last
century the late Mr. William Bull of Chelsea
introduced a pretty Epiphyllum from Brazil.
The plant received a first-class certificate from
the Royal Horticultural Society in the autumn
of 1898, under the name of E. truncatum Princess.
On being submitted to Mr. N. E. Brown of Kew,
he assigned it specific rank under the name of
E. delicatum. The flowers are white with a slight
suffusion of purple that deepens with age.
There is a ring of purple lake at the entrance
to the throat. According to Mr. Brown, E.
delicatum is more erect in habit, the branches
are more strongly toothed, the flowers are larger,
very different in colour, more regular, less
oblique at the mouth of the tube, with longer
and less reflexed petals : the tube of the corolh:
and the style are less abruptly bent at the base
and the Tecurved processes at the apex of the
short stiminal-tube are only about half as long
as they are in E. truncatum.

Differing from the above in the regular shape
of the blossoms are E. Gaertneri and E.
makoyanuzn, which bloom in the spring. The
flowers are red. They greatly resemble each
other; in fact, in the Kew Hand List they are
regarded as synonymous. It has been suggested
that this form of Epiphyllum is the result of a
cross between E. truncatum and a species o'f '"
Cereus. IF.

January 31, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

49

DECIDUOUS HEDGES.

Hedges of deciduous subjects not only afford
shelter from cold winds, but some are more
useful than evergreen hedges, if I except the
common Holly, tor enclosing cattle. Many de-
ciduous trees and shrubs make good hedges, and
such hedges provide interesting as well 'as
useful objects in the garden.

From the end of October to the beginning of
March is a suitable time to plant deciduous
trees and shrubs suitable for the purpose. It
is an advantage to do the work early in the
autumn, as the plants are then less liable to
suffer from drought the following season. The
evil effects of drought, however, may be
guarded against by the timely application of a
mulch of half-decayed animal manure, leaves,
vegetable refuse, or even old potting soil ; in
fact, anything that will check the evaporation
of soil moisture and keep the ground cool by
protecting it from hot sunshine and drying
winds.

The growth of all kinds of hedge plants is
much accelerated by a thorough preparation of
the soil before planting. Where the site is
naturally wet, effective means should be taken
to get rid of surplus water caused by heavy
rains. A bank, 1 foot high above the level
of the surrounding ground should be provided,
with a ditch at least 1 foot deep, having a suit-
able outlet. In damp, waterlogged soil, even
the common Quick becomes covered "with
moss and lichen and its growth is slow. The
soil, whatever its nature, should be trenched
2 feet deep, 3 feet in width, and manure
added to the upper spit. Trenching is especially
valuable in the case of heavy soils, as it not
only gives the plants a free root run, but en-
ables the roots to enter the lower, moist soil,
from which they can obtain moisture in dry
weather.

After the hedges are established it is wise to
keep the surface for one foot on either side free
from weeds and stirred with the hoe occasionally
during dry weather. A light mulching of
manure spread over the surface early in April
will help to conserve the soil -moisture, and as
the manure decays it will encourage the roots to
grow near the surface.

Where a hedge is required for shelter or to
enclose cattle, nothing equals the common White
Hawthorn or Quick.

It is a debatable point as to whether a single
or a double row of Quick makes the best hedge.
From experience, I advise the planting of a
single row, setting the plants 4 inches apart.
Single-row hedges form a thick base. On
this estate there are several hedges more than
one hundred years old; some are not more
than 5 feet high. The illustration shows a well-
kept Quick hedge that is trimmed twice yearly
with a sickle, commonly known in this county
as a fag-hook — a much better tool in the hands
of an expert than the ordinary garden shears
when miles of such hedges have to be trimmed
yearly, as on this estate. This tool enables the
work to be done expeditiously, and men used
to the work cut the hedges evenly notwithstand-
ing the rapidity of their progress*.

It is no advantage to plant large specimens ;
those of the thickness of a cedar pencil grow
more freely than larger plants. After planting
they should be cut down to within 4 inches
of the soil to ensure thick growth at the base.

For a double row the lines should be 10 inches
apart and tin* plants spaced 9 inches asunder.
The land should be raked level a line stretched
exactly where the hedge is to be formed, and a
trench chopped out close to the line by means
of a spade. The trench shoidd be sufficiently
deep to allow the roots to be spread out evenly.
Plant the Quicks upright, and tread the soil
firmly about their roots. As the shoots grow,
they should be stopped twice the first year to
ensure dense basal growth.

In some districts the Myrobalan Plum is em-
ployed for hedges on account of its rapid
growth, but it does not make nearly so service-

able a hedge as the Quick, being more liable to
become " thin " at the base. The same method
of preparation and planting as advised above for
Quick should be followed for this Plum.

As a wind screen for the garden where cattle
have not to be considered, the common Beech
grows freely to any height and makes an orna-
mental hedge, retaining its leaves through the
winter until they are pushed off by new growth.
Although Beech is not injurious to cattle the
latter eat the ends of the shoots, especially during
dry weather in summer, thus checking the
growth of the trees. Hornbeam is equally as good
as Beech for making hedges. Planted in light
soils, and especially on chalk land, the leaves of
the Beech develop beautiful shades of red in the
autumn. The Hornbeam, like the Beech, will
grow to any height and may be cut to any
shape. Perhaps the most serviceable hedge is
one of wedge form at the top, with upright sides,
as heavy falls of snow do not cause such damage
as when the top is wide and flat. Select plants
two feet high and set them three to the yard.
If large plants are employed, fewer will be
needed ; they should, however, be bushy at Ihe
base.

Subjects of a purely ornamental character add
interest to the garden where cattle fences are
not required.

THE ALPINE GARDEN.

THE DOUBLE SOAPWORT.

Dipping into Parkinson's Paradiius in a
leisure moment 1 was interested to read again
the description of the Double Soapwort (Sapon-
aria officinalis fl. ph) in that great work, and
it struck me that a brief note upon the plant
might be useful, as it is still occasionally
offered and even recommended for gardens.
Parkinson discusses the Double Soapwort along
with the Gentians on account of the resemblance
of the leaf, and, with a short reference to the
single form of Saponaria officinalis he speaks of
" Saponaria flore duplici, the Double flowered
Sopeworte," as follows : — " This with double
flowers is farre more rare, and of greater beautie.
It hath many long and slender round stalkes,
scarce able to sustaine themselues, and stand
upright, being full of joynts and ribbed leaues
at them, euery one like a small Gentian or
Plantane leafe : at the toppes of the stalkes
stand many flowers, consisting of two or three
rowes of leaues, of a whitish or pale purple
colour, and of a strong sweet scent, somewhat
like the smell of Iasmin flowers, standing in
long and thicke pale greene huskes, which fall
away without giuing any seede, as most double

»•

1

■ :

Br*

yw ~&m Afc ThJBfct jfa li

i $$$&

'"'•^■'-•*^S*S^^M

Fig. 21.-

-A WELL-KEPT HEDGE OF HAWTHORN OR QUICK.

Pyrus japonica, when closely cut, gives an
abundant crop of brilliant red blossoms early in
the year. When the plaints reach a suitable
height, the more frequently the subsequent
growths are pinched during the summer the
greater the quantity of flowering spurs that will
be found on the main branches.

Ribes sanguinea — the flowering Currant — is a
free, early-flowering bush, and flowering spurs
develop plentifully if the leading shoots are
shortened when the plant is well established.
When planted the subsequent top growth should
not be too rapid, as in that case there would be
a danger of the hedge becoming thin at the
base.

Another interesting and early-flowering plant
suitable for a hedge is Forsythia viridissima.
which produces its yellow flowers early in Feb-
ruary.

Weigela rosea (syn. Diervilla) may be used
for the same purpose. The pruning or clipping
of this plant should be deferred until the flower-
ing is over; shoots of the current season pro-
duce the 'best crop of flowers. The Tamarix, with
its rose-coloured blossoms and elegant, feathery
foliage, makes a good hedge plaait and is ex-
tensively employed for this purpose in gardens
near the sea. E. Molyntux3 Swanmcre Park,
BisJiop's Walthaitb.

Rowers do that encrease by the roots, which
spread eth within the ground, and riseth up in
sundry distant places like the single."

With all its quaintness there is no non-
botanical description which could surpass that of
Parkinson, and one need not venture to add
anything to it for the benefit of those
unacquainted with the Double Soapwort. But.
as my object is to point out the defects of
this old plant for the garden, I would remark
that the chief objections are fully disclosed in
Paradisus m the above description. It is
evident that Parkinson knew the plant well. The
" stalkes, scarce able to support themselues
constitute a defect of the plant, while another
is that of spreading at the root and sending up
shoots " at sundry distant places." to the
annoyance of the gardener and often to the in
jury of other flowering plants, through which they
frequently appear. The double flowers are rathei
phasing, though hardly distinct enough in.
colour and the perfume is quite agreeable. On
the other hand, the stalks are too weak and the
spreading habit is a great source of incon-
venience. It is. therefore, not a flower which 1
could recommend for inclusion in any but the
wild garden, where it might grow at will and
do little harm. Ihe plant seems to enjoy a
light soil and I have seen it growing excellently
in poor, sandy ground, S. Arnott.

50

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[January 31, 1920.

The Week's Work.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By T. Pateman, Gardener to C. A. Cain, Esq., J.P.,
The Node, Codioote, Welwyn, Hertfordshire.

Raspberries. — The Raspberry will succeed in
any good garden soil, but it does best in fairly-
rich, moderately light ground. The situation
should be open and sunny, but sheltered from
bleak, boisterous winds. In view of the favour-
able weather for planting during the past few
months, most growers have made their new
Raspberry plantations, but it is not too late to
undertake the work. The ground should be well
trenched, and. if of a heavy texture, mixed with
mortar rubble, leaf-mould, and well-decayed
farmyard manure. Bone meal may be also
added. The priming and tying of the canes of
established plants may be done now. The
growths may be regulated in various ways; the
most general method is to plant the stools two
feet apart in a continuous row, and train the
shoots to horizontal wires. Three wires strained
between iron standards, the latter set with
good feet, either of iron or wood blocks, will last
a considerable number of years. If the old canes
and weaker growths were removed immediately
after the fruits were gathered, the remaining
canes should be well ripened. The stronger and
better developed canes should be tied at regular
distances of about one foot. Digging should not
be done between rows of established'plantations.
but the ground should be cleared of weeds and
afterwards mulched with leaf-mould and well
rotted farmyard • manure. The varieties Super-
lative. Baumforth's Seedling, Hornet and Lloyd
George are amongst the best. The last was sent
me for trial three years ago, and I can stronglv
recommend it to growers. It is a vigorous
variety, a most prolific bearer, the flavour of
the berries is .of the best, and it is also a
perpetual fruiter.

Autumn-fruiting Raspberries.— The ground
chosen fur planting autumn-fruiting Raspberries
should be prepared as advised for the summer
fruiting varieties. Select the strongest canes
and plant them in rows made about four feet
apart. Shorten the shoots after planting to
within three or four buds from the base. Tread
the soil firmly and apply a light top-dressing of
well decomposed farmyard manure.

Birds and Fruit.— If the weather turns very
cold, with snow, it will be advisable to protect
the buds of Plums. Gooseberries. Currants and
other fruits from birds. The damage is often
done in February. The best deterrent is a
dressing of hot lime-wash and quassia sprinkled
on the trees by the use of a whitewash brush.
Black cotton may be intertwined among the top
branches of Gooseberries and Currants, whilst
Plum trees on wall should be netted.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By T. W. Briscoe, Gardener to W. R. Lysaght, Esq.,
Castleford, Chepstow.

Cypripedium. — The autumn and winter-flower-
ing Cypripediums constitute a useful and popular
series of Orchids. They are easily cultivated,
choice forms may be propagated quickly, the
flowers remain in full beauty for several weeks,
and fog causes very little injury to the plants.
They are valuable for growing in gardens near
large manufacturing towns where Orchid flowers
of finer texture are injured directly a dense fog
settles over the district. The plants are very
suitable for decorative purposes in the dwelling
house. Flowering specimens may remain in a
warm drawing-room for three weeks with-
out being harmed. In many gardens a
house or division is set apart exclusively for
Cypripediums, while in others they form the
bulk of the Orchids cultivated. Even where
no attempt is made to cultivate a collection of
Orchids, I strongly advise growers to grow
a few Cypripediums amongst their indoor plants.

A collection for purely decorative purpose
should include the best forms of C. insigne such
as Sanderae and Harefield Hall; the beautiful
varieties of Leeanum ; Euryades, Actaeus, Thalia,
Arthurianum, nitens, and others of equal merit.

The Cypripedium House.— The ideal house for
Cypripediums is of the low, span-roofed type,
with ample top and bottom ventilators, and it
should not be near trees and large buildings.
The house should contain sufficient water pipes
to maintain a minimum temperature of 50°.
During hot, summer weather a temperature of
80° wdl do no harm. Light is an important
factor, for although the plants need protection
from strong sunlight, excessive shade is detri-
mental. Dense shade will result in weak foliage,
and, eventually, flowers of poor quality. Light
and ventilation should be considered together;
a judicious use of the ventilators will often
permit the blinds to remain up for another
half hour or so. Careful ventilation is neces-
sary, and the outside temperature, force and
direction of the wind must be noted. When
admitting air it is far preferable to open all
the ventilators an inch or so rather than one
to its fullest extent. A moist atmosphere may
be maintained by sprinkling the paths and
stages with water twice or thrice daily accord-
ing to the weather and season. Frequent damp-
ings are needed on bright, hot days, and when
cold weather renders it necessary to us3 much fire
heat.

The Cool House.— Most plants of the crispum
type of Odontoglossum are making their season's
growth; some are forming new pseudo-bulbs,
whilst a few are sending up flower spikes. Every
encouragement should be given the plants to make
well developed and mature pseudo-bulbs. A
low temperature at this period is detrimental to
their well-being; if a minimum temperature of
50° is maintained with a rise of a few degrees
during tin- day. more air may be admitted when
tiie weather is favourable. Plenty of light is
needed, and in some districts it will be necessary
to wash the outside of the roof glass at intervals.
Examine the plants about three times each week
for watering, selecting, if possible, a bright day
for applying moisture. Guard against excessive
drought at the roots, and the other extreme/ a
saturated soil.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By F. Jordan, Gardener to Lieut. -Col. Spender Cut.
51. P., Ford Manor, L-ingfield, Surrey.

The Orchard House. — Make provision for
introducing the main batch of fruit trees into
the house with a view to having plenty of ripe
fruits in June. Pot trees are rather more under
the grower's control than trees in borders, and
their development may he hastened or retarded
a week or two, according to the time the fruits
are most in demand. The same varieties should
h > selected as given in the calendar of January
10. with the addition of Crimson Galande, and
Peregrine Peaches. Treat them as advised in
the previous calendar in a house with a
steady temperature; Peaches and Nectarines
should be grown in a division by themselves
wherever this is possible. A few trees of Plums
and Cherries may also be introduced to the
orchard house ; these trees give excellent returns
with careful treatment. A night temperature of
40°, with a rise of 5° during day, is suitable
for the first few weeks, but much will depend
on the weather, for in very mild times it will
be impossible to keep the temperature so low as
40°. Early Transparent Gage, Denniston's
Superb and Jefferson Plums, are all reliable
varieties for starting now. also Cherries Guigne
d'Annonay. Early Rivers. Bigarreau de Schieken
and Elton Bigarreau.

Routine Work.— Endeavour to complete the
work of cleansing the trees and houses and the
training of the branches to permit of the trees
starting naturally. See that the borders are in
a sufficiently moist condition always and the
houses kept as cool as possible. One of the
principal causes of bud dropping in Peaches is
drought at the roots during winter, combined
with high temperatures, through using fire-heat
For wintering tender nlants in the Peach houses.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By H. Wheeler, Gardener to Mrs. Jenner, Wenvoe
Castle, near Cardiff.

Shallots and Garlic— These bulbs should now
be planted. Single bulbs of Shallots should
be pressed firmly, 12 inches apart, into moder-
ately good ground, leaving the tops just visible.
This vegetable is commonly used tor pickling
purposes, therefore there is no object in grow-
ing very large specimens. Plant Garlic slightly
deeper than Shallots. The rows should be
12 inches apart and the sets 9 inches apart
in the rows.

Horse-radish. — Horse-radish is best grown on
raised beds made 3 ft. 6 in. wide. Mark out
the position, take out a trench around it. place
3 inches of soil on the bed, fork well-decayed
manure into the ground, and make the surface
level. The roots for planting should be straight,
12 inches long, and possess a single crown.
Put them one foot apart, flat on the bed with
the crowns flush with the outside and the roots
pointing to the centre, then cover them with 4
inches of soil. Space may be economised by
adding one or more rows, but the bed must be
raised another 8 inches for each additional row
grown. Given good ground, this system of
growing Horse-radish produces very fine roots.
The planting should be done on the first favour-
able occasion.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By Sidney Legg, Gardener to the Dowager Lady
Nvnbcrnholme, Warter Priory, Yorkshire.

The Rose Garden. — The Rose garden often
presents a very formal appearance and is not
always as pleasing as it should be. Where space
permits, all sections of the Rose should be in-
cluded. Dwarf Roses — Teas especially — should
be massed for effect. A few bushes of Lavender
or Rosemary planted in close proximity to Rose
beds relieve the appearance of formality and
enhance the general effect. Where large,
irregular beds are planted in masses, an
informal edging of Nepeta Mussinii may be used
with good effect. Strong, olimbing Roses, if
planted in an open situation without supports
and left unpruned, will form handsome bushes.
A pergola consisting mainly of Roses, with
Clematis viticella, C. Jackmanii, Wistaria
multijuga and an occasional cordon of Labur-
num Vossii, is very easy to manage, and far
more pleasing than a pergola formed of Roses
only. A deep, cool loam provides an ideal root-
ing medium for Roses, and well-rotted manure
should be thoroughly incorporated with it at
the time of its preparation. Autumn is the Inst
time for planting Roses, but the work may be
done in open weather until the end of March.
Plant firmly and spread the roots evenly. Care
should be taken in planting Tea Roses worked
on the Briar to cover the union of the scion and
stock in order to protect the more delicate
varieties from intense cold, and cause them to
send out a few roots from above the union.
This method of planting is also recommended
for other dwarf Roses which have been
"worked." Roses 'budded on the Manetti stock
should not be used in the making of permanent
plantations.

Pelargonium. — Rooted cuttings of Paul
Crampel, Maxime Kovalevski and other Pelar-
goniums at present in cutting boxes should have
their points removed and preparation made for
transferring them to pots, three weeks hence.
Crocking the pots is not essential, and the ulti-
mate planting out is more easily performed if
crocks are not employed.

Seeds. — Make sowings of Antirrhinum, Cclsiu
cretica, Geum, Pentstemon, Linaria macedonica
speciosa, Tritoma hybrida and various sub-
tropical plants. Use plenty of drainage material
in the seed pans, and fill these to within .i it-
inch of the rim with finely-sifted, light compost
pressed moderately firm and evenly. Water the
soil thoroughly, using a fine rose on the can, and
allow the pans to drain. Sow the seed thinly,

January 31, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

51

covea' theni very sparingly with fine soi], and
place the receptacles in a house having a tem-
perature of from 60° to 68°. Sheets of glass
may be used to cover the. pans to hasten ger-
mination. When the seedlings appear those
other than of su'b-tropical species should be
grown in cool conditions.

Chrysanthemum. — Old stools of early-flowering
Chrysanthemums wintered in frames are now
furnished with sucker growths. These may be
used as cuttings and inserted in a light compost.
When well rooted, pot the plants singly and
firmly in 3-inch pots and grow them in a cool,
airy house or pit.

MAGKAYA BELLA.

soot water, older plants will grow to the height
of about four feet. I. L. Richmond.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By John Coutts, Foreman, Royal Botanio Gardens,
Kew.

Nerine. — When out of flower, these bulbous
plants are frequently neglected, and this fact
largely accounts for them failing to flower
satisfactorily. The same remarks apply to
many other bulbous plants, such as Freesias and
Lachenalias. During the non-flowering period
give strict attention to watering and feed-
ing the roots to obtain strong growth
that will enable the plants to flower the
following year. Grow the plants in a light
position near to the roof-glass, in a cool house;
a warm, close atmosphere is not suitable. An
ideal place for them is a. shelf in a Carna-
tion house. Lachenalias throwing up their
flowers should, if growing in cold frames, be
removed to a light position in a cool greenhouse,
where there will be a free circulation of air.

Gloxinia and Caladium. — Tubers of these
plants that were ripened early may be started
as an early batch. Gloxinias are best laid out
in shallow trays in leaf-mould and sand until
they have started into growth, when they may
be potted in receptacles of a suitable size.
Caladiums may be potted direct into suitable
sized pots, using a light, rich compost. C.
argyriteo is a very useful plant for decorative
purposes, and the tubers, in common with those
of the larger species, may, if desired, be divided
to increase the stock; use a sharp, thin-bladed
knife for this purpose. The cut surfaces should
be rubbed over with powdered charcoal, and it
is advisable to start the plants in boxes as
advised for Gloxinias, as they will be less liable
to rot than when potted singly. Tubers of
Gesnera cardinalis should also be started in the
same way, and this plant may also be increased
by division of the tubers. Seeds germinate
readily, and it is advisable to raise a batch of
seedlings frequently as young plants are more
vigorous than old specimens.

Bouvardia. — Where Bouvardias are required
in quantity, and it is desired to raise young
stock, they may be propagated now. Stock
plants should be introduced into a warm pro-
pagating house having a moist atmosphere. With
frequent syringings, the plants soon break into
growth, and when the shoots are some three
inches long they may be used as cuttings, which
will root readily in a warm propagating case.
The frequent failure to root Bouvardias is due
to the fact that many cultivators do not realise
the importance of selecting young, soft growth
for cuttings. The plants may also be freely
increased by means of root cuttings, and for
this purpose some old plants should be shaken
out, the thickest roots cut into pieces some two
or three inches long, and Ithe cuttings
dibbled into pans of sandy soil. They will
succeed in a wairm propagvting case.
Certain varieties of Bouvardia do not
come true from Toot cuttings, due to the
fact that the growth proceeds or develops from
different layers of cells. Thus President Cleve-
land has recently given a pink variation from
root-cuttings. Bridesmaid also varies from root-
cuttings. Bouvardias, in common with many
other indoor plants, are frequently ruined by the
attacks of the Begonia mite, or what is gener-
ally called "rust." This pest may be entirely
eradicated by the use of Campbell's sulphur
vaporiser.

Mackaya bella, which is illustrated in Fig.
22, is a choice plant for the greenhouse, and
one of the best indoor flowering subjects in
early spring, out its cultivation is not always
attended with success. We publish below the
experience of two cultivators of this useful plant,
both of whom have flowered it successfully under
their respective treatments : —

A native of Natal, this beautiful dwarf shrub
is not quite hardy, and succeeds best in a warm
greenhouse, although it will exist without fire
heat. It is a valuable plant for forcing, and
only requires a minimum temperature of 55°
in winter to enable it to produce many terminal
sprays of bloom early in the spring. The flowers
are a delicate shade of lavender crape, remind-
ing the elderly amongst us of our great-grand-

Mackaya bella flowers upon the extreme ends
of the shoots made the previous year. The
blooms are pale lavender, campanulate, two
inches long, and are beautified by the presence
of reticulated, purple veins in the throat. The
plant thrives in rich loam, and an intermediate
temperature suits it. The growths should be
exposed to plenty of light, syringed frequently
during summer, and subjected to a ripening out
of doors during August and part of September.
Keep the plants rather dry during the late
months of the year and January ; place them
in heat in February and they will flower in
March. After the flowering period cut back the
shoots to within two inches of the previous
break ; as soon as new shoots appear turn the

Fig. 22. — mackaya bella ; flowers pale lavender.

mother's cap-ribbons. These elegant sprays are
well set off by the dark shining foliage. The
plant has the habit of blossoming whilst in a
small state, and its uncommon colour tint is
very effective amongst the warmer tones of
Pelargoniums.

Cuttings should be inserted in April, and
they will root readily in a shady, moist position
in the greenhouse. If potted on once or twice
in the summer in good loam with a sprinkling,
of soot — keeping them growing under glass —
they will flower the following season, making
pretty little plants for decorative purposes. They
should receive another shift after blooming. They
are extremely thirsty plants at all times, and
when they are in bud they must never lack
moisture at the roots. The slight pruning they
may require should be given directly after
flowering, in order to keep the plants in shape ;
but hard pruning is not required, and with a
good supply of soil, water and liquid manure or

plants out of their pots and shake off as much
of the old soil as will easily come away without
damaging the roots, and pot them in good loam
mixed with dry cow manure. As soon as the
roots have fully taken hold of the soil, liquid
manure may be' given liberally. Propagation may
be effected by means of cuttings inserted in May
and June, keeping them under a bell glass in a
warm pit. The rooted cuttings should be potted
in sandy soil and kept near the light. Plenty
of air and shade from strong sunshine are desir-
able. Pinch the young plants frequently to
induce a bushy habit. In a year and a half the
plants will flower profusely if given a fairly
high temperature in which to flower. I place
thrm in a stove temperature and they bloom in
March, making a very pleasing display. Mackaya
bella was introduced' in 1869. It grows wild in
the bed of the Tongat River. Xat.nl. where it
was first discovered by Mr. J. Sanderson.
77. IV., Tolvean, Redruth.

52

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[January 31, 1920.

EDITORIAL NOTICE.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the
PUBLISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, W.C.

Editors and Publisher. — Our correspondents would
obviate delay in obtaining answers to their com-
munications, and save us much time and trouble, if
they would kindly observe the notice printed weekly
to the effect that all letter! relating to financial
matters and to advertisements should be addressed
to the Publishes; and that all communications
intended for publication or referring to the Literary
department, and all plants to be named, should be
directed ta the Editors. The two departments
Publishing and Editorial, are distinct, and much
unnecessary delay and confusion arise when letters
are misdirected.

Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editors
do not undertake to pay for any contributions or
illustrations, or to return unused communications
or illustrations unless by special arrangement. The
Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any
opinions expressed by their correspondents.

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

AMERICAN PLANTS IN
ENGLAND.

THE early phases of the importation of
North American plants into Great
Britain and of the exportation of British
plants to North America form two topics of
considerable interest, historical as well as
botanical, and neither subject has attracted the
notice it deserves. The Englishman has always
been famous for taking his prejudices with him
wherever he goes, and in settling in another
country his first ambition seems to be to
surround himself with the things that remind
him of his home, more especially flowers and
fruit. This was the case with the early colonists
in North America, where the climatic conditions
were favourable for many of the plants common
to Great Britain. These colonists were equally
anxious to extend the cultivation of the plants
indigenous to their new country by exporting
roots and seeds to their friends in Gre.it Britain.

There can be no doubt that the importation
into this country of plants from what were then
the North American colonies had assumed very
considerable proportions in the 18th century.
We know from Peter C'ollinson's letter to Dr.
Richard Richardson, April 4, 1746, that the eighth
Lord Petre (1713-1742) had a " great variety
of Pines" and of "all other hardy American
Trees and Shrubs " at his seat at Thorndon Hall,
Essex, and also that the famous nurseryman,
James Gordon, of Mile End, had a " great
variety of rare hardy exotic seeds, both from
America and Europe," in the raising of which
he had " a peculiar skill and fortune." Peter
Collinson (concerning whom I wrote two articles
in the Gardeners' Chronicle of July 6 and 13,
1895) and Dr. Richardson were both enthusiastic
cultivators of American plants.

Much of the importing of plants from North
America was, in its early stages, done by and
for amateurs; but it must have soon developed
into a considerable business, for the British
nurserymen and seedsmen began to find money
in it; yet it is rather in the byways than in
the highways that we have to seek data.

One of the most interesting contributions to
the subject appeared in the Gentleman's
Magazine of December, 1751. The anonymous
writer of the article speaks of " the present
excellent taste of the nobility and gentry to
embellish, their plantations with all the variety
of trees and shrubs which are produced in our
North American colonies " as having " given
the greatest encouragement to the annual
importation of seeds, which arrive here in the
spring months." He gives some hints relating
to the culture and management of these plants,
and based it on his "long experience." He

adds a long list of "seeds arrived this year from
our North American colonies," and that list is
so remarkably interesting that I quote it in full,
verb, et lit. : —

Honey Locust Triacanthus, White Cedar,
Red Cedar, Small Magnolia or Swamp
Laurel, Evergreen Rhamnus or Rose Laurel,
Tupelo or Sour Gum, Gale or Myrtle,
Poplar-leaved Birch, Sassafras, Evergreen
Privet, Ash-leafed Maple, Dwarf Pine,
Spruce Fir with large cones, Spruce Fir with
small cones, Swamp Harex, Balm of
Gilead, Mountain Two-leafed Pine, small-
coned Pine with short leaves, Upland Wild
Roses, Swamp Wild Roses, Large Crane-
berries, Small Shagbark Hickery, Holly-
berries, Great Shagbark Hickery, Jersey
Tea, Mountain Flowering Shrub of New
York, Opulus with scarlet berries, Mountain
Vibernum, Anona or Papaw with large fruit,
Prinos or Caperna, Arbor Vitae, Aralia
Spinosa, Three-leafed Pine Cones, Sea Beech
Pine, Evonimus Scandens, Dwarf Maple,
Paper Birch, Cephalanthus or Button Tree,
Lotus or Nettle Tree (yellow fruit),
Hamamelis or White Hazel, Vitis Idoea or
large hurtle berry, Tulip Tree Cones, Five-
leafed Pine — scarce.

The names are doubtless those under which
the plants were known in North America, and
the list is therefore an interesting one as a con-
tribution to the early literature of plant names.
Probably most of the plants may be still
identified. I had the good fortune recently to
obtain a still more extensive list of importations
in the " Catalogue of Hardy American and
European Fruit and Forest Trees, also Flowering
Shrubs and Evergreens, etc.." sold by William
Wright, nurseryman, " Bottom of Leith Walk,"
doubtless the Leith end of the great road from
Edinburgh. The Catalogue extends to 12 pages,
and not the least interesting point about it is
the note at the end : —

"The SEEDS of the above American
Trees and Shrubs were sent from Canada by
John Wright (my brother), who was
employed by a Society of Noblemen and
Gentlemen in Scotland to go there for that
purpose, and he succeeded so far as to
collect near 600 different kinds, a Catalogue
of which was printed at London."

Unfortunately I have not been able to
find either John Wright's catalogue or any
other record of his activities; possibly they
may be found in the library of the Edin-
burgh Botanical Society ; in any case his
career must be one of considerable interest in
the annals of horticulture. His brother's
catalogue is especially noteworthy in that all
the plants raised from imported seeds from
Canada and other parts of America are indicated
by an asterisk. The list is too long to quote
here, but of forest trees there are 45 so marked,
and of shrubs there are 30, and plants are offered
at prices which vary from a few pence to a
shilling or so each; but the scarlet Horn-
beam, the deciduous Cypress, the great Canada
Service, the Nettle Tree and the shining leaved
Viburnum, are priced at 2s. 6d. each, whilst for
the purple-leaved Beech, and the variegated
Birch 6s. and 10s. each respectively were asked,
owing probably to difficulty of raising these from
seeds.

The London newspapers of the 18th and early
19th centuries contain many advertisements and
news paragraphs concerning plants Prom North
America. The earliest which I have in point
of date shows that in 1798 Nathaniel Powell
(of whom I wrote in Gard. Chron., June 1,

1918), was advertising " North-American seeds
of trees and shrubs just imported " ; a similar
advertisement was inserted in the papers in
1766 by George Ferne, " Netmaker and Seeds-
man at the Raven, opposite AVater Lane, in
Fleet Street''; he had, it seems, " just imported
a quantity of the New-England and other Pines,
warranted new." The imports were presumably
of the seeds and not of the plants. In 1783.
American tree, shrulb and flower seeds were
advertised by James Hairs, who was at No. 26,
St. James's Street, London, and of which he
offered collections of 50 sorts at two guineas and
one guinea, evidently, according to the quantity
of seed. Two years later, David Watts, who
was at No. 83 in the. same aristocratic thorough-
fare, was offering American White Spruce, 3
years old, at 5s. per 100.

In an advertisement of 1785 we meet with a
name more famous perhaps in American horti-
culture than in that of Great Britain — Peter
Thorburn, who had a nursery at the lower end
of Hogmore Lane, Brompton, " near London,"
and who specialised in " curious American
plants." For a subscription of five guineas for
a " very valuable assortment of hardy American
plants.'' which he specifies, he throws in " an
infallible recipe for preventing olr curing the
Mildew Blight and Red-Spider on wall-trees,
Peach-houses, etc." In April 1792, John Lyon,
of the garden adjoining the Marlborough
Tavern, Blackland's Road, near King's Road,
Chelsea, " informs the curious in Plants and
the Public, in general," that he has just
returned from America with " a large and
curious collection of Plants," many of which
were never before introduced into this country,
in all comprising over 400 species. His cata-
logues were to be had of the leading nurserymen
of London, notably the famous firm of Lee
and Kennedy o£ Hammersmith. In April, 1812.
we have the advertisement of Frederick Pursh,
" Botanist, from New York," who bad just
arrived in this country, and who was to 'be
found at Mr. Munro's, the nurseryman and
seedsman of No. 38, Westminster Bridge Road ;
he brought with him a valuable collection of
hardy American plants, of which he offered
collections of about 130 Pine plants at five
guineas each. He tells us that for the last 12
years he had been making botanical researches
in the greater part of North America, and in all
the different West India Islands.

But of all the imports from America, the one
which seems to have been the most popular
was the American Aloe. All through the greater
part of the 18th and until well into the 19th
century, this was a never-failing source of
attraction. A newspaper paragraph of Oct. 20,
1761, informs us that an Aloe was " now open-
ing for bloom " in the Physic Garden at Oxford.
At Bagnigge Wells, among other attractions in
1785, there were two "just entering into bloom."
At Smith's nursery at Dalston, in 1790, sixpence
was charged for seeing two large American Aloes
in flower. And finally at Cochran's nursery,
opposite the church, Paddington, a gold striped
American Aloe, which " blows once in a
hundred years," might have been seen in August,
1814, for "a charge of one shilling, together with
" a very magnificent and wonderful plant,
called Bonaparte, o fine specimen, and the
largest plant of the kind ever seen in this
country." The " Bonaparte " was probably the
Agave geminiflora, which came from Mexico in
1810.

These few data., derived from many sources,
may help the future historian to piece together
the interesting story of the introduction and
distribution of North American plants into
Great Britain. W. Roberts.

January 31, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

63

FLORISTS9 FLOWERS.

ANTIRRHINUMS

By reason of their adaptability to almost all
forms ot garden decoration Antirrhinums occupy
a position of importance among hardy flowers.
Their rise in popularity has been rapid, but it
is no less secure, as in both public and private
gardens few plants have proved to be more useful
for summer bedding, and the best strains have
been responsible for some of the most brilliant
colour effects ever produced.

To provide plants ready for planting out
towards the end of May seed should be nsually
sown in pans or boxes of light soil and placed
in gentle heat early in February. When large
enough to handle the seedlings do well pricked
off into boxes or slightly heated frames. When
once established, cool and airy treatment will
encourage steady, short-jointed growth, and
early in May the plants should be gradually
hardened off in readiness for planting out.
Although the present race of Snapdragons is the
result of much close attention on the part of a
few leading seedsmen, improvement has not been
made at the expense of vitality. As is the case
of the older type from which they have been
produced, the modern race is comparatively
hardy, and capable of resisting drought to a
remarkable extent. While other subjects around
them are evidently suffering under the scorching
sun and heat of a hot summer they apparently
suffer little when once they have become
established. In low situations, where the soil
is usually damp, Antirrhinums rarely bloom as
freely as when grown in full sunshine in a well-
drained soil. The addition of fresh manure to
soil of average fertility in beds and borders is
of no advantage so far as flowering is concerned,
indeed it has a tendency to produce growth
instead of blooms, especially in a dull, wet
season. However, practically all plants are
improved by a light dressing of superphosphate
forked in before planting. If water is applied a
little in advance of planting it is an advantage,
as the soil can then be made tolerably firm
roumd the roots of the plants, thus helping them
to become established quickly. Under fair treat-
ment flowering will commence in June and con-
tinue until frost comes, provided attention is
paid to the removal of the seed pods, as the
plants are unable to perfect seeds and continue
flowering.

When time is pressing and spare under glass
cannot be spared for raising plants in spring,
seeds may be sown in August, and the resultant
plants pricked out in a cold frame where, with
the lights protected during very cold weather,
they will winter safely. Antirrhinums may also
be propagated from cuttings inserted in Septem-
ber and wintered in similar conditions. Thus
raised the plants will be ready for planting out
in April, and where large borders that have been
vacant all the winter are to be planted, there
is much to be said on behalf of this method
of raising Antirrhinums, as it allows much work
to be completed before the very busy season
arrives. If, on the contrary, the plants are to be
used in formal bedding schemes, it is desirable
to remove them from the frame in order to check
them a little and thus bring them into a proper
condition for planting at the appointed
time. They should spend the few intervening
weeks in the poorest soil the garden affords, and
it should be made firm so as to prevent excessive
growth. This will not prevent the more forward
plants from forming flower spikes before the
beds are ready for them, but the spikes should
be allowed to remain, as they have a steadying
effect on growth and it is an easy matter to
remove the spikes, if necessary, when the plants
are placed in their permanent position.

The Intermediate varieties are the most
popular for bedding purposes, as they have a
neat, bushy habit, and do not often exceed
eighteen inches in height. They are available in
all the choicest colours, and good strains come
true from seed. The tall varieties reach twice
the height of the former. In bold groups they
are very effective, and only in exposed situations
do they need support. The dwarf varieties are
useful for edging purposes, but are rather too
"dumpy" for any other position of prominence.
There are named sorts in all three sections, but
the plants from strains supplied by the

leading seedsmen give excellent results.
In their varying heights few flowering
plants make a border more attractive
especially if the colours are kept separate, and
planted in curved oblong groups, so that when
in bloom the whole scheme represents waves of
the brightest colours. In beds, the colour
harmony is best preserved by keeping the vary-
ing shades of yellow, orange, and light-scarlet
together, also the rose, pink, and fawn tints.
White is never displayed to more advantage than
when associated with the darker colours. F. T.

NEW CHRYSANTHEMUMS.
One of the finest of the new Chrysanthemums
seen at the Royal Horticultural Hall last
autumn was the variety Mrs. H. E. Dixon
(see Fig. 23), which has light bronze colouring
over yellow and broad reflexing florets which

its flowers, it is likely to occupy a very
important position among novelties. Un-
fortunately, stock is limited, and Messrs. K.
Luxford and Co. will not be distributing it
until 1921. Like all the foregoing, it was raised
by Mr. Bryant, and is quite up to the high
standard of size and quality set by the popular
varieties which have already made hijm famous
as a raiser.

Now that happier times prevail growers will
doubtless resume the cultivation of these large
and imposing varieties of Chrysanthemums. I '.

CANARINA CAMPANULATA.

Among the plants not grown to the same
extent as formerly Canarina campanulata must
be included. Introduced from the Canary

Fig. 23. — chrysanthemum mrs. h.
First-class Certificate, National Chrysanthemum Society, Dec. 1, 1919;

Society, Dec. 2, 1919.

E. DIXON.

and Award of Merit, Royal Horticultural

give it a particularly handsome appearance. It was
raised by Mr. Bryant, who was also the raiser
of Mrs. Gilbert Drabble and Queen Mary.
Mrs. H. E. Dixon was exhibited by Messrs.
Keith Luxford and Co., Sheering Nurseries,
Harlow, and was awarded a first-class Certificate
by the National Chrysanthemum Society on
December 1 last, and the Award of Merit of the
Royal Horticultural Society on December 2nd.,
1919. Another novelty which this firm is in-
troducing is named A. S. Watt. This flower is
of a deep yellow colour and may be described as
a glorified' Princess Mary. The variety L. C.
Thome has beautiful, mauve-pink flowers,
is similar in growth to Mrs. G. Drabble, and
succeeds under the cultural treatment that has
been found successful with the latter variety.

Another new variety of great promise was
exhibited by Messrs. K. Luxford and Co., on
the 13th inst., at the Royal Horticultural
Society's meeting. It is a large, reflexing,
white variety, and as it is quite late in opening

Islands in 1696, it is of a herbaceous
character and forms a stout, fleshy root stock,
whence arise thick, succulent shoots that
reach a height of three feet or more. These
growths branch out towards the upper part, on
which the flowers are produced. Individually
the blooms are drooping, bell-shaped, and about
the size of those of Abutilon Darwinii, to which
they bear a resemblance, being of a yellowish-
red colour, veined with a deeper tint. Canarina
campanulata flowers in the early months of the
year, and then gradually goes to rest, passing
the summer in a dormant state and commencing
to grow again in the autumn. When the leaves
begin to turn yellow after the flowering period
» over, the water supply must be lessened and
discontinued as soon a's the plant is totally
dormant. During the summer the plant may re-
main on, a sunny shelf in the greenhouse. By the
end of the summer or in early autumn the new
snoots will be visible, and the plant should be
turned out of its pot and repotted. It. T.

54

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[January 31, 1920.

PLANT HYGIENE.

[Concluded from p. 41.)

There are oertain insect pests which can be
dealt with best by protection. Such are the
flies which attack various vegetables. Examples
are the Celery Fly, the Onion Fly, Carrot Fly,
Cabbage Fly, and abroad the various fruit flies.
In each case the fly lays eggs in or near its
food plant and these hatch into maggots, which
burrow into the tissues of the plant so that the
pest cannot be destroyed without destruction of
thelplant. If the;fljy can Ibe prevented from laying
its eggs on the plant no damage is done. This may
be accomplished sometimes by providing a thin
ayrup poisoned with arsenic, on which the fly
feeds before ovipositing, but the method has
only been tried to any extent abroad for the
fruit flies. The usual method is either to spray
the plants frequently with paraffin emulsion or
to dust them with ashes, sawdust, or other con-
venient absorbent material which has been
sprinkled with paraffin, cresote or other strong
smelling chemical. Whether the flies are kept
away by the strong smelling substance or
whether this masks the characteristic smell of
the food plant, which would attract the flies,
is not known, but if consistently done from time
to time during the period the fly is ovipositing,
it gives good results.

Other cases of protection from insect pests
are seen in grease-banding of trees to prevent the
female Winter Moth and other wingless female
moths from climbing trees to deposit eggs, or the
placing of hay bands around Apple trees to
induce Codlin Moth larvae to pupate in them.

(3) Eradication.

While hygiene deals largely with prevention,
it has also to deal with eradication where the
disease has obtained entry. Books have been
written on the eradication of plant disease and
only a few general principles oan be touched on
here. A rubbish heap is no doubt a necessity
at certain periods of the year, but it should not
become a manure heap. So many diseases are
carried over from one season to another on the
rubbish heap, that all rubbish, whether old
plants, roots or prunings should be burnt and
the ashes kept in the dry to be used as a potash
manure.

Diseased plants, especially of such food plants
as Swedes, Mangels and Potatos, which are
usually fed to animals, should be burnt where
possible. If fed unboiled, as is often done, the
spores, in the cases where disease was caused
by a fungus, pass through the animals unchanged
and are placed on the land with the manure.
Many serious outbreaks of disease, especially
of Wart Disease among Potatos and Club Root
amongst Turnips and Cabbages, have been caused
in this way, and when soil is infected on a large
scale it is impossible, in most cases, to get rid
of the disease. It is becoming more and more
apparent as our knowledge of mycology increases,
that certain well-known fungous diseases, typical
instances being Apple and Pear Scab and Brown
Dot of Plums and Apples, overwinter in the
twigs. In the spring spores are released which
infect the new growth, both fruit or leaves, and
later the shoots. Hence, careful pruning will
remove the source of much of the reinfection
which occurs annually. Pruning, therefore,
must be looked upon not only as a pure cul-
tural operation, but as a sanitary measure, for
such diseases as Apple Canker, Silver Leaf of
Plums, to say nothing of insect pests, may all
be controlled by careful pruning. All such
prunings, however, should be promptly burnt as
most of the fungi will continue to produce their
spores after removal of the wood from the tree.

In speaking of the eradication of insect pests,
mention must, be made of spraying. Two points
to be kept in view are (1), sucking insects such
as Aphides, Capsid Bugs, " Suckers," etc., must
be attacked by contact washes, the principle of
which is the killing of the pest either b"y
absorption or by blocking the breathing open-
ings ; and (2), the poisoning of leaf-eating insects
'by spraying plants with arsenic compounds,
nicotine, etc. Although nicotine is the most
expensive substance to buy, it is probably as
cheap as the others in the long rim, as it is very

effective and oan be used against both sucking
and leaf-eating insects

In America, eradication or control of a- com-
paratively new pest has been accomplished by
breeding and loosing its parasites. The classic
case of this is where the Orange groves of
California were being rapidly killed by an in-
troduced " scale," which in its original country
did little or no damage. Investigation showed
that it was kept under there by a " ladybird "
beetle, and the introduction of this beetle into
California soon reduced the " scale " to very
small proportions. Similar methods are being
tried by the United States authorities with
greater or less success on all newly introduced
insect pests, and a " wilt " disease of Caterpillars '
caused by a fungus is being used with great
promise of success in their Brown Tail Moth
eradication campaign.

Two other instances of extermination by
simple means may be quoted. Strawberry Leaf-
Spot is very common in Strawberry plantations
and weakens the plant. If on a suitable day
after the crop has been picked, the straw used
is loosely shaken over the plants and the whole
fired, the affected leaves will be burnt and the
crowns will be uninjured, so that new, disease-
free leaves are produced. Apple Sawfly and Codlin
Moth may also be kept under where labour is
available, by picking and destroying affected
fruit before the larvae have left it. In this
connection, fowls running in orchards or amongst
plants they do not hurt may be mentioned as a
means of keeping under insect pests.

The spraying of fruit trees in winter with a
caustic or lime-sulphur wash may be looked upon
partlv as eradication, in that certain pests are
killed, and partly as protection, in that the trees
are freed from lichen and rough bark which
afford protection to insect pests.

(4) Immunisation.

The immunity of a plant from disease is now
being used in connection with cropping, for
breeders and selectors are bearing this in mind
when raising new varieties. Unfortunately, no
plants have yet been produced which are immune
to all diseases, and it does not follow that a
plant immune to any particular disease will
yield a greater crop, as, owing to its susceptibility
to other diseases, it may be destroyed. Apart
■ from this its cropping powers may be less than
those of the susceptible variety. Nevertheless,
the attempts to breed or select immune varieties
of plants have given promising results.

True immunity to a disease is a fact whatever
the conditions, but there is a resistance due to
conditions which can be varied, while there is
often a resistance which is relative.

True immunity is best illustrated by Wart
Disease of Potatos. Here land may be full of
the spores causing this disease, and two similar
looking Potatos such as Great Scot and Arran
Chief may be planted side by side, so that the
resulting plants grow up intertwined. The
former, whatever the conditions, will show no
signs of Wart Disease, the latter may be a mass
ot warts with no sign of a Potato. This is a
case of absolute immunity where climatic or
temperature conditions have little or no effect,
but the cause of the resistance to this particular
disease is as vet unknown. This fact is made
use of in checking the ravages of Wart Disease,
and where this is present only immune varieties
of Potatos can be grown legally. Wheats are
known which resist "rust," but whose cropping
and other qualities are poor. Professor Biffen
made various crosses and has produced Wheats
which have good qualities in addition to resist-
ance to "rust."

In America new disease-resisting plants have
been produced bv selection. When a field crop
lias been ravaged by some disease an occasional
plant may survive.

The progeny from this is subjected to infec-
tion and selected until a resistant stock is ob-
tained. Partial or complete resistance to some
characteristic disease is obtained in several varie-
ties of plants. Thus there aire now mildew-free
Roses and Peas, a variety of Cucumber resistant
to Leaf Spot, the Pershore Plum apparently re-
sistant to Silver Leaf, Apple trees like Bramley's
Seedling resistant to Canker.

With the exception of Wart Disease in Potatos
few examples of true immunity are known at
present, another case quoted by Dr Butler, ot

India, being "Buri," a variety of Cotton quite
resistant to a wilt which kills all other varie-
ties. In most of the other cases, the resistance
breaks down if conditions of cultivation or cli-
mate are radically changed. This has been
termed by Dr. Butler "Avoidance of Disease."
It may be illustrated by the earlier sowing of
Oats to avoid the attacks of frit fly ; the use of
early and second early varieties of Potatos to
avoid " Blight," or planting late varieties like
President, Templar or Champion, which have
stiff haulms, for the same reason ; the planting
of varieties of Gooseberries with wood which
ripens quickly, to avoid American Gooseberry
Mildew.

It will be seen, therefore, that the grower of
crops, although largely at the mercy of condi-
tions, such as climate, over which he has no
control, may yet exercise a considerable influence
on his ultimate crop of taking advantage of
plant hygiene. Geo. 0. Gough, B.Sc.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

The Sacred Groves of Hygeia.

Trees in the precincts of towns and their
suburbs, trees in the woodlands and hedgerows,
and trees in the forests, all claim attention
from the aspect of their power of promoting
health and happiness. The major portion of
the book by Professor Henry* deals with the
afforestation of the catchment areas, whence the
water supplies of many of our towns are derived.
He points out that though we are not dependent
upon trees for the source of rain, as is the case
in some_countries, for the ocean supplies us
with moisture abundantly, yet we ought to make
more use of their power to conserve the rain
that falls, so that it may be guided to reservoirs
and not allowed to run at high speed back into
the sea. Other considerations show that further
advantages accrue from tree planting on catch-
ment areas, not only by limitation of possible
pollution of the source from human habitations
and by wandering flocks, both of which are not
without danger, but also in that it forms a
source of profit from the timber which is grown.
The antiseptic power of peat and its relation to
]X>lluting influences is a matter to which some
thought might be given, for if the pollution
cannot be avoided, and ifi by afforestation the
peat is destroyed, the eventual results might not
be altogether desirable.

The Forestry Sub-Committee (Reconstruction
Committee) in its report considers that " it
should be an invariable rule that on catchment
areas all land which will produce a crop of
marketable timber should be afforested." How
far this has been done, how it should be done,
and what sorts of trees should be planted aTe
questions of which the answers will be found
in Professor Henry's book. A great deal of
experience as to the suitability of different kinds
of trees in different places and soils has already
been gained, and though experiments have no
end, it is hardly conceivable that any authority
will proceed with an afforestation sclieme with-
out a careful study of this book.

The share that trees take in restoring the sick
to health is dealt with in a chapter on sanatoria
in forests ; here the balance of evidence is given
in favour of a beneficial influence to be accredited
to the emanations of Fir trees. But the huts
must not be invisble on account of the trees, nor
must the trees be invisible on account of the
huts !

The aesthetic capability of bare pit mounds,
slag heaps, etc., when planted up with trees
forms the theme of a short chapter, wherein the
disclosure of the commercial side of the venture
may act as an incentive to hesitating owners.
Here again the suitable kinds of trees are dealt
with in much detail, so far as trials have gone ;
but in certain cases perhaps something might be
said for trials of the less important growths of
shrubs and bushes. The ghastly, snow-white,
spoil heaps about the china-clay works are sites
which have not yet been attacked— at any rate
they are left severely alone in silence.

Trees in towns form a section which we should

* Forest Woods and Trees in Halation to ttygtene
By Augustine Henry, Prof, of Forestry, Royal College of
■Soienoe, Dublin. The Chadwiek Library. Svo ; pp. S05,
with illustrations and maps 50. Constable. London.
18s. net.

January 31, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE.

55

like to see very considerably extended. Here
we do not get nearly so exhaustive a list of
suitable species or varieties as must surely be
possible. It seems that more separate treatment
af various circumstances might be introduced ;
parks, squares, and open spaces group them-
selves together for similar needs ; next, the town
garden and small front gardens, for which shruibs
may often be more suitable than trees.
Streets, from the character of their needs, might
merit rather separate treatment. Note is made
of the- evil influence of civilisation— gas mains,
electric leads, their several leakages and their
disastrous effect upon tree growth; but there
is another side to consider, namely, the re-
taliation of the trees by sending their roots into
and blocking drains. The tendency of some
trees to subsist on a deep tap root, and for
others to send out superficial spreading ones
must surely not be without importance in
selcting sorts for planting in certain places. It
may be noted that the Ash tree is given short
shrift as a street tree, partly on account of its
foliage being late in coming out and early in
falling; but such peculiarity, of this and some
other trees, might indeed prove an advantage in
certain sites, in that the obstruction to light
and sunshine becomes least when there is
greatest need to get most of what there is.

Fruit trees are hardly suitable for streets,
though some Pears and Apples (notably
Siberian Crab amongst the ornamental),
Morello Cherries, and others will do well in
certain parts of London, but some of the flower-
ing trees may add a charm to the dull stucco or
brick, like the Almonds in and about Avenue
Road' or Adelaide Eoad in Hampstead ; the
perfect tree gives joy by its blossom and fruit
as well as by its leafage.

No doubt, where possible, the less man inter-
feres with the growth of the tree by lopping
and pruning, the more beautiful is the result,
but may not the amenities of a street be
enhanced by the presence of a row of trees
which would have to be destroyed if they were
not vigorously trimmed year by year? Even
the close-clipped hedge may afford rest to the
eye and so to the brain. 'Where sunshine and
air are not unduly kept away, a screen of trees,
more especially in suburban and country places,
certainly aids health by fending off the dust
upraised by motor traffic ; if such trees can be
left virgin of the shears and saw, so much the
better, but the pruned screen is better than no
screen at all.

These criticisms are not intended to prevent
Town Councillors who are on parks and estates
sub-committees from studying the book ; on the
contrary they, like their confreres on the
Waterworks Committee, will find much to guide
them therein. II. D.

TREES AND SHRUBS.

FRUIT REGISTER.

GRAPE MADRESFIELD COURT.

I was interested in Mr. Molyneux's remarks
(page 31) on this fine Grape. As neither Mr.
Molyneux nor myself touched upon the com-
mercial value of this variety, I may state that
I consider it to be one of the best for market
purposes; as an early market Grape I find it is
the best.

In these gardens we have such a large quantity
of Grapes that it is impossible for the household
to use them all, consequently I have occasion to
market a fairly large surplus each year. In
August, 1918, the average price I received for
Madresfield Court was 5s. per lb., and in 1919,
3s. 9d. per lb.

I wonder why this variety is not recognised
as a market Grape ? One never sees the name
mentioned in the Covent Garden market list of
Grapes. I can fully endorse what Mr. Molyneux
says about the free cropping qualities of Madres-
field Court.

I have more than once sawn the spurs from
an old rod, almost back to the main stem, with
the result that dormant buds from the old wood
started into growth in spring, and the same
season produced a crop of fine bunches. J. G.
Besant.

A YELLOW-FRUITED PYRACANTHA. '
The beautiful-berried shrub illustrated in Fig.
24 received the R.H.S. Award of Merit on Octo-
ber 21 last, under the name of Pyracantha
Rogersiana forma flava, when the fruiting
branches shown in the illustration were exhibited
from the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens
at Wisley, where the variety was raised. As the
varietal names indicate, the fruits of this novelty
are bright yellow, differing from those of the
type, which vary in colour from orange to scarlet.
Mr. A. Bruce Jackson pointed out in Gard.
Chron., December 30, 1916, p. 309, that the
plant named P. Rogersiana cannot be separated
specifically from crenulata, although there are
differences in the foliage, and he named it P.
crenulata var. Rogersiana. after Mr. C. Co'ltman
Rogers, of Stanage Park, who has raised plants
of several Pyracanthas from seed collected by
Mr. George Forrest in China.

Long branches of Dartmouth Crab cut when the
fruits are mature axe very useful for decorative
purposes, especially for Harvest Thanksgivings,
lor which they are particularly appropriate. If
grafted on the Paradise Stock the fruits grow-
much larger than on ordinary standards, but
the trees are useful in either case and form
most delightful objects in autumn when laden
with fruits. If selected for hedgerow planting
this Crab should not be used in populous dis-
tricts or near public roads, as the rich colour of
the fruits makes them too tempting to the public.
II'. H. Divers, V.M.S., .Westdean, Hook, near
Surbilon.

RABBITS EATING TREE STEMS.

Last winter rabbits were unusually harmful
to fruit trees, and I had to record serious damage
done to a newly-planted orchard of bush Apples.
Most of these had steins 18 in. long, which were
surrounded by wire netting, but this did not

Fig 24. — PiRACANTHA crenulata rogersiana for forma flava.

CELASTRUS ARTICULATUS.

This shrub, of scaudent habit, is not very
attractive in summer, as its small flowers are
inconspicuous and the plant itself preseuts no
special features of beauty, although the way in
which the young growths will twine themselves
round other subjects is interesting to the student
of habits of plant growth. In autumri, how-
ever, after a good season, not too wet, it gives
many bright fruits of scarlet with yellow arils.
These not only look distinct and beautiful on
the shrub, but last a long time in the house and
are very useful at the Christmas season as a
change from the Holly berries and those of the
Mistleto. Arranged in a bowl with the bronzy
leaves of the Barrenworts, or Epimediums, the
effect is most pleasing. .S'. A.

JOHN DOWNIE AND DARTMOUTH CRABS.

Market Grower (see p. 29) mentions the
planting of John Downie Crab in hedgerows, I
consider the Dartmouth Crab is far superior
to John Downie. The fruits are equally attrac-
tive in colour, of better shape for market, and
larger. I have found it an excellent cropper,
the fruit being very useful for making jelly,
while as a sweet dish for table they are ex-
ceedingly good when stewed whole in syrup.
Unfortunately the present scarcity of sugar
prevents unlimited operations of this larger kind,
so we must push ahead and grow our own sugar
before we can fully utilise our fruit crops.

prevent rabbits from biting off many of the
shoots above the netting and barking any part
they could reach. I was forced to the unwel-
come conclusion that there was nothing for it
but to erect a rabbit-proof fence all round the
orchard, and this has now been done. Dual
meshed wire netting, 4 ft. wide, wits used, the
mesh being lj in. at the bottom and 2-i in. at
the top. The procedure was to dig a shallow
trench all round the field close to hedge or ditch,
lav 6 in. of the netting flat on the bottom of
this, bend the rest upright and secure to posts
driven in at the edge of the trench. The soil
was then returned to the trench and trodden in
over the strip of netting. There is thus a fence
a little over 3 ft. high with about 6 in. turned
outwards at the bottom and buried. This
buried portion is, of course, to prevent rabbits
from burrowing under the fence, which they are
said always to attempt cilose up to the netting.
The posts should not, be more than 3 yds.
apart to insure rigidity, and there must. It
netting-covered gates where necessary. This
plantation ought to he safe now, but so far this
winter rabbits have done very little damage
even to unprotected trees. Never again will I
plant trees with stems less than 3 ft. high, so
that they may be protected with a ring of wire
netting round each. Unfortunately, most nur-
serymen send out so-called half-standards with
stems considerably longer than this, so there is
nothing for it but to buy maidens or else raise
the trees at home. B.

50

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[January 61, 1920.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

[The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for
the opinions expressed by correspondents.]

Hosts ol the Mistleto (see pp. 20 & 44).— When
I was at the Chadbury Fruit Farm twenty-four
years ago there was then a small piece of
Mistleto growing on a. Pershore Egg Plum.
Mistleto was plentiful in the neighbouring
Apple orchard, but I never saw another case
on Plum either there, or elsewhere. There was
no reason to think that the Mistleto was sown
by human agency. Harold Evans, Llanisfmn,
Cardiff.

October Dessert Apples. — I write to thank
you for publishing my letter under the aibove
heading in your issue of the 10th inst., but
the word " planting " (see page 20), in the
passage " planting at 2 ft. 6in. deep, or at
3 ft. deep," is a mistake. It is obvious nobody
would plant so deeply ; what I desired to express
was that soil 2 ft. 6 in. in depth by being raised
6 in,, would become 3 ft. deep, and become a
belter medium for retaining soil moisture and
one that -would keep tbe roots cooler, thus, in
effect, making a change of climate. C. A.
Jardine.

Onions on Light Soil. — Being an enthusiastic
grower of large Onions, I was much interested
in Mr. Thatcher's article (p. 50) on " Exhibition
Onions." I consider his advice to be excellent
for those favoured with a medium or heavy soil,
but on a very light sandy soil, such as we have
here, his method of cultivation would result in
the plants making too much top, thickening of
the neck, and splitting of the bulb. For two
seasons I pursued practically the same system
as Mr. Thatcher (with the exception of the feed-
ing and watering in the early stages of growth),
with the result mentioned above. I then hit
on a plan for which shortage of labour caused
by the war was responsible. Three years ago
I was so hard pressed for labour that no ground
had been prepared for the "boxed" Onions;
consequently I had a plot cleared of late
Broccoli and simply surface-cleaned the ground
with Dutch hoes, applied a dressing of lime <i
week or two before planting, and, in the second
week in April, raked the bed level and put out
the Onions at the usual distance apart. The
result was that I had a very fine bed of Ailsa
Craig variety, although the plants were not
watered or fed once during the season. Many
of the bulbs weighed 2£ lbs. each and some more ;
all were firm right up to the neck, and well
ripened. I have pursued the same method ever
since, with unvarying success, except that I
use a piece of ground previously occupied by
late Cauliflowers, and apply the lime in mid-
winter. I may add that the ground had been
thoroughly trenched and heavily manured the
previous year for the Cauliflowers, and was
therefore in good " heart," but I am convinced
that had I trenched the ground (even in winter)
no amount of treading or ramming would have
made it firm enough to produce the large,
shapely, well-iipened bulbs which I harvested
from the undug plot. Concerning the Onion
Fly, may I ask if any of your readers have tried
sowing Onions on ground previously occupied by
Celery ? Last season, in August, I visited a
well-known garden in this county, and was
delighted to see a half-acre plot of spring-sown
Onions in splendid condition, when everyone else
in the district had lost practically their whole
crop owing to the ravages of the Onion Fly.
The gardener informed me that he had lost his
Onions for several years, till he happened a few
years ago to us9 ground for Onions that iiad
been previously cropped with Celery, with the
result that the crop was successful, and
since then by adopting the same plan he has
always a good bed of spring-sown Onions. I
wonder if the soil retains the pungent smell of
the Celery, which repels the Onion Fly, or is it
because the seedlings make extra strong and
rapid growth in the well-worked soil, and in
consequence soon get strong enough to resist
the attacks of the maggot ? It is well known
that if seedling's receive favourable conditions,
which enable them to grow freely, they soon
pass the stage at which they are most suscep-
tible to injury by pests and diseases. Norfolk.

SOCIETIES.

GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT
INSTITUTION.

January 22. — The eightieth annual general
meeting of the Gardeners' Benevolent Institu-
tion was held on Thursday, the 22nd inst., at
Simpson's Restaurant. Strand. The Chairman
and Treasurer (Sir Harry J. Veitch) presided,
and there were present Messrs. G. Hillier,
H. Cowley, W. A. Bilney, J. White, J. Hudson,
Owen Thomas, A. J. Wood, Geo. F. Tinley,
H. G. Cox, C. R. Fielder, P. C. M. Veitch,
N. F. Barnes, D. Ingamells, G. Monro, Jun.,
and R. F. Felton. The report of the Executive
Committee for 1919 and the statement of
accounts for the year were read by the Secre-
tary (Mr. G. J. Ingram). They were as
follow : —
THE REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The oouimittee have? tbe pleasure to submit their
annual report and statement of accounts (as audited)
for the year ending December 31. 1019, and in doing
so desire to express their thankfulness for the con-
tinued usefulness of the work which has been oarried
on for the past 81 years, with euch marked
success, in rendering assistance to necessitous old
gardeners and others who have been engaged in horti-
cultural pursuits, and their widows, in the evening of
life, and whose gratitude for the help given them has
been too deep to find adequate expression in words.

At the beginning of 1919 there were 261 annuitants-
men and widows— in receipt of £20 and £16 a year
respectively for life. Of that number several have
passed away during the year. Five of the men lett
widows who— their circumstances being of such ;i
nature as to warrant it— were placed on the funds
without election for the widow's allowance, in suc-
cession to their late husbands, in accordance with
Rule III. (13). There are to-day 53 candidates for the
annuity, and from that approved list the committee
recommend that 20 be elected, in addition to a widow
(Mary Hewitt) who has been nominated to receive the
Royal Horticultural Society's " Schroder Pension,"
which has become vacant through the death of the
former recipient.

Unfortunately, notwithstanding the larger number
recommended for election this year— 21 instead of 15
laid year -no fewer than 32 candidates will be left on

the waiting list for at least another year before per-
manent aid can be afforded them.

It is gratifying, however, to know that those who
have previously been subscribers will be assisted from
the " Victorian Era Fund," which gives grants to
candidates whilst awaiting aid.

The "Good Samaritan Fund" also, from which the
committee are enabled to give immediate temporary
assistance, has again proved invaluable as a means of
relieving many urgent eases of distress in the past
year. They would, however, again point out that only
the interest derived from these two funds is available
lor the purposes of relief, so that special donations
towards both or either of them will be warmly
welcomed.

The year 1919 lias been eventful, inasmuch as the
annual "festival dinner in aid of the funds, and which
had heen in abeyance owing to the war, was held, by
kind permission of the Grocers' Company, in their
beautiful hall on Juno 19. The festival proved most
successful. Sir Harry J. Veitch (the valued Treasurer
for more than 30 years), in response to an urgent and
unanimous request, presided on the occasion, .and his
earnest advocacy of the claims of the charity of which
ho has such personal and intimate knowledge and for
which he has done so much, coupled with the whole-
hearted and liberal support accorded to him, resulted
in a substantial sum being realised for the funds.
The committee tendered Sir Harry Veitch their thanks
in the following resolution : —

"That the verv best thanks of this committee be
conveyed to Sir Harry J. Veitch, F.L.S., V.M.H., for
su kindly consenting to ocoupy the chair at the festival
dinner on June 19, 1919, and for the skilful and luieid
manner by which he expounded the needs and affairs
of the society. The committee are fully cognisant
that this highLy gratifying result, which added the
magnificent sum of nearly £3,700 to the funds, wos
entirely due to his influence, tact and urbanity, ami
they greatly appreciate the sincere and personal
interest both he and Lady Veitch always take in every
movement to help the cause.''

They desire in this connection to record their sincere
thanks to the Worshipful Company of Grocers for the
use of their hall ; to the stewards ; the donors of
flowers, etc.; the decorators; the Press, and all others
who helped to make the festival such a success.

Very gratefully and respectfully the committee
acknowledge the annual subscription from His Majesty
the King (patron), a Christmas donation from Her
Majesty the Queen (patroness), and they also again
recognise the gracious kindness of Her Majesty Queen
Alexandra (patroness) in allocating a grant of money
to this charity from the "Alexandra Day '* Fund.

It is with very great pleasure the committee have
to announce that His Royal Highness the Prince of
Wales lias graciously consented to become President of

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS OF THE GARDEN
Fon trt, Ykar 'Ending Dk
£ s. d. £ s. d
To Balance with Treasurer, Jan.

1, 1919 1,432 7 11

„ Balance with Secretary, Jan.

1, 1919 .' " 13 11

On Deposit, General Account,

Jan. 1, 1919 180 0 0

On Deposit. Wolfe Legacy and
Interest, Jan. 1, 1919 ... 844 _

i,4{J4 9 5

Annual Subscriptions 1,114 9 0

Donations 3,292 13 11

Schroder Annuity 20 0 0

Legacy, Exors. of Leopold

Salomons, Esq. ... ... 500 0 0

Legacy, Exors. of Miss Hill-
man (part residue) 101 18 11

Dividends and Interest (less

Tax) 825 12 5

Income Tax Refunded ... 215 0 7

Deposit Interest l W< •! fe

Legacy) 19 3 2

£8,553 7 5

RRS' ROYAL BKNEVOLENT INST
;CBMBEB 31, 1919.

By Annuities and Gratuities .-

,, Rent, Fire, Lighting, and
Salary of Secretary. Clerk, ko.

,, Expenses of Annual Meeting
and Election

,, Printing, Stationery, etc. ...

,, Cheque Books

„ Postages, Reports, Polling
Papers, Appeals and Ordi-
nary

,. Telephone Charges

,, Advertisement

„ Cost of Wreath for late
Auditor

,, Carnage, Telegrams. Direc-
tories, Incidental Expenses

,, 'Balance with Treasurer,

Dec. 31, 1919 1,

On Deposit, General Account

On Deposit, Wolfe Legacy

and Interest

[TUT ION.

£ s. a.

4,

£ s. el.
US 11 11

623 19 10

5 19 8

13(1 n r

12 13 0

49 18 9
8 8 3
3 3 0

4(15 18 5
850 0 0

- 3,179 9 2
£8,553 7 5

• £1,285 is required to meet the quarterly payments due ou December 31. 1919.

The undersigned, having had access to the Books and Accounts of the Society, and having examined
the foregoing General Statement and verified the same with the accounts and vouchers relating thereto, now
sign the same as found to be correct, duly vouched and in accordance with law,

GEORGE H. COBLET & CO., Honorary Auditors.
January 22, 1920. Chartered Accountants.

" VICTORIAN ERA " FUND.

Receipts.

To Balance, Jan. 1, 1919
,, Dividends
„ Income Tax Refunded

£ s. d.

163 6 8
(19 13 8

£
136

Payments.

By Grants, 1919
,, Balance, Dec. 31,

•GOOD SAMARITAN " FUND.

Receipts.

£

s.

d.

£ s. d.

To Balance, Jan. ], 1919

257 8 7

., Donations

201

1

6

,, Dividends

120

a

1

., Income Tax Refunded

11

6

5

365 10 0

iid-1 lb 7

Bv Grants. 1919

,. B:.kinrr. Dee. 31, 1919

£ s. d.
263 15 0
105 12 11

£ s. d.
140 16 8
4S2 1 11

January 31, 1920. J

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

57

tlie Institution, a position formerly filled by His Royal
Highness's grandfather and father, their Majesties
King Edward and King George. . ,

They likewise desire to place on record their gratettil
indebtedness to Sir Harry J. and Lady Veitch for their
donation of £262 10s. ; to Reginald Cory, Esq.,, for lus
second generous gift of £500; to the executors of the
late Leopold Salomons, Esq., for a like amount; to
Messrs. William and Edward Sherwood, for £250;
Messrs. Sutton and Sons, for £200; Messrs. Rothschild
and Sons, for £105; to Joseph Rochford, Esq., J.P.,
for a donation of £26 5s. , in addition to the interest
from his gift of £631 Five per Cent. War Loan; William
Robinson, Esq., for £52 10s.; James Sweet, Esq.,
V.M.H., for £52 10s., and to Geo. Monro, Esq., V.M.H.,
for the large sum obtained by his help from Covent
Ga.rden friends, including a donation of £100 from his
son, Mr. Geo. Monro, jun.

Very cordial thanks are given to those noblemen,
ladies and gentlemen who have again allowed their
gardens to be opened to the public for the purpose of
benefiting the Institution, viz., Right Hon. Lt,ra North-
bourne, The Lady Battersea, Sir Frank Crisp, Bart,
(the late), and Roger Corbet, Esq., Yns-y-Maengwy
Gardens.

The oommittee also desire to express their smcere
thanks to Messrs. Geo. Cobley and Co., chartered
accountants, for their kind honorary services in
auditing the accounts. Reference also is made to the
kindness of Sir Harry J. Veitch, T.M.H. (Treasurer),
Arthur W. Sutton, Esq., J. P., F.L.S., T.M.H., and
Geo. Monro, Esq., V.M.H., for again generously giving
a year's allowance to three of the unsuccessful can-
didates of the last election.

The several auxiliaries still prove very valuable
adjunots in obtaining funds and in generally pro-
moting the interests of the Institution. The committee
cannot too strongly express their thanks for the kind
and praiseworthy services of the honorary secretaries
and officers, as follows : —

BRISTOL AND BATH.
Presidents : [Bon. Treasurers: [Hon. Secretaries:
Col. H. Car* Mr. George New. Mr. F. E. Ailing-
Batten. 1 bury. ' ham.

WORCESTER.
Rt. Hon. Earl Beau-IJohn White, Esq. (Mr. Percy G.
champ, K.C.M.G.I White

DEVON AND EXETER
Trehawke Koke-Mr. W. Mackay. j Mr. W. Maekay.
wich, Esq.

WOLVERHAMPTON.
O. T. Mander IMr. George |Mr. George

Esq., J. P. Bradley. I Bradley.

BERKSHIRE. READING AND DISTRICT.
Mrs. Rowland (Arthur W. Sutton, IMr. H. G. Cox

Sperling. Esq., J.P..F.L.S ,
I V.M.H.

LIVERPOOL.
The Rt. Hon. tlicjA. J. Crippin

Earl of
K.G

Derby

Mr. R. G. Water
Esq. I man.

WTith deep regret the committee deplore the loss of
many warm friends and supporters during the past
rear; amongst the foremost of these were Sir Frank
Crisp., Bart., J.P., D.L.. V.M.H., Sir Walter Smythe.Bart.,
Sir Philip Rose, Bart., Amy Lady Tate, Lady Margaret
Cecil, George Bunvard. Esq., V.M.H. (formerly member of
committee), J. Wilbird, Esq. (also formerly member of
oommittee and for many years an auditor), Edmund
Rochford, Esq., John Rochford, Esq., W. G. Rigden,
Esq., W. Goldring, Esq., and J. McKerehar. Esq. The
interest and practical sympathy of these tried friends
will be sorely missed and their places difficult to fill.

The oommittee are very glad to be able to make
the gratifying announcement that H.R.H. the Duke of
Connnught has very kindly consented to preside at the
next festival dinner to be held on a date to be nrced
in the present year, and they confidently hope His
Royal Highness will receive the whole-hearted support
of every friend of the Institution on that occasion
The names of gentlemen willing to act a& stewards
and to be placed on the Duke of Connaught's list will
be gratefully received.

In conclusion, the Committee earnestly appeal for a
continuance of the support which has hitherto been
so liberally given, and for which they are most thank-
ful, in order that the good work may not only continue
but increase.

HARRT J. VEITCH,

Chairman of Committee and Treasurer
GEO. J. INGRAM,
Secretary.

The Chairman proposed the adoption of the
report and balance-sheet. He considered that
the report gave such a full account of the year's
working, there was little left for him to add.

It was a matter for congratulation that the
Prince of Wales had consented to accept the
office of president of the Institution, and it was
equally gratifying to know that the Duke of
Connaught would preside at the annual festival
dinner. The published list of candidates gave
the number of pensioners to be elected that day
as (twenty, in addition to a. widow nominated
to receive The Royal Horticultural Society's
" Schroder " pension. However, since the list
was published several pensioners had died and
they were in a position to recommend the
election of twenty-five, which, with the

" Schroder " pensioner gave a total of twenty-
six. The Institution was specially indebted to
Mir. Reginald Cory for his second liberal dona-
tion of £500. His contribution of £1,000 in the
past two years had helped the fund very
materially. He was also pleased to announce
that a sum of money had been handed to the.
Committee by a friend of the Institution, and it
would enable them to give a sum of £4 to the
twenty-seven unsuccessful candidates. Sir Harry
referred to the loss iby death df several warm
supporters of the Institution, and he specially
mentioned the names of Sir Frank Crisp, from
whom the Fund had received some £60 to £80
yearly as part receipts from fees paid by visitors
inspecting his interesting gardens at Friar Park ;
Mr. Geo. Bunyard, who had given valuable
services as a member of the Committee, Mr.
Jesse Willard, for over 40 years a member of
the Committee and in recent years one of the
auditors of the Fund ; and Mr. J. MoKerchar.
He also stated that their oldest pensioner had
died, aged 99 years. The various auxiliaries
had given valuable aid, anid he was specially
pleased to see Mr. J. White a representative of
the Worcester auxiliary present at the meeting.

They would all regret the absence of Mr.
Arthur Sutton through indisposition, and he
expressed the hope that he would soon be
restored to health. He also referred to the
absence of Mr. Geo. Monro, a warm supporter
of the Charity, and wished to convey to him
through his son, who was present, the best
wishes of the meeting. Tile adoption of the
report and balance-sheet was seconded by Mr.
Fielder and carried without further comment.

The meeting then proceeded to the election of
officers. Sir Harry Veitch was re-elected
treasurer, and Mr. Geo. Ingram was re-appointed
secretary.

Messrs. Crump and Hudson, retiring members
nf the Committee were re-elected, and vacancies
filled by the appointment of Mr. G. N. Smith
and Major E. C. Monro. The auditors and
arbitrators were also re-elected.

At this stage the meeting adjourned for the
taking of the poll and Messrs. D. Ingamells.
H. G. Cox, and Geo. Monro, junr. , were
appointed scrutineers of the ballot.

RESULT OF ELECTION.

Age. No. of Votes.

Cox, Hannah 67 3,953

May, Alice 69 3,814

Wise, Arabella 81 3.717

Raffill, Charles 71 3,634

Steer, George EO 3,548

Chennell, Eliza 80 3,388

Barnes, Frederick 68 3,666

Wills, Isaac E 67 3,293

Bennett, William ... 75 3.281

Bannister, Mary A. 69 3,204

Weeks, William ... 78 3,163

Level], Clara 61 3,158

Smith, Mary 74 3,137

Saunders, John 75 3,057

Cox, William 80 3,054

Evans, William 65 3,034

Green, William 76 2,986

Hamshere, Mary ... 72 2,767

Cooper, Thomas W. 66 2,678

Nears, William 75 2,656

Fishpool, Maria F. 64 2,648

Wilkinson, John F. 71 2,567

Marsh, Eliza 70 2,528

Burden, Sarah 75 2,522

Smith, William 73 2,520

Following the declaration of the poll, Mi-. Geo.
Monro, V.M.H., offered the sum of £10 for an
unsuccessful candidate, and a similar amount
for a similar purpose was given by Sir Harry J.
Veitch, V.M.H. A vote of thanks to 'the
scrutineers closed the proceedings.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.

January 27. — Notwithstanding the dull, cold
weather, there was a capital attendance of
Fellows at Vincent Square on the above date.
The exhibition was not a large one, but it
would have been far more attractive if the
several groups of Orchids placed in what 's
known as the Orchid annexe had been arranged in
the body of the hall. If the hall is not suffi-
ciently large to accommodate all the exhibits,

there appears to be every good reason lor
utilising the annexes, but when there is ample
room in the hall proper the annexes might well
be left for the meetings of the Committees, and
subsequently for the accommodation of those
who wish to sit and rest awhile.

Orchids were well shown, and these witli
Carnations, Primulas, spring flowers and fruits
made an interesting exhibition. The Floral
Committee made no awards to novelties, and had
a very short sitting.

Floral Committee.

Present: Messrs. E. A. Bowles (in the chair),
W. J. Bean, John Green, Sydney Morris, H.
Cowley, J. W. Barr, G. Reuthe, John Heal,
Wm. ifowe, J. F. McLeod, G. W. Leak, C. R.
Fielder, Thos. Stevenson, Arthur Turner, John
Dickson, 0. Dixon, J. T. Bennett Poe, Chas. E.
Shea, Chas. E. Pearson, W. F. Thomson, E. F.
Hazelton, George Paul, W. G. Baker, E. H.
Jenkins, W. B. Cranfield, Jas. Hudson and Tohu
Jenning.

Groups.

A large group of finely-flowered Azaleas was
contributed by Mr. L. R. Russell. There were
the usual neat, single-stemmed specimens
groundwork, with pyramidal and tall standard
plants rising above them. The edging was com
posed of Cyclamen and there were a few flower-
ing Orange bushes among the Azaleas, the
whole making a pleasing exhibit. (Silver Flora
Medal.) The Rhododendrons shown by Messrs.
R. Gill and Son, cut from the open ground in
Falmouth, were very bright, especially the
trusses of R. barbatum, R. Nobleanum, R.
Harrisii, and R. arboreum seedlings. (Bronze
Flora Medal.) Early Rhododendrons, particu
larly R. mucronulatum, which just now >.<
flowering so well in the open at Kew, were in-
cluded by Mr. G. Reuthe in bis collection of
hardy plants. Sarracenias and various Alpines
were also on view. (Bronze Flora Medal.)
Messrs. Piper's exhibit consisted principally ot
garden designs, plans and photographs of garden
scenes, the whole edged with pans of hardy
Cyclamen. Spring flowers in variety, consisting
of Primroses and Polyanthuses, Daffodils, Helle-
bores and Daphne Mezereum were shown exten-
sively by Mr. G. W. Miller. (Silver Banksian
Medal.) Mr. J. J. Kettle once again showed
his new Violet Mrs. David Lloyd George, and
the flowers were as large, as finely coloured and
as fragrant as on previous occasions. The flowers
were all gathered from under glass. (Bronze
Flora Medal.)

Messrs. Waterer, Sons and Crisp showed
many Saxifrages and Adonis aestivalis, with
a central little group of profusely-flowered
Rhododendron praecox. Messrs. R. Tucker and
Son included charming pans of Saxifraga
Bursei'iana Gloria, and S. Griesbachii in
their collection of Alpines. (Silver Banksian
Medal.) Messrs. Barr and Sons had a couple
of stands of Crocus species, early Daffodils and
other spring, flowers.

The Misses Hopkins arranged a neat col-
lection of hardy Alpines and border plants.

Messrs. Sutton and Sons arranged a mag-
nificent collection of their famed Primula
sinensis varieties on a floor space at the end of
the hall. Each of the very many plants was a
model of expert cultivation — a sturdy, compact
rosette of rich green leaves surmounted by a
generous truss of large flowers of fine
substance. The colour arrangement w.as par-
ticularly entrancing. The central mound of
glowing Crimson King was enclosed by the pure
white flowers of Giant White and flanked by
delightfully undulated groups of Brilliant Rose,
Duchess and Giant Scarlet. The smaller mounds
of Double Blue and the Coral Pink Star Primula
were also very fascinating (Silver Gilt Flora
Medal.)

Messis. H. B. May and Sons brought their
customary contribution of splendid greenhouse
Ferns, with wliich they arranged many good
examples of Cyclamen persicnm, Primula obconica
grandiflora and Hydrangeas, all of useful size
and particularly well flowered. (Silver Hunk
sian Medal.) Chrysanthemum Nancy Perkins, a
pleasing, white, buff-centred, reflexing variety,
was shown by Capt. H. Drummond (gr. M.
Lewis Smith), Cadland Park, Southampton.

58

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[January 31, 1920.

This is a useful late variety with blooms of good
texture.

Messrs. Allwood Brothers' exhibit of Carna-
tions consisted of numerous vases of such bright
lined varieties as May Day, Jessie Allwood, May
Allwood, and Triumph. (Silver Flora Medal.)
Another very bright exhibit of Carnations was
the one staged by Mr. C. EngelmanN; here
there were excellent blooms of Peerless, Carola,
the brilliant Scarlet Carola, the pink, red-
flushed Boadicea, Destiny, and the dainty pink
Lady Northcliffe. (Silver Banksian Medal.)

Messrs. Stuart Low and Co. arranged many
vases of fresh and fragrant Carnations. Several
fancies, such as Circe and Ivanhoe, were much
admired, as also were the blooms of White
Wonder, Brilliant and the pink Eileen which
opens so well during dull weather when many
other sorts remain at a standstill. (Silver
Banksian Medal.)

Messrs. Wm. Cutbush and Son exhibited
Saxifrages, Hellebores, Hamamelis Mollis, iris
histrioides, I. Danfordae and I. sindjarensis
among early flowers, and also staged a. small
collection of perpetual-flowering Carnations.
(Silver Banksian Medal.)

Orchid Committee.

Present: Sir Harry J. Veitch in the chair,
Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. secretary), William
Bolton, C. J. Lucas, Arthur Dye, J. Wilson
Potter, Gurney Wilson, R. A. Rolfe, Stuart
Low, W. J. Kaye, Fredei-ick .J. Hanbury, T.
Armstrong, A. McBean, J. Cypher, J. Charles-
worth, W. H. Hatcher, ttias. H. Curtis, Richard
G. Thwaites, J. E. Shill, W. H. White and S.
W Flory.

AWARDS.

Award of Merit.

Cattlnya Mrs. Jas. Watson, Tin- Dell variety
{Maggie Raphael alba x Trianae) from Baron
Bruno Schroder, The Dell, Englefield Green.
This fine hybrid, while retaining the form of the
best varieties of 0. Trianae, is an advance on
that species in shape and colour. Sepals and
petals broad and undulated at the margin,
white. Lip reddish purple with gold lines to the
yellow disc.

Cymbidium albaneiise Joicey's variety [try
tltrnsti/linn x imsigne) from J. J. .Toicey, Esq.,
Witley, Surrey. The plant lime a fine spike
of large blush-white flowers with dark claret
blotches and lines on the lip.

Cultural Commendation.
To Mr. Farnes, Orchid grower to Pantia -
Ralli, Esq., Ashtead Park, Surrey, for a fine
specimen of Oncidioda Cooksoniae, iwith long
sprays of bright red flowers.

Silver Gilt Flora Medals.
To Messrs. Armstrong and Brown, Orchid-
hurst, Tunbridge Wells, for a very fine group
of hybrid Odoiiitoglossums, Odontiodas, Catt-
leyas and Cypripediums. Many handsome seed-
ling Odontoglossums were in the group, the most
remarkable being O. Horatio (Menier x Rex),
a finely-formed white flower with the inner
halves of the segments prettily marked with
claret-red. The central plant was a fine wdiite
Odontoglossum crispum, with a five branched
spike of forty-one pure white flowers.

Silver Flora Medals.

To Messrs. Charles worth and Co., Hay-
ward's Heath, for a fine group of well-grown
Orchids, principally hybrids. Fine novelties were
Brasso-Cattleya Beaumont (C. Empress Frederick
X B.-C. Cliftonii), two grandly coloured forms of
Odontioda Brackenhurst (Oda. Cbarleswortliii x
Odm. eximium), one nearly black, and the other
deep red ; the clear yellow Brasso-Cattleya
Sofrano and, among other Sophronitis crosses,
the showy Sophro-Laelio-Cattleya Isabella..

To Messrs. Stuart Low and Co., Jarvis-
brook, Sussex, for an effective group of hybrids,
chiefly Cattleyas and Laelio-Cattleyas.

To Messrs." Hassall and Co., Southgate, for
a fine group of Cymbidiums, including good
forms of C. Castor, 0. Alexanderi, C. Sybil, C.
Capella and 0. Moira.

Silver Banksian Medal.

To Messrs. J. Cypher and Sons, Cheltenhuam,
for a very fine group of splendidly-grown
Cypripediums, with large and well-developed
flowers. Specially fine were Prince of Asturias,
a massive flower with very broad and finely
blotched petals, the dorsal sepal being pure
white with claret blotches; 0. Lavertonianum.
showy and finely formed ; C. Alcibiades magnifi-
cum — the best of a fine and favourite class;
C. Ernest Read, a model flower, and one of the
favourites of the late J. Gurney Fowler; C.
Sir W. Chandler, and some good C. insigne
Harefield Hall crosses.

To Messrs. Sanders, St. Albans, for a group
of Cymbidiums, Odontoglossums, Odontiodas.
and Brasso-Cattleyas, with some interesting
species.

Other Exhibits.

Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart. (gr. Mr. Collier)
showed Brasso-Cattleya Gatton Lily var. Majes-
tica (C. Trianae albens x B.-C. Digbyano-
Mendelii Fortuna), a clear white form of the
batch which has already received two awards;
and Odontoglossum Thwaitesiae.

Dr. Miguel Lacroze, Brynder, Boehampton
(Orchid grower, Mr. Taylor) showed a very hand-
some dark Odontoglossum hybrid, 0. San Juan
(Doris x Lambeauianum), a tine flower hand-
somely blotched; Laelio-Cattleya Buenos Airer,
and Sophro-Cattleya Santa Fe (C. Rhoda X
S.-C. Doris).

G. W. Bird, Esq., Manor House, West Wick-
ham (gr. Mr. Redden) sent Brasso-Cattleya
Helen (B.-C. Digbyano-Warneri x C. Falbia), a
good rosy-mauve flower.

C. J. Lucas, Esq., Warnham Court, Horsham
(gr. Mr. Duncan) showed, with its first flowers,
Odontoglossum Dircimium (Dirce x eximium) a
good hybrid with the greater part of the seg-
ments claret red, the tips white.

W. R. Fasev, Esq., sent a fine form of scarlet
Odontioda Cooksoniae.

Fruit and Vegetable Committee.

Present: Messrs. C. G. A. Nix (chairman).
.1. ('heal, Owen Thomas. (!. Reynolds, 11. S.
Rivers, E. A. Bunyard, W. E. Humphreys, A.
Bullock, E. Harriss, K. Beckett, W. Bates,
W. H. Divers, Geo. F. Tinley and A. W. Met-
calfe.

C. A. Cain. Esq., The Node, Welwyn, Hert-
fordshire (gr. Mr. T. Patenian) was awarded the
Silver-Gilt Hogg Memorial Medal for SI varieties
of Apples and Pears. This fine exhibit occupied
the whole of a large table aud was composed of
splendid fruits, all o( tine quality and carrying
high colour. The more notable varieties were
Mabbot's Pearrnain, Tyler's Kernel, Wealthy,
Rival, Hoary Morning (a very characteristic
variety, having stripes of dull red on a lighter
ground). Paroquet (a variety of high colour).
Encore, Ribston Pippin, Emperor Alexandra,
Conrt-Pendu-Plat, Lane's Prince Albert (excep-
tionally line), Warner's King, Mere de Menage,
Lord Derby and The Queen. Of Pears
there were good fruits of Santa Claus, Uvedale's
St. Germain, Bellis-sime d'Hiver and Catillae.

A Silver Knightian Medal was awarded to
J. B. Fortesoue, Esq., Dropmore, Maidenhead
(gr. Mr. C. Page), for an exhibit of Apples and
Pears. The finest of the Apples were Newton
Wonder, Barnack Beauty, Claygate Pearmain,
Beauty of Kent, Norfolk Beaufin, Scarlet Non-
pareil, Egremont Russett and Gaseoyne's Scarlet
Seedling.

Mr. Robson, Guildford Fruit Farm, Guild-
ford, was awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for
Apples packed in barrels as for market. The
fruits were finely coloured, the sorts being Cox's
Orange Pippin, Newton Wonder and Lane's
Prince Albert.

NATIONAL ROSE.

Annual Meeting.
January 27. — The National Rose Society has
entered on a period of increasing prosperity.
At the Annual General Meeting, which was held
on the foregoing date at the Cannon Street
Hotel, London, there was a record attendance of

the members, and it was stated that the number
of new members was greater than ever before in
the history of the Society.

Mr. H. R. Darlington presided and the attend-
ance included Mrs. Darlington, Mrs. Aitchison,
Mrs. Giffard, Miss Pemberton, Vice-Admiral
R. E. Grant, Messrs. Chas. E. Shea, John Green,
T. Somers Rivers, A. Johnson, W. R. Chaplin,
Geo. Prince, B. Cant, Elisha J. Hicks, J. R.
Mattock, Reginald Cory, Dr. Lamplough.
E. J. Holland, Walter Easlea, Arthur Turner,
R. de C. Escofet, James Brown, Cecil Cant,
E. F. Hawes, Frank Cant, George Paid, H. G.
Mount, H. P. Langdon, Chas. H. Curtis, Arthur
Bide, H. Cowley, Oakley Fisher, C. C. William-
son, R. E. \Vest, and the Rev. J. H. Pemberton.

In proposing the adoption of the Council's
report for 1919, the President drew attention to
various items of special interest. During the
past year just over 1,000 new members have
joined the Society, which is a record number for
any one year. In 1914, he said, there were
5.500 members and, contrary to the expectations
of many of the Council, who feared that the war
would adversely influence the Society, at the
close of the war there were 5,450 subscribing
members.

The publications of the Society are greatly
valued, and he contended that the present satis-
factory position was due largely to the policy
of the Council in regard to publications. *:Jid to
the success of the shows. The newly-instituted
library is also meeting with great approval.
The number of books has been trebled during
the past year, and the President anticipated
that increased accommodation would be needed
in the near future, when it was hoped that the
new library in Victoria Street would also pro-
vide a comfortable and convenient meeting-place
for members coming to Town.

The three usual shows are to be held in Lon-
don in 1920 and, in addition, a two-days' Pro-
vincial show has been arranged to be held at
Leeds on July 13 and 14.

The losses by death, especially those of Mr.
H V. Machin and Mr. W. D. Prior, were
sympathetically alluded to, and tribute was paid
to the good work amongst Roses that had been
done by these late members.

Mr. Chas. E. Shea, in seconding the adoption
of the report, welcomed the increased attendance
of ladies at the meeting, saying that ^e felt this
was all to the good, as they were certain to
bring new ideas which would add to the effici-
ency of the Society. — The report was unani-
mously adopted.

Mr. S. Preston-Hillary then presented the
summary of receipts and payments for the past
year, earning the congratulations of the meeting
for the clear and lucid manner in which the
statement was set out and compared with that
of 1913 as being the last previous to the war.
Mr. Preston-Hillary made a usually dry recital
full of interest. One of the year's records was
the £2,940 14s. 6d. received as subscriptions for
the year. The income, from all sources and in-
cluding last year's balance of £71 6s. 8d.,
amounted to £3,429 17s. 2d. On the expenditure
side, the principal sums are £728 15s. 9d. for
publications, £562 5s. 4d. for printing, stationery
and advertising, and £306 3s. 5d. for postages
and sundry expenses. Five hundred pounds has
been invested in War Loan, leaving a balance of
£37 4s. 7d. Mr. E. J. Holland seconded the
ridoption of the Treasurer's statement, and it
was carried unanimously.

The President, Deputy-President, Honorary
and Acting Vice-Presidents, Hon. Treasurer,
Hon. Secretary, and Auditor for the ensuing year,
were re-elected, and, on the ballot for the Coun-
cil, the new members are Messrs. C. Chambers,
S. F. Jackson, H. Oppenheimer, L. P. Roberts,
F Spooner and Dr. Panckridge.

Several proposed! alterations of rules ,were
adopted. In Rule 4 (c) all words after " Ex-
hibition " are to be deleted. Rule 14 was altered
to permit the Council to hold two-day Provin-
i ial shows when they consider this advisable.
This alteration was made chiefly in order to
enable the Council to meet the wishes
of the executive of the forthcoming show
at Leeds, but the principle of one-day Rose

January 31, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

59'

shows will still be generally adhered to. Rule
17 now requires a voting paper to be sent by
post to each member, whenever the nominations
for the Council exceed 36, and the marked
voting papers to be returned to the Secretary at
least live clear days before the date of the
annual meeting. It will be remembered that at
the 1919 annual meeting there was a strong wish
on the part of those present that the members
as a whole should be allowed to elect the Coun-
cil, without being compelled to attend the meet-
ing in order to vote.

Mr. John Hart proposed a, sincere and hearty
votes of thanks to the officers and Council, and
in so doing paid a handsome and well-deserved
tribute to the most successful work of Mr.
Courtney Page, the Hon. Secretary, who has
done so much in furthering the scope of the
Society's work and to whom so much of its
success is due. This motion "was carried with
acclamation, as also was Mr. Frank Cant's pro-
posal thanking the President for his able conduct
of the meeting.

After the meeting, many interesting and in-
structive lantern slides, dealing with various
phases of Rose culture, were shown to an
appreciative gathering

NATIONAL DAHLIA

January 26. — The annual general meeting of
the National Dahlia Society was held on the
foregoing date at 35, Wellington Street, Strand.
The President, Mr. Reginald Cory, was in the
chair, and there was a moderate attendance of
the members.

The Annual Report of the Executive Com-
mittee was read by the Hon. Secretary. The
following are extracts from the Report : —

Extracts from the Report.

" The Committee again have the pleasure of
recording another fairly satisfactory year's work.
The season was not favourable to the growth of
the Dahlia over the greater part of the country,
the weather being abnormally cold and dry. fol-
lowed by very early frosts in some districts.
The membership remains satisfactory.

" The Annual Floral Meeting was held at the
London Scottish Drill Hall. Buckingham Gate,
on September 9, and was satisfactory. There
was still a falling off in the number of exhibits
in the open classes, but the amateur classes were
well filled, the quality of the flowers being up
to the average.

" The Floral Committee, acting in conjunction
with the Floral Committee of the R.H.S., were
only able to meet on three occasions, but
numerous awards were made to all sections of
the flower.

"The Committee do not consider the financial
position warrants the renewal of the conferences
or the publication of the Year Book. The new
varieties and selections of the best sorts are com-
piled and published as a supplement to the
schedule."

The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the
report and balance sheet, stated that the con-
clitinn of the Society was as favourable as could
be expected, and he looked forward to a re-
newal of interest in the Dahlia and in the
Society. The report and 'balance sheet were
adopted.

Mr. J. Green proposed the re-election of Mr.
Cory as President. He knew of no one in the
country better fitted to fill the post, for Mr.
Cory took the greatest interest in the Dahlia and
h i cultivation. Mr. Crane seconded, and it was
passed with acclamation.

Mr. Cory thanked the members and
said that he would be happy to be their Presi-
dent for another year. He was glad to know
that the war had not killed the Dahlia nor all
the kind people who cultivated it.

The Vice-Presidents were re-elected, and the
name of Mr. J. T. West was added to the list.
Mr. J. Cheal was re-elected Chairman, and the
Secretary was asked to send him a letter hoping
tor a speedy recovery from his recent severe
indisposition.

The other officers were re-elected, including
Mr. J. Green, Treasurer; Mr. D. B. Crane,
Auditor; Mr. Emberson, Hon. Show Superin-
tendent; and Mr. J. B. Riding, Hon. Secretary.
— The Secretary was complimented on his efforts
on behalf of the Society and was voted an
honorarium of £10. — The Committee was re-
elected, with the exception of Messrs. G. David-
son and F. C. Treseder, who resigned. Mr. R.
Holton was elected to one of the vacancies.

A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded
the proceedings.

READING AND DISTRICT GARDENERS.

The annual meeting of the above Association
was held in the Abbey Hall, and was well at-
tended. There were present Mr. E. P. Foguett
Sutton (who presided). Mr. Alderman F. B. Par-
fitt, Mr. Councillor F. E. Moring. Mr. W. B
Whitley, and members from Wokingham, Calcot,
Maidenhead, Shenfield, Caversham, Tilehurst,
MapleduTham, etc. The annual report and bal-
ance sheet, as read by the hon. secretary,
showed that the Association was in a most pros-
perous condition. The meetings during the year
had been well attended, the competitions keen.
with numerous entries, and the discussions were
animated and well sustained. The officers for
1920 were elected, including Mr. Councillor F. E.
Moring as president, with Mr. H. G. Cox lion,
sec. and Mr E. J. Dore assistant hon. sec.

NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM.

The members of the Floral Committee of the
National Chrysanthemum Society dined together
at the Comedy Restaurant, Haymarket. on the
21st inst. Formerly the dinner was an annual
function, but it has not been held in recent years.
Mr. D. B. Crane presided, and the only toasts
honoured, after " The King," were "The
National Chrysanthemum Society" and "The
Floral Committee." Mr. T. Bevan responded to
the former and Mr. D. B. Crane to the latter.
Speeches were very short, and the usual pro
gramme of music was not provided as the com-
pany adjourned to the Coliseum, where a block
of seats had been booked. Mr. D. Ingamells
and Mr. C. H. Curtis made all the arrange-
ments, with which everyone was satisfied.

SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION

January 20th. — The annual business meeting
of this Association was held in the Goold Hall,
5, St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, on this date —
Mr. R. Fife, president, in the chair.

The report by the Council stated that there
had been a very marked increase in the
admissions to membership during the year. It
was also stated that the Council had recom-
mended that a Flower, Fruit, Vegetable and
Potato show be held in 1920, and it was decided
by the meeting to hold this show.

The abstract of the accounts showed an excess
of expenditure over income of £114 0s. 4d.,
£50 of which, however, represented the expense
of a special appeal for new members by the
honorary president, Lord Linlithgow, which had
added £140 of life membership, and £34 in
annual subscriptions. The account of the
Scottish National Potato Exhibition showed a
loss of £223 5s. 7d., which fell to be met from
the Guarantee Fund.

Lord Linlithgow was re-elected honorary
president; Miss M. E. Burton was elected presi-
dent; Messrs. Massie and Innes were elected
vice-presidents, and the following were elected
to the vacancies in the Council :— J. C. Grieve,
.1. Whytock, V.M.H., W. J. Thomson, W. Fife,
T. Fortune, D. Ammstrong, and Dr. W. G.
Smith. The secretary and treasurer and auditors
were re-elected.

The following motion, which was moved from
the chair and seconded by Mr. David King, was
carried by a large majority : —

That tlie members of the Scottish Horticultural
Association in annual general meeting assembled
are of opinion that the interests of Sr,,(ti.sh
horticulture would be best served by the in-
corporation of the Scottish Horticultural Associa

tion with the Royal Caledonian Horticultural
Society under the latter name, provided that the
Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society on its
part agrees to carry out the objects contained
in Article II. of the Constitution of the Scottish
Horticultural Association, and any other parts-
of the aforesaid Constitution which may be
reasonably applicable to the united body, and
they instruct the Council of this Association to
take the necessary steps to secure that end.

ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL.

January 14th. — The annual general meeting oi
this Society was held in Dowells' Rooms, 18,
George St., Edinburgh, on this date — Mr. Eric
P. Laird, vice-president, in the chair.

It was stated in the annual report that the
Council had under consideration the union of the
Society with the Scottish Horticultural Associa-
tion, on the footing that the two Societies should
unite under the Charter of the Royal Caledonian
Horticultural Society, and that the united body
continue the work now being carried on by the
Scottish Horticultural Association, the preserva-
tion of the name, membership, etc., of tile latter
to be continued on such terais as may be agreed
upon Iby the Councils of the two 'bodies.

The abstract of the annual accounts showed
an excess of expenditure over income of
£84 6s. 4d.

It was intimated that there was no prospect
oil a spring show being held this year, but that
the Council intended to arrange for an autumn
show on the 8th and 9th of September, and that
it had been arranged with the Garden Allot-
ments Federation that their exhibition should
be held with this show.

Lord Newlands was re-elected president; Mr.
David King was elected to the vacant vice-presi-
dentship, and Messrs. James Fraser, John W.
McHattie, and Alex. Chalmers, were elected to
the vacancies in the Council,

©bttuarp.

Dr. John H. Wilson. — After a brief illness,
John H. Wilson, D.Sc, Lecturer in Agriculture
and Rural Economy at the University of St.
Andrews, passed away on Tuesday, the 13th
inst., at the age of 61, and was laid to rest on
Friday in the family burial ground near the
Cathedral ruins. His remains were preceded
from his residence in South Street to the place
of burial by a full Academic procession, headed
by Sir John Herkless, Principal of the Univer-
sity, and Principal Galloway, of St. Mary's Col-
lege. Students, male and female, numbering
over 200, clad in their scarlet gowns, followed
the University staff.

Dr. Wilson leaves a widow, to whom many
friends among the readers of these pages will
extend heartfelt sympathy. He is also survived
by two brothers.

To adequately express an appreciation of Dr.
Wilson's worth is hardly possible, but it is no
exaggeration to say that such unbounded energy
and enthusiasm as he possessed is seldom met
with in an individual. He had no time for
trifling, everything in nature appealed to him,
and latterly it was a matter of regret to him
that he had little time to devote to research in
the garden owing to the importance of his work
in tho improvement of root and grain crops and
the instruction of a large class of students.

For a number of years Dr. Wilson's energies
had been chiefly centred in producing a strain
of disease-resisting Potatos. and his success may
be measured by the popularity of at least three
of his raising— Bishop. Rector and Templar.

Those who saw the exhibit lie displayed at
the Potato Conference in the Waverley Market
last November could not fail to have learned
much from the originality and precision oi his
methods. There was nothing haphazard about

any of his crosses, and it is tl pinion of many

that had Dr. Wilson been spared he would in
the course of a few yens have evolved from the
wild kinds a. race of Potatos capable <>r resisting
disease perhaps for generations. Dr. Wilson's

60

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[January 31, 1920.

^interests were not. confined to one channel; his
recent work in hybridising Oats will be of more
than passing interest to agriculturists. By the
Doctor's own admission, they were " entirely
satisfactory,'' which means a great deal.

Dr. Wilson was' born in St. Andrews, the
second son of the late Mr. James Wilson, founder
of the Greenside Nursery. He was educated at
Madras College, and took a course of chemistry
at the University. Subsequently he studied at
the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, and at
the University there, where he carried off the
medal for class and practical work in Botany.
He also studied in Belgium and Germany, ob-
tained the degree of B.Sc. in 1887 and D.Sc. in
1889, was appointed the first Botanic Lecturer
in St. Andrews University, and laid out the
first Botanic Garden there. He was for a time
connected with the University of Leeds, where
■ho laid out a modern teaching garden. Return-
ing to the city of his birth, he was appointed
in 1900 to the post he held at his death. He was
known and esteemed in many parts of the world,
having visited Canada and the United States nt
America and consulted with eminent plant
hybridists, including Mr. Luther Burbank. He
was awarded the silver Banksian medal of the
R.H.S. for a memoir on hybrid plants. He was
a member of the Scottish Agricultural Commis-
-sion to visit Australia a few years ago.

Bambles Hound <S7. Andrews, a valuable
book to students of nature, was published by
Dr. Wilson, and is widely distributed. The
camera was an important part of Dr. Wilson's
equipment, and he was expert in its use. Hi?
collection of original lantern slides will provide
a record such as few possess; 'i:e copious! v illus-
trated his popular lectures by their aid, and
always drew large audiences. He interested him-
self in Allotments, and was President of the
kcal Horticultural Association.

William Robert Farish — We have to record
Ithe death, on January 18th, at the advanced
•age of 74, of Mr. William Robert Farish, Lang-
Sands, Dumfries. Mr. Farish was for many
years engaged in farming, but retired a con-
siderable number of years ago. He was an able
and advanced agriculturist, but he was best
known to horticulturists as a successful raiser
of many excellent varieties of the Potato. Mr.
Farish entered upon the raising of new Potatos
as a, hobby, and the commercial slide of the
work was of little account to him. From time
to time many of his varieties were put into
■commerce and with two of these his name has
lately been associated. These are Tinwald Per-
fection and Lochar. Mir. Farish did not exhibit
•much, himself, but when he did so was generally-
very successful with his seedlings. He won a
,gold medal at Ormskirk. Mr. Farish was much
.esteemed by his friends and by a wide circle
with whom he came in contact in business and
public life. He filled a number of public offices
with high satisfaction to his constituents. Mrs.
Farish and three daughters survive him.

George Trussler .— We regret to learn that Mr.
George Trussler. The Nurseries, Richmond Itoaa.
Twickenham, died from pneumonia at St.
John's Hospital on Saturday, the 17th inst. Mr.
Trussler was well known in the Richmond dis-
trict and was a member of the Committee of the
Richmond Horticultural Society for twenty-five
years. He was born in the gardens, at Pope's
Villa, in 1852, and commenced his horticultural
career at Orleans House, the residence of the
Due d' Aumale, in 1870. Later he was employed
at Hampton Court House, and in 1887 became
manager to the late Mr. Robt. Laing at Rich-
mond Road Nurseries, and afterwards to his
successor. Mr. H. E. Fordham. Mr. Trussler
was a clever cultivator, exhibitor and decora-
tor. He took considerable interest in local
affairs and in the gardening charities, having
Subscribed to the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent
Institution for 22 years. He is survived by his
widow and four children. The funeral "took
place at Twickenham Cemetery on the 22nd inst..
amid many manifestations of the affection, re-
gard and esteem in which Mr. Trussler was held.

George Gurney.— Mr. G. Gumey, who died on
the 18th inst., at the age of 56 years, had hetn
head gardener to Lady Aberconway, Bodnant

Hall, Tal-y-Cain, since 1911. He was an enthu-
siastic and successful gardener, and passionately
fond of flowers. He had been in failing health
for some time, and had to take to his bed on
January 3. His death came as a great shock to
his family and many intimate friends. Mr.
Gurney took an active part in War-Savings
Associations, and the church and social events
in the neighbourhood. The remains were laid to
rest in St. Martin's Churchyard, in the tiny vil-
lage of Eglwysbach. North Wales, on the 22nd
inst. Mr. Gurney was a true patriot, loved and
respected by all who knew him. He leaves a
widow and two children to mourn their loss.

TRADE NOTES.

Messrs. Dobbie and Co., seedsmen, Edin-
burgh, have formed then' business into a private
limited liability company, with a capital of
£50.000. The partners and management remain
unaltered.

Among the companies registered in Scotland
during the week ending Jan. 23rd. was that of
The Carsie Farming Company, Ltd., 69, George

THE LATE GEORGE GURNEY.

Street, Perth (private company), to acquire the
farm and lands of Carsie, Blairgowrie, and to
carry on the business oi farmers, fruit growers,
market gardeners and dairvmen, etc. Capital
£6,000 in £1 shares.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Address : ./. G. C. The address required is
Horticultural Trades' Journal. Hortus Print-
ing Company, Junction Road, Burnley.

Ash Trees Cankered : W. H. The cankers
are of bacterial origin. Although liable to
disfigure the tree greatly, they do not kill it.
No cure appears to be known.; but it is pos-
sible if the newly cankered parts were cut out,
the disease could be removed.

Cauliflowers : /. G. Your Cauliflowers should
prove a remunerative crop if grown for the
next two months in cold pits or temporary
flumes. If convenient, the strongest plants
should be potted in 4-inch pots and the
remainder pricked out in the bed of the frame
which should not be more than 18 inches from
the roof gla.ss. Ventilate freely during mild
weather in order to promote stocky growth.
Never allow the plants to suffer from
want of water at the roots. They should be
ready for planting out about the 2nd week in
April if the weather is favourable and should
produce heads throughout June and July when
prices are generally good.

Double White Narcissus Failing : //. B.
The failure to flower — " blindness" so-called —
of the double white Narcissus poeticus (N.p.
fl. pi.) is unfortunately all too common. It
is largely due to lack of moisture, both in the
soil and atmosphere. The variety does not
flower till May, and is, indeed, one of the latest
of its race in "this respect; and with dry, hot

weather supervening, the growing period of tho
plant is too suddenly terminated. In this way
the germ of the ensuing season's flower is not
perfected, and so-called "blindness " is the
result. Planted in ordinary or much drained
soil that condition is aggravated. All the
May -flowering Narcissus poeticus prefer a cool-
rooting medium, that under consideration no^
objecting to moisture within reach of its roots.
Where the latter is not possible, deep culti-
vation of the soil and a goodly layer of cow
manure placed 6 inches below the bulbs will
be ifound helpful. The variety being con-
tinuous in its rooting, annual lifting and drying
are opposed to success. Insert the bulbs
not less than 6 inches deep — or even 8
inches. If transplanting is contemplated, July-
August, is the best time. We have more than
once planted this Narcissus, and with success,
by pond sides or in other moisture^charged
soils, a fact would-be planters should not fail
to note.
Employer's Liability during Illness of
Gardener : Gardener. Your employer cannot
legally stop your wages during the week's ill-
ness, and you can sue him ifor the amount. If
you wish to leave, you should give him a
week's notice.
Names of Plants : K. F. Forsythia inter-
media.— A. P. 1, Berberis japonica ; 2, Ruscus
aculeatus ; 3, Griselinia littoralis ; 4, Grevillea
rosmarinifolia ; 5, Pittosporum undulatum ; 6,
Cassia corymbosa ; 7, send in flower ; 8, Azara
microphylla. — Insinnis. 1, Origanum Majo-
rana ; 2, Ornithogalum longibraeteatum ;
3. Scilly italica; 4, not recognised; send a
flower; probably a Magnolia.
Names of Fruits ': D. McO. 1, Court-
Pendu-Plat : 2, Prince Bismarck; 3, not
recognised ; 4, 5, and 6, decayed. —
V. V. G. F. G. Cockle Pippin.— Capt. B. T.
Decayed. — H. V. 1, Reinette tres Tardive;
2, Claygate Pearmain ; 3, Blenheim Pippin ; 4,
Scarlet Nonpareil. — Anxious. 1, Beauty of
Kent ; 2, Northern Spy ; 3, decayed ; 4,
Reinette du Caux (syn. Dutch Mignonne ; 5,
Welford Park Nonsuch ; 6, Emperor Alexan-
der; 7, Lady Lennox. — T. B. B. Broad-eyed
Pippin. — H. H. ' 1, American Mother ; 2.
Scarlet Pearmain, — F. B. 1, Melon Apple ;
2, Adams's Pearmain. — J. J. and Sons, Ltd.
King of Tomkins County.— IK. T. W. Lady's
Finger of Lancaster. — A. J. Wellington (syn.
Dumelow's Seedling).
Outdoor Tomatos : J. G. C. Most varieties of
so-called outdoor Tomatos succeed under glass,
but not all the varieties commonly grown
unde.- glass are equally successful when culti-
vated out-of-doors.
Propagation of Damsons and Bullaces : E. L.
1. Damson and Bullace trees are generally
propagated by budding on the usual Plum
stocks. 2. Flute budding was at one time
used for Figs, Cherries, and Mulberries, but
it is rarely ever employed now. It may be
done in the spring, when the sap begins to
•flow, or at the end of summer — at the usual
times for grafting and budding respectively.
To prepare the bud, a circular cut is made
through the bark of the scion an inch above [
the bud, and another an inch below it, both
cuts going right Tound the scion. A longi- I
tudina! cut is then made on the side remote
from the bud to connect the first two outs.
The base of the leaf stalk attached to the bud
is then gripped, and the entire cylinder of ,
bark stripped off. If it does not come awa;
easily, assistance with the spatula, of the bud
ding knife may be given. A patch of bark of
the same size is stripped from the stock, the
cylinder of bark ifrom the scion fitted on in its
place, and held there with raffia.. If the stock
is larger than the scion the bark need not be
removed the whole wav round. Any bare
space left after fitting the bud can be filled
in with a strip of bark. If this is done
grafting wax is not required. The stock
should not be headed down before the
operation.

Communications Received. — H. S. M. — B. F. F.—
6. M.— S. I..- F, .1. T. P.— W". .T. E.— J. W. B.—
J. S. H.— T. W. S.— L. .1. C— F. 0. K.— M. E. D.—
C. E It.— M. P.

February 7. 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

61

THE

(BarfoitOT' Chronicle

No. 1TZS—SATVRDAY, FEB. 7, 1920.

CONTENTS.

Agricultural research 61

Allotments and the food

shortage ... ... 62

Alpine garden, the —

Ourisia coccinea ... 66
Bulb garden, the —

Lilium auratum mac-

ranthum 67

Bussaria spinosa and

Indian Wax Scale ... 61
Cherries under glass ... 68

Clianthus 63

Dartmoor scheme, the 62
Farmers' land purchase

company, a 62

Farrer's, Mr. Reginald,

second exploration in

Asia 66

Galanthus Elwesii var

Cassaba 62

Gardens in Edinburgh,

lecture on 62

Gardeners' Royal Ben-
evolent Institution ... 62
" Gardeners' Chronicle "

seventy-five years

ago 62

Gardeners' education

and training 63

" Geo. Monro, td."

Concert 61

Herbaceous border, an

interesting 67

Iceland Poppies, a

disease of ... ... 62

Mistleto, hosts of the ... 69

Obituary —

Chappeilier,' Paul ...
Parsons, Alfred

Plants , new or note-
worthy—

Caulophyllum thalic-
troides

Plant quarantine in
U.S.A.

Potato America

Royal Horticultural
Society's examinations
in 1920

Royal Horticultural
Society, criticism of
the

Seed sowing

Societies —

British Florists' Feder-
ation
Manchester and North
of England Orchid
National Chrysanthe-
mum
Beading and District

Gardeners*
Royal Horticultural

Trade Note

Tomato, white fly on ...

Truffaut, M. Georges ...

Tydaea

Veitch, Sir Harry, resig-
nation of

Week's work, the 64

Woburn experiments in
fruit growing

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Caulophyllum thalictroides 63

Cherry Governor Wood, pot tree of ... ... ... 63

Galanthus Elwesii var. Cassaba t2

Herbaceous border at St. Peter's Court, Broadstairs ... 67

Tydaea amabilis M 65

Ateraob Mean Temperature for the ensuing week
deduced from observations during- the last fifty
years at Greenwich, 39.4°.

Actual Temperature : —

Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street,
Covent Garden, London, Wednesday, February 4,
1920, 10 a.m.: Bar. 30.5; temp. 47°. Weather— Rainy.

All fruit growers "will welcome

The Woburn the publication in book form of

Experiments the results of the experiments

in Fruit carried out at Woburn by the

Growing. Duke of Bedford and Mr.

Spencer Pickering on the growth
and behaviour of fruit trees. A perusal of this
volume* enables the reader to view the experi-
ments and the results in better perspective than
was possible when they appeared periodically in
the Reports of the Woburn Experimental Fruit
Farm, and certainly no one concerned with fruit
growing and desiring to see that complex in-
dustry put on a scientific basis will withhold a
cordial expression of thanks to the authors, both
for their continued labours and for the publica-
tion thereof in this convenient form.

The experiments were begun in 1894 and have
been in progress ever since. They cover a wide
range — preparation of the soil, jnanuring, plant-
ing, pruning and other aspects of fruit growing.
Many of the results obtained in the course of
this comprehensive series of experiments have
been contested and some are still contested.
Nevertheless, we are of opinion that in me
majority of them time has tended to justify
their correctness. For example, when the bene-
ficial effects of ramming the soil about the roots
of fruit trees at planting time w9re first an-
nounced expert opinion was, to say the least,
much more emphatically unfavourable than is the
case to-day. For our part, we are prepared to
accept the view propounded by the authors that
the careful spreading out of roots at planting
time is a work of supererogation, and that the
planting cannot be too "firm." In defence of

* Science and Fruit Growing by the Duke of Bedford,
K.G.. F.R.S., and Spencer Pickering;, M.A., F.R.S.
Mac-mill an and Co., 1919, price 12s. 6d. net.

the former statement, Mr. Spencer Pickering's
observation that the fibrous roots die back in any
case is, we think, conclusive.

Similarly, commercial growers are inclining
more and more to accept " light pruning" as a
general maxim, although they would probably
modify the extent of priming more according to
the variety — whether a strong, medium or weak
grower — than the authors appear to think neces-
sary. In any case, no one will disagree with the
dictum that excessive pruning as so often prac-
tised by amateur gardeners is the cause of the
unfruitfulness of the fruit trees growing in their
gardens.

One of the most puzzling results of the
experiments in manuring top fruit is the failure
of either dung or artificials to produce — in the
experiments on one part of the farm — any bene-
ficial effect. Nursery stock and bush fruit were
found to respond to both artificials and
natural manure, though considerably more to the
latter than to the former ; yet Apples and
Pears did not. We take note of the recorded
fact, but feel disposed to attribute it rather to
some adverse condition obtaining in the experi-
ment and blotting out the beneficent effect of
the manure.

The " grass effect " on fruit trees — that is
the stunting influence which grass under
trees has on their growth, first demonstrated by
the Woburn experiments — is now generally
accepted. Doubters, if any remain, may see in
the confirmatory experiments at Wisley the re-
markable check which grass exercises on young
trees. Fortunately for practice, this effect tends
to wear off — at all events in light soils — as the
trees grow older ; but there can be no doubt but
that planting in grass is to be condemned.
Grassing down, on the other hand, may be bene-
ficial, particularly, as is pointed out by the
authors, in improving the colour of the fruit.

The working hypothesis adopted by Mr.
Spencer Pickering to account for the grass effect
and to serve as an inspiration for further ex-
periment, is that the roots of the grass excrete
a toxin which poisons those of the tree. By
means of appropriate experiments, the authors
have convinced themselves of the truth of this
hypothesis, and have been driven by the results
which they have obtained to extend the hypothe-
sis and to conclude that the roots of plants
generally excrete toxins which are harmful to
the growth of other plants and, indeed, of their
own. Fortunately, the toxic effect is transient
— at all events in well-cultivated soils — and hence
this dog-in-the-manger attitude of a root does
not have the disastrous effect which it otherwise
would. This series of experiments is still being
continued and, needless to say, is of the greatest
interest both from a scientific and practical point
of view. Although the authors are bringing
their work at Woburn to an end, the results
which they have achieved in the 25 years during
which the station has been established will re-
main as a fine record of work and achievement,
in which the authors must find satisfaction and
future experimentors inspiration.

Only those who know how long and lonely
is the experimental road will be able to appre-
ciate to the full the magnitude of Mr. Spencer
Pickering's undertaking in his attempt to
strengthen the foundations on which scientific
fruit growing are hased. The occasion, of his
relinquishing those arduous and successful
labours at Woburn ig a fitting one on which to
express to him appreciation of the services which
he has rendered and we would venture to hope
that it may be found possible for the Royal
Horticultural Society to give effect to this
appreciation in some concrete and suitable form.

Royal Horticultural Society's Examinations in
1920. — The following dates have been arranged
by the President and Council of the Royal Horti-
cultural Society and its Board of Examiners
for the R.H.S. examinations this year : — General
Examination in Horticulture, March 24; School
Teachers' Written Examination (Preliminary and
Honours), April 24; National Diploma Written
Examination, May 29 ; School Teachers'
Honours Practical ^Examination at the R.H.S.
Gardens. Wisley, Surrey, June 17; National
Diploma Practical Examinations at the R.H.S.
Gardens, Wisley, Surrey, June 22 to 25.
Further particulars and forms of entry may he
obtained from the Secretary, Royal Horticultural
Society, Vincent Square, Westminster, London,
S.W.I, on sending a l£d. stamped addressed
envelope.

" Geo. Monro Ltd.'' Concert.— The twenty-
first annual concert will be held on Thursday,
February 19th. at the large Queen's Hall, Lang-
ham Place. The artistes will include a number
of popular performers and the band of the
Coldstream Guards will also give selections under
the direction of Major J. Mackenzie Rogan,
M.V.O. In former years various charitable
institutions have received donations from the
profits of these concerts.

M. Georges Truflaut.— His many friends in
England will learn with pleasure that M.
Georges Truffaut has received the Military Cross
as a reward for the conspicuous services which
he rendered to the British Army in France in
connection with the raising and distributing of
seedling food plants. This work, as we know
personally, involved frequent visits to all parts
of the lines, and on more than one occasion the
dangers which he ran were brought home to him
in forcible manner. On one occasion, for ex-
ample, the enemy airmen treated him and his
English companion -with more attention than
was desired, and M. Truffaut's valuable ser-
vices well nigh came to a sudden and tragic
conclusion.

Agricultural Research.— The establishment of
a research department in connection with an in-
dustrial company is by no means uncommon in
many branches of manufacture but, so far as we
know, the recently- formed Olympia Agricultural
Company is the first organisation to make pro-
vision for research in agriculture. The Director
of the Research Department is Dr. Charles
Crowther, formerly Professor of Agricultural
Chemistry in the University of Leeds, and one
of the chief members of the staff is Capt. C. T.
Guningham, who has relinquished his post at the
Research Station, Long Ashton, to undertake,
in the interests of the company, the direction of
investigations into soil problems and those of
plant nutrition. The purpose which it is pro-
posed that the Research Department shall fulfil
is two-fold — to act as advisors in connection
with the farming of 20,000 acres owned by the
company and to advance knowledge of scientific
agriculture for the benefit of farmers generally.

Bursaria spinosa and Indian Wax Scale.— Mr.
J. H. Maiden, Director of the Botanic Gardens,
Sydney, writes : — " Our English mails are not
entirely satisfactory yet, and, through an acci-
dent, the Gard. Chron. issue of August 30 last
only came to hand in December. At page 118
(1919) I notice that a correspondent has suc-
ceeded in Cornwall with Bursaria spinosa. This
plant is very common wild in eastern
Australia, and especially in the Sydney dis-
trict. As you are aware, it belongs to the
Pittosporum family, and it is a favourite host
of the Indian Wax Scale, Ceroplastes ceriferus,
which Mr. Froggatt, our Government Entomo-
logist, tells me, in spite of its name, is far
commoner in Australia than India. With us it
invades Bursaria spinosa to such an extent that
I have seen, in one limited view, thousands of
these shrubs so badly infested that they looked
at a little distance * as if thev were almost
entirely covered with snow. Triis waxy scale is
amenace to fruit growers; for example, it imme-
diately attacks the Persimmon, therefore a few
shires and municipalities in New South Wales
have taken steps to proclaim Bursaria spinosa
as a noxious weed in accordance with
our legislation. The pest seriously affects our
native Pittosporum trees and hedges, whether of

62

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[FEBRrARY 7. 1920.

Australian or New Zealand species. Bursaria is
one of the tfew native plants that is looked upon
.as a weed in Australia itself, and I hope that
_your readers will keep the plant under observa-
tion and see whether it displays any special
attraction for injurious wax scales."

The Dartmoor Scheme. — In deference to the
opposition from the Duchy of Cornwall and the
Devon County Council to the proposed indus-
trialisation of Dartmoor, to which we referred
on p. 12, the promoters have decided to drop
that part of the Hydro-Electric Bill by which
they sought to utilise Dartmoor water for gener-
ating electricity. They will modify the Bill to
restrict their powers to erecting overhead mains
for supplying to consumers the surplus power
beyond the requirements of their proposed
copper-refining industry in mid-Devon, the
copper being obtained from lignite beds they
intend to develop.

Lecture on " Gardens.' in Edinburgh. — On the
evening of January 29 a most interesting lecture
on " Gardens " was given at the College of Art.
Edinburgh, by Mr. James Salmon. It was
admirably illustrated with a series of lantern
slides exhibiting many of the finest gardens in
England, Scotland, Italy, France, Spain and
Holland, these being selected to show the

the Annual Congress of the Union held at Leeds,
on the 31st ult., stated that allotment holders
had broken the power of the Potato queues, but
official neglect and inadequate facilities for the
allotment movement would serve again to place
the community at the mercy of the profiteer in
food. The allotment holder had not received the
just treatment to which he was entitled. Allot-
ment holders represented the solution of the
world's greatest problem — food shortage. There
were only two ways by which increased produc-
tion of food could be obtained — first, the will to
work : and, secondly, land upon which to work.
They asked that all obstructions should be re-
moved, and appealed for greater facilities for
labour on the land. Given this power no human
being need go hungry. A resolution was passed
urging that statutory powers should be imme-
diately conferred upon the Ministry of Agricul-
ture to enable allotment sites to be retained
where proposed building was not in the public
interest. Mr. P. F. Green, secretary of the
Leeds Federation, was elected chairman for the
ensuing year.

Galanthus Elwesii var. Cassaba. — Mr. Elwes'
Snowdrop is one of the most beautiful as well
as distinct of the race, and several beautiful
forms, differing from the type, have been raised ;
one named Cassaba is illustrated in Fig. 25.

Fig. 25. — galanthus elwesii var. cassaba.

different features. Mr. Salmon ably depicted
the charm of the garden and gave many inter-
esting and valuable suggestions by which these
charms could be formed and heightened. The
lecturer dealt with the various aspects of the
craft, and one point emphasised was that when
a man had formed his garden he had half built
his house, as it was half-a-dozen rooms in one —
smoke-room, nursery, play-room, gymnasium,
wash-house, reading-room and many others. Mr.
Salmon advocated fires in the garden to add to
its uses in Scotland. He suggested laying
hearths down in a sheltered part of the garden,
surrounded with natural couches. where,
wrapped in plaids, people might recline com-
fortably by the fire built on the hearth. Even
in the twilight and darkness such an arrange-
ment would be delightful. Mr. Salmon spoke
optimistically of the revival of garden design
in Scotland.

Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution. —

In addition to the sums contributed by Sir
Harry J. Veitch and Ma'. Geo. Monro tc un-
successful candidates, after the declaration of the
poll, as announced on p. 57, Mr. Arthur Sutton,
who was not present, subsequently gave a sum
of £20 for a similar purpose.

Allotments and the Food Shortage— Mr.
Frank Smith, Chairman of the National Union of
Allotment Holders, in his presidential address at

G. Elwesii is most nearly related to G. pli-
catus and is a native of trie summits of moun-
tains north of the Gulf of Smyrna, where it was
discovered by M. Balansa in 1854. It was in-
troduced to this country by Mr. H. J. Elwes in
1874, who collected specimens from mountains
i l the Smyrna district. The Snowdrop is a
favourite flower with all. and, although much of
its popularity is owing to its flowering in winter,
its chief attraction is its exquisite beauty.

U.S.A. Plant Quarantine. — The quarantine
measures adopted by 'he United States of
America seem to be extending internally, for it
is reported that the State of Ohio has estab-
lished quarantine against Christmas trees from
Illinois, Michigan and the Eastern States. The
Florists' Exchange observes that it seems
liefore very long there will be no inter-state com-
merce in nursery stock in U.S.A.

A Farmers' Land Purchase Company. — The
Farmers' Land Purchase Company, in a Bill for
next Session, proposes to dissolve the limited
company and to incorporate it as a Parliamentary
company with a share capital of £2,000.000
The company considers that, in view of the desir-
ability of enabling tenant-farmers to purchase
their holdings, the objects and purposes for
which the limited company was incorporated are
of urgent national importance and can be more

effectively carried out by a company incorporated
by Act of Parliament. The Bill prohibits the
company from paying any dividend in excess of
10 per cent, per annam, or any bonus.

Resignation of Sir Harry J. Veitch. — The

announcement of the resignation of Sir Harry J.
Veitoh from the Council of the Royal Horti-
cultural Society and the office of Treasurer will
be learned with regret 'by the Fellows. The
readiness with which Sir Harry took up the
reins of the Treasurership, at a time when the
holder of the office, Mr. C. G. A. Nix, was
absent on war duties, was of gTeat service to the
Society, but it could not be expected that he
would continue to bear the burden of such large
responsibilities, especially in view of his advanc-
ing years. The fact that this venerable gentle-
man was, at an age when most men find such
work beyond them, filling the office of Treasurer
to two other horticultural institutions, i.e., the
Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution and the
Horticultural Club, besides being one of the most
active members of all three societies, points not
only to his capacity, but also great self-sacrifice
and devotion to horticulture. His election as
a Vice-President of the R.H.S. will meet, with
the same unanimous approval, and is as deserv-
edly earned, as his knighthood.

A Disease of Iceland Poppies. — The plant
pathologist of Victoria, Australia, Mr. Brittle-
bank describes* a destructive disease which
destroys Iceland Poppies in gardens in
Australia. The affected plants wilt and at a
later stage the bases of the leaves and the
flower stalks turn brown and decay. The
disease appears to be due to the attack of a
species oil Phytophthora, the genus of fungus
which includes iP. infestans. responsible for
late blight of Potatos.

The " Gardeners' Chronicle" Seventy -Five Years
Ago. Luculia gratissima. — This splendid plant,
although it has been an inhabitant of our gar-
dens for upwards of 20 years, is still, with few
exceptions, in its infancy as to cultivation. It
is a native of Nepal, from whence also conies
L. Pinceana, a species lately figured in the
Botanical Magazine, and at present exciting
considerable interest. That the cultivation of
L. gratissima is not generally understood is
sufficiently evident from the fact that one culti-
vator considers himself successful in producing
five flowers, while Mr. Barnes, of Bicton, and
his brother in Shropshire consider it no great
feat to produce plants with from 50 to 100
flowers upon each. Mr. W. Barnes is equally
successful, and has this season had, I am in-
formed, some very admirable specimens. Why
any person should wish to graft this upon
a more hardy stock. I cannot imagine; for with
me it grows with the greatest luxuriance, pro-
ducing plants from 3 to 4 feet in height, and as
much in diameter, with abundance of flowers,
from a cutting, in the course of one season.
Some of the leaves upon my plants this season
were 9 inches in length and 5 inches in width,
and the trusses of flower as large as good-sized
Hydrangea blooms. It is not, however, when in
such luxuriant growth that the plants produce
the greatest quantity of bloom ; but it is when
they have been cut back for several successive
seasons, and when they produce a great quan-
tity of moderate-sized 'branches, that they be-
come so beautifully studded with flowers, as has
been represented by Mr. J. Barnes. An old
stump of this plant, judiciously treated, will
continue to produce abundance of flower for
years, and will require little more attention than
a common Pelargonium. — Isaac Tomkins.
Walton-le-Grand. Card. Chron., Februarv 8
1845. - '

Publications Received. — ■ Kew Bulletin.
Appendix Nn. 1, 1920. List of Seeds of I/ardg
Herbaceous Plants and Trees and Shrubs. H.M.
Stationery Office, Kingsway, London, W.C., 2d.
Journal of the Ministry of Agriculture Ne. 10.
H.M. Stationery Office, 3, St. James' Square.
S.W.I. , 6d. U.S. Department of Agriculture
Bulletin No. 818. L. P. Byars and W. W. Gil-
bert, Government Printing Office, Washington.

'Journal of AqricuUure, Victoria., XTTI., Part 11.
Nov., 1919, p. 700.

February 7, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

63

THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG
GARDENERS.

Probably there never has been a period when
the gardener was of such value as at the present
time. Not only as a food producer has he come
to his own, but also as a guide and teacher of
others who -wish to make the best of their soil,
whether it be a small plot or a large held.
Unfortunately it has also revealed the short-
comings of not a few gardeners, and many a man,
practical and experienced though he be, has
found that he has been confused by simple
questions on the theory of his subject from an
amateur, who is not always content with
' ' blight " or ' ' something wrong with the soil "
as excuses for his failures. It is also well
known that there are very few mien to be found
capable of taking administrative posts although
fit from a practical point of view for any garden-
ing task. This, with the [fact that education
is ;' in the air," leads one to ask whether the
standard of education of gardeners could be
raised, not only from the literary point of view,
but chiefly from the technical standpoint.

One at once thinks of Wis'iey, Kew,
Reading and other places where horti-
culture is taught soundly, but, with the
possible exception of Kew, the average boy in
the gardens is shut ont from these by financial
considerations. Evening courses are common
enough. now, but apprentices and improvers are
found in the country villages to which technical
education has not spread yet. Probably they are
under famous gardeners in noted gardens, where
to have been an employee for a year or two is
sufficient to give a man a standing throughout
his life, but this does not give him a knowledge
of the theory of his subject and its sister
sciences, such as botany and entomology.

In order that every youth or man capable of
profiting by such knowledge should get it, I
would suggest that the Royal Horticultural
Society, in conjunction with the Ministry of
Agriculture, should start correspondence courses
in certain selected subjects, such as those men-
tioned above, together with sufficient chemistry,
physics and geology as would enable a man to
understand the composition of plants, manures
and soils. Such courses should be open to any
employee in a garden where he was getting a
good practical knowledge of gardening, and he
should receive notes which would enable him
week by week to read and understand selected
books. Every week or fortnight he should be
set an examination paper on the work already
done, and this he would answer to the best of
his ability and return it to he corrected at head-
quarters. After a course of approximately
twelve months, arrangements should be made
by which the candidate might be examined
locally, the head gardener, local schoolmaster or
some responsible person acting as supervisor.
On the results of these examinations, a certain
number of men would Ibe found capable of pro-
fiting by further instruction, and to these
scholarships of an approximate pre-war value
of £50 should be granted tenable at colleges or
institutions where practical work in botany,
entomology, and chemistry is given. A year's
course in theory whilst still employed aa a
gardener and a year's course, chiefly practical,
in elementary science subjects, would widen the
outlook of every gardener who was not too old
to profit by such instruction.

The majority of the men would probably be
content with such a course which should con-
firm them in habits of private study and they
would take up ordinary garden post's, but a few
brilliant men would be discovered in most years to
whom scholarships would be open, enabling them
to take a degree in horticulture so that a supply
of practical men capable of taking administrative
and teaching posts would be assured. Such a
scheme would give the poorest a chance of
education, although he might be employed or
living far from any of the ordinary sources of
learning. A moderate fee might be charged,
e.g., 6s. per quarter. It should also be under-
stood by those taking the courses that failure,
without sufficient reason, to answer the periodic
examination papers satisfactorily would lead to
the withdrawal of the benefits of the scheme.
G. C. Gough.

NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS.

CAULOPHYLLL'M THALICTROIDES.
A " GYMNOSPERMOUS " DICOTYLEDON.
The Angiospermous group of flowering plants,
with their ovules in closed ovaries, are so very
sharply differentiated from Gymnosperms, with
exposed ovules, that any of the former which
show a Gymnospernious tendency are of excep-
tional interest. Such an exception is the above
member of the Berberidaceae, a monotypie genus
allied to Epimedium. The solitary species has a
remarkaible distribution, which, however, is
shared by a fair number of genera of the Rana-
lean group of families, i.e., the Eastern United
States of America and North-Eastern Asia, from
New Brunswick to South Carolina, westward to
Nebraska, on the one hand, and from Western
Hupeh to the island of Sachalin on the other.

drug market ranges from 2^ to 4 cents the-
pound.* It is used as a demulcent, antispas-
modic, emmenagogue, and diuretic.

The most remarkable feature of the flower is
the fugitive carpel ; in fact, all parts of the
flower aire very fugacious except the seeds. As
in all Berberidaceae. there is a single carpel (1),
and in this case two erect basal ovules. Im-
mediately after fertilisation, apparently, the tiny
carpel opens and no longer protects the ovules,
which continue their development without a
carpellary covering. The funicles (2) of the
seeds elongate and thicken, the seeds (3)
assume a beautiful blue colour and are covered
with " bloom " great resembling the ripe
fruits of Mahonia, except in shape. The
two-stalked seeds look exactly like stalked fruits.
In the Monocotyledons the Indo-Malayan genus,
Peliosanthes (Haemodoraceae) shows the same-
peculiarity. J. Hutchinson.

aulophyi.lum thalictroides ; (1) carpel, (2) funicle, (3) seed.

The Asiatic plant has been described as a distinct
species, Caulophylluni robustum, by the Russian
botanist Maximowicz, but on comparing the ex-
cellent seTies of specimens at Kew with the
American plant, I have failed to find a single
distinguishing feature. Maximowicz, in founding
his species, seems to have laid particular stress
on the absence or presence of a leaf-stalk. I
find that this is a very variable character in
both areas of distribution.

It may be observed that the leaf in the
North American plant is not always sessile, as
stated by Maximowicz, neither is that of the
Asiatic plant always petiolate. In the former
the terminal leaflet has a little longer stalk and
the leaflet itself is usually rounded cr truncate,
whilst in the latter the leaflet is often nearly
sessile and somewhat cuneate at the base. But
practically every stage of the intermediate con-
dition may be traced. It seems very probable
that the plants in the two areas are really the
same species, on which slightly different ecolo-
gical conditions are tending to produce small
distinctions in the character of the leaves. Fail-
ing distinguishing features in herbarium material,
the most satisfactory solution of the problem
would be to grow plants side by side from the
two areas.

In the United States, Caulophylluni thalic-
troides (Fig. 26) is known as "Blue Cohosh,"
from the colour of the seeds ; other names are
"pappoose root," "squaw root," " blueberry
root," "blue ginseng," "yellow ginseng." The
root is dug in the autumn and ite price in the

CLIANTHUS.

Clianthus puniceus and C. Dampieri
do not seem to be so generally cultivated
as they used to be. C. Dampieri is a very
difficult plant to grow successfully, but C. puni-
ceus is easily managed and best raised from seeds
sown now in an intermediate house. There are
several varieties, including magnifica and a
white form, which should be propagated by
means of cuttings. C. Dampieri (the Glory Pea
of Australia) is an extremely difficult plant to
grow successfully. It resents disturbance at the
roots, hence it ds best to sow the seeds singly
in small pots, in order to admit of repotting
without disturbing the roots. The most suc-
cessful way of growing it is by grafting it on
seedlings of Colutea arborescens, the Bladder
Senna, a verv delicate operation that needs
to be done when both plants are small seed-
lings. The growing point of the Colutea should
be Temoved close down to the seed leaves, the
stock split with a sharp ra^or, between the
cotyledons, then, having cut the seedling Clian-
thus to a wedge-shaped scion, insert it into the
cleft of the stock, and carefully bind the two
with a strand of soft cotton. I have also suc-
cessfully grafted this plant by cutting a slit in
the swollen portion of the stock just below the
seed leaves, and then inserting tin- scion. The
" worked" plants should be placed under a
bell-glass in a warm house. Foreman.

* Hull. M.S. Dcp. A'jric, No. 107, p. 3", 1907.

64

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[February 7, 1920.

The Week's Work.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By John Coutts, Foreman, Royal Botanio Gardens,
Kew.

Saintpaulia ionantha. — Well-grown plants of
Saintpaulia in small pots make charming sub-
jects for the decoration of the breakfast or
luncheon table, and may be raised from seed or
by means of leaf cuttings, which may be rooted
now. Dibble the leaf cuttings in fibre or light,
sandy compost, in an open case or propagating
bed. It is important not to have a close case
as many fleshy leaves, when used for propaga-
tion, are apt to rot in a very close atmosphere.

Ventilation. — Care in admitting air is very
necessary in the successful management of plant
houses, especially during the spring, when
bright bursts of sunshine may occur at a time
when cold winds are blowing. Study the direc-
tion of the wind and, wherever possible, open
the ventilators on the sheltered side of the build-
ing. Cold draughts are fatal to the well-being
of plants, therefore the apertures should not
be opened on both sides of the house when strong
winds are blowing. Ventilate gradually — it is
fatal to allow the temperature to rise excessively
and then try to remedy the evil by admitting
a lot of cold air. Box ventilators situ-
ated at the lower part of the house are
•a great advantage, and they should be fixed
level with or below the waterpipes to allow
the air to become warmed as it passes over
■the pipes. With such ventilators a little
air may be admitted at all times, except during
very severe weather. It has long 'been known
to intelligent cultivators, and the fuel shortage
lias brought the fact home to others, that many
plants do better when grown in lower tempera-
tures than that generally accorded them. Much
harm is often done to tender plants by
syringing them when the sun shines full on
them, with the ventilators open. Careful
ventilation and watering, more than any other
•cultural operations, are always observed by the
successful indoor gardener.

Achimene. — An early batch of these plants
may be introduced to a warm house, leaving
the main stock to be started later. The
scaly rhizomes should be laid out in
-shallow trays and just covered with leaf -mould
and sand. When the plants have made some
two inches of top-growth they should be trans-
ferred to their flowering pots or pans. The latter
receptacles are, on the whole, the most suitable
for them. Some growers prefer to put the
dormant rhizomes directly into their flowering
pots ; when this is ' done they require
very careful attention in watering. Achi-
menes should be grown in a stove tem-
perature of 60° to 65° until they approach the
flowering period, when they should gradually
be accustomed to cooler conditions. Some of
the more slender-growing varieties are admirable
subjects for filling hanging baskets.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By H. Wheeler, Gardener to Mrs. Jenneii, Wenvoe
Castle, near Cardiff.

Onions. — In certain districts the Onion Fly is
very troublesome and many growers depend on
transplanted seedlings for their main crop of
Onions. To ensure the best results with this
system it is necessary to have strong seedlings at
planting time. Tile seed should be sown now, and
a little warmth, such as that from a hotbed, is
an advantage, or the seedlings may be raised in a
heated pit where they may remain until they
are ready for putting in the open. Prepare a
bed 6 inches in depth consisting of fairly light,
friable soil that has been passed through a
4-inch sieve; press the soil firmly. Sow the
seed in drills made 6 inches apart and cover
them lightly with fine soil. Water the seed bed

thoroughly, taking care not to disturb the seeds
in doing so. The seedlings should be given an-
on all favourable occasions. Any of the main
crop varieties may be raised in this way.
Where it is desired to grow medium-sized
varieties, such as Crimson Globe, Silver
Globe and Royal Keeper, sow the seed
now and follow the cultural directions given
above.

Slugs. — These pests are especially trouble-
some in gardens where the soil is of a heavy
nature. After trying many Temedies I find
the following the most effective against slugs.
Across the plot intended for treatment, at a
distance of three feet apart, rake the soil level
in strips about one foot wide and place lines
of old boards on these prepared sites.
Sprinkle a small quantity of bran under the
boards, which will attract the slugs in the
immediate vicinity, and the boards will provide
a congenial hiding place. IE the boards are left
in position for a few- days, considerable numbers
of slugs will be trapped and may easily be
destroyed by scattering freshly-slaked lime on
them. The boards may then be placed in fresh
positions and the operation repeated on the first
favourable occasion. The operator should walk
on the boards to prevent treading the ground
unnecessarily. A good but slower method is to
lay thin slices of Parsnips in places where slugs
are known to harbour. They will feed on the
roots and remain under them, when they may
be collected and put into a receptacle containing
lime. Slugs are most in evidence in showery
weather, and a carefid watch should be kept at
such times for these ubiquitous pests.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By Sidney Legg, Gardener to the Dowager Ladt
Ncnbl-rnholme, Waiter Priory, Yorkshire.

Hardy Flower Borders. — The majority of
hardy flower borders have been so neglected
during the past two or three years that
in many cases it will necessitate planting
them entirely afresh to have them in good
condition again. Remove the whole of the
plants and put them carefully in vacant
ground. Trench the border 4 ft. deep, break-
ing up the bottom layer and mixing it
with basic slag. The top soil should be enriched
with well-rotted manure. For heavy soils the
addition of lime rubble, leaf-mould, wood ash
and river sand will be beneficial ; while on very
sandy borders a surface dressing cf Rape meal
applied during the spring and lightly hoed in
will help to conserve the soil moisture for the
roots in hot ■weather. Where climbers growing
on walls or trellises have their roots in the
border care must be taken to use a fork instead
of a spade and cover the roots with mats as
the work of trenching is done. The shortening
of the roots of the climbers may receive atten-
tion, but exercise discretion in this matter as
to the character and vigour of the plants.

Planting. — Twelve years ago the system of
planting in blocks of one colour was largely
practised, but the colour schemes of to-day are
more pleasing, if somewhat, intricate. To
gradually shade off each collective colour in
bold, irregular drifts, as, for instance, from
dark blue, through blue, light blue, mauve, and
lavender, to silver-grey, provides harmony and
relieves the garden from the effect of monotony.
The same system may be applied as far as is
practicable to plants on walls and trellises in
proximity to the border. Ample room should
be given each individual plant or clump, and
small, outside portions of the plants should be
selected for re-planting. The arrangement of the
subjects in the foreground of a border needs
to be carefully considered; a little "foaming
over " here and there is preferable to straight
lines, and bulbous-rooted species may be
utilised to extend the season of flowering with-
out interfering with the more permanent
plants. Endeavour to have the front of the
border gay with blossoms from spring until
winter. As the season advances supports, in the
form of forked or twiggy sticks should He
afforded to plants not necessarily requiring
stakes and strings.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By F. Jordan, Gardener to Lieut.-Col. Spender Clat,
M.P., Ford Manor, Lingfield, Surrey.

Pot Vines. — One-year-old pot vines that were
shortened to two buds last month and have since
been kept in a dry, cool place, may be placed
in gentle warmth and the roots gradually
moistened before they are shaken out and re-
potted. A dressing of vine styptic should be
applied to the cut surfaces to prevent bleeding;
in some cases a second dressing will be
needed. When the new growths are one
to two inches long, retain only the strongest
and guard it against injury. Meanwhile, obtain
a sufficient number of clean 11-inch pots and
get the compost in readiness for use. All com-
posts of which bone meal and other concentrated
fertilisers form a part are greatly improved by
remaining for two or three weeks in a warm
house before being used. Sound, turfy loam,
lime rubble and bone meal should form the
staple of the compost, ^and a few handfuls of fine
manure should be used according to the quality
cf the loam.

Vine Eyes. — If the planting of green vines is
in contemplation, it is not too late to insert vine
eyes in pots or turves, as recommended in my
remarks in Gard, Chron., January 3. The
majority of growers who have facilities for pro-
pagating vines from eyes prefer to adopt this
method, as it enables them to have healthy
plants in readiness for planting out in May,
which is possibly the best month for the work,
as the conditions afterwards are more genial to
enable the vines to make rapid growth. The
vines should be repotted when they need larger
receptacles and not allowed to become pot-bound.
Pots of 8-inch diameter are the most suitable.
To attain success the border should be made in
advance, as warm soil at planting time is
most important to ensure rapid growth.
Drainage must be provided ; a subsoil of gravel
requires little or no preparation. Cold, wet,
clayey subsoils are best cemented over and drain-
age provided by rough bricks covered with finer
portions of brick, and the whole surface covered
with a good layer of lime nibble. The drainage
materials should be about 12 inches deep, with
tiles or pipes having a properly prepared outlet.
Two layers of fresh turf from a fairly strong
loam, placed gra^s side downwards, should be
placed on the lime rubble. The new border need
not be more than 3 feet to 3 feet 6 inches wide
and 2 feet to 2^ feet deep. For Muscats, use
twTo-thirds rich loam, lime rubble, bone meal,
burnt refuse, with a little rough vine-border
compound. Vine borders can scarcely be too
firm, and should only be made when the compost
is fairly dry and in a good condition for
working.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By T. 'W. Briscoe, Gardener to W. R. Ltsaght, Esq.,
Castleford, Chepstow.

Mexican Laelias. — The typical or dark varieties
cf Laelia anceps have already passed the flower-
ing stage, but the white kinds, such as L. a.
Stella, L. a. Williamsii, L. a. Schidederiana.
L. a. Dawsonii, and L. a. Sanderiana are usually
at their best towards the end of January and
early in February. Other Mexican Laelias in-
clude L. majalis, L. albida, L. autumnalis, L.
Gouldiana, and L. Eyermaniana, and they
require the same treatment as L. anceps and its
numerous varieties. At this season most of the
plants develop roots from the base of the last
made pseudo-bulbs, and directly these appear
the plants may be repotted or top-dressed.
Some growers advocate giving fresh soil about
the end of May, but I think it is advisable to
preserve the roots that are made soon after the
plants flower, for it is almost an impossibility to
disturb the base a few months hence without
injuring them. Whether teak wood baskets or
jjans are employed as receiptacles, ample
material for drainage must be provided. A
suitable rooting medium consists of Osmunda or
Al fibre three parts, and one part Sphagnum-
rcoss. Plants that have outgrown their recep-
iacles may have the leads or growing points,
together with two or three pseudo-bulbs, re-

February 7, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

65

moved. The pseudo-bulbs that are not
removed may be allowed to remain in
the old pin, when some of the dormant
eyes will eventually push into growth
and form useful plants. The leading growths
that have been removed may either be potted
singly, or several employed to make a larger
specimen, placing the leads evenly over the
surface and arranging one or two towards
the centre of the pot. If the number of plants
is sufficient, there is no need to retain any of
the back pseudo-bulbs. In that case the plants
are turned out of their pots, all the old pseudo-
bulbs removed except three, and the dead roots
cut away, when repotting may be proceeded
with. The soil should be made firm, and water
afforded sparingly for the next few weeks.

Treatment of Recently Potted Plants.— Plants
that have been disturbed should be placed at the
warmer end of the Cattleya house (if a division
is not set apart for this class of Orchid) and
every encouragement given them to induce the
roots to take possession of the fresh soil. Speci-
mens that are not repotted should be placed in
a house having a temperature of about 50°, and
for the next few weeks air should be admitted
on all favourable occasions. Only sufficient
water to keep the pseudo-bulbs in a normal state
should be given, the object being to allow the
plants to rest for as long as possible. The later
in the season the plants re-start into growth
the better, for finer pseudo-bulbs are usually
obtained from plants that have enjoyed a long
rest. When, however, signs of renewed activity
are visible, the plants should be so arranged
that they may receive ample sunlight but care
must be taken to prevent injury to the foliage.
The roots ■will require more water and the sur-
roundings must be kept moist. Air should be
admitted during fine weather. As the season
advances the house should be closed and damped
down thoroughly, the plants sprayed overhead,
and the blinds rolled up early in the afternoon.
Later in the evening the ventilators may be
opened an inch or so, and allowed to remain open
throughout the night.

TYDAEA.

Amongst the Gesneraceous plants which are
s< i decorative in the conservatory, the brilliant
tints of the Tydaeas are most conspicuous in a
variety of shades of scarlet, salmon-pink and
crimson, spotted with a deeper colour in har-
mony with the ground-tint. They are as easy
to grow as the better-known Achimenes, only
requiring a moist atmosphere and a temperature
from 55° to 80°, with sunshine, to produce their
velvety foliage and bright blossoms almost con-
tinuously, if stolons are started at the beginning
of the year and again at intervals of a few-
weeks until June.

For summer blooming the stolons should now
be placed in a shallow tray containing an inch
nr two of peat, leaf-mould and loam in equal

semi-shade as before, but given more light as
the buds appear. Even when the flowers are
fully expanded the plants should not be placed
in a hot, dry place, and their need of a moist
atmosphere should be met by throwing down
water around them several times a day during
hot weather. Natives as they are of South
American forests, these Gesneraceous plants
require this consideration, and may be well
grown in a warm fernery or below a mass of
creepers which will shelter them from the noon-
day sunshine.

After flowering, the plants must not be
neglected, for, although they will not require
so much water at their roots, their foliage must
not be allowed to droop, but be carefully pre
served until it has finished its work and ripened
gradually. The stolons may then be kept
dry until they are required for restarting, yet

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By '1'. Pateman, Gardener to C. A. Cain, Esq., J. P.,
The Node, Oodicote, Welwyn, Hertfordshire.

Outdoor Vines. — If the pruning of the hardy
vines has been delayed from any cause, make
an effort to complete the work. Out-door vine.^
are best pruned on the spur system, as the buds
break into growth more regularly and are more
likely to produce fruitful growth than with any
other method of pruning. Shorten the lateral
growths to two or three eyes, and when these
break into growth select the best shoots for
fruiting, rubbing off all the others. Extension
growths may be shortened to about two feet six
inches. Planting may be done any time before
the sap begins to flow. If the young vines have
been grown in pots, shake all the soil from the
roots, which should then be carefully spread out
and covered with some good loam, mixed with
lime rubble and bone meal.

Propagation of Vines. — Hardy vines may be
propagated by inserting single eyes in small pots
or pegging them in a square turf and rooting them
in a warm house. They may also be increased
by layering., which is done by bending down
one of the lower growths, opening a narrow
trench of soil a sufficient depth to cover the
stem and making the shoot secure in the soil
by means of strong pegs.

Spraying Fruit Trees. — February is a good
month for the winter spraying of fruit trees.
Choose a calm day for the work, otherwise much
of the fluid will be wasted. Where the spraying
of fruit trees has been neglected in the past, a
strong wash may be used. Concentrated alkali
has a cleansing effect on trees covered with
lichen growth ; it should be applied after the
trees have been pruned and are in a dormant
state. Choose open weather for the work and
do not spray in times of frost. In the applica-
tion of all washes to trees let the specific be
distributed evenly over the branches. Due
precautions should be taken to protect the
clothes and person of the operator.

Fig. 27. — tydaf.a amabilis.

parts, with a sprinkling of fresh charcoal in
small lumps and powder. A half-shaded place
suits this class of plants better than the full
sunshine, and in order to afford this, with a
steady warmth, a box containing a few inches
of fine ashes may be arranged over the hot water
pipes on which the tray can rest, taking care
to keep the whole moist without giving too
much water to the Tydaeas, which will require
only one thorough soaking until they show signs
of life, when a gradually increased supply
(always lukewarm) will 'be needed. The box
should be covered with glass, which should be
wiped, or turned over, every morning, and must
always be so arranged as to admit air at the
corners and allow the escape of moisture.

When the Tydaeas have started to grow, three
stolons can be arranged in a five-inch pot in
similar compost, or more in a broader pan, well
drained. They should bo grown in the same

not in such a hot, dry place as might cause
them to suffer from dry-rot.

A fine hybrid between another member of the
Gesneraeeae and a Tydaea is named Sciado-
tydaea, the other parent having been a form of
Sciadocalyx digitaJaefiora. Isoloma hirsutum
(one of the unost desirable of Gesneraceous plants)
gives flowers of pure scarlet, with the same tint
as an edging to its fine, velvety leaves and is tin-
parent of a very fine race, some of which attain
the height of three feet, and bloom profusely
in autumn and winter if cultivated on similar
lines. Although for garden purposes the name
Tydaea, under which these plants ahe best
known, may be retained, they are now classed
as Isoloma,' and have been called by some
authorities Kohleria. T. amabilis, the species
illustrated rin Fig. 27, is i native of New Granada
and was introduced to this country in 185fi.
/. L. Richmond.

66

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[February. 7, 1920.

EDITORIAL NOTICE.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the
PUBLISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, W.C.

Editors and Publisher. — Our correspondents would
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they would kindly observe the notice printed weekly
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to the Publisher; and that all communications
intended for publication or referring to the Literary
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Publishing and Editorial, are distinct, and much
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Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editors
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or illustrations unless by special arrangement. The
Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any
opinions expressed by their correspondents.

Iiocal News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige by
sending to the Editors early intelligence of local
events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of
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Letters for Publication, as well as specimens of
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WRITTEN ON ONE SIDE ONLY OF THE PAPEB. sent US

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Illustrations.— The Editors will be glad to receive
and to select photographs or drawings suitable for
reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable flowers,
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or injury.

Mr. REGINALD FARRER'S SECOND
EXPLORATION IN ASIA.*

14. — Up to Camp.

At the end of July came a brilliant clearance.
So off set the whole caravan, and all the tents,
for a month of camping up among the wild
peaks at the head of the Sabiya-Kaw Valley.
In this almost inaccessible country, small, indeed,
is the amount of ground one can hope to cover,
and many the favourable conditions required
before even that can be covered. Coolie-back
is the only possible method of conveyance for
one's chattels along the very few tracks only
to toe found within close reach of Hpimaw.
And even the getting of coolies depends on the
season of the year and the good will of the few
rare villagers. For, strange though it may
seem, these people have lives of their own, and
livelihoods to scrape out of the recalcitrant earth ;
it is not always .possible for them to leave their
fields, even if they want to. and go gallivanting
into the green, wet wildernesses of the forest for
even so princely a wage as eightpence a day.
How I shall contrive to fare next year, when my
hopes bend far further northward, where there
are no tracks at all, or any villages, Or any
coolies, I tremble beforehand to think, and look
back to the foot wide highways of Tibet with
respectful longing.

However, within radius of Hpimaw these
transport troubles are not so pressing, and we
successfully achieved our return to Sabiya Kaw.
As before, the valley-region yielded nothing of
hope or interest, except, at one point of the
road, a paradoxical colony of some Pyrola with
the white spires of P. rotundifolia, and the white-
veined foliage of a Goodyera. (Alas, when I
returned that way in hopes of seed, I found
that a goat had been there before me, and all
the spires were shorn.) There is another small
inhabitant of the valley zone, too, so pretty
that I consider it well worth cultivation, how-
ever half-hardy. It is quite strange to me,
though, and there is no use repeating Sairey

• The previous articles by Mr. Farrer were published
in our issues for June 21. June 28, July 12. August 9,
A ugust 23. September fi. September 27, Ootober 18.
November 1. November 22, December 6, 1919, Jannarv
3 and January 17, 1920.

Gamp to me, and urging me to "give it a name, I
beg." All I can say of it is that it forms wide
sweeps and stretches on warm, open, gravelly
faces of the open hillsides, and sends up num-
bers of five-inoh spikes, that delicately unfuld a
long succession/ of friugy, pearl-white trumpets.
As for the Lilies, Lilium Wallichianum is now
well over, and its fat green pods stand up among
the Bracken, not by any means so copiously
as the flowers that fore-ran them : while the
stately L. nepalense only begins to occur
higher up, and is not, anyhow in these
parts, so abundant as on Hpimaw Hill. Seeing
that L. nepalense flowers here at the end of
July, after a summer certainly of no forcing
quality, I am greatly puzzled at its late bloom-
ing tendency at home, that has gone so far
towards disqualifying it for English gardens.
I still nurse a hope that seed from here may
yield an earlier-flowering strain, for here it is
indeed a desirable beauty, clear and clean in
colour and of agreeable scent. And, with deep
planting, on very steep, warm, well-drained
slopes, there ought not to be any difficulty
in establishing both these Lilies.

Interest begins above Salbiya Kaw village,
where the Middle Zone fades towards |the Alpine.
By the open wayside abounds a little Campan-
ula, a genuine Campanula in this world of
copious Codonopsis and Adenophora. It is not
perhaps, a very rich treasure ; and I incline
therefore. Heaven knows with what justification,
to think of it as C. colorata. But it has a
prettiness of its own, too, of small, but richly
purple bells, loosely scattered from stiff Hale
branching stems of eight inches or a foot ; and
it seems a general wayside occurrence, through-
out the region, at about 8,000 feet. A little
higher and the clumsy mollis-Primula is passing
to seed in the shady, overgrown gullies. I
recognise this now as Forrest's P. seclusa ;
unless I do it injustice (having only seen the
flowers beginning to open). Professor Balfour
shows the partiality of a parent in describing
it as " a large, coarse-leaved plant, with many
bright flowers." I grant, indeed, the largeness
and the coarseness, but as I have so -far seen
them, the flowers are neither many nor bright.
At least, though many, they unfold ungenerously
without unanimity, and are of a wizen outline
and indeterminate pink-to-crimson colouring.
However, it may easily improve, or I may never
have seen it in fine character ; it is a very
general lowlander of warm woodland dells
throughout all the region, from the Feng Shui
Ling to the Chimili and the Nyetmaw.

All the Rhododendrons of the . Alpine forest
are now ever, and I grieve anxiously to note
how very shy of seed is the already sufficiently
shy-flowering Big Leaf. Not that shyness of
flower is likely to be much regretted in a plant
of such glorious foliage, but what about a
sufficiency of seed to introduce it successfully?
On one tree, where the remains of two flower-
trusses promised capsules in May, now only
two lone pods redeem that promise ; and but
too probably this will be the case throughout
all these woods that are filled with the
plant. A new Ophiopogon, however, cheers
the way, with dainty little starry belis of
ivory white, freckled and freaked with soft
violet. This carpets the dank darkness of
the forest floor, and in mossier places a
tiny mossy-looking Copris runs about. Other-
wise, as usual, the Alpine forest gives little but
dulness. Dull are its greenish little Orchises,
and dull its dim Adoxoid weeds, and dull, above
all. its Balsams. For tthe Alpine woodlands
abound incredibly in the dreariest and dingiest
of Impatiens in a series of species dozens-long

that, I am ashamed to say, have, so far, nearly
all eluded the flower -press, owing to my com-
panion's threat to abandon me altogether if I
wasted time on flimsinesses so infinite in their
variety of monotonous dowdiness. One or two,
indeed, are handsome, but even these are lush
and blowzy. Their chief use is as a subsequent
overgrowth to the big and the little blue
Primulas of these woods, which seem to like
being thoroughly muffled up in rank vegetation
at seeding time, after flowering all by themselves
on the bare earth. The hint should be taken
in culture. Where I believe both these beauties
will be happiest is in moist dells of the wood-
land, and salubriously grown over after
flowering. For this purpose many a woodland
would serve. Of the local Balsams I dare only
to commend a rather loose one, with really
large and goodly helmets of pale violet ; and
another, stalwart and buxom and upstanding,
with big flowers that seem to me to vary from
yellow, through pink, to a dull purple. The
rest are mostly all dull 'Weeds, and probably
pestiferously prolific into the bargain : one there
is w-hich covers the more open spaces in a dense
jungle of large-leaved stems about six feet high
without having ever yet vouchsafed me sign oi
any flow7er at all. Among this grows a round-
headed Garlic, too. with pretty orbs of pinl.
stars; this is henceforth abundant all over lb.
Alps, even up to the high ridges, where a
dwarfed and yet further refined form occurs ir
the grassy lawns. This plant is sedulously soughi
and devoured by the natives; but even mois.
do they affect another, a very striking, broad
leaved species of three feet high, which abounds
in damp places and open glades of the upper
valley among the Alpine hay, making a notable
effect with its ample, domed heads of solid
pinky-mauve. Unfortunately for its garden
claims, this also is very much— and indeed
terribly— Garlic ; and unfortunately for its
culinary uses, has the disadvantage of bringing
you out all over with unbecoming small white
blisters. Reginald Farrer.

THE ALPINE GARDEN.

OURISIA COCCIXEA

From my experience with this plant I do
not share the rather pessimistic view expressed
by Mr. Arnott on page 5. To what extent the
fickleness referred to may be due to the
conditions prevailing in that part of
Scotland from which Mr. Arnott writes I am
unable to say, though they might prove a factor
in the case. And, if so, there is nothing for
it but experiment on the spot; it is the only
way indeed, where orthodox methods fail. In
this connection I read with interest, and pleasure
in a contemporary two years or so since the
experiences of an amateur who, having been
baffled in his attempts to flower the plant in
one position and with divers kinds of treatment,
eventually transferred the colony to an opposite
side of the rock but a yard or two away
Here with a new atmosphere created, the plant
was a complete success. And the spirit such
persistency demonstrates is bound to prevail
in the long run : the lesson learnt all the more
valuable because of the failures preceding it.

Without desiring to dogmatise, there would
appear certain essentials which cannot be
i<rnored The plant is rhizomatous. Like other
rhizomatous subjects, free flowering depends
upon the development of the rhizome in the
previous year. In this Ourisia the chief fiowei-
ing is restricted to the last few inches of the
main rhizome; though, where scope permits of
development, it may, if in a modified degree
occur in the laterals also. Adequate annual
orowth, therefore, of the parts named is esseiv
tial to good flowering, and is only forthcoming
in those instances where soil and other conditions

February 7, 1920.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

67

are suitable. As Mr. Arnott states, " A cool,
moist spot is good, so far as it goes, but it
is not enough to secure flowers." True; with
these a measure of sun and warmth are ueces
sary; shade, so often an accompaniment to the
above, being inimical to the flowering of
Ourisia. Equally opposed, too, are dryness and
full exposure. These conditions result in a
stunted, undeveloped plant, while shade pro-
motes undue leanness at the expense of the
rhizome.

Firm surface conditions I have found most
helpful, and these are readily secured fey press-
ing flatfish pieces of sandstone an inch below the
surface as planting proceeds, finally covering
with soil. The rhizome that follows and presses
tightly against damp rock will invariably flower,
as will that which wanders on to a near path
way. Finger-posts like these no alert cultivator
would think of ignoring. As to soil, I prefer
a stiffish loam with plenty of decayed leaf-mould

AN INTERESTING HERBACEOUS
BORDER.

We are indebted to Mr. H. Ball, gardener to
A. J. Richardson, Esq., St. Peter's Court,
Broadstairs, for the photograph of the inter-
esting herbaceous border at St. Peter's Court,
reproduced ini Fig. 28.

The photograph, which shows about half the
border, was taken from near the centre. The
edge of the walk is broken up by dwarf plants,
including Saxifrages, Veronicas, Aubrietias,
Campanulas, Pinks, Phloxes and Helianthe-
mums, with here and there taller plants of Irises,
Delphiniums, Liliums and Lupins to break up
the formation.

The remainder of the border is planted with
groups . of Delphiniums, Pyrethrums, Asters,
[rises. S<jdums. Phloxes, Paeonies, Rudbeckia,

THE BULB GARDEN.

LILIUM AURATUM MACRAXTHUM.

In a recent article (p. 31) on a method of
cultivating Liliuni auratum macranthum,
growers weie advised, inter alia, that the stem*
of this Lily should not be removed till they
have dried otf, on the ground that " the gradual
ripening of the foliage is necessary to the
formation of flowers for the following season, a
process which begins in the centre of the bulb
as sool as the blossoms fade.'1

One would have supposed that in these
enlightened times, it would hardly have been
possible to revive a legend so ancient th it the
inception of it is lost in the deeps of history,
for whatever may be the case, with other bulbous
plants, it is certain that the ripening of the stem
leaves of a. .Lily has no influence one way or
the other on the .welfare of the bulb.

Fig. 28. — view

I HE HERBACEOUS BORDERS AND LONG WALK AT ST. PE

and a quantity of grit. Greater importance,
however, is attached to the conditions first
named, and I am inclined to believe that the
nature of the soil is of secondary consideration.
The Ourisia forms mat-like growth, and, like
other plants of that nature, repays for periodical
division and replanting in September and early
October, say, every second or third year. Judged
(rom the temperature of its little island home in
the South Pacific, a certain measure of warmth
would appear to be necessary for the plant,
though it is fairly hardy. Where it suffers from
cold or frost, sprays of Yew or other light
evergreen may be used to afford slight
protection. While committing myself to the
above remarks, I know that many fail to
grow and flower the Ourisia 6uccessfullv.
though inquiry invariably shows that its special
needs were not understood. The brilliant colour
and neat habit of the plant render it suitable
for the choicest associations and make worth
while any endeavour on the part of the
cultivator. E. H. Jenkins.

Oenotheras. Canterbury Bells and other old-
fashioned flowers.

The borders are about 8 ft. 'wide, and there
are several old Apple trees at the back, over
which clini.bhig Roses and Clematises ramble at
wiJl. Two Rose arches span the walk, and at one
end there is a group of Iris pallida Princess
Beatrice, with a background of Monthly Roses.
The pale, lavender shado of the Iris and the pink
tone of Roses provide a very pretty feature in
summer. Mr. Ball states that the border
is always an object of interest to visitors,
which may be readily understood, judging by
the beautiful picture, for the method of planting
and designing is at once original and bold.
Critics of the stiff herbaceous border would have
no ground for complaint in such an arrangement
of hardy flowers, which is not only informal
but highly artistic. There is also no need, in
such a system of planting, to restrict the imli
vidual subjects, which may encroach on the
pathway and follow their own habit of growth
without jostling their neighbours.

Often by accident, but more often of set
purpose, have I broken off the stems of Lilies
in every stage of their development and have
yet to notice any diminution in stature it
wealth of bloom in the succeeding season.

For four successive vears the stem of i
particular plant of L. rlansonii, in the writer'.-,
garden, had to submit to decapitation when less
than half the normal growth had been com-
pleted, and when in the fifth year it was allowed
to grow unchecked, the plant signalised the
occasion by flowering more profusely than il
had ever flowered before.

There are probably few growers of Lilies who,
at one time or another, have not had to regret
the loss of a fine Lily stem felled by a marauding
-lug. chopped up to make a succulent salad [or
hare or coney, or broken off short by some
canine friend in pursuit of an alien cat. but the
only result will have been to add to the vigour
of the bulb.

Forty years ago that keen observer, Dr.
Wallace, in his Xnh's an Zdlies, referred lo (he
point in the following words: — " Lilies may get

68

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[February 7, 1920.

their stems eaten off, injured, or destroyed
in various ways. . . . But are the 'bulbs
damaged ? Not so, the roots at the 'base of the
bulb are put forth, and the bulbs make their
growth as usual, perhaps even the more so
Because there is no stem to draw nourishment
from them."

From the physiological point of view there
is much of interest in the relationship between
the stem of a Lily and the bulb, and much to he
explained — for when the problem is examined,
seemingly inexplicable discrepancies betwixt
theory and practice present themselves.

By all the canons of the physiologist's faith,
the 'bulb of a Lily can only receive the car-
bonaceous nourishment necessary to existence
through the leaves and in nine-tenths of the
genus" these spring from the stem. _ It follows
that if the stem is removed early in its life, the
bulb should die otf inanition, but we know that
it does not do so.

The physiological explanation of this apparent
contradiction between theory and practice is
that much depends on the period at which the
stem is removed and that if. for instance, the
removal is not effected 'before the stem has
taken definite shape and thrown out leaves,
there will have Ibeen time for the completion
of the vital processes on which the life of the
bulb depends.

That view will hardly satisfy the practitioner,
for it does not meet the common case where
the destruction of a Lily stem just as it is
pushing through the earth is not followed by
the collapse of the bulb. or. for the matter 01
that, by any apparent weakening ot its
[unctions.

Such a case may be met by the hypothesis
that Lily bulbs have stored withan themselves
sufficient energy to enable them to 'carry on
for a time; in other words, to live on their own
"fat" but it is obvious that there must be a
time' limit to this, rnd if there is anything
in the hypothesis it should be easy ot
demonstration.

For some reason, not easy of explanation, but
possiblv climatic, L. auratum seems to bear seed
much lass generally than it used to do in the
closing years of the last century and a good
harvest 'is now an exceptional occurrence In
1911 when the autumn was hot and dry. there
was 'a great crop of seed, but since then it has
been to seek.

I., .-I Monograph of the Genus Lihum (1880).
L. auratum is reported as ripening seed free y
under certain conditions, and the records of the
time are clear on the point, especially in regard
to Scottish gardens.

At the time of writing, the importation of
I.iliuim bulbs from Japan has recommenced and
no doubt the business will eventually assume
even ereater proportions than in the years pi 101
to the war. Slowly but surely, however, Japan
£ being denuded of Lilies and of L auratum in
particular, and every year sees the rapacious
collector forced to carry on his nefarious calling
further and farther away from Fuji i an,.,
where the species was common enough toit>
vears ago.

' Propagation by seed on a commercial scale is
the obvious remedy, the more obvious one would
have supposed, in a country where the edible
bulb of the Tiger Lily is cultivated by farmers,
much as Potato* are 'cultivated in this country,
bulbils taking the place of seed tubers.

Nine-tenths of the gardener's figures with

Japanese Lilies are due to the fact that when

exported, a very high proportion of bulbs is

Smonly infested with a funf s-RW;,-

necans-OT infected with a root mite. A magiu-

ying-glass at once reveals the presence of the

alter and exposure to the .tames of carbon

bisulphide is a remedy, provided the core , of

the bulb has not 'been eaten away on the long

ournev from Yokohama to the United Kingdom.

The* fungus is less easily dealt with but
according to Dr. Cooke, immersion of the
nulb for about 20 minutes in a 1 per cent,
solution of salicylic acid is an effective cure,

I! »er considered that this acid has no
inbirious effect on living bulbs provided they
"re not allowed to remain in the liquid for more
than fifteen minutes A. Grove.

CHERRIES UNDER GLASS.

In the most exposed districts of the north,
Cherries — excepting the variety Morello — cannot
generally be considered a success. As tin*
Cherry, grown under ideal conditions, is one ol
the most prolific fruits it is possible to cultivate,
it is a matter for serious reflection that •con-
siderable attention has not 'been given to the
more extensive cultivation of these luscious fruits
under glass. There is a vast difference between
the q ual ity , to say nothing of quantity, of
Cherries grown under glass and those from trees
exposed to our erratic climate. Another very
important point favourable to the cult ration of
this fruit under glass, especially at the present
time, is the minimum amount of both fuel and
labour necessary to bring them to a high stale
of perfection. Fire-heat is not absolutely neces-

FlG. 29. — POT TREE OF CHERRY GOVERNOR WOOD.

sary — unless forcing is contemplated — although
of decided advantage, as a buoyant atmosphere
can be assured at the time of fertilisation if
artificial warmth is available.

A spacious Cherry -house with) its inmates
wreathed in bloom from base to apex is a very
pleasing sight, and especially when the trees
have Ibeen trained properly. Then again, as the
Fruits hang in clusters from every branch, trees
in fruit present a beautiful appearance. An idea!
Cherry-house is a well ventilated span-roofed
structure about 25 feet wade and thirty or forty
yards in length, running north and south. Side
ventilators capable of admitting an abundance of
air are necessary, and the house should_be erected
on a wall aWmt two feet in height. The trellises
on which the trees are trained should be at least
four feet from, and run horizontally with, the
roof. The -borders in which permanent trees are
planted should he somewhat restricted to insure
complete control of the roots ; a width of four
feet is ample and allows a wide pathway, which

it is more economical to gravel than tile or flag.
A more equable atmosphere can be maintained
with gravelled pathways, and the initial cost is
also worthy of consideration.

Until the permanent trees have covered their
allotted space, other Cherry trees may be grown
in pots and stood about the pathway of such a
house. These pot-trees (see Fig. 29) provide an
added interest and are most satisfactory. The
chief points to observe in the cultivation of the
Cherry are : — Cool conditions, copious waterings
in the growing season, comparatively loose tying
and pruning directly the leaves begin to fall.

The best varieties for the epicure include : —
Early Rivers, Bigarreau de Schreken, Elton,
Governor Wood, Bigarreau Napoleon, Noir de
Guben, Late Duke and Duchesse de Pallnan.
Sidney Legg, Warier Priory Gardens,

HOME CORRESPONDEICE.

[The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for
the opinions expressed by correspondents.]

Seed Sowing. — Every year thousands of people
are disappointed with results obtained from the
sowing of "small " seeds, and the blame is attri-
buted to the nurseryman or seedsman from whom
the seeds were bought. But in very many cases
those who sow the seeds are at fault. A very
ordinary way of sowing seeds is as follows, no
matter whether pots, pans or boxes are used :
The surface soil is pressed down to a moderate
degree of firmness, then smoothed with a flat
piece of wood ; next the seeds are sown and
covered with soil, and again the wood presser is
used on the sainface. The seeds are watered in
due course and remain, as it were, between two
crusts. After germination has taken place, the
small seedlings are not strong enough to push
through, the top orust, and therefore perish.
This method of sowing is, to my mind, wrong,
but I have often seen it practised during my
twenty years' experience in large gardens. The
method I adopt is to press the soil, making the
surface as level as possible without using the
wood presser, then sow the seeds and press them
firmly into the soil, afterwards covering them
with soil in the ordinary way, but with no
further pressure. By this method germination
is quicker, as the warmth readily penetrates the
loose soil on the surface. — Arthur Allardicet
Burwarton Hall Gardens, Bridgnorth.

Potato America.' — Whatever may be the fata
of this variety ultimately, it has at leas» two
good points in its favour, namely, dwarf, up-
right habit, and good quality after being kept
till January. 'Die stems did not exceed 6 9 in.
with me, after being earthed up. and they died
away early. It was planted in a very light
soil in a fully-exposed position, where much of
the soil remained in the form of dust till the
end of September. I would have placed half
of the seed under entirely different conditions
if I had even suspected that the season was going
to be a dry one. A Potato of strictly dwarf
habit is required for the many who have gardens
that are too much sheltered by walls or fences
for the welfare of Potatos. Strong growing
varieties grow too tall, fall down and smothei
each other for lack of lir, unless they are staked,
and very few people would think of that and
fewer would adopt the plan. J. F.

White Fly on Tomatos.— In answer to Mr.
Beckett's query as to the destruction of White
Fly on Tomatos, I consider the best means ot
destroying the pest is to empty the house and
then fumigate it with flowers of sulphur. For
a house 2.000 feet square use one 48-sized pot
full of sulphur; place a small shovel of red-hot
coals in a large pot in the centre of the house
and sprinkle the sulphur over the coals, slightly
damping it at the same time. Be careful not
to allow the fumes to escape to an adjoining
house where plants are growing. If the plants
are infested with the pest, vaporise the house
with " XI All," using one large-cupped dish full
to a house of similar dimensions, on _ a calm
evening. The following afternoon, syringe the
plants with Bentlev's Insecticide, by means of
an Abo] syringe. Repeat this operation a week
afterwards. II'. Eyres, Guildford, Surrey.

February 7, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

69

The Royal Horticultural Society.— The ap-
proaching change of pilots furnishes an appro-
priate opportunity for reference to one or two
points in which the procedure of the Society
seems open to improvement. Nowadays, when
all such bodies find the cost of paper and
printing a heavy burden, and the expense of
producing the Journal must be considerable,
■there can be no excuse for the waste of space
due to constant repetition, through page after
page of the Journal, of the scientific, honorific
And other qualifications to which Fellows are
■entitled. For many years past the practice has
been carried to ridiculous lengths, and because,
foi example. Sir Emeritus Highbrow, Baronet,
M.P., is entitled to the letters M.A.. LL.D.,
V.M.H., F.R.S., F.L.S., K.B.E., after his name,
that is surely no reason for the repetition of
the whole gamut of letters a score or more of
itimes in the same issue of the Journal. In his
speech at the General Meeting a year ago, the
President made a passing reference to an in-
tended enlargement of the area of the Wisley
gardens and according to the printed report of
t-he proceedings, none of the Fellows present
evinced the slightest curiosity as to the ex-
penditure or cost of the enlargement. In the
annual report for 1919 Fellows are informed that
tthe purchase has been completed, but there is not
a word as to the expense of it, and one may
look through the accounts in vain for any direct
reference to the transaction. The asset side of
the Vincent Square balance sheet, however,
reveals the fact that the value of the freehold
land and cottages at Wisley has been increased
during the year by no less a sum than £5,438.
and in the absence of any information to the
contrary, we are entitled to assume the cost of
the Wisley enlargement at that figure. The fact
that " more land would be required in the
immediate future for experiment in such pressing
matters as substitutes for the rapidly diminish-
ing supplies of stable manure," seems to indicate
that the Council intends to enter into competition
with Rothamsted. But this is a poor excuse to
•offer for the expenditure of over £5,000, an
expenditure made, by the way, without the
authority or the knowledge of the general body
■of Fellows. In regard to Wisley generally,
the Council would no doubt ibe well advised
to lay the cards upon the table, tell
the Fellows the extent of any- further capital
■outlay that may be contemplated and what the
annual cost of maintenance is likely to ibe.
The Fellows are not likely to refuse their
sanction to any reasonable expenditure, but un-
less there is a check to a tendency recently
■noticeable, to spend not inconsiderable sums of
money without reference to the Fellows, the
latter cannot, be blamed if they insist on a more
-rigid control of the purse. F.R.H.S.

Hosts of the Mistleto. — In reply to IT". Somer-
mile (see p. 44), I may say that Mistleto grew
upon Hornbeam, Elm and common Walnut, at
Stoke Park, Slough, in 1912. It then grew on
twelve different kinds of tree. For the conveni-
ence of golf, some of the trees had to be cut
down. The old Manor House and a small por-
tion of the grounds were sold, and some of the
trees there, including the common Walnut (bear-
ing Mistleto), were cut down to effect improve-
ments. For many years past, however, I have
noted a fine colony of large plants of Mistleto
on the English Elm (Ulmus campestris) in the
churchyard at Leatherhead, Surrey, and for all
I know they are still there. In 1901, the late
Mr. Burbridge, of Dublin, was recorded as say-
ing that he had seen the Mistleto growing weakly
on Beech in the Botanic Gardens, Oxford, but
he subsequently denied this The parasite has
been known to germinate on several widely dis-
tinct trees in that garden, though it did not get
beyond that stage. In 1887 a collector of
statistics about the Mistleto sent a note upon
the subject, including the Aspen and Birch as
host plants for the parasite, but did not indi-
cate the place of growth in these instances. In
1899, Mr. A. D. Webster recorded it on Poplars,
Oaks and Birches in Windsor Park. He also said
that it grew on Black and White Poplars, and
that De Candole found it on the Lombardy
Poplar, Walnut, common Plum, Medlar, Spruce
and Ash in France. Loudon figures it germinat-
ing on the trunk of a Cherry tree in his garden
at Bayswater, London. J. F.

SOCIETIES.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.

Scientific Committee.

January 13. — Present : Mr. E. A. Bowles,
M.A. (im the chair) ; Messrs. W. R. Dykes, H. J.
Elwes, J. Fraser, W. Hales, G. Wilson, and
F. J. Chittenden (lion. sec.).

British Plants. — Mr. Fraser showed pre-
served specimens of Senecio squalidus, a plant
well knoiwn for long as growing upon Oxford
walls, but now spread to other places, including
London. He also showed a hybrid between
S. squalidus and S. viscosus, originally from
Ireland, and Mercurialis annuus, a weed of
cultivated gardens in several parts of south and
east England.

Pleione pogonoides. — Mr. Elwes stated that lie
had been cultivating plants under this name, but
had found them to 'be identical with Pleione
humilis so far as he had been able to discover.

Oncidium x incurnephorum. — Mr. G. Wilson
showed, on behalf of Messrs. Charleaworth, a
hybrid between Oncidium corynephorum, a
species with a scandent habit, and 0. incurvum.
The hybrid lacks the climbing habit.

Fruits of Davidia. — Mr. Bowles showed twin
fruits of Davidia involucrata from the garden of
Mr. Christie at Framlingham Pigot, Norfolk.
The inflorescences producing these twin fruits
had three bracts, and the phenomenon had oc-
curred in earlier years as well as in 1919.

Two forms of berry on Holly. — Mr. Bowles
also showed a piece of Holly bearing a red berry
on an otherwise yellow- fruited plant.

Cypripedium insigne twin-flowered. — Mr.
Smith, of Hatchford Park Gardens, Surrey, sent
several specimens of Cypripedium insigne having
two flowers on a scape. The plants producing
them were particularly vigorous and the flowers
lacked nothing in size. The plants had been
manured occasionally with sulphate of ammonia.

Awards to Garden Swedes.
The following awards have been made by the

Royal Horticultural Society to garden Swedes

after trial at Wisley : —

Awards of Merit.

No. 8. Superlative Garden Swede from
Messrs. BaTr and Sons.

No. 10. Yellow Garden Swede from Mr. A.
Dawkins.

No. 14. Naylens Ruta Baga from Messrs.
Thorburn, New York.

No. 20. Acme from Messrs. Gartons, Warring-
ton.

No. 22. Nonsuch Purple Top from Messrs.
Watkins and Simpson.

Highly Commended.
No. 18. Abundance from Messrs. Alex. Dickson

and Sons.
No. 24. Eclipse Purple Top from Messrs. Dick

son and Robinson.

Commended.
No. 12. Premier from Messrs. Dickson and
Robinson.

MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF ENGLAND
ORCHID.

January 5. — Committee present : The Rev.
J. Crombleholme (in the chair), Messrs. R. Ash-
worth, A. Burns. A. Coningsby, D. A. Cowan,
J. C. Cowan, J. Cypher, J. Evans, A. Hanmer,
J. Howes, A. Keeling, J. McNab. D. McLeod,
W. Shackleton, E. Tack, J. Thrower, E. W.
Thompson, and H. Arthur (Secretary).

Awards.

First-Class Certificates.
Laelio-Cattleya Firminii (L.-C Ceres X C.
Dowiana aurea), and Cypripedium Prince
Albert (Tommy Curte x Hera Mostyn magni-
fica), from S. Gratrix, Esq.

Awards of Merit.
Cypripedium Cyclops West Point var., C.
Joy Sander and C. Ifheims Inv'vta (Mrs.

Mostyn x Van Dyk) ; Cattleya Victory and
Odontoglossum amabile Alpha, from S. Gratrix,
Esq.

Lycaste Shinnerii vars. Fairy and liosy Morn,
from Mrs. Gratrix.

Cypripedium Zadie- (Euryades New Hall Hey
x Draco), and C. Actaeus Lady Greensleeves,
from Mrs. Bruce and Miss Wrigley.

Cypripedium Cavelier var. swintonense,
from B. J. Beckton, Esq.

'Cultural Certificate.
To Mr. A. Burns, for Laelia Gouldiana,
Calanthes, and Cypripedium Minos Youngii.

Groups.
S. Gratrix, Esq., Whalley Range (gr. Mr. J.
Howes), staged a group, to which a Gold Medal
was awarded. Mrs. Bruce and Miss Wrigley,
Bury (gr. Mr. A. Burns), were awarded a Large
Silver Medal for a group consisting of a fine
batch of Laelia Gouldiana.

January 22. — Committee present : The Rev.
J. Crombleholme (in the chair), Messrs. R. Ash-
worth, A. Burns, A. Coningsby, J. C. Cowan,
J. Cypher, J. Howes, A. Keeling, D. McLeod,
W. Pickup, W. Shackleton, E. Tack, E. W.
Thompson, and H. Arthur (Secretary).

Awards.

First-Class Certificates.

Laelio-Cattleya Schrbderae Our Queen (L.-C.
Bella alba x C. Maggie Raphael alba),
Cypripedium Memoria F.M. Ogilvie (Curte
magnificum x G. F. Moore magnificum), from
S. Gratrix, Esq.

Cypripedium Olympus var. The Chairman
(Leeanum Clinkaberryanum X Alcibiades), from

B. J. Beckton, Esq.

Sophro-Cattleya Saxa rar. flammea (S.
grandiflora X C. Trianae), from P. Smith, Esq.

Cypripedium Euryades Carter Place var.,
from' T. Worsley, Esq.

Awards of Merit.

Cypripedium Flise magnificum (Hermes x
Lady Dillon), and Cattleya Mendelii Diana,
from S. Gratrix, Esq.

Cypripedium Virginia (aureum virginale X
Fariieanum), from Mrs. Slingsby.

Cypripedium Glorita, var. Purity (Actaeus
X Golden Glory, from T. Worsley, Esq.
Cultural Certificate.

To Mr. Burns, for Cypripedium aureum
Hyeanum, C. Lathamianum Wrigley's var., and

C. magnificum; and to Mrs. Slingsby for
Cypripedium Virginia.

Groups.
W. Pickup. Esq. (gr. Mr. H. Mercer) was
awarded a Gold Medal for a fine group. Mrs.
Bruce and Miss Wrigley, Bury (gr. Mr. A.
Burns), were awarded a Large Silver Medal for
a group of Cypripediums.

BRITISH FLORISTS' FEDERATION.

The third annual meeting of the British
Florists' Federation was held on the 29th ult.,
at Pagani's Restaurant, Great Portland Street,
W. There was a fairly good attendance of
members, and Mr. George Monro, Jnr., pre-
sided, supported by Mr. G. W. Leak. Mr. G.
Khawyer, Mr. D. Lngamells, Mr. R. H. Page,
Mr. H. C. Mount, Mr. W. A. Cull, and Mr.
H. G. Gay (among members of the Committee),
and Mr. H. Morgan Veitch (solicitor).

The usual formal proceedings were followed
by the presentation of the Annual Report and
Accounts. The former reviewed the work of the
year 1919, and showed that the Federation had
been successful in obtaining better conditions
for the flower trade in Covent Garden Market,
had materially assisted the trade in Guernsej
and the Scilly Islands, had smoothed over diffi-
culties between certain members, had published
a Bulletin containing a large amount of useful in-
formation, and taken part in the resuscitation
of the International Commercial Horticultural
Conference. The accounts showed a turnover of
over £400 and a balance of about £30 carried
forward — a very good showing considering that

70

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[February 7, 1920.

the Federation had incurred the expense of re-
presentation at the International Commercial
Horticultural Conference in Paris, and had be-
come affiliated to the Chamber of Horticulture,
subscribing £30 thereto.— The Chairman moved
the adoption of the report and accounts; this
was seconded by Mr. Gay and carried unani-
mously, after comments by various speakers, in-
cluding a suggestion for more propaganda work
from Mr. Hannibal, and one for closer working
with the H.T.A. from Mr. Fincham. Mr. Leak
and the Chairman both pointed out that dele-
gates from the H.T.A. and the B.F.F. would
shortly meet to consider the possibility and ad-
visability of the scheme suggested by Mr.
Fincham.

Mr. George Monro, Jnr., the retiring Presi-
dent, -was heartily thanked for the very
able services he had rendered the Federation
since its institution in 1917. Mr. D. Ingamells
proposed and Mr. W. A. Cull seconded this vote,
and several other members added their meed of
praise. On the motion of Messrs. A. Dimmock
and E. Hawes, the Committee were thanked for
their services, and then, on the motion of the
Chairman, seconded by Mr. Shawyer, Mr. G. W.
Leak was unanimously and enthusiastically
elected as President for the ensuing year. The
retiring members of the Committee were re-
elected, with the addition of Mr. Geo. Monro,
Jnr., and Mr. Chas. Harding to fill two vacan-
cies. Mr. H. Morgan Veitch was re-ap-
pointed Solicitor, and Messrs. G. H. Cobley and
Co. were re-appointed Hon. Auditors. A vote of
thanks to the Chairman concluded the business
proceedings.

At 6.30 p.m. about seventy members and
friends, including a number of ladies, dined to-
gether at Pagani's, under the presidency of Mr.
George Monro. Jnr. The tables were charm-
ingly decorated by Mr. H. J. Gay, and an
admirable musical programme, followed the
dinner, while speeches were limited in number
and length. The Chairman proposed " Success
to the British Florists' Federation," and referred
to the continued need for combination and co-
operation in the flower trade, and briefly out-
lined the aims and objects of the Federation and
the work it had accomplished. In a delightful
speech, Mr. G. W. Leak responded, and said
he was very proud of the position of President
to which he had been elected that afternoon.
He then spoke of the innate love of gardening
and flowers possessed by all Britishers and the
wonderful influence that floriculture had upon
character. He emphasised the Chairman's
observations with regard to the need of co-
operation, and referred to the many difficulties
that are following in the trail of the war, and
to those due to the presence of diseases and
insect pests, which might, however, be very
largely overcome by a combination of science
and practice. In felicitious terms, Mr. D. Inga-
mells proposed " The Ladies," to which Mrs. G.
Monro, Jun., responded. Mr. Artindale, who
was responsible for the idea of holding a dinner,
proposed " Our Next Merry Meeting," Mr. Gay
was thanked for the floral arrangements, the
members drank to the health of the Secretary
(Mr. C. H. Curtis), and, on the proposal of Mr.
W. H. Page, the toast of " The Chairman " was
accorded musical honours. The whole of the
proceedings proved so enjoyable that every one
present expressed a hope that the dinner would
become an annual function.

Reeves, W. Sharpe, D. Dore, Gear, Smallbone.
Fulker and E. J. Dore.

First-class certificates for cultural merit were
awarded to the following : —

Mr. W. Chislett, The Gardens, Bill Hill,
Wokingham, for a magnificent collection of
Apples and Pears; the fruits being of high
colour and in sound condition.

Mr. W. Sharpe, The Gardens, Sidmouth
Grange, for an excellent group of Carnations.

Mr. H. Reeves, The Gardens, Sidmouth
Grange, for blooms of Mdme. Oberthur
Chrysanthemum.

Six new members were elected.

TRADE NOTE.

NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM.

Comparatively few members attended the
annual general meeting of this Society, held at
Essex Hall, Strand, on February 2. Mr. T.
Bevan presided.

The annual report and financial statement were
presented and adopted. The former reviewed
the year's work end referred to the fine exhibi-
tion of November last and to the revival of
educational work by the Committee. The
aocounts showed a balance of £29 on the right
side, as against £17 brought forward from 1918.
and also showed the deposit account of £75 still
intact.

All the officers were re-elected, viz. : Sir Albert
R-ollit , President ; Mr. John Green, Treasurer ;
Mr. J. Bevan, Chairman; Mr. E. F. Hawes,
Vice-Chairman ; Mr. C. Harman Payne, Foreign
Corresponding Secretary ; Messrs. Witty and
Bayly, Auditors ; and Air. Charles H. Curtis,
General Secretary. Mr. Kelly was added to the
Committee and Mr. J. J. Ward to the Vice-
Presidents.

The proceedings were more or le"s formal and
did not last long.

READING AND DISTRICT GARDENERS.

The first fortnightly meeting of the spring
session was held in the Abbey Hall on Monday
the 26th ult. , when, notwithstanding the un-
favourable weather, there was an excellent
attendance, presided over by Mr. F. Towusend.
The subject, for the evening wras the Perpetual
Flowering Carnation, its hybrids, and the new,
hardy Dianthus Allwoodii. The lecturer was Mr.
Allwood, Wivelsfield Nurseries, Hayward's Heath,
and he gave an exceedingly racv and instructive
discourse, tracing the history of this fashionable
flower from its infancy to the present time.
Special interest was added to his remarks by a.
series of over one hundred lantern slides. A
useful discussion followed, mainly on diseases of
the Carnation by Messrs. Townsend, Exter,

©bttuarp.

Paul Chappellier. — We learn of the recent
death, at la Commanderie, near Orsay (Lovant),
at the advanced age of 99, of M. Paul Chappel-
lier, doyen of the Societe Nationale d'Acclimat-
ation de France. M. Chappellier interested him-
self especially in the improvement of Crocus
sativus, which is important economically as a
source of saffron, and in that of the Yam, Dios-
corea batatus, from which he aimed at securing
a variety with short, swollen tubers which would
admit of lifting more easily. M. Chappellier
gave a summary of his result at the first
International Botanical Conference (Conference
on Hybridisation), held in London in 1899. His
experiments with Dioseorea were finally crowned
with success, and a variety bearing his name
was prat into commerce bv Messrs. Vilmorin,
Andrieux et Cie in 1907. A. M.

Alfred Parsons. — The news of the death of
this distinguished artist will be learned with
deep regret by horticulturists. He died on
January 10, but, by his wish, the public
announcement of his decease was withheld until
the day after his remains were cremated. He
was one of the few artists who painted a flower
just as a gardener sees it, for he had not only
the artist's but the gardener's instinct and
passion. He was 72 years of age, having been
born at Beckingcon, Somerset, in 1847. As a
young man he was for a short time a clerk in
the General Post Office ; but his genius for paint-
ing soon showed itself, and from the early
seventies he was a constant exhibitor in different
galleries. In 1887 his picture, "When Nature
Painted all Things Gay," was bought by the
Chantrey Fund ; and by that time he had won
for his works in oil and water-colour the admira-
tion of all who care for delicate and careful
renderings of the bright side of Nature. To
this he always adhered ; his joy was in gardens
and flowers. Indeed, he not only painted gar-
dens, but designed them with skill and success,
as many country houses can bear witness.

A good example of his ordinary landscape
painting is "The Orchard." which was purchased
by the Chantrey Bequest and is now in the Tate
Gallery.

Messrs. Charles Sharpe and Co., Ltd., Slea-
ford, entertained 150 men, out of their staff
of over four hundred employees, to a dinner in
the Corn Exchange on Wednesday, January 28,
in honour of the returned Service men. About
50 per cent, of their regular staff joined up, out.
of which ten made the supreme sacrifice for their
country ; Mr. C. Beecroft, head 6i the vege-
table seed department, gained the Military
Medal for a conspicuous act of braver}-. Mr.
A. L. Jessop, the head of the firm, presided at
the dinner and welcomed the men who had re-
sumed their accustomed work, and urged the-
great importance of every man doing his best
now they had returned to civil life. Mr. W. H.
Mitton, managing director, spoke of the pro-
gress made by the firm and of the great demand
for stocks of Sharpe's seeds. Mr. Charles
Jessop, who went to France as a commissioned
officer with the 8th Lincolns, has now joined the-
Sleaford firm.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Address : G. F. B. The address is Mr. J. J.
Kettle, Corfe Mullen, Dorsetshire.

Names of Plants : L. H. 1, Thuya dolabrata ;
2. Juniperus chinensis: 3, Pinus insignis; 4,
Cedrus atlantica.

Notice to Leave : G. P. You are entitled to ai
month's notice as head gardener.

Right of Removal of Turf from L^wn. H. B.
A tenant cannot remove turf as suggested.
Anything growing in a private garden belongs
to the landlord, and it would be no defenceto
contend that, in addition to the growing,
grass, some of the earth had also been re-
moved ! This, of course, would only make the
matter worse.

Sulphate of Copper Solution : P. L.
As a fungicide for use on hard-wooded
plants or dormant subjects such as the-
Vine, 1 lb. of sulphate of copper may
be dissolved in 25 gallons of water,
but for soft-wooded subjects a very much-
weaker solution should be used, or damage may
be done ; i oz. to 25 gallons is strong enough-
for very soft-wooded plants.

Window-boxes ; V. J. H. If you cannot obtain
fresh compost for your window-boxes some lime
should be worked into the soil to sweeten it.
as such soil — indeed, all soil in small gardens
in London — is more or less acid with deposits
from the smoke-laden atmosphere. For the-
same reason the variety of plants that will suc-
ceed in window-boxes is 'limited, plants with
more or less smooth leaves being most success-
ful, hence the almost universal use of Ivy-
leaved Pelargoniums and Marguerites. For 3
spring display you could use Daffodils, early
flowering Tulips and Croci. For a summer
display it is difficult to get away from the
conventional subjects that succeed in London.
But Antirrhinums might be tried, using the
intermediate varieties, which grow about 18
inches high; they are accommodating plants
and succeed in very varying conditions.
Summer-flowering Chrysanthemums should also
succeed, using the dwarfer types such as
Mddle. Marie Masse and its varieties. Ver-
benas may be had in a variety of good colours
and could be used to drape the front of the
boxes, while Phlox Drummondii is a good
annual subject which remains in flower all the
season. If the position is sunny, scarlet
Pelargoniums, with an edging of grey foliage,
would prove bright and lasting. Cerastium
tomentosum might be used as a permanent
grey-foliaged subject. Mignonette is charm-
ing for window-bo.xes, but it is doubtful if it
would succeed unless you provide fresh soil.
Bushes of the dwarf Lavender should succeed
for at least two seasons, if the position is light
enough.

Communications Received— E. .1.— F R.— W. S.
— D. R. D. -H. S.— A. A.— J. E.— R. H— Miss B.—
A S — E S. — J B. M. — Constant Reader— D. M.—
E L.— W. T.— E. H. I.— H. Vf.—A. H.— J. W —
J. G E— P I M.— J. S.— W. A. W.-J. S.— T. A. C
_F ' T— M H. F. S.— W. T— H. T.— H. M.—
M. J G.— S. A.-E. L.— G. W. S.— A. S.— Prof. I.
— W. K.

Febhcary 14. 1920. J

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

71

1HK

No. 1729— SATURDAY, FEB. 14, 1920.

78

Peach Amsdcn June . .

73

Pear Winter Peach . .

73

71

Potato crop, importance

of the

80

Rhododendrons in flower

at Kew

71

72

Richmond Horticultural

80

Society

71

Rainfall, the ..

HO

73

Silver Leaf, forthcoming

lecture on

72

Societies —

73

Chamber of Horticul-

ture

HO

73

Royal Horticultural
Royal Gardeners'

81

72

Orphan Fund . .

83

Tl

Soil disinfection by hot

water

71

Tl

Snowv fly

80

Vtt

Trees and shrubs —

80

Hedges, evergreen . .

75

Daphne Mezereum - -

75

Vegetables —

77

Artichokes

Vtf

Parsnips

79

77

Week's work, the 74
" White City ' exhibi-

.75

76

72

CONTENTS.

Aphides and frost

lianana growing in
Queensland

Begonia Gloire de
£onaine

Crystal Palace, fire at
the

Epiphyllum truncatum

Florists' flowers— Sweet
Peas in 1920

Foreign correspondence
— Varieties, new, regis-
tration of

Fruit trees, hardy,
assisting

" Gardeners' Chronicle "
seventy-five years ago

Grassland campaign, a

Hampton Court., acci-
dent at

Irises, hybrid bearded

Mistleto, hosts for the

Orchid notes and
gleanings—
Cattleya amethysto-

glossa
Odontoglossum

Triomphe de Bruges
Orchis praetermissa
var. pulchella

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Berberis orthobotrys . . . . . . . . . . 77

Blackberry Aphis . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Dykes, Mr. W. It., portrait of 72

Evergreen Oak, hedge of . . . . . . . . . . 75

Jtose Aphis .. .. .. .. .. .. .79

Atbbaqe Mean Temperature for the ensuing1 week
deduced from observations during the last fifty
years at Greenwich, 38.9°.

Actual Temperature: —

Oardenere' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street,
dovent Garden, London, Wednesday. February 11,
1920, 10 a.m.: Bar. 29.7; temp. 44°. Weather-
Bright and cold.

The use of steam for soil
Soil Dismfoc- sterilisation has now be-
tion by Hot come a routine practice
water. among growers Of Toma-

tos under glass, and the
beneficial results which rue achieved by this '
method of soil treatment are so well known
as not to require further emphasis ; but for
cultivation in small greenhouses and for seed
raising in pots and boxes, steam sterilisation,
owing to the fact that it entails a special
plant, has never been generally adopted ; for
such work some simpler method is required.
Of these methods the chief are the hot water
process, the formaldehyde process and that
involving the use of carbon bisulphide.
There is little doubt but that if the gardener
were persuaded of the beneficial results to be
obtained bv soil sterilisation for greenhouse
work he would adopt it as part of his
routine practice, and, therefore, it is
desirable that his attention should be
drawn to the results secured by Messrs.
Byars and Gilbert in their recent experi-
ments* in soil sterilisation by hot water.

For the purpose of their experiments these
authors used, in the first place, soil known
to be infected with various soil pests such
as the root-knot nematodes, or eelworm,
Heterodera radicicola, which does serious
damage to Tomatos, and various soil fungi,
including the "damping off " fungus
(Pythium debaryanum) and species of
Rhizoctonia, which cause lesions in the
stems and root discoloration.

A preliminary series of experiments gave
most encouraging results, which were con-
firmed by further investigations. In both sets
the numbers of seedlings which grew and the

* U.S. Dept. of Agric. Bull. No. 818. Washington,
D.C., January 5, 1920.

vigour of the plants which they produced
were markedly greater in the pots which
had been treated with hot water than in
those which had not been treated and were
used as "controls."

No less convincing was the appearance of
the roots and stems of the treated as com-
pared with those of the untreated plants ;
for . whereas the former were clean and
healthy, the latter showed all manner of
unhealthy symptoms indicative of attacks
of soil pests.

In the pot experiments 4-jnch. and S-
inch pots filled with soil were treated in one
of two ways ; either the pots were immersed
in boiling water for a definite period of time
— 2J, 5 or 10 minutes — or a measured
quantity of boiling •water was added to the
9oil in the pots; the amount in the case of
the 8-inch pots was either 1 litre (if pints),
2 litres or 3 litres per pot.

In addition to the pot experiments others
were made with soil on greenhouse benches.
In these experiments the soil, which was 5
inches deep, on a bench 3 'feet by 4 feet, was
divided by 1 inch boards into 4 sections and
boiling water was poured in each of 3 of
the sections at the rates of 2i gallons, 5
gallons and 75 gallons per section ; the
highest application amounting to 7 gallons
per cubic foot of soil.

After this treatment the soil was allowed
to drain and dry for four days and was
then sown with Tomato or Lettuce seeds.

In all cases the treated soil gave results
superior in every respect to those given by
the 'untreated soil or that watered with cold
water only. The plants in the partly
sterilised soil were numerous and vigorous;
the average number of seedlings in the
part-sterilised soil and in the 4-inch pots
was 42 as compared with an average of
12 in the untreated soil. Damping-off
occurred in the last, but did not "take
place in the pots the soil of which had been
subjected to boiling water. In the 8-inch
pots the average number of seedlings two
weeks after planting was, in part-sterilised
soil, 74; in the untreated 22. The height
of the plants in the S-inch pots which had
received the larger treatment was 4-5 inches,
3-4 inches in those which had received a
lesser quantity of boiling water and only 2
inches in the untreated pots.

The remarkable differences between the
seedlings is shown in a striking series of
photographs which bring home in a most
convincing manner the extent of the risks
to which plants in their seedling stage are
exposed and the heavy toll taken Of them
by soil pests. The practical conclusions
reached in these experiments are : —

(1) That soil in 4-inch pots may be
rendered free of soil pests by submersion
in nearlj boiling water (20S0 F.) for 5
minutes.

(2) That 3 litres ($\ pints) of boiling water
poured on the soil in 8-inch pots suffice lo
destroy the soil pests.

(3) That bench soil is freed from them bv
the addition of boiling water at the rate of
7 gallons per cubic foot, and in end boxes
14 x 30 x 3 inches the soil requires 4.^
gallons. It is important that the water
used for sterilising should be kept on the
boil during its use.

Lest it should be thought that the treat-
ment is only worth while when soil known
to be heavily infected has to be used, it is
worth while drawing attention to another set
of experiments made by the authors in which
they hoped, by using fresh soil side bv side
with soil known to be infected, to show-
how much of the beneficial effects of partial
sterilisation was due to the destruction of
the soil pesls and how much lo the action

of heat in liberating plant food from the
soil. The experiment failed owing to the
fact that the fresh soil was found also to be
infected with soil pests. Indeed, it may be
stated with confidence that most, if not all,
soil likely to be used in this country for
greenhouse work is, to a greater or lesser
extent, infested with pests harmful to plants,
and that, therefore, it is a wise precaution
to treat it with hot water.

Since it is well known that the rate of
growth of a seedling 'foreshadows the rate
of growth of the mature plant it is much
to be desired that experimenters would
ascertain, by following the subsequent
growth of seedlings raised in partly sterilised
and unsterilised soil, whether it is not true
that the former make larger, more vigorous,
earlier maturing and more prolific plants
than those reared in unsterilised soil.

Rhododendrons in Flower at Kew. — The
following Rhododendrons were in flower in the
open at Kew, on January 31 : — R. Ndbleanum,
represented by two large and glorious masses of
colour in the Rhododendron Dell ; R. praecox, R.
muaronulatum, R. dauricum, and its variety
atrovireiis, R. barbatum, R. sutchuenense, R.
Fargesii, R. parvifoliuni and R. haematochilum.
This list is abundant evidence of the mild
weather during January, rather suggesting the
climate of Cornwall than a garden within a (few
miles of London.

Banana Growing in Queensland. — In view of
the possibilities of extended trade in the import
of dried Bananas to Great Britain it is inter-
esting to note Empire production in this
direction. Queensland is a great Banana pro-
ducer, and according to the Government statis-
tician's annual report for the period 1890-1899,
the average production of Bananas in Queensland
was 4,671 dozen per acre, or reckoning the
bunches at 10 dozen each, 467 bunches per acre.
That was when the northern trade was at its
highest. In 1898 the average per acre was 8,843
dozen, and Queensland's record was 5,264 acres
under Bananas for a production of 48,647.000
dozen. From 1910 to 1918 the average per acre
dwindled to 158 bunches per acre, while in 1918
there were only 7,817 aores under Banana culti-
vation, and the published returns are 1,267,641
bunches, an average of 162 bunches per acre.

An Old Journal with a New Name.— For the

first time in its history of twenty-six volumes,
the official journal, issued from 3, St. James's
Square, bears the title The Journal of the
Ministry of Agriculture, instead of Journal of
the Board of Agriculture. The change from the
more familiar name is due to the passing of the
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Act. The
price has been raised to 6d. instead of "d. , owing
to the greatly increased cost of production.
Among interesting articles in the January journal
is a report by Dr. E. J. Russell, Director of
Rothamsted Experimental Station, on the pro-
posed electrolytic, treatment of seeds before
sowing. Some treatments have resulted in gain
and some in loss, and Dr. Russell, in summing
up the case, comes to the conclusion that the
electrolytic treatment lacks certainty. "It can-
not," he says, "be compared in effectiveness with
manuring, which succeeds nearly every time if
properly done." Dr. Russell is not prepared on
present evidence to say that the treatment never
succeeds, but he considers the risk of failure so
great that " the farmer should look upon it as
an adventure which may or may not prove
profitable." A paper on "The Food of the
Nightjar," by Dr. Walter E. Collinge, of the
University of St. Andrews, is of interest to
gardeners. Dr. Collinge, by careful analysis of
the food found in the stomach of sixty two speci
mens, is able to show thai the nightjar consumes
nothing hut insects, of which eighty-two per cent,
are harmful to crops, and twelve per cent, may
l.i regarded as neutral.

Richmond Horticultural Society.— This old-
established Society, which has been dormant for
the past three years, is now- renewing it--
activities. The Committee, while endeavouring

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[February 14, 1920.

to maintain the characteristic features of the
Richmond Flower Show of pre-war days, is not
unmindliul of the necessities of the times and
is consequently this year giving greater pro-
minence than hitherto to vegetables and fruit.
To this end a conference was conivened of trie
members of the Committees of the Horticultural
Society and the recently formed Allotment
Holders' Association, together with the Borough
Allotments' Show Committee, which during the
period that the Horticultural Society has been
in abeyance has held successful vegetable shows.
Proposals for a joint show to he known as the
Richmond and District Horticultural and
Allotment Holders' Exhibition were warmly
supported and a strong joint committee, with
Viscount Cave as President and Mr. Reginald
Hannen as Chairman, has been formed to make
arrangements for an exhibition on Wednesday,
July 28. The Society's district embraces a
radius of eight miles from Richmond, "while there
axe also numerous open classes. Amongst the
trophies offered for competition are the Gunners-
bury Challenge Cup for Roses, and the Cour-
lande-T Challenge Cup for allotment produce.
Copies of the schedule may be obtained from
either of the Joint Hon. Secretaries, Mr. E.
Skelton, 78, Townshend Terrice, Richmond, or
Mr. J. Aikman, 69, Mortlake Road, Kew.

Lecture on Silver Leaf. — Mr. Jean Bintner,
Ing^nieur Horticole, Luxembourg, who has
carried out extensive investigations in Silver-leaf
disease, will deliver a lecture, illustrated by lan-
tern slides, on the subject, before the members of
the Horticultural Club, on the occasion of the
monthly House dinner on the 24th inst. A
limited number of seats will he availahle at the
lecture for non-members and those interested
are invited to make early application to the Hon.
Secretary, Mr. G. F. Tinley, 41, Wellington
Street, Strand.

A Grass-land Campaign. — At a conference of
Agricultural Organisers and Principals of Agri-
cultural Colleges and Agricultural ReseaTch In-
stitutions, held at the Ministry of Agriculture,
to consider the Ministry's scheme for the im-
provement of grass land. Sir Daniel Hall stated
that, although the general programme of the
Ministry was to secure as wide an extension of
arable land as possible, it was just as serious
a matter to get grass land into better condition
Much work had been done to show how enor-
mously the produce of grass land could he in-
creased with the aid of a little knowledge and
a little expenditure, and the Ministry considered
the time was ripe for a wide extension of
demonstration work and for a considerable cam-
paign of enlightenment among the farmers. The
Ministry wanted to drive home facts which were
perfectly well known to scientists. A great
multiplication of experimental plots is required
for the improvement of grass land throughout
the length and breadth of the country. The
work should be carried out in a simple fashion,
each demonstration plot dealing with one or two
large, broad points of improvement. The plots
should be situated well in sight of the public,
an! bit by bit, by actual ocular demonstration,
the improvement that can be effected in grass
land would be hrought home to the people. Sir
Daniel Hall was sure that in comparison with
other countries we had far too little of this
simple kind of demonstration. In going about
Ireland, for instance, one met demonstration
plots as one went along. He hoped that these
grass-land demonstrations might be the be-
ginning of an extension of the plot system for
demonstration throughout the length and breadth
of England and Wales. To assist in the cam-
paign, two very eminent authorities on gras*
land improvement — Dr. Somerville of Oxford
and Professor Stapleton of Aberystwyth — had
very kindly consented to give a series of lectures
in different parts of the country. For the guid-
ance of the Agricultural Organisers in the coun-
ties, the Ministry had prepared a scheme of
suggested demonstrations, and from these a
choice of trials most suitable to each county
could be made. It was expected to obtain the
services of Mr. T. J. Jenkin, of the University
College of Wales, and of Mr. S. B. Mercer,
of the Ministry's Seed Testing Station, to visit
each county in turn and give all possible help
and advice to local authorities with regard to
these demonstrations.

Importance of the Potato Crop. — Some inter-
esting information regarding the views of the
Ministry with reference to the future of the
Potato crop was given by Mr. Arthur Sutton, a
member of the Advisory Committee on Potatos.
to the Ministry of Agriculture, in a paper on
the " Future of the Potato Crop, with special
Reference to Wart Disease and Immune Varie-
ties." which he read before a meeting of the
Farmers' Club on the 2nd inst. Mr. Sutton
states that in, or about, 1917, Wart Disease
began to give cause for alarm, and in the course
of exhaustive enquiries by the Board of Agri-
culture in 1918. Mr. Gough, one of the Board's
inspectors, noticed that several varieties were
not only resistant hut were never infected with
the disease. Even if grown in infected land,
and surrounded by plants of susceptible varie-
ties, these immune sorts yield perfect crops. Of
varieties immune from the disease he mentioned,
as first early sorts. Dargill Early, Edzell Blue,
Snowdrop, Witch Hill, and Sutton's Ashleaf ; as
second early varieties, Great Scot, Ally, Arran
Comrade, King George, and Sutton's Early

MR. W. R. DYKES, M.A., THE NEW SECRETARY OF

THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

(See report on p. 82.)

Market; and, as main crop, Abundance, Majes-
lic, Kerr's Pink, Tinwald Perfection and White
City. Mr. Sutton stated that fully 95 per cent,
of the Wart Disease in England and Wales was
found in districts lying north of a line drawn
from the Humber to the Bristol Channel, and
in those parts growers must forsake their old
and favourite varieties and cultivate sorts which
are immune to Wart Disease. He recommended
the yellow-fleshed varieties, which had high
protean contents, and he advocated the extensive
cultivation of such varieties. Mr. L. Weaver,
Inspector-General of the Ministry of Agriculture,
pointed out that the present consumption of
Potatos was practically the same as during the
war period, but that production was not being
similarly maintained, hence the present high
prices. He hoped that there would be an exten-
sive planting of Potatos this coming season in
order to prevent a shortage of the crop. The
tests which the Ministry of Agriculture have
carried out at Ormskirk since 1912 with relation
to immunity from Wart Disease are about to be
extended. In Mr. Weaver's opinion there
appears to be no prospect for some years of a
surplus of Potatos which might be used for in-
dustrial purposes.

Crystal Palace Fire. — A fire in the stage and
roof of the Crystal Palace Theatre on February
9 spread to the roof nf the Palace itself, and
for a time fears were entertained of extensive

damage. Happily the injury done was rela-
tively small, and will not delay the opening of
the exhibition fixed for next week, as only a>
few of the many exhibits were damaged.

Accident at Hampton Court. — At the end of
last week, while the butts of fallen trees at.
Home Park, Hampton Court, were being split,
by explosives, preparatory to removal, a charge
detonated prematurely with most unfortunate
results. Mr. Hepburn, the Assistant Superin-
tendent of Richmond Park, and Mr. Feather-
stone, a Hampton Court assistant, who were
standing by, were severely injured in the face,
and it is feared that the latter has lost the sight
of one eye.

No " White City " Exhibition.— The Shep-
herd's Bush Exhibition Co.. Ltd., hoped to have
been able to revive their exhibitions at the-
White City, if not this year at least in 1921,
but it is reported that the management has re-
luctantly given up all hopes of immediate re-
vival. The grounds and buildings were com-
mandeered by the Government in 1914 for war-
purposes and have been principally used by the
Air Ministry. The estimated cost of rehabilita-
tion is between £250,000 and £500,000, and so.
far, it is stated, the Air Ministry refuses tc~
accept responsibility or to contribute to the cost
of repairs. In the course of an interview with'
a member of the Press, Captain Albert
Kiralfy explained that the damage was partly
due to neglect, part of which was accidental,
and some of which appeared to have been wil-
fully done. Costly plants in the Japanese
garden had been uprooted by soldiers, who'
planted them around their huts. Motor lorries
had been driven over the gardens and had'
crashed into stucco pillars. It was hoped to-
organise, in 1921, an inter-Allied Victory Ex-
hibition, in which horticulture would, as on
former occasions, take an important place.

The " Gardeners' Chronicle " Seventy-five
Years Ago. — " Propagation by Leaves. — From
experiments which I have made, I con-
clude that almost all leaves that hove
sufficient substance in them to allow of
their being separated from the parent plant
without withering will form callosities on
their petioles under the ordinary treat-
ment of tender cuttings. But the degrees
of excitability in different plants is such that the
callosity of some leaves will furnish buds in a
week or* so, while others require months to do
this. Others, again, take years before they'
form buds. I have kept Camellia leaves, having
large callosities, during four years, without their
forming buds, and I have read of leaves which
did not produce buds till the 10th and even
12th year. Orange leaves with me took from
12 to 18 months, and some even longer, belore
they formed buds. I have ascertained that old
leaves will form buds much sooner than young
ones, but young leaves will form a callosity in less
time than the old leaves. Hence, the latter, if
they are healthy, are best in cases that require
a long time to make buds ; the petioles of the
old leaves, like all soft parts of a tree, are more
charged with the organised matter which fur-
nishes buds, than those of young leaves, and
hence their power of sooner forming buds. The
Dean of Manchester, in the Gardeners' Maga-
zine, proposed a very curious experiment to be
tried by gardeners, a few years since, which
might easily be tested. He inferred that if the
callosities formed by two allied plants could be
made to mix with each other when being formed,
that a bud from the united mass would partake
of the habits of the two plants which formed
the callosity. As this is a curious problem in
vegetable physiology, and as there is nothing-
in science to oppose it, it is well worth trying."
— D. Beaton. Gard. Chron.. Feb. 15. 1845.

Publications Received. — Cotton Rootrot
Spots. C.S. Schofield, Washington Government
Printing Office. Physiological Study of the
Parasitism of Pythinni Debaryannm Disease on
the Potato Tuber. Hon. A. Hawkins and Rodney
B. Harvev, Washington: Government Printing
Office. Christmas Guardian. Trinidad. British
West Indies, 6d. Journal of Genetics. Edited by
W. Bateson and R. C. Punnett, Cambridge
University Press, Fetter Lane, K.C. Price,,
12s. net. '

Februak* 14, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

73

FLORISTS' FLOWERS.

SWEET PEAS IN 1920.
It is probable that during the next few weeks
mil ii' ns of Sweet Pea seeds will be consigned
to mother earth. Many of the seeds have not
yet been ordered, and as the list of varieties is
lengthy, those who hive not had the opportunity
of visiting a good exhibition or gardens where
collections are grown, may be in doubt as to
which are the best sorts to cultivate,
and may be disappointed after they have
made a selection of what they consider
the best varieties. In the hope of assisting
some readers I am taking the hold step of naming
what I consider the best twenty-lour varieties,
knowing quite well I shall be subject to criticism,
as no two Sweet Pea lovers would select the
same twenty-four varieties as the best. Those
I enumerate are not selected because they
produce huge stems, although some modern
exhibitors seem ito consider size and length of
stem are far more important than the flowers,
and unfortunately some judges support them.

The Sweet Pea is a lovely flower for any pur-
pose provided the blooms are not driven out of
character by this craze for huge stems. I have
yet to see stems 2 ft. long carrying four well
placed, highly coloured, flowers. I consider an
ideal Sweet Pea spike is one with a stem 12
inches to 15 inches long, carrying 4 large,
brilliantly coloured blooms, and when they are
placed in a vase either for exhibition or home
decoration, every individual flower should be
seen. Therefore I ain leaving out of this list
those varieties that are always inclined to throw
huge stems at the expense of the quality of the
flowers.

For exhibition purposes I consider the old
salmon variety, Barbara, the best Sweet Pea eveT
raised, but a good vase of it is seldom seen. In
brilliant colours, Tangerine is a very fine orange
variety. A lovely orange-pink sort is Hilda, whilst
May (Jnwin and Alexander Malcolm, bright
orange-scarlet, are also fine, but the latter is a
very tall grower and rather inclined to give weak
top blooms. In the pink section, La France
is lovely, and Hawlmark Pink, Mrs. A.
Hitchcock, Hercules and Valentine, are
other good sorts. Black-seeded Cream I consider
the best of its colour, -with Constance Hinton
as the best white. The latter I consider an ideal
Sweet Pea, and I hope the day is not far distant
when we shall have the Constance Hinton type
represented in all colours. Mts. Tom Jones is
the best mid-blue and Faith about the best of
the pale-blues, with Royal Blue as the best deep
blue I have seen.

'Warrior is a grand maroon variety and King
Mauve the best of a large number of its colour.
Of lavender varieties the list is bewildering and it
is a difficult task to select the best, but that
lovely, refined variety Austin Fredrick should
give satisfaction to every grower. Prince George
is a distinct Sweet Pea of pretty heliotrope-
mauve shade, but it is seldom well grown. Annie
Ireland is an improved Elsie Hulbert, and Jean
Ireland is about the best of the buff-ground,
picotee-edged varieties. Mrs. Wakefield is also a
lovely buff-ground sort flushed with red. Charity
I consider the best of the crimsons, whilst Hawl-
mark Scarlet is a fine variety which will with-
stand the bright sun. Royal Purple is a grand
variety and makes a lovely bunch in an exhibi-
tion stand or for home decoration. A. E.
Usher, Ranslon Gardens, Blandford.

AMSDEN JUNE PEACH.

This Peach is so valuable for providing early
fruits, that information likely to be of
use to growers of the variety should
prove welcome. It must be confessed

that although the fruits of Amaden June
are large, and early, there is room for
complaint as to its annual yield. Over-matured
buds are often a source of trouble with Amsden
June Peach as many gardeners are aware; so
that the expedient resorted to by Mr. H. Prime,
of Hatfield House Gardens, to overcome this
defect may be worth noting. A few weeks ago
when visiting these famous gardens, I commented
on the appearance of an Amsden June tree in

one of the Peach houses, and Mr. Prime related
the following rather interesting facts in con-
nection with its career there. He planted the
tree in 1908, and for some years it was a
source of disappointment, because of its poor
crops, it produced a lew fruits of large size
ana fine quality, but they were so lew tnat lie
had almost decided to discard the variety.

In Mr. Prime's opinion the trouble was caused
by over-ripened wood, which in turn caused
the buds to become hard, and although these
over-matured buds never fell from the trees,
they rarely expanded satisfactorily. About mid-
summer ol 19i5 Mr. Prime decided to cut out
practically all that season's new wood and to tie
in all the lateral and sub-lateral growths, the
result of this rather unusual treatment being
that a full crop was produced in 1916. It is
satisfactory to oe able to record that the same
treatment has secured good crops every season
since* When I saw the tree this winter

it looked well and was carrying a fine lot
of fruit buds. Mr. Prime, however, was able to
show me in one or two places where he had been
compelled to leave some of last season's growth
for the purpose oti rilling in the space, the same
over-matured buds oostuiately refusing to
develop. For- my own part I was glad that this
wood was still there, for it enabled me to
draw an interesting comparison between that
and the lateral and sub-lateral growth that had
been tied in.

It is possible that this method of pruning
Amsden June Peach is followed by other gar-
deners, but if not, this note (may be useful to
those growers who have hitherto experienced
trouble in managmg this fine variety. F. II'.
Miles, Herts County Council.

FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE.

ASSISTING HARDY FRUIT TREES.

Fruit trees which carried heavy crops of fruit
last season should receive some assistance in
their efforts to produce good crops during 1920.
I am not in favour of applying heavy top
dressings of farmyard manure at this season of
the year to fruit trees on heavy, wet land,
but on light land such a dressing may prove
beneficial. A manurial dressing over the root-
area may be applied to most iruit trees that
have set a good crop of fruit during early
summer, but trees that failed to crop last year
should not receive a strong nitrogenous manure,
for, as is well known to growers, an excess of
mtrogeai in the soil favours the development of
leaf growth at the expense of fruiting.

Presuming the roots of the trees were not
dressed with basic slag in the autumn, which
I consider is the best time to apply this manure,
it may be applied now at the rate of four to
five ounces per square yard. It should be
scattered evenly over the surface within a circle
of four to five feet from the base of the tree,
or to the extent of the spread of the branches.
Afterwards apply some fruit manurial compound
containing bone-meal, and lightly fork it in.
Dry woooVash saved from the garden fire
may be spread evenly over the surface and will
act as a fertiliser. A slight dressing of old
hotbed manure containing leaves will prevent
the ground from drying out rapidly, and where
the soil is deficient in lime this substance may
be added in the form of mortal' rubble or lime
that has been allowed to slack. T. Pateman.

PEAR WINTER PEACH.

It will be remembered that an illustration of
a small tree of this variety, bearing a good crop
of fruits, was given in the issue for November 1,
1919, p. 229, and in the accompanying text Mr.
Raschen stated that 'he variety appeared among
a batch of seedling Pears of unknown parentage
obtained from abroad. The seedling pro-
mises to prove an acquisition as a late
variety and a rival to the well-known Winter
Nelis, judging by fruits sent us by Mr. Raschen.
They are of small size, very pyriform in shape,
and have a deep, russety skin. The flavour is
excellent and has a pronounced aroma.

REGISTRATION OF NEW VARIETIES.

As I read the article by Mr. Bliss in your
issue of November 29, it seemed far- from the
interests of an American breeder, but in his later
notes in the December 20 issue, I find much to
comment on. Here in America, at least, the
suggestion of plant patents seems impossible,
and with the close contact of horticultural in-
terests in the two countries, action in only one
would be an insufficient protection. The matter
of registration of new varieties is important, not
only for the breeder, but for the amateur, who
deserves to receive authoritative guidance in the
maze of named varieties. There ie no difficulty .
(for the English grower) in acquiring new
plants, but it is only the conscientious breeder
or introducer who offers such as are real
improvements, and even he is open to error, so
that control and regulation are desirable, to put
it mildly. There should be a central authority
with at least sufficient prestige to 'warn prospec-
tive purchasers, even though it possessed pub-
licity alone as a measure of enforcement. The
possibilities of actual publicity and what it
might accomplish, I do not know, but recom-
mendations of deserving firms, breeders or
varieties are possible, and the undeserving might
be listed for the benefit of members. The
strength of such action, of course, depends upon
the influence of the society in question ; it gives
a member the opportunity to act wisely. Would
not such a proceeding be well within the scope
of any society organised for the interests of any
one genus of flower? I hope that this question
will come up at the first meeting of the Iris
Society in New York. Our plans attempt to
make it of as much benefit to a member in Cali-
fornia or London as in New York itself.

Another phase of the subject is the question
of merit; in this respect there is often dissatis-
faction with the present methods in making
awards, I noted it in the comment on a
National Rose Garden (p. 300), and that is but
one instance. Fundamentally the trouble seems
to be that the highest awards are given to plants
as they are exhibited, not as normally grown;
or at times by incompetent judges.

If it were the custom to give only the lower
awards at exhibitions and reserve the higher for
those in garden tests, much of the difficulty
would be overcome. Or, the honorary awards
might be withheld and awards of value might be
substituted to .continue the interest in the pro-
duction of new varieties. As it is, we find that
many count as -valueless the awards of certain
societies.

These are merely palliative measures, the fact
remains that the breeder is after all dependent
on himself alone ; I see no other way out, and
the following suggestions are of a similar
character.

Messrs. R. Wallace and Co. do much (I give
credit where credit is due) in bracketing the
breeder's name after the name of the variety,
and this custom is slowly spreading among other
specialists of the Iris, but they have all been
handicapped by lack of information as to the
origin of many varieties. As with other flowers,
a society may secure this information, and the
custom will become more general. The estab-
lishment of a standard form of description and
its use may well form a basis for registration
through which a breeder can be informed of
similarity to other varieties. This entails a full
description, wherein the descriptive terms are
clearly defined, and the placing thereof on record
with a central body. As to discarding absolute
varieties, the symposium method seems adapted.

I also agree with Mr. Bliss that parentage
should be put on record, though it need not be
published for a period of years. Its publication
will assist other breeders ; in Iris, at least, the
originator has a long star* of anyone who wishes
to follow in his footsteps. In my work it is the
untried field that allures; I delight in the mi
certainty, the pleasure of anticipation, and I
have such faith in the infinite possibilities of any
but the most simple crosses that competition
is but an added pleasure., Grace Sturtivant,
Wellesley Farm<s, Mass., U.S.A.

74

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[February 14, 192t>.

The Week's Work.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By F. Jordan, Gardener to Lieut. -Col. Spender Clat,
H.P.. Ford Manor, Lingfiekl, Surrey.

Peaches and Nectarines. — Fruits on trees in the
earliest Peach and Nectarine houses are swell-
ing freely, and the trees may be syringed twice
on bright days with tepid, soft water,
and once only early on cold, cloudy days.
The work of disbudding should be carried
out according to the vigour or weakness of the
trees. Young shoots may be removed from
vigorous trees with a liberal hand, but not to
such an extent as would cause a check to the
tree ; on the contrary, weakly trees should be en-
couraged to make new growth, also those newly
planted, and any that have been severely root-
pruned. In disbudding practically all fruits and
shoots on the imdersride of the old growths may be
rubbed off, and triple and double fruits reduced
to one pointing in an upward direction.
Mildly fumigate the trees on alternate nights if
greenfly is detected ; do this following a mild
afternoon when the foliage is dry. A tempera-
ture of 60° is suitable at this stage, and it may
be increased to 65° at night as the trees advance
in growth. High temperatures should be
guarded against unless extra warmth is neces-
sary to obtain ripe fruits at some special date.
Examine the borders carefully, and moisten them
whenever necessary, using water warmed to 60°
to 70° for those inside the house.

Succession Houses. — Trees that were started at
the beginning of the year and later should he
kept well supplied with atmospheric moisture,
not so much by direct syringing as by damping
the walls, paths and other bare places. Syring-
ing must be according to the weather; a light
spraying once or twice daily is 'beneficial on
bright days, but to keep the trees constantly
moist is harmful. As the trees approach the
flowering stage greenfly must he guarded against,
fumigating the house moderately on one or two
occasions. If aphides are allowed to spread at
this stage they will possibly ruin the crop, and
also check the growth of the trees. It is not
advisable to water the trees while they aire in
bloom. This should be done just before the
flowers open, and again as soon as the fruits are
well set. Partially disbud the trees at short
intervals until the work is completed. A
temperature of 48° to 50° at night and
50° to 65° by day, with a little warmth in the
pipes will ensure strong perfect blooms, and the
fruits will set freely. Ventilate the house care-
fully, and to further ensure a good set a soft
brush should he passed over the flowers at mid-
day when they are dry. A brisk temperature
and buoyant atmosphere may be produced by a
little warmth in the pipes and plenty of fresh
air. The trees in late houses should be allowed
to start into growth naturally. See that the
borders are in a sufficiently moist state, and the
temperature does not rise too high.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By T. Pateman, Gardener to C. A. Cain, Esq., J.P.,
The Node, Codicote, Welwyn, Hertfordshire.

Canker. — On heavy, wet land certain varieties
of Apples are inclined to canker. The soil is
not the sole reason of the trouble, but is caused
by a fungus which enters the tree through a
wound in the bark. One of the best ways to
treat canker is to thoroughly cleanse the wound
with a sharp knife, and then apply with a
brush a mixture of tax and clay. The clay should
be made into a thick paste and the tar added in
about equal parts.

Standard Apples and Pears. — Orchard trees
that have been neglected should be attended to,
and the principal work necessary will be the
removal of superfluous shoots. Take out dead
and decaying branches and weak growths to open

up the centres of the trees, so that the sun and
air enter freely. Scrape the trunks where they
are covered with lichen growths, and spray all
the trees with winter wash when the weather
permits. There are several excellent proprietary
winter washes, and where only small numbers
of trees need attention it would be well to obtain
the spray ready-made from a simdriesman.
If basic slag was not applied to orchard trees in
the autumn, use it now, at the rate of S cwts.
per acre. Kainit is a valuable potash fertiliser,
and should also he applied during the winter.

Standard Trees in Grass. — Recently planted
trees should he kept clear of grass for several
years after planting, or in all probability they
will become stunted and fail to grow satisfac-
torily. An area of five to six feet in diameter
should be kept clear of grass and weeds where
young trees are planted. Young trees should be
moderately pruned for several years to obtain
shapely specimens. Trees needing support
should be given now stakes and made secure to
them. Old hose-pipe is valuable material to
place around the stem of the tree to prevent the
bark from chafing against the stake.

Arrears in Planting. — Any planting that has
been delayed should be completed at the earliest
opportunity. The open weather of last month
was very favourable for this work. Where a
heap of soil was prepared and kept covered to
ward off rains, as previously advised, it may be
used for planting fruit trees at almost any time.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By H. Wheeler. Gardener to Mrs. Jenneb, Wenvoe
Castle, near Cardiff.

Cauliflowers and Cabbages. — Early varieties of
Cauliflower, such as Snowball and First-crop,
that will niature at the end of May or in June —
also summer Cabbages of early varieties — should
now he sown. Brussels Sprouts, Leeks and
Celery should also be sown in sufficient quantities
to meet the requirements of the establishment
before the plants from the maincrop sowings
become available, or to provide specimens for
the early autumn shows. Seed of the above-
named vegetables should be sown in boxes of
sifted soil not over rich in quality. Place the
seed-boxes in a house having a temperature of
65° to ensure the seeds germinating evenly. Im-
mediately the seedlings appear, remove the boxes
to a house where the temperature is only 50°
and place them in a light position. Air should
be given, but do not allow a direct draught from
the ventilators to reach the tender plants. En-
deavour to ensure steady and continuous growth
in the seedlings and do not attempt to force
them unduly, as a check in the early stages of
growth will result in partial, if not entire,
failure.

French Beans. — A sowing of these Beans
should be made in 7-inch pots. They require
good soil, such as rich loam mixed with leaf-
mould and manure from a spent Mushroom bed.
Place drainage material in the pots and three-
parts fill them with soil. Arrange seven seeds
in each pot, and press them an inch deep into
the soil. When the seedlings have grown three
inches high, top-dress the roots by filling the
pots with more of the compost. The plants will
require supports, and bushy twigs about 18 inches
in height may he arranged around the pot.
Water the roots sparingly until they have filled
the pots, and, as the plants are very liable to
attacks of red spider, syringe the foliage on
frequent occasions. Suecessional sowings should
be made at intervals of a fortnight. French
Beans always provide an acceptable dish, and the
growing of the plant presents no great difficulty,
provided a house or pit having a temperature
of 65° is available.

Mustard and Cress. — To maintain continuous
supplies of Mustard and Cress, seed should bo
sown in heat at frequent intervals. Use shallow
boxes containing a layer of pure loam, one inch
deep, that has been passed through a fine sieve.
Press the soil level and water it before sowing
the seeds on the surface. Cover the box with a
sheet of glass and exclude the light until the
seeds have germinated.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By John Coutts, Foreman, Royal Botanio Gardens,
Kew.

Pelargonium and Calceolaria.— The batch of
zonal-leaved Pelargoniums intended for winter
flowering should now be propagated, and the
regal and show varieties intended for summer
flowering potted on as required. The same
applies to Calceolaria of the florists' type, also
the shrubby species and varieties. The Calceo-
larias should be grown in very cool conditions.
These plants, in common with show Pelar-
goniums, are very subject to attacks of green
fly, and the house should he fumigated at
regular intervals. Fumigations should be light
when no aphis is present. " White fly " is a
much more serious pest, and during recent years
has increased to an alarming extent. Before the
flies become too active every attempt should be
made to keep them in check by practising
regular fumigations. So far, there seems to be
no effective cure for " snowy" fly; many ex-
periments with spray fluids have failed to find
one that will penetrate the waxy secretion that
protects the eggs. The best preventive I know
is fumigating with hydrocyanic acid gas, and
even when this is done they can only be kept
in check.

Ardisia crenata. — This plant, which has glossy,
green leaves and bright red fruit, is very useful
for conservatory and house decoration, the fruit
remaining fresh on the plants for close on twelve
months, and it is usual for the plants to be in
full fruit and flower at the same time. Although
this Ardisia may be propagated by means of
cuttings, plants raised from seeds are usually
the best. Cuttings will root readily now if in-
serted in a warm propagating case, and seed
should also be sown at this date. The seeds havo
a hard coat and should be soaked for twelve
hours in tepid water before they are sown.
During the season of active growth this plant
enjoys a moist atmosphere and a temperature of
55° to 60°, but when the fruits are set and
beginning to colour it does best in a cool green-
house. It is a slow-growing plant, and is not
at its maximum beauty until the third year;
thus, to maintain a succession of good plants, a
batch should be raised every year.

Rivina humilis. — This is another useful berried
subject for conservatory decoration, producing
long racemes of bright scarlet fruits. Seeds
may be sown now. This plant is best treated as
an annual, but may be propagated by means of
cuttings.

Clerodendron fallax. — If specimens are required
for the greenhouse during August and Septem-
ber, seeds of this plant should be sown in a
warm house. If grown as a winter-flowering
subject for the stove the sowing may he deferred
until next month. In the London area it is
very uncertain as a winter-flowering subject,
owing to fogs causing the flower -buds to drop.
Where stock plants have been kept it may be
propagated by cuttings.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By T. W. Briscoe, Gardener to W. R. Ltsaqht, Esq.,
Castleford, Chepstow.
Imported Orchids. — Advertisements have
already appeared in the gardening papers an-
nouncing the importation of Orchids from
abroad, and a few notes on freshly imported
plants may be useful. Dendrobiums, including
the beautiful D. Wardianum ; Vanda ooenilea
and Oncidium are often imported ahout this
date, and doubtless many growers will seize the
opportunity for replenishing their collections.
Directly the newly-imported plants are received
they should he examined carefully for insect
pests and all the decayed parts removed. Such
subjects as Cattleya, Odontoglossum, Oncidium
and Dendrobium may be potted forthwith in
receptacles just large enough to accommodate
them. Shallow pots or pans are the best
receptacles, and they should be one-fourth filled
with drainage material. The plants should then
be placed in position, and more broken crocks,
arranged round the base of the pseudo-
bulbs. The remaining space may be filled with

Pkbrtjam 14, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

75

a mixture of fibrous peat and Sphagnum-moss,
or mare small potsherds. If the latter method is
adopted, a portion of the drainage should be
taken out directly the roots become active and
replaced with a layer of compost pressed firmly
around the base in order to hold the plant in
position. Certain Orchids, such as Pendrobium,
require a few small stakes for support, to hold
the plants firm in the soil. When the work of
repotting is completed, place the plants in their
respective divisions, either on the stage or sus-
pended from the roof rafters. Very little root
moisture will be needed for some weeks after
potting, but sufficient moisture must be given to
prevent the pseudo-bulbs from shrivelling to any
great extent. Spraying the pseudo-bulbs and
compost whenever the "weather is bright usually
suffices during the first few weeks after the
plants are imported. Vanda, Angraecum, and
Kenanthera Imschootiana should be treated in
the same way. If these Orchids are received
direct from their native habitats, it is a good
plan to suspend them in a downward position for
a week or so and dip them in tepid rain water
twice or thrice weekly until they show signs of
recovery, when they may be potted. All im-
ported Orchids should be accustomed to the light
gradually after they are unpacked ; excessive fire
heat must be guarded against, and water afforded
in small quantities until they are well established.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By Sidney Leog, Gardener to the Dowager LiDl
Nonbcrnholhe, Waiter Priory, Yorkshire.

The Dry Wall. — Many strong plants growing
in the dry wall need curtailing at this season
sufficiently to prevent less vigorous subjects
from being crowded out. Aubrietia, Arabis
and Cerastium tomentosum require drastic
curtailment to obviate their monopoly of the
wall space. These plants often make con-
siderable growth in the winter during a short
spell of mild weather. Where the apex of the
wall is planted — to gain height — with shrubby
Veronica, Rosemary, Lavender and Crane's-
bill, a top-dressing composed of loam, leaf-
mould and bone meal may be applied.

_ The Water Garden — Simplicity is the keynote
of successful iwater-gardening, and on no account
should a large number of individual species be
grouped in close proximity. No two streams or
lakes are identical, and each one must be treated
to suit its own peculiarities. Lakes are a fine
feature of the landscape and generally need
planting sparingly. Senecio clivoiiim, S.

Wilsonii and Caltha palustris placed in low
stations, the last running to the water's edge, are
useful water-side plants, whilst Gunnera and
Heracleum should be used for more outstanding
positions. A drift of Lythrum may skirt the
water's margin, whilst weeping Salix and Betula
may be planted collectively or otherwise and
left unpruned. Golden Elders planted on a high
bank with Scotch Firs as a background beyond
give a picturesque effect. To retain its rich
colour the Elder should be hard pruned each
March. Nympheas should be planted according
to the vigour of the individual variety and depth
of water.

Streams.— The depth, width and flow of
streams are guides to successful planting.
Myosotis palustris, Mimulus luteus and
Menyanthes trifoliata are suited at the edge of
shallows, in which they pleasingly encroach ;
whilst Iris laevigate, Primula japonica, P.
Bulleyana and varieties of Spiraea should be
planted in moist, but slightly more inland
positions. Caltha palustris at the 'water's edge
with Berberis stenophylla overhanging from a
high ledge above make a pretty feature, as does
also an outcrop, from afar, of Tamarisk hispida
aestivalis with a forward drift of Hypericum
calycinum on undulating ground. The Goat's
Beard and Pampas Grass are suitable plants for
associating with Bamboos. Trees, shrubs and
hardy herbaceous species may be planted in the
stations already prepared, as advised in a
previous calendar. The planting of Nymphea
and Calla aethiopioa is best deferred until the
end of May.

TREES AND SHRUBS.

EVERGREEN HEDGES.

In the practical and timely article on the
above subject by Mr. Molyneux (see page 13) I
was much surprised to find no mention of the
Evergreen Oak (Quercus nex). Curiously,
also, it is not mentioned in the note from JYlr.
Yates on page 44. But that this plant will
make an excellent evergreen hedge is fairly well
known, -while the accompanying illustration
(Fig. 30) -will convey a good idea of its neat
and effective appearance. The hedge illustrated
is about 12 feet high, and as a public right
of way was made by the side of it, the bottom
growths on the roadside, for about 5 feet high
had to be cut back to allow wood paling to 'be
erected. Such a procedure did not detract from
the attractiveness of the hedge on the gaTden
side, and, of course, would only have to be
resorted to on special occasions.

Another first-class evergreen subject not men-
tioned by either of these writers, for a high
hedge, is the Evergreen Thorn — Crataegus Pyra-

DAPHXE MEZEREUM.
With the advent of February the earliest
blossoms of this delightful shrub rapidly un-
fold, especially during such a mild winter as
we are having this year. The value of thiB
Daphne, from an ornamental standpoint, is en-
hanced by the fact that in the purplish-red
colour of its blossoms it stands out markedly
from most winter flowering shrubs, in which
yellow so greatly predominates. Added to this
desirable feature is the delicious fragrance of
the blossoms. The plant is by no means
invariably met with in a flourishing condition,
but is, as a rule, seen at its 'best in a fairly cool,
moist soil. Apart from the beauty of ita
blossoms the bright red berries are very con-
spicuous in autumn. The plant is naturally of
an upright haibit of growth, and will in time
reach a height of 3 to 5 feet and as much
through. It is then really charming when in
bloom

When raised in quantity from seeds thert
is often a certain amount of variation in th&
progeny. A deep coloured form is sometimes

Fig. 30. — hedge of evergreen oak.

ifhotorjTiivn vy v. Turner.

cantha. It provides a hedge, too, of double
beauty ; the May-like blossoms appear in spring
and the red berries in autumn, ibut to secure
this dual attraction the man with the shear's
must allow the Thorn a little more freedom of
growth than is usual. Two other subjects suit-
able for dwarf hedges, not mentioned, are
Berberis aquifolium, the foliage of which turns
to a reddish bronze in autumn, and Butcher's
broom, Ruscus aculeatus.

The Berberis will prove a delightful feature
when covered with its handsome fruits, indeed,
the common Barberry is amongst the finest of
the genus for beauty of berry. The Butcher's
Broom will also frequently develop its pretty
red fruits in the centres of the cladodes.

Apart (from their appearance it is usually
conceded that flat-topped hedges offer a
lodging for heavy falls of snow. Certain

gardeners hold the view that evergreen hedges
should he sloped from the centre of the top,
i.e., span-roofed form, so as to allow rain the
better to percolate through the dense leafage.
However practical these points may be, I admit
flat-topped hedges look well, but I should not
like to see all hedges so trimmed, as with certain
surroundings the appearance would be too stiff.
C. Turner, AmptMll Park Gardens.

met with under the name of D. Mezereum
rubrum or atro-rubrum. This, which in all prob-
ability originated as a seedling, is in the best
form very fine, but all 'bearing this name are
not of equal merit. The white variety (alba),
the berries of which are bright yellow when ripe,
affords a pleasing change from the coloured kind.
W. T.

DESFONTAINEA SPINOSA.

When in bloom, there is no danger of con-
founding this Desfontainea with any other
shrub, though out of flower it might well, by
the uninitiated, he mistaken for a Holly. It
forms a sturdy growing 'bush clothed with spiny
leaves, and is evergreen. The flowers, which are
borne during the latter part of the summer, and
frequently well on into the autumn, are par-
ticularly striking in appearance. They arc
tubular in shape, drooping, and about a couple
of inches in length. In their bright yellow and
scarlet colouring they almost suggest some of
the Blandfordias, and as borne on an outdoor
shrub they stand out unique. This Desfontainea
is a native of the Chilian Andes, and, unfortu-
nately, it is hardy only in what may be regarded
as the more favoured parts of the country. H'.

76

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[February "14/ 1920.

EDITORIAL NOTICE.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the
PUBLISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, w.C

Editors and Publisher. — Our correspondent! would
obviate delay in obtaining antwert to their com-
municationa, and nave us muck time and trouble, if
they would kindly observe the notice printed weekly
to the effect that all letter $ relating to financial
matten and to advertisement* ihould be addressed
to the Publisher; and that all communications
intended for publication or referring to the Literary
department, and all plants to be named, should be
directed to the Editors. The two departments
Publishing and Editorial, are distinct, and much
unnecessary delay and confusion arise when letters
are misdirected.

Special Notice to Correspondents— The Editors
do not undertake to pay for any contributions tr
illustrations, or to return unused communications
or illustrations unless by special arrangement. The
Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any
opinions expressed by their correspondents.

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

Letters for Publication, as well as specimens of
plants for naming, should be addressed to thS
EDITORS. 41, Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, London. Communications should be

WRITTEN ON ONE SIDE ONLY OF THE PAPER, sent fffi

early in the week as possible, and duly signed by
the writer. If desired, the signature will not be
printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith.
Illustrations.— The Editors will be glad to receive
and to select photographs or drawings suitable for
reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable flowers,
trees, etc., but they cannot be responsible for loss
or injury.

HYBRID BEARDED IRISES.

IN The Gardeners' Chronicle of July 31 and
August 7, 1915 (pp. 59 et seq.), I gave
an account of some of the results of
the crossing of Iris — especially with regard
to certain types, plicata and red pallida.
Since then I have flowered about two thou-
sand more seedlings from many crosses,
which may throw an additional light on some
of the problems of Iris breeding and suggest
further possibilities. The conclusions here
drawn from the results of crossings carried
out in the ordinary course of a plaint-breeder's
work make no claim to scientific accuracy,
and are only more or less probable in pro-
portion to the number of analogous cases
that may be compared. But since full records
have bean kept both of the crosses and of
the resulting seedlings, they are not mere
impressions, and where the conclusions are
consistently in one direction throughout many
independent crossings, I have found they do
indicate broadly the genetic constitution not
only of the general types, but often of the
individual varieties, and can be relied on in
practical breeding work.

It is now generally agreed that, leaving out
the _ later introductions such as Amas,
Trojana and others, all the older varieties of
June-flowering, bearded' Irises may be
referred to the two main species, pallida aind
variegata, or to combinations in some degree
between them. On this view the plicata and
red-paJlida types are held to 'be colour
varieties df pallida. In the article referred
to I gave some reasons for suggesting that
these two types might be due to some other
species crossed in long ago, and I still have
an open mind upon that point. But with
regard to the other three sections of amicena,
neglecta and squalens, having now completed
the flowering of several large series of
seedlings, it is perhaps possible to give more
precision to their origin and their relation-
ship to the two species pallida and variegata.
From the results of crosses of amcena and
variegata it seems clear that amcena is simply
a colour variety of variegata— in fact, a
white-ground variegata— since no squalens
or neglecta forms appear from such crosses,
and' that there is no pallida in a pure aimcena,
though possibly there might be in an amcena

derived from a cross of amcena x neglecta.
The white of the standards and the ground
of the falls of amcena is apparently due
either to a single inhibiting factor for yellow
or else to the absence of the factor or factors
for yellow which are present in variegata.
The "similarity of the form of the flower, and
especially of the standards of amcena and
variegata, is confirmatory of this conclusion,
and the beards are alike. With regard to
the neglecta and squalens types the case is
not so clear, because in the varieties which
are grouped under these two broad sections
there are many which contain plicata and
red-pallida latent, or recessive, or more or
less disguised. Eliminating all such, so far
as I know thejm, it appears equally clear
that the relationship bewteen neglecta and
squalens is the same as between amcena and
variegata. That is, neglectas are squalens
in which there is 00 yellow, due, as before,
either to an inhibiting factor or to the
absence of a factor for yellow. It is, further-
more, remarkable that this change in the
ground colour from yellow to white is always
accompanied by a change in the overlying
colour of the falls from red-brown to
purple or blue-violet. This change is, of
course, seen more clearly in variegatas and
ameenas than in squalens and neglectas,
where it is influenced by the addition of
pallida colour. Whether these two changes
of colour are due to two distinct factors, or
only to one (in which case it would be a
factor acting on both standards and falls),
is worth considering in connection with an
attempt, the results of which I give later,
to transfer the fall colour to the standards.

Pallida x variegata give 'both neglecta and
squalens — in many crosses in about equal
numbers — but no aimoenas. For example,
Dusky Maid (a brownish-red squalens) and
Azure (a deep violet-blue neglecta) both came
from the same pod of seed from a cross of
pallida Leonidas x variegata Maori King.
Amcena forms come from amcena crosses, or
crosses of ineglecta X variegata, probably also
from some neglecta or squalens crosses, but I
have not had any yet. From the neglecta X
variegata crosses it occurs only rarely — four
out of sixty-six being the proportion in the
largest series I have had.

Thus, looking at things broadly, the
genetic constitution of these types seems
fairly clear, but the plicata type remains (to
me, at any rate) an unsolved problem. Since
hi 14 I have carried the plicata type through
one or two generations further, and flowered
several hundred plicata seedlings from
various crossings. But the results, though
very interesting in many directions, afford no
conclusive evidence for either supposition as
to its origin. The typical beard, which is
very different from either the pallida or the
variegata' beard, and which is clearly recog-
nisable even in squalens-plicata crosses, is
carried, practically intact, through genera-
tions of transition seedlings, in which it has
disappeared with the other (colour) characters
of plicata, reappearing again unaltered in
the following generation in all the seedlings
of the plicata (colour) type. In more than
100 seedlings from one cross, all of which
were plicatas, all had the typical plicata
beard. Yet four out of the six parents in
the ancestry (so for as known) of this cross
were not plicatas. This being the most ex-
tended series df plicata crossings I have
made, the actual pedigree is, perhaps, worth
giving.

Mme. Chereau x Cordelia gave C. yb (2)
(a neglecta of Monsignor type — a sister
seedling of Sweet Lavender and Du
Guesclin ; there were no plicata forms from
this cross). Assaurez x Queen of May gave
E. 205 (a) (a red pallida near Assaurez, but

paler — a sister seedling of Margaret Moor —
the rest of the seedlings being similar).

C.jb (2) x E. 205 (a) gave G. 141 (7) (a
dark purple-margined plicata, quite free of
cockling — the remaining seedlings being only
one other plicata and sixteen red neglectas
or paUida-neglecta forms). Mme Chereau x
Jacquiniana gave Hilda (a blue-violet mar-
gined plicata nearlv free of cockling). Hilda
x G. 141 (7) gave R. 161. (104 seedlings,
all plicatas).

Another feature so often seen in the older
plicatas, i.e., crumpled standards and cock-
ling of the tips of the falls, might well have
resulted from the introduction of a species
having flowers more or less incompatible in
size and form with pallida. For I have often
had similar results ((crumpled, puckered, and
twisted segments) froim crosses of varieties
where the flowers differ considerably in size,
especially if there is also dissimilarity of
form. The rhizomes of plicata are very
variable, much more so, as far as my small
garden experience goes, than among pallidas.

On the contrary, the leaves and habit and
membranous spathe valves are typically
pallida. But though the spathe-valve
character is a strong one, I should attach
less importance to these features than to
the fact, which the latest results now fully
establish, that the plicata type is a recessive
character. Plicata forms crossed with
plicata forms, including squalens — plicata
forms give plicata forms and nothing else.
When crossed with pallida or variegata (or
any other varieties not carrying plicata) the
plicata type disappears entirely, though these
heterozygous plicata forms can generally be
recognised by an expert. And when crossed
with certain neglectas and squalens carrying
plicata, the expected mendelian ratio of one-
half plicata forms is obtained in the seed-
lings. This, I admit, strongly favours the
view that the plicata type has arisen as a
mutation from pallida by the dropping out
of a single factor or set of linked factors.
Nevertheless, it is mot wholly incompatible
with the other view. A. J. Bliss.
(To be concluded.)

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

ORCHIS PRAETERMISSA VAR.
PULOHELLA DRUCE.

In the Report of the Botanical Society of
the British Isles for the year 1913. p. 340. 1
described at some length the Marsh Orchid,
which, is distinct from 0. incarnata, under the
name of 0. praetermissa. Since that time the
plant has been observed by many of our best
held botanists who, with very 'few exceptions,
have come to the conclusion that it is a distinct
species which is easily recognised, and has a
range of variation of its own. It is widely dis-
tributed in Britain and isoften very abundant
in the marshes of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset,
Hants, Sussex, Kent, Essex, Middlesex,
Wilts, Somerset, Gloster, Berks, Oxon,
Northants, Carmarthen, Glamorgan, Pembroke,
Hereford, Worcester, Warwick, Stafford, Car-
narvon, Anglesey, etc. It frequently grows with
aggregate 0. maculata and then freely hybridises
with it. It also occurs with true 0. incarnata,
with which it also crosses. The type has un-
spotted leaves, which are usually erect and
narrowed upwards. The hybrids usually
reproduce the spotted leaves of 0. maculata and
have paler flowers than the dull purple of
0. praetermissa, and often have the labelluin
more deeply cut.

In Scotland there is another Marsh Orchid
which is also widely distributed in the marshes
of Forfar, Perth, and all the northern counties
extending also into northern England, which
has brighter colours than the southern O.
praertermissa, the labellum is smaller and often
lightly angled on the lateral margin : it has the

February 14, 1920.]

TEE GARDENERS' CERONlGLh.

77

same unspotted leaves as the type and like that
hybridises with 0. maculata ; tor this I suggest
the varietal name of Pulchella. I have

previously used the name Pulchella to designate
a form of a Marsh Orchid which occurs in
S. Hants and Dorset, which is rather nearer
U. incarnata than the northern form just alluded
to (see Rep. Bot. Soc, 168, 1917). Further study
may result in removing this southern form from
U. inoarrtata to 0. praertermussa, -and 1 hope to
clear this up during the coming season. 1 should
be glad to name any specimens which may be
sent me. G. Claridye Druce, Yardley Lodge,
Oxford.

ODONTOGLOSSUAI TRIOMPHE DE
BRUGES.

A flower of this intensely dark, but brightly-
coloured, new hybrid, obtained by following up
their 0. Black Prince (Lambeaaiianum x
Rolfeae) and crossing it with O. Vuylstekei
(harvengtense x Wilckeanum) is sent by the
raisers, Messrs. Sanders, St. Albans. The large
and well-proportioned flower bears evidence of
the 0. WilckeaiTum, passed on through 0.
Vuylstekei, and its influence in many cases, as in
this, converts the colouring of the flower
from superficial to body colour. The segments
are deep vinous crimson, as dark on the reverse
side as on the face. There are slight white
markings on the bases land margins of the
petals and lip, while the small yellow crest is
obscured by the prevailing dark colour of the
flower. The colour is purple also.

CATTLEYA AMETHYSTOGLOSSA.

A cheerful incident in the after- the- war
importation of rare species of Orchids is the in-
troduction by Messrs. Sanders, St. Albans, of a
successful collection of Cattleya amethystoglossa,
which, although frequently imported in small
quantity since Mr. Warner received a First-
Class Certificate for it at the Royal Horticultural
Society's meeting on March 4, 1862, has never
been plentiful in gardens, its spikes of 10 to 20
pretty, blush or rose flowers, variously marked
with mauve, and their extreme durability, always
render the plant specially attractive. Several good
crosses with it have been effected, and it is
probable that if the influence of this good
species is brought to bear on some of the modern,
highly developed hybrids still better results may
lie obtained.

C. amethystoglossa is a native of Bahia, S.
America, and has been also named C. guttata
Prinzii. It is, however, a well-defined species.

NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS.

BERBERIS ORTHOBOTRYS.

The beautiful new Berberry, of which fruiting
branches are illustrated in Fig. 31, was shown
by the Hon. Vica-ry Gibbs at the meeting of
the Royal Horticultural Society on October 21,
when the Floral Committee gave the plant an
Award of Merit. The berries are produced in
profusion ; they are of an elongated-oval shape
and coloured rich crimson-red.
- During recent years plant collectors in China
have enriched our gardens with a large number
of species of Berberis, including many that are
evergreen or sub-evergreen.

These attractive shrubs aire suited alike both
for large and small gardens, and many of them
adapt themselves splendidly either for grouping
in shrubberies or as isolated specimens on grass.

In winter, besides the attractive berries,
many of these species have 'brightly
coloured bark cit the young wood making
the plants objects of conspicuous beauty.
Especially noticeable in this respect are B.
\ irescenSj B. diaphana, and B. dictyophylla
albicaulis.

B. Sargentiana, one of the evergreen section,
is regarded as one of the finest plants sent home
from China by Mr. Wilson. Other chanmdng
evergreen species are B. Gagnepainii, B.
Julianae, (a Chinese form of B. WaUiohiana,
though quite distinct)) B. levis and B. candidula.

Fortunately these charming plants succeed
admirably in almost any soil and any locality.
In the gardens at Aldenham there are upwards- of
150 species and varieties.

THE FATE OF HORTICULTURE IN
RUSSIA.

Many who are interested in horticulture in
England must have wondered more than once
what has become of the Russian botanists and
horticultural tourists under the Bolshevik re-
gime. What, for instance, has become of Mdm.
Olgo Fedtschenko. whose knowledge of the plants
of Turkistan was probably unique, or of her son,
Boris, who was in charge of the St, Petersburg
Herbarium, for which a magnificent new ouild-
ing had just been completed before the com-

when his son Albert was able to introduce into
cultivation many good plants which he dis-
covered in Turkistan. The firm of Regel and
Kesselring had kept an invaluable collection of
notes on these and other plants that they have,
from time to time, had in cultivation ; but this
collection, together with Regel's Library, though
removed for safety to the Swiss Legation, has
been entirely destroyed, together with all the
buildings in which the firm conducted its busi-
ness. The Bolsheviks have even torn up and
burnt for fuel the balks of timber of which the
roadways were constructed in Kesse'lring's nur-
sery ground, together with all the trera and

Fiti. 01. — BERBERIS OKTHOBOTKY3.

mencement of the war ? We wondered wliat had
become of those botanists of Tiflis who were
working at the flora of the Caucasus, a region
which seems to be so rich in interesting plants.
An article by M. Correvon, in the January
number of the Revue Horticole, tells us that
he has at last been able to obtain some informa-
tion as to the fate of Russian botanists and
horticulturists, because M. Kesselring. of the
well-known firm of Regel and Kesselring, of
Petrograd, has escaped from Russia and arrived
safely in Switzerland. Dr. Regel was

Director of the Petrograd Botanic Garden in the
latter half of the nineteenth century, at a time

shrubs that were growing there. An even more
tragic fate seems to have overtaken Julia
Mlokosowitch, whose Christian name is recorded
in Primula Juliae, which she found in Hie
Caucasus, and whose surname will always r ■
main attached to Paeonia Mlokosowitchii, which
her father discovered in the [»agodeschi region
(it is from this region Gentiana lagodeschraiia
was obtained) of the province of Tiflis. She
has apparently been murdered by the Bolsheviks
and her sister has been driven mad. M. Fomine

and M. Modwedew, the well known botan-
ists of Tiflis, appear t" haw simply disappeared
and nothing is known of their late. II'. II. Dykes.

78

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[February 14, 1920.

APHIDES AND FROST.

Mure readers of The Gardeners' Chronicle
will remember the many excellent articles on
fruit growing by the late Mr. Bear {Southern
Grower). In the issue for November 6, 191b,
p 238, he suggested a form of co-operative re-
search'and experiment in regard to aphides.
This was a great stimulus to me, as I had been
working intermittently in this particular field
of research for a very long time, and I am quite
sure so far as this country is concerned, there
is a' very wide field unexplored, or at any rate
the survey has been anything but accurate, not
because British entomologists are incapable of
the work, but in the past they have been very
meagrely assisted by the Government. The field
and 'the garden are the proper places in which
to study the problems of plant pests and
diseases, and to work out the means toy
which crops can best be protected and to learn
the true habits of insect friends and foes alike.
Aphides are amongst the most tedious pests
to follow. The following remarks have been
prepared from carefully tabulated notes of
observations carried out for several seasons m
succession. It has been suggested in past issues
of this journal that aphides are very sensitive
to cold and that a few degrees of frost will kill
them. It was to prove whether this opinion is
correct that I undertook research in this par-
ticular direction.

Writing of the Apple Aphis in Gard. Chron.,
December 11, 1915, p. 357, Southern Grower
asked, "Is there any reason to hope that the
frost killed a large proportion of the oviparous
aphides?" and remarked, "Mr. Theobald states
that they begin to deposit eggs early in Novem-
ber, continuing up to about December 7." Mr.
Bear further stated that the first frost was 7 de-
grees on the night of November 14. and that vast
numbers of eggs had .been deposited before that
date. Otherwise it may be supposed that a frost
of even such moderate severity would kill every
aphis exposed to it, and that it may be taken
fo- granted no aphides could withstand the frost
of 9 degrees that occurred on the night of
November 26.

No doubt there are many people, including
gardeners, who suppose that frost kills not only
aphides, but many other insect pests of the
garden. I give the following result of my in-
vestigations, undertaken in order to reach a
definite conclusion on the subject.
Blackberry Aphis.
(See Fig. 32.)
One of my deepest impressions regarding the
rold resistance of aphides was in February, 1916.
I was then watching aphides that were hatohing
from the eggs on the wild Blackberry and, as
cited in my article in Gard. Chron., December
9, 1916. p. 275, found larva hatched on Feb-
ruary 12, and that on the 14th of that month
Y° of frost in the screen was followed by rain. I
thought such weather was good evidence of the
endurance of young aphides. Between February
12 and April "l, I paid 29 visits to some that I
had labelled for the purpose, and during that
period snow fell on 19 days and finished with a
l.lizzard on March 27, 28. It was the worst
Weather that I remember. The total snow
I educed to water for the above period was 3.55
inches, and frosts occurred on 32 days, including
10 degrees on March 28. Of twenty-one speci-
mens of aphides I had under observation, eleven
died and ten survived from February 17 to
April 1 and onwards. On April 14 some of these
began to produce young. It was very interest-
ing to note that the above specimens had their
beaks fixed in a particular spot and never moved
for the whole period above stated.

Rose Aphis — Siphonophora Rosae.
(See Fig. 33.)
During the late summer a,nd autumn of 1916
I was watching the aphides on Rose hushes. At
the beginning of October it occurred to me that
I would follow some of them to find out if they
were as hardy as those on the Blackberry. The
winter 1916-1917 will be remembered, by gar-
deners especially, as one of the most severe and
prolonged on record. At Redditch there were
127 frosts between October 19, 1916 and April

16, 1917 inclusive, distributed as follows :
— 1916, October 3, November 12, December 27 ;
1917, January 28, February 21, March 23,
April 13. The most frost occurred on the follow-
ing dates : — October 21. 3 degrees; November

16 and 30, 5 degrees; December 6. 13 degrees;
January 27, 29, 31, 9 degrees; February 4, 19
degrees ; February 5, 20 degrees ; February 6,

17 degrees ; February 7, 21 degrees ; March 8,
15 degrees ; April 1, 9 degrees. Snow fell on
31 days during the above period. In October
snow fell on one day (reduced to water, 0.28
inch), in December on four days (water, 1.15
inch), January nine days (1.55 inch), February
two days (0.11 inch), March seven days (1.45
inch), and April eight days (0.87 inch). The
amount of rain and snow combined Teduced to
water was : — October 3.15 inch, November 2.22
inch, December 2.63 inch, January 2.15 inch,
February 0.99, March 2.63 inch, April 1.56 inch.
I give the above figures in order to show the
weather conditions prevailing at the time of my
observations. To watch the effect of these con-
ditions I paid almost daily visits from the
beginning of October to April 22. On Novem
ber 6 winged and wingless females were pro-
ducing young very rapidly in times of frost,
cold winds and driving rain ; some shoots were
covered with them. I found one male on
November 4. Many aphides were being
destroyed at this time by four species of flies
of the ichneumon type. On November 16 there
were 5 degrees of frost, with a strong, keen

~i

Fig. 32.— blackberry aphis (aphis sorbae).

wind— one of the coldest days I remember for
the time of year. These conditions lasted for
three days. I noticed many Rose leaves had
become shrivelled ; also that many of the
aphides on the shrivelled leaves had died, whilst,
those on the leaves not shrivelled were active.
I came to the conclusion that it was want of
food rather than the cold that was the cause
of death, and this conjecture proved to be
correct. Up to November 25 the insects were
still producing young on the unshrivelled shoots
For several days after the above date the aphides
were covered with hoar frost. There were
similar weather conditions in December, 1916,
and the aphides still lived on the leaf stalks
that were not shrivelled. On January 8. 1917.
a blizzard of wind, rain and snow prevailed.
Wrens were very busy hunting for the aphides,
and spiders were still crouched on the under-
sides of the leaves waiting their turn to devour
the pests. On January 23 there was frost with
strong, cold wind again. The unfavourable
weather seemed to stop the flow of sap, and thus
the aphides' food was cut off. The aphides on
the leaf stalks succumbed first, those on the
tip of the shoots next, whilst those just below
the tips remained alive. It occurred to me that
if I could restore and preserve the flow of sap I
might keep the insects alive. I therefore
selected a plant I thought would be suitable.
The ground around this bush was frozen hard
at the time, 'but I thawed it with hot water
and placed a thick layer of dried Bracken Fern

over it. This seemed to have the desired effect.
I selected a shoot that was convenient for my
purpose, on which there were six wingless
females. I nailed a box without the lid and
two ends to a stake which was driven into the
ground to the level of the 6hoot, so that the
six aphides just came inside tie box. On the
top of the box I placed a piece of glass, which
allowed the light to enter and protected the
insects from snow. The lower end and front of
the box were thus open, which made it con-
venient for me to see the insects on my daily
visits, and also it kept them at the same tem-
perature as the screen in which I had my
thermometer. On March 7th only two of the six
remained alive, four having died. On March
25th another died. The buds were now begin-
ning to develop, and on the latter date the last
of the insects moved to a developing bud. I
noticed after this how fast this aphis grew and
this went on until April 21st, when I lost sight
of the last of my Rose aphides. I was expecting
this last specimen would reproduce its species
within a short time. I am of opinion it was
destroyed by a bird or some other enemy, and
not by the weather.

Rose Aphis — SiphonophoRa rosarum.

This species differs considerably from the
preceding one. The insect is much smaller, and
the winged forms are, generally speaking, not
very agile. They are very dark in colour, with
dark and light bands across the body, and
numbers have deformed wings. The wingless
ones are somewhat light green in colour, whilst
the body is short and covered with short, spine-
like protuberances. I find that this species is
more numerous indoors than in the open. At
the end of a cool vinery here is a Gloire de
Dijon Rose, which is generally infested with
Siphonophora rosarum in the early part oil'
January. In 1919 the insects were very numer-
ous, and I decided to test this species for frost
endurance, but I wanted the insects to have a
supply of food. I therefore took off several in-
fested shoots and, in order to keep them from
shrivelling, I stuck the basal ends in pieces of
Potato, around which I wrapped paper to keep
the Potato from freezing. I then hung them up
alongside the thermometers from January
10th to 14th, inclusive. On the night of the
10th 21 degrees of frost was registered, on the
11th 21 degrees, on the 12th 16 degrees, on the
13th 12 degrees, and on the 14th 5 degrees.
Tliis amount of cold I thought would be a suffi-
cient test and, as the aplrides were mostly alive.
I took them back to the vinery, where they
were soon feeding again.

Apple Leaf Curl Aphis.

Aphis sorbi (the Apple leaf-curl Aphis) is one
of the aphides that is supposed to be killed by
a few degrees of frost. I have been waiting for
four seasons for suitable weather to test the
effect of frost on this species. During the early
part of 1919 very few of these aphides were to
be found, but at the end of September there
were numbers of winged females, which pro-
duced numerous broods of wingless, oviparous
ones. Winged males appeared later, and by
October 16th I found them copulating. At the
end of the month most of the oviparous females
had left the leaves. I found them distributed
along the under sides of the shoots, right down
to the grease bands, and sheltering in lough
places in the bark. I find, as soon as the leaves
lose their green colour, and the weather is suit-
able for laying, the insects migrate to the shoots,
and there wait until their eggs are developed.
The females remain on the undersides of
the shoots, with their beaks fixed into them
when it is cold, but in mild weather they move
about for egg-laying. During the egg-laying
period the creatures are somewhat difficult to
find, as their colour becomes much like that
of the bark. There were 14 degrees of frost,
followed by snow, and, as the snow was on the
upper side of the shoot, it did not affect the
aphides. Another frost was followed by rain,
and the water hung on the under sides of the
shoots, and in that way many aphides were
drowned before they could move their position,
but those that were in places not affected sur-

February 14, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

79

vived. I found them egg-laying from November
10th to 27th — one I timed was 27 hours laying
one egg. No doubt this long time was caused
by low vitality due to cold and -wet. The last
living female I found on December 3rd. This I
photographed with an egg laid by another
specimen. During the month of November we
had 20 frosts : the most severe were on the 11th
(14 degrees), 15th (14 degrees), and 29th (10
degrees). There were also four days on which
snow fell ; the total amount of rain and snow
for the month as water was 1.24 inch.

Bean Aphis (Aphis rumicis).

I found numerous wingless females of the
above aphis on Euonymus europaeus (tile Spindle
Tree) last autumn. These winged females pro-
duced wingless oviparous ones, and these latter
started egg-laying about October 18th and con-
tinued laying eggs until December 1st. This
species resisted all the frosts, rain, etc., during
November. The last I found on December 3rd.

Woolly Aphis (Schizoneura lanigera).

This species, although deprived by the
rigours of the weather, to a great extent, of their
woolly covering, passed through the winter
1916-1917, and the winters since, and are in
much evidence to date, December 26th, 1919.
They are very plentiful in this district.

I think the above remarks show that cold
and frost do not affect the life of aphides to
the extent that might be supposed. Reliable
evidence can only be obtained by careful,
systematic and prolonged observation. I may
say, in conclusion, that aphides are not the most
easy of pests to follow, neither are they the only
ones that resist cold. J. Q. Blahey, Broms-
grore Foad, Bedditch.

Parsnips thinned, which is best done, if possible,
during dull or showery weather, hoeing between
the lines to loosen the soil again will be bene-
ficial and, as often as possible afterwards, repeat
the hoeing, as it is undoubtedly a great aid
to growth by conserving the moisture in tflie
soil as well as eradicating weeds. When the
Parsnip foliage begins to meet, hoeing should
be discontinued, as the foliage of the crop will
smother any but the most pernicious of weeds,
such as Thistles, which may be carefully hand
pulled, and further there will be no risk of
injury to the crowns of the swelling roots.
E. Beckett, Fota.

ARTICHOKES.

The flower heads of Globe Artichokes are
greatly esteemed in some establishments and
they provide a welcome addition to the list of
vegetables in summer. The plants require a
considerible amount of space, 'but they are not
difficult to cultivate provided they receive
generous treatment in regard to soil and feeding
when the roots are active in spring and summer.

It is possible to secure fine young plants in

VEGETABLES.

PARSNIPS.

For the first time during my experience here
this crop was, last season, a complete success
owing to its absolute freedom from "rust," which
had 'before always more or less damaged the
roots As the conditions with regard to soil
management have not varied to any great
extent, the success must, I think, be put down
*o ideal conditions of growth due to the un-
jsually dry season, resulting in a crop of roots
of perfect sihape, size and quality.

Few vegetable crops repay better for deep
cultivation than the Parsnip, and its value was
clearly shown in this instance, as two seasons
ago the soil was trenched deeply and culti-
vated as thoroughly as possible. The ground in
which last year's crop was grown was dug
deeply, and afterwards left as rough as possible
until seed sowing time, which was rather later
than usual owing to a late spring due to the
Weather and other unavoidable causes, resulting
in an arrears of work.

The usual dressing of lime and wood ash was
applied, the ground broken to a fine tilth and
made ready for sowing the seed in drills at
eighteen inches apart. A calm day is necessary
for this operation. I always sow a few Parsnip
seeds in clumps, dropping three or four at in-
tervals of eight or nine inches as near as can
be gauged along the drills.

If new seed is obtained from a reliable source
three or four seeds at a station are sufficient ;
more will only result in a thick batch of seed-
lings and increase the labour and difficulty of
thinning.

Before closing the drills, a thin scattering of
Radish seed is dropped in them. This serves a
dual purpose, as it marks the position of the
drills at an early date and enables the ground to
be hoed quickly, thus resulting in the
early destruction of weeds. Where the marketing
of surplus produce is done this catch crop
need not be wasted, as might be the case where
the demand for Radishes is only limited. The
system has much to recommend it, however, and
a few drills so treated with various crops would
assist in producing occasional supplies and
economise space.

After the Radishes have been pulled and the

period of growth — that is, during April, May,
and June. This attention, combined with
regular hoeings, will materially assist the plants
to produce a number of heads of tender quality.
The ctod from these plants is usually obtained
from the end of May to the end of July. The
heads should be cut when green and tender, and
before the flowers expand, unless seed is
required. It is almost impossible to grow Globe
Artichokes well in poor, shallow soil, or beneath
the shade of trees, for the 'roots of the latter
are sure to encroach upon those of the vegetable.
As the old stems go out of bearing they
should be cut down close to the ground, to
encourage the development of young growths.
The plants are by no means hardy, and need
protection in winter. In some districts, earthing
up on each side of the plants is practised, care
being taken that the soil does not lodge in the
centres. On the top of the soil is placed light
litter or bracken to protect the plants in very
severe weather. In a general way, a light cover-
ing of the material mentioned is all that is
needed. Old plants are seldom profitable after
their fifth season.

Fig. 33. — rose aphis (siphonophora rosae)

about twelve months from seeds, but this is
far a slower method than raising plants from
offshoots, Which can be taken from established
plants during March and the early part of April.
Seeds may .be sown in February or March in
gentle warmth, and the young plants transferred
to 3-in. pots ready for planting in their per-
manent quarters when the weather is favourable
and thev have become sufficiently strong.

Healthy offshoots may be obtained from
vigorous, established plants by the simple pro-
cess of division. Choose portions furnished
with healthy roots. The offsets should be
planted 3 feet apart in rows 4 feet asunder.
They may require shading for a few days after
planting, and, unless the weather is showery,
should be watered to assist them to become
established. Hoeing the soil is of great benefit
to the plants and, if done on frequent occasions,
will help to keep the roots moist by conserving
the soil moisture. Plants thus raised in spring
will frequently produce good heads, which will
be available for use in September and October.

Established plants should be kept clear of
weeds during the growing season, given liquid
manure occasionally and mulched with manure
to retain moisture in the soil. If this cannot
be done, apply nitrate of soda, one ounce to
the square yard, about three times during the

The Jerusalem Artichoke is not cultivated in
every garden. The crop is generally relegated
to an out of the way corner in large establish-
ments, but rarely in that of the amateur or the
cottager. It is Tegarded as unfit for the table
unless prepared by the hands of a professional
cook, but those who have ventured to try it as
a common winter vegetable have been more than
satisfied with its excellence and usefulness. The
plant produces tubers almost as large as
Potatos. It is not subject to diseases,
bears heavily in soil where the Potato would fail,
is never injured by frost in spring, nor does it
require protection in winter.

The tubers of the Jerusalem Artichoke may
be left in the ground in winter and dug as
required, but by this time they should be lifted
and replanted. Clear all the roots from the soil,
select a number of the best shaped specimens
ifor subsequent planting, and store the others
under ashes. Spread a quantitv of manure on
the surface of the ground intended for the fresh
crop, and as digging proceeds, plant a row of
roots at every three feet. Keep the sets one
foot apart, and place them three inches below
the surface.. The stems are stout and hardy,
are not easily injured by wind, and attain a
height of from seven to ten feet, forming a
serviceable screen or shelter. James A. Paice.

80

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[February 14, 1920.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

[The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for
the opinions expressed by correspondents,]

Hosts of the Mistleto (see pp. 9, 20, 44, 56,;69).
— Professor Somerville's enquiry is probably
limited to British-grown Mistleto but it ;may
interest him to know that in February, 1914, 1
found a single plant of this parasite growing
on an Elm on the golf links at Saint Jean-de-
Luz, in south-western France. It is exceedingly
abundant on old Hawthorns at that place. The
Elm was leafless: I intended to return there
to identify the species, but the war stopped
that. Mistleto is not now indigenous to Scot-
land, whatever it may have 'been before the
natural forest was cleared away ; but it grows
freely when sown on a suitable host. About
thirty years ago I set a lot of berries upon
young growths of Apple, Laburnum, Linden
and Hawthorn. Those set on Laburnum and
Linden did not germinate; but several on other
trees have produced large clumps three and four
feet in diameter, which bear plenty of berries. The
seeds set on two double-flowering red Haw-
thorns have behaved in a very peculiar way.
They germinated at the same time as those on
the Apple trees; but instead of throwing out
two or three strong stems one has put forth
fourteen little shoots, the other eight, none more
than an inch high, and each bearing two leaves.
The presence of these dwarf growths has caused
a large swelling in the branch, indicative of
considerable internal disturbance. Herbert
Maxwell, Monreith.

Snowy Fly (see p. 44).— To keep this pest
in check will require more trouble than even
in the case of red spider or mealy bug. As
near as I can remember I first saw the snowy
fly about ten to fifteen years ago. It was then
looked upon much as aphis, and a fumigation
of tobacco or the newer XI All compound
were sufficient to destroy the pest on its
appearance in the spring, but now, whether
the present race is hardier or more persistent,
it is in evidence all the year round. After
fumigation two-thirds of the insects survive, as
directly the fumes arise down they come in
clouds to the freer atmosphere on the floor of
the house, only to wend their way up again
when danger is past. I usually well sprinkle
the floor with a strong insecticide, which
destroys those that come in contact with it.
Not only do Tomato plants suffer severely from
the pest, French Beans, Fuchsia, Heliotrope,
Coleus, Poinsettia, and many other soft-wooded
plants are attacked in due season. Cyaniding
is a poor remedy considering its danger and
the many houses affected by the fly to be con-
stantly fumed. The difficulty in dealing with
the flies is that when a plant infested is moved
for treatment to another house they fly off and
settle elsewhere. Quassia extract will kill the
pest where the under side of the foliage can
be reached with a syringe. So far as my
knowledge goes there is no remedy on the
market that will effectually deal with snowy
fly, and it needs combating energetically if we
would rid our crops of it. Many years ago
Elder foliage crushed and placed on the floor
of the greenhouse, and the latter closed, killed
green and black aphis, but its strength could
not be gauged, and where overdone the plants
were affected. It is well known that various
strong-scented plants act as a deterrent to flies
and other insects in dwelling rooms, but
I am not aware whether it would be any
use against the snowy fly. Geo. Dyke, The
Hermitage Gardens, Holmes Chapel.

Epiphyllum truncatum. — On page 48 of the
Gard. Chron. for January 31 appeared an in-
teresting article on Epiphyllums. I can we'll
remember when these plants were most useful
as well as valuable -winter-flowering subjects. In
the early eighties, when I was an apprentice in
a plant nursery on the south coast, we used to
grow a fine batch and in fine variety. We had
all those mentioned by your correspondent and
many others. E. t. Ruickeriamim, if 1 re-
member rightly, was very fine. The Pereskia
stock was generally used, but grafting was also
done on Cereus speciosissimus, and charming
little pyramids were produced on it. Plants
grown ir that form, or as standards, always

found a ready sale in those days. Now-a-days
Epiphyllums are usually grown from cuttings,
but, unless used as basket plants, these cannot
compare with well-balanced plants on a
Pereskia stock. I may also mention that we
used to grow Franciscea and Pentas; the former
was known and grown for its delicious perfume,
and F. uniflora was fine, in small pots, for table
decoration and delightfully fragrant. F. con-
fertiflora was also good. Pentas carnea and
P. rosea were also grown for winter blooming.
11. H. Legg, Melksham, Wiltshire.

Begonia Gloire de Lorraine. — Much has been
advanced in praise of this beautiful and florifer-
ous Begonia, and too much cannot be said
of its beauty and usefulness in the hands of
those who know how to grow it successfully.
In Mrs. Bischoffsheim's fine gardens at Stan-
more (gr. Mr. Taylor) about 400 specimens of
the Rothschild variety, each from 2ft. to 2ft 6in.
across, mostly pyramids, but some having
globular heads of densely-packed pink flowers,
have been, and will continue in great beauty for
a considerable time, filling one house and
decorating the corridors adjoining. All the
plants are from cuttings struck last April and
grown in an intermediate house until they
are in bloom. In suspended baskets this Begonia
is equally beautiful. Plants of the scarlet
Euphorbia jacquiniaeflora, E. puloherrima and
other decorative winter-flowering plants are
making a bright display. As with the Begonias,
Mr. Taylor strikes these annually, and his plants
are always vigorous and clean. One house has the
centre stage rilled with white Coelogyne oristata,
with Calanthes on the side staging, and in other
houses Vanda coerulea, many Cymbidiums,
Cypripediums and other hybrids and species are
blooming profusely. J. O'B.

The Rainfall. — As one of the five thousand and
more observers in the United Kingdom who
quietly record the amount of rain that falls day
by day I am greatly interested in weather records.
There does not appear at first sight anything of
special value to be obtained from the knowledge,
and yet, by ascertaining the amount of rainfall,
the gardener has data which may be of consider-
able service to him. The British Rainfall
Organisation was inaugurated over fifty years
ago in North London, and has become such an
important factor that it has recently been taken
over by the Meteorological Office, and is under
Government control. As early as the year 1859
the late Mr. G. J. Symons began to collect
records of rainfall, and three years later he
brought out a pamphlet entitled British Bain-
fall, which included records from about 500
observers. The copy of the last year, which has
just been issued, extends to upwards of 300 pages
and records the work of more than 5,000
observers. The method of measuring rainfall is
very simple. The essential parts of a gauge are
a funnel to receive the rain ; the usual size of
the rim is five inches. Below is a receiving
vessel to hold the water that falls. A glass
measure, graduated into fifty parts, each division
representing one-hundredth part of an inch, is
provided, the graduated part corresponding with
the diameter of the funnel. The object sought
is to find the depth to which all the rain-water
that falls would stand on a perfectly level sur-
face, if none ran off, and none soaked in the soil
or evaporated. Some idea of the weight of rain
falling on the land may be realised by remember-
ing that if an inch of rain fall over an acre the
quantity of rain weighs a little over 100 tons,
and measures 22,624 gallons. The amount of
rain is ranevenly distributed in point of time,
but when a whole year is considered, it is re-
markable to find that the average quantity varies
very little indeed. Since April of the past year,
for example, the rainfall was exceptionally low
until the latter part of November, after which
the average for the year was maintained. In-
tending observers should note that a rain gauge
should be placed on an open site, with no build-
ing or tree near. I have arranged a
kind of box, partially in the soil and projecting
some twelve inches above, to contain the gauge
— the funnel is thus always level. Any reader
who seeks further information should com-
municate with Mr. Carle Salter. 62, Camden
Square, London, N.W.I. /. C. Wright.

SOCIETIES.

CHAMBER OF HORTICULTURE.

The first general meeting of the Chamber of
Horticulture, held on theStn inst., in the Council
Room of the Royal Agricultural Society, Bedford
Square, was of historical as well as general
horticultural interest. Mr. George Monro, Jnr.,
presided and was supported by a very repre-
sentative body of the Trade, numbering
altogether about 56 persons. As stated iD our
leading article on page 47 (Gard. Chron.,
January 31), the Chamber of Horticulture carried
out work of exceptional value to the horticultural
industry during the past year. Previous to its
legal constitution the work of the Chamber
was carried on by an organising Committee com-
posed of influential members of the horticultural
trade. According to the articles of the Chamber
it was necessary to hold a general meeting in
the beginning of February, therefore the meeting
under notice was the first statutory one.

The election of Officers and Council is by vote
on ballot papers circulated to the members, con-
sequently an interesting part of the proceedings
was the declaration of the poll showing the
constitution of the Council for the ensuing
year. Mr. W. G. Lobjoit proposed that the
election of Mr. George Monro, Jnr., as the first
President of the Chamber, ibe approved by the
meeting. He said that the name of Monro stood
very high in the horticultural world, and it was
a name the Chairman had not only kept un-
tarnished, but had added lustre to. His was
the original idea which led to the institution
of the Chamber. It was a very ambitious idea
to bring together a congeries of interests, which
had looked upon each other with suspicion and
distrust, for the purpose of mutual help and
co-operation. His idea was to create a com-
munity of interests, and to this difficult task he
had given time without stint and wonderful
business skill, and it was little short of mar-
vellous that so much had been achieved dn so
short a time. It was not too much to say that
probably no other man could have accomplished
so much or placed the Chamber of Horticulture
on such a sure foundation. Mr. W. H. Page
seconded the motion, which was carried unani-
mously. Mr. A. E. Moore was appointed
Treasurer of the Chamber, on the motion of
Messrs. C. Symmonds and G. H. Barr, and Mr.
W. G. Lobjoit was unanimously elected Vice-
President on the motion of Mr. F. Ridley, and
Mr. W. P. Thompson. Messrs. E. H. Cobley
and Co. were appointed Hon. Auditors.

Mr. Monro gave an account of the work done
by the Organising Committee and pointed out
that, the apparent delay in getting the Chamber
legally constituted was due to Somerset House
and not to the Committee. At the inaugural
meeting held at Caxton Hall, the aims and
objects of the Chamber were put forward and
the scheme had the approval of the President of
the Board of Agriculture, of Dr. Keeble, and
other Government officials. The great aim of the
Chamber was to include every section.il horti-
cultural interest, to act as a clearing house ot
ideas and to bring the whole weight of the in-
dustry to bear upon any particular subject where
the efforts of a sectional interest alone would
have very little weight. He pointed out that
the Chamber was working in entire harmony
with the R.H.S., and in conjunction with that
body held a conference on Fruit Growing at the
Chelsea Show in 1919. A crying need was for
statistics with regard to the trade, and it would
be necessary to obtain these if the Chamber
was to carry out its programme and benefit
the industry as a whole. Some time ago the
Board of Trade asked for definite information
and the Chamber sent out 12,000 forms, each
containing three or four questions, but not more
than 4 per cent, of the forms were returned
This was a disappointing result, and as many
growers apparently thought the information
asked might prove valuable to their competitors
he desired to say that such returns would be
kept in strictest confidence and only
the collective results would be used in
connection with any request made by
the Board of Agriculture or the Board of Trade.
The Board of Agriculture had already approached
the Chamber with reference to statistics of the

February 14, 1620. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

bl

horticultural industry, and this itself was evidence
of the high opinion in which the Government
already holds the Chamber. It had been said
that the Chamber started with a very ambitious
programme, but the present programme was
twice as large as the original one. It included
the consideration of the transport questions,
research work, building construction, seeds, in-
secticides, and manures. The Government had
already adopted the scheme for a standardisa-
tion of materials as presented by the Committee
of \he Insecticide section of the Chamber, and
he understood that the scheme would soon
become law. The Chamber was frequently in
comjnunication with a large number of Govern-
ment departments and its advice and help were
being sought by these departments on various
subjects. A Parliamentary Committee would be
formed in due course and he hoped that in
time the horticultural industry might be repre-
sented in Parliament by its own member. The
Chamber was also in association with all
European Chambers of Horticulture and had
taken part in the resuscitation of the Inter-
national Horticultural Commercial Association.
With regard to the American Imports Restriction
Order the Chamber had not yet been able to
secure any relief for British traders, but it was
now in communication with the Federal
Horticultural Board of U.S.A., and it was
hoped that a joint commission would be
appointed shortly to reconsider the- whole
matter. In connection' with labour matters and
wages, he desired to thank Mr. R. Robins for
the splendid work that he had done on behalf
of the trade, and he also voiced the thanks of the
Chamber to Dr. Keeble for all that he had
done for the Horticultural industry while at the
head of the Food Production Department, and
at the same time to express the regret felt by
the horticultural world at his recent resignation
from the Boa.rd of Agriculture, where it had been
fondly hoped lie would occupy a commanding
position as the head of a distinct Horticultural
section of the Board. Mr. Monro pointed out
that the Chamber had no fewer than 27 com-
mittees, all regularly employed in the interests
of horticulture. There were fourteen affiliated
societies and 112 private members. The income
for the past year was £2,603, and the whole of
the expenses of organisation and the manage-
ment of the Chamber to date had been met. A
statistical clerk had recently been appointed and
also an assistant secretary to help Mr. R.
Wynne, whose strenuous work on behalf of the
Chamber merited the thanks of all concerned.
Mr. MonTO spoke for about an hour and
was very heartily applauded when he resumed
his seat. Mr. Wynne, the Secretary, then
declared the result of the balloting for the Chair-
man and Vice-Chairman of Committees as
follows : —

Seeds (growers and wholesalers) — Mr. J. E. N.
Sherwood and Mr. J. Harrison, Jr. ; Seeds (re-
tailers)— Mr. C. W. Carter-Page and Mr. Leonard
Sutton ; Bulbs (growers and wholesalers) — Mr.
Alfred White and Mr. Geo. Shawyer; Bulbs
(retailers) — Mr. Peter Barr ; Fruit and Vege-
tables (growers) — Mr. W. G. Lobjoit and Mr.
R. R. Robins; Fruit and Vegetables (whole-
salers)— Mr. B. J. Monro; Flowers and Plants
(growers) — Mr. W. H. Page and Mr. George
Shawyer ; Flowers and Plants (Tetailers) — Mr.
R. H. Page; Trees and Shrubs— Mr. Stuart H.
Low ; Insecticides — Mr. J. H. May and Mr.
W. D. Woodrow; Manures— Mr. W. H. Thom-
son ; Horticultural Buildings and Heating —
Mr. H. 0. Larsen ; Horticultural Sundries —
Mr. A. T. Barnes and Mr. H. F. Hannibal;
Finance — the President ; Propaganda, Press and
Statistical— Mr. J. Rochford and Mr. W. P.
Seabrook ; Technical — Mr. R. Seymour Cobley
and Mr. P. A. Cragg ; Library and Reception —
Mr. Charles H. Curtis and Mr. Frank R. Ridley.
It should be stated here that according to the
articles of the Chamber the members of the Com-
mittee receiving the highest number of votes
become Chairman and Vice-Chairman re-
spectively, and by virtue of such office they
become members of the Council.

A very hearty vote of thanks was accorded
the R.A.S. for kindly placing its rooms at the
disposal of the Chamber. Mr. W. Cutbbertson,
tendered thanks to the Organising Committee for
the splendid work it had accomplished, and

pointed out several matters which he thought
the Chamber might very well take into con-
sideration. He hoped that in future the mem-
bers would criticise the work of the Chamber
because he considered constructive criticism was
excellent. This motion was seconded by Mr.
Lenimons and carried unanimously, as also was
the vote of thanks to the President, for presiding,
moved by Messrs. Toogood and Brunton.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.

February 10. — The meeting held on this occa-
sion was well attended and the exhibition was
bright, extensive and quite spring-like. Early
hardy flowers were freely shown and there were
excellent displays of Orchids, Carnations,
Azaleas and Violets. It was interesting — having
regard to our observation in connection with the
previous meeting — to record that the groups of
Orchids were arranged on this occasion in the
body of the hall, instead of being crowded in one
of the annexes.

Floral Committee.

Present: Messrs. Henry B. May (in the chair),
G. Reathe, Wm. H. Morter, Chas. E. Shea,
C. R. Fielder, John Heal, Sydney Morris, W. H.
Page, W. R. Dykes, H. R. Darlington, W. P.
Thomson, W. G. Baker, E. H. Jenkins, Chas. E.
Pearson, J. Dickson, Arthur Turner. J. F.
McLeod, J. W. Barr, J. W. Blakey, Jas. Hud-
son, H. Cowley, W. J. Bean, W. B. Cranfield,
.lohn Green, W. Howe, E. F. Hazelton, and
George Paul.

Award of Merit.

Galanthus nivalis Imperati. — A beautiful
large-flowering Snowdrop, with green markings.
The flowers snown were considered to represent
the true variety Imperati. Shown by the Rev.
W. Wilks, The Wilderness, Croydon.

Groups.

Messrs. Wm. Cutbush and Son set up a small
but pretty exhibit of early hardy flowers, in-
cluding Forsythia sprays, Hepaticas, Iris Dan-
fordiae, Irils histrioides, Saxifraga Kestonia,
S. Burseriana and Hellebores. This firm also
snowed a few perpetual Carnations (Bronze
Flora Medal). — Mr. Reg. Prichard was also an
exhibitor of choice early Alpines, notably Saxi-
fraga Griesbachii, S. Boydii, S. Borisii, Daphne
Blagayana and Gentiana acaulis.

A little Alpine garden, backed by a grouping
of dwarf shrubs suitable for the "rock garden,
was arranged by Messrs. Whitelegge and Co.,
and was much admired. The small colonies of
Iris eburnea, I. reticulata, I. lutea, Alpine
Violets, coloured Primroses, and Saxifragas,
were charming, while the pygmy Junipers at-
tracted a great deal of attention (Silver Gren-
fell Medal).— Messrs. J. Cheal and Sons showed
pale-blue Primroses, Primulas of the denticulata
group, Heaths and Saxifragas.

Mr. J. J. Kettle contributed a large, beauti-
ful and fragrant group of his new Violet. Mrs
David Lloyd George, some gathered from the
open and others from under glass (Bronze Bank-
sian Medal). — Thi Misses Allen-Brown staged
a collection ot Violets from Henfield, includ-
ing both double and single varieties and the
white Comte de Brazza

Mr. C. Engelmann put up a bright group of
perpetual Carnations (Silver Banksian Medal),
and Messrs. Allwood Bros, were large exhibi-
tors of these flowers. The latter firm showed
flowers of high quality, notably of the varieties
Mary Allwood, Wivelsfield Claret, Salmon
Enchantress, Enchantress Supreme and Jessie
Allwood (Silver Flora Medal). — A very spring-
like display was the one made by Mr. G. W.
Miller, who grouped Daffodils, Hellebores,
Daphne Mezereum, Primroses in various colours,
Snowdrops and double Daisies (Bronze Flora
Medal).

Messrs. Barr and Sons had a group chiefly
composed of Saxifragas in pots, choice Irises
and Crocuses, and a fine lot of Narcissus Queen
of Spain (Bronze Flora Medal). — Messrs. R.
Tucker and Sons' group of Alpines was very
bright, and included Saxifraga Boydii alba,
S. Cherry Trees, S. Ferdinandi-Coburgii, S.
Griesbachii, S. Irvingii, S. lilacina and S

Paulinae, together with Daphnes and Iris
reticulata (Silver Banksian Medal).

Mr. G. Reuthe showed a great variety of
plants, a few of these being Ribes laurifolius,
with pendulous spikes of greenish flowers ; Helle-
bores, Adonis amurensis, hardy Cyclamen, Saxi-
fragas, Rhododendron argenteum, R. barbatum,
and R. Hookeri (Bronze Flora Medal). — Messrs.
S. Low and Co. contributed a collection of per-
petual flowering Carnations, including some of
the newer varieties (Bronze Flora Medal). —
Mr. G. W. W. Blathwayt sent flowers cut from
the open at The Cottage, Porlock Weir. Porlock,
Somerset. — Some delightful flowers of Iris Rosen-
bachiana were shown by Mr. W. R. Dykes.
Godalming, and a Cultural Commendation was
awarded.

Mr. L. R. Russell showed Azaleas in capital
style and even better flowered than at the pre-
vious meeting. A few Tulips, Hyacinths and
Cyclamen were used in the foreground in asso-
ciation with an edging of Ferns (Silver Flora
Medal). — A very bright exhibit, arranged by
Messrs. H. B. May and Sons, consisted of finely
flowered Cyclamen, Hydrangeas, Columnea
magninca. Ferns and Palms (Silver Banksian
Medal).

Orchid Committee.

Present : Sir Jeremiah Colma.n, Bart, (on the
chair), Sir Harry J. Veitch, Messrs. Jas. O'Brien
(hon. secretary), Gurney Wilson. Arthur Dye,
W. Bolton, C. J. Lucas, W. H. White, R. A.
Rolfe, R. G. Thwaites, A. McBean, Frederick J.
Hanburv. J. Charlesworth, J. Cy;-her, J. E
Skill, H'. G. Alexander, Fred K. Sander, S. W.
Flory, Chas. H. Curtis and R. Brooman-White.

Awards.
First-Class Certificates.

Cypripedium Memoria F. M. Ogilvie (Curt-
mannii x Pyramus), from Messrs. Armstrong
and Brown, Orchidhurst, Tunbridge Wells.
One of the finest Cypripediums of its class, the
dorsal sepal, which is white with a pale green
base and heavy maroon blotching, showing C.
Pyramus at its best, while the extraordinarily
broad petals, pale yellow with blackish spotting,
are derived from C. Beeckmannii.

Odontonia Pittiae (Miltonia Bleuana Pitt's
variety X 0dm. Harryanum magmficum).--
From Messrs. Charlesworth, Haywards Heath.
A most remarkable combination, resulting in one
of the most distinct and attractive ot modern
hybrids. The flower, which recalls some of the
blue-tinted Zygopetalums, is a fine shape, closely
veined and tinged with dark violet colour, the
base of the lip having yellowish lines.

Awards of Merit.

Odontoalosmm crispo-Solon (crispum X
Solon), from H. T. Pitt, Esq., Rosslyn, Stam-
ford Hill. A beautiful flower with heavy claret
blotching on the inner parts of the segments,
the ground colour being white.

Odontoglossum Dorothy Aihle (parentage un-
recorded), from Messrs. Charlesworth. A large
and finely-formed flower, densely spotted with
light claret colour.

Cultural Commendations.

To Mr. Farnes, Orchid grower to Panda
Ralli, Esq., for a finely-flowered plant of
Cymbidium Gottianum ; to Mr. Gillett,
gardener to Col. Stephenson Clarke, C.B.,
for a finely-grown plant of Lycaste Bal-
liae, with nine claret-red flowers of excellent
quality; to Messrs. J. and A. McBean, Cooks
bridge, for a finely-flowered plant of the scarlet
Odontioda Bradshawiae Olympus

Medal Groups.
Silver-gilt Flora Medal.— To Messrs. J. and A.
McBean, Cooksbridge, for a very fine group
of Cattleyas, Laelio-Cattleyas and Odontoglos-
sums, with hybrid Cymbidiums at the back.
Specially noteworthy were Laelio-Cattleya Beat-
rice var. Illustrious (a perfect flower of tine
colour), Sophro-Laelio-Cattleya Isabella Perlec-
tion (large for a Sophronitis cross and of good
colour), the pure white Cattleya Cowaniae alba,
and the heavily-spotted Odontoglossum crispum
Madge; to Messrs. Stuart Low and Co.. Jarvis-
brook, Sussex, [or an extensive group, principally

82

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

[FEBRfARY 14, 1920.

of hybrids, and including some interesting
Sophronitis crosses.

Silver Flora Medal.— To H. T. Pitt, Esq.,
Rosslyn, Stamford Hill, for a group embracing
most of the hybrids in flower at this season and
some interesting species, among which were good
Odim. cirrhosum, various Masdevallias, and
Lycastes.

Silver Banksian Medal. — To Col. Cary-Batten,
Abbott's Leigh, nx. Bristol, for a good group
of hybrid Lypripeaiums, including Hie distinct
C. Col. Cary-Batten (Lathamianum x Mrs. Cary-
BattenJ ; to Messrs. Sanders, St. Albans, ior an
attractive group of hybrids and species.
Cattleya Empress Frederick. Sanders' variety,
with pure white sepals and petals, was the best
of its class ; to Messrs. Flory and Black,
Slough, for a very good selection of hybrid
Orchids; to Messrs. J. Cypher and Sons, Chel-
tenham, for a very good group of specially well
grown Cypripediums. set up with scarlet
Sophronitis, Odontiodas and other pretty
hybrids.

Other Exhibits.

Messrs. Armstrong and Brown, Tunbridge
Wells, showed new seedling Odontoglossums of
great merit, and including Odm. Robin Hood
(Mars x illustrissimum), of perfect form and
bright claret-red colour ; Odm. Violetta (Doris X
Armstrongiae), rosy violet and of good form;
and Odm. Model (Aglaon x promerens), a large
white, heavily-blotched flower.

Dr. Miguel Lacroze, Bryndir, Roehampton
(Orchid grower, Mr. Taylor), showed Laelio-
Cattleya Linda var. Roehampton (C. Dowiana
auiTea x L. C. Arachne), for one of which crosses
he has already received an award. The finely-
formed flower was rosy-salmon, with rich violet
crimson lip.

Richard G. Thwaites, Esq.. Streatham.
showed an interesting selection of Odontiodas
and Odontoglossums.

Narcissus and Tulip Committee.

Present: Messrs. E. A. Bowles (in the chair),
H. E. Hawker, H. V. Warrender, W. R. Dykes,
John W. Jones, W. B. Cranfield, G. W.
Churcher, Joseph Jacob, F. Herbert Chapman.
W. Poupart, E. Reuthe, Reginald Corv, P. R.
BaiT, Miss E. Wiltmott and Mr. C. H. Curtis
(Hon. Sec).

This Comnifittee held its first meeting of the
season, but there were neither flowers nor
groups to be judged. A recommendation was
forwarded to the Council urging that Mr. J. K.
Ramsbottom be invited to lecture on " Further
Investigations in the Daffodil Disease." during
the evening of April 13.

Fruit and Vegetable Committee.

Present : Messrs. C. G. A. Nix (chairman),
A. H. Pearson, J. Cheal, Owen Thomas. W.
Crump, H. S. Rivers, W. E. Humphreys, W.
Poupart, E. A. Bimvard. H. Markham, S. B.
Dicks, G. F. Tinlev, F. Jordan. W. H. Divers.
J. S. Kelly, W. * Bates, E. Beckett, J. G.
Weston, P. C. M. Veitrh, find Rev. W. Wilks.

Mr. F. Jordan. Ford Manor Gardens, lAns-
field, Surrey, exhibited large, solid, well-ripened
bulbs of Autumn Giant Onion, raised from seed
sown on August 12, 1918.

Messrs. Sutton and Sons, Reading, were
awarded a Silver Knightian Medal for an exhibit
of vegetables arranged in the best exhibition
style and constituting one of the most interesting
features of the show. The forced heads of
Chicory were of outstanding quality.

Mr. Gardener, Ruseley Lodge. Claygate, was
awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a collection
of Apples, most of them gathered from very old
trees. The fruits of Dumelow's Seedling (Wel-
lington) were exceptionally bright in colour, and
others of interest were Mannington Pearmain,
Claygate Pearm:iin, Royal Russett, Lane's Prince
Albert and Emperor Alexander.

A pleasing exhibit of fruit .ns imported from
Cape Colony was shown by the Union of South
Africa Trade Commissioners, 90. Cannon Street,
London, for which a Silver-Gilt Banksian Medal
was a.warded. The exhibit included Peaches,
Nectarines, Plums and Pears, and the quality
was favourably commented on by the Committee.

Annual General Meeting.
The president, Lord Laiubourne, presided and
was supported by Sir Harry Veitcii, Sir John
T D. Llewelyn, Sir Albert HolUtt, Sir J. Nix,
Mr. C. Nix, Mr. C. Hanburv, Mr. H. B. May,
Mr. E. A. Bowles, Mr. J. Hudson, Mr. W. A.
Bilney, and Mr. W. R. Dykes. The attendance
was excellent and those present included Mr.
EL J. Elwes, Mr. R. K. Bulley, Mr. W. Cuth-
bertson, Mr. C. Jefferies, Mr. F. J. Chittenden,
Rev. J. Jacob, Ml*. Bdntner, Mr. W. Crump,
Mr. Owen Thomas and Mr. W. J. Bean. The
president submitted the annual report, c*i which
the following are extracts: —

EXTRACTS FROM THE REPORT OF THE COUNCIL
FOR 1919.

The year 1919 is chiefly memorable for the receiving-
back of our own Hall after its occupation by the
War Office for the Australian Imperial Force during the
years of war.

The Hall and premises will require very considerable
renovation and repair after the long occupation by
the military, but the Council intend, for various prac-
tical reasons, to defer this until the August- holidays,
omitting one fortnightly meeting (August 10th) for
that purpose. The Standing Committees will meet on
August 10th on the first floor for committee work only.
There will be no Meeting in- the Hall itself.

The President's Chair.

It was with no little regret that the Council heard
in the early spring that the President, Field Marshal
Lord Grenfell, G.C.B., G C.M.G., wished to lay down the
reins of office. The Society owes a great debt of
gratitude to Lord Grenfell "for all he did for it at
a period when he was already overburdened with press-
ing military duties. The Council, as a mark of their
appreciation, have caused a new medal to be struck
in his honour, which will be known as the "Grenfell
Medal," and will be awarded at, and after, the first
meeting in January to exhibits of all kinds, and will
rank in value between the Flora and the Banksian
Medals.

The New President.

The Council had not one moment's hesitation in
asking the Rt. Hon. The Lord Lambourne, P.O., C.V.O.,
Lord Lieutenant of Essex, to accept the Presidency. His
universal popularity, and his well-known devotion to all
public duties, added to his position as a horticulturist
make him an ideal President of whom the Fellows <-t
the Society may be justly proud.

Resignations and New Appointments.

A resignation whicb every horticulturist throughout
the world will regret very deeply is that of Sir Harry
J Veitch, Kt., V.M.H.. who most kindly took over the
burden of the Treasurer's office during the absence
of Mr. Chas. Nix on war duties. Sir Harry feels com-
pelled to withdraw, not from the stress of business, but
from increasing years. The President and Council have
asked Sir Harry to allow them to nominate him as one
of the Vice-Presidents.

Another noticeable event is the resignation of the
Rev. W. Wilks, who has been Secretary of the Society
since the Annual Meeting in February, 1S8S . and the
nomination of Mr. W. R. Dvkes, M.A., Oxon., L-es-L.
Paris, as his successor. Mr. Dykes has for several veal's
been one of the masters at the Charterhouse School.
The Council believe that in Mr. Dykes the Fellows will
find a very able successor to Mr. Wilks, who will
efficiently carry on the work of the Society under the
direction of the Council. The Council aro glad to say
that ihey will .still continue to have the assistance of
Mr Wilks, w'ii. lias eoii^entpii to be nominated for one
of the vacancies on the Council.

Another resignation which the Council had to accept
with l egret was that of Dr. Frederick Keeble, F.R.S.,
C.F.E., Director of Wisley Gardens. The Council feel
themselves happy in being able to retain the services
of Dr. Keeble on the Wisley and other Committees.

Conjoint Boako or Scientific Societies.

Capt. Arthur Hill, M.A. — a Member of the Council —
has been appointed to represent the Society on the
Conjoint Board ^f Scientific Societies in the place of
Dr. Keeble, F R.S., resigned. This Society is doing
a very useful work in the direction of co-ordinating the
energies of the various Scientific Societies of this
country.

War Run i Fi nd.

Substantial progress has been made with the Society's
War Relief Fund. The total amount received exceeds
£40,000 made up of contributions from all parte of the
Empirp.

Considerable supplies of seeds and garden requisites
have already been sent to Belgium and Roumania,
whilst 33.000 package*; of Onion ;ind Cnbbage s^ods <=uit-
able for autumn sowing were recentlv distributed in
the devastated districts of France. Arrangements are
row being made for the distribution of large quantities
of fruit tr-.-es, seeds, and tools during the present
winter and spring, the Committee being in enmmuni-
cation with the Relief Committees of the Allied
Countries.

Chcesi \ Show.

It was with some hesitation that the Council entered
the Chelsea. Show in its programme for the year. The
decision having to be made so soon after the signing
of the Armistice, it was far from certain in those
early davs what success it would he likely to meet
with, and how far possibilities of tenting and labour.

and indeed of exhibits also, would permit of the Show
being held. But never in the experience of any Member
of the Council can a Meeting be remembered which left
behind it such a sense of solid success. Not only was
the tenting to be had, but exhibitors responded magni-
ficently with exhibits. The weather was perfeot, the
attendance was large, and the Show paid its way.

Extra Fruit Meetings.

The Council have arranged to devote considerable
space to Fnnt, exhibita on March 9th and August 24th,
1920. In March specimens of late-keeping Apples and
Pears are invited, and on August 24th Plums and eariy
varieties of Apples and Pears.

A new Division (Division VI.), has been added to
the great Autumn Fruit Meeting on October 5th, in
order to encourage the smaller Amateur growers to
exhibit. Ths rules will be found in the " Book of
Arrangements " under date October 5th, page 61.

Cardiff Show.
It is nearly 35 yeans since an attempt was made by
the Society to hold a Meeting in the provinces. The
last effort at Liverpool was so great a finanoial loss
that the Council have always feared to reintroduce a
Provincial Meeting, so that the Society's educational
exhibition work has been confined to London as a
centre combined with the sending of deputations to
provincial societies. Responding, however, to an invita-
tion from the Lord Mayor of Cardiff, repeated by the
Cardiff and County Horticultural Society, it has been
decided to hold a great meeting in that City on July
ti, 7 and 8. Fellows' tickets will, of course, admit.

Pritzel.

The typing on cards of all the references in the
original Pritzel and also in the Kew Supplement was
finished in May, the total number of cards being about
_00,UOO Several voluminous works which had purposely
been excluded from the Kew Supplement (e.g., Engler
and Prantl, Pflanzenfamilien, and the Pflanzenreich)
have also been gone through for the inclusion of the
figures contained in them, with the result that many
thousand more references have been added. Concur-
rently with this work the cards have been sorted accord
ing to the periodicals or books to which they refer:
this was finished in September.

In order to make the new Index as complete as
possible, the Kew library has been systematically
searched for omissions in the original Index and casual
oversights of a later date, about 700 titles of books
or periodicals being noted down for inclusion. As many
of these titles cover several volumes, the number of
additional references to the Index will be enormous,
far greater, indeed, than was originally anticipated.

It was also found necessary to collate the list com-
prising all the original and additional publications so
far extracted, or earmarked for extraction, with the
i ntalogue of the Natural History section of the British
Museum, so that gaps in the Kew Library might be
discovered and filled. This very laborious work has
also been brought to its conclusion.

TJp to the present time £1,200 has been subscribed,
£900 of which has already been spent in the prepara-
tion of the manuscript. The further printing and pub-
lication of the completed volume or volumes will require
little less than anoth?r £2,500. so that it need hardly
he add<d that m>re funds for the purpose are urgently
needed if we are even fo hope to begin printing next
year.

Deputations.

A deputation from the Society, consisting of the Pre-
sident, the Rt. Hon. Lord Lambourne, C.V.O., Mr. F. J.
Chittenden, F.L.S., V.M.H., Mr. James Hudson, V.M.H.,
Mr. H. B. May, V.M.H., and the Rev. W. Wilks, M.A.,
V.M.H., visited the Birmingham Show un July IStih.

An invitation from the York Gala has been accepted
for a Deputation to visit the York Show on June 16th,
17th and 18th, 1920.

Wisi..:y.

The past vear has seen the gradual return of members
of the Wisley staff from the War, and with it the
resumption of some of those activities which have been
almost in abevance during a great part of the war
period1. The new Laboratory is not yet fully staffed,
owing mainly to the natural hesitation of the Council
to pbxlse the fubuire financial position of the Society.
The filliner of 1he various vacancies on the staff has
been a matter of the greatest concern to the Council and
the Garden Committee, who are most anxious to see
this department in full working order; but they are
also equally desirous of making no further advances
than the existing income of the Society warrants, in
ordier thi.t when new posts are filled, or new appoint
ments made, there may be no compulsory withdrawal.
The recent great advance in the standard of wages and
in the cost of goods of all kinds have naturally led to
a great increase in the cost of the Garden bej'ond the
pre-war standard, and have rendered more necessary
than ever an adequate endowment of Wisley sn that
the work carried on thero>, important and valuable as
it alreadv is, may not be hampered by lack of funds.
An exceptional opportunity, which the Council seized,
occurred during the year of securing a sufficient area of
land for the development of the experimental work at
Wisley. It was evident that more land would be re-
quired in the immediate future for experiment in such
pressing matters as substitutes for the rapidly diminish-
ing supplies of stable manure, and also for the extension
of" the fruit experiment work. The land purchased
adjoins the Garden, being separated from it only by a
road. Most of it is at present let to farmers, but as
the leases fall in it can be used to extend the Society's
work.

February 14. 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

Trials «td Garden Woiik.

The floral trials, which have been in abeyance during
the war, will be at onoe resumed. The vegetable trials
have latterly been largely increased and have attracted
much attention.

Forukst Expedition.

Mr. George Forrest's plant and seed collecting expedi-
tion into Western China, in which the Society co-
operates, has produced a quantity of seeds far greater
than was ever expected even from this well-known
collector. Very large numbers of plants have been, raised
;ind are growing on from the seeds collected in 1917
and 191K Some of these i.ave already been distributed
•imong the Fellows, and others will be available in
1920 and the following years.

Expkuimentxl Work.
The return of Lieut. A. N. Eawes from Germany after
the Armistice enabled considerable progress to be made
with, the orchard-pollination experiments which have
been in progress for some time, and it is hoped to
publish a further report upon certain, aspects of them
shortly. Experiments on the summer pruning of Apples
are being continued : Dr. Darbishire is continuing- his
research upon the comparative composition of different
varieties of Potatos, etc. ; Capt. Page, who took up his
duties as head of the Chemistry Department in June,
has commenced experimental work upon the important
qaiestion of green-manuring; Mr. G. F. Wilson nas
obtained some promising results in his experiments Upon
the - Onion flv, which will be continued; experiments
designed to rscertain the causes of the different yield-
capacity of Potatos are being continued; the crosses of
Eubi made three or four years ago have given no very
satisfactory resulis, partly on account of their develop-
ing- a certain amount of tenderness on the caie hand
and of partial sterility on the other; but several of
the results of crosses made by Dr. J. Wilson of St.
Andrews University are being grown on, ns also are
Dr. Keeble's seedling vines.

Silver -Leaf Disease.
Mr. J. Bintner has carried out at Wisley a number
of inoculation experiments with silver-leaf disease
during the year, and the Council appointed a Com-
mittee to consider what steps could be taken to battle
with this pest.

Gt.~t-j

A scholarship, tenable at the Society's Gardens for two
vears, has been most kindly founded by Sir James
Knott, Bart. Its value is £30 a year, and it will be
given biennially to men not exceeding twenty-two
years of age who have secured1 a first class in the
Society's General Examination in Horticulture.

The Society is greatly indebted to Sir Francis Burdett,
Bart., for a "magnificent Silver Challenge Cup which the
Council propose to award to the best exhibit of
Gladiolus made during the year.

The Council acknowledge with many thanks a valuable
engraving of Sir Joseph Hooker in the midst of
Himalayan surroundings, kindly presented by Mr.
Gerald "W. E. Loder.

The Council have also to thank Messrs. Bunyard, of
Maidstone, for a Silver Cup to be awarded to the
best newly-raised Apple.

Dr. Rendle and the Society's Meetings.

The Society is advancing with the general advance
of the .v;>rld in this time of after-war reconstruction,
and among other developments the Council have an
earnest desire to give greater importance and emphasis
to the lectures delivered at the Society's fortnightly
meetings. Now that the meetings are ag-ain held in
our own. Hall at Vincent Square, and the lecture room
is again available, it is hoped that Fellows will attend
the lectures more regularly and in greater numbers.
An interesting feature introduced into tihe calendar for
1M20 is the delivery of conversational lectures by the
Society's recentlv appointed Botanical Professor, Dr.
A. B. Rendle, F.R.S., F.L.S., V.M.H., who will draw
the attention of the Fellows present to any special
points of interest in the plants and flowers to be found
in the Meeting of the day. This is a revival of an old
custom.

Library.

The Library has been kept up-to-date, but the yeai
has been marked by a peculiar dearth of new Horti-
cultural books and of good old ones coming on to the
market. The additions, therefore, have of necessity
been somewhat scanty.

Ob IT CART.

Each year the Council have to record the loss through
death of some who have been the closest friends of
the Society for a long number of years past. During the
past year 'Sir Frank Crisp, Bart., Y M.H., whose gardens
at Friar Park, Henley, were so famous throughout the
country, if not throughout the world, was taken from
us; Mr. George Bunyard1, T.M.H., who has been, one
of the great pioneers of fruit growing, and for many
years a devoted Member of the Council, and Mr.
Thomas Smith of Newry, V.MH., also passed away.
Amongst others — Sir Thomas Dyke A^land, Bart., M.
Maurice de Vilmorin, M. Philippe de Vilmorin, F. du
Cane Godman, Sir Walpole Green well. Bart., Viscountess
Halifax, Lady Macleav, Miss F. S Muss-rave, E. Koch
ford, Lord Ravenswor'th, Lady Tate, Sir C. E. Tritton,
The Countess of Be^borough, Herr Van Waveren, Jesse
Willard. T. W. Turner, Archdeacon Sinclair, Herr Van
Tnbergen. William Coloring, and R. H. Curtis who was
always so kind in preparing- our Wisley Weather Chart
records.

V.M.H.

It is always a great regret to the Council to hear
of the death of any holders of the Victoria Medal of
Honour. To fill the vacancies caused by the above-
mentioned deaths they have appointed Mr. J. W.

McHattie Superintendent of the Edinburgh Parks and
Gardens; Mr. Edward White, the woU-known British
Landscape Gardener, and Hon. Sec. of the International
Horticultural Exhibition 1!)12; and Mr. S. T. Wright,
who for the post 23 years has been Superintendent
of the Society's Gardens and Shows.

Lawubncb Medal,

The Lawrence Medal for the year has been awarded
to Mr. John A. Nix for two superb educational exhibits
of fruits showing how much, can be done without heated
glass-houses.

Numerical Position.

The following table shows the Society's position with
regard to numerical strength during the past year: —

New Fellows 1,770

Deaths and Resignations 4£4

Numerical Increase 1,30(3

Total on December 31st, 1918 12,914

Total on December 31st, 1919 ..... . 14,220

Bv Order of the Council,

\Y. WILKS,

Secretary.
Royal Horticultural Society,

Vincent Square, Westminster, S.W.
January 1st, 1920.

Post*, Rim m.

The Conference on Saxifrages which bad been decided
upon before the outbreak of the war and which, had
od that acconnt to be postponed will now be revived
Bnd will ba held in May, 1922.

In moving the adoption of the report, Lord
Lambourne congratulated the members on the
Society's return to its own hall and on the
excellent progress made in the work of the
Society during a period of great difficulty. On
behalf of the Council and members he tendered
hearty thanks to Lord Grenfell, whom he had
succeeded as president, and also to Sir Harry
Veitch, who was retiring from the Council and
whose whole life had been devoted to the service
of Horticulture. He expressed the regret of
every one connected with the Society in Sir
Harry's retirement and said that all would wish
Sir Harry and Lady Veitch a very happy and
unclouded evening at the close of a long and
strenuous life. Lord Lambourne then upoke of
the retirement oil the Rev. W. Wilks, and very
highly eulogised the services he had rendered
the Society during the 32 years he had been its
secretary. He was glad to say, however, that
the reverend gentleman had accepted a seat on
the Council, and therefore his long experience
would still be available. Lord Lambourne
referred to the Society's food production cam-
paign, and stated that at the commencement of
the war it organised a body of 2,000 gardeners
to visit different parts of the country, and these
experts gave excellent advice on what to grow
and how to grow it.

The President also referred to the revision of
" Pritzel," which was now nearing completion,
and expressed the hope that Fellows would con-
tribute towards the cost of its publication. He
stated that the Society had raised £1,200 and
that £2.500 was still needed.

In seconding the adoption of the report, Mr.
Xix, the treasurer, stated that the past year
had been a very good one from a financial point
of view. The income had not only been main-
tained, but had been increased, owing to th-
large addition of new Fellows. Looking forward
however, he pointed out that the Council was
desirous of filling certain new posts at Wisley,
and particularly wished to appoint a mycolo-
gist and to develop scientific experimental work
on part of the land recently purchased, but
as this would mean additional expenditure, there
was still a great need for a large increase in the
number of Fellows.

Mr. J. U. Elwes offered a few criticisms and
expressed the hope that part, at least, of the
150 acres of new land purchased by the Council
at Wisley was of suitable quality, and not of the
hungry character of so much of the land in the
Society's gardens. He considered that before
embarking on a purchase of so much land the
Council should have obtained the approval, or
otherwise, of the Fellows. Referring to the re-
vision of "Pritzel." he expressed his gratifica-
tion at the progress already made, and said that
the Society should publish the revised work as
quickly as possible and not wait for the Fellows
to subscribe the further £2.500 needed.

Mr. Oates requested the Council to realise
some of its securities, if necessary, to enable the
publication of the new " Pritzel " to be carried
out immediately, and pointed out that there
would be an income derivable from the sale of
the publication. Mr. R. K. Bulley spoke at some
length on the desirability of creating a large gar-
den on a mountain side for the purpose of culti-
vating the many beautiful temperate plants more
recently introduced from China, and referred to
work of this character which he believed was
being carried out in the United States. The
Rev. J. Jacob suggested that there should be
special meetings for special flowers, and that on
these occasions the Floral Committee should
co-opt a small sub-committee of experts in these
particular subjects.

The Rev. W. Wilks pointed out that the Floral
Committee was so constituted that it was able to
deal with any class of plants or flowers brought
before it at any time throughout the year, and
he also stated that in regard to. a very large
alpine garden on a mountain side the cost of
formation and upkeep would be very consider-
able, and the Society had not, as in the case of
America, the Government Treasury behind it.

The report and accounts were then adopted
unanimously, and as no other nominations had
been received the President declared the follow-
ing officers and members duly elected : President.
Lord Lambourne; Treasurer, Mr. C. G. A. Niv
Secretary, Mr. W. R. Dykes ; Members of
Council, Lord Balfour of Burleigh, Mr. W.
Cuthbertson, Mr. James Hudson, Sir Albert K.
Rollitt and the Rev. W. Wilks.

The President then presented the Victoria
Medal of Honour in Horticulture to Mr. J. W.
McHattie, Mr. Edward White and Mr. S. T.
Wright; the Lawrence Medal to Mr. John Nix,
and the Veitch Memorial Medal (on behalf of
the Veitch Memorial Trustees) to the Rev. \Y.
Wilks and to Mr. Wm. Crump.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks
to the President.

ROYAL GARDENERS' ORPHAN FUND

February 4. — The annual general meeting of
the Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund was held
on the foregoing date at " Simpson's," 100.
Strand. The Treasurer, Mr. Edward Sher-
wood, occupied the chair and there
were present Sir Harry J. Veitch, Messrs.
T. Bates, W. Thomson, W. Poupart, B. Wynne,
J. F. McLeod, J. W. Moorman, G. Reynolds,
C. H. Curtis, D. Ingamells. T. W. Sanders.
G. F. Tinley, H. Cox, J. Pierce, W. Camm,
J. Gregory, W. Cutbu'h. H. Cowley, R. B.
Leech, A. C. Bartlett and H. J. May.

The Secretary, Mr. Brian Wynne, read the
notice convening the meeting and the minutes of
the previous annual meeting. The Chairman
then introduced the report of the Committee for
1919, and the balance sheet. The following are
the principal items referred to in the report.

EXTRACTS FROM THE REPORT OF THE
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

The Committee, in presenting the thirty -second annum
report, much regrets to record the fact that for the
first time Bince the fund was established it has had
to resort to the reserve fund to enable it to discharge
its obligations to its bankers, and efficiently oarry on
the work during- what has proved to be a lean year.
Aga-in, as during the years of wnr, the fund has
severely felt the loss of the generous contributions
which flowed into its coffers from the annual festivals
usually held in the month of May, and which have
had perforce to remain in abeyance since 1914. The
Committee had hoped— and indeed made every effort
to revive the festival in May last, but found difficulties
in the way whioh it was unable to surmount; ami
until towards the end of the year when financial help
came in more freely, the Committee experienced a,
very anxious time. It found itself up against an
overdraft at the bank amounting to £1,4">0, mid
believing it to be sound policy to pay that off and put
the ourrent accounts in better credit, the sum of £2.000
was realised by the sale of £3.463 14s. 2d. of Three
per Cent. London and County Consolidated stock.

Apart from the loss above referred to, the accounts
for the year are of a reassuring oharacter. inasmuch
as they show slightly increased totals in the case oi
subscriptions and donations, and also in respect of the
proceeds resulting from a. special appeal f»r assistance.
On the other side of the account it will be Been that
a larger sum was disbursed in weekly allowances and
grants in aid ma<le to the ohildren.

84

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[February 14, 1920.

At the oonimcneenient of the year the number of
children in receipt of the full benefits of the fund was
117, and eleven candidates were added to the List at
the annual meeting, all of whom had been assisted by
special grants during the time they were awaiting
election. The number so elected in February last was
the smallest for some years past. During the year
several nominations of candidates — ohildren cu
gardeners who had given their lives to their King
and oountry during the Great War — were received, but
oould not be entertained by the Committee owing to
their being entitled to allowances from the Ministry
of Pensions, and therefore very properly not subjects
for oharitable relief. From the last of twenty-two
oandidates, which will be submitted on February 4th,
the Committee recommends the election of eighteen.

The Committee greatly regrets to announce the
retirement from among them of Mr. H. B. May, who
has been a member of the governing body for some
35 years, and who during that period has always shown
a keen personal interest in everything pertaining to
the fund. For the past 20 years he has occupied the
position of chairman of Committee, a post which he
always filled most conscientiously, and his colleagues
who had the pleasure of his presence at their delibera-
tions will consequently feel his resignation with regret.

The members of the Committee who retire by
rotation are :— Mr. G- H. Barr, Mr. G. H. Cuthbert.
Mr. W. Howe, Mr. G. E. Messer, Mr. W. Pouparc,
Mr. T. W. Sanders, and Mr. W. P. Thomson, all of
whom offer themselves for re-election. Mr. C. R.
King, having retired from the Committee — much to
the regret of his colleagues — the Committee has very
much pleasure in nominating Mr. J. M Bridgeford, a
director of Messrs. Watkins and Simpson, Ltd., for
election to the vacant seat; and to fill the vacancy
created by the lamented death of Mr. JohD McKerchar,
the Committee will gladly welcome the re-election of
Mr. H. J. Jones, a former very active member.

The Committee has been very fortunate in securing
Mr. Robert Anderson. C.A., to fill the position of
auditor vacated by Mr. Bilney.

The Chairman moved the adoption of the
report and balance sheet and offered a few
remarks on the former. He stated that the
best thanks were due to their late Chairman,
Mr. H. B. May, on his retirement from the
Executive Committee. His whole "heart was in
the interests of the fund and he had done much
valuable work for the orphans. It was a matter
for regret that he was retiring owing to ill
health. Mr. C. H. Curtis seconded the adoption
of the report and balance sheet, and it was
carried unanimously.

Mr. Poupart, as one who had been associated
with Mr. May during the time of his association
with the Fund stated that he voiced the regret
of the whole Committee at losing him.

On the proposition of the Chairman, seconded
by Mr. T. W. Sanders, Rule 13 was amended to
give the orphans in other parts of Great Britain
the same benefits as those of Scottish parents.
The election of officers was next proceeded
with. Mr. E. Sherwood was reappointed
Treasurer with acclamation. He thanked the
meeting for re-electing him and stated that he
would always do his utmost on behalf of the
Fund.

The retiring members of the Committee were
re-elected and Messrs. J. M. Bridgeford and
H. J. Jones appointed to fill vacancies caused
by the retirement of Mr. C. R. King and the.-
death of Mr. John McKerchar.

Mr. P. R. Barr and Mr. R. Anderson were
elected auditors, and Mi*. B. Wynne reappoirled
Secretary.

At this stage of the proceedings, scrutiaeers
were appointed for the purpose of countin the
ballot, and the meeting stood adjourned, S "tly
before 5 o'clock, Mr. Ingamells read the ies
of the successful candidates as follows \-

Votes.

Pettit, Ernest Arthur 369

Turner, George Ronald 233

Salter, Nancy 227

Walmsley , Catherine 193

Day, Catherine Francis 170

Cook, Edward James 163

White. Margaret Louise R 160

Walmsley, Marjorey 152

Richardson, Isabel M 143

Keir, Peter Durham 147

Smith, John Thomas 129

Edwards, Ena Elizabeth 112

Richardson, Jessie B 106

Dingwall, Elsie T 91

Pettit, Leslie George 83

Cook, Jean Alice 74

Dingwall, John George C 74

Botley, Nina Mary 61

The members of the Committee and a few
friends met again in the evening at dinner -when
Mr. E. Sherwood presided.

MARKETS.

COVENT GARDEN, February 10th.
Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices.

a. d. s. d. s. d. a. d.

Asparagus, English. Mustard and Cress,

Devon 50's ... 12 0-14 0 per doz. punneta 16-20
— 100's ... 35 0-50 0 Uuahrooms, per lb. 2 6-30

Middlesex „ ... 12 0-15 u Onions, per cwt. 14 0-16 0
Beans uuern3ey, Parsley, per doz.

per lb 6 0-10 0 bunches .. 2 6-36

— Worthing ... 10 0 Parsnips, per bag 8 0-10 0

Beecs, per bag .. 9 0-10 0 Potatos, per cwt. 14 6-16 I)
Cabbage, pec doz. 16-2 0 — Guernsey per lb. 19-20
Carrots, per bag 5 0-66 Radishes, per doz.
Cauliflower, per bunciies .. 2 0-40

doz 2 0-50 Rhubarb Forced

Celery, per fan, per doz 16-20

(12 heads) .. 3 6-4 6 Seakale per punnet 2 0-26
Chicory, Spanish Onions

—English, per lb. 0 3-06 4 tier 17 0-18 u

—Belgian „ .. 0 6- 0 8| 5 tier 20 0-23 0

Cucumbers, each 4 0-5 6 Spring Onions, per

Garlic, per lb. .. 19-2 01 doz. bunches .. 3 0-40

Endive, per doz. 2 0-4 O.Sprouts, per

French Lettuce ! bag 28 lb. 3 0-40

per doz. 2 0-26 Xomatos, Teneriffe,
— Batavia, per doz. 3 0-3 6, best, per bundle 25 0-30 0
Herbs, per doz.bun. 4 0-6 0 Turnips, per bag 5 0-80
Mint, per doz bun. 10 0-12 0, Watercress, per doz 0 9

Remarks. — Business in most sections remains satis-
factory. The demand for English cooking Apples con-
tinues active, and in view of lessening quantities
available, a haidening in price is likely. In view of the
excellence of the last shipment of Cape Fruit, there has
been -a. distinct firmness in demand. The next and
largest shipment is due at mid-week, and it is antici-
pated that prices will be slightly easier. More abundant
supplies of Canary Tomatos, with heavier shipments
due this week, promise a further drop in price. Hot-
house Urapes show a slight advance in price owing to
the relative scarcity which is usual at this period.
British Columbian Apples are in firm request. The last
shipment, whioh is now available, is in excellent con-
dition, and prices remain quite firm. Consignments of
California^ Winter Nelis Pears have sold freely. Barrel
Apples from Nova Scotia are somewhat affected by frost,
but some good Golden Russets are meeting a ready
denand. Pineapples are due at the end of week, and
the Orange trade is easier. English forced Aspar. g-us has
hardened in price, mainly owing to exceptional demand.
Guernsey and Worthing forced Beans remain scarce ana
dear. Forced Potatos are more plentiful and Mushrooms
also are more abundant. Cauliflowers from Cornwall.
Guernsey, and France are very reasonable in price. All
green vegetables are in good supply. The Potato trade
is still difficult, and prices have an upward tendency.

Out Flowers, &c. ; Average Wholesale-. Prices.

d. s. d

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Azalea white, per

doz. bun.
Camellias per doz.
Carnations per doz.

blooms, best

American var.
Chrysanthemums —
— White per doz.

blooms ... 6 0-10 0

—Pink „ ... 4 0-80

—Spray White

per doz. bun. 36 0-54 0

— Coloured
per doz. bun. 30 0-48 0

Daffodils, Single,

per doz bun,

— Emneror 16 0-18 0

—Empress 16 0-18 0

—Golden Spur ... 12 0-15 o
— Henrv Irving ... 0 0-10 0

—Princess 12 o_i5 0

— Sir Watkin ... 12 0-15 0
—Double V<m Zion 12 0-15 0
Freesia, White

per doz. bun. 4 0-60

Heather, white

per doz. bun. 10 0-12 0

I. ilium lonEidorumJ

ner bunch . . 20 0-
Lllium speciosum

album per bunch 5 0-

— rubrum per bun 4 0-50
Lily of the Valley

per bunch ... 2 0-36
Narcissus, Soleil
d'Or, per doz. bun 6 0-90
Grand Primo

p*r doz, bun. 4 0-60
Pheasant Eve
per doz. bun. 8 <M0 0
Orchids per doz. :

— Cattleyas . . 24 0-30 0

— Cyprlpediums

per doz.
Pelargonium, dou-
ble scarlet, per

doz. bun.
Richardia (Arum1

per doz. blins.
Roman Hyacintl

per doz. Bplke
— Koses, per doz
blooms

Ophelia

Richmond
Snowdrops

per doz. bun. .
1'ulips, White,

per doz. bun. ...

Coloured var. ...
Violets Single

large per doz.

bun.
— Ordinary
French Flowers —
—Anemones, Pink

per doz. bun. ...
—Lilac white

per doz. spray
—Marguerites yellow

per doz. bun. 4 0-50

—Mimosa, per pad 8 0-10 0
—Narcissus, Paper

White per pad 12 0-16 0
— Ranunculus, Carmine

per doz. bun. ... 10 0-12 '

Scarlet 10 0-12 0

— Violets,

Parma, per bun 6 0-80
— Roses, per doz.
blooms

TJtrich Brunner, 6 0-80

Frau Karl Druschkj 4 0-80

Safrano, per doz. 16 2 0

0-6 0

12 0-15 0
8 0-90

13 19

12 0-18 0
12 0-1S 0

2 0-30

24 0-36 0
36 0-48 0

8 0-10 0
5 0-60

3 0-40

6 0- 7 u

Remarks.— The feature of the market last week, wa=
the arrival of the new crop of Roses from home growers,
consisting of Richmond, and a few blooms of Ophelia,
the former being most plentiful, and the blooms in fine
condition. Larger supplies of Daffodils, single and
double, also Narcissus ornatus, are being received from
home growers, and prices are declining. Tulips are
increasing in quantity, and consist of some very fin<'
blooms, both single and double varieties. Lilium longi-
flor'ums is again advancing in price owing to a very
s-hort supply. Arums (Richardias) remain sufficient for
the demand, and there is an abundant supply of Roman
Hyacinths, Snowdrops and Violets. Larger supplies are
arriving from Guernsey and Scilly, and these consist of
white and yellow Narcissi, Violets, Arums, and Smilas.
Flowers from the South of France are arriving daily.

Begonia Rust : D. H. The rusty appearance
on the under sides Oi the leaves ot Begonia
Gloixe de Lorraine is due to the presence of
a mite. Dip the plants dn a solution of
nicotine, or, while the leaves are moist, dust
them [freely with tobacco powder.

Black Hamburgh Grapes With Thick Skin :
A. S. It is not usual for Black Hamburgh
Grapes to have thick skinned berries. \our
description leads us to think you may have
Wilmot's- or the Dutch form of Black Hamburgh,
which grows to a larger size than the ordinary
type, and has a thicker skin. The Butch
form grows and crops freely, but the Grapes are
not equal in flavour to those of the ordinary
variety. The thick skinned form is now seldom
seen ; it is easily distinguished by the con-
spicuously hammered appearance of its berries.
If this is not the solution of the difficulty,
there is another possible one. We have
known phosphates and also lime added to the
soil to improve the skin of the berry when
it was either too thin or too soft. During
the last few years there has been a difficulty
in obtaining potash, and artificial manures
have lacked this material. Manufacturers
have presumably been obliged to make up their
manures either with a greater bulk of one of
the usual ingredients (it may be super-
phosphate), or by adding something else. As
you appear to have depended on concentrated
fertilisers alone, you may have supplied an
excess of superphosphate which in the presence
of a sufficiency of lime, might produce the
result complained of. Certain growers, know-
ing their soil to be deficient in potash, have
used a smaller quantity of artificial manure
and supplemented this with wood ash or
chaired vegetable refuse. This we advise you
to do so long as the shortage continues. How-
ever good an artificial manure may be, it is
always advisable to apply a little organic
material to decompose and form humus.

Brown Rot in Apples : W. T . A. The trees
are suffering from an attack of brown rot
canker, a disease which is very troublesome
in some districts and affects certain varieties
of Apples more than others. All dead wood
and cankerous growth should be cut out, and
immediately before the flower buds open the
tree should be well sprayed with Bordeaux
mixture. In the case of a very bad attack
a second spraying should be given directly the
bloom is set, using either Bordeaux mixture
or lime-sulphur wash, the latter being con-
sidered the better remedy for trees of Cox's
Orange Pippin.

Club Root in Brassicas : A. The only certain
means of eradicating Club-Root disease from
land that has become badly infected, is
by a free use of lime, especially fresh .gas
lime, and by keeping the land free from all
Brassica crops for some time to come.

Otnararias : T. B. The appearance of the
leaves suggests that the Cinararias have been
exposed to a very low temperature, or sub-
jected to excessive fumigation.

Employment in Public Parks : W\ J. />.
Application for employment in the London
County Council's Parks should be made to
the Chief Officer of the Parks Department.
County Hall, Spring Gardens, S.W.I, or to
the Superintendents of the various parks. The
names of the various parks with their area
and Superintendents are listed in the Horti-
cultural Directory and Year Book for 1920,
price Is. 10d., which can be supplied by our
publishing department.

Licence for Under Gardeners : G. J . A
licence is required for an under-gardener. as
well as for a head gardener.

Rabbits Eating Tree Stems : <?4. A. C. In the
Gard. Chron. of January 31, page 55, you
will find an article dealing with methods of
preventing . damage to fruit trees by hares
and rabbits.

Commuhl cations Received.— F. N.— H. S.— G. IT.—
G. V. N. L. M. A.— G. A.— A. P.— K. R. -O. W. G.

—A. B. \V.

February 21, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

±5

TtiK

(&atbznzvs €tftovdck

No. 1730 — SATURDAY, FEB. 21. 1920.

CONTENTS.

Acacia pycnantha

8G

Obituary —

Allotments, model

94

Kennedy, James

97

Apples, home-grown, low

Lange, John. .

97

prices for,

95

Orchid notes and glean-

Apples, for market ..

93

ings —

Asperula

ill

bryndir. Orchids at..

89

Belgium's gratitude to

Petasites iragrans

91

British horticulturists

86

Phosphate rock

86

Birds and fruit buds . .

95

Plants, new or note-

Bournemouth, new.

worthy —

Superintendent of

Picea Glehnii

89

Parks, at

se

Potato crop, importance

Carnation stem rot . .

95

of the

96

Chrysanthemum, the . .

87

Potato culture

95

Croydon Chrysanthe-

Potatos, mosaic disease

mum show

S5

of

85

Edinburgh allotments . .

85

Societies —

Erytliraea Centaurium

96

Horticultural Club . .

97

Flora of Macquarie

Linnean

97

Island, the

85

Reading and District

Fruit garden, the market

92

Gardeners
United Hort. Ben.

97

Fruit, homegrown

92

and Prow . .

97

Fruit register —

Yorkshire Profess-

Apple, Radford Beaut}

93

ional Gardeners . .

97

Apple, Tythby's
Seedling

93

Tomatos, White Fly on
Trade note

96
97

" Gardeners' Clironicle,"

Trees and shrubs —

seventy-rive years ago

86

Azara iutegrifolia . .

89

Gardener's education

Jasmmum nudiriorum

89

and training
Gardeners' wages where

95

Vegetable cultivation in
Macedonia

94

surplus produce is

Veitch, Sir Harry J.

85

sold

96

Vine borders, inside

95

Gladiolus, " Foremarks"

Week's work, the . . 90

,91

challenge cup for, . .

85

Winter Moth and grease

Irises, hybrid bearded

88

banding

95

Legacies of an untoward

Wye College, fruit con-

season

95

ference at,

85

ILLUSTR

ATIONS.

87

Apple Tythby's Seedling

93

Feistead, Mr. W., portrait of

86

Iris unguicularis

88

Petasites iragrans . .

91

Picea Glehnii

89

Winter Moth .. .

'<:,

Atkeaoe Mean Temperature for the ensuing week
deduced from observations during the last fifty
years at Greenwich, 39.47°.

Actual Temperature : —

Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street,
Covent Garden, London, Wednesday, February is,
1920, 10 a.m.: Bar. 29.98; temp. 18°. Weather—
Dense Fog.

Recent investigations
The Flora by Mr. T. F. Cheeseman,
of Macquarie of the Flora of Macquarie
island. Island, . published in the

Scientific Reports of the
Australasian Antarctic Expedition and re-
viewed in Nature (October 2, 1919), confirm
the belief that in relatively recent (Early Ter-
tiary) times the land surface of the sub-
antarctic regions was vastly greater than it is
to-day. As is pointed out in the review, Mac-
quarie Island, an almost continuous mountain
range, about 21 miles long and 4 wide,
wind-swept by westerly gales, a placet of
short summers and low temperatures, lies
about 600 miles south-west of New Zealand.
Fuegia lies 4,600 miles east of it, and between
them is nothing but the sea. To the West-
ward is Kerguelen Island, about 3,250 mil<-s
away.

In his Flora Antarctica, Hooker nu-
merates seven species of flowering plants
and one Kern as occurring on Macquarie
Island. Mr. Cheeseman, basing his account
on the collections of Mr. A. Hamilton,
amplifies the list to thirty flowering plants
and four Ferns.

The composition of this flora is remark-
able. Three species — all grasses — are ende-
mic; of the remainder, eighteen species occur
also in New Zealand, and of these eleven
do not occur elsewhere. Fifteen of the thirty-
four species of flowering plants and Iff lis
are also found in Fuegia or South Georgia
(east of the island 5,800 miles) or in me
Kerguelen Islands. Trie relations of the flora
of Macquarie Island with that of New Zea-
land on the one hand, and with that <>f

Fuegia, South Georgia and Kerguelen
on the other, require for their explanation
belief in a wide extension in past time of sub-
arotic land, and it is suggested that in Early
Tertiary times the existing- sub-Antarctic
islands were part of a greater New Zealand
and that Antarctica also extended far more
north than now, so far indeed as to render
possible the passage of animals and iplants
from one land to the other. Similarly, it is
to be assumed that at one time there was
connection between Antarctica and South
America sufficiently close to admit of an ex-
change of floras. Other evidence^ also sug-
gests that in those days Antarctica was a
less inhospitable land than now, that it was
less bound with ice and snow, and possessed
— at all events along its shores — a numerous
flora. On these hypotheses the present exis-
tence of South American species in the flora
of New Zealand and vice versa are explained,
Antarctica serving as a high road for
migration.

The subsequent glacial epoch brought
about the extinction of many species, leaving
in the Macquarie Island the grasses which
constitute its endemic flora, but in South
Georgia sweeping away all traces of the
original flora. When that epoch gave place
to a milder one, the only sources whence
new plants might reach the Macquarie
Island were Fuegia and the New Zealand
area.

Of all the diseases to

Mosaic which plants are sus-

Disease of ceptible those known as

Potatos. mosaic diseases, and

characterised by a mottled
leaf surface and relative barrenness, are the
most remarkable. The very thorough
investigation of mosaic disease of Tobacco
has demonstrated that although no causal
organism can be detected, nevertheless the
disease is infectious, and may be trans-
mitted bv inoculation. Recent researches*
show that this is also true in the case of
mosaic disease of Potatos, a malady which
appears to be widely distributed in the
United States. The disease induces, as
already mentioned, a mottled appearance in
the foliage, and may also give rise to a
stunted and curled condition, and in
that case the malformed plants are known
as " curly dwarfs."

The external manifestation of the disease
varies, however, according to the region in
which the diseased tubers are planted — a
fact manifestly of great economic importance,
for the essential effect of the disease (reduced
yield) remains — although the external
symptoms are not evident. It has now been
shown that the tubers of diseased plants
carry the disease, with the result that it
appears in the next year's crop, and it has
also been shown that mosaic disease may
be transmitted to a healthy plant by using
it as a graft or scion in conjunction with a
diseased Potato plant It may also be

transmitted by inoculation. Perhaps the
most important fact demonstrated by these
researches, is the active and real part playi 'I
bv aphides in carrying the infection from
diseased to healthy plants, a fact which
was previously known with respect to other
mosaic diseases of Tobacco and Spinach.
In the latter case the disease is known as
Spinach blight, and is transmitted by the
Pink and Green Potato Aphis and by the
Spinach Aphis. In view not only of this
fact, but also of the direct damage done bv
aphides to the Potato crop, American growers
are now generally obliged to introduce into

* Investigations on the Mosaic Disease of the [rish
Potato by SliulU, Folson, Hildebrandt and Hawkins.
Journal of Agric. Research, xvii. 6, Washington.

their routine of spraying methods designed
to control aphis attack, and from the pre-
valence during last season of aphis attack
on Potatos in this country it looks as
though British growers will be obliged to
adopt like precautions.

The onlv effective method at present
known of combating mosaic disease is to
discard all visibly infected plants before
aphides become abundant. The estimated
loss of crop due to mosaic disease of Potatos
is iA American bushels for every 1 per cent,
of disease present in the crop.

Honour for Sir Harry J. Veitch.— The King of
the Belgians has bestowed upon Sir Hairy
Veitch, the Hon. Treasurer of the Royal Horti-
cultural Society's War Relief Fund, the cross
of Ofticier de l'Ordre de la Couronne in recog-
nition of the valuable services he has rendered
to Belgium in connection with the War Horti-
cultural Relief Fund.

Fruit Conference at Wye College.— A Fruit
Conference will he held at the South-Eastern
Agricultural College, Wye, Kent, on March 23,
at which papers of scientific interest in fruit
growing will be read.

Flowers in Season.— Major A. C. T. Woodward
obligingly sends from his gardens art. Arley
Castle, Bewdley, flowering sprays of the new
Primus cyclamina, Koehne, a native of Western
Hupeh, found by Mr. E. H. Wilson in wood-
lands at an altitude of 1,000 m. to 1,300 m., in
the Changyaug Hsien district. The tree at
Arley Castle expanded its first flowers at the
end of January, and in a few days was a mass
of blossom. The flowers are small, and coloured
pale pink ; they are developed on small spurs
and from buds on young shoots, in both cases
in clusters.

Revival of the Croydon Chrysanthemum Show.
— At a recent meeting of the committee of the
Croydon Chrysanthemum Society, it was decided
to revive local interest in the Chrysanthemum
by holding an exhibition on pre-war lines
in the coming autumn. Mr. Oxtoby being unable
to again undertake the duties of secretary, which
he so ably carried out in the past, Mr. Aley was
elected to the office ; his address is : The Firs,
Highbarrow Road, Addtscombe, Croydon.

The "Foremarke" Challenge Cup for Gladiolus.
— At 'tlie Royal Horticultural Society's meeting on
the 10th inst. , the "Foremarke " Challenge Cup
was exhibited. Presented originally to the
National Gladiolus Society by Major Sir Francis
Burdett, Bart., it has now been transferred by
him to the- Royal Horticultural Society. The
Society is offering it at its fortnightly meeting
on September 7 next, for twenty spikes of named
Gladioli, in not tfewer than ten varieties and not
more than two spikes of any one variety. The
Cup, which was made by the Goldsmiths' and
Silversmiths' Company, is a beautiful reproduc-
tion of the famous " Burleigh " Cup, the original
of which is in St. John's College, Cambridge.
The period of the Cup is late Stuart, date 1684.

Tennis on Kew Green. — At the recent meeting
of the Richmond Town Council, which body
looks after the interests of Kew. it was decided
to apply to the Ministry of Agriculture for
permission to turn the portion of Kew Green
now used as allotments into tennis courts. This
is the enclosure opposite the Main Gates of the
Royal Botanic Gardens, which for some time
has been let as vegetable plots. The soil is
poor, due, no doubt, to the insecurity of tenure,
which did not encourage the use of manure,
therefore no great success has attended the
labours of the allotment holders. Cricket in the
summer and hockey during the winter have long
been played on the larger area of Kew Green.

Edinburgh Allotments — Considerable anxiety
prevails among very many Edinburgh allot-
ment holders regarding tenure. The Corpora-
tion secured a number of the allotments on a
lease of five years, and this expires ai the -'nd
of 1921. In July, 1919. the Town Council de-
cided that the allotments in the public parks
should be vacated at the end of five years from

86

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[February 21, 1920.

their original provision, therefore about 54
acres should be restored to the parks in 1921.
About 18g acres, granted by the Commissioners
of H.M. Works in the King's Park, have also
to be given up at the end of 1921. Unless
other arrangements are made, the tenancy of
about 27 acres may end this season, about 50
acres at the conclusion of the 1921 season, and
the 72 acres in the Corporation and Crown
Parks will be taken from the allotment holders
at the same time. It has been suggested that
the Corporation should, with the assistance of
the allotment holders, endeavour to secure other
suitable land, and the Allotments Committee
has resolved to do this.

Town Planning at Merton and Morden. — It
has been decided by the Merton and Morden
District Council (Surrey) to allot twenty-one
acres of the land recently secured in connection
with the What'ley Estate, as a recreation ground,
the remainder to be used for houses and other
similar purposes. The value of the twenty-one
acres is £3.100, and it is reported that Mr.
Joseph Hood, a prominent resident of Morden,
has most generously offered to present this por
tion and also to contribute an additional £1,900,
making £5,000 in all, which is the estimated
cost of laying out the ground for recreation
purposes. As many readers are aware, Merton
already possesses the beautiful park given by
the late Mr. John Innes, adjoining the invalu-
able John Innes Horticultural Institution.
This park, though not large, is so skilfully laid
out that its apparent size is very great ; it
contains most delightful old garden walls and
beautiful flower borders containing a great
variety of hardy plants.

Acacia pycnantha. — In addition to Acacia
dealbata, A. Baileyana and A. longifolia, the
handsome and very heavily-scented sprays of A.
pycnantha are being sent from the South of
France to Covent Garden Flower Market. An
illustration of a small side-spray, taken from a
laTge branch which arrived last week, packed in
the usual way in a wicker " pad," is reproduced
in Fig. 34. The fluffy golden flower heads are
larger than those o>f the other species mentioned.
and are so heavy that they cause the sprays to
bend down after a branch has been placed in
water a few days. The fragrance is strong, and
when several large vases of flowers are placed
in a dwelling-room it may prove overpowering.
The foliage of A. pycnantha— also known as A.
petiolaris — is sickle shaped, tough, and bears a
strong resemblance to that of certain Eucalypti.
Each phyllode has a prominent central nerve
and about three quarters of an inch from its
base there is a large gland; the latter is very
conspicuous and a marked feature of the species.
A. pycnantha is of economic value as the wood
is tough and close grained, and it carries one of
the richest tanning barks in the world ; further,
the possibility of extracting a perifume from the
flowers was foreseen long ago and the species
considered " worthy of culture as perfume
plants."

Belgium's Gratitude to British Horticulturists
—The Belgian Chamber of Horticulture, as repre-
senting the gardening community of our gallant
Ally, has presented an address to the Royal
Horticultural Society offering thanks for "the
lavish gifts bo generously poured out for the
benefit of the horticultural industries of
Belgium," through the R.H.S. War Horticultural
Relief Fund. The address was in the form of a
most sumptuously-bound volume, with embossed
and decorated leather binding, an unique example
of the book-binder's art, and was presented to
the Council of the R.H.S. on Tuesday last by
M. Albert de Smet, the delegate appointed by
the Chamber. It was a happy incident that
there was also present M. Lucien Levavasseur,
of Angers, for his country also has been assisted
•by the Fund, and both' Belgium and France
were thus represented. Lord Lambourne, Presi-
dent of the Royal Horticultural Society, who
received the address, thanked M. de Smet for
the most charming souvenir, and expressed the
lively pleasure it gave him to receive it on
behalf of the Society and British horticulturists
generally. He stated that we in this country
were most anxious to help to ameliorate the un-
happy condition of the countries which had
suffered most in the war, and he rejoiced that

we were able to do so, for he -was sure that it
would strengthen the bonds of union which
already existed between the three nations. It
was a bond of affection, a bond of tribulation,
and a bond of suffering. We shall, said Lord
Lambourne, continue friends and fellow workers
in horticulture, which has not only a scientific
but a humanising influence on the world. M.
Albert de Smet stated that he brought the
deepest sentiments of Belgian gratitude to the
Royal Horticultural Society, and he asked them
to accept the address and retain it as a lasting
souvenir from his countrymen. M. Lucien Leva-
vasseur also expressed his gntitude for what the
British people had done for horticulturists in the
ruined areas of France, and for the kind words
which had fallen from the lips of Lord Lam-
bourne.

New Superintendent of the Bournemouth
Parks. — At a special meeting of the Bourne-
mouth Parks Committee, held recently, Mr.
Walter Felstead was appointed Superintendent
of the Bournemouth Parks and Pleasure
Grounds, in succession to Mr. W. Cobb. Mr.
Felstead has a wide practical experience of the
management of public parks, as after seven
years' training in the Leicester Abbey Nur-

MR. WALTER FELSTEAD, THE NEW SUPERINTENDENT
OF BOURNEMOUTH PUBLIC PARKS.

series lie entered the service of the Leicester
Corporation and was subsequently chief assistant
to the late Mr. Joseph Burton, in the Leicester
Parks' Department. His next appointment was
Superintendent of the Wolverhampton Parks, a
post he occupied for seven years and resigned to
take up the duties of Superintendent of Parks
and Allotments under the Corporation of th*
city of Norwich. Here he remained for one year
and then became Superintendent of Parks and
Cemeteries under the Corporation of Dudley, a
post he now leaves to go to Bournemouth.
Mr. Felstead is widely known in Midland horti-
cultural circles, and for four years he was
Hon. Secretary to the Leicester and Leicester-
shire Chrysanthemum and Fruit Society.

Supplies of Phosphate Rock.— For all practical
purposes the United Kingdom relies for its sup-
plies of phosphatic rock for the making of
mineral super-phosphate, upon the United States
and North Africa. In obtaining the necessary
quantities from the United States the British
importers require no assistance from the Ministry
of Agriculture other than occasional support in
obtaining the shipping they require. But with
North Africa the case is different. In Tunis and
Algeria, under the control of the French Govern-
ment, there are some of the most extensive
deposits in the world. Difficulties in obtaining
labour and coal considerably reduced the produc-
tion of rock in 1919. and 'though better things-
are hoped for in 1920, this prospect is offset by
an increased demand both from France herself

and from the remaining European countries.
One and all stand in urgent need of adequate
supplies of super-phosphate to replenish their
impoverished soils, and North Africa is the most
convenient, if not the only practicable source of
supply at the present time. In order to insure
that her own requirements should be met and
that the surplus should be fairly distributed
among her neighbours, France has found it neces-
sary to retain control of the allocation of the out-
put between the different nations. A representa-
tive of the Ministry visited Paris last September
to explain the requirements of this country to
the French authorities, and the immediate result
of his visit was the licensing of an additional
30,000 tons of rock for export to this country in
1919. There was also a conditional promise to
give due consideration to our needs in 1920. In
December, the Ministry was officially informed
that if the output of the North African mines
reached the anticipated level, which depends
largely on the provision of adequate supplies of
coal, 275,000 tons would be licensed for export
to the United Kingdom in 1920. Some delay
occurred, owing to an additional requirement by
the French authorities that contracts should be
officially endorsed by the Governments of the
importing countries before they would grant the
necessary export licences against the provisional
allocation. This made it impossible to ship
phosphate rock at the beginning of January ; sc
to save delay the Ministry again sent a repre-
sentative to Paris to enter into direct negotia-
tions with the authorities there. With the
valuable assistance of the British Embassy he
was able to settle the whole matter, no obstacles
being placed in his way by the French Govern-
ment, which readily consented to the method by
which he proposed to meet their requirements.
The contracts were endorsed on the spot and an
assurance given that if the production exceeded
the estimate, the quantity to be licensed for this
country would be increased. Our supplies of
North African phosphate rock for 1920 are there-
fore unlikely to be less than in 1919, provided
the necessary- transport facilities are available.

Galanthus nivalis Atkins' Variety. — This fine
Snowdrop was shown by the Rev. W. Wilks, at
the meeting of the Royal Horticultural, on the
10th inst. , under the name of Galanthus nivalis
Imperati, and received the Award of Merit from
the Floral Committee. The plant has subse-
quently been recognised as being Atkins' variety
of nivalis.

" The Gardeners' Chronicle " Seventy-Five
Years Ago. — Repeal of the Duty on Glass. — We
believe that the free trade in fruit has produced
very serious losses to the English gardeners.
We also believe that the repeal of the glass
duties will be much more than a compensation
for them. That the new state of things will
produce a most important alteration in the
condition of our gardeners we entertain n.>
doubt. Glass will be very cheap, and very
durable; for what does it now signify to the
maker whether his commodity weighs an ounce
to the square foot or half a Dound ? Flint and
soda are cheap enough to enable him to com
bine strength with superficies, and that is what
t he consumer wants as much as actual cheao-
ness. Many a man would build a greenhouse,
even at the present cost, if it were not for the
heavy charge of repairing it. Every one who
has a Peach tree trained against a wall, or a
Vine on the front of his house, may force them
now. A few moveable sashes, however roughly
put together, may be inclined in front of such
trees, and Nature will do the rest. We shall
have no more occasion for vitreous cloth, and
all those imperfect expedients to which the
excise of glass has driven us; and we now may
reasonably hope to see every cottager with his
hand glass and "one light box." — Gard.
Citron., February 22, 1845.

Publications Received -.—Vegetable Garden
Ifigects,Manual of. Crus Richard Crosby, and
Mortimer Demaresv Leonard. Macmillan &
Co., Ltd., New York, 12s. 6d. Birds of the
British Isles and their Eggs. A pocket guide
with descriptive text by T. A. Coward. (With
over 300 coloured illustrations. F. Warne and
Co., Ltd., 12s. 6d.

February 21. 1930.]

THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE.

87

FLORISTS' FLOWERS.

THE CHRYSANTHEMUM.

In a short article in Le Ckrysantheme, my old
friend, N. Ph. Rivoire, Secretary of the French
Chrysanthemum Society, takes my mind back
to the far off days when I first began to interest
myself in the popular autumn flower.

At various stages in its history the Chrysanthe-
mum has had periods of rise and decline in
popularity. Shortly after the retirement and
subsequent death of John Salter there was a
marked diminution in the enthusiasm for the
flower, so apparent that in the columns of one
of your contemporaries a pessimistic writer
enquired " Has the Chrysanthemum had its
day?"

Whatever may have been the answer to that
enquiry — and it was justified at the time—
the flower was to have another day, the
chief reason being the wide appreciation for
the Japanese section, and its popularity with the
public on account of its marvellous variation in
size, .form, and colour.

I came into the arena, so to speak, in 1880-
81, just as the renewed interest in the flower
was beginning. The " fever," popularly so
called by the numerous and increasing body of
Chrysanthemum growers and admirers, went on
for at least a quarter of a century, reaching its
highest point in the days of the Royal Aquarium
shows. The causes of this remarkable develop-
ment oif enthusiasm were chiefly the splendid
central site of the exhibitions and the wonderful
and continuous surprises year after year pro-
vided by the raisers of novelties. Minor causes
there were no doubt, but the two mentioned
were in my opinion the chief.

Perhaps when the effects of the war are
entirely obliterated we may arrive at something
like a renewal of the old conditions. If we do,
it will have to be the result of some very ex-
ceptional circumstance or combination of circum-
stances.

It is within the recollection of many old
members of the N.C.S. that, when the Horti-
cultural Hall was first built, it was considered
by them far too small to hold the N.C.S.
autumn show. At that time the Chrysanthemum
Show was open for three days — to-day it is held
in conjunction with a fortnightly meeting of the
B.H.S., and is open for four hours to the public,
viz., from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on one afternoon
only.

In the olden time no fewer than 10,000
people have visited the Aquarium Show
on one day, if not wholly to see
Chrysanthemums, at least to see them and
other attractions. I wonder what the total num-
ber of visitors to the N.C.S.' Chrysanthemum
Show was this year, or last year, or even the
year before? And yet some will try to per-
suade us that the Chrysanthemum is as popular
as ever. In what way? If a four-hours'
show once a year is not proof to the ebn-
trary, to say nothing of many provincial shows
that were once famous for the number of ex-
hibitors and visitors and large amounts of gate
money, silver cups and challenge vases and other
pecuniary attractions, what can be said when we
look to the financial support accorded to' the
N.C.S. to-day and, say, ten years ago. Ijy the
accounts for 1909, we find a total on the receipt
side of £736 6s. 10., while im the accounts; for
the past year the amount is £204 12s. 6d.
Assuredly the Chrysanthemum as a show flower
is under a cloud to-day.

And so it was before the war— and M.
Rivoire's lament only deals with a part of the
cause. Forty years ago there were initi
ated by various cultivators a series of new
departures and surprises in connection with the
flower. Almost every year or two some remark-
able new development took place to maintain our
interest and raise our expectations. Now um rat
is all gone.

I will ask the old Chrysanthemum grower In
remember the names of the novelty producers in
the 'eighties — Delaux, Lacroix, Marrouch,
De Reydellet, Boucharlat, Audiguier, etc

What wonderful progress they made and what
extraordinary surprises were in store for us, and

then Calvat came suddenly on the scene and for
ten years or so swept all the old popular show
flowers off the boards with his marvellous
creations. First of all the Japanese flowers in-
troduced by Fortune and seedlings from them
eclipsed the incurved varieties so long held up as
the criterion of the perfect flower — thenabreak in
the form of the Japanese Anemone, then the hadry
type of which Mrs. Alpheus Hardy was the pre-
cursor and so on — always something new, novel
and startling — not forgetting the introduction of

Chrysanthemum and the extension of its culture,
there is to-day not a single raiser of seedlings
in France. In America, where once there was
considerable activity in this phase of floriculture,
almost the same tning can be said — I exclude,
of course, Mr. Elmer D. Smith, who is almost
alone in his good work.

The names of recent raisers of seedlings
referred to by M. Rivoire, although of some
repute in France, -were never widely known
here, and I doubt if any trader ever imported

Fig. 34. — acacia pycn-antha, as sold in covent garden market. (See p. 86.)

Delaux 's remarkable series of early flowering
Japanese varieties.

By way of another surprise turn in the tide
the Australian Pockett presently appeared on
the scene and to all these men and their pro-
ducts the Chrysanthemum grower, both amateur
and professional, is indebted for the opportunities
of pushing his favourite flower to the front and
making it what it was — and what it may be
again some day if the requisite impulse can be
given it.

What does M. Rivoire deplore i n his
country? It is that at the present moment in
spite of the very important part played by the
French raisers * in the improvement of the

seedlings from them since CaKat died. He says
M. Chantrier is ill and lias not been able to
continue his seedling raising. M. Remy, who
took over Calvat's stock, has been obliged
through ill health to give up cultivating the
plants, M. Heraud has ceased growing, and M.
Martin is dead, although his widow intends to
continue the work. I venture to say that even
if this had not been the case, the cultivation of
the Chrysanthemum in this country would not
have been in any way improved. To revive in-
terest in it as a show flower demands a condition
of affairs such as existed in the 'eighties and early
'nineties of the last century. Till then we must
wait and work patiently. C. llarman Payne.

88

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[February 21, 1920.

HYBRID BEARDED IRISES.

[Concluded from p. 76.)

Apart from its origin, some of the
later results of the development of the plicata
type are of much interest. The breadth of
the colour margins, - which may consist of
spots, or veins, or a suffusion, or a combina-
tion of all three, varies considerably from
flowers whose standards have only a small
central speckled patch of white to others
where the margin is as narrow and defined
as in a high-class picotee Carnation, and in
some it is reduced even to a wire edge,
indicating, perhaps, two or more cumulative
factors. The margins of the falls are always
less developed than those of the standards,
are much more generally spotted, and are
always of a deeper colour, especially at the
hafts.

Ultimately, I feel sure a pure white
will be obtained which, in all other
respects, habit and size and form of
flower, will be a plicata. Furthermore, the
margin colour, both in depth and tone, can
be modified by the colour of the varieties
with which a plicata is crossed, when the
type reappears in the second generation.
Thus, the F2 seedlings of a plicata crossed
with a blue-toned pallida or neglecta will
have mostly blue-toned margins, and those
from a plicata crossed with red pallida or red
squalens will have red-toned or squalens-
coloured margins. These F„ squalens-
plicata forms are especially interesting, dis-
playing in the spots and veinings and in the
suffusing style branches all "the blended
shade of colour of the squalens, softened
and rendered more delicate by the influence
of plicata. Mercedes is an example, but
does no more than barely suggest the
possibilities of this type. And though it
requires two generations (7 or S years) to
produce any particular desired combination
they are so beautiful as to be well worth the
long waiting for. There are, however, many
squalens carrying plicata already in existence",
and these, if rightly mated, will give
squalens-plicata forms in one generation.

On the contrary, just as the colour of the
margins can be modified independently, so
also the ground colour can be changed with-
out any alteration of the type (marginal
coloured flowers), and it is, therefore, possible
to obtain a yellow ground plicata. Such, in
fact, are already in existence both here and
in America (Miss Sturtevant's Fantasy and
Onnoris are good examples), but the yellow
ground of all these is very pale and weak —
paler than flavescens — often hardlv more
than cream, and the colour of the margins
is usually lilac and reddish violet. A plicata
with a full golden-yellow ground, as in the
standards of a variegata is, however,
certainly obtainable, and the colour of the
margins should be a bright crimson, since
an analogous variety (has been raised with
pure yellow standards and crimson-veined
falls with the size and form of flower and
habit of a pallida, and nearly approaching its
height. Shekinah, a self pale yellovv of
pallida type, raised by Miss Sturtevant in
America, is also in the same direction. This
golden-yellow ground plicata, however,
apparently cannot be raised in two genera-
tions like a squalens-plicata, but will need
(unless there are the necessary intermediate
varieties already in existence) a similar three-
generation series of crosses such as produced
the yellow-standard semi-pallida above men-
tioned, substituting, appropriately, plicata
parents for pallidas.

I have made no direct crosses of red
pallidas for some years now, having given
up all -hope df obtaining the crimson Iris in
that direction. The Ed. Michel type— richer

and a little redder toned perhaps, but pro-
bably accompanied by a loss in size and form
— is all that seems possible from red pallida
direct. The same may be said of red
squalens, though I have raised a few more
seedlings of these. They have warmer and
redder tones, but tend always to be more
bicolour. In this quest, however, of the
crimson Iris, some experimental crosses were
made which, though total failures horticul-
turally speaking, are of interest from a
genetic point of view. If the colour of the
falls in some varieties such as Jacquiniana
or Dr. Bernice could be transferred to the
standards, the crimson Iris would be practi-
cally obtained. This has always seemed to
be an impossibility, for the standards and
falls of an Iris appear to be controlled, both
in form and in colour, by independent sets of
linked factors.

Professor Morgan, however, in his experi-

them together. Most of the seedlings from
these crosses were quite normal, but in some
the colour of the falls had gone over into the
standards to a greater or lesser degree. In
all these cases, however, those parts of the
standards in which the fall colour was
displayed were also changed in form and
function into falls. And these modified
portions (sometimes amounting to one-half
or three-quarters of a segment, sometimes
only to a mere strip) varied in extent in each
of the three standards of a flower, and in
every flower on a stem, so that the flowers,
though striking at a distance from the
brightness of the colour, were quite impos-
sible, being a mere jumble of malformed
segments more like a parti-coloured Paeony
than an Iris. Of course, it would be
possible in time to obtain a regular Clematis
type flower with this colour, but such would
not satisfv me as an attainment of a crimson

Fig. 35. — iris unguicularis.

ments with the Drosophila, succeeded
eventually in producing a type in which
characters, which had, hitherto, been in-
variably linked together, were separated and
redistributed, and this would correspond in
Iris to a transfer of one or more of the
linked characters in the falls to the standards,
or vice versa. He explains these results by
what is called "crossing-over," conceiving
that two of the chromosomes, in the stirring
up period between two divisions of the
nucleus, came to lie across one another,
fused in their middle portions, and then
divided longitudinally, with the result that
factors at one end of chromosome A would
be transferred to chromosome B, and vice
versa. It seemed, therefore, worth while to
try and obtain similar results with Iris. I
looked out for suitable seedlings showing an
apparent indication of an incipient tendency
to "crossing-over, " and choosing some
where flakes df the fall colour appeared more
or less irregularly in the standards, crossed

Iris. If it were possible to obtain four
generations a year and work with thousands,
as in Professor Morgan's experiments, it
might be worth continuing the attempt. But
as Irises, on the contrary, take four years
to each generation, and one is lucky to get
.in average of six seeds in a pod, life is too
short, unless some influence can be found
to excite and stimulate the tendency to
"crossing-over," or separation of linked
characters. A. J. Bliss.

IRIS UNGUICULARIS.

Iris unguicularis, better known to most
gardeners by its synonym of stylosa, is the
riwst valuable of winter flowering Irises. Al-
though a native of Algeria, it is perfectly
hardy. It succeeds best in warm, dry,
sheltered spots where it is not exposed to
keen winter winds. The bright lilac-coloured
flowers have pretty keels of yellow and are
streaked with lilac on a white ground at the
throat- There is also a white form.

February 21, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

89

TREES AND SHRUBS.

NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS.

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

JASMINUM NUDIFLORUM.

When Jasminum primulinum was introduced
it was regarded as a formidable rival to the
well-known and justly popular Jasminum
nudiflorum. Time has, however, proved that the
older species more than holds its own, for the
newcomer is too tender for general cultivation
out-of-doors, and, furthermore, the blossoms do
not expand in the depth of winter as do those
of the well-named " Winter Jasmine. True,
Jasminum primulinum can be grown in a very
satisfactory manner in pots, placed outside during
the summer, and flowered under glass in the
spring. The great advantage of Jasminum
nudiflorum is that it is perfectly hardy, and will
succeed where the conditions are decidedly
unfavourable to plant life, such as in the smoke-
laden districts of London. In many of the
suburbs the beautiful golden blossoms serve to
brighten up the otherwise sombre surroundings
in January and February and transform an ugly
black fence into an object of beauty. Not only
may it be grown by itself on a fence, wall, or
arbour, but combined with the bright berries of
the Fire Thorn (Pyracantha coccinea), still
known in many gardens as Crataegus
Pyracantha, the beauty of each is enhanced by
association with the other.

Many have observed that the yellow blossoms
have, appeared richer and clearer in tone than
usual this season, which may he due to the
exceptionally mild winter. However true that
may be, the plant has generally flowered ex-
ceptionally finely this season and is at the pre-
sent time one of the most conspicuous objects in
many gardens.

Being so thoroughly hardy Jasminum
nudiflorum may be grown in the open, as
it forms a very handsome specimen if the main
shoots are secured -to a stout, erect stake and
the minor branches allowed to dispose themselves
at will. In this way a pretty fountain-like effect
is produced. Even if the flowers are injured
by frost the buds are so numerous that a few
mild days suffice to insure a good show of
colour. Sprays, too, cut from the outside will
expand their blossoms in a very satisfactory
manner indoors if placed in water. Another way
in which the Winter Jasmine is very attractive
is when grown in pots in a sunny spot during
the summer, and put under glass in the
winter when the earliest blossoms are on the
point of expanding. No fire heat is necessary.
J. nudiflorum roots readily in July from cuttings
of the half- ripened shoots' put into pots of sandy
soil and placed in a frame kept close and shaded.
W. T. '

AZARA INTEGRIFOLIA.

Azara integrifolia is, so far as I know, the
earliest of the family to flower, and from the
middle of January to the following month it
produces a wealth of blossom at a time when
shrubs in flower are particularly scarce and
correspondingly precious.

Borne in clusters, the tiny blossoms
of which the numerous anthers form con-
spicuous objects, are of a rich golden yellow, and
though individually small, make a pleasing com-
bination with the evergreen foliage.

As with the better known A. microphylla, the
blossoms are borne beneath the foliage, but A.
integrifolia has much larger flowers and they
are more conspicuous. Though slightly fragrant,
the blooms lack the pleasing perfume of A.
microphylla.

The specimen at Fota is a vyell proportioned
bush about nine or ten feet high, and, at the
present time, with its flattened branches laden
with flowers, is the chief feature of the pleasure
grounds.

The plant is, I imagine, only suited to favoured
localities, but where a chance of its success
exists, it is worthy of inclusion, and has proved
absolutely hardy here, excepting, of course,
that the flowers have their beauty marred by
frost at times, which falls to the lot of the
majority of early flowering shrubs, and for that
reason, such early flowering plants are best
screened from the direct ravs of the morning gun.
E. B., Fota.

PICEA GLEHNII, MASTERS.

This Spruce was originally named and
described by Dr. Masters in Qard. Chron.,
March 6, 1880, page 300, Fig. 54. It was first
discovered in 1861, in Saghalien, by Glehn, who,
with F. Schmidt, had been sent to that island
by the Russian Geographical Society. In 187/
the species was found in Yezo by Maries, who
sent seeds to Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons,
Chelsea. Picea Glehnii is still one of the rarest of
Japanese Spruces in cultivation, and until we
received the photograph reproduced in Fig. 36
from Sir Edmund Loder, Leonardslee, we had
not heard of its having produced cones in this
country. According to Mr. E. H. Wilson, this
Picea forms a fine lofty tree in Japan. He
gives its maximum height as upwards of 130 feet
and its girth as 12 to 16 feet. It is, as may be
seen on reference to the illustration, one of
the shortest-leaved of Spruces, the leaves
measuring from one-third to half an inch in
length; they are pointed, densely packed on
the reddish pubescent young shoots, and rhombic
in section, with one or two lines of stomata on

BRYNDIR ORCHIDS.

In the Card. Chron. of October 27, 1917, page
168, was given an account of the block of Orchid
houses, designed by Dr. Miguel Lacroze and
erected in his gardens at Bryndir, Roehampton,
and also of the rich collection of hybrids con-
tained in them. The following remarks are
supplementary to that account.

The internal arrangement of the houses with
regard to staging and other particulars specially
contribute to the well-being of the plants, and
some of the points being novel a reference to
them will be useful. The floor is of the
natural earth, and in each house pro-
vision is made for storing rain-water. A
stage-like screen of corrugated iron is placed
between the hot-water pipes and the staging to
equalise the distribution of the heat and to
provide a moisture-giving surface. Above that
is a close staging surfaced with "breeze" to
be kept moist and give off humidity by evapora-
tion. This stage, in each house, may be used
for accommodating the mature plants. Above
the close staging an open woodwork stage is
placed, and this may be removed if required or

Fig. 36. — picea glehnii, showing a shoot with cone, produced by a tree in sir edmund
loder's gardens AT LEONARDSLEE, SUSSEX.

each of the four faces. The terminal bud
resembles those of the American species,
P. nigra and P. rubra, in the basal scales being
long and awl-shaped. The cone is cylindrical,
1£ to 3 inches long, violet-coloured when young,
with the margins of the scales reddish ; when
ripe they become brown. The cone-scales are
thin, rounded, and finely toothed at the margin.

Mr. Wilson has two fine illustrations of this
tree in his Conifers and Taxads of Japan.
As growing wild it forms a handsome columnar
trunk clothed with loose Bakes of bark. He
states that it is well established in the Arnold
Arboretum, where it is a slender tree 20 feet
high, growing more satisfactorily there than any
other Japanese Spruce.

Probably the seeds of this species of Picea, sent
to England by Maries in 1877 did not produce
plants, for Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons do not claim
its introduction in Hortus Veitrhii. It has, how-
ever, been long enough in cultivation for us to
be doubtful of its value in our climate. We
do not know how large Sir Edmund Loder's tree
is, but Messrs. Elwes and Henry do not seem
to have found any but small trees in the many
collections they visited.

adjusted in height to suit the size of the plants
occupying the house.

In the seedling houses and others containing
only small plants, the open staging is raised well
up towards the glass of the roof, and in other
houses it is proportionately elevated. The middle
walks are of open woodwork, and these also are
adjustable, and may be raised to follow the
height of the staging on which the plants are
placed, and so admit of their being tended in
a much more efficient manner than would be
the case if the trellis walks were kept on a
permanent level and short steps or inverted
flower-pots used to stand on when watering or
inspecting the plants in the manner common in
some gardens. The relatively adjustable open
woodwork upper staging and trellis floor make
it possible to use any of the houses for either
very small or full-grown plants as desired.
The houses are fitted with electric light, and
no provision is made for suspending plants, as
Dr. Lacroze considers that if the plants are
properly raised to the required height by staging,
suspending a selection is unnecessary. Many
rare occupants of the Odontoglossum House are
showing flower spikes.

90

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[FrsRUAKY 21, 1S20.

The Week's Work.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By John Coutts, Foreman, Royal Botanio Gardens,
Kew.

Begonia and Gloxinia. — Seedlings of these
plants and similar subjects raised from seed
sown early last month require pricking off. It is
not necessary, in the first instance, to single out
such tiny subject* as seedling Begonias ; small
tufts of several plants may be transferred to the
fresh soil ; then, in a few weeks time, they may
readily be separated. In times of labour
scarcity such small matters are important.

Epacris. — As the plants of the early-flowering
forms of Epacris pass out of flower
they should be pruned hard and be
thinned of some of the weaker snoots.
Bpacrises at this stage require a higher
temperature than Ericas ; they will grow well in
a moist atmosphere and a temperature of 45°
to 50°. If the plants are sprayed over several
times daily they will soon break into fresh
growth, and when the new shoots are about an
inch long, such plants as require it should be re-
potted. The soil for potting should consist of
good, fibrous peat with sufficient sand to render
the compost porous. PotNfirmly and use care in
this operation, as the plants resent disturbance
at the roots. Recently potted plants should be
grown in the warm house recommended above,
but as growth develops and. the season advances
admit air to obtain cooler conditions. This
treatment should be continued until towards the
end of July, whon the plants should be stood
out-of-doors. Epacrises of the longiflora (miniata)
type are late in flowering and should not he
pruned hard ; some of the long growths should
be partially shortened and the long shoots
trained to supports. When plants of this class
were more popular, large, balloon-trained speci-
mens at this species were common in gardens.
Epacrises are propagated by means of cuttings in
the same way as Ericas. For cuttings, select
the short, twiggy shoots that are produced
when the plants start into growth. Taken at
that stage they root more readily than when
allowed to become hard in a cooler atmosphere.

Alocasia. — Before these plants are too ad-
vanced in growth they should he turned out of
their receptacles and repotted in fibrous peat,
pulled into lumps, fibry loam, charcoal and sand.
The plants are surface rooters, therefore plenty of
drainage material should be used. Plants with
single crowns growing in moderate-sized pots
are best suited for decorative purposes. Most
of the species when strong and in good health
produce small, bulb-like offsets, which may be
detached and placed in small pots for the pur-
pose of increasing the stock.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By T. W. Bkiscoe, Gardener to W. R. Lisaoht, Esq.,
Castleford, Chepstow.
Masdevallla. — If these Orchids were not
repotted in September, the present is a suitable
time to do the work. Such strong growing
kinds as M. Veitchiana gTandiflora, M. ignea,
M. coccinea and its numerous varieties ; also
hybrids, require ample root space, and a liberal
compost. Ordinary flower pots are the most
suitable receptacles, and they should be filled
one-fourth of their depth with material for
drainage. Small plants may be repotted with
very little disturbance to the roots, but speci-
mens that have become leafless in the centres
Should be broken up, and have most of the
leafless rhizomes cut away. Remove the dead
roots, and either pot each piece separately, or
arrange several together to make one compact
specimen. If the latter course is adopted, care
should be taken to place some of the growing
points towards the centre of the pot ; this will
obviate a leafless appearance for at least a year
•or two. Nothing ishetter for use as compost than

good peat, with a sprinkling of chopped Sphag-
num-moss and crushed crocks. In repotting,
make the soil fairly firm, and arrange the base
of the plant just below the rim of the pot or
pan to allow room for copious waterings during
the growing period. The dwarf Masdevallias
are perhaps the most curious and interesting ;
they embrace M. Arminii, M. Estradae, M.
gemmata, M. Peristeria, M. Ephippium, M.
tovarensis, M. attenuate, and M. tridactylites.
The members of this section are best grown in
small pans. Where stage room is scarce the plants
may be suspended about eighteen inches from
the roof-rafters. If a stiff wiTe is stretched the
whole length of the house, and made fast to
the rafter, the position will offer an ideal
place for many small growing Orchids, but care
must be taken to prevent them becoming ex-
cessively dry at the root during hot, dry
weather. These small-growing Masdevallias
should be grown in receptacles containing ample
drainage material, and a very little compost
around the roots will suffice. Another section
of Masdevallias includes M. bella, M. Chester-
toni, M. radiosa, and M. Vespertilio, all of which
should be cultivated in teak wood baskets, with-
out any broken potsherds for drainage, the flower
spikes being usually produced in a downward
direction, often through the sides of the baskets.
For this reason the plants should be suspended.
During the winter they should be grown
in the intermediate house. Where a house or
divison is not set apart especially for Masde-
vallias they will succeed equally a's well in the
warmer end of the cool house. These Orchids
have no pseudo-bulbs, therefore they need great
care in watering, especially after being dis-
turbed at the roots, as excess of moisture
at the base befoTe the roots are re-established
will often cause loss of foliage, but once the new
roots reach the edge of the pot, a more liberal
supply of moisture may be afforded. During
hot, dry weather, light sprayings overhead are
beneficial. Shade the plants from strong sun-
light, and ventilate the house on all favourable
occasions. In mild -weather the bottom ventila-
tors may remain open throughout the night.
The winter treatment of Masdevallias con-
sists in keeping the soil just moist, and the
atmosphere not heavily charged with moisture,
particularly if the temperature falls below 50°.
Thrips are occasionally troublesome, but if the
house is vaporised once every three weeks, this
pest will be held in check.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By H. Wheeler, Gardener to Mrs. Jenneb. Wenvoe

Castle, near Cardiff.
Cabbage. — The bed of spring Cabbages should
be given attention as soon as the weather :s
favourable. Make good failures in the rows with
seedlings from the seed bed and give the soil
a dressing of nitrate of soda or sulphate of
ammonia at the rate of ^ ounce to each square
yard, taking care not to allow these caustic
fertilisers to fall on the foliage. Stir the soil
with the Dutch hoe afterwards to work the
artificials below the surface.

Onions. — Seedling Onions raised from seed
sown early in the present year are developing
their third leaf and require potting singly into
3-inch pots or pricking off into boxes. A box
24 inches X 14 inches x 4 inches will
accommodate 60 plants. Use similar soil to that
advised for sowing the 6eed. Choose only the
strongest plants, as weak seedlings never develop
into large Onions. Insert the roots half an inch
below the surface of the soil to maintain the
plant in an upright position. Important-
cultural details to observe at this stage are never
to allow the soil to approach dryness and to give
frequent fine sprayings on fine days. Winter
Onions of the Leviathan type that were raised
from seed sown last autumn, should be trans-
planted in rows 15 inches apart, allowing a
distance of 9 inches between the plants in the
rows. In the case of these Onions it is
advisable to use the smaller plants, as being
less likely to develop inflorescences than those
which are stronger. Only plant sufficient of
these Onions to meet the requirements of the
establishment until the spring sown crop is avail-
able, as these white Onions do not keep well.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By F. Jordan, Gardener to Lieut.-Col. Spendee Cur,
M.P., Ford Manor, Lingfield, Surrey.

The Grape Room. — There are many complaints
of late of Grapes keeping badly this season ; a
mild, damp winter is not favourable to the keep-
ing of Grapes. Possibly many of the bunches
were grown hi unhealed houses, and were not
thoroughly ripened or so well thinned as they
might have been. Examine each bunch carefully
at short intervals, and carefully remove all
decaying berries. Keep to bottles filled with
water, but guard against spilling moisture on
the floor. A temperature ranging from 40° to
45° is suitable for the Grape room provided it
can be kept dry. If fire-heat is needed, early
morning is the best time to warm the pipes, but
beyond the need for keeping the place dry the
less heat used the better.

Cucumbers. — The earliest spring-sown plants
should be growing freely. Pinch out the points
of the shoots when they have reached the top
of the trellis, and stop the laterals at each
joint. As the plants continue to grow they will
need more moisture and iight and rich top-dress-
ings over the roots whenever they appear on the
surface; subsequent top-dressings are prefer-
able to placing the plants direct in a large
quantity of soil. Materials for the making of
a hot-bed should be got in readiness out-of-doors.
Use equal parts of litter and leaves, throwing
them in a light, conical heap and turning the
heap two or three times before making up the
beds. In the meantime have the pits cleansed
and the frames painted, if necessary. The
temperature should range from 70° to 75°, and
the bottom-heat should be from 80° to 85°. Sow
fresh seeds in small pots to have young plant.;
in readiness according to requirements.

Strawberries. — Larger batches of Strawberry
plants may be introduced to a warm house as
the days lengthen and tile sun increases in
power. Attend to the thinning of the berries
at an early stage, and support the trusses, if
necessary, to prevent them from being injured,
and splashed with manure water. At this stage
it may be necessary, on bright, sunny days witli
drying winds, to examine the plants twice daily
to see if they require water. Once the roots are
allowed to become dry the plants seldom recover
from the check. Give them liquid manure
and other stimulants two or three times weekly
during the time the plants are swelling thei
fruits. Manure water should not be used whe
the fruits commence to show colour.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By T. Pateman, Gardener to C. A. Cain, Esq., J.P.,
The Node, Codieote, Welwyn, Hertfordshire.

Peach Trees on Walls. — The new =hoots of
recently planted, fan-trained Peach trees should
be cut back to about eight or ten eyes. It is
advisable to lift young trees that have been
planted about two years, especially if they
are inclined to grow too freely. This will check
them making strong growths and bring them
into a bearing condition. Where trees require
lifting, no time should be lost in carrying out
this work, for trees lifted and replanted now
will take no harm. Care should he taken not to
plant too deeply; the stock may be well above
the soil.

Red Spider. — Trees that were affected with
red spider last season should be detached from
the wall and well washed with an insecticide. I
have found a mixture of soft 6oap and sulphur
a good remedy for this pest. Mix six ounces of
soft soap with one pound of sulphur, and add
one gallon of soft water. Apply the specific by
means of a brush, keeping it well stirred, or the
sulphur will remain at the bottom. This mixture
should be sprayed freely on the walls of the
house.

The Protection of Fruit Blossom from Frost.—
There is a diversity of opinion as to the
necessity for protecting fruit blossom from frost,
and one must be guided in this respect by past
experience in the particular garden. Locality
has to be considered. I have found it necessary

February 21, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

91

in mild winters, such as this one, to use protec-
tion, but, on the contrary, when the season of
flowering has been a late one, I have not given
any protection. Owing to the recent mild
weather- the buds of the earlier flowering fruit
trees, such as Apricots, Peaches, and Nectarines,
are already developing, and, as it is likely that
severe frosts may occur later, it will be wise to
have the protective material in readiness. What-
ever material is used for protection it need not be
employed until the flowers are about to expand,
indeed, up to that stage, it would be much better
if the trees are left fully exposed. Heavy,
permanent coverings should not be employed as
these would tend to make the blossoms and
growth tender and more susceptible to injury by
cold winds and frost. One of the most con-
venient methods is to hang a double thickness of
fish netting over the trees. The net should be
made secure, either by means of pegs or fasten-
ing it to poles to prevent it from damaging the
blossom. The net will ward off severe frost and
still allow the sun and air to reach the trees.
Where only a few trees have to be protected it
is advisable to remove the protective material
in fine, open weather.

ASPERULA.

Comparatively few of the Asperulas or
Woodruffs are cultivated in gardens, and of the
species known to botanists only a small number
is in cultivation. The greater number of
species are rock-garden plants, although some
are adapted for planting in the hardy-flower
border or wild garden. Aspeiiila odorata, the
eummon Woodruff, may be ta-ken as an example
of those suitable for the wild garden, responding
leadily to the conditions of such places, and
thriving in ordinary loam ; though not absolutely
necessary, a shaded or half-shaded position is
preferable. The others, which are generally
possessed of a dwarf, tufted habit and are of
smaller stature, are suitable for planting in
crevices of rocks, flat, rocky places, or the
moraine, where most of them will thrive in
the usual soil used for other rook plants.

A brief mention may be made of the best-
known species, in alphabetical order, with the
exception, in the conclusion, of a few merely
named which may well be omitted from the
garden.

One of the choicest is Asperula arcadiensis,
which is probably not in cultivation in this
country, its place being taken by A. suberosa
or Athoa, sometimes supplied as A. arcadiensis.
The true species is an exquisite plant. It sends
up stems three or four inches tall, clothed with
small, greyish leaves and waxy, rose-pink flowers
in heads of six to eight or nine. In this country
the plant needs a sheet of glass overhead all
through the winter. It should receive as much
sunshine as possible, and grows best in soil con-
sisting of loam, leaf-mould, and peat with plenty
of grit.

Asperula cynanchica is a native of Europe
and Asia Minor, and can hardly be called a
choice subject in its ordinary form ; the spread-
ing stems are too poor to set off to advantage
the heads of trumpet-like pink flowers. It likes
a hot bank, which is not only loved by, but
essential for the variety Jordaiiii, which is only
about four inches high and has rose-tipped pink
flowers. The blossoms are larger and more
numerous than those of the type. The variety
Jordanii forms a charming subject for a pro-
minent place on a dry bank, or in the moraine.

Asperula hexaphylla might form a subject for
a discussion as to which is the true plant, inas-
much as the one often grown as A. hexaphylla
and which aaswers to the botanical description
in other respects, has white flowers, while a
leading authority speaks of it as having " pearly-
pink starry trumpets." The plant I received
many years ago from a good source had white
flowers, and I have since had it from other
quarters, each time with white flowers. It is
a good border or wild-garden plant, grows a
foot or more high, and gives numerous white
flowers which are almost as useful for cut blooms

as Gypsophila. The "pearly-pink " plant is said
to grow six inches high. Ordinary soil is suit-
able for the white-flowered one.

Asperula hirta is a choice rock or moraine plant
that gives comparatively little trouble and is
most beautiful. It makes a close tuit of green
leaves and has stems only some three inches or
so high, with lovely little flowers of rose colour.
The plant is an excellent subject for the moraine,
or a level or nearly level spot in the rock garden,
where it may have room to send out its little
runners underground to enable it to form a
lovely carpet. It is sometimes supplied as
A. nitida, another tufted species with pink
flowers but looser in its growth.

Asperula odorata is the common native Wood-
ruff, so well known as only to be mentioned
here. The plant appears delightful among grass
and is appreciated by many because of its
fragrance.

Asperula orientalis, af the Index Kewensis,
is an annual which is much too little known, as,
when in good condition, the heads of blue

PETASITES FHAGRAHS.

Petasites fragrans, the Sweet-Smelling Colts-
foot (see Fig. 37), is an old garden favourite, for
it was introduced by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy,
of Hammersmith, so far back as 1806, from
south-western Europe, and was for long grown
as Tussilago fragrans, by which name the plant
is still known to many. Notwithstanding the
warm region of which it is a native, the plant
is perfectly hardy and is one^of the few outdoor
subjects that bloom during the depth of winter.
.Since December to the present tune we have
admired a clump of this lowly herb under the
north side of a dwarf wall and we have before
us specimens gathered from the garden in
question. The flower heads have no great claims
to beauty, for the colour is somewhat dull
lavender or heliotrope, hence the popular name of
Winter Heliotrope, by which it is known in some
parts. The flowers are generally dioecious,
males on some, females on others, and the ex-
quisite fragrance serves to attract insects to
ensure pollination. It is very rare, however,

Fig. 37. — petasites fragrans

[Photograph by E. J. Wallis

THE SWEET-SMELLING COLTSFOOT.

flowers are pretty on rockwork or in the border.
This species is a hardy annual and responds to
the ordinary treatment afforded to these accom-
modating plants. It is synonymous with A.
azurea, the one given in the Kew Handlist.

Asperula suberosa or Athoa is probably the
best known among the true alpine Woodruffs.
It is a lovely little plant for the rock garden or
moraine, and gives a delightful cushion of soft
grey, decked with fascinating little flowers of a
most exquisite warm pink. One might without
exaggeration apply almost every flattering adjec-
tive to this Woodruff. The plant is not difficult
to_ cultivate, and a sunny place with plenty of
grit in the soil suits it perfectly.

Of others of the race it is hardly necessary to
enter into detail, as they are either inferior or
not obtainable. Among these are the yellow A.
Boissieri, the pink A. Gussonii, the pink A.
pendula, A. pontica and A. pulvinaris, and the
whitish Dyers' Woodruff, A. tinctoria.

Propagation of the Asperulas may be effected
by seeds, division, or cuttings. The alpine
species are benefited by top-dressings of light
soil applied in autumn and spring. S. Arnoft.

that the plant forms seeds in this country, t,
fact which may be due to the absence of the
particular insect that visits the flowers in their
natural habitat. Like its congener, the Colts-
foot of the wayside — Tussilago (Petasites)
Farfara, the Sweet Coltsfoot grows best in damp,
heavy soils and will succeed in partial shade, so
that it is a good subject for planting in a
neglected spot on a north border. In situations
suited to it, Petasites fragrans spreads with suck
freedom by means of its underground shoots
a3 to encroach on lawns, and is apt to become a
nuisance in the more ordered parts; in the gar-
den referred to the plants have grown under and
through the dwarf fence enclosing it and is flower-
ing close up to the brickwork on the public
footpath. There is nothing more pleasing than
a vase of these flowers in the dwelling-room, for
they pervade the air with their fragrance. The
leaves are now appearing and they are generally
reniform in shape, although they afford all sorts
of transitions up to the narrow scale-leaves which
subtend the flowers. There is closely allied
white species known as albus, but it is rather
smaller growing and is not as highly scented.

92

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Febrttar* 21, 1920.

EDITORIAL NOTICE.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the
PUBLISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, w.C

Editors and Publisher. — Our corretpondenta would
obviate delay in obtaining answers to their com-
munications, and save ut much time and trouble, if
they would kindly observe the notice printed weekly
to the effect that all letters relating to financial
matters and to advertisements should be addressed
to the Publisher ; and that all communications
intended for publication or referring to the Literary
department, and all plants to be named, should be
directed to the Editors. The two departments
Publishing and Editorial, are distinct, and much
unnecessary delay and confusion arise when letters
are misdirected.

Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editors
do not undertake to pay for any contributions or
illustrations, or to return unused communications
or illustrations unless by special arrangement. The
Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any
opin ions expressed by their correspondents.

Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by
sending to the Editors early intelligence of local
events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of
any matters which it is desirable to bring under
the notice of horticulturists.
setters for Publication, as well as s-pecimens of
plants for naming, should be addressed to thS
EDITORS, 41, Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, London. Communications should be

WRITTEN ON ONE SIDE ONLY OF THE PAPER, sent as

early in the week as possible, and duly signed by
the writer. If desired, the signature will not be
printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith.
Illustrations— The Editors will be glad to receive
and to select photographs or drawings suitable for
reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable flowers,
trees, etc., but they cannot be responsible for loss
or injury.

THE MARKET FRUIT GARDEN.

UP to the time of writing the winter has been
remarkably mild. During January there
"was only one really cold day, when the
ground remained hard with frost. It was a
month of wild, changeable weather, very high
winds being experienced from the 11th to the
13t'h inclusive. The rainfall was very heavy, the
total for the month being 3.83 inches, which fell
on twenty days. This is much above the average,
I hough fortunately drier than January of last
year, when 5.28 inches were recorded. There is
plenty of time yet for a cold spell, and it would
no doubt do good service by checking the too
forward development of vegetation.

Winter Injury to Fruit Trees.

I suppose we never have winters hard enough
in this country to cause serious injury to orchard
trees. Here in the South I have seen damage
done in only one winter, when the bark of
numbers of Apple trees were split by frost from
top to bottom of the stems. This is caused by
a sudden fall in temperature, and is most likely
to occur in a sunny position and with strong-
growing trees. Possibly northern gardeners could
tell of other forms of injury from frost. Some
of our overseas competitors have much more to
contend with in this respect. A bulletin issued
by the Ontario Department of Agriculture men-
tions nine distinct forms of winter injury which
have been noticed in that country. These are
described as follow : — (1) Root-killing ; (2)
killing of bark at the crown or collar ; (3) bark-
splitting (without killing) ; (4) bark-killing on
trunk and branches ; (5) sunscald ; (6) bark-
killing in crotches of main limbs ; (7) killing bark
of branches ; (8) killing of fruit buds and spurs ;
(9) black-heart. Sunscald is a. type of damage
caused by repeated freezing and thawing in
sunny positions. The other forms of injury are
sufficiently described by their names. Most of
them are said to be worst on strong-growing
trees.

In this country orchard trees suffer more from
excessive wet in winter than from cold. If
there is a water-logged spot in a plantation, the
trees there never thrive. In some cases the

roota die back until the trees lose their hold on
the soil and are easily pushed or blown over.
Apples trees with their roots in wet soil are also
very liable to canker. The importance of drain-
ing land that is to be planted with fruit trees
can hardly be over-estimated. The inspection
and repair of drains should also be an annual
task, as they frequently become blocked with
roots, particularly where Black Currants are
grown and where the drains pass through hedges
or shelter belts.

Stored Apples.
Considering the mild weather, Apples have
kept well this winter. Up to the end of January,
however, they certainly had not paid for storing,
since they were selling at prices no higher than
those ruling when they were put away foi storing
in October and November. Indeed, the prices
for these late fruits were not really so good. 1
marketed a few sound fruits of Lane's Prince
Albert in January, and they realised 7s. per
bushel, which is the same price I made for slightly-
damaged fruit picked out as unfit for storing in
October. So far, then, storage has been done
at a loss this winter, as it involves a lot of work
and a certain amount of wastage. There is,
however, nothing very unusual in the situation.
Storing seldom pays unless the fruit can be kept
until February, when imported Apples become
scarcer. It is doubtful, though, whether they
will rise much this year, because the sugar
shortage tells so much against the sale uf culinary
varieties. I congratulate myself on not having
kept a large quantity of Apples. It is pleasant
to have some put away to bring in a return
during the early months of the year ; otherwise
the fruit-grower does nothing but pay out for
about seven months out of the twelve.

To

Apple Baumann's Reinette.
considerable extent I agree with

0. T. Ampthill (p. 316) as to the merits of this
Apple for market culture. In colour, freedom of
cropping and habit of growth it is all that can he
desired ; and fruits are still in excellent con-
dition at the time of writing. I cannot, however,
agree as to its good flavour. With me it is very
poor in this respect. This variety is evidently
being grown to an increasing extent for sale, as
it has appeared regularly in lists of market prices
tlris winter ; but unfortunately, many growers
spoil its chance of gaining favour with the public
by selling as early as November, when it has no
flavour at all. In January it was quoted at 4s.
to 6s. 6d. per half-bushel in London, which shows
that it is not very highly appreciated so far.

Winter Spraying.

Since the opening of the year there has been
no weather suitable for winter spraying, but the
work will be done now on the first opportunity.
The wash to be used is composed of the follow-
ing ingredients : — Copper sulphate, 4 lbs. ;
caustic soda, 8 to 10 lbs. ; water, 40 gallons.
Both chemicals should be of 98 per cent, purity,
and in powder form to facilitate solution. It
is very important to dissolve the copper sulphate
first, and then add the caustic soda ; otherwise
the fungicidal properties of the former will be
destroyed. The larger amount of caustic soda is
required only where there is American blight to
contend with.

This wash was tried on a small scale last
winter with satisfaction, though the season being
so free from fungous diseases, did not give it a
chance to show its value as a fungicide. The
caustic soda certainly cleans the trees perfectly
and does a good deal towards clearing them of
American blight, if used forcibly and copiously.
The addition of copper sulphate makes the wash

a fungicide. Opinions differ as to whether this
is an advantage in a winter wash, but, as it does
not add much to the expense, it is just as well
to give it the benefit of the doubt. Personally
I think that a winter fungicide does help to keep
the trees free of certain diseases, though I have
no actual proof to offer. Many growers are firmly
convinced of the value of lime-sulphur wash in
this respect. Lime-sulphur has commonly been
the winter wash used by me, but neglect
of winter spraying during the years of war has
left the trees so heavily coated with moss that
something more drastic is needed for a change.
Moreover, lime-sulphur, which used to be the
cheapest of washes, has now become very dear.

Stunted Trees.
Last summer's drought was very unfortunate
for a new orchard of Apple trees planted in the
previous winter. Most of the trees made very
little headway, and some of them did little more
than form fruit buds. In pruning them recently
it was found necessary to cut them back very
hard to find suitable wood buds, some of them
to mere stumps. It is hoped that this severe
tieatment, together with a generous dressing of
farmyard manure, will give the trees a start.
This is probably a case in which it would have
been better to delay the first pruning till a year
after planting, a plan which is becoming in-
creasingly popular with market growers. Market
Grower.

LOW PRICES FOR HOME-GROWN FRUIT.

Attention is drawn in Gard. Chron., January
31, p. 47, to the conclusions arrived at in a
report by the Ministry of Agriculture on the un-
satisfactory prices realised for British-grown
fruit, and the poor returns are attributed to
neglect in the grading and packing of the fruit.
Whilst admitting this to be the most essential
factor, there are others equally important
which can be best dealt with under
separate headings. 1. Planting the best market
sorts. Old neglected trees, frequently of second
rate varieties, should be grubbed up and the
ground planted afresh with young trees, limiting
the number of varieties grown. 2. Adequate
pruning and thinning of the trees. Without this
very necessary work abundant crops of first-
grade fruits cannot be expected. 3. Careful
picking, and adequate storage accommodation.
Damage to the trees and bruising of the fruit
result from careless work in this respect, and,
if suitable storage is lacking, the later sorts caru-
not be placed on the market to the best
advantage. 4. Marketing the produce. When
very large quantities are giown, it is not
always possible to dispose of the crop in a town
within easy reach of the orchards, but when this
can be done the fruit is, or should be, delivered
in better condition than after two railway
journeys, and loading and unloading in the
wholesale market. Both grower and shopkeeper
benefit in not having to pay railway rates and
salesmen's commission. An alternative to this
is to have numerous small provincial distributing
centres, instead of a few, as at present, in big
cities.

Our orchards are not very extensive, but it
will explain the subject a little more in detail
if it is stated that we have an arrangement with
a high-class fruiterer, and a greengrocer in a
town near by. Bi-weekly deliveries are usual
throughout the season, the former taking
generally the best quality fruit. The greengrocer
refuses to deal in foreign Apples so long as
good quality English fruits are available. Prices
throughout have been very satisfactory. The
best paying sorts we grow are Cox's Orange
Pippin, Ribston Pippin, King of the Pippins,
Worcester Pearmain, Blenheim Pippin, Barnack
Beauty, Lord Grosvenor, Eckhnville Seedling,
Stirling Castle. Lord Derby, Bismarck. Lane's
Prince Albert, Bramley's Seedling, Newton
Wonder and Dumelow's Seedling (Wellington).

0. s.

February 21, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

93

PACKING AND GRADING APPLES FOR,
MARKET.

The conclusions arrived at in the paragraph
on p. 47, on the causes of low prices for home-
grown Apples, are fully borne out by my ex-
perience here during the past season. Prices in
the Dublin market have shown a most marked
disparity between graded and well-packed fruit
and that forwarded in a loosely-packed state and
ungraded. The superiority of the 40 lbs. case,
or bushel box, over the ordinary salesman's
empties has also been amply demonstrated.

The majority of the Apples forwarded to
Dublin from this district are packed in Spanish
Grape kegs supplied by the market salesmen.
These are filled to the brim and are covered with
a sheet of paper, over which a straw rope is
coiled round and round from the outer rim of
the keg to the centre, thus forming a lid which
is kept in position by cords crossed over the top.
These kegs hold from 4 to 5 stones weight of
Apples, and are thus of one-half tie capacity of
the American barrel, which is also largely used
here. Both these packages possess the merit of
being easily and quickly filled — a consideration
when many tons of fruit have to be dealt with.
I find, however, that the extra time and trouble
which the use of the bushel box entails is fully
repaid .by the enhanced price commanded. In
one or two instances where, for experiment, I
have sent practically the same quality of fruit to
the same day's market, hi both kegs and boxes,
that in the boxes fetched nearly double the price
of that in kegs.

The boxes we use are home-made, from home-
grown timber, cut into the correct size at the
estate saw-mill, and the boxes are made by the
staff on wet days. They are, in theory, of
course, non-returnable, but in practice here they
are either returned by the salesmen, or other
boxes or credit for their value given instead,
so that there is no loss on them.

The boxes are lined with paper, a thin layer
of hay being placed in the 'bottom and also im-
mediately under the lid, which is nailed down.
The small cushion of hay at bottom and top holds
the fruit in position without the bruising con-
sequent on the "bulge " of the over-filled box, as
seen in the majority of imported samples. In
this connection it must be remembered that
Apples grown and ripened in sunnier and drier
countries are of a drier and firmer texture than
those produced in these islands, and especially
in our damp Irish climate. The former are
therefore less liable to bruise badly, or to rot as
a consequence of bruising. But apart from giving
the bulge to the boxes, we pack the Apples as
tightly as they can be wedged in without bruis-
ing them.

Apples packed in the manner described above
have been sent to various parts of England and
Scotland, and have invariably elicited expressions
of satisfaction and surprise at their perfect con-
dition on arrival.

With regard to grading, we commence to do
this at picking time, when the pickers are in-
structed to send only sound, clean and well-
formed fruit to the fruit-room, and to throw all
pecked, spotted, or malformed Apples under the
trees. These latter are not wasted, but, together
with all windfalls, are gathered into sacks once
a week during the picking season and are divided
again into two qualities, the better of which goes
to the pulping factory for jam, and the other to
the cider mill. There is thus no waste of fruit,
time or 6pace in storing inferior produce.

In conclusion, experience suggests that the
chief reason for the low prices complained of in
regard to home-grown Apples, as compiii'ed with
imported, arises from the fact that the flooding
of the market with inferior produce in seasons
of plenty has given the home fruit a bad name,
and that only by following the most approved
methods of grading and packing, and by consign-
ing "windfalls " and "sorumps " to their proper
destination, viz., the pulping factory, can this
reputation be redeemed. When this happens, the
superiority of the home-grown "Cox " or "Blen-
heim " over the flavourless varieties imported
from abroad may be trusted to do the rest.
T. B. Tomalin, Bessborough Gardens, Co. Kil-
kenny.

FRUIT REGISTER.

APPLE TYTHBY'S SEEDLING.

The handsome new Apple illustrated in Fig.
38, named Tythby's Seedling, was one of three
seedling sorts submitted to the R.H.S. Fruit
and Vegetable Committee for Award by Messrs.
Chivers, at the meeting of the Society on Novem-
ber 18, 1919. In accordance with the rules
governing the granting of awards to new Apples,
Pears, and similar fruits submitted at R.H.S.
meetings, the tree has first to be inspected as
to the habit of growth, freedom of cropping and

described in Gard. Chron., December 13, 1919,
Fig. 143, and Histon Favourite, a variety largely
grown in the Histon district for market.

APPLE RADFORD BEAUTY.

Apple Radford Beauty is one of our
best, late dessert varieties, as you will be
able to judge from the specimens I send
herewith. The tree is vigorous, grows well, is
free from canker, hardy, and in most years bears
a good crop that requires to be thinned. The
fruits are of medium size, bright-coloured, and
good shape, thick, and the fruit will keep well
into April. Dr. Hogg, in his Fruit Manual,

Fig. 38. — apple tythby's seedling.

general healthy appearance, before au award is
granted, unless these particulars are forthcoming
from a reliable source at the time. In these cir-
cumstances the variety was not granted an
awaixl but the Committee was so impressed
with the value of this new variety, and especially
as a market sort, a provisional Award of Merit
was conferred and, doubtless, the full award will
be made after the tree has been inspected this
coming season.. In out notes made at the time
of exhibiting, we find the fruit described as
" large, very handsome in appearance, regular in
outline; eye closed and set in a regular, shallow
basin ; stalk I, inch long ; colour warm yellow
flushed with crimson ; flesh of good flavour."

It is noteworthy that all the three seedling
Apples submitted on the occasion by Messrs.
Chivers, possessed high merit, the others being
Histon Cropper, which was ilhistaated and

describes the fruits as of medium size, dark red,
streaked with bright crimson on the sunny side,
greenish yellow on the shaded side, stalk deeply
set, flesh crisp, juicy, sweet and of good flavour.
He considered it to be a Nottinghamshire Apple,
with no record of parentage or date of intro-
duction. A. B. Wadds, Englefitld Gardens,
Beading.

[The specimens received from Mi'. A. B. Wadds
were of excellent dessert size and of handsome
appearance. A bright crimson flush spreads over
two-thirds of the surface, with streaks of a
deeper shade. The fruits were in splendid con-
dition, firm1 and without the slightest sign of
shrivelling, whilst the flesh was crisp and juicy
and the flavour first-rate for the time of year.
If trees of this Apple will grow ami crop freelj
iu most districts, the variety is certainly worthy
of extended cultivation. — EDS. I

94

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[February 21, 1920.

MODEL ALLOTMENTS.

With a view to giving some lead to the
authorities responsible for horticultural educa-
tion in England and Wales, the Horticultural
Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and
Fisheries has drawn up a comprehensive scheme
of fruit and vegetable demonstration plots which
might be carried into effect at Agricultural
institutes and colleges, schools, county experi-
mental stations or allotment areas with such
modifications as may be necessary in different
soils and climatic conditions.

So far, numerous horticultural and education
authorities have made an enterprising and pro-
mising start, and it is hoped that eventually
every responsible authority will take up the
work, as closely in line with the scheme as the
special requirements and industries of their
districts will allow. By these means there will be
some hope of getting information which is com-
parable all over the country with regard to
varieties of fruit and vegetables cultivatable
under the scope of commercial and domestic
horticulture. Although the demand for allot-
ments has to some extent died down the
importance of the movement from a hygienic
and economic point of view is still pressing, and
there are well defined indications that the
movement has come to stay. The Ministry of
Agriculture is most sympathetic towards the
movement. It is also anxious that education
authorities should expand allotment areas and
assist allotment holders to obtain the best expert
advice to enable them to raise the standard and
variety of crops. Ocular demonstration by means
of model allotments and experimental plots are
recommended. When the Allied Press, headed
by the Daily Mail, approached the Ministry
for advice it was suggested that a model
allotment might be shown in connection with the
tamou! Ideal Homes Exhibition, now in progress
at Olympia. The Horticultural Division thought
an allotment should be shown in the condition
in which it should appear at the present time
(February) with regard to soil working
manuring and cropping. Those responsible for
the management, after obtaining a complete
codv of the model allotment scheme, approached
Messrs. Sutton and Sons, Reading. This firm,
with their usual enterprise and enthusiasm to
help forward any scheme of horticultural educa-
tion, went one better than anything which had
been suggested and offered to produce the whole
allotment cropped, as it might be expected to
appear in June. Although only five weeks were
available from the date of this promise " The
Ideal Vegetable Garden," as it has been styled,
became an accomplished fact.

The entire allotment is surrounded by a low
brick wall with a narrow strip of grass raised
luring the five weeks. All the crops, fresh and
growing, include Potato*;, earthed up ; Leeks
and Celery, in trenches ; early Peas, approaching
the blooming period; Runner Beans, starting to
climb ; Onions, Beets, Carrots, Parsnips,
Turnips, Marrow and Shallots, all several inches
high, while certain crops are ready for gather-
ing, such as Rhubarb, Spring Cabbage and
Lettuce.

The allotment is divided into three distinct
sections and the cropping is arranged so that
one section is available every season for deep
cultivation and green manuring. A large plan is
posted up alongside the plot and a three-year
rotation is indicated, while successional and
winter cropping is shown, as well as summer
and autumn cropping, where the district will
admit of such crops maturing.

The catalogue of the Ideal Home Exhibition
contains a plan and information on the original
breaking up of allotment ground a9 well as notes
on green manuring, Mustard being recommended
for August sowing and Rye as a winter crop to
be sown in September and dug into the soil at
the end of March. In this way the supply of
organic matter may be replaced in the absence of
the littery material contained in ordinary
manure. It would appear that the only safety
for tlie allotment holder who is dealing with new
soil short nf humus is to adopt a system of

green cropping for the purpose of digging it into
the soil. The necessity of lime is also emphasised
and an average dressing at the rate of 12 lbs. to
14 lbs. per rod is recommended when the land is
first broken up unless there is a sufficiency of this
substance in the soil.

In close proximity to the model allotment is
another educational exhibit consisting of fruit
trees and 'fruit bushes, pruned and unpruned.
Many amateurs are ignorant of the proper
system of pruning a maiden bush Apple tree at
the time of planting and during the succeeding
years of its growth. Bush Apple trees on the
Paradise stock are shown as they usually appear
when purchased from the nursery and during
second, third and fourth years of their growth.
In each case the pruned and unpruned specimen
is shown. In addition to this information the
novice is shown a neglected bush Apple tree nine
years of age, while along side with a similar tree,
renovated by judicious thinning out of the
branches and pruning of the laterals so as to
bring it into a profitable fruit-bearing condition.

Small fruits are represented, by two-year-old
Gooseberry, Black and Red Currant bushes,
illustrating the method of cutting down after
planting. A neglected Gooseberry and Black
Currant bush are also shown, with a similar bush
pruned systematically. Modern types of cordon
Gooseberries and Red Currants are also shown,
pruned and unpruned. The formation of a half
standard is also shown by a one-year-old pruned
and unpruned specimen. The trees and bushes
are labelled in bold type so that even "he who
runs may read," and' they cannot fail to be a
source of enlightenment to cottagers and villa
gardeners who have little knowledge of the art
of pruning. G. P. B.

VEGETABLE CULTIVATION IN
MACEDONIA.

Whilst in Macedonia with the Army I was
for three years in charge of the 28th Divisional
Farm at Paprat. Owing to military exigencies,
the district chosen was not ideal for crops in
Macedonia. The village of Paprat is situated
high upon the range of hills south of the Struma
Plain, and the unevenness of the land made the
task of cultivation a very hard one. The district
is split with myriads of ravines, some consider-
ably steep and treacherous of solid rock, whilst
others slope gradually and are studded with
Oak and tangled undergrowth. It is a wild
and desolate place in winter but wonderful in
spring with a rich and gay profusion of flowers
and shrubs, some worthy of 'cultivation in
English gardens. The scenery itself is all that
could be desired.

It is remarkable how trees and shrubs in such
rocky surroundings gain sufficient moisture to
withstand the severe drought of summer, whilst
practically everything on the lower slopes and
plains are baked brown and burns towards the
autumn, when only blackened stumps are left
to tell the tale. As might be expected in such
a locality, the soil is very shallow and
of poor quality, the sub-soil being of gravel.
In general the soil is light and sandy and only
in a few instances is ground of a heavier medium
and of greater depth met "with. The average
depth is about two feet upon the ridge of hills,
whilst along the wide valleys six feet or more
is accessible for root crops and on this latter
ground water is easily obtained during the hot
summer. The methods of cultivation adopted
generally by the natives are practically identical
with those of Biblical times. The primitive
plough drawn by oxen is still in existence and
this only breaks the surface of the soil to a
sufficient depth for sowing. Thus the land is of
a semi-virgin nature.

Although gTeatly in need of animal manures,
the ground is rich in minerals. The greater
part of the surface is composed of a silvery
substance (mica) which is responsible for bind-
ing the soil after heavy rains. As is common in
all tropical climates the rainfall at times is
tremendous. Even with an ordinary rainfall in
Macedonia the earth dries rapidly and forms a
very hard crust, which is detrimental to orops.

The total absence of lime is a serious defect.
By careful cultivation, it would take a few years
to bring the soil to a high state of fertility,
but the prospects are, nevertheless, great.

During the period I was employed in culti-
vating the land, the prospect of enriching it was
very remote, owing to lack of transport. Natural
manure was plentiful, but in so difficult a
country, where transport was impossible on
account of the absence of roads, an exceptional
opportunity to enrich the ground was lost.

Climatic Conditions.

Climatic conditions in Macedonia are of great
concern to the cultivator, and the weather
experienced during the seasons of 1917 and 1918,
were contrary to each other.

The weather in the early months of 1917 was
very severe and cold, followed by torrential
rains so familiar to this climate. Valuable time
was lost by these adverse conditions and the
crops were late, with the result that many
had a hard struggle to withstand the hot
summer months without dew or rain. In a few
cases the crops failed entirely, but the larger
proportion recovered later in the year and
resulted in fair yields. The vitality of the
plants was remarkable in such conditions.
Broad Beans, Onions and Turnips failed, but
Beet, Carrots and French Beans gave splendid
returns.

Weather conditions during the early months
of 1918 were quite the reverse, and were favour-
able for agricultural work. The soil was in a
friable and perfect condition for the sowing of
early crops. At the end of March, however,
heavy snowstorms and frosts prevailed until
mid-April, and at one time three feet of snow
lay on the gTound and was very slow in dis-
appearing. This caused us great concern and
anxiety for the young crops, but besides a fairly
bad check, little or no damage was done.
Parsnips and Onions showed signs of injury, but
not such as to need replanting.

Comparing these two seasons, 1918 was the
more favourable to vegetables, especially during
the early months. The drought also commenced
earlier by six weeks, and was of longer duration.

This was felt more by the crops in open fields,
as water could not be obtained. The only crop
to fail was Beans of all varieties.

Thus, successful cultivation in this country is
more dependable on suitable climatic conditions
probably more than any other country. Weather
conditions are peculiar to study and sucKlen
changes occur without warning. Thunderstorms
have actually hovered overhead and passed off
without a single drop of rain. This may be
due to the high hills diverting the electrified
currents of air.

Irrigation.

The greatest need of vegetables in Macedonia
is moisture throughout the summer, and irriga-
tion by natural means or otherwise is necessary.
It is essential to such crops as Brassicas,
Marrows, Melons and all types of Beans. The
amount of land to be watered entirely depends
upon the water-supply, as it must be constant
and plentiful. The average well or fountain in
the Paprat district was sufficient for three acres
to be watered once a week. Where power is
used to raise the water, any part of the country
may be irrigated, but in this case the water-
supply would be insufficient. Thus only a
small area can be successfully irrigated. ,

Given an ordinary spring rainfall, irrigation
is not necessary until the end of May, or even
a little later, but when once started watering
must be continued regularly. By means of
natural irrigation all vegetables grown in the
British Isles may be grown equally as success-
fully in Macedonia.

The method of cultivation adopted was ridg-
ing the land in the usual way and planting the
crops midway on the sides facing north and
allowing a free passage of water along the
furrows. Water must not be allowed to stand
in the furrows for more than a few hours, as
mosquitos would breed in it, and this pest is
responsible for the spread of that dreaded
sickness, malaria. IF. *S*. White, Bronh< ndre
Gardens, Carnarvon.

{To be concluded.)

February 21, 1920. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

95

LEGACIES OF AN UNTOWARD SEASON.

One of the most marked effects of the past
season was the failure of mid-season and late
varieties of decorative Chrysanthemums, except-
ing such as were grown in pots and had all their
needs supplied, i have already stated that Roi
des Blancs did splendidly with me, but the
plants of this variety were kept well watered
and well fed. As one cannot water everything
in such a dry summer as that of 1919, the bulk
of the other varieties had to take their chance.
Those of the "Masse" family and other earlies,
having formed their buds before they experienced
the etiects of the drought, did fairly well, but
those which came later, although they made
good, sturdy growth and appeared satis-
lactory, were a great disappointment.
Flower buds developed, but they evidently
did not become properly matUTed, and
they were later in expanding than usual.
Then came die early frost which induced the
grower, instead of leaving them out as usual until
the first or second weeK in October, to house
the plants earlier, and although they were well
soaked and retained good balls, of earth Jiey
were never satisfactory. A portion of that
valued old variety, Source d'Or, which generally
flowers well in this district, outside, instead of
showing its beautiful fiery, orange-bronze shades,
produced only dirty, nondescript colours. This
applied to lifted plants as well as to those which
remained outside, and were sheltered. Almirante
was not much better, and did not show its usual
lively colouring. Some singles, amongst whioh
was Dorothy, a gem amongst pink sorts, refused
to open their flowers.

I have noticed before, that when plants of
certain varieties are lifted before the buds reach
a certain stage of development, the latter go
blind, hence I always prefer leaving them in the
ground for as long as it is safe. Had I left these
there I might have applied the house-room to
a better purpose. I do not grow late varieties,
hut judging from the prices flowers realised, 1
am inclined to think these did not fare any
better. These experiences teach us that in a
season like the past, it is of no use attempting
to grow these plants unless we can supply them
with water.

When the trouble of drought was over, there
remained greater to come. The early frostreaohed
the inside of fruit houses and, excepting where
there was more than the usual amount of fire
heat maintained, the frost killed the leaves before
they had finished their work. Vine leaves
especially were so affected that they clung to the
stems, and were only removed at pruning time.
Growths which had not been kept well pinched
back to the original eight or nine primary leaves
suffered the most. I noticed in some cases that,
although the Grapes remained fairly plump, the
berry stems shrivelled, and manv of the berries
fell off.

I remember the same thing happening in the
great Conservatory at Chiswick, during the early
sixties, and the crop the following year was not
up to the usual standard. I think it would be
advisable to allow vines which have suffered
in this way to start into growth naturally and
very gradually.

In a less degree a similar thing has happened
in some unheated Peach houses, and the mild
weather we have lately experienced adds to the
mischief, for the bloom buds are swelling fast
and I am afraid many of them are not fully
developed.

Outdoor trained fruit trees, too, which
were pruned late in the summer, are not
in a satisfactory condition, and the present mild
weather does not lead us to expect such a harvest
of fruit as we had last year.

Fruit trees of all kinds are in a very forward
condition and in some the flower buds are on
the point of bursting. This will necessitate
protecting the blossoms should frost occur when
they are expanded.

The lesson emphasises the desirability of early
stopping and continual prevention of all exten-
sion of growth on restricted trees after mid-
summer. But even this will not counteract the
effects of April weather in January and
February. Win. Taylor,

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

[The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for
the opinions expressed by correspondents.]

Birds and Fruit Buds. — It has been stated that
damage to fruit buds by birds is often done in
February ; here it is done in November. The
birds (sparrows) do not wait until cold weather
but strip the Currant bushes as soon as the buds
swell up, which they do in November. F. Boyes,
Beverley, Yorkshire.

Low Prices for Home Grown Apples. — 1 con-
sider the slow sale and low prices for English
Apples is not due to the imperfect grading of
the fruits but to the lack of sugar. The small
allowance of 6 oz. each person is in-
sufficient to permit any to be used for
baked Apples and few persons can eat Apple
pie without sugar. Not only did the rationing of
sugar stop the sale of Apples, but most soft
fruits such as Damsons. My orders for these
were all cancelled, with the result that the fruits
were allowed to hang on the trees until the birds
ate them. So much for fruit production !
F. Boyes, Beverley.

Winter Moth and Grease Banding. — Marvel
Grower {p. 28) mentions the fact that very few
specimens of the Winter Moth have been caught
on grease-bands this winter, although nine acres
have been protected in this way. Here we ex-
perienced a very bad attack of Caterpillar last
spring and, ifearing a repetition this season, I had
all the orchard trees grease-banded early in
October. On one band, selected at random, I
counted 51 females of the Winter Moth (Cheima-

growth commences
James O'Brien.

they resist disease.

Fig. 39. — winter moth (cheimatobia brumata).

tobia brumata). All the bands are covered with
males of the same species. In this orchard the
ground between the rows of trees was cropped
with Potatos last season, but owing to shortage
of labour for hoeing, the rows in which the trees
stand, about eight feet wide, became overgrown
with weeds after the spring ploughing, and
remained so all summer. In two adjacent
orchards, in which I was able to keep the whole
of the ground hoed and cultivated, there is
scarcely a Winter Moth to be seen on the bands.
This experience provides an additional argument
in favour of cultivation versus grass for land
under fruit trees, as there is no doubt that hun-
dreds of chrysalides are turned up by the
operation of hoeing, and are devoured by birds,
wliilst doubtless hundreds more are scratched or
pecked up by these feathered friends, where the
ground is kept clean and sufficiently loose for
them to operate. T.E.S., Bessborough.

Carnation Stem Rot — In regard to the col-
lapse of Carnations by what is called Stem Rot,
referred to in the Gard. Chron., January 24,
p. 36, I may state that from careful observa-
tion, extending over many years in this
country, I consider that deep potting,
with the soil too high up the base
of the stem, and deep planting, especially
in some soils, are the main causes of the collapse
of the plants. Whether it be Carnations or
forest or pleasure ground trees, as indicated by
Mr. A. D. Webster in the same issue (p. 37), the
result of covering up the stem ends in the same
way, although strong-growing subjects resist the
treatment longer than the more frail plants.
Careless top-dressing with artificial manure, un-
mixed with a proportion of potting soil, and
allowed to surround the stem of the plant,
is another cause of decay in Carnations and
other florists' flowers. Being kept too warm
and moist in winter predisposes the plants to
harm from errors in potting, watering and feed-
ing, whereas when grown cool until active

With reference to the report of the Ameri-
can trials (see Gard. Chron., p. 36) connected
with Stem rot in Carnations, I should like to
point out that however much the temperature
suggested may tuit American cultivation, 62° is
quite a wrong temperature in winter for this
country ; indeed, it is wrong by 10° or 12°, as
would soon be discovered by anyone attempting
to grow the plants under such conditions. Stem
rot is generally brought about by the simple
mistake of planting or potting too deeply, and
warm, moist conditions would, in my opinion
only tend to increase it. Laurence J. Coot
Bush Hill Park.

The Gardener's Education and Training (see
page 42).— I was very interested in reading the
timely remarks of Mr. Martin on the gardener's
education and training. I think all gardeners
will agree with me that the wages now paid
in the majority of gardens are much too low.
Mr. Martin mentions the need of a knowledge
of botany and English grammar; but how often
do we come in contact with young gardeners
who have not the slightest knowledge of botany
and no idea of sitting for the Royal Horti-
cultural Society's examination! It is true that
in many parts of the country young men cannot
get in touch with night schools. If employers
would offer better wages, the gardening profes-
sion would be raised to a higher level of
efficiency, young men would give greater satis-
faction to head gardeners, and employers would
reap the benefits. Unless something is done in
this direction in the near future, gardeners
cannot be expected to possess the efficiency of
those of the past. J. Harrison.

T1 wdsh to congratulate Mr. B. W.

Martin on his fine article entitled " The
Gardeners' Education and Training," which
appeared in your issue dated Jan. 24
(see p. 42), and would strongly appeal to the
powers that be to make scientific gardening
sufficiently attractive to ambitious young men.
The lack of education, technically, is appalliii"
in the gardening world. The societies affiliated
to the R.H.S. should reconstruct themselves and
assist young gardeners in the persuance of
technical education. A practical gardener is not
he who can use a spade and scuffle only, but he
who has both practical and technical knowledge
1 oung Gardener, Stockport.

Inside Vine Borders.— In your issue of Febru-
ary 13th, 1897 (p. 113), in answer to Ciccsterian

1 advocated narrow, shallow inside borders for
Grapes ripening at all seasons. With twenty-
three years more practice I would still advise
raised, narrow, shallow inside borders; the
bottom of the border level with the doorstep or
ground level, 2 feet 6 inches deep, with 6 inches
of drainage material to carry off the water and
keep the soil well aerated ; a width of 5 feet is
ample for onany years. The first-prize " Muscat
of Alexandria " Grapes at Shrewsbury, in 1889,
were produced on vines 14 years old which were
growing in an inside border 4^ feet, wide and

2 feet 4 inches deep. Grapes from these vines
also won the second prize in 1896 at the «rae
place. At the next Shrewsbury show the win-
ning Grapes, " Muscat of Alexandria," were cut
from young vines 17 months old (from eyes or
buds) grown on an inside border 3 feet wide and
1 foot 9 inches of soil, with 6 inches of drainage,
but I have no further record of those remark
able vines. It is now generally recognised that
large, deep, outside borders are a costly mistake;
and ithat good exhibition Grapes can be produced
oyer a longer period from warm, inside borders
with the roots under control. John Bales,
Meaford Gardens, Stone.

Spade versus Plough for Potato Culture. — A
few years ago, when visiting the King's Acre
Nurseries lit Hereford, I saw a piece of ground
being cultivated for the planting of fruit trees,
and a subsoil plough was used to ensure deeper
cultivation. This was being drawn by certainly
three, perhaps four, horses and was turning in a
green crop : the plough appeared to be doing ex-
cellent work. It has occurred to me that where
the ground is suitably deep for the use of such

96

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[February 21, 1920.

an implement, it offers a means of cultivating
larger areas with the minimum of expense; and
if the same laws apply to farming as they do
to gardening, the value of deep cultivation
would more than repay itself, especially in a dry
season such as last, and, once completed, would
manifest itself for several successive years. I
merely relate this for what it is worth, and
possibly someone can give further particulars.
E. B., Fota.

In reply to my critics I may state that my

remarks were not aimed at the cultivator who
can produce 20 tons of Potatos to the acre.
Such cannot tie very plentiful if we are to credit
the official return of 5.7 tons per acre [for the
past year, and 6.6 tons for 1918. To produce
this low average, if the 20 tons per acre rs
reckoned in, there must be much land which
yields less than 5 tons. Therefore, the man who
cannot pToduce a better crop than this, even on
the poorest of land, ought not to be allowed to
ylay at cultivating. Our duty is to get as much
out of the land entrusted to us, as possible. 1
do not advise growing for the good of the com-
munity at a personal loss, but the difference
between 5 tons and 20 is so great that manual
labour, dear as it is, could probably be paid for
out of the difference. But when your correspondent
E., who I know is a good cultivator, speaks
of trenching land 3 feet deep, that is out of the
question, and the value oi such trenching is
much over-rated. One can never be repaid for
such work in these times of costly labour. There
is plenty of land which has never been moved
more than one spit deep, which produces the
maximum crop year after yeaT, but one must
have the top spit well cultivated. Surely there
ought to be no difficulty in inventing a revolving
grubber, worked by steam power, which will
move tlie soil to a depth of 10 or 12 inches, if
such an implement, is not already in existence.
There aire many other field crops besides Potatos
which might be doubled, if we could give up
merely scratching the surface and plastering it
at the same time. Win. Taylor.

Erythraea Centaurium (see p. 13). — The beauti-
ful photograph of Erythraea Centaurium repro-
duced in Fig 6, Gard. Chron., January 10, can
scarcely represent, I think, our native British
plant even in its most luxuriant state. I should
like to ask if it is not rather the variety or sub-
species E. gi-andiflora Biv., a native of the
Mediterranean region, Portugal, Spain, Italy,
Sicily and Algeria. I well recollect seeing the
plant in great beauty at Quillan (Department of
Aude) in August, 1903. This plant certainly
needs better knowing by rock-garden enthusiasts.
Another species of Erythraea mentioned by Mr.
Irving in the same note, the handsome Azorean
E Massonii Sweet (better known under the
names of E. scilloides Chaub., E. diffusa Woods,
and E. Portensis Hoffm. and Link) is not
confined to those distant islands; it grows in
Northern France, Spain, and Portgual, and has
recently been detected as a wild plant in Pem-
brokeshire (Jouni. Bot., 1918, 321). It is listed
occasionally in nurserymen's catalogues, but is
not grown so widely as its beauty deserves.
O. E. Salmon, Reigatc.

White Fly on Tomatos. — I have Professor
Lefroy's kind permission to send you the follow-
ing note for the benefit of Mr. Beckett and
others whose crops may suffer from attacks of
Snowy Fly. Professor Lefroy states':— "In 1919
I introduced White Fly, hoping to get them on
to my Tomato plants so that I could examine
them, but failed. On looking for the reason I
found the flies had all taken possession of some
dwarf French Beans which were growing in the
greenhouse. The remedy is simple ; grow dwarf
French Beans in pots among the Tomatos, and
when the Beans are infested, carry them away
and burn them." David Moyes, The Garden?,
Osterley Park, Zxleworth.

Importance of the Potato Crop. — By some in-
advertence your report of the paper read to
the Farmers' Club on the 2nd instant on " The
Importance of the Potito Crop," on p. 72,
states that this paper was read by myself; the
paper was prepared and read by my nephew,
Mr. Martin H. F. Sutton, J.P., 'E.L.S., a
member of the Advisory Committee on Potatos,

and late chairman of the Farmers' Club. It
may be interesting to your readers to know that
the first illustration of a Potato attacked by
the Wart Disease was in a paper which I
prepared for the Journal of the Royal Agri-
cultural Society, which -was published in
Volume IX., in 1898, but at that time the
disease had not been identified as Synchitrium
endobioticum, and it was supposed to he due to
another form of disease then becoming prevalent,
viz., " American Rust," or " Curl.' Arthur
W. Sutton.

GARDENERS' WAGES WHERE SURPLUS
PRODUCE IS SOLD.

On Jan. 22, the King's Bench Division
decided a point, arising under the Corn Pro-
duction Act, 1917, which is of very great interest
to horticulturists. An information had 'been
laid, on hehalf of the Agricultural Wages
Board set up under that Act, against Lady
Fairfax-Lucy, of Charlecote Park, Warwick-
shire, for failing to pay a workman, alleged to
be employed as " a workman in agriculture," at
a rate not less than the minimum wage fixed
under that Act. The justices dismissed the in-
formation on the ground that the gardens in
question were not market gardens within the
meaning of the Act of 1917, but stated a case
for the decision of the King's Bench Division.
Their decision is now reported under the name
of Bickerdike v. Fairfax-Lucy.

Lady Fairfax-Lucy is the owner and occupier
of Charlecote Park estate, and the fruit
and vegetable gardens and orchards attached to
the house cover some four acres. Lady Fair-
fax-Lucy and her family were supplied with
produce from the gardens, and the surplus pro-
duce was sold. On the average, about 50 per
cent of the whole produce grown was sold, and
the amount realised on the sales during the year
1919 was some £60.

Li these circumstances, a man named James
Beal was employed, among others, as a work-
man in the gardens. He was paid less than the
minimum rate of wages, which was payable to
workmen in agriculture, under the Orders of the
Agricultural Wages Board, made in pursuance
of the powers given by the Act of 1917. If the
gardens in question were market gardens within
the meaning of the Act, an offence had been
committed, so the question was simply whether
these gardens were "market gardens."

The Present Law.

In order to appreciate the position clearly, it
is necessary to set out the material parts of the
Act. Section 4, sub-section 1, is in these words:
" Any person "who employs a workman in
agriculture shall pay wages to the workman at
a rate not less than the 'minimum rate as fixed
under this Act and applicable to the case, and
if he fails to do so, shall be liable on summary
conviction in respect of each offence to a fine
not exceedng twenty pounds, and to a fine not
exceeding one pound for each day on which the
offence is continued after conviction therefor."

Then follows a saving clause in the case of
persons who did not know and could not reason-
ably have known the minimum rate to he paid,
a provision empowering the court to order pay-
ment of any sum due to the workman, and a
clause to prevent any " contracting out " of the
benefit of the Act.

In section 17, sub-section 1 (a), this definition
is given. " The expression ' agriculture ' in-
cludes the use of land. ... for market gardens
or nursery grounds, and the expression ' agri-
cultural ' shall be construed accordingly."

A workman, and the word includes boys,
women and girls, Who is employed in a " market
garden " is thus clearly withini the Act, and
must 'be paid the proper minimum wage accord-
ingly. But there is a further step necessary.
What is a " market garden?" There is a diffi-
culty here, for the Corn Production Act does
not contain any definition of this term. On this
point, the King's Bench Division held that the
definition contained in section 48 of the Agri-
cultural Holdings Act, 1908, could be resorted
to, for, though it is not always allowable to

use a definition of a term in one Act to explain
another Act with a wholly different purpose, yet
in this case, as the Lord Chiei Justice said, the
definition in the Agricultural Holdings Act best
expresses the meaning of - the Corn Production
Act. That definition runs: " A market gar-
den "is "a holding cultivated wholly or mainly
for the purpose of the trade or business of
market gardening." This definition Tather sug-
gests the famous definiton — Sidney Smith's, 1
believe — of an archdeacon as ' a person who
exercises archidiaconal functions,' but a little
reflection shows that it does carry the matter
a stage further.

The test now becomes the joint test, whether
(1) "a trade or business " is being carried on,
and (2) whether the holding is being carried on
" wholly or mainly for the purpose of this
trade or business."

As to whether " a trade or business" was
being carried on by Lady Fairfax-Lucy, the
court relied on the case of in re Wallis, ex parte
Sully (1885, 14 Q.B.D. 950). It is true that
there the question was whether a bankrupt was
carrying on " a trade or business " within the
meaning of the well-known " order and dis-
position," section 44 of the Bankruptcy Act,
1883. But the court considered that the case
was in point. There a city man, who occupied
a large residential property, a country mansion
with grounds, at a rent of £600 a year, fancied
himself as a gardener, farmer and stock-breeder.
In the main he carried on the place for his
own pleasure, but he certainly sold the surplus
produce, after supplying his household, at a
profit. It was held that he was not carrying
on "a trade or business" within the meaning
of the Bankruptcy Act of 1883. But the court
there considered that if he had abandoned his
primary intention, and had carried on his
operations, with a view to profit, as a meansof
livelihood, he would have been carrying on " a
trade or business."

A Sound Decision on Legal Grounds.
Applying these tests here, it is impossible to
resist the inference that the judgment in the
present case was right. It could hardly be
niantained that Lady Fairfax-Lucy was looking
to the sale of her surplus produce for a liveli-
hood. In these hard times it would have heen
a thin living for her. In fact, it can hardly be
suggested that she was carrying on a trade or
business at all. The decision seems to be
clearly right.
A Case for the Chamber of Horticulture.
But though, in the present state of the law,
a decision such as this is not open to objection,
that is no argument against altering the law.
This seems to be a suitable case for the Chamber
of Horticulture to take up. The reasons are
pretty clear. The object of the Corn Pro-
duction Act was to stimulate the production of
food at home, and at the same time. to secure
fair conditions of employment. If a private
person sells £60 worth of garden produce in a
year, that is effective competition with those
whose trade is to supply that food. If several
people, in the same conditions, in the same
locality, do the very same thing, the result
might be to supply a large part of the local
demand for garden produce at rates of wages,
with which the local market gardeners could not
compete. That is unfair for the market gar-
dener, and funfair to the employees of his
competitors. There seems no good ground for
withholding the benefits of the Act from all
those employed in gardens.

After all, the purpose is the production of
food. And, though such food may not be
wholly for outside sale, yet, in so far as it
relieves the demand for outside supplies, the
purposes of the Act are being carried out. It
would be no bad thing in the interests of every-
one engaged in horticulture if the Chamber
pressed for some amendment to this Act. That
could quite well take the form of extending the
act to workmen employed in horticulture as well
as agriculture, and defining these terms as in-
cluding the production of all forms of plant
life — microscopic plant life is not hinted at here
—and that whether for profit or pleasure or for
any purpose whatever. Naturally, the exact
words proposed would need careful consideration.
The service of the garden might just as well
be put on one single footing, once and for all.
C. A. J Bonner.

February 21, 1920. j

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

97

SOCIETIES.

HORTICULTURAL CLUB.

February 10. — The annual general meeting of
the Horticultural Club was held on the above date
in the Lecture Room of the Royal Horticultural
Hall, Vincent Square, Westiuiinsier. The Presi-
dent, Lord Lambourne, C.V.O., presided over
a small meeting. After the minutes 'if the
previous annual meeting had been read and con-
firmed, the Hon. Secretary, Mi-. G. F. Tinley,
read the report of the Executive Committee for
1919, of which the following are extracts.

Extracts from the Annual Report of the
Committee.

In pr^enfcinir the annual report for the year 1919, the
Committee have pleasure in stating: that, notwithstand-
ing the continued difficulties owinir to the abnormal
times, the membership of the Club remains practically
the same as in 1918. New headquarters have been
eeoured at the Royal Horticultural Hall, and there will
be opportunities provided for having the monthly
dinners and lectures in the lecture room attached.
Tho Committee has also arranged for members to
obtain luncheons and teas at the fortnightly meetings
of the Kcya-1 Horticultural Society.

The death of our beloved- President, Sir Frank Crisp,
Bart, on April 29th, 1919, has been a severe blow ;
he will always be remembered for the keen interest he
took in the 'Jlub, for his genial and kindly personality
and his unbounded hospitality.

The Committee is happy to announce that the Rt.
Hon. Lord Lambourne, C.V.O., has consented to fill
the vacant office of President in Sir Frank's place.

On Friday, July 25th the members visited) the R.H.S.
Gardens at Wisley, on the occasion of the annual outing.
The thanks of the dub are especially due to the
Direotor of Wisley, Mr. F. J. Chittenden, for the
facilities he placed at their disposal in viewing the
more interesting features and for arranging tea in.
the laboratory.

The accounts have been duly audited and passed,
and there is a satisfactory balance.

The adoption of the. report and balance sheet
was moved by the Chairman, without comment,
and earned unanimously. The Secretary an-
nounced that dinners and lectures had been
arranged in February, March, April and May.
On February 24 M. Jean Bintner, Ingenieur
Horticole, Luxembourg, would deliver a lecture
illustrated by lantern slides and specimens, on
"Silver Leaf Disease." He also referred to the
provision for luncheons on the days of the R.H.S.
meetings, and stated that the one held that day
had been a success.

The meeting next proceeded with the election
of officers. Lord Lambourne was Te-appointed
president ; Sir John T. D. Llewelyn, Bart. , hon.
vice-president ; and Sir Harry J. Veitch and
Mr. C. Shea were elected vice-presidents ; Sir
Harry J. Veitch was re-elected vice-chairman and
treasurer ; and Mr. G. F. Tinley, hon. secretary.
The auditors and trustees were also re-appointed.
The committee was re-elected en bloc with the
exception of Mr. G. Monro, Senr . who resigned,
and Mr. G. Monro, Junr. , was elected in his
father's stead.

L1NNEAN.

At the meeting held on February 5, a
paper entitled " On the Existence of Two
Fundamentally Different Types of Characters in
Organisms " was read by Dr. R. Ruggles Gates,
F.L.S.

Dr. Gates pointed out that the ex-
perimentalist point of view regarding evolution
resulting from the work in imitation and
Mendelism, is frankly antagonistic to the
views of palaeontologists, anatomists, and others
who deal with orthogenesis and the inheritance
of acquired characters. His object was to show
that while these two factors bear entirely different
relations to evolutionary changes, both are neces-
sary to account for evolution as it has taken
place.

The conclusion is reached that higher
organisms exhibit, two contrasted types of
characters, which differ fundamentally (1) in
their manner of origin; (2) in their relation., to
the structure of the organism; (3) in their .Ra-
tion to such phenomena as recapitulation, adapta-
tion and inheritance; (4) in their relation to
geographic distribution.

To the first category belong cell-characters,
which arise as mutations, are represented in
every cell of the individual, and are usually in-
herited as distinct entities. Since they arc borne
in the nuclei, it is proposed to call tnem-Jk&ryo-

genetio characters. To the second category
belong organismal characters, which anise
gradually through impact of the environment or
through orthogenetic changes, may modify only
localised portions of the life-cycle, and may not
be incorporated in the germ-plasm from the first.
They may imply an increase or, in the game-
top'hytes of plants, a shortening in length of the
life-cycle.

The development of organismal characters is
to be explained in connection with the principle
of recapitulation. Embryonic recapitulation has
arisen in connection with the adaptation of the
organism to a new set of conditions, and implies
the inheritance of acquired characters. Ortho-
genetic recapitulation, as in the juvenile plumage
of birds, implies a change which is germinal in
origin but added terminally to the life-cycle.

The antithetic alternation of generations in
plants, implying the gradual development of the
Lporophyte by its intercalation between two
gametophyte generations, is the same process as
the development of orthogenetic recapitulatory
characters. The homologous alternation in cer-
tain Algae has probably arisen through a sudden
change which is essentially mutational.

The cell theory of mutations leads to the con-
cept of the species cell. But there are definite
limitations to the cell theory of organic structure,
as pointed out by Sedgwick, Whitman, and
others. The facts of recapitulation also limit the
cell theory, for recapitulatory characters arise as
lengthenings or shortenings of the life-cycle, and
not through chromatic alterations present in
every nucleus.

The usual objections to the biogenetic law are
based on (1) dissimilarities in related eggs and
embiyos; (2) the fact that specific characters
often appear very early in the ontogeny. Botli
these situations are to be expected if mutations
occur in organisms which show recapitulation.
This affords a definite basis for contrasting (a)
karyogenic, nuclear, or mutational characters
with (4) organismal, recapitulatory, or ortho-
genetic characters.

UNITED HORTICULTURAL BENEFIT AND
PROVIDENT.

The monthly meeting of this Society was held
in the R.H.S Hall, on Monday, February 9, Mr.
Chas. H. Curtis presiding. Four new members
were elected. One member was allowed to with-
draw double amount of interest, viz., £4 2s. 4d.
Two members over the age of 70 years withdrew
from their deposit accounts sums amounting to
£5 18s. 10d., and one lapsed member with-
drew £43 16s. 2d. The death certificate of one
deceased member was received and the sum of
£1 4s. 6d. was passed for payment to his
nominee. The sick pay for the month on the
ordinary side amounted to £74 lis. 5d., and on
the State Section to £42 18s. 2d., and maternity
benefits to £13 10s. The committee is recom-
mending to the annual meeting a scheme for in-
creased sickness and funeral benefits.

The annual general meeting will be held in the
Royal Horticultural Hall on Monday, March 8,
at Y.45 p.m.

READING AND DISTRICT GARDENERS.

At the fortnightly meeting held in the Abbey
Hall on the 9th inst., Mr. F. Townsend presided
over an excellent attendance of members and
several members from the Newbury Gardeners'
Society. The subject for discussion was " Pro-
blems and Values of Propagation," and was in-
troduced by Mr. E. H. Jenkins, of Surbiton.
He dealt with heel-cuttings, the only suitable
ones from hollow-stemmed plants such as Del-
pliinium, Pyrethrum, Lathyrus and Lychnis ;
root-cuttings for plants such as Gaillardia,
Perennial Poppies, Phlox, Pelargonium and
Anchusa ; and leaf propagation, giving as
example, Begonia Gloire de Lorraine.

Mr. C. J. Howlf.tt, Earley Rise, was granted
an Award of Merit for a collection of Apples,
the fruits being of good colour and in sound
condition.

a society for the improvement of the wages and
conditions of gardeners. A strong committee,
with officials, was appointed, and the first meet-
ing of the new association will take place
shortly.

The Association is entirely non-political and
is formed with the object of takng some com-
mon form of action, which will safeguard the
special interests of professional gardeners, and
also provide a jneans of promoting friendly
relations between them and their employers. By
such means it is hoped that such matters as
wages may be discussed, as in these times when
remuneration is so low and necessities are so dear
many gardeners find it very difficult to make
both ends meet. The Secretary is Mr. F. Capp,
Nostell Priory Gardens, Wakefield.

CHESTER PAXTON.

The last of a series of interesting lectures
arranged by the Chester Paxton Society in the
interests of allotment holders and others, was
given in the Freemasons' Hall. Hunter Street, on
the 14th inst. Mr. R. T. Wickham, chairman
Oi the City Council Allotment and Small Hold-
ings Committee, presided. The lecturer was
Mr. N. F. Barnes, and his subject, "The Culti-
vation of Apples, Pears and Plums." Mr. Barnes
stated that the industry of fruit growing in this
country languished until, in the '80's, the Royal
Horticultural Society, impressed by the enormous
number of Apples imported into the country, re-
awakened interest in fruit growing. Britain
could produce hardy fruit as fine as that of any
ether country in the world, and there was
abundant evidence of a growing demand for
British fruit. Mr. Barnes' remarks were illus-
trated by lantern slides and specimen trees,
chiefly of Apples.

Mr. James Kennedy. — We have to record the
death of Mr. James Kennedy, retired nurseryman,
and seedsman, Dumfries, which took place on
the evening of the 12th" inst. Mr. Kennedy
had 'been suffering from gangrene fox several,
years and amputation of part of one of his legs
had been found necessary some time ago, but
he died suddenly when apparently in 'tail- health
otherwise. Mr. Kennedy was the eldest son of
Mr. James Kennedy, nurseryman, Grecibrae,
Dumfries, where the family had carried on
business for several generations. He entered his
father's 'business and took it over about 48
years ago, retiring about rive years since. Mr.
Kennedy 'is survived by his widow, five sons
and a daughter; two of his sons are engaged
dn rubber plantations in Penang.

John Lange. — We regret to learn of the pain-
full!, sudden death of Mr. J. Lange on February
1, at The Grotto, Hanworth Road, Hampton,
Middlesex. He had a sudden seizure as he was
about to go upstairs early in the afternoon and
expired almost imimediately. The late Mr. Lange
was 66 years of age and had resided in .Hampton
for over 30 years, during which time he
specialised in the cultivation of Carnations, which
he exhibited successfully both at home and
abroad.

TRADE NOTE.

YORKSHIRE PROFESSIONAL GARDENERS

■ A well attended meeting of professional gar-
deners representative of all parts of Yorkshire,
was held in Leeds on the 7th inst-. to inaugurate

Messrs. William Wood and Son. Ltd., are
leaving their premises at North British Wharf,
Wood Green, London, N., and in future their
address will be Beechwood Works, Taplow,
Buckinghamshire. The firm occupies a very pro-
minent position among horticultural sundries-
men. The business was established in 1850, in-
corporated 4ii 1859, and has been conducted it
Wood Green for over fifty years. Some time
ago, during the war, a fire destroyed a large
part of the Wood Green premises; this, to-
gether with the growing volume of tradr. com-
pelled the firm to seek a site whereon to erect
premises of an up to-date character, and where
space woidd permit -if expansion. A large area
of land was purchased at Taplow, and the firm's
new catalogue contains illustrations which show
that the site has been well chosen and the build-
ings designed on modern lines, giving ample
fa.i iliiie.s for conducting an ever- in creasing
business.

98

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[February 31, 1920.

MARKETS.

COVENT GARDEN, February 11th.
We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined
reports. Tbey are furnished to us regularly everj
Tuesday, by the kindness of several of the
principal salesmen, who are responsible for the
quotations. It must be remembered that these quota-
tions do not represent the prices on any partioular
day, but only the general average for the week pre-
ceding 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
' r.— Eds.

Ferns and Palms : Average Wholesale Prices.

d&y.-

Fruit : Average Wholesale Prices.

s. d. s d.
Apples (English)
— Kin? of the Pippins

per $ bus. ... 4 0
— Cox's Orange

Pippin per Jbus.

beat

—Blenheim Pippin

per bus.
—Newton Wonder
—Lane's Prince

Albert, per bus.
— Bramley's Seed-
ling per bus. ..
—Brit. Columbian—

Newtown Pippins

Storks

Grime's Golden

Rome Beauties

Greenings

Oregon New Town

Apples (Nova Scotian)

— G.Itussets 50 0-55 0

Bananas, singles 25 0-40 0

specials 40 0-

8 0-11 0

8 0-11 0
o 0- 9 0

6 0-90

6 0 8 1

- per case

21 5

21 0

19 0

20 6
13 0
20 10

Grapes Alicante
Gros Col mar .
— Special . .
Almeria
barrel . .
Lemons 300 's
Oranges —
Valencia 360
300
250
200
Murcia 300
Blood 360

pei

s. d. a. d.
4 0-50
3 6-46
6 0-56

35 0-45 0
25 0-30 0

30 0-35 0
30 0-36 0
80 0-42 0

N uts — Brazils(uew)

per cwt. 135 0-140 0

Chestnuts —

Naples 36 0-40 0

Cob Nuts, per lb. 12-14

Walnuts 2i kilo. 45 0

Pears, Californian

Winter Nelis 52 0-45 0

Pineaples, each 2 6-76

Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices.

s. d. s. d.
Asparagus, English, Mustard and Cress,

Devon 50's ... 8 0-10 0 per doz. punnets
35 0-50 0 Mushrooms, per lb.
12 0-14 0 Onions, per cwt.
Parsley, per doz.
6 0-10 0 bunches

10 0 Parsnips, per bag

8 0-10 0 Potatos, per cwt.
16-20 — Guernsey per lb.
4 6-60 Radishes, per doz.
bunches

2 0-50 Rhubarb Forced
per doz

3 6-4 6 Seakale per punnet 2 0
Spanish Onions

0 3-06 4 tier 18 0-19 0

0 6-08 5 tier 23 0-24 0

3 6-60 Spring Onions, per
19-20 doz.bunches . . 30-40
2 6-46 Sprouts, per

bag 28 lb. 3 0-36

16-20 Tomatos, Teneriffe,

3 0-36 Best, per bundle 25 0-30 0

4 0-60 Turnips, per bag 50-80
6 0-8 O.Watercress.perdoz 0 9

— 100's

Middlesex

Beans Guernsey,

per lb. ..
— Worthing
Beets, per bag . .
Cabbage, per doz.
Carrots, per A bag
Cauliflower, per

doz.
Celery, per fan.

(12 heads)
Chicory,

— English, per lb.
— Belgian „ ..
Cucumbers, each
Garlic, oer lb. ..
Endive, per doz.
French Lettuce

per doz.
— Batavia, per doz.
Herbs.perdoj.bun.
Hint, per doz bun.

16-20

2 6-30

12 0-16 0

2 0-30

8 0-10 0

14 6-16 0

19-20

2 0-40

14-19

«

Remarks — A general briskness has favourably
^ffectfd most sections of the fruit market, and business
during1 the week has been active. Capo Fruit continues the
leading feature of the trade. The later shipment arrived
in fine condition, and sold at comparatively reasonable
prices. Quantities i • arrive this week will be -ffMher
restricted, mainly due' to a lack of shipping accpnunoda-
tiion. The last shipment of Peaches, Nectarines^" Pears,
Plums and Grapes*^ \$aj* received in excellent icondction.
She tr.ade in honie-gjjowi Apples has a rathefcutjetter
tom\ in view of Secreasing quantities of best fruits
available. English tiGr»pes are in le$seea'ffi|Upply,
and their ]i a > s ;no -v ghade firmer. Britisfe^-Colum-
bian Apples 'are.^a^j.firru trade at pr»«s which
show little variation to those of laH week.
A light shipment of Bines is to. hand, andirtbe fruits
are meeting a ready demand. Canary _ Tomatos aTe in
rather shorter supply, and their prices' are well main-
tained^ English forced Asparagus is in abetter supply,
!, T(S»ains prohibitive in price. Forced Beans from
■rthing and Guernsey are rfcwier more abundant.
, ie supplies of forced Potatos 'are still inadequate for
Hie demand, and the tubers remain high in value.
Cauliflowers from Guernsey, Cornwall, and France are
plentiful, but best heads are in firm request. All green
vegetables are cheap, the open weather causing supplies
to be very plentiful. Prices for Potatos are still on the
increase, and best tubers are scarce.

Plants in Pots, Etc. : Average Wholesale Prices.
(All 48'a per doz. except, where otherwise stated.)

s. d. a. d. a. d ■. d

Cinerarias, per doz. 15 0-24 0
10 0-12 0; Cyclamen

48'sperdoz. 24 0-30 0

\% nt?« 2i Erica melanthera,

' per doz 30 0-36 0

Marguerites — white 18 0-24 0
Palmi, Kentia .. 24 0-36 0

SO's .. ..15 0-18 0

— Cocoa . , . . 24 0-36 0

Poinsettia

48 0-72 Oli

Aralla Sleboldil

48'* per doz. . ,
Asparagus plumo

sos . .
— Sprengeri
Aspidistra, green
Begonia Glolre

de Lorraine
48'a per doz.
Azealeas, each 3 0~ 6 0-_ 7 6
Oactl per tray

12>. 16"a « 5 0-60

Ohrysan the m urns

48"i per doz. -. 81 0 30 0

24 0 36 0

b. d. I. d.

Adiantnm

cuneatum 48'a

per doz. . . 12 0-15 0

— elegana .. 15 0-18 0
Aipleuium 48's per

doz. . . . . 12 0-18 0

— 32's . . . . 24 0-30 0

— nidus 48'a .. 12 0-15 0
Oyrtomium 48'a 10 0-15 0

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Nephrolepis. In
variety. 48's

— 32'a
Pteris. In variety

48's ..
large 60'a
small 60's

— 72's per tray of
15's .. .. 3 6

12 0-18 0
24 0-36 0

12 0-21 0
5 0-60
4 0-4-6

4 0

Remarks.— This department is now better supplied
both with foliage and flowering plants. The latter
consist of Azaleas, Ericas, Boronias, Marguerites,
Genistas, Cyclamens, Cinerarias, Daffodils, large white
and coloured Hyacinths, and Tulips on bulbs. All Ferns
are improving in quality. Palms are a. very limited
supply.

Out Flowers, &c. : Average Wholesale Prices.

a. d. s. d.

per

b. d. s. d

— Cypripediuma
per doz. . . 4 0-60

Pelargonium, dou-
ble acarlet.per
doz. bun. .. 12 0-15 0

Richardia (Arums),
per doz. blras. 8 0-90

Roman Hyacinth

per doz. spikes 13-19

— Roses, per doz.
blooms
Ophelia ... 12 0-18 0

Richmond ... 10 0-12 0

Snowdrops

per doz. bun. . . 2 0-30

Tulips, White,
per doz. bun. ... 24 0-36 0
Coloured var. ... 36 0-48 0

Violets Single
large per doz.
bun 8 0-10 0

—Ordinary .. 5 0-60

French Flowers —

— Anemones, Pink
per doz. bun. ... 3 0-40

—Lilac white
per doz. spray 6 0- 7 u

—Marguerites yellow
per doz. bun. 4 0-50

—Mimosa, per pad 8 0-10 0

— Narcissus, Paper
White per pad 16 0-1S 0

— Ranunculus, Carmine
per doz. bun. ... 10 0-12 0
Scarlet 10 0-12 0

—Violets,
Parma, per bun 6 0-80

— Roses, per doz.
blooms
Ulrich Brunner, 6 0-80
Frau Karl Druschki 4 0-80
Safrano, 16 2 0

Remarks.— With the increased supplies of flowers from
home growers, and also from the Channel Islands, prices
have been on the decline throughout the past week.
Large consignments of Daffodils and yellow and white
Narcissi have arrived from Guernsey and Scilly, and
the West of England. Large consignments of these
flowers also continue to arrive from the South of France.
Double white Stock, which is taking the nlace of paper
white Narcissi mow almost finished), is arriving in
excellent condition. Red Roses and mauve Spanish Irises
are the most attractive line from home growers. Lilium
longiflorum remains high in price, and supplies during
the past week were insufficient for the demand.
Richardias (Arums) are well supplied, and are offered
in fine condition at reduced prices ; this also applies to
Lily -of- the- Valley, Camellias, and Tulips, both single and
double, of which a good selection is offered. Small
consignments of Sweet Peas have been offered during the
past week; there are also abundant supplies of Freesias,
Snowdrops, Violets, white Lilac, and Forget -me-Not's.
Primroses are on sale.

Azalea white

doz. bun. "... 4 0-60
Camellias per doz. 2 0-26
Carnations per doz.

blooms, best

American var. 3 6 6 0
Chrysanthemums —
— White per doz.

blooms ... 6 0-10 0

—Pink 4 0-80

— Spray White

per doz. bun. 36 0-54 0
Daffodils, Single,

per doz bun,

— Emoeror 12 0-15 0

—Empress 12 0-15 0

—Golden Spur ... 9 0-12 0
— Uenrv Irving ... 5 0-60

— Princcps 9 <M0 0

— SirWatkin ... 10 0-12 0
—Double Van Zion 9 0-10 0
Freesia, White

per doz. bun. 3 0-60

Heather, white

per doz. bun. 10 0-12 0

Lilium longiflorumj

per bunch . . 20 0

Lilium speciosum

album per bunch 5 0

— rubrum per bun 4 0-50
Lily of the Valley

per bunch ... 2 0-86
Narcissus, Soleil
d'Or, per doz. bun 3 0-60
Grand Primo

per doz, bun. 4 0-60
Pheasant Eye

per doz. bun. 8 0-10 0
Orchids per aoz. :

- Cattleyas . . 24 0-30 0

THE WEATHER.

48'a per doz.
Roman Hyacinths
oo bulbs,

24 0-30 0
7 0-80

THE WEATHER FOR JANUARY.
January was a month of variable weather, bright
and cold during the opening days, mild for the greater
part of the month, with rain and occasional falls
of snow. Distributed over 18 dnys the total yield
of rain was 2-62 inches, the 24th being the wettest day
with a fall of 0.44 inch. Of sunshine we had a record
of 62.4 hours, being an average of 2.0 hours per day
and a percentage of 26.4. With a mean of 29.56 inches
the barometer varied from a. highest of 30.66 inches
on the 5th to a lowest of 28.57 on the 3rd. The mean
temperature was 36.5°. with a mean maximum of 42°
and a mean minimum of 31°. On the 17th the highest
maximum of 54° was recorded, and the lowest mini-
mum of 24° on the 3rd, while the lowest maximum oi
34° and the highest minimum of 44° were for
the 1st and 17th respectively. The mean ranee w.-ia
11° and the absolute range 32°. On 18 nights the
temperature fell below 32°. On the grass the mean
minimum was 27°, with a lowest of 20° on the 3rd ;
there were 23 nights of ground frost. At 1 foot deep
the soil temperature fell from 33° to 31°, rose to
36p and then fell to 34°. Snow fell on 5 days and was
lying on the ground at the hour of observation on
7 dnys. There was a thunderstorm on the 27th. The
prevailing winds were westerly, with gales on the
7th, 16th and 31st. James MaUoch, Director of Studies,
Training College Gardens, Kirkton-of-Mains, nr. Dundee.

Chemical Fertilisers for Azaleas : H. G. We
do not advise the use of the chemicals men-
tioned for Azaleas, and lime certainly is harmful
to them. The safest fertiliser for Azaleas is
diluted liquid manure, made from cow-dung
or sheep droppings, and weak soot water. A
little sulphate of ammonia, ^oz., in three gal-
lons of water, will encourage growth if given
once a week during the growing season. Guano
is also a suitable manure, if used at the rate of
i oz. to three gallons of water.

Cultivation of Flowers for Market :
A. M. D. Commercial Gardening, is, so far
as we are aware, the only book which deals
with the cultivation of hardy flowers for com-
mercial purposes. It is in four volumes and
deals with other horticultural matters from a
commercial point of view. This work is out of
print, but you would probably be able to
obtain a copy from some secondhand 'book-
seller.; try Messrs. J. Wheldon and Co., 38,
Great Queen Street, London.

Losses Among Young Carnations : E. L. In
the absence of plants and cuttings, we cannot
determine the cause of your losses. Try
sterilising the soil and sand, by heat. It is
possible that some fly may have laid its eggs
in the Carnations and the grubs were in the
cuttings when you put them in. The Carna-
tion Maggot is .the larva of a small black fly
( Hylemia nigrescens) , the female of which
lays its eggs, in early spring, at the base of
the leaves ; the maggots feed on the epidermis
of the leaves, and finally work their way into
a main growth. There are other less common
pests, any one of which may be the cause of
the trouble.

Names of Fruits : R. H. Newton Wonder. —
Pears Durham. Catillac. — E. L. 1,
Baumann's Winter Reinette; 2, Han well
Souring ; 3, Benoni. — E. S. 1, Scarlet
Nonpareil; 2. Castle Major. — Constant Header.
Round Winter Nonsuch ; Pear, Zepherin
Gregoire. — J. B. M. Nee Plus Meuris. —
E. J. P. 1, Brabant Bellefleur ; 2, Smart's
Prince Arthur ; 3, Sam Young : 4, Calville St.
Sauveur ; 5, Winter Hawthornden ; 6, Small's
Admirable; 7, Gooseberry Pippin (Ronald's). —
Dr. D. 1, Ashmead's Kerne! ; 2, Ashmead's
Kernel Improved; 3, Lady Henniker; 4, Leon
Leclerc de Laval ; 5, Bellisime d'Hiver ; 6,
Braddick's Nonpareil. — Miss B. Apple Cullen.
— y. R. 1, Hanwell Souring; 2, Beauty of
Kent.— H. S. Orange Goff.— A. A. Brabnnt
Bellefleur.— .7. E. 1, Beauty of Kent; 2,
Annie Elizabeth ; 3, decayed ; 4, Flower of
Herts; 5, Bess Pool; 6, Reinette du Canix;

7, Lodgemore Nonpareil; 8 and 9, Annie
Elizabeth; 10, Court-Pendu-Plat.— H. S. 1,
Gravenstein ; 2 Northern Spy ; 3, decayed ;
4, Beauty of Kent; 5, Golden Harvey; 6,
F,rafiklin,s Golden Pippin ; 7, Barnack Beauty ;

8, King of the Pippins. — D. M. Whiting
Pippin.— F. S. TF. 1, Blenheim Pippin; 2,
X>w Bess Pool ; 3, Fullwood ; 4, decayed.

National Diploma in Horticulture : G. L. S.
The examination (for the National Diploma in
Horticulture is conducted by the Royal Horti-
cultural Society. Full particulars together
with form of entry may be obtained from the
Secretary, R. H. S. , Vincent Square, West-
minster. A stamped addressed envelope
should be sent with the application. The
Society also holds an examination in horti-
culture! for school-teachers.

Unfruitful Pear Tree : TF. S. L. It is
evident from your description that the Pear
tree makes excessive growth. To check this
tendency and to induce fruitfulness, root
pruning is necessary, but as the season
is. now somewhat advanced, only one half of
the roots should be dealt with, leaving the
other half to be pruned next autumn as soon
as the leaves have changed colour.

Communications Received.— R. I. L.— T. S.— F. J.
— E. H. J.— A. H. L.— S O.— W. F.— E. P.— T. J. V.—
E. M. P.— N. C. C— R G. W.— F. M.— J. H.-
W. H. T.— W. T.— A. H. S.— 0. H. M.— S. A.— W. C

February 28, 1920. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

99

THE

(Sartorars' ttfrrmttrk

No. 1731— SATURDAY, FEB. 28, 1920.

CONTENTS.

Almond, flowcrine of

the 100

AJpine garden, the — ■

Ranunculus nyssanus 101

Roscoea cautlloides . . 101

Ourisia coccinea . . 101

Apiary, the . . . . 106

Apple Ellison's Orange 108

Areas, the drainage of

small 100

Berberis orthobotrys . . 1CS
British Rose-grower's

success in America .. 100
Claygate flower show . . 100
Covent Garden Market 100
Farrer's, Mr. Reginald,
second exploration in

Asia 104

" Gardeners' Chronicle "

Seventy-fiye years ago 100
Jam, sugar for . . . . 100

Hardy fruit culture 100
Hedges, evergreen . . 108
Kew, notes from . . 104
" La Linnea ". . .. 101

Lilium giganteum . . 103

Ifalope 105

Mints, variegated . . 107
Miitl'to, hosts for the 108
Nursery notes —

Reading Primulas . . 107
Obituary —

Cocker, Alexander M. 110
Dohson, W. H. .. 110
Sutherland, William 110

Orchid notes and glean-
ings—

Cymbidinms, hybrid 103
Cypripedittn) Memoria
F. M. Ogilvie . . 103

Plant distribution . . 9o

Plant hygiene

108

Potatos, the popularity
and deterioration of 108

Precocious Spring . . 99

Recreation ground for
East Molesey . . 100

Roval Gardeners'
Orphan Fund . . 100

Royal Horticultural
Society's War Relief
Fund . . . . 100

Scottish Horticultural
Association, new pre-
sident of the . . . . 100

Societies —
British Carnation . . 100
Royal Horticultural 109

Summer time in 1920 . . 100

Trade notes .. . . 110

Trees and shrubs . . 101

Vegetable cultivation in
Macedonia . . . . 105

Vegetables —
Cauliflowers . .
Lettuces

Week's work, the

.. 103
.. 103
102-103

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Burton, Miss M., portrait of 100

Camp at Sabiya Raw, the 10-t

Cypripedium Memoria V. M. Ogilvie . . . . . . 103

Lonicera Standishii lancifolia . . . . . . . . 101

Malope grandiflora, a border group of 105

Primulas, group of in a conservatory at Reading . . . 107

Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week
deduced from observations during the last fifty
years a-t Greenwich, 39.95°.

Actual Temperature: —

Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 11, Wellington Street,
Oovent Garden, London, Wednesday, February 25,
1920, 10 a.m.: Bar. 30; temp. 48°. Weather— Foggy.

In the present dearth of

Plant new general ideas on the

Distribution. causes which have led to

the distribution of plants
over the surface of the earth, any attempt,
however bold and unconventional, is
welcome. Such an attempt has recently
been made* by Mr. Guppy, who, with
Dr. Willis represents the survivors of that
once numerous band of plant geographers
who were prepared to explain the origin of
things in terms of evolution, and of whom
many saw in Natural Selection the key to
plant distribution. The difficulty in the way
of the successful application of Natural Selec-
tion to account for the origin of genera and
families has, of course, long been recog-
nised and never met. Natural Selection may
be an effective agent in preserving the
utilities, but it can have no direct effect on
the preservation of useless characters. Yet
the characters which distinguish the larger
groups of plants from one another cannot be
regarded as having any survival value what-
soever. Thus the dilemma is reached that
those characters which survive and charac-
terise, sav, the natural families of plants, are
those which are mot fitted to survive.

They confer, by their peculiarity and dis-
tinction from other corresponding characters
•distinguishing other families, no manifest
advantage on the plants which possess them.
The family characters may be likened
not to the useful, adaptive appliances of an
ideal home, but to a form of architecture,
and as no one would claim a better
weather-worthiness for a Gothic than for
a Palladian type of house, so no one

• " Plant Distribution from the Standpoint of an
Idealist." Jonrn. of Linnear Society SLIV 299
July 31, 1919.

not out to prove a thesis would claim for
the architecture of one family of plants any
advantage in the struggle for life over
that possessed by any other family. Of
course, it might be argued that the outward
and visible form of a given plant — a legu-
minous plant for example — is the sign of
an inward, physiological and leguminous
grace, and that it is this that has carried the
legume so successfully down the ages and
so far over the surface of the globe.

But even on this view there is no very
evident sign of evolution in the family
architecture, and hence Mr. Guppy is
inclined to assume that the family charac-
teristics of plants were laid down in a remote
and more placid age than the present, and
before Natural Selction came on the scene.
In that dark, backward and abysm of geo-
logic time, conditions were uniform, water
plentiful, sunshine more mitigated and re-
curring more quickly owing to the shorter
day of a more rapidly spinning earth. In
these halcyon days plants, as it were, crystal-
lised out in family forms. Mr. Guppy sees
a parallel with this behaviour in that of the
Podostemaeeae of the present day. This
family of plants, as Dr. Willis has pointed
out, fives under remarkably uniform condi-
tions in the waters of tropical streams. Yet
in spite of the uniformity of their surround-
ings and in the absence of the menace of "get
on, or get out," with which Natural Selec-
tion is said to threaten living things, they
also "crystallise out " in all sorts of forms,
none of which appears to fit them any better
to their environment. They mutate not in
response to the peril of extinction, but in
response to a primordial habit which still
survives in them.

In similar way, in the placid uniformity
of far off time, the forms of family archi-
tectures were assumed not as a result of
compulsion from without, but as an ex-
pression of innate activity.

Mr. Guppy finds support for his views
from a comparative survey of the present
distribution of families, genera and species of
flowering plants in the east and west land
masses of the world. In the case of families
the distribution in large measure is, as it
were, regardless of the existing cleavage
of the earth's surface into two great land
areas diverging from the North. Thus, of
the 272 families recognised in Engier's
system of classification, 192 (70.5 per cent.)
occur in both eastern and western hemi-
spheres. Were community of families most
marked in the north, where the land masses
approach nearest to one another, it might be
explained on the familiar lines of origin in
a common centre and subsequent "emigra-
tion." But it is not so. Of the 120 families
restricted to tropical and sub-tropical lati-
tudes, 73 (61 per cent.) occur in both eastern
and western worlds.

Of extra tropical families — exclusive of
those confined to the southern hemisphere —
there are 36, of which 23 (64 per cent.) are
common to the old and new world.

Thus, there is no gathering of the clans —
no aggregation in northern latitudes — of
families common to east and west. This is
well illustrated in the terrestrial sub-families
of the Araceae. Of the seven sub-families
all are common to the eastern and western
world's, and yet four are exclusively tropical,
two tropical and temperate, and only one
is restricted to northern latitudes

The species stand in marked contrast
with the families in that they do gather
in the north. Thus, of the 364 known
western American flowering plants, 320
(87 per cent.) occur in arctic and tem-
perate Asia, and of the 379 species

in the arctic east America, 239 (63 per cent.)
are also native of arctic Europe.

From north to 90uth the community of
species diminishes rapidly, until in the
tropics it becomes very rare indeed. With
respect to their community of distribution,
in the old and new worlds genera
stand midway between families and species.
Thus, whereas 69 per cent, of the exclu-
sively or mainly tropical families are com-
mon to the eastern and western worlds, the
proportion in the case of tropical genera is
only 23.

Hence, in spite of the extremely long
period during which east and west have been
separated, the primitive family types have
remained with the family architecture un-
changed. Wherefore Mr. Guppy concludes
that the types from which the families sprung
were world wide, and that each type under-
went successive differentiation into tribes,
genera and species and not, as has often
been supposed, that a species increased and
became diversified, and formed genera which,
undergoing similar diversification, formed
tribes which constituted the family.

Mr. Guppy sees in the facts of distribution
as exhibited by families, tribes, genera and
species, an illustration of the aphorism
"other times, other manners." In the
remote past — the . family age — when
the innate creative impulse was alive in
plants and conditions were uniform through-
out the world, the family characters
arose, and each family ranged the world.
Later, when climatic regions began to be
defined, the impulse to differentiation, al-
though weakening, was strong enough
to create from one family its tribes and
later its genera. Later yet, the world
became marked by distinct and widelv
different climates, and gave the opportunity
for the waning powers of change which the
plant possessed to express themselves in the
formation of species. Thus, the increasing
differentiation of climate which characterised
the more recent periods of the world's
historv is reflected in the increased and
adaptive differentiation of plants.

Precocious Spring. — It is probable that the
learned in weather lore can recall seasons more
premature than the present, but to those less
weather-wise the present season must appear
unique. Since how many years was it possible
to gather Bluebells in mid-February, or to see
at that time the green of the Larch ? For
several weeks past the Pear blossom has shown
in the opened buds and Daffodils have refused to
wait for the winds of March. On dry walls in
the south Aubrietias have burst into full bloom,
and only in those gardens the soil of which is
cold with much water has the sunshine of Feb-
ruary failed to force the plants into premature
leaf and bloom. The most curious fact — if fact
it be — is the pallor of the Almond blossom al-
ready fully opened. So far, although Almonds
are to be seen in full bloom, none has — -within
the observation of the writer of this note — been
able to assume its full tone of pink, but all have
had to content themselves with a bloom of al-
most ghostly whiteness. It would he interesting
to know whether this is actually and generally
the case. If so, it would appear as though the
brightness and duration of the sunsTiine, albeit
sufficient to cause the full blooming of the
dowers, is not enough to enable the petals to
make the pigment with which in normal later
reasons they are adorned. The Bluebells, also,
.if which bunches were sent more than a week
were of a rare paleness, the Bower stalks Almost
blanched, and the flowers only tinged with blue.
The oft-repeated observation that full colours
generally come later in the season than the
yellows would seem to have some measure of ex-
planation in these observations; flowers which
have taken the habit of blooming in the early
spring have allowed their machinery for pigment

100

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[February 28, 1920.

making to fall into disuse, yet it was shown
long ago that certain kinds of flowers produce
their full complement of pigment even when
they are made to bloom in the dark. Hence it
may be that the leaves and stems of plants
count for something in the making of flower
pigments. It is .all too probable that the pessi-
mists are right who see in the present precocious
blooming of trees and shrubs a warning of a bad
year in orchard and garden. Those, for example,
who pruned their Roses early will probably have
cause to regret it, and the Pear and Plum blos-
som will make them easy victims, in their for-
wardness, to the frosts which are almost bound
to come. Yet even so, the present spell of fine
weather will help the farmer and, though he may
lose in some directions, there are others in which
he will stand to gain. It is not easy, however,
to extract a like comfort for the fruit grower,
although the drying of the land will enable him
to get on with the operation of spraying. It
will indeed be a grim irony if, after a bounteous
season when prices rule low, and when for
various reasons the grower finds iit difficult to
dispose of his crop, there should follow one in
which supplies are scarce and popular ignorance
puts the grower who asks a corresponding price,
among the profiteers!

The Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund. — The
Viscountess Astor, M.P., has consented to pre-
side at the Victory Festival Dinner of this
gardening charity, which has been arranged to
take place on May 19, in Princes' Galleries,
Piccadilly, W. It is hoped the friends and sup-
porters of the fund will make an effort to be
present at the dinner. The secretary, Mr. B.
Wynne, 19, Bedford Chambers, Covent Garden,
London. W.C., will be glad to hear from gentle-
men desirous of acting as stewards on this inter-
esting occasion.

Legacy to a Gardener — The late Sir Charles
Edward Heley Chadwyck Healey, Bart., K.C.B.,
K.C., of New Place, Luccombe, Porlock, Somer-
set, and of Wyphurst, Cranleigh, Surrey, be-
queathed the sum of £200 to his gardener at
New Place.

Claygate Flower Show. — At a special general
meeting of the Claygate Horticultural Society
it was resolved to hold a show on July 23, and,
in addition to the usual classes, to have others
for poultry and rabbits. An alteration of the
rules was made making, subscribers of Is. mem-
bers of the Society, this subscription entitling
them to admission to the shows and lectures
arranged by the Society and to exhibit in any
class, for which they are eligible, without extra
charge.

British Carnation Society.— We are asked to
state that at the exhibition of the British
Carnation Society, to be held in the Royal
Horticultural Hall on March 10, the Society
undertakes to stage, in competitive classes, the
exhibits of members who live at a distance and
are unalble to attend. Those who wish to take
advantage of this undertaking should communi-
cate with Mr. Laurence J. Cook, hon. treasurer
49, Ick burgh Road, Clapton, E.5.

Work on Hardy Fruit Culture.— A new work,
entitled Practical Hardy FruU Culture, by Mr.
Richard Staward, gardener to Lord Desborough,
Panshanger, Hertfordshire, has been published by
the Swarthmore Press.

Flowering of the Almond.— For a long number
of years the date of the first flowering of an
Almond on Wandsworth Common was recorded in
these pases by the late Mr. R. Hooper Pearson.
Mr. H. Featherstone writes to inform us that the
tree expanded its first flowers this year on Feb-
ruary 13, as compared with March 14 last season.

Recreation Ground for East Molesey.— Applica-
tion is to be made to the Ministry of Health for
sanction to purchase eleven acre's of land near
St. George's Bridge by the River Mole, for the
purposes of providing a recreation ground and
permanent allotments for East Molesey. It is
felt that this is an unique opportunity and one
that may not occur again for obtaining a needed
open space, so that if sanction is obtained and
the Molesey District Council is unable to make
the purchase privately, powers have been given
for compulsory purchase. The land is said to

be of excellent quality and eminently suited for
allotments.

British Rose Grower's Success in America

Two important successes with Roses raised by
him at Twyford have been achieved by Mr.
Elisha J. Hicks, in the Rose trials held during
1919, at the National Rose Test Garden, Port-
land, U.S.A. Mrs. Dunlop Best gained a
special Gold Medal, after securing 91 points out
of a possible 100, while his Climbing Lady
Hillingdon, with 88.53 points, was granted the
only Gold Medal given to a yellow climbing
variety. Climbing Lady Hillingdon, according
to the report, gained full points for colour,
bloom, foliage and stem, but lost a little from
the standpoint of novelty, in other words, had
it been a novelty oif the moment, instead of
three years old, it would have occupied a
much higher position.

New President of the Scottish Horticultural
Association. — In electing Miss Mary B. Burton
as its president, the Scottish Horticultural Asso-
ciation sets an innovation in the conduct of
horticultural societies, for it marks the first
occasion on which a lady member has been
elected by any similar society to such a position.
Miss Burton, whose portrait is reproduced below,
is one of the pioneer lady gardeners in Scotland,

MISS MARY B. BURTON, PRESIDENT OF THE
SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.

and at present occupies the post of gardener at
the New Laughton Hall Institution, Palton,
where she has been for more than 20 years.
The new president commenced her gardening
career at Liberton, in the garden of her aunt,
the late Miss Burton, who was the first lady
member of the Edinburgh School Board. Miss
Burton's first appointment was with Professor
Geddes at Lasswade, but she only remained at
Lasswade a short time before being appointed
gardener at New Loughton Hall. Miss Burton has
gained many prizes at local shows. In Messrs.
Dobbie's Potato Competition, a few year's ago,
for which some eight hundred growers entered,
she won the third prize. Besides being a good
practical gardener, Miss Burton is a student of
botany, chemistry, geology, and other sciences
pertaining to her profession, and was recently
elected a Life Fellow of the Royal Horticultural
Society.

Proposal to Increase Minimum Bates of Wages
for Agricultural Workers. — At a special meeting
of the Agricultural Wages Board, Sir Ailwyn
Fellowes presiding, held at 80, Pall Mall, S.W.I,
on the 20th inst., the question of increasing the
present minimum rates of wages for agricultural
workers was considered. After prolonged dis-
cussion it was decided to refer for the considera-
tion of the District Wages Committees, in the

first instance, a draft proposal to increase the
minimum rates of wages at present in force for
all male workers of 21 years of age and over
throughout England and Wales to 42s., with
a minimum increase of 4s. The effect of this
would be, in areas where the minimum is now
36s. 6d., 37s., 37s. 6d. or 38s., to raise it to
42s., and in areas where it is now higher than
38s., to raise it by 4s. in each case. A further
meeting of the Board will be held on Friday,
March 5, for the purpose of considering the
reports from the District Wages Committees.

Help for Gardening Charitable Funds. — By
means of public dramatic performances, held in
December last, the Altrdncham and District
Gardeners' Mutual Improvement Society realised
the sum of £102 5s. 7d. for garden charities. This"
amount has been disbursed as follows : — Gar-
deners' Royal Benevolent Institution, £42 ; Royal
Gardeners' Orphan Fund, £30 ; Altrincham
local fund for the assistance of orphans and
cases of immediate need, £30 5s. 7d. Apart
from the war years, when it was not possible to
undertake performances of this character, this
old-established society has organised entertain-
ments for the benefit of gardening charities over
a long number of years, with excellent results
to the funds concerned. What can be done in
one district should be possible elsewhere, and
the Altrincham example is one that may be
commended to similar societies in other districts.
We congratulate the members of the Altrincham
society on the splendid results they have
achieved.

Summer Time in 1920. — On Tuesday, the 24th
inst., the Home Secretary announced in the
House of Commons that summer time would
commence on March 28 and end on September
27, this year.

Sugar for Jam-making. — Persons who wish to
obtain sugar for the domestic preserving of
fruit must notify the retailer with whom they are
registered for suear between March 2 and 11,
and furnish the following particulars: — (1) Name
and address ; (2) number of persons in the house-
hold registered foT sugar; (3) the quantity of
sugar required for preserving : — (a) summer
fruit; (b) autumn fruit; (4) if the application
is wholly or in part for sugar for preserving
fruit grown by the applicant, the quantity of
(a) summer and (b) autumn fruit expected to be
available from the applicant's garden. The
applicant must pledge himself neither to use the
sugar for any other purpose than the preserving
of fruit, nor to sell it to any third party. " Sum-
mer fruit " means any fruits normally ready for
preserving before the end of July, and "autumn
fruit " any fruits ready for preserving after
July 31. Marrows may be included in the defini-
tion of "autumn fruit." Only a limited supply
of sugar will be available ; much less than
in 1919.

Condemnation of Covent Garden Market. —
We understand that in the interim report of
the Committee appointed by the Food Controller
to inquire into the adequacy and efficiency of the
wholesale food markets of London, Covent
Garden and Billingsgate are condemned as only
worthy of mediaeval London, and lacking in
proper management and organisation.

"The Gardeners' Chronicle" Seventy-nve
Years Ago. — South London Floricultural Society.
— Pursuant to notice, the adjourned annual meet-
ing was held on "Tuesday, the 6th inst., James
Coppock, Esq., in the chair. About 50 members
were present. The main object of the meeting
was to receive from the sub-committee a new
code of laws, which were unanimously adopted,
and it was ordered that the new rules should be
sent to each member. The chairman announced
that the committee had appointed five exhibi-
tions for the present season : — The first to take
place on Wednesday, the 23rd April at the
Horns Tavern, Keimington, and that Mr. Briant
had liberally given the free use of his rooms for
that occasion ; the second, third, fourth, and
fifth to be held at the Royal Surrey Zoological
Gardens, on May 21, June 25, July 23, and Sep-
tember 17. Mr. Tyler, proprietor of the Gardens,
has offered the Society £40 for each show to be
holden there, making together £160. Gard.
Chron., March 1, 1845.

February 28, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

101

"LA LINNEA." THE ALPINE GARDEN
AT BOURG-ST.-PIERRE, SWITZERLAND.

Onk of the hottest days in August, 1919, found
me at Orsova, the end of the funicular railway,
and a six hours' ride in a pony trap
brought me to the village of Rourg-St. -Pierre.
A blazing sun and a road so steep that never
once was the pony able to trot, clouds of dust
and at the end an inn! And such a-n inn!
Pitch dark inside, and one stumbled up stone
steps to find a salon with a bed in it ! And
never a window opened since Napoleon had

visited it. Still, Napoleon had once lunched
there, and one's grumbling was met with this
remark on every occasion.

However, the landlady was a good old soul,
who produced butter and cheese for my supper,
neither of which was to be obtained in any of
the large hotels below.

A few steps, and I was at the famous garden,
presented by M. Correvon to Geneva, together
with a sum of 30,000 francs, collected by him,
with which to endow it (for neither of which,
it may be said, has he ever received one word
of thanks).

Blessed are those who expect nothing. Alas !
I had expected much, but the drought of many
weeks had dried up everything to an un-
paralleled extent. Even Acacias had succumbed
and were dead.

Steep and winding walks, with huge rocks on
one side, brought me at last to the top, where
is a well-equipped laboratory, and the chalet
wherein Professor Chodet lives. He was busy
dissecting Colchicum bulbs, investigating a
cross between 0. montaiium and another, but
he smilingly came out to show such treasures as
were in flower.

First I must refer to a magnificent plant of
Valeriana pyrenaica three feet high, and the
same through, with large, globular heads of white
flowers, an ornament to any herbaceous 'border,
sometimes wrongly named cordi folia and not re-
sembling Valeriana officinalis in any way. Next
in interest came the Gentians, G. Parryi, G. itib-
etica, G. septemtida, all fully out, Parryi being
exceptionally lovely with blooms that do not
close in dull weather and very like those of
G Farreri.

Eriogonum umbellatum, with heads of bright
yellow of a rather fluffy character, was also in
great beauty. Silene quadrifida (blue) is speci-
ally marked in my note-book as worthy of much
admiration, together with Silene " Elizabeth,"
quite different in character and of a bright red.

Alchemilla alpina, Doronicum austriacum
Senecio abronitanifolius, Sedum Rhodiola. and
Dry as lanata were all interesting. On the way
down Dianthus alpestris 'was covering the stones
and a big bed of seedlings of the yellow Aconite
was attractive. Saxifraga carraticulata was
looking as happy in a very dried-up bed, with
Campanula Scheuchzeri as neighbour, as it does
in the clay of Carr Manor in Yorkshire. I
only wish I had seen the garden with its 2,500
varieties of Alpines in the flowering season.
The Valeriana seemed so desirable a plant that
I secured one at Floraire (and so far it seems
very happy in Berkshire), and I also bought
the Gentians from M. Correvon and one or two
other treasures. Which is a better plan than
digging them up in full flower in the mountains
and endeavouring to carry them alive to Eng-
land ! even When carried in sponge hags at-
tached to the waist, as was done by one enthu-
siastic lady, who has attributed her rheumatic
knees ever since to this heroic effort to evade the
authorities. AUcq Martlneau.

TREES AND SHRUBS.

THE AKRBIA IN S.W. SCOTLAND.

I have met with Akebia quinata in one or two
southern Scotland gardens, but it is not much
favoured, notwithstanding that the twining
growths with their palmate leaves and the scar-
let-purple or brownish-purple flowers are very at-
tractive. A.lobata, which I have had sent me from,
the Midlands of England, when in fruit, -where it
was hardy on a wall, has not come under my
notice in south-west Scotland, although it is just

probable that it may have found its way into
some gardens without my having observed or
heard of it. There is no reason why it should
not do well in the milder districts. .S'. Arnott.

LONICERA STANDISHII LANCIFOLIA.

The narrow-leaved variety of L. Staiidishii,
named lancifolia, illustrated in Fig. 40, is one of
the best garden plants collected by Mr. E. H.
Wilson, in 1907 in the province of Western
Hupeh. The famous old collector, Robert
Fortune, discovered the type just over a half
century previous.

The photograph from which the illustration
was reproduced was taken on. February 9, at

FlU. 40. — LONICERA STANDISHn LANCIFOLIA.

Aldenham House Gardens, where the plants are
growing happily, entirely unaffected by the cold,
damp soil, or the winter's frosts. A few days
prior to the taking of the photograph there were
11 degrees of frost at Aldenham, 'but the flowers
and buds were unharmed, and the latter are
giving forth their lovely fragrance as though
such happenings never occur. This Honeysuckle
is thus hardy, and, owing to its flowrering so
early in the year, is worthy of inclusion in all
collections of hardy shrubs. The flowers, which
appear on the stems, usually in two pairs at
intervals of about two inches, are creamy white
in colour, sweetly fragrant, and are followed
later by small, interesting, heart-shaped red
berries, which ripen at the end of May or June,
and add to the beauty df the plant. Edwin
Beckett, V.M.H., Aldenham House Gardens,
Ehtree.

THE ALPINE GARDEN.

RANUNCULUS NYSSANUS.
In Ranunculus nyssanus we have a Buttercup,
or Crowfoot, which, although it has been intro-
duced for a few years, lias not found it way into
many gardens. The yellow Crowfoots are
not specially favoured, but there aire among them
a few plants which merit lass neglect than they
receive at present. R. nyssanus is one of these.
It grows fiom six to eighteen or more inches high,
has leaves somewhat resembling those of some of
the old florists' Ranunculi, but more hairy,
and has good-sized yellow flowers. It is hardy,
and lives and thrives well in a light soil, thoug'h
better in a stiffer one of heavy loam. Its defect
is a tendency to spread at the roots, which marks
a goodly number of its congeners, but this trouble
may be kept an bounds by periodical lifting
(every three years or so) and replanting, or by
confining the roots by means ot stones or an
earthenware ring about six inches deep. It is,
however, a good plant for the rock garden or the
front of the border, although its spreading habit
makes it less suitable for the latter. The flowers
apear in June.

ROSOOEA CAUTLIOIDES.

It was with singular pleasure that. I first saw
a plant of Roscoea cautlioides at Chelsea when
it was first exhibited by its introducers, Messrs
Bees, ai Liverpool. But hebind tin-
pleasure lay the lurking fear that this
new plant might prove as uncertain as its
predecessor of the genus, Roscoea purpurea, which
has done well in some places but has refused
to flourish in the majority of gardens. In R.
cautlioides, however, we seem to have Secured
a representative of the race which is not only
beautiful in its form and colour, but also easy to
cultivate in gardens. It is a delightful plant,
with foliage resembling in form that of a Gladi-
olus or Iris, and with a stem about a foot high,
carrying several flowers with an open fall and a
narrow hood of a soft and delightful yellow,
charming in every respect.

I have seen this Roscoea in several northern
gardens, and in all of them it has proved hardy
when planted about six inches deep in a compost
of loam and leaf-soil with a little sand. R. caut-
lioides flowers in June and July but there is now
a valuable variety, named August Beauty, which
opens later and is as good, if not better, in its
colouring. The still newer R. humeana I have
not tested, and can say little about it except
that it exists, and should be a great boon to
the garden if as hardy as the yellow species.

OURISIA COCCINEA.

It was pleasant to read the note on this plant
from such an experienced and able cultivator of
hardy flowers as Mr. E. H. Jenkins in the Gard.
Chron., of February 7. I am glad to see that his
experience makes him more optimistic of the
flowering possibilities of Ourisia coccinea than t
have been. My principal object in writing the
note to which he refers was to warn intending
cultivators that the Ourisia is not such a reliable
subject as many would suggest. I have seen the
plant growing under many different conditions
in various parts of the three kingdoms and have
had much correspondence regarding it, so that
I fear I cannot modify my views by saying that
any special treatment will ensure success. It
succeeds in some gardens under what appear to
be precisely the same conditions in which it
fails to flower in others. Even in the same
garden it has curious ways of flowering in one
part and not in another, where the soil, etc.,
appear quite the same. It is a delightful subject
when it does well, and some of the finest examples
I have ever seen haw been planted in deep,
rather peaty soil, far away from rock. As
an eminent writer has said lately, it succeeds or
fails under the most diverse conditions Wthere
it succeeds, it is a delight: where it fails to
flower (not the same thing as failing to grow,
for it will form carpets without giving much
flower) it is a sad disappointment indeed.
It would be interesting to have the experiences
of other hai-.lv plant lovers in the flowering of
this interesting species. \. Arnott.

102

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[February 28, 1920.

The Week's Work

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By T. W. Bbtscoe, Gardener to W. R. Ltsaght, Esq.,
Oastleford, Chepstow.

Miltonia vexillaiia and its numerous varieties
and hybrids are developing slowly, and should
receive every encouragement to make strong,
healthy growth. The plants should be grown in
a light position in the intermediate house, and, if
the stage is some distance from the roof glass,
placed on inverted flower pots. They will
require more water than hitherto and a watch
must be kept for thrips. Occasionally the leaves
become sticky and adhere to each other; when
this occurs it will be necessary to release them
by means of the handle of a budding knife.

Odontoglossum citrosmum. — This Mexican
Odontoglossu m should still be kept on the dry
side, for if water be given freely at this season
the plant usually fails to flower. When the
flower spikes commence to develop from the new
growth more water may be given. The scapes
will make rapid progress, and the pseudo-bulbs
will regain their former plumpness. A light, airy
position near the roof glass of the Cattleya house
should be chosen for 0. citrosmum and its
variety roseum.

Aerides — Most of these Orchids require the
same treatment as Vanda, but some of the
smaller-growing species such as A. maculosum,
A. Lobbii, A. crispum, and A. odoratium, may-
be grown in pans or teak wood baskets sus-
pended from the roof rafters. A. Vandarum, and
A. japonieumi, should be placed at the warmer
end of the cool house. A. Vandarum should,
on account of its somewhat rambling halbit, be
arranged on a piece of bark covered on one side
with peat and Sphagnum-moss.

Rhynchostylis — This genus is represented in
gardens by R. return, winch may be grown
either on the stage or suspended near the roof
glass. All the Aerides and their allies, with
the few exceptions enumerated above, need a
warm, moist atmosphere during their period of
activity, and the plants should be sprayed over-
head in hot, dry -weather.

Angraecum — The genus Angraecum includes
a few noble Orchids such as A. ebureum, A.
Kichlerdanum, A. Ellisii, and the pretty little A.
citratum. The small-growing species ' thrive in
pahs, and the larger kinds may be treated in
exactly the same maimer as Vandas. The
Japanese A. falcatum requires the conditions of
a cool house.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By John Coutts, Foreman, Roval Botanic Gardens
Kew.

Anthurium. — Anthuriums require much the
same sort of compost as Alocasias, but it should
be of a more open character. Fibrous peat and
loam should be pulled into lumps, and have
some of the finer particles removed. To this
add Sphagnum-moss, charcoal, sand and broken
potsherds. The pots or pans should be well
drained ; spread out the roots carefully and
work the fresh compost well in between them,
keeping the crown of the plants ribove the rim
of the pot, so that 'when finished the compost is
in the shape of a mound several inches above
the rim. Surface the soil with fresh Sphagnum-
moss, or, better still, with what is known as
"bun " moss, a short, green moss -with a velvet-
like pile. Anthuriums should be grown in a
house having a close, moist atmosphere, and a
temperature of 60° to 70°. The plants should
be well syringed until they make fresh roots,
when they may be given copious supplies of
water.

Lathyrus pubescens This beautiful green-
house climber is a native of Chili, and is more
or lest, hardy on warm walls in the south and
west ; even in districts where it succeeds out-

doors it is worth the shelter of a cold greenhouse,
for the pale voilet-coloured, fragrant flowers are
very useful as cut blooms. This Lathyrus is
best planted out in a bed in a small house,
training the growths thinly on wires just under
the roof-glass; it succeeds admirably in a
Carnation house. At the best it is not a long
lived plant, and a few specimens should be raised
from seed every year, the present being a
suitable time to sow the seeds, which will
germinate readily in an ordinary greenhouse.
Lathyrus splendens, a native of California,
requires similar treatment to the above.

General Remarks. — Continue to introduce
bulbs and other forcing subjects into a house
having a suitable temperature for forcing. All
plants used for this purpose will, as the season
advances, flower more readily and in lower tem-
peratures than hitherto. Some, such as Wis-
tarias, will not submit to forcing in heat, for
in much warmth they invariably drop their
flower buds. Grown slowly in a temperature of
about 50°, they will flower perfectly. Sueces-
sional batches of tuberous-rooted Begonias,
Gloxinias, Richardia EUiottiana. and similar
subjects should be started. Attend to the prick-
ing off of seedlings raised from seed sown last
month. If damping-off occurs in a seed pan,
nothing but the prompt transference of the
remaining seedlings to fresh compost and a
drier atmosphere will save them. Make it a
rule, at this period, to examine the stock of
seeds in the seed drawers once a week, as one
is apt to overlook some subject intended to be
grown. Attend to the potting of Palms, keeping
such as are used for decorative purposes in as
small pots as possible. Have ready stocks of
potting material under cover, for the repotting
of stove plants when they need this attention.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By H. Whkklrb, Gardener to Mrs. Jknnbe, Wonvoo
Castle, near Cardiff.

Parsnips. — This crop should be sown on ground
that has been deeply dug and manured for a
previous crop. Make shallow drills 15 inches
apart and place a few seeds in positions 9 inches
apart in the rows. Should the land be heavy
or the roots needed for exhibition, grow the
plants on special stations prepared as follows : —
With an iron bar, make a deep hole having a
diameter across the top of three inches. Fill
the hole one-third of its depth with pure sand
and the remainder with a compost consisting of
two parts old potting-soil and one p,art burnt
refuse from the bonfire, with sufficient sand
added to provide a light texture. Pass the mix-
ture through a quarter-inch sieve and fill the
holes with it. Next push a straight Ash stick
that has been tapered from 1£ inch at the top
to a fine point, into the hole and then refill it
with more of the soil. Make a slight depression
with the hand and place a few seeds at each
station, covering them to a depth of half an
inch. Use boards in doing this work to prevent
unduly consolidating the ground. No difficulty
will be experienced in lifting these roots if,
at this time, a slight hollow is made around them
and filled with water. They can be pulled up
with ease a short time after this has been done.

Peas. — Early Peas of the round-seeded varieties
may be sown on a warm border. Mark the
position of the rows, and take out a shallow
trench with a shovel, placing the soil by the
sides. Afterwards rake the bottom level, and
there should be a space 10 inches wide on which
the seeds may be sown evenly and covered with
fine soil to a depth of two inches. One quart of
seed is sufficient to sow a row 40 yards long.
To protect the seeds from mice and other
vermin either soak them in paraffin or coat
them with red-lead just previous to sowing them.
To do this latter place the seeds in a tin, slightly
damp them, sprinkle a small quantity of red-
lead over them, and shake them vigorously.

Marrows. — Early Vegetable Marrows are
always appreciated. The plants are very tender
and should be grown in a heated pit or on a
mild hot-bed. A few seeds of a small variety
should be sown in a warm house. Place them
singly in 4-inch pots and grow the seedlings in
a house having a temperature of 55°.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By F. Jobdan, Gardener to Lieut. -Col. Spender Ceat,
M.P., Ford Manor, Lingneld, Surrey.

Figs If the temperature of the Fig house,

as given in a previous calendar, has been main-
tained the foliage should be fully developed and
the young fruit swelling freely. It is a common
practice to allow the more fertile trees to mature
all the fruits they produce, but the method is to
be condemned. Judicious thinning of the fruits
should be done before they come into flower.
By this treatment, Brown Turkey, one of the
most prolific and best Figs for forcing, will
ripen two crops of good fruits in the one year.
From the time of the setting of the fruit to its
attainment to full size the roots should be fed
with diluted liquid manure and other stimulants.
Succession houses should be closed according to
requirements, and the trees should receive the
same attention in watering, thinning, and
regulating the growths as was recommended for
the earlier ones.

Plums and Cherries. — When the fruits of the
earliest trees are well set raise the temperature
6°, with liberal ventilation and the free use of
the syringe on all available occasions. Later
trees in flower or approaching that stage should
be kept growing steadily in a tem-
perature not below 46° to 50° at night.
It is fatal to good results with these
fruits to hasten their development until
they have set their fruits. Fumigate the house
just before the flowers open and again after the
fruits are set, and at all times maintain a sharp
watch for green or black fly. Admit air freely
on all favourable occasions, but guard against
draughts.

Pears and Apples. — Pears give excellent
returns for liberal treatment, although many-
complain that the fruits are difficult to set under
glass. The trees should not be coddled in any
way while in bloom. The syringe should not
be used too freely, at the same time a. dry,
parched atmosphere must be guarded against as
this would weaken the flowers and cause the
fruit to drop later. Apples set more freely than
Pears. Cherries, Plums, Pears, and Apples
should all be grown in a moderate temperature
with plenty of air during the flowering periods.
To further ensure a good set of fruits the
trusses of bloom should be thinned where they
are crowded and a soft brush passed over the
flowers daily at noon.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By T. Pateman, Gardener to C. A. Cain, Esq., J. P..
The Node. Codicote, Welwyn, Hertfordshire.

Bush Fruit. — In districts where bullfinches are
numerous it is not always advisable to prune
Red and White Currants before the spring. The
Red and White Currants bear fruit on wood
two to three years old and not on that pro-
duced the previous season. In pruning the Red
and White kinds shorten the shoots to three or
four buds with the exception of those required
for extension and shoots needed to replace un-
fruitful growth and branches, which need to be
shortened accordingly. The cut should be made
at a bud pointing in the direction growth is
required.

Black Currants.— As the Black Currant fruits
on the shoots of the preceding year all that is
necessary in pruning is to remove old wood that
has fruited and retain as many of the young
growth as possible without crowding them.
It is advisable to remove by hand-picking all big
buds infested with mite before they expand.

Pruning Peach Trees. — Take out old branches
that are bare of young wood and train in as
much of the previous year's growth as is required
to furnish the spice. Examine the old ties and
unfasten any that appear so tight as to injure
the bark.

Fig Trees on Walls It is necessary, in some

parts of the country, to protect Fig trees from
severe frost in winter. Where heavy coverings
have been used for this purpose they may be
gradually removed in spring, for it is harmful
to the plants if the whole of the winter covering
is left in position until danger of frost is over,

February 28, 1920. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

103

and then removed all at once. During this month
it is always well to be prepared for sudden changes
of weather. Fig trees that have made an excess-
ive amount of new growth should be checked at
the roots. Cut a deep trench three to four feet
from the wall, and sever the stronger roots, also
those that have grown down in the sub-soil with
a sharp knife. Fill in the trench with chalk
and soil of a poor nature, ramming the materials
ad hard as possible. The Fig does nob need a
rich soil or one enriched with manure, 'but when
the trees are carrying heavy crops of fruit, a
concentrated fertiliser may be given the roots.

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

LILIUM GIGANTEUM AT ABERUCHILL
CASTLE, PERTHSHIRE.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By Sidney Lego. Gardener to the Dowager Ladt
Nunburnholme, Warter Priory, Yorkshire.

Embellishing the Orchard.— Much prominence
has been given during recent years to the value
of orchard fruits grown on commercial lines,
but the beauty and utility of naturally grown
trees in private establishments are less recognised.
The planting of orchards may be done now, and
where the orchard allows of two or more grass
pat'htways meandering amongst the trees, it will
offer a pleasant and agreeable retreat. The
boundary fence, usually composed of Quick and
Holly, may be embellished with Quince, Bullace,
Medlar and Cherry, with an occasional Honey-
suckle or Clematis. A colony of Walnuts
beyond the fence will afford protection from
strong winds and add stateliness to the scheme.
Tulipa Gesneriana lutea and the variety
William Copeland may be planted in close
proximity to Quince trees, whilst the ground
beneath may be carpeted with Scilla and
Anemone. Xarcissi, Primroses, Violets, Arabis,
Auriculas and Cerastium are other useful sub-
jects for planting in orchards and, given a fairly-
open position. Poppy and Marigold will provide
a fine setting to Apple trees in September. A
few hardy Ferns planted promiscuously also pro-
vide a pleasing feature, as also does Dicentra
spectabilis. The orchard will be made more
picturesque by allowing light climbers to run
up the more open trees and hang naturally from
the boughs. Suitable subjects for this purpose
are : — Clematis viticella aliba, C flammula.
Honeysuckle, Winter Jasmine and RoseS. L
advocate the planting of old, well-tried varieties
of Apples and Pears — on the free stock — suitable
to the district. Orchards planted in the manner
described above have a distinctive charm and
are in keeping with old English masonry. Bulbs
that have been forced should not be thrown
away, but planted in the orchard or shrubbery.

Dahlia. — Where it is desired to increase the
stock of Dahlias, the old roots should be placed
in warmth to encourage the production of sucker
growths for use as cuttings. An excessive
amount of fire-heat will cause long-jointed,
hollow growths to develop, and these are useless
for the purpose. Insert the cuttings in a light
compost in 2-inch pots and provide fairly moist
atmospheric conditions. When rooted, transfer
the plants to 5-inch pots filled with a compost
consisting of loam, decayed horse manure, and
charcoal, and grow them in a cool house.

Erica. — HaTdy Heaths may be planted at the
present time, and to be effective and appear
natural they should be arranged in broad,
irregular masses. When used in connection with
rock gardens they may be planted in drifts or
colonies. As isolated plants they never look
happy. It is sometimes desirable to make
plantations on fairly level, open stretches, and
where this is done effective use may be made
of silver sand by forming a few broad pathways
with this material to link up the uniform drifts.
Stepping-stones may also be employed to advan-
tage and the spaces between them planted with
varieties of Thyme. If the soil is heavy it
should be mixed with loose peat, partly decayed
leaves and coarse river sand. The majority of
Ericas are partial to peat, but, by careful selec-
tion, a useful and varied collection may, pro-
vided lime be absent, be grown in ordinary soil.
The early blooming Erica carnea will thrive in
soil containing lime. Dwarf varieties are easily
increased by pulling them to pieces and replant-
ing forthwith. Tall varieties should be planted
closely together.

HYBRID CYMBIDIUMS.

Mr. W. E. Walker, gardener to G. Hamilton
Smith, Esq., Leigh Woods, Bristol, sends a
selection of flowers of Cymbidiums showing
great variety. Four forms of the favourite C.
Alexanderi are represented by one wholly pure
white, another white with deep rose markings
on the lip, the third reddish rose with darker
markings, and the fourth sulphur yellow with
red band on the lip. C. Castor aureum is a
large yellow-tinted form, 0. Schlegelii a mag-
nificent form with large lip heavily spotted with
claret colour. C. Gottianum, C. Corona and C.
Sybil were also sent in extra good forms.

One of the features of the old garden at
Aberuchill Castle, Perthshire, is Lilium gigan
teuni, which is grown in considerable
numbers, many of the plants being raised
from seeds. The Giant Lily doe3 well

in this wild garden by the side of a
stream flowing from the hills and pursuing a
picturesque course over the rocks before reach-
ing the wild garden. The plants at Aberuchill
are usually of good stature and seem to flourish
in the climate and soil in this lovely spot, near
Comrie. The stems attain to a height of 8 feet
to 10 feet and strong plants develop as many as
twenty flowers. A.

Fig. 41. — cypeipedium memoria f. m. ogilvte.

CYPRIPEDIUM MEMORIA F.M. OGILVIE.

Our illustration (Fig. 41) represents the fine
cross between C, Pyramus (Hera Euryades X
Mrs. Win. Mostyn) and C. Curtmannii
(Beekmannii x Mons de Curte), for which
Messrs. Armstrong and Brown, Orchidnurst,
Tunbridge Wells, obtained a first-class certificate
when it was shown under the above name at the
Royal Horticultural Society on Tuesday, the 10th
inst. In every respect it is a fine production and
highly interesting as, although indicating marked
improvement on the parents, it shows how
tenaciously such typical forma as C. Beekmannii
and C. Hera Euryades transmit their 'best
features in all combinations.

The dorsal sepal is pure white witli a small
pale-green base from which spreads heavy,
maroon, blotched lines, which change to mauve
towards the margin. The rest of the flower is
pale yellow, blotched with blackish chocolate
colour, the surface of the lip being tinged with a
lighter chocolate shade.

VEGETADLES.

CAULIFLOWERS AND LETTUCES.

Seedling Cauliflowers and Lettuces raised
from seed sown early in January require trans-
planting singly. Early Cauliflowers are more
satisfactory when grown singly in 4-inch pots,
thereby obviating a check when they are planted
out, and a check is often the cause of the plants
" buttoning." They should be grown in a
house or pit having a temperature of 50°. As
soon as the roots are established in the new soil
they should never suffer from want of water,
for lack of attention in this respect is frequently
the cause rtf mildew appearing on the plants.

Seedlings of any subject should always be
placed in a light position immediately they are
well through the soil, to prevent them becoming
drawn, and this is especially necessary in the
case of young Cauliflowers ami Lettuces,
Practical.

104

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[February 28, 1920

EDSTORiAL NOTICE.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the
PUBLISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, W.C

Special Notice to Correspondents-— The Editors
do not undertake to pay for any contributions or
illustrations, or to return unused communication*
ot illustrations unless by special arrangement. The
Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any
opinions expressed by their correspondent*.

Local News - Correspondents will greatly oblige by
sending to the Editors early intelligence of local
events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of
any mutters which it is desirable to bring und'r
the notice of horticulturists.

Letters for Publication, as well as specimen* of
plants for naming, should be addressed to the
EDITORS. 41, Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, London. Communications should be

WRITTEN- ON" OXF. SIDF. OXT.r OF THF. PAP£R, sent US

early in the week as possible, anil duly signed by
the writer. If desired, the signature will not be
printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith.
Illustrations.— 77>r Editor? will be glad to receive
and to select photographs ir drawings suitable for
reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable flowers,
trees, etc., but they cannot be responsible for loss
in- injury.

Mr. REGINALD FARRER'S SECOND
EXPLORATION IN ASIA.*

15. — In Camp.

THE upper Valley of Sabiya Kaw winds
abruptly southward again, between high,
granite masses and aretes, leaving behind
it, on the left, the stark ascent to the pass that
goes down into China. Though the ridges are
ail bare and high-alpine, the trough of the
valley, even here, is still rilled with Bamboo.
I wish I had skill of Bamboos and could
determine the species here, but even my own,
:,l home, I probably should not be able to recog-
nise in the unrestrained rampageousuess of the
wilds, with the exception of incomparable A.
nit iila. But A. nitida itself has a rival
here, in a very graceful, plump, Bamboo.
Ill at occupies the more open places of the upper
lain forest, and lower alpine forest, between
9.030 feet and 10.500 feet elevation. This again,
between 10,500 feet and 11.000 feet, is repine I
by a much larger species, no less graceful, but
of tropical magnificence, with young shoots like
shell-cases, and culms that are cut in half for
water conduits. This appears to grow in
clumps, whereas its lowlier predecessor seems
to run all about, and covers the ground. So
does its higher successor, for the third Bamboo
sheets all the alps, from eleven to twelve thou-
sand feet, in a dense and disappointing uni-
formity of verdure. It grows man-high, and has
as much native grace as the others; but my
enthusiasm for it as tempered by long and
painful experience of its intricate and sopping
labyrinths. And how many true species these
three descriptions may cover, I cannot tell for
certain. Three, perhaps ; two, I think probably ;
but they seem to pass into each other by such
intermediate and indeterminate gradations that
it is not possible for anyone not an expert to
pronounce upon them.

Gradually the coolies hewed a passage up
through the Bamboo forest, slashing away the
trunks with their native cutlasses in just such
a way that the remaining six-inch stumps, sliced
away at a raaor-sharp angle, are most nicely
calculated to go straight through one's stockiny
or one's leg. But the upper level of the Sabiya
Kaw Valley flows along very pleasantly, almost
flat, with small ascents at intervals, down which
(lie stream comes leaping in cataracts. For the

vale is tlvreaded with little rills, meandering,
dark and brown and clear, quite tranquilly
beneath the shade of the ancient Spruces ir. their
lowest, flattest lap, where their banks are heavy
with rose-coloured and fiery-orange Rhododen-
drons. High on one side towers the ridge of the
pass; and, even more imposing, immediately
overhead on the other, impends a gigantic preci-
pice, bluff oxer bluff of naked rock, with
microscopic-looking fur-trimming of Bamboo
between each And down the face of this, on
days of deluge, the rain-borne torrents fall in
swaying veils of mijst and foam-dust, like a
whole succession of Staubbachs.

As one insensibly mounts the valley, the
streams diminish in number, till at last there is
only one main torrent, brawling and dashing
among boulders that make much easier going
than the tangled arcades of the Bamboo. The
banks are thick with Rhododendron, yellow,
orange, rosy and crimson in their seasons. The
spires of an aculeate Poppy are ripening seed
along the shores, and the pink and mauve
Garlics run riot in the long grass of the islets,
amid the luxuriance oil that Currant-crimson
Polygonum I first saw on Hpawshi Bum, but
which here expands to its full lush stature of
15-18 inches, with compound stromboidal tails

many lovelinesses, we came at last to a clearance
obviously predestined, since the beginning of
time, for our camp (see Fig. 42). Its floor was
carpeted with all the dwarf alpine Rhododen-
drons that had greeted us on the top of Hpawshi
Bum, and its lusher stretches were ablaze with
the golden Anemone. On its far side a sparse
colony of Spruces rose black above the Bamboos,
and under these a little rivulet sparkled between
mossy boulders down to the main river. In the
moss shone Grass of Pama=sus, large and white,
almost, as Anemone japonica, or small and
creamy ; a big-flowered, snowy Cerastium, with
dark-purple foliage, nestled in clusters near the
water; a tiny Saxifrage unfolded freckled white
stars (with various golden Hirculus members of
its cousinship evidently to follow) ; and down
in the silty flats beside the stream there rambled
a relation of the Sorrel's, possibly Oxyria, with
most attractive spreading heads of cream-
coloured blossom on four-inch stems above the
bronzy mat of reniform foliage. And there was
also a Primula coyly lurking between the
boulders, in shaded, mossy corners. But of this
I can tell no more than that it is very tiny, very
frail, single-crowned, and with one, two, or
(very rarely) three blossoms at the top of a
thread-fine scape of two or three inches. But all
the flowers were gone; and, though the plant
locally abounds up on the highest alps above, in
cool, mossy places, I was never able to come on
any recognisable trace of blossom. In its tini-
ress and habit, it seems to stand near P. comp-
santba ; but the bright-green leaves, powderless
and very sharply, infrequently toothed, seem to
set it apart. Anyhow, with all these treasures
abounding close at hand, offering ample work for
several days even in the glade atself, small
wonder if we hastened to pitch our tents in this
favoured spot, with many a calculating, hopeful
glance up at the gaunt, hungry looking pinnacles
and ridges of bare lawn and granite, that now
.' -piled round us far overhead, on either side,
and away round the head of the valley, now
just coming into sight. Reginald Farm

* The previous articles by Mr. Farrer were published

in our issues for June 21, June 28, July 12, August 9,

August 2a, September 6, September 27, October 18,

November 1. November 22. December 0, 1919, Janunrj

3, January 17. and February 7, 1920.

Fig. 42. — Tire camp at sabiya kaw.

of rich colour, that in fruit deflex stithy and
turn of a stale-blood tone, and thinner, more
elongated outline. Judging from its complete
lack of rotundity, I might conclude this to be
P. sphaerostachyon. were it not so very much
handsomer than any form I have yet seen or
grown of that preposterously expensive rarity.
Anyhow, dt makes a goodly staple in the opulent
little hay glades that now, at last, with increas-
ing frequency, begin to break the monotony of
the Bamboo. Thes3 glades, indeed, are a
glorious sight in August, thick with the Poly-
gonum and the Alliums, with golden Potentillas,
with sky-blue Corydalis curviflora, and with a
magnificent narcissiflora-Anemone, bold and up-
standing, with spraying heads of pure orange-
yellow. Among these, always rare and isolated,
the crimson hyacinthoid Lily towers occa-
sionally in lonely specimens ; while often the
dells are filled with jungles of a tall and very
elegant citron-coloured Corydalis of delicious
scent; and up the culms of th© Bamboos
wriggles here and there a Codonopsis with
foliage as fine and dainty as a Lycodhun's, and
very large bells of pale yellow, flushed and
freaked with claret-colour in the most subtle
and fascinating effect. But why do all the
Codonopsids so rancidly emulate the fox in their
stench ?

After several stoppages to delight in these

NOTES FROM KEW.

PLANTS IN FLOWER IN THE GREEN-
HOUSE IN FEBRUARY.

During the week ending February 14, the
following plants were flowering freely in No. 4
greenhouse. Not all are usually classed as
greenhouse plants, but the temperature of No. 4
house is practically that of a warm greenhouse —
about 50" at night — and all the plants are well
suited for conservatory decoration. Begonias
were represented by B. Gloire de Lorraine and
its derivatives, including the white form known as
Turnford Hall var. The plants were growing in
hanging baskets and flowering profusely. The
American raised variety Mrs. Petersen was
flowering well in pots ; this plant appears, Iby
its bronzy foliage, to have some affinity with
B. Gloire de Sceaux. It is of compact growth
and produces its deep carmine coloured flowers
with freedom, the tone contrasting well with
the very distinct foliage. Another Begonia, B.
nianicata, one of the very best temperate plants
in bloom at this season, was also profuse in
flowering. The tall, erect inflorescences are of
a pale flesh colour. This Begonia is easily
cultivated.

Blue flowers were represented by Eranthennum
pidcliellum, the plants being well grown speci-
mens in 6-inch and 7-inch pots with plenty of
flowers; and Pycnostachys Dawei, witli beauti-
ful bright blue flowers produced freely in ter-
minal clusters. This plant is about 5 feet in
height when in flower and would be valuable
for grouping. It is of free growth and has pale
green foliage. Primula malacoides grouped in a
mass was very effective. The Senecios were re-

February 28, 1920.]

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

105

presented by S. petasites of somewhat tall growth,
and having spikes of a loose hahit but quite
effective ; and S. grandifolius, a dwarfer plant.
but with terminal heads denser than those of the
other. Freely flowered examples of Pyrus
Scheideekeri nearly 6 feet in height were very
pleasing and their blossoming seemed to herald
the spring ; as a pot plant for forcing, this
Pyrus is excellent. Two quite distinct Camellias
planted out in the borders were specially note-
worthy; they were C. japonica grandiflora, a
semi-double form with pure white flowers and
golden stamens, and C. japonica magnoliaeflora
Sanders' variety, with blush peitals and golden
stamens. Strelitzia regina was in flower; it is
a bloom of most singular appearance and the
flowering plants are beautiful objects. The
grouping of the plants is still carried out en
masse, a style that is specially to he
commended. J as. Hudson.

VEGETABLE CULTIVATION IN
MACEDONIA.

(Concluded from p. 94.)

The Potato was a very disappointing crop in
Macedonia. The greatest yield was threefold,
and this result, considering the labour, etc.,
expended, gave no profit whatever. Not that
the soil was unsuited, for preference was given
to this crop, and it also had the advantage
of manures. The period of drought sets in at
the time moisture is needed for the develop-
ment of the tuber's, and, to judge a field of
Potatos in Macedonia by the haulm, a heavy
crop might be expected. It was surprising to
note the absence of disease amongst Potatos.
Only a few instances of "scab " were dis-
covered, and this disease was. no doubt, con-
veyed with the seed. This is the only crop
which tortoises will not attack.

Onions and Leeks seem to grow in a rather
peculiar manner, but after a little study of
these crops, this is quite understood. One single
season is insufficient, ifor the summer months
will not allow a continuation of growth. Con-
sequently, when these crops are at a stage to
begin development the plants remain dormant
and dry off when quite small. With regard to
Onions, they should be stored until the follow
ing spring, but the Leeks should remain in the
ground throughout the winter. Autumn-sown
Onions grow well and give an average crop, but,
like those sown in spring and continued the fol-
lowing year, they not infrequently run to seed.
Both Onions and Leeks are materially helped
by irrigation and the bulbs attain to a great
size, but must have more than a single season
for growth. The Leek is recognised as the most
successful crop amongst the natives, and excel-
lent results have been obtained.

Certain kinds of Beans are adaptable to ihis
climate, but the weather conditions provide the
determinating factor to success. With an ave-
rage spring and summer the Dwarf Canadian
Wonder is the best variety for cultivating in
open fields, and gives a heavy return. But if
drought occurs early, the crop suffers in conse-
quence Broad Beans, if sown in the autumn,
give fair results, but are attacked badly by fly.
Scarlet Runner Beans set very shyly on account
of tile absence of moisture. The Haricot Bean
grows well and yields a. heavy crop, and Maize,
if sown with the plants, gives the Runners sup-
port and also partial shade during the hot
months. The Haricot Bean is to be recom-
mended in this climate, as it requires little
attention, is easily grown, and always gives a
good return.

Peas are worth growing, provided early varie-
ties are planted. The varieties Pilot and Eclipse
have proved profitable, also Fillbasket. These
early varieties are almost hardy, which is a
great asset considering the climate is so change-
able in the early part of the year'. Even if late
frost occurs, such as we experienced in April,
1918, the plants are able to withstand
the effects ol the cold. As a rule the seasons
are genial for this crop, and the return is equal
to that in English gardens. Peas ripen very
rapidly in Macedonia, and tend to dry off during

May, so that it is useless to attempt to grow
late Peas. Black and green aphides are very
troublesome to this crop, especially where
Cherrie • are growing in the near vicinity.

The most successful vegetables grown hi
Macedonia were Carrots and Beets. The Nantes
variety of the former does very well. Sown
early in March the plants grew rapidly, and
were well established before the time of
drought. Carrots yielded better in open fields
than in ground which "was watered, and this
may be due to the partial shade in watered
gardens. This crop was not troubled by
diseases The same remarks apply to the Beet,
which is a sun-loving plant. This crop gave
a heavy yield. The Spinach variety did not
grow so well, although the foliage proved a
delicacy.

Biassicas were successful in watered gardens ;
the plants made steady growth and attained to
large proportions. In open fields transplanting
is out of the question, and the best plan is to
sow such kinds as Kohl -rani, Kale and Broccoli

PumpKins grew well. These plants are always
to be found growing amongst fields of Maize,
where the plants obtain the necessary shade
Melons and Cucumbers need more attention and
require watering, but the setting of the fruit
occasions no trouble. The Cantaloupe Melon
grows well, and seems to be happy in the hot
climate. Tomatos are always a sure crop in
watered ground, and it is possible to grow two
crops of this vegetable in one season. The fruit
ripens rapidly and needs constant picking,
especially if birds are in any way troublesome.
W. S. White, Bronhendre Gardens, Carnarvon.

MALOPE.

The importance of annual flowers in adding
beauty to gardens is well known; but perhaps
a special reminder of the value of Malopes may
be of use at seed-sowing time. Strong-growing
and very showy when well grown, the Malopes

Fig. 43. — a border group of malope grandiflora rosea and m. g. alba.

thinly in their permanent quarters. The more
important Brassicas, if sown in the usual way
and grown in watered gardens, thrive without
a check. Caterpillars are great pests throughout
the whole season. A type of Woolly Aphis
also attacks Brassicas, generally at the roots.
The only remedy is to burn the infested plants.
This pest was found also in Larch trees, which
seem to be its breeding-place. A few leather-
jackets were noticed, but this pest is not so
bad as in England, and is not so troublesome
as either the Woolly Aphis or caterpillars.

The Turnip and Swede are both successful
crops, and are easy of cultivation. Growth is
slow but steady, and good results were obtained
from early and autumn sowings. Tile spring
orop needs irrigation towards trie end of April
to favour steady growth and to develop the
roots satisfactorily both in size and quality.
Water was only needed for about two or three
weeks. For the autumn crop the treatment
should be the reverse. The ground being hot
and dry, it should be watered to cause the seed
to germinate, gradually withholding moisture as
the weather changes.

Lettuces and Radishes both grew exceedingly
well in watered gardens, where, during the
summer, they had partial shade. Marrows and

have an advantage over some other annuals, in
that they have attractive leaves and the flower-
ing period continues until the plants are finally
crippled by wintry weather. Another great
point in their favour is that Malopes do not
get " played out " so quickly as do less vigorous
annuals before the flower garden season is over.

Although seedlings of these annuals may suc-
ceed if transplanted, the best results are
obtained by sowing seeds where the plants are to
flower. Being of robust habit, the large
seeds should be sown thinly, the resulting
plants being again thinned so that each may
have reasonable development.

The varieties illustrated are M. grandiflora
rosea and At. grandiflora alba, mixed, in a long
border. Whole beds or long lengths of borders
of these flowers give the most brilliant results,
although odd groupings among tall herbaceous
subjects are always admired. In addition to the
two varieties named, others equally beautiful
may lie obtained from a packet of mixed seed ol
a good strain. The type, Malope trifida, is now
rarely sien. Those who have gardens in large
towns should sow Malopes freely, lor this flower
does ».-U in town gardens. M. trifida is a
native of Spain and was introduced ill 1008.
C. 'I'., drnpthill Park Gardens

106

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[February 28, 1920.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S
WAR RELIEF FUND.

For the purpose of assisting horticulturists in
AlJied countries who suffered so terribly during
the war, the Koyal Horticultural Society
instituted a War Relief Fund in 1915. District
committees were formed throughout the country,
i oniposed very largely of influential ladies and
gentlemen well known in horticultural circles.
r>y these means, with entertainments and
Mansion House meetings, the fund was very
materially assisted. The total amouut re-
ceived lor the relief of horticulturists in
devastated districts amounts to about £40,000,
and the greater part of this sum is now being
expended on seeds, fruit trees, and tools.
It must not be forgotten, however, that a con-
siderable amount ol reliet was given during the
early periol of the war. but its effect was entirely
lost owing to a subsequent German advance over
the districts to which relief had been sent. At
the moment the work of dispatching seeds and
tools is being carried on briskly, and Sir Harry
• I. Veitch, treasurer of the fund, and Mr. C.
lltntschel, the secretary, are extremely busy in
this connection at 17, Victoria Street, West-
minster. Each tool, each set of fruit trees and
every box of seeds is labelled :
" Offert par les Anglais en Gage d' Amitie."

Everything sent from England is being
delivered to the office of the British Section oi
the French Red Cross in London, by whom it is
conveyed free of expense to the fund (subject
to transport expenses incurred outside their
jurisdiction) to the various districts in France
where the French Red Cross Society has branches
and where every assistance is being given by
their staff to ensure distribution to the right
people. The French Red Cross centres are at
Douai (Nord), St. Quentin (Aisne), Soissons
(Aisne), Vouziers (Ardennes), Mourmelon
(Marne), and Maignelay (Oise), and to this
group 24,000 packets of seeds and 26,000 tools
have been, or are being, dispatched. Districts
where distribution is taking place through other
agencies are : — Ardennes, Soissons (Aisne),
Coulommes (Marne), and La Bassee (N'ord), and
to tluse 140.000 packets of seeds and 11.000 tools
have been allotted.

To Belgium and the Yser district £500 worth
of seeds have been sent, and paillassons
(garden mats) to the value of £5,000 have been
distributed and all these have been made in
Belgium, consequently relief has been afforded
to manufacturers as well as horticulturists.

Through the medium of the Serbian Relief
Fund 10,000 packets of seeds and the sum of
£1,000 have been distributed on behalf of the
War Horticultural Relief Fund, whilst Roumania
has benefited to the extent of 10,000 packets of
seeds and 10,000 tools.

The total number of packets of seeds dispatched
is about 400,000, and practically all the seeds
have been purchased in England, though sunie
were obtained in France. The seeds are care-
fnlly packed in cardboard boxes. Usually only
one box of seeds is sent to a family.- • -The
subjects chosen, as a result of conferences with
the authorities, are Chicory, Brussels Sprouts,
Leek, Cauliflower, Cos Lettuce, Cabbage
Lettuce, Celery, Beet, Carrot, Turnip, Radish
and Spinach. In certain cases Peas have been
added, and in others the boxes contain some
dwarf Beans (Haricot Verts).

About 50,000 fruit trees are being distributed
and practically all these are being purchased in
Fiance in order to ensure the provision of
suitable kinds and varieties. The kinds of fruit
trees asked for by the horticulturists whose
gardens and nurseries have suffered during the
war are Apple, Pear, Plum, and Cherry, in the
proportion of about 20 Apple trees and 14 Pear
trees and one each of Plum and Cherry.

The principal varieties of Apples for which
requests have been received are Canadian Pippin,
Bonne Femme, Calville Blanc, Calville Rouge
Precoce, Calville Blanche d'Hiver, Reinette du
Canada, Reinette d'Angleterre, Reinette Grise,
Cox's Orange Pippin, and Baumann's Reinette.
Of Pears the selection lies chiefly with Williams'
Bon Chretien, Doyenne du Cornice, Marie

Louise, Charles Ernest, Pitmaston Duchesse,
Passe Crassane, Le Lectier, Beurre Hardy, Beurre
Bachelier, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Duchesse
d'Angouleme, Marguerite Marillat Doyenne
d'Hiver (Easter Beurre), and Soldat Labourer.
The principal varieties of Plums desired include
Victoria, Kirkes, Reine Claude de Bavay,
Prune d'Agen, Monarch, Early Rivers, Coe's
Golden Drop, and four varieties of the
Mirabelle, a small Plum which is extremely
popular in France. The leading varieties of
Cherries distributed are Morello, Imperatrice
Eugene, Belle Magnifique, Montmorency, R-eine
Hortense, Royal Hative, Bigarreau Napoleon,
Bigarreau de Schreken, Bigarreau Jaboulay,
Bigarreau Reverchon, and Bigarreau Pallissier.

The approximate weight of the 48,000 tools
sent to the Allies is 55 tons and all were pur-
chased in England. The principal tools are
spades, forks, several forms of hoes, cultivators,
shovels, saws, rakes, knives and secateurs.

It will be gathered from these few particulars
that the fund has given relief to many homes
in the countries of our Allies, but it should also
be remembered that, large as is the amount of
relief given taken as a whole it is small in
comparison to the needs, and consequently the
amount of assistance which can be rendered will
depend entirely upon the generosity of those
whose gardens have remained unharmed, whilst
those in France, Belgium, Serbia and Roumania
have been devastated. C.

THE APIARY.

By Chloris.

THE DRAINAGE OF SMALL
AREAS.

Notices have appeared in the Press comment-
ing on the activity of the Ministry of Agriculture
in setting up Drainage Boards for districts vary-
ing in size from about 2,000 acres to 400.000 acres
under the powers of Part I. of the Land Drainage
Act, 1918, but comparatively little notice has been
taken of the possibilities of action under Part II.
of the same Act with regard to the drainage of
small areas. There are many such areas, too
small to justify the establishment of a drainage
board, where great benefit to groups of farms or
properties would ensue if the various owners
could combine for the maintenance of the dykes
and drains in which they are all interested.
Hitherto, the only way of securing such com-
bination has been to form a drainage board, but
apart from the preliminary expenses involved,
small drainage boards have been proved (as a
general rule) to be uneconomical and unsatisfac-
tory. The Act of 1918 enables the Ministry of
Agriculture to establish a drainage committee in
each county, and this committee can act as a
drainage board for any number of small areas in
the couuty. The County Committee prepares and
submits to the Ministry of Agriculture a scheme
for the necessary cleansing or improvement of
the streams or drains in an area, showing the
area involved, the -work proposed to be done, the
estimated cost, and the apportionment of the cost
among the owners concerned. The scheme, when
approved by the Ministry, is deposited in draft
for a month for public inspection and criticism,
during which time objections may be made to it.

When agreement to the scheme has
been secured, the County Committee
carries out the work, and the Ministry
of Agriculture advances the necessary
money, which is afterwards recovered from
the owners by means of a drainage rate. The
subsequent maintenance in good condition of the
streams and dykes devolves upon the County
Committee, which can levy drainage rates from
time to time for that purpose on the lands bene-
fited by the scheme. The preliminary expenses
of these schemes are negligible, and the adminis-
trative expenses which would necessarily be
incurred by any drainage board are avoided alto-
gether. This procedure is not intended to deal
with large rivers and areas, but with minor
streams and groups of farms or properties.
Hitherto the most successful schemes have been
those involving an expenditure of about £200 to
£500 for the benefit of a few hundred acres. The
expenditure under any scheme must not exceed
£5,000, or £5 per acre (whichever is least).

Care Needed ill Bee-keeping.— It must not be
assumed that anyone can make profit from bees
without expert knowledge. Further, it is
essential that the apiarist must possess perse-
verance and be prepared to devote considerable
attention to every detail that makes for success.
He must look ahead to see what will be required
at each successive stage of the season, which,
at the best, is a very short one. What is being
done in other districts may not be a success in
another, for the simple reason that the nectar-
bearing plants are not always the same, or, if
the same, the season may be earlier or later,
and this makes all the difference in the success-
ful manipulation of bees.

It cannot be too definitely stated that no
invariable rule can be laid down for carrying out
bee operations. What may have been very suc-
cessful last year may not prove a success this
season. In the same way, when an expert
visits d\i apiary, although he may be very
sincere, a highly successful beekeeper, and pos-
sess every quality that an expert should possess,
his advice may not bring success.

The beginner may be tempted to purchase
second-hand hives offered at a low price. These
may prove expensive in the end, because they
may have housed bees that have died of disease.
Further, it is best to have hives of one type
only in an apia--y, so that all parts are inter-
changeable.

Those who aie drawing up schedules for flower
shows where honey and wax will be exhibited
should choose judges possessing expert know-
ledge.

Frames.— Frames should be fitted with foun-
dations before they are needed, for swarms often
appear before they are expected, certainly often
at very inconvenient times. When frames are
fitted up in a hurry the work is generally, per-
force, performed in a very inefficient manner.
To secure success the foundation should be made
quite secure in the top bar, by melting the wax
with a hot poker into the sawn cut. To make it
perfectly secure it should be wired in so that
there shall be no fear of the comb breaking
down when it is soft with heat and heavy with
brood. The same remarks apply to shallow
frames, but in a greater degree, for there is
always a danger of these breaking down when
they are placed in the extractor.

Sections. — To obtain well-finished sections it
is necessary to take great care in fitting them
in the hives. The first essential is absolute
cleanliness in handling the wood, and to reject
all sections that are not perfect, never under
any circumstances using those that have had a
full section of honey cut out of them. Take 21
sections in the flat and wet the joints with boil-
ing water on both sides. When this plan is
adopted there is no danger of the joints breaking
when the sections are bent into shape. Having pre-
viously, out up the foundation into square sheets
that will exactly fill the sections, proceed to
fit them in. In passing, I may add that split-
top sections are the best, and the thinnest
worker base foundation most suitable. Drone
base foundation is procurable and is sometimes
used, but sections fitted with it never look so
pleasing as those fitted with the former founda-
tion. Drone base foundation is best fitted for
use in shallow frames, because the honey leaves
it better when they are placed in the extractor.
In placing the sections in the super fix them
tightly, and between each line place metal
dividers (not wooden ones for they twist) to
keep the faces of the sections true.

In some instances it may be necessary t*>
utilise old foundation, and then a difficulty
arises, for it may become brittle, making it difF
cult to use and not so acceptable to the bees
because it is not pliable enough. To make it
more pliant, it should be slightly wanned before
fixing it in the frames and before placing it in
the hives. The heat will cause it to give off an
odour that will make it acceptable to the bees.
Brood foundation should never be thinner than
eight sheets to the pound.

February 28, 1920. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

107

NURSERY NOTES.

THE READING PRIMULAS.
It was with mingled feelings the writer
entered Messrs. Sutton and Sons trial grounds
on a bright February morning a fortnight ago
for the purpose of inspecting the Reading
Primulas. Five years had elapsed since the
previous visit — years of close association "with
I he utilitarian side of horticulture. Consequently
the possibility of being out of harmony with the
beautiful, as represented by finely grown plants,
carrying flowers of various hues, presented itself,
together with a little fear, lest during the period
of war the Reading firm might have relaxed its
efforts to maintain its fine strains of greenhouse
Primulas. But the fear was not warranted, and
there is no need to apologise on behalf of the
Messrs. Sutton.

Throughout the war all the popular
varieties have been kept true to form
and colour, some have been improved by
selection and new ones .evolved in the
interval, but during the past five years
only small stocks were kept. This year ten
houses of splendidly flowered plants, all for seed,
show that Messrs. Sutton and Sons have pre-
pared for a future demand equal to that of the
past. Mr. Leonard Sutton's interest in these
flowers has not abated one jot, and an inspection
made under his guidance is a great pleasure.
Nor has cultivation suffered, indeed Mr. E.
Janes, the present chef de culture, brings ex-
ceptional skill and enthusiasm to bear upon the
records of ripe experience handed on to him by
Mr. Macdonald, who has now retnred after a long
period of service.

Among the many varieties of Chinese Primulas
seen, The Diuohess queens it as graciously as ever
and has given a giant-flowered lavender variety
that may add yet another triumph to
the Reading list. Pearl, Royal Whits,

Fern - leaved White and the magnificent
Giant White make a quartette from which
the keenest critic of colour, form and sub-
stance may make a selection. Coral Pink, Read-
ing Pink and its Fern-leaved counterpart Rosy
Queen, are dainty Primulas, with flowers of
delicate colouring. Brilliant King, Reading
Scar-let and Crimson King give deeper colouring
and are alike attractive under artificial light or
winter sunshine.

The blue Primulas are particularly fascinating
as they show great progress in the evolution
of colour. Time was, and not so long since, when
Reading Blue was blue only by courtesy ; it was
the bluest of florists' Primulas. Now, however,
the shade of colour is really good and vastly
different from the slatey hue of the variety of
similar name a score of years ago. But the last
word, to date, in blue Primulas is The Czar.
The Giant Primulas are as 'wonderful as ever,
and Giant Pink would probably gain the vote as
the finest variety in this section.

The "Ilis" (eyeless) varieties, from which the
yellow eye has been eliminated, have many
admirers, as have the very fine double forms
which now include a Double Duchess. In point
of popularity, however, these sections must yield
pride of place to the Star Primulas. There are
about a dozen varieties in. this group, and in
every case tbe habit of growth and freedom of
flowering are such as appeal to all lovers of
graceful plants. For the conservatory and green-
house, for table decoration, or grown for cut
flower's, all the Star Primulas are very useful,
and, moreover, they are easily grown. Coral
Pink Star', White Star, with dark foliage ; Ruby
Star, very rich in colour ; Light Blue Star, a
charming form ; and Lord Roberts Star, rich
salmon pink, form a good selection when it is
not possible to grow all the varieties.

At Messrs. Sutton and Sons trial grounds,
Primulas are grown for seed, and every detail
of house construction and cultivation is directed
to that end. The varieties are grown in large,
distinct batches, and every plant is as nearly like
its neighbour as plants can be. Gardeners who
see or read about these Reading Primulas, grown
as indicated, may suggest that what is possible
wmere everything is favourable, is not so easy of
achievement with the ordinary conditions and
conveniences obtaining in a medium sized private
garden. Be that as it may, there are many who
do succeed with Primulas where a mixed collec-

tion of plants has to be grown, and as Mr.
Townsend, Mr. Leonard Sutton's gardener at
Hillside, Reading, is one such, the writer per-
suaded him to contribute the following notes on
his method of cultivation and his suggestions
for pleasing combinations of varieties : —
Cultivation of Primulas,

The most important point in the cultivation
of Primulas for the purpose of keeping the green-
Jiouse or conservatory bright with flower during
the whiter and spring months, is to make suc-
cessional sowings from March to June, and
another at the end of July to obtain plants in
snail pots for indoor decoration. Too often
in private gardens is the fatal mistake made of
relying on one main sowing during April.

Sow the seeds evenly and thinly. Primula
seed, as a rule, germinates irregularly, and
especially is this the case with the Giant
varieties. The seed pans should be placed in a
temperature not lower than 55° at night, and
not higher than 65° by day. So soon as seed-
lings show the first rough leaf, prick them out
about lj inches apart in shallow boxes, and
place them in a close frame for a few days. In
about a fortnight transfer the plants to a warm
span-roofed frame or house, allowing them
plenty of light and air on all suitable occasions ;
these conditions are essential to secure compact,
sturdy growth. When well rooted, shift the
plants into small sixty-sized pots, and subse-
quently into pots of a larger size. The soil
should be made firm round the " collar," and

majority of varieties during the time they are
making growth, but the plants should be
removed to a cooler house directly the blooms
appear, in order to develop the finest colouring.
Combinations of Colour.

The following combinations have proved
successful at Hillside : — Double White and The
Czar, the white variety throwing into relief the
beautiful blue tint of The Czar. Coral Pink and
Crimson King intermixed are very beautiful.
Coral Pink also blends splendidly with Reading
Blue. Reading Blue and The Czar combine well
and if only a few plants of the latter are used the
grouping is very effective. Reading Blue, Royal
White and Pearl, mixed with a few plants of
Reading Pink, give a charming effect. Royal
White, The Duchess, Coral Pink, Pearl and The
Czar, arranged together in a big group are also
very attractive.

The Star Primulas lend themselves to decora-
tive effect even better than those of the older
type. Star Pink and White Queen, used to-
gether, make a very fine group. Coral Pink
Star and White Queen, leading up to Pink Star
and Duchess Star, give an effective grouping
on tiered staging. One very happy association
is Primula kewensis and Dark Blue Star ;
equally good is Ruby Star mixed with P.
kewensis. Dark Blue Star and the snow white
flowers and dark foliage of Giant White Star,
associated with a few plants of the mauve
Primula malaicoides, provide a combination that
never fails to please.

GROUP OF PRIMULAS IN THE CONSERVATORY AT HILLSIDE. READING.

potting should be done so that the lowest leaves
just rest on the surface of the soil. The com-
post for tile final potting should consist of one-
half rich, fibrous loam, pulled to pieces, and the
other half a mixture of leaf-mould, dry, sifted
cow manure, a little charcoal, wood ash, some
coarse silver sand, and a small quantity of soot
and bone meal. Throughout the summer a slight
shading is necessary during the hottest part of
the day, but a thick or continuous shading is
injurious rather than beneficial. Liberal supplies
of water are required in the summer, and a
light sprinkling overhead with tepid, soft water,
by means of a fine spray syringe, after a hot
drying day will be found to be very refreshing
to the plants. At the end of September, the
plants should be housed and given a temperature
of 50° to 55°, with air admitted night and day.
This treatment will be found to be a good
check against damping, which is sometimes
'prevalent among Primulas. If the weather
should be wet, increase the fire heat a little so
as to provide a genial atmosphere.

Certain varieties, including Reading Blue, The
Czar, Coral Pink, Coral Pink Star and Blue
Star, require rather warmer treatment than the

VARIEGATED MINTS.

So far as I have been able to determine from
observation, there are only two variegated forms
of .Mint in gardens, and these are so old that
their origin is lost in the obscuritv of the past
I hey are Mentha rotundilolia variegata and M
gentihs variegata. The first is mentioned in
Parkinson's Paradiai hi Sole, 1629, and is one
of only three that he thought worth while to
bring to the notice of his readers. In Johnson s
edition of John Gerard's Herbal, this Mint is
figured under the name of Mentasfcrum niveum
anglicum, or parti-coloured Horse-mint, and the
Latin form of th,9 name had previous!} been used
by Lobel. Writing in 1799, Sir James Edward
Smith. 111 discussing the varieties which he placed
under M. gentilis, referred to " The variegated
Mint- so common in gardens and about cottages."
This serves to show that it was quite common
in his day. and his remarks would still hold good.
The great age of these Minis gives ample evi-
dence of the vigour and constitution of their
v,sgetative system of reproduction. /. /•'

108

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[February 28, 1920.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

[The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for
the opinions expressed by correspondents.]

Berberis orthobotrys.— The beautiful Berberis
illustrated in Fig 31, Card. Chron., Feb. 14,
stands out markedly in the very large collection
of species grown at Aldenham. The large size
and rich colour of the berries, combined with the
large quantity of fruits present on the plant,
made it a very prominent feature in the gardens
last autumn. The biggest bush of all stood near
to a .good specimen of B. vulgaris brachybotrys,
which variety was completely put in the shade
by its more brilliant relative. (Somewhat similar
at first glance to B. vulgaris brachybotrys, B.
orthobotrys has a stronger habit, and makes a
very fine and handsome bush ; it will un-
doubtedly become one of the favourites of the
Berberis family when more widely known. The
new species gained an Award of Merit at the
meeting of the R.H.S. on October 21, 1919.
The rich scarlet of the berries contrasts beauti-
fully with the bronzy-coloured, oval-shaped leaves
which are bordered with small, sharp spines.
Edwin Beckett, Y.M.H., Aldenham Gardens,
Elstrec.

Plant Hygiene.— I have read with interest Mr.
Gough's article on " Plant Hygiene," and
observe he recommends the larger growers to
keep a trained assistant to do nothing else but
look after the sanitation of their crops. This
man would be held responsible for the mixing
and application of spraying materials, with a
view to curtailing expenses and seeing that the
best results are obtained. It is surprising how
few large growers carry out spraying operations
in a thorough and systematic manner. Some
few years ago the growers pleaded that the
labour involved in the weighing and mixing of
chemicals made spraying a most costly item on
the farm and fruit plantation. Further, they
claimed that a difficulty arose in securing a
reliable man who could be trusted to properly
weigh and mix the chemicals. To-day there is
no excuse, for the difficulties met with in the
preparation of spraying mixtures are overcome
by proprietary mixtures, such, for instance, as
the Blighty Spraying Mixture, manufactured by
the Mond Nickel Company, which meets the
requirements of both small and large growers.
I have used this mixture for Potato
spraying, side by side with Burgundy Mixture
made according to the Board of Agriculture's
formula, and found it to be fully as efficacious
and much easier to make. I find that it adheres
better to tile foliage than does the ordinary Bur-
gundy Mixture, and dissolves much more readily.
As a winter wash for fruit trees, for spraying
Tomatos and Celery, and for use against Onion
mildew it is rapidly gaining favour. I recently
visited Ireland and found this proprietary mix-
ture extensively used there by the large Potato
growers, who find it uniform in character and
certain not to damage the foliage. When this
and other reliable mixtures can be obtained, so
easily mixed and applied, one wonders why our
growers do not spray to reduce the loss which
Mr. Gough estimates to be in extreme cases as
high as 80 to 90 per cent. John Coombes.

Snowy Fly (see pp. 44, 80 and 96).—
This has (been a troublesome pest here
for the past two years. It has attacked
almost every plant grown, and infested every
house with the exception of the vineries and
Peach houses. I have constantly fumigated
night after night, and sprayed in the early
morning following the fumigation, with several
insecticides, only to find as the day got warmer
insects began to fly about again. I have now
foimd a most effective and safe method for
exterminating this pest by means of sodium
cyanide, phosphoric acid and water (rain-water
for preference) used in an Edwards' cyaniding
machine). Quantities: sodium cyanide, £ oz. ;
phosphoric acid, i oz. ; water, 1 oz. to every
1,000 cubic feet. These quantities will not harm
the tenderest of plants, such as Cucumbers,
Melons, or Tomatos. I have recently cyanided
Heliotrope, Poinsettia, Cyclamen. Sehizanthus,
Chrysanthemums, and many other plants. The
temperature of the house should, if possible, be

lowered to 50°, and all plants kept perfectly
dry. The cyanide may be used in greater
strength if the house is to be cleared out and
all plants thrown away. 'The greatest care
should be taken in cyaniding, as a very poisonous
gas is generated. The water should be placed
in the vessel first, then the acid. After the
machine is in position, put the cyanide in the
receptacle on the top of the machine. See that
all ventilators are closed, and cards hung up
inside the doors with the inscription : " Poisonous
gas; do not enter." When all is ready, pull
the string attached to the receptacle containing
the cyanide, and the latter, coming into con-
tact with the water and acid, gives off a
poisonous gas. The house should be left closed
for an hour. The operation should be repeated
about once every week or ten days, until all
the eggs are hatched. If it should be neces-
sary to turn the heat on again the same night,
throw the doors open first, and then the venti-
lators, to allow the gas to escape. A good plan
is to tie a wet pocket handkerchief over the
mouth and nose before entering the house after
it has been ventilated. W. J. Earl, The
Gardens, Tranby Croft, Hull.

Hosts of the Mistleto (see pp. 9, 20, 44,
56, 69 and 80). — The various notes on
this subject which have appeared in your
valuable paper lead me to conclude that writers
do not understand there aTe several distinct
forms of the Mistleto (Viscum album), and I
almost believe that in some instances Viscum
album is mistaken for Loranthus europaeus,
which is, however, not included in the British
Flora by Bentham and Hooker, but may easily
now be in the country. According to a recent
publication iby " Kosmos," Stuttgart, Parasites
i.i the Vegetable Kingdom (Wurger in
Pflanzenreich), there are three kinds of Viscum,
not botanical sub-varieties, 'but rather biological
ones. Professor H. Schinz, in the Flora of
Switzerland, 2nd part, describes Viscum album
platyspermum as occurring on deciduous trees,
and Viscum album eyposphaerospermum as
occurring on Conifers. The German book men-
tions Professor Keinrioh Innsbruck and C.
Tubeuf, Munich, as stating that the three
varieties occur as follows : the first on deciduous
trees, the second on Abies, and the third on
Pinus, and each restricted to this host plant, so
that, when experimenting, it is well to bear in
mind to select similar hosts when sowing it.
Laurent gives 96 different host plants, such as
Poplars, Willows, Birch, Beech, Pines, Apples,
Pears, Fir, Walnut, Hazelnut, Sweet Chestnut,
Quickthorn, Mountain Ash, Plum, Almond,
Cherry, Locust, Lime, Maples, but con-
siders it to be exceedingly rare on
Oak. Viscum album has also been
found growing on itself. The Pine Mistleto
came originally from Italy and other
Mediterranean countries, and its progress
further north has been observed all along the
annual migration routes of birds. Loranthus
europaeus is generally found on Oaks in south-
eastern Europe as far north as Bohemia. How-
ever interesting Viscum album may be
from a botanical point of view, I think
it is time . steps were taken to classify
it as a dangerous parasitical pest, and
instead of sowing and distributing it, everybody
ought to burn all trees on which it grows. I
once had Apples, of a well-known variety, from
a tree which was full of Mistleto, but the fruits
were quite inedible. I have seen orchards com-
pletely ruined from the same cause. In my own
home the parish authorities had to cut down a
forest of 60 acres of Abies pectinata
covered with Mistleto, the timber only
fetching half price, although every tree
was 100-120 ft. high. In fact I have never come
across a finer lot of trees, although some must
have carried a ton of the Mistleto.
No doubt the loss of Mistleto would rob Christ-
mas of a pleasing feature, but I guess many a
kiss has been given or taken without it!
E. Richli, Codsall.

The Popularity and Deterioration of Potatos. —
It is interesting to read, in connection with
this much debated question, that witnesses
when giving evidence before the Select Com-
mittee set up in 1880 to enquire into the Irish
Potato crop, were of opinion that the old

Regent variety, which was largely grown in
the 'sixties, was still regarded as the best
quality Potato for marketing purposes, and in
favourable seasons still gave excellent returns,
but had degenerated by 1870 to such an extent
that its growing was attended by considerable
risks. Those growers, who through force of
circumstances, could not afford to take these
risks, and others always interested in new kinds,
became attracted by the new Champion Potato,
a variety recently introcTuced by Mr. Barclay
of Ochterleney. At first Champions produced
large, coarse tubers of inferior quality Out with
care and continued cultivation the variety toned
down considerably, and yielded nice floury
tubers full of flavour and quality, and it soon
became the great Potato of Ireland ; for the
English markets the variety was far from ideal
and by 1880, Magnum Bonum, which had
recently made its appearance, was taken up
because of its superior shape and equal
resistency to disease. The tubers were waxy,
and it was not until after the lapse of several
years of cultivation that its quality had
improved sufficiently for it to displace the
Champion and take the leading place, which it
so rightly deserved, in the Potato world. Mi'.
Findlay, too, found that Up-to-Date, on intro-
duction, was of poor quality but underwent the
same changes before becoming the great Potato
of the day, and probably the finest and most popu-
lar Potato ever raised. In later yeairs it became
highly susceptible to disease and fell into dis-
repute and is now rarely grown in this country.
The waxy character of King Edward in its early
days is within the knowledge of most of us,
and it was indeed so marked as to receive the
abuse of Potato experts generally, who certainly
did not prophesy a future for it. With cultiva-
tion and continued propagation for several
veal's changes occurred, the quality improved
and it may now be regarded as the popular
Potato of the day. King Edward crops satis-
factorily, keep sound, is only moderately
susceptible to blight, and will rightly hold its
place until some newer and better variety
appears. It is just possible that one or other of
the robust varieties now in existence, but which
are regarded as of poor quality may well
become the popular variety in a few years time.
It appears, therefore, to have been the general
experience of these early breeders of Potatos
that each variety derived from seed took a
few years before its distinctive and characteristic
features were permanently established, and that
then it was often useless ; but that if it were
a valuable class of Potato it steadily improved
in flavour and quality by the starch contents
becoming more floury. Also that this gradual
change in quality was accompanied by one in
constitution, so that, after a certain time, any
comparative immunity from diseases which it
originally possessed disappeared and the growing
of the variety was attended with risk. These
two changes, working simultaneously in the
Potato, were responsible for leading the public
to discard old and popular kinds, as soon as they
became less resistant to disease, for new introduc-
tions possessing superior qualifications in some
well-chosen direction, and explains why in their
respective periods — Regents 1860, Champion
1875. Magnum Bonum 1885, Up-to-Date 1900.
Arran Chief 1910, and King Edward 1920, were
the popular varieties. H. V. Taylor, 72,
Victoria Street, S.W.

Apple Ellison's Orange I consider this

variety to be one of the finest flavoured dessert
Apples we have for October use. The fruits I
are not too large ; they have the full Cox's Orange
Pippin flavour and colour, and on our soil 1
consider it far superior to James Grieve. Beiug
almost a new Apple it is not yet popular, but |
when it is well known, I predict a great future
for it, as it is a grand cropper. J. S. Higgini,
Glynllivon Gardens, Carnarvon.

Evergreen Hedges. — In reply to Mr. Turner
(see page 75), while agreeing that Quercus Hex
makes an excellent hedge, I should not recom-
mend the planting of this subject in any garden
or pleasure grounds, owing to its habit of cast-
ing its leaves, which necessitates constant
attention in sweeping and tidying up in its
vicinity ; a serious matter where labour is
scarce. Wilmot M. Yates.

February 28, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

109

SOCIETIES.

EOYAL HORTICULTURAL.

Scientific Committee.
February 10, 1920.
Present: Messrs. E. A. Bowles (in the chair),
J. Fraser, J. Ramsbottom, H. J. Elwes, and

F. J. Chittenden (hon. sec,).

Willow Seeds.— -Mr. J. Fraser remarked upon
the part played by the wind in the distribution
of the seeds of the Willow.

Primula Juliae X elatior. — Dr. Rosenheim
showed specimens in illustration of the following
note : A reciprocal oross was made between
P. Juliae and P. elatior in spring, 1917. Only
the seeds obtained from P. Juliae as the female
parent were fertile. Sixty-eight seeds were sown,
of which 26 germinated ; of these 20 flowered for
the first time in 1919. The foliage in all cases
shows the characters of both parents, petiolate
and rounded (P. Juliae), puckered (P. elatior).
The inflorescence was of the P. Juliae type in
ten plants, and of the P. elatior type in the
other ten. While all the plants of the P. Juliae
type had pink flowers, those of the P. elatior
type had yellow inflorescence in six cases and
pink in four cases. Seedlings of the F2 genera-
tion are being grown on. The plant shown is
one of the early flowering F, generation, show-
ing flowers of P. Juliae character. (Plants in
the open have been in flower since December.)
The only known crosses of P. Juliae x elatior
seem to be chance seedlings found at Kew, which
have the inflorescence of P. elatior.

Snowdrop Seedlings. — Mrs. R. C. Backhouse
sent flowers of 6eedling Snowdrops, illustrating
the second generation of the cross G. plicatus X

G. nivalis. The flowers were exceedingly fine
and presented great variation, some being like
fine examples of G. Elwesii, and others of the
nivalis or plicatus type, while one approached
G. Melvillei.

Tuesday, February 24. — Notwithstanding the
heavy fog which enshrouded the London district
the day previous and also in the early part of
the 24th inst., there was a largely attended meet-
ing at the Royal Horticultural Hall and a fairly
large and interesting display of early alpine
flowers, Orchids, greenhouse plants. Carnations,
Tulips and Rhododendrons.

Neither the Floral Committee, the Narcissus
Committee nor the Fruit and Vegetable Com-
mittee granted Awards to novelties.

Floral Committee.

Present: Messrs. Henry B. May (in the chair),
John Heal, John Green, J. W. Moorman, J. F.
McLeod, W. Howe, C. R. Fielder, Arthur Turner,
John Dickson, H. J. Jones, Chas. E. Pearson,
W. P. Thomson, E. H. Jenkins, W. R. Dykes,
J. W. Barr, J. Jennings, W. B. Cranfield, G. W.
Leak, E. A. Bowles, S. Morris. R. C. Notcutt,
H. Cowley, George Paul, J. T. Bennett Poe,
and Jas. Hudson.

•Very few plants were submitted for the con-
sideration of the Committee and no Award was
made to a novelty.

Groups.

About a dozen and a half handsome plants of
Begonia Gloire de Sceaux, in a setting of varie-
gated Abutilons, with a foreground of Cycla-
men, were evidence of the beauty of this
Begonia and of the cultural skill of Mr. T.
Pateman, gardener to C. A. Cain, Esq., The
Node, Welwyn (Silver-Gilt Banksian Medal). —
Messrs. H. B. May and Sons' attractive group of
greenhouse plants was composed of Cyclamen,
the fragrant Boronia megasitigma, Columnea
magnifica, Genistas, ferns and palms (Silver
Banksian Medal). — Mr. L. R. Russell associated
freely-flowered Azaleas with forced Lilacs and
Wistarias in a large and attractive group (Silver
Grenfell Medal).

Messrs. Whitelegge and Co.'s alpine garden
was very attractive, and their dwarf shrubs ex-
cited a good deal of interest, but a large plant
of Wistaria chinensis was the crowning feature
of the whole display (Silver Banksian Medal). —
Mr. G. W. Miller displayed a gay group of

Tulips, Primroses, Polyanthuses, Hellebores and
Muscari (Silver Grenfell Medal). — Messrs. R.
Tucker and Sons had charming plants of Saxi-
fraga lilacina, S. Sundermannii, S. Irvingii, S.
kewensis, S. dalmatica and Primula Juliae in
their group of Alpines (Silver Banksian Medal).

Messrs. J. Waterer, Sons and Crisp arranged
a charming little Alpine garden, wherein there
were pretty colonies of Iris reticulata, Saxifraga.
L. G. Godseff, S. oppositifolia, Myosotis Ruth
Fischer, Primula denticulata and P. Wargrave
Gem, the last a small plant with purplish-rose
flowers (Silver Banksian Medal). — Messrs. Ptpers
showed a few pans of Saxifragas and Sedums and
some dwarf Alpine shrubs. — Messrs. Blackmoke
and Langdon exhibited splendidly-flowered
plants of a fine strain of blue Primroses and also
a collection of Violets (Bronze Flora Medal].

Mr. J. J. Kettle's contribution of Violets was
a large one and the flowers were as finely-
coloured and fragrant as on previous occasions
(Silver Banksian Medal).— Messrs. R. Gill and
Son filled a large spac9 with Rhododendrons cut
in the open in Cornwall; the finer sorts shown
were R. Mrs. H. Shilson, R. barbatum, R.
argenteum, R. arboreum roseum, and R. Florence
Gill. A little more time spent in arrangement
would have improved the exhibit (Silver Flora
Medal).

In Mr. G. Reuthe's group of hardy plants we
noticed a bright collection of Rhododendrons in
which R. argenteum and R. barbatum were con-
spicuous side by side with Magnolia Campbellii,
Prunus Pissardii. Saxifragas, Adonis and Iris
reticulata were included in the group (Silver
Banksian Medal).— Forced flowering shrubs,
chiefly Forsytheas, Prunus triloba and the fra-
grant Viburnum Carlesii were shown by Messrs.
Wm. Cutbush and Son, in addition to Alpine
plants and Carnations (Silver Banksian Medal).

Golden-flowered branches of Forsythias made
a bright background for the numerous Saxi-
fragas, Primulas, hardy Heaths, Iris Danfordiae,
and Corydalis cheilanthifolia shown by Messrs.
Bowell and Skarratt, of Cheltenham, who are
new exhibitors at Vincent Square (Silver Flora
Med all.

Mr. C. Engelmann's group of Carnations
proved a grea.^ attraction, as it consisted chiefly
of the bright varieties Scarlet Carola, Saffron,
Carola, Iona. Peerless, Lady Northcliffe and
Speckles (Silver Banksian Medal).— Messrs.
Allwood Brothers staged their Carnations in
fine style and everybody admired their brilliant,
bright scarlet seedling, as yet unnamed, of fine
form and substance. Wivelsfield Claret and
Mary Allwood were also finely shown (Silver
Grenfell Medal). — Messrs. Stuart Low and Co.
contributed a large display of perpetual Carna-
tions and a group of their excellent strain of
Cyclamen. The best of the Carnations were
Circe, Eileen, Sunbeam, Winter Glow. Brilliant
and Mrs. Fellowes (Silver Banksian Medal).

Orchid Committee.
Present: Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart, (in the
chair). Sir Harry J. Veitch, Messrs. Jas. O'Brien
(Hon. Sec.), William Bolton, Arthur Dye. R. A.
Rolfe, W. H. White, S. W. Flory, W. H.
Hatcher, Fred Sander, R. Brooman-Wliite, A.
McBean, J. E. Shill, C. J. Lucas, E. R. Ashton.
Walter Cobb, T. Armstrong. W. J. Kaye, and
J. Charlesworth.

Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., called the at-
. tention of the Committee to the recent, and
well-deserved, Belgian Honour accorded to Sir
Harry J. Veitch. and also his election to the
Vice-Presidency of the Royal Horticultural
Society, a distinction which would not deprive
the Orchid Committee of his valued presence on
the Committee. The heartiest congratulations of
the Committee were expressed.

Awards.
First-Class Certificate.
Milfonia Bleuana var. Princess Elizabeth
{vexillaria X Roezlii), from Monsieur Firmin
Lambeau, Brussels (gr. Mons. E. De Munter).
A remarkable hybrid, having the large size ana
excellent form of the original M. Bleuana, but
with the violet-purple of M. Roezlii developed
so as to occupy the greater part of the surface
of the petals. The flowers are blush- white; the

lip has a rayed mask of reddish orange colour,
and the petals are violet-purple with blush-white
margins. A Silver-Gilt Lindley Medal was also
awarded the plant.

Awards of Merit.

Odontoglossumi Henry VIII. (Solon X
Aglaon), from W. R. Fasey. Esq., Holly Bush
Hill, Snaresbrook. A fine fluwer of good shape,
claret-red in colour, with a few intersecting
white lines and thin white margin.

Odontoglossum Conqueror Fasey's Variety
(illustrissimiim X crispum), from W. R.
Fasey, Esq. (Orchid grower Mr. Seymour).
The flowers are white, heavily blotched with
dark claret; the lip is also white with claret
blotches around the yellow crest.

Groups.

Messrs. Armstrong and Brown were ^warded
a Silver-Gilt Flora Medal for a fine group com-
posed of brilliant Odontiodas, new seedling
Odontoglossums, in great variety and beauty;
Laelio-Cattleyas and other hybrids. Among the
Dendrobiums were several fine forms of this
firm's new strain of D. nobile var. Sir G. F.
Moore (nobilius X The Elephant), representing
the highest progress from the famed D. n.
nobilius. Among species we noted the singular
Bulbophyllum Medusae and several plants of
Epidendrum polybulbon.

Messrs. Charlesworth and Co., Haywards
Heath, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal tor
a fine group (equal to that unfortunately
omitted in our report of the last show), in which
Laelio-Cattleyas, Cattleyas, Brasso-Cattleyas and
brilliant Odontiodas were well represented. The
seedling forms of typical white Odontoglossum
crispum were perfect in form and substance.

Messrs. J. and A. McBean, Cooksbridgs, were
awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a pretty group
of splendidly-grown Odontoglossums, Odontiodas
and Laelio-Cattleyas, all finely flowered.

Messrs. Stuart Low and Co., Jarvisbrook,
Sussex, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for
a group specially remarkable for Cattleya,
Laelio-Cattleya and Sophronitis crosses. The
last-named included a fine specimen of the yellow
Sophro-Laelia Marriottiana (L. flava X S.
grandiflora), with twelve flowers. Other un-
named Sophronitis crosses were also shown.

Messrs. Flory and Black. Slough, were
awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a group
of handsome Odontoglossums and Odontiodas,
the best of which was Odontioda Auguste, a
very showy hybrid of unrecorded parentage,
with large and well-formed flowers of claret
colour with a violet shade.

Baron Bruno Schroder, The Dell, Englefield
Green (gr. Mr. J. E. Shill), staged a selection of
cut spikes of The Dell hybrids, including fine
examples of Calanthe Baron Schroder, Laelio-
Cattleya Schroderae, Brasso-Cattleya Ruther-
fordii delicata (B.-C. Digbyano-Mossiae Alexan-
dre X C. Gaskelliana alba) and other showy
hybrids.

Other Exhibits.

Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., Gatton Park,
Surrey (gr. Mr. J. Collier), sent finely-flowered
plants of Sarcochilus Fitzgeraldii, S. Hartmannii
and Coelogyne gattonense (speciosa x Sanderae)
which was recommended to the Scientific Com-
mittee for a Certificate of Appreciation.

Pantia Ralli, Esq., Ashtead Park, Surrey
(Orchid grower Mr. Fames), showed Odonto-
glossum eximium var. Arghiro, with flowers
heavily blotched with claret-red.

Sir Mervyn E. M. Buller, Broomhill, Sprat-
ton. Northampton (gr. Mr. C. Kench). showed
Cattleya Clotho splendens (Enid x Trianae), a
fine flower of typical Cattleya form, coloured
rose with violet-crimson front to the lip.

Narcissus and Tulip Committee.

Present: Messrs. E. A. Bowles (in the chair),

G. Reuthe, W. B. Cranfield. John W. Jones,

G. Churcher, Peter R. Barr, H. V. Warrander,

F: Barchard, Arthur R. Goodwin, F. Herbert

Chapman, W. Poupart, Geo. M Jnr.. G. W.

Leak and Chas. H. Curtis {Hen. Sec.).

110

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[February 28, 1920.

Groups.

The principal display before the Committee was
a handsome group, exhibited by Messrs. R. H.
Bath, of Daffodils and Tulips grown in fibre in
pans and associated -with Crocuses and Fritillaries
similarly grown. The Tulips were especially
good, notably the varieties Mon. Tresor, En-
chantress. King of the Yellows, Vermilion Bril-
liant and La Grandeur. In addition, Messrs.
R. H. Bath showed a group of cut JJallodils,
consisting of flowers opened in a cool house.
Imperator and The Don, two bicolor Ajax
varieties of fine form, were conspicuously good
(Silver-Gilt Flora Medal).

Mr. F. Herbert Chapman showed a few seed-
ling Daffodils and a fine pan of Iris sind-per. —
Mr. C. Jardine exhibited pans of seedling:
Daffodils to show how he had freed the plants
from eelworm infestation by means of a solution
of corrosive sublimate (1 part in 3,000 parts of
water).

Fruit and Vegetable Committee.

Present: Messrs. J. Cheal (in the chair),
W. Poupart, 0. Thomas, G. Reynolors, G. F.
Tinlev. Geo. Keif. A. Bullock. F. Jordan. E. A.
Bunv'ard, A. W. Metcalfe. H. S. Rivers, P. D.
Tuekett, W. E. Humphreys, J. G. Weston. Ed.
Beckett. W. H. Divers, and Geo. P. Berry.

Mr. Owen Thomas moved a. vote of condolence
with Mr. E. Harriss. a member of the Com-
mittee and gardener at Lockinge Fark, Want-
age, on the death of his wife, daughter of the
late Mr. W. Fyfe. for many years also garuener
at Lockinge Park.

Messrs. Laxton Bros.. Bedford, exhibited
fruits of their' splendid new d.essert Apple Lax-
ton's Superb, which received the R.H.S. Award
of Merit on August 26. 1919. The Award was
confirmed on this occasion by the unanimous vote
of the Committee.

Mr. Ed. Beckett exhibited a splendid dish of
Apple Grange's Pearmain, an old variety, of
Pearmain shape, described by Hogg as " a fine,
large Apple of first-rate quality as a culinary
fruit, and also very good for dessert." The tree
from which the fruits were gathered in Alden-
ham House gardens has never failed to crop
during the past 35 years, thus bearing out ttie
remarks by Hogg. ' ' The tree is hardy and an
excellent bearer '

A Silver Knightian Medal was awarded to Sir
Montague Turner, Bedfords, Havering, for
thirty-six varieties of Apples. The fruits were
good examples for so late in the season, the
best varieties, judged by appearance, being
Duke of Devonshire. Blenheim Pippin. Dume-
Iow's Seedling (Wellington). Sturmer Pippin,
Bismarck, Ribston Pearmain, Cox's Orange
Pippin and Scarlet Nonpareil.

©bltuarp.

W. H. Dobson. — We deeply regret to an-
nounce the death of Mr. W. H. Dobson, gar
dener to H. J. Hope Barton, Esq., Stapleton
Park. Pontefract. Yorkshire, which took place
on Wednesdav. the 11th inst. Mr. Dobson had
not been well for some time, and had been con-
fined to his house for several weeks. During
his 20 years' service at Stapleton he carried out
many improvements and built new vineries. He
was a, keen gardener and also a clever analytical
rtiemist. and in this latter connection he con-
ducted research work in conjunction with the
Horticultural and Agricultural Authorities at
Leeds University. Some of his work was quite
original. His analyses of soils for farmers and
gardeners over a wide area in the North of
England were of the utmost value, and in this
direction his knowledge was much sought after
as his work was thorough. Mr. Dobson was very
popular, and his horticultural friends will deeply
deplore the death of one with such high abilities
at the early age of 49. He was a frequent con-
tributor to the Gardeners' Chronicle. He began
his career at Shibton Hall, Lincolnshire, under
Mr. F. Hill, and had experience in other gar-
dens, including Kelham Hall, Colston Basset.

and Knotts Green, From Knotts Green he
entered the service, as gardener, of J. S. H.
Fullerton, Esq., Mablethorp Hall, Yorkshire, and
eventually took charge of the gardens at Staple-
ton Park. He leaves a widow and two sons,
to whom we offer deep sympathy. His remains
were laid to rest in Darrington Churchyard on
tile 13th inst.

William Sutherland. — We record with deep
regret the death of Mr. William Sutherland, a
well-known Scottish gardener, at the residence
of his daughter, Hornsbeach Road, Catford, on
the 12th inst., aged 87 years. Mr. Sutlieriand
will be remembered as the author of A Hand-
book of Hardy Herbaceous Plants, a valuable
work on the cultivation, propagation, and
description of hardy herbaceous flowers. In the
'sixties he was employed in the Royal Botanic
Gardens, Kew, where he remained for a period
of four years, and was foreman of the herbaceous
plant department. On his leaving Kew to
undertake the duties of gardener at Glenbervie,
Fourdon, Mr. John Smith, the Curator, described
him as " an excellent scientific and practical
gardener." For a period of seven years he had
the management of the Aigburth nurseries of
Messrs. P. R. Ker and Sons, Liverpool, and
subsequently he was for seven years gardener
to the Rt. Hon. the Earl of Minto at Minto,
Hawick. By this time he had established a
reputation as an authority on all classes of
hardy plants, trees and shrubs, including
Conifers, and he wrote extensively on gardening
matters in this journal, meriting the following
encomium from the Editor, the late Dr. M. T.
Masters : " The confidence we have reposed in
you as our representative is the best testimony
we can offer as to our opinion of your integrity
and ability." Mr. Sutherland established him-
self as a landscape gardener at Edinburgh, and
amongst other work undertaken by him was the
laying-out of the Warriston Cemetery.

Alexander Morrison Cocker. — We regret to
announce the death of Mr. A. M. Cocker, princi-
pal of Messrs. James Cocker and Sons, Springhill,
Aberdeen, which took place, after only a week's
illness, on Thursday, the 19th inst. Bom in
1860 in Abei-deen, he was the youngest son of
the late Mr. James Cocker, of Sunnyside Nursery,
Aberdeen, and a grandson of the founder of the
firm. From boyhood upwards he was associated
with the firm, and with his late brother,
William, who died some six or seven years ago,
he. after his father's death, capably carried on
the business. A man of the highest integrity,
Mr. Cocker was possessed of fine business in-
stincts. The death of his brother, with whom he
worked most harmoniously, was a severe blow,
and then the great war came, with its disloca-
tion of an organisation which had taken genera-
tions to build up. The labour problem, when
many of his best and most capable men were
taken away, added to his burden. But he
shouldered it manfully, and ever declared his
strong belief in the old Scottish axiom — " Put a
stout heart to a stey brae." His short, tliiok-set
figure was familiar at all the leading horticul-
tural exhibitions in this country and on the
Continent for over a generation past. The out-
standing speciality of the firm was Rose growing,
and in this domain he had many triumphs to his
credit. Of all his productions, he took a special
pride in the beautiful white Rose, Mrs. Andrew
Carnegie.

To an interested visitor in hi' hospitable home
at Springhill, nothing gave Mr. Cocker more
pleasure than to show the trophies won by his
firm. For many years he took an important part
in the affairs of the Royal Horticultural Society
of Aberdeen, and at the annual shows of that
body an outstanding feature was the superb dis-
plays both for competition and exhibition, put
up by this firm. Much of the success of these
displays was due to the fine skill and exquisite
taste possessed by Mr. A. M. Cocker. He also
for many years took a warm interest in the meet-
ings of the North of Scotland Horticultural
Association, his sage advice and wise counsels
being great assets in the conduct of its affairs.
He leaves a widow, a young son and daughter.
The funeral took place on Monday at the family
burying ground in St. Peter's Cemetery.

TRADE NOTES.

Quite recently Mr. John Klinkert invited
various members of the horticultural and lay
Press to visit his nurseries at Richmond to in-
spect a large importation of clipped Yews and
Box lately received from Holland. The patient
Dutch topiarist has been fortunate, in that war
did not lay a heavy hand on him and that he
has been able to practice his gentle art without
interruption, whilst most other gardeners laid
down their shears and spades to shoulder the
rifle ; so these specimens are all as exact in out-
line as ever. AH the conventional shapes, in
deep green Yew or shining Box, were to be seen
and in a great variety of sizes. Topiary is no
work for the hustler who wishes to finish his job
quickly and get on to the next, and tliese trained
and clipped specimens are somewhat akin to the
dwarfea Japanese trees, in that size is no index
to age. Five years is said to be the shortest
time required to fashion even the simplest form,
while the larger and more elaborate specimens
may he as long as 90 years in the making —
quite a family undertaking, for no one operator
could expect to complete it. Considering this,
it is not surprising that the more elaborate
specimens are valued at £40 to £80 each.

H.R.H. the Prince of Wales has just placed
with Mr. Edward Wiseman, nurseryman, Elgin,
N.B., an order for 150,000 forest trees, made up
of different sizes of the leading kinds suitable
for timber.

Although instituted only a very few years
before the outbreak of the war, the Yalding
Manufacturing Company has been so successful
that already the immediately available space and
premises have been utilised, and the directors are
seriously considering the possibilities of further
extension of their premises. The site of the offices
and works was well chosen. It is in the form of a
large, irregular triangle ; the base is a good
main road, while the sides are the River Med-
way and the S.E. and C. Railway, with Yalding
station next door and a siding running into the
works. Nothing could be more convenient, and
in the arrangement of the buildings full advan-
tage has been made of those fortuitous •cir-
cumstances. The offices, factory and stores were
placed with great forethought, so that all work
goes on smoothly and economically. Full use is
made of all possible labour-saving devices, and
in this respect we were interested in noting the
skill of the lads who handled the electrically-
driven trollies which are used to move all heavy

The actual manufacture of the various fungi-
cides and insecticides for which the Yalding
Company is noted, did not occupy our attention
long when we were privileged to visit Yalding.
We saw sufficient to realise that, as practised at
Yalding, the compounding of fungicides and in-
secticides is an exact science. Further, all pre-
parations are tested both in the laboratory and
in the grounds before being distributed.

The laboratory buildings are extensive, and
contain every requisite for the work of the large
scientific staff and assistants. One section is of
particular interest to practical horticulturists,
for there are cultures of fungous diseases and
insect pests. Aphides and caterpillars are
always ready as subjects for any test. Recog-
nising that these laboratory tests are not entirely
conclusive, the management supplement them by
the best of all tests, that of application on plants
and trees growing under commercial conditions,
and these field tests are conducted over con-
siderable areas. The orchard alone is 22 acres
in extent. This is situate on the opposite side
of the Medway. In the laboratory grounds
there are large breadths, of all seasonable vege-
tables and bush fruits, with thirty standards.
Grease kindling trials are carried out so largely
that many tree's have four or five bands each, so
that the chances of any particularly robust visitant
reaching its goal are very small. Big-bud in

February 28, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

Ill

Black Currants has received especial attention
during past years, with the result that it is now
established that spraying with Sulfinette when
the leaves are unfolding will keep the bushes free
from that devastating pest.

The Y aiding Bulletins, now over 20 in number,
have become known to up-to-date growers as
being sound and realiable treatises on all manner
of garden and orchard enemies, and are sent free
on request.

The welfare of their many employees has not
been neglected by the company, which has erected
a splendid mess-room that in a few minutes
can be converted into a concert-room, or made
suitable for other forms of indoor recreation.

A request having been received 'by the
Chamber of Horticulture from the Scandinavian
Committee in relation to competition between the
two countries in the purchase of bulbs from Dutch
growers, the Chamber has convened, in conjunc-
tion with the Horticultural Trades' Association
and the British Florists' . Federation, a con-
ference which will be held on Tuesday, March 9,
at 2.30 p.m. The Chamber of Horticulture ad-
vises all bulb buyers to refrain from entering
into any contracts pending the holding of this
conference.

At a sale of part of the property of Sir
George Douglas, Bart., at Kelso, recently, the
nursery ground occupied by Messrs. Laing and
Mather, nurserymen and seedsmen, Kelso, was
bought by the firm at the upset price of £2.000.

GARDENING APPOINTMENTS.

Mr. E L Barker, having" been demobilised after
three and a half years in the 11th Manchester
Regiment, and previously Gardener at Milgate
Park, Maidstone, and Penbedw, Mold, lias been
reappointed Gardener to A. Percx Eccles, Esq.,
Caldy Manor, West Kirby.
Mr. A- Parsons, recently General Foreman at Lamb-
ton Castle Gardens, as Gardener to the Earl of
Durham, E.G., Harraton House, Exning, near New-
market. (Thanks for 2s. 6d. for R.G.O.F. box.— Eds.)
Mr. G. Sturt, formerly Gardener to the Lady Laura
Hampton, Oakdale, The Holmwood, Dorking, as
Gardener to 9. Gardner, Esq., J.P., Oakhurst,
Harrow-on-the-Hill.
Mr. Smith., as Gardener to the Earl of Lichfield,

Shugborough, Stafford.
Mr. John Dick, for the past year Landscape Fore-
man with Mr. Maxwell M. Hart, Glasgow, and for
nearly nine years previously Gardener to the Mar-
quis of Breadalbane, Taymouth Castle Gardens,
Kenmore, Perthshire, as Superintendent of the
DrumpelLier Public Park, under the Town Council of
Coatbridge.
Mr. J. Heath, for nearly four years* Gardener to Sir
Charles Shaw, Bt., at Wightwick HalL, Wolver-
hampton, as Gardener to the same gentleman at
Cranbourne Court, Windsor Forest, Berkshire.
(Thanks for Is. for R.G.O.F. box.— Eds.)
Mr. N. Suf field, for over three years with His
Majesty's Forces, and previously seven years as Gar-
dener at Newton Kyme Hall. Tadoaster, Yorkshire,
as Gardener to Major Pearson, Brandsby Hall,
Easingwold, Yorkshire.
Mr. J. Gilbert Davis, for the past eleven years'
Gardener to Col. A. Dugdale, C.M.G., D.S.O.,
Egginton Hall, Derby, as Gardener to the same
gentleman at Kitebrook, Moreton-in-Ma-rsh, Glos.
(Thanks for 2s. for R.G.O.F. box.— Eds.).
Mr. P. L. Thurston, for the past three years* Gar-
dener-Bailiff to the Earl of Donoughmore, Chelwood
Beacon, TJckfield, and previously for eleven years' in
a similar capacity at Telham Court, Battle, Sussex, as
Gardener-Bailiff to Lord Wavertree, Horsley Hall,
Gresford, near Wrexham.
Mr. H. Greening, recently demobilised, resumes
charge of the gardens and grounds at Chelwood
Beacon.
Mr C Fletcher, previous to the war Gardener to
C. F. H. Leslie, Esq., Epoombs, Hertford, as
Gardener to H. P. Saunderson, Eso., Haynes Park,
Bedford. (Thanks for 8d. for R.G.O.F. box.— Eds.).
Mr. J. Pomfreti for the past eleven years Gardener
to Major T. A. Shepherd Cross, at Chadacre Hall,
Burv St. Edmunds, Suffolk, as Gardener to Sir
William Htdf Parrer, Mclford HalL, Long Melford,
Suffolk.
Mr. C S- D. Roberts, for 3$ years with H.M. Forces,
and previously Foreman at Eywood Hall, Titley
Herefordshire, as Gardener to Capt. H. A. Bellville.
Tedstone Court, Bromyard, Worcester.
Mr. P. Abbott, for 3 years with H.M. Forces, and
previously Gardener for 5 yeara to Mr. Alfred Pope,
South Court Dorchester, as Gardener to Mrs.
Bosworth- Smith, Binghams, Melcombe, Dorohester.
(Thanks for 2s. for R.G.O.F. box.— Eds.).
Mr. F- Leighton, as Gardener to R. M. Saoar-
Musorave, Esq., Red Hall, Shadwell, Leeds,
Yorkshire.

MARKETS.

COVENT GARDEN, February 2tth.
We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined
reports. They are furnished to us regularly everj
Tuesday, by the kindness of several of the
principal salesmen, who are responsible for the
quotations. It most be remembered that these quota-
tions do not represent the prices on any particular
day, but only the general average for the week pre-
ceding the date of our report. The prices depend
upon the quality of the samples, the way in which
they are packed, the Bupply in the market, and the
demand, and they may fluctuate, not only from day
to day, but occasionally several times in one
day. — Eds.

Fruit : Average Wholesale Prices.

a. d. s. d.

Apples (English)

— King of the Pippins
per § bus. ... 4 0

— Cox's Orange
Pippin per Jbus.
best

— Blenheim Pippin
per bus.

— Newton Wonder

— Lane's Prince
Albert, per bus.

— Bramley's Seed-
ling per bus. . .

—Brit. Columbian — per case
Newtown Pippin 21 5
Oregon New Town 20 10

Bananas, singles 25 0-36 0
specials

Grapes Alicante

— Gros Colmar ..

— Special

-6 0

8 0-11 0

8 0-12 0
b 0- I

Grapes —

Almeria

12 lb. .

Lemons —

— Naples

Messina

Oranges —
Valencia

6 0-80
6 0 9

40 0

B 6-6 0
3 6-46
5 6-60

300"s
300's
3P0's

28 0-35 0
19 0-26 0
18 0-30 0

30 0-32 0
80 0-42 0

360 )
300 (
Murcia 300 |

Blood 360 )
Nuts — Brazils(new)

per cwt. 135 0-140 0

Chestnuts —

Naples 36 0-40 0

Cob Nuts, per lb. 12-14

Walnuts 2"> kilo. 45 0

Pears, Califoraian

Winter Nelis 42 0-46 0

Pineapples, each 2 6-76

Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices.

a. d. s. d. a. d, s. d.

Asparagus, English, Mustard and Cress,

Devon 50*s ... 8 0-90 per doz. punnets 16-20

— 100's ... 30 0-35 0 Mushrooms, per lb. 2 0-30

Middlesex „ ... 12 0-15 0 Onions, per cwt. 12 0-16 0

Beans Guernsey,

per lb.
— Worthing

6 0-30

Parsley, per doz.
bunches

2 0-30

D5J"J £ Parsnips, per bag 8 0-10 0

Beets, per bag .. 8 0-10 0 Potato3i per cwt. j2 6-16 0

Cabbage, per doz. 2 0-4 0 Gnemsey per ib. 19-20

Carrots, per k bag 4 0-46 ^^^8, per doz.

Cauliflower, per bunches .. 2 0-40

doz. . . 2 0-60 KhubarDi forced

Celery, per fan, TCr doz #< 14-19

(12 heads) .. 3 0- 4 0o *? , , t * Z Z

Chicory Seakale per punnet 2 0-23

—English, per lb. 0 3-06 Spanish Onions

-Belgian ,, ,. 0 6- 0 8 J tier 18 0-19 0

Cucumbers, each 1 6- 3 6 a &.t>er 23 0-24 0

Garlic, ner lb. .. 19-2 0 Spring Oni°ns. Per „ _ . n

Greens, per bag ... 2 0- 2 6 „ doz.bunches .. 3 0-40

Endive, per doz. 2 6- 4 6.SP">uts. _Q ., Per . „ Q n

French Lettuce ' baS 28 lb" 2 0-30

per doz. 13-19 Tomatos, Teneriffe,

— Batavia, per doz. 3 0-36 Best, per bundle 35 0-40 0

Herbs,perdoz.bun. 4 0-6 0 Turnips, per bag 7 0-80

Mint, per doz. bun. 6 0-8 OWatercress.per doz 0 9

Remarks. — The volume of business is considerable for
the time of year. The latest shipment of Cape Fruit
to hand is somewhat light, but advices of next arrivals
indicate increased quantities. Home-grown culinary Apples
in good condition are decreasing in quantity, and the
trade generally expects the prices to. be firmer.
English Grapes are in limited supply, and their prices
have an upward tendency. Pines are fairly plentiful, and
are being sold at reasonable prices. Bananas are in
better demand, and are quoted at higher rates. Con-
signments of Oranges are shorter, but the prices
are not unduly high. British Columbian Apples are
nearly finished. Fruits of Newtown Pippin create a
good business, being in firm demand. Cucumbers are
an increasing quantity, which is reflected in lower
quotations. Recent severe gales in the Canaries have
seriously affected the second crop of Tomatos, and ad-
vices show that future quantities will be extremely
light. Forced Beans are available in better supply,
and their prices are very much lower. Cauliflowers
from France, Cornwall and Guernsey are abundant,
but trade is fairly good for supplies from the latter
placo. Outdoor green vegetables are in better request.
Prices for Potatos arc still on the increase, and best
tubers are by no means plentiful.

Ferns and Palms : Average Wholesale Prices.

s. d. 1. d.

8. d. a. d

Adjantum

Nephrolepfa. In

cuneatnm 48'a

variety. 48'a 12 0-18 0

per doz. .. 12 0-15 0

— 32's . . . . 24 0-36 0

— elegans . . 16 0-18 0

Pteris. In variety

Aiplenfum 48's per

48'3 .. ..12 0-21 0

doz 12 0-18 0

— large 60'a . . 6 0-60

— 82-8 . . . . 24 0-30 0

— small 60's . . 4 0-4-6

— nidus 48'a .. 12 0-15 0

— 72's per tray of

Oyrtominm 48'a 10 0-15 0

16'8 .. .. 3 6 4 0

Plants in Pots, Etc. : Average Wholesale Prices.
(All 48'3 per doz. except where otherwise stated.)

Aralla Sieboldit
Aiparagus plumo

bus .. .. 12 0-15 0

— Bprengeri .. 12 0-18 0

Aspidistra, green 48 0--72 0
Azaleas, each 3 0-60-76
Oactl per tray

12*9. 16's 5 0-60

Cinerarias, per doz. 15 0-24 0
— Stallata 24 0-30 0

d. s. d.
10 0-12 0 Cyclamen

s. d. b. d
24 0-30 0

Erica melanthera,

per doz 30 0-36 0

Genistas 24 0-30 0

Lilium lancifolium

rubrum 4% 32s e'eh 3 6- 4 6
Marguerites — white 18 0-24 0
Palms, Kentia .. 24 0-36 0

60's .. ..15 0-18 0

— Cocos . . . . 24 0-36 0

4 0-60

8 0-12 0

24 0-30 0

4 0-60
■Daffodils and

b. d. a. d

Remarks.— The most attractive subjects in this de-
partment are grand plants of Cineraria offered by
Messrs. Cragg, Harrison and Cragg. Genistas are
also beginning to make a bright show. Other plants
well supplied are Azaleas, Ericas, Boronias, Primulas,
Hyacinths, and a few Lilium lancifolium rubrum in
thirty -two-sized pots. Foliage plants are receiving
more attention from buyers, and business in them
is improving. Messrs. Iceton are offering fine plants
of Rhododendrons in bloom.

Out Flowers, &c. : Average Wholesale Prices.

s. d. s. d.
Azalea white, per

doz. bun. --- 5 0-60
Camellias per doz. 2 0-26
Carnations per doz.

blooms, best

American var. 3 6 6 0
Chrysanthemums —
— White per doz.

blooms ... 6 0-10 0

—Pink „ ... 4 0-80

—spray White

per doz. bun. 36 0-54 0
Daffodils, Single,

per doz bun,

—Emperor 12 0-15 0

—Empress 12 0-15 0

—Golden Spur ... 6 0-90
— Henrv Irving ... 3 0-40

— Princeps 4i1-fl0

—Sir Watkin ... 10 0-12 0
—Double Van Zion 6 0-90
Freesia, White

per doz. bun. 2 0-60

Heather, white

per doz. bun. 10 0-12 0
I. ilium longiflorum,

per bunch . . 20 0- —
Lilium speciosum

album per bunch 5 0

— rubrum per bun 4 0-50
Lily of the Valley

per bunch ... 2 0-36
Narcissus, Soleil

d'Or, per doz. bun 3 0-60

Grand Primo
per doz, bun.

Pheasant Eye
per doz. bun.
Orchids per doz. :
— Cattleyas
— Cypripediums

per doz.

Pelargonium, dou-
ble scarlet.per

doz. bun.
Richardia (Arums).

per doz. blms.
Roman Hyacinth

per doz. spikes
Roses, per doz.

blooms
— General
— Ophelia
— Richmond
— Sunburst
Snowdrops

per doz. bun.
Tulips, White,

per doz. bun.

Coloured var.
Violets Single

large per doz.

bun.
— Ordinary
French Flowers —
— Allium, Star of

Bethlehem per pad 18 0-20 0
— Anemones, Pink

per doz. bun. ... 3 0-40
— Lilac white

per doz. spray 6 0-70
— Marguerites yellow

per doz. bun. 3 0-40

—Mimosa, per pad 8 0-10 0
— Narcissus, Paper

White per pad 18 0-25 0
—Ranunculus, Carmine

12 0-15 0
6 0-90
13-19

5 0-60
12 0-18 0
10 0-12 0
12 0-18 0

2 0-30

24 0-36 0
30 0-48 0

6 0-80
3 0-60

per doz. bun.

Scarlet

■Stock double
white per pad
— Violets,
Parma, per bun

10 0-12 0
10 0-12 0

8 0-12 0
5 0-60

Remarks. — Daffodils and Tulips are again more
prominent, and Roses are becoming more plentiful.
The last include the varieties Richmond, Mme. Abel
Chatenay, Ophelia and Sunburst ; prices remain firm
for the finest blooms. Roman Hyacinths appear to be
finishing, but there is a good supply of large white
Hyacinths, also Camellias, Lily-of-the-Valley, Freesias,
Carnations and Violets. Lilium longiflorum is very
scarce, and some orders could not be supplied during
the past week. Richardias (Arums) are hardening in
price, owing to a shorter supply. Chrysanthemums
continue to arrive in small quantities; a lew dis-
budded blooms of Autoorat, also " bunch " HeBton
White and Winter Cheer, are still offered. Large Bup-
lies of Daffodils and yellow Narcissus Soleil d'Or
arrived from Guernsey and Scilly during the past
week. The Daffodils were offered at much lower prioes
than those from home growers, as, owing to the
warm weather and the close packing of the blooms,
they arrived in an unsatisfactory condition.

CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Dunns, Salisbury — Seeds.

D. G. rmtDiE, Glasgow — Seeds.

Kent & Brtuon, Darlington — Seeds.

Blackmore &, Langdon, Bath— Seeds.

W. Smith & Son, Aberdeen— Seeds.

Samuel Finnex & Co., Newcastle- on -Tyne— Seeds.

RnnEiiT Veitch & Son, Exeter — Seeds.

Hutchison & MoCreath, Ltd., Girvan— Seeds.

KrruiT & Main, Kelso, Scotland— Seeds.

William Wood & Son. Ltd., Taplow — Si edi

Aoos, Ltd., Birmingham— Agos Fertiliser?.

FOREIGN.

L. Fkrard, Paris— Seeds,

Burpee & Co.. Philadelphia Seeds.

Zwaam & Da Wit.hn, Ltd., Sobeeanda, Holland— Seeds

(wholesale).
B. H. Krki.age & Son, Haarlem, Holland— Seeds,

112

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[February 28, 1920.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Book on Alpine Plants : At. E. W. The only
books we know by H. M. (Mrs. Stephen)
Batson are A Concise Handbook of Garden
Flowers, sm. 8vo., 2o6 pp. (Methuen and Co.,
36, Essex Street, London, W.C.) ; and The
Summer Garden of Pleasure, 8vo., 231 pp.
(Methuen and Co.).

Chrysanthemums for Outdoor Cultivation :
F. L. While without a knowledge of your
soil and situation we could not name any
particular varieties as being the best eariy-
flowering Chrysanthemums for market pur-
poses, we are confident that selections fron.
the following lists will give you sorts which
will be found very profitable when grown
under proper conditions. White : Framfield
Early White, a very vigorous, free-flowenug
variety, producing blooms of good substance
that travel well; Holmes' White, one of the
dwarf est of the earlies, bearing plenty of good
marketable blooms, but, unless " well done,"
the flower stalks are liable to be a trifle shor: ;
and Rio des Blancs is probably the most
popular of the early white sorts grown as
sprays, but is also good when disbudded, and
it is especially free flowering. Pint : Betry
Spark, a very good general utility variety,
as it is successful either disbudded or 'n
sprays; Dorothy Ashley is a pretty shad,? of
pink, which finds favour with lady buyeis
and may be grown either way ; Normandie.
of delicate pink colour, usually develops well
either as disbudded blooms or sprays; Parle
Rose has a stout, erect habit more fitted for
being disbudded than for cultivation as
sprays (it bears large, full flowers early in
September). Though not a true pink, Perle
Chatillonaise is a splendid variety that m iy
be described as cream, heavily tinted with
rose. It succeeds especially well on light
soils and may be grown either disbudded or
for sprays. The above are first-early varieties
which commence to flower fairly early in
August, but in your generally favoured
locality you could also grow some of the
second-early varieties, which would be very
profitable in "nine years out of ten and which
■would be in season during the last 'half of
September and early October. White : Bebe
Blanc, a splendid dwarf variety, having stout
stems, of bushy habit, best as sprays ;
Bouquet Blanc, pure white, for disbudding;
and Queen of the Earlies, large pure white,
for disbudding. Pink : Belle Mauve, bright
mauve pink, good in either form ; Uxbridge
Pink, one of the very best, an improved Cran-
ford Pink : and James Bateman, a fine
variety grown either way.

Deduction of Gardener's Wage During Ill-
ness : JR. R. We assume you have been
employed as a ■whole-time gardener at weekly
wages. In this case your employer was not
justified in deducting your pay for the day
on which you were absent through illness. He
would, however, he entitled to reasonable evi-
dence that you were too ill to attend work.

Garrya elltptica : F. E. B. Garrya elliptica
should be pruned in spring after the cat-
kins are over, but pruning should be restricted
to the removal of superfluous wood or un-
balanced branches. The catkins develop
on the ripened growths of the previous year,
but are not produced very freely if the plant
is pruned too hard. They are most plentiful
on old plants that have been allowed to de-
velop naturally.

Grafting an Old Pear Tree : C. E. If the
trees are headed down now the branches should
be left 3 inches or 4 inches longer than will be
required for grafting. Then, at the time of
grafting, this extra piece should be sawn off
and a fresh surface exposed, If you wish to
make one job of the work, leave the tTees as
they are until grafting time, and then head
them back to the correct length. This plan
answers just as well as the other. Pears are
usuallv ready for grafting early in April, or
possibly at the end of March in a forward
season ; Apples about the middle of April.

But the right time can be told only by prac-
tical test. When the sap is rising freely, so
that the bark lifts easily and cleanly, grafting
may be done.
Grafting Wax : W. S. Obtain Burgundy
pitch 1 lb., black pitch 4 oz., resin 2 oz., bees-
wax 2 oz. and mutton suet 2 drachmas ; melt
all together over a clear fire and apply warm.
A small oil stove is useful for keeping the
wax warm while it is being used.

Herbaceous Plants for Chalky Soils :
Ponville Camp. Most hardv herbaceous
plants will succeed in chalky soils ; their suc-
cess or ifailure depends, in a large, measure, on
the depth of the soil and the supply of mois-
ture, rather than on the presence of lime. You
could select— Acanthus latifolius. A. mollis,
Achillea Eupatorium, A. millefolium and
vars., A. Ptarmica var. The Pearl, A. tomen-
tosa; Aconitum j.iponicum, A. Wilsonii, A.
Napellus and vars. ; Aconitums are woodland
plants and grow best in shady, cool places ;
Agrostemma coronaria and vars. : Alyssum
saxatile and vars. flore plena, and sul-
phurea ; Anchusa italica and vars. Drop-
more and Opal; Anemone japonica and vars.;
Anteunaria margaritacea ; Anthe.iiis tinctoria
and vars. Kelwayi and E. C. Buxton ; Arabis
albida and var. flore plena ; Asters (Michael-
mas Daisies) ; Aubrietias in variety ; Bocconia
cordata; Bupthalmum cordifolium, B. salici-
folium ; Campanula carpatioa and vars. ; C.
glomerata and vars. ; C. speciosa, C. lactifiora.
C. persicifolia and vars. ; Catananche coerulea
and var. alba ; Centaurea glastifolia, C. macro-
cephala ; C. montana (blue and whitel ;
Centranthus ruber, albus and roseus ; Ceras-
tium Biebersteinii and C. tomentosum :
Chrysanthemum maximum and vars. ;
C. uliginosum ; Clematis Davidiana,

C. Hendersonii ; Coreopsis grandiflora, C.
lanceolata ; Crambe cordifolia, Delphiniums m
variety ; Dianthus — all the Garden Pinks ;
Dictamnus Fraxinella, D. F. alba, Echinops'ban-
naticus, E. Ritro, E. sphaerocephalus ; Erigeron
speciosus and the variety Quakeress ; ETodium
Manescavi ; Eryngium amethystinuni. E.
Oliverianum, E. planum ; Galega officinalis and
var. alba, G. orientalis, G. Hartlandii ; Gen-
tiana asclepiadea and var. alba ; Geranium
armenum, G. Endressii, G. ibericum, G.
sanguineum ; Geum coocineum var. Mrs. Brad-
shaw ; Gypsophila paniculata and var. flore
plena, G. repens and G. Stevenii ; Hedysarum
coronarium ; Helenium antumnale and vars.
Riverton Beauty and Riverton Gem ; Helian-
thus multiflorus, H. rigidus var. Miss Mellish :
Heliopsis scabra and var. B. Ladhams; Heme-
rocallis aurantiaca major, H. fulva, H. flava
and H. Middendorfiana ; Heuchera sanguinea
and vars. ; Dieris sempervirens and vars. ;
Incarvillea Delavayi ; Inula ensifolia, I.
glandulosa, I. Royleana; Jasione perennis and
J. montana ; Kniphofias Saundersi, Lachesis,
John Benary, Obelisque and Pfitzeri ; Lathy-
pus latifolius and vars. albus and White Pearl ;
Lavender ; Lupinus polyphyllus vars. ; Lychnis
chalcedonica (this plant does not endure dry
conditions) ; Malva mosohata and var. alba ;
Monarda didyma (this plant needs moist con-
ditions) ; Morina longifolia ; Mulgedium
Bourgaei ; NepetaMussinii ; Oenothera biennis ;
Papaver orientate ; Pentstemon barbatus ;
Phlox in var. ; Physalis Alkekengii and P.
Franchetii ; Phyteuma canescens and P.
orbiculare ; Polygonum amplexicaule and var.
. oxyphyllum ; Reseda alba ; Salvia virgata ;
Sca'biosa caucasica ; Stachys grandiflora ;
Statice Gmelinii, S. latifolia ; Thalictrum
aquilegifolium. T. angustifolium, T. flavuni ;
Verhascum Ohaixii, V. densiflorum. V.
olympicum, V. phlomoides ; and herbaceous
Paeonies. A list of shrubbery planits suitable
for growing in chalky soils was given in the
issue for January 17, p. 34.

Lime Dressing for Lawn : F. B. The dressing
of slaked lime should be applied a few weeks
hence, after the surface dressing of rich soil
has been washed down to the roots of the grass.

Names of Fruits : H. S. 1, Gravenstein ; 2,
Northern Spy ; 3, Whiting Pippin ; 4,
Fenouillet Grosse ; 5, Wyken Pippin ; 6.

■ Golden Pippin ; 7. not recognised : 8. Fearn's
Pippim — Mart/. 1, Cox's Orange Pippin; 2,

Old Nonpareil ; 3, decayed ; 4, Scarlet Non-
pareil.— G. A. 1, Wealthy; 2, Broad End;

3, Yorkshire Beauty (syn. Greenup's Pippin).
G. R. N. 1, Mank's Codling: 2, Stirling
Castle ; 3, Curl Tail.— F. N. 1, Melon Apple;
2, Mabbott's Peormain ; 3, Waltham Abbey
Seedling; 4, Harvey's Wiltshire Defiance; o,
Sam Young; 6, Scarlet Nonpareil; 7, Mere
de Menage ; 8, Reinette van Mons ; 9, Calville
St. Sauveur.— L. M. A. 1, Cox's Orange
Pippin ; 2, Old Nonpareil ; 3, not recognised ;

4, Scarlet Nonpareil.

Pineapple Cultivation ; Jwvensu. You will
find a good general account in an article
entitled "The Cultivation of the Pineapple for
Fruit and Fibre " in the Bulletin of the
Imperial Institute, 1916, No. 3 (London, John
Murray, 2s. 6d.). The yield will depend to
some extent on the number of plants per acre.
For calming purposes, small fruits are desired
and the plants are accordingly grown closely
together ; for local use or for export as dessert
fruit, larger specimens are required and the
plants are encouraged to produce them by
wider spacing. For The South African Fruit
Grower, write Box 3888, Cape Town ; the sub-
scription is 5s. per annum. The paper is not
on sale in this country.

Propagation of Acacia Baileyana : W. M.
Acacia Baileyana is best raised from seeds,
as, in common with all the pinnate-leaved
Acacias, it is slow and uncertain of increase
from cuttings.

Shrubs for Borders: Miss B. You will find
Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Kalmia latifolia and
Heaths do well in the border, as these plants
like a moist soil and are not averse to partial
shade. Alternatively you could plant flower-
ing shrubs such as Deutzias, Spiraeas
and VVeigelas, interspersed with clumps of
Iris Kaanpferi, and using a few plants of
Golden Privet, Golden Euonymus and Acer
Negundo variegata for colour.

Single Chrysanthemums : if. IT. The following
single Chrysanthemums should prove suitable
for the purpose you mention. Those marked
with an asterisk are best for -sprays, and the
others for disbudded blooms. The latter are
much more suitable for centrepieces and large
vases, where a good length of stem is a
decided advantage ; disbudded blooms are not
seen at their best in small vases when the
stems have to be much reduced : — Bertha Fairs,
Bronze Beauty, Florrie King, Glorious, "Grace
Darling, *Joan Ed,vards, "Manor House Terra-
cotta, Mary Morris, *Mary Richardson, *Miss
Mary Pope, *Donald, Mrs. A Middleton, Mrs.
Leo Thomson, Mrs. W. Buckingham, Phyllis
Cooper, Portia, *Red Star, *Shoreham Old
Gold, White Beauty, *Aphrodite (Anemone
single), Ceres. Decorative varieties : — Almi-
rante, Betty Spark, Dorothy Ashley, Etoile
d'Or, Mrs. Marshal Field, Perle Chatillonaise,
Polly, Crimson Polly, Provence, and Roi des
Blancs. The above are suitable for growing
in the open and the following for cultivating
in pots : — Caprice du Printemps, and its
bronze, yellow, and white varieties, Crimson
Source d'Or, Elsenham White, Framfield Pink
(late), Lizzie Adcock, Heston White (late),
Freda Bedford, Market Red, Miss A. Brooker,
Money-maker, Yellow Money-maker, Mrs. W.
Root6, Phoebe, Rosalind (late), Tom Page,
and Uxbridge Pink. Any ordinary cash book,
not too large, and stoutly bound, would be
quite suitable for a gardeners' wages book.

Spraying with Copperas : J. P. Whether
your spraying material containing green
vitriol-copperas (sulphate of iron), would in-
jure the Roses or not depends on the quantity
used : in any case, it should be easy to pro-
tect the plants by covering them with sacking,
or similar material.

Witches Broom on Lime Trees : C. A. C.
Rarely have we known Lime trees to be
affected by any form of the so-called "Witches
Broom," though the Lime-Cooper Moth, which,
however, does little harm, is usually abundant
where the tree is grown in quantity. Cherry
and Plum orchards in Kent are in many in-
stances surrounded by shelter belts of the Lime
and nowhere will healthier or more fruitful
trees be found.

March 6, 1920. J

THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE.

113

THE

No. 1732.— SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 19LO.

CONTENTS.

Adonis amurensis

115

Maize, the origin of ..

114

Alpine garden, the—

19,9.

Alchemilla argented
Alpine meadows of

115

Miatleto, hosts of the..

122

Burma- Yimnan

T1S

National Horticultural

Antwerp exhibit ion.

Society of France . .

122

1920

114

Obituary —

Big-bud, a remedy for.

122

Taylor, George Hugo

124

Chatsworth, conserva-

Onion fly, the

122

tory at

119

Orchid notes and glean-

■Cultural memoranda —

ings

117

Melons

120

Potato crop, the future

■Cyclamen curopaeum

of the

120

longevity of . .

122

Propagation by leaves

121

Fruit growing . .

113

Richmond Terrace gar-

■*' Gardeners' Chronicle'

dens

114

seventy-five years

Seeds, the electrolytic

ago

114

treatment of . .

113

■Geo. Monro Ltd., con-

Societies—

cert

114

Horticultural Club. .

123

Hardv Mower border —

Manchester and N. of

Anemone sylvestris..

121

England Orchid . .

124

Anthericum Liliasr

Reading Gardeners'. .

128

trum

121

Spring flowers at Hamp-

Nierembergia rivu-

ton Court

113

laris

121

Spring flowers

1111

Romneya Coulteri . .

121

" Sweet Pea Annual " . .

113

Horticulture and the

Surrey, small holdings

instate

113

in

114

Kew, a hostel for

114

Trail, Professor, bequest

" Kew Gu'ld Journal "

114

bv the late

113

Kew Museum of econo-

Trees and shrubs

122

mic botany . .

113

Ultra-violet light

122

Uly, a new Chinese . .

115

Week's work, the 116

117

ILLUSTR

ATIONS.

Anthericum Liliastrum

121

■Cattle ya Rhoda, (coloured si

pplementary illustration)

Chatsworth, the great conserv

itory at, . .

119

Clianthus Dampieri . .

123

-Cyclamen europaeum

122

1 li>

Miltouia Bleuana var Princess

Elizabeth

117

Average Mean- Temperature for the ensuing week
deduced from observations during the last fifty
years at Greenwich, 40.5°.

Actual Temperature : —

Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street,
Oovent Garden, London. Wednesday, March 3, 1930,
10 a.m. Bar. 30. (i, temp. 45°. Weather— Foggy.

The electrolytic treatment

The Electrolytic of seeds* by what is known

Treatment of as the Wolfryn process,

Seeds. consists in steeping seed in

a solution of common salt

(at the rate of from 4 to 8 o'zs. to the gallon

of water) in a wooden vessel lined inside with

sheet iron, and in passing an electric current

through the vessel. After the treatment the

seed is dried and sown in the usual manner.

It is claimed that the electrolytic process
exercises a markedly beneficial result in the
yield of such crops as Wheat and Barley, and
it is assumed that the benefit is to be attri-
buted to the effect of the electric current on
the seeds.

A careful experimental examination of
these claims has been made by Dr. Russell
and his colleagues at the instance of the
Food Production Department, and an
account of that examination has now been
published j-

The results of experiments carried out in
pots and in the field are, on the whole,
adverse to the claims put forward on behalf
of the process, but it is evident that ft is
premature to draw any final conclusion from
them.

As Dr. Russell points out, methods of
treatment of crops are of three classes : those
which always or nearly always give positive
results, for example, the application of appro-
priate artificial manures to field crops; those
which sometimes succeed and sometimes fail,
and those which always fail.

The method of electrolytic treatment of

• See Manual of tin- Electro-Chemical Treatment of
Seed,, by the late Dr. Merdier. 1919.

t Report, or, the Proposed Electrolytic Trealn 1 Ol

Seeds (Wolfryn Process^ Before Growing. (;. .1.

Itussell. Jourh, of Ministry of Agriculture; XXVf, 10,
Jan.. 1920.

seeds does not always give successful
results, neither does it always fail to give
them. In most of the experiments recorded
by Dr. Russell there was no gain as the
result of the Ireatment, but in some there
was, and in some there was actual loss. It
would, we think, serve no useful purpose at
this stage to give further details — which may
be found in Dr. Russell's paper — of tin-
actual results ; but it may be worth while
considering the possible cause of the
uncertainty which appears to attach to them.
In the first place, as Dr. Russell points out,
it is not impossible that some benefit is
derived from the soaking and .drying, apart
altogether from any electrical effect. It is
known, for example, that kiln-dried Barley
— especially after steeping — germinates more
evenly than ordinary Barley. It has been
shown also by Professor Stapleton* that dry
ing seed at ioo° F. may, in the case of poor
or moderate samples of seed, improve its
germination. Hence, if for the purpose of
the argument a beneficent effect be ascribed
to the steeping and drying, and if that effect
were slight in the case of samples of good
and marked in those of lower germinating
capacity, the irregular results of the method
might find explanation.

We are of opinion, however, that this
simple explanation is unlikely to prove
sufficient, and we are inclined to think that
it may prove that the variability of the re-
sult is due to lack of precision in treat-
ment. It is known that the outer coats
of seeds such as Barley are remarkable in
the power they possess of allowing many
diverse dissolved substances to pass through
them. The effect of the electric current on
the salt of the solution in which the seeds are
steeped is to dissociate it into its consti-
tuent ions (Na. CI.). The rate of absorption of
these ions may and probably is not the same,
and moreover, one only of them may be the
agent (if agent there be) of increasing the
vigour of the resulting plant ; the other may,
for all we know, be harmful. If this be so,
it is easy to see that the success of the
treatment would depend both on the time
during which it was maintained, and on the
vrriety of Barley or other seed under treat-
ment; for without doubt different varieties
of Barley will be found to differ in the
rate at and to the extent to which they
allowT substances to pass their outer walls.
A pursuit of these considerations leads to
the conclusion that judgment should be sus-
pended until the subject has been studied
in more detail than has vet been the case.

The Late Professor Trail's Bequest. — Bulletin
No. 21. of the Aberdeen University Library,
just issued, contains the following graceful
tribute to the thought-fulness of the late Pro-
fessor Trail, Botany Chair, Aberdeen Uni-
versity— and who was also Curator of the
University Library — who bequeathed his books
and pamphlets, numbering some 2.000, to the
Library: — :" It is intended that a complete
catalogue of the botanical works shall appear
as soon as -practicable in one or more of the
ensuing Bulletins. This, it is hoped, will form
a memorial of one who during his lifetime did
so much for the library, and who, contemplating
his own death, remembered its needs and paid
it high honour in making it legatee of his n\\n
treasured volumes."

Education in Fruit Growing.— The Harnpstead
Garden Suburb Allotments and Horticultural
Association which has a membership in the
neighbourhood of 1.000. has obtained a plot "i
land to be used as a, demonstration ground lor
fruit trees, where the members may, from time to
time, see and talke part in the van-ions seasonal
operations such as planting, spraying, pruning,
and training. It will also serve as a trial

Journ. ol Board ••! Agr

.Inly. 1910, p.

ground to test which varieties thrive in the
locality.

Horticulture and the State. — The following
resolution yvas unanimously carried ait the
Annual General Meeting of the National Fruit
Growers' Federation held in London on Friday,
February 27, on the motion of Mr. W. G.
Lobjoit, seconded by Viscount Deerhurst, and
a copy ordered to be sent to the Ministry of
Agriculture : — " That this General Meeting of
the National Fruit Growers' Federation desires
to place on a-ecoxd the valuable services to Com-
mercial Horticulture rendered by the Horti-
cultural Division of the Ministry of Agriculture
under the leadership of Dr. F. Keeble, and it
urges upon the Ministry the importance in the
interests of food production, and especially the
many small holders now being established about
the country, that Dr. Keeble's successor should
be a man understanding Commercial Horti-
culture, and able to direct the energies of the
department with knowledge of the needs and the
importance of intensive cultivation of the land."

Kew Museum of Economic Botany.— The
publication of an official guide to the Forestry
Section of the museums of economic botany at
Kew adds another volume of these useful and
most interesting brochures to the list issued by
the gardens. The guide deals with the contents
of M'lseum Xo. IV., which occupies Cambridge
Cottage, formerly the residence of H.R.H. the
Duke of Cambridge, and first opened to the
public in 1910. The object of this special
museum is to direct attention to British forestry
and the scope oi the objects has been limited
to collections of timber, fruits and seeds of trees,
dried specimens of a few types of hardy trees
and shrubs, photographs of isolated trees, planta-
tions and natural regeneration of trees, the fun-
gous and insect diseases of trees, articles manu-
factured from British-grown timber, and tools
and machinery used in sylvicultural and arbori-
culture! operations. The objects are grouped in
the museum in their Natural Orders under
numbers, and the guide gives a short description
of each exhibit under its number. The price of
the publication is 2s. net.

Spring Flowers at Hampton Court. — During the
mild days of the past week the display of
Croci, for which the gardens at Hampton Court
Palace have long been famed, has drawn large
numbers of people from many parts of London.
The greensward in the Lime avenue ds thickly
studded with glorious yellow and purple
blossoms which, when widely opened, make a
wonderful display. Snowdrops, Scillas and
Chionodoxas are " not so numerous, but are
present in sufficient quantities to illustrate their
great value in the early spring. The work of
restoration on the East Front of the Palace has
proceeded so well that with the exception of
two large beds immediately in front of the
Palace, the turfed-over beds are now restored to
their pre-war condition. They have been planted
with spring flowering subjects, which, in due
course will be replaced by the half hardy sum-
mer bedding plants that formerly delighted the
public. In other directions the recommendations
of the Committee appointed last year by the
First Commissioner of Works have been carried
out. Young Yews have been planted in the
gaps made by the loss of the original trees: the
garden canal has ibeen cleaned and much
needed pruning and thinning has been
done in the shrubbery on the far side
of tin- canal. In the Priory Gardens, also,
much wink lias been done and this, with the

additii various flowering shrubs, will make

,, ill iin, i improvement. Around the Orangery
work is still in progress, and it is rumoured
thai this building is to be the home of paintings
bv a famous artist.

Sweet Pea Annual.— We congratulate the
National Sweet Tea Societj on having been able
to issue its "Annual" during the five years ol
war. and in the same complete an.l interesting
form is before. The issue for 1920 is as well
-ol up and illustrated as the earlier numbers,
and contains a plate of Sweel I'.-'is in colours.

All this points to the prosperous condition .a the
Society and a sustained interest in tins most

beautiful annual flower. The editor. Mr. .1 S
liriniton, is to be congratulated, for the various

114

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[March 6, 1920.

subjects dealt with have been well chosen and
cover a wide field on matters pertaining to the
Sweet Pea. The cosmopolitan interest in Sweet
Peas is. indicated by contributions and illustra-
tions from the United States of America, Mani-
toba, and Dunedin, the last by Mr. George J.
Errington, who is shown amongst his plants,
which are fourteen feet high. Mr. S. B. Dicks
makes an interesting contribution on the history
of the Sweet Pea ; a few results of cross-
breeding are recorded by Mr. J. Stevenson ;
while sulphuric acid as an aid to germination
is referred to by Mr. Weston ; notes on the biblio-
graphy of the Sweet Pea by Mr. C. Harman
Payne conclude a series of interesting and useful
articles.

Coloured Plate. — The subject of the coloured
supplementary ulate accompanying this issue is
Cattleya Rhoda, Fowler's variety. A description
of this handsome Orchid will be found on
page 117.

Richmond Terrace Gardens. — A subsidence in
the well-known Terrace Gardens on Richmond
Hill has given rise to several alarmist reports
which have suggested that the gardens are
slowly sliding downhill towards the River
Thames. This, happily, is far from being the
case, though the sinking is sufficient to cause
concern to the Richmond Town Council. Some
350 loads of soil and clay have been used to
make up the ground on the higher part of the
gardens, and boring operations are to be carried
out in the hope of ascertaining positively the
cause of the subsidence. The generally accepted
theory is that it is due to renewed activity of
some of the underground springs which are
rather numerous in the hillside. It seems that
the present trouble is no new thing, for the
Borough Librarian, writing to the Richmond
and Twickenham Tim<es, points out that so
far back as 1700 the inhabitants of Richmond
were alarmed at subsidences not far from the
present site, and that the mischief was caused
by the digging of clay for the tile works then
carried on. The famous Terrace Gardens owe
their origin to the Duke and Duchess of Mon-
tague, who came into possession of the Tile Kiln
in 1768 and converted it into a pleasure garden
which is now a portion of the public Terrace
Gardens. Close by, a hundred and more years
ago, there was an open well, to which, it is
said, large numbers of sick and ailing made long
pilgrimages to be healed and made well, but the
well has long since become dry, though it is sur-
mised that it may have become diverted and so
be the cause of the present trouble.

Small Holdings in Surrey. — At the public
inquiry, which was held on February 18 hist,
with reference to the proposal to compulsorily
acquire nearly three hundred acres of land
forming part of Eastwich Park, it was stated
by Major Harding, on behalf of the Surrey
County Council, that the demand in Surrey
might be divided mto three classes: (1) The
largest part was for market garden holdings of
about five acres. (2) There was a considerable
demand for cottage holdings of about two or
three acres. (3) There was a further den. and for
dairy holdings of about thirty acres. Since
January 1, 1917, there had been 600 applicants,
and of these 389 had been approved for 3.923
acres. Between January 1 and August 17.
1919. the Committee considered 83 separate pro-
perties in the hope of obtaining suitable land for
additional applicants. The general policy was to
settle the smallholders in blocks of from 500 to
1.000 acres, and the largest block would be that
of 1.1C0 acres at Wallington and Carshalton. It
was felt that, if possible, a block of light land
should be obtained in the middle of the county,
and it was in furtherance of this scheme that it
was desired to acquire the ground at Eastwick
Park. This would be the nucleus of a block
approaching 600 acres in extent, as the Com-
mittee expected to purchase the adjoining Home
Farm ait Fetchacn and the Cannon Court Farm
at Leatherhead. In answer to an inquiry, Major
Harding stated that the Smallholdings Com-
mittee hoped to settle about 150 men during the
present year. On one estate they were erect-
ing 78 new cottages. After hearing the evidence
on both sides the Commissioner said he would
visit the land and report *o the Ministry.

Kew Guild Journal. — The Kew Guild, as the
Association of the past and present members of
the Kew Gardens staff is termed, continues to
grow in numbers, and its annual Journal in in-
terest. The volume for 1920 is the twenty-
seventh of the series, and it has the prosperous
appearance of those of pre-war times, wuth many
mteresting illustrations printed on art paper.
As is to be expected, much of the work is de-
voted to family matters, such as the doings of
the clubs connected with the Gardens, the lec-
tures, report of the annual meeting, of the mutual
improvement society, tb,e list of the staff and
appointments and retirements. But considerable
space is occupied by matter of general interest,
and gardeners everywhere will be interested in
the letters from Old Kewites from many parts of
the Empire and botanical stations abroad. The
account given by Mr. F. Roekens, of the Botanic
Gardens. Brussels, wdiere he was cut off from the
rest of the world for five years, is a testimony
of German " kultur " : even the vegetables
grown to support the populace were often re-
quisitioned by the intruders. Mr. Briscoe's
recount of " Two Years' Sojourn in India." and
Air. F. S. Sillitoe's narrative from Khartoum,
show that Kew men, like those of gardeners
generally, were amongst the first to respond to
the call of their country, and the War Memorial
to be erected in the Temple of Arethusa in the
gardens will show that thirty-three members of
the garden staff made the supreme sacrifice. The
frontispiece of the journal is a portrait of Capt.
A W. Hill, the Assistant-Director of Kew Gar-
dens, who is the Guild President-elect for 1920.
To M Notes " we learn that the number of visitors
to Kew in 1919 was 1.019,479. an increase of
378.750 over 1918. showing that the people find
in gardens and gardening a solace to their
troubles and a never-ending source of pleasure.

Geo. Monro, Ltd., Concert. — This concert
was held on the 19th ult., at Queen's Hall,
Langham Place, W. As there was a very large
attendance of horticulturists and their friends,
it is hoped that the horticultural charities will
materially benefit as a consequence. In the
absence of Mr. &£0. Monro, through indisposi-
tion, the chair was occupied in turn by his three
sens — Mr. E. G. Monro, Mr. Geo. Monro, Jur.,
and Mr. B. J. Monro. A message of regard and
sympathy was fonvarded to Mr. Geo. Monro.
Snr. , in reply to the kindly good wishes sent
by him to the meeting. The concert was in every
way an excellent one and included several per-
formances by the band of the Coldstream Guards,
vocal items by Miss Phyllis Lett. Miss Flora
Woodman and Miss Margaret Cooper, and four
songs from " The Fringes of the Fleet " by
Messrs. H. Barratt, F. Henry. W. Fisher and F.
Stewart, as well as selections on the grand organ
by Mr. Maurice Vinden. As this was the twenty-
first concert of the series, it was in effect a
" coming of age " celebration, and advantage was
taken of the occasion to make a presentation to
Mi-. H. Baker, who has been secretary through-
out, and has rendered splendid service to the
cause of chanty in Covent Garden during the
whole peiiod of the war. Mr. F. Ridley. Master
of the Fruiterers' Company- made the presenta-
tion on behalf of the salesmen, buyers and
growers in Covent Garden Market. The pre-
sentation took the form of a case of cutlery, a
handsome drawing-room clo:k, a cheque for one
hundred guineas, and a gold bracelet watch for
Mrs. H. Baker. Mr. Baker was accorded a
most enthusiastic reception, which was evidence
of the high esteem in which he is held. He was
somewhat surprised, however, when the whole
audience rose and, conducted by the band of th,e
Coldstream Guards, told him that he was " a
jolly good fellow." We understand that a con-
cert committee has the sum of £76 10s. in hand
and that five charities and two hospitals have
been assisted from the funds in previous years

Hostel for the Garden Staff at Kew. — The
sum of £3.800. representing part of a total
estimate of £7,100, has been allotted by Par-
liament for the acquisition and adaption of
premises for a hostel for the young gardeners
at Kew. Sir Alfred Mond, First Commissioner
of Works and Public Buildings, stated that
large Government departments had been housed

in the Kew neighbourhood, thus adding to the
difficulties of the young gardeners finding
housing accommodation. Tile gardeners were
required to commence work at 6 a.ru., and some
were compelled to reside a distance of twenty
miles away from Kew. The hostel is to include
a lecture room and laboratory. The Kew land-
ladies and the lasting friendships formed amongst
fellow-lodgers remain as some of the more
pleasant reminiscences of those who have served
the two years of studentship in these national
gardens, but the hostel will doubtless provide
the same opportunities for close comradeship.

Antwerp Flower Show. — In connection with
the Antwerp Exhibition and Olympic Games,
tn be inaugurated by the King and Queen of
the Belgians, a series of international flower
shows will be held from May to October this
year. A great Floral Hall is being erected in
the most beautiful part of the exhibition
grounds, and this will be surrounded by
gardens typical of various nations. The com-
mittee invite the co-operation of British horti-
culturists, gardeners, flower and seed merchants,
market gardeners, arboriculturists, and manu-
facturers of agricultural and gardening imple-
ments. On the committee are horticultural
experts of many countries, and the displays
will be viewed by countless thousands of
visitors from all parts of the world. Full par-
ticulars of these international flower shows can
be obtained from Mr. John Bellham, 303, High
Holborn, London, W.C.I.

The Origin of Maize. — The recently-published
researches* by Mr. J. Kuwada into the minute
structure of Maize throws light upon the origin
of that plant. The author has studied the
characteristics of the dividing nucleus both of
Maize and of the plants which have already
been suggested as the parents of Maize. His
observations support the views expressed by Mr.
Collins that Maize is a hybrid between the
Mexican forage grass Teosinte (Euchlaena mexi-
cana) and an unknown species of grass belonging
to the Andropogoneae. The comparison of
the chromosomes of the nucleus of Maize with
those of Euchlaena mexicana and species of
Andropogon shows that the chromosomes are
of the same number in all, namely ten pahs,
and that, whereas the chromosomes of Euchlaena
mexicana are longer than those of Andropogon
in Maize thev are not all the same length
Each pair in 'that plant consists generally of a
longer and a shorter chromosome. Another fact
of great interest is that in some races of Maize
the chromosomes number not ten but eleven
or twelve. Wherefore it is to be inferred that
the great variation exhibited by Maize is not due
solely to recombinations of characters present in
the original parents, but also to mutations of
which the increased number of chromosomes is a
sign.

11 The Gardeners' Chronicle " Seventy -five
Years Ago.— The \\\athcr.—\ cannot recol
lect of black frosts ever being of so
long continuance as they have been neat
Inverness this winter. We have not been
able to perform digging for these three
months past. Shrubs, however, m general have
not been injured by them; the frosts came on
gradually, and the plants became so hardened
as to endure them with impunity. A Laurel
hedge, which used to be in former years at this
season brown, this year W.ks beautifully green.
Luxuriantly growing solid Celery has, how-
ever, been destroyed, and vigorous Cabbage-
plants have also suffered more than usual; but
Cauliflower plants near walls still lock healthy
and unhurt. Lettuce and young Paisley have
suffered severely, although they commonly
survive our winters here when growing on
sloping beds facing the sun. in front of a south
wall. The frost has also completely destroyed
plantations of Broccoli. Hybrid China Roses,
growing as standards, have "perished, while low
bushes of the same sorts are uninjured. Pent-
stemons and other plants which stand
moderately severe winters have been killed. I
cannot, however, give a collect estimate of the
injury done by the frost until the season is
further advanced. Snow-drop, in Gard. Chron.,

March 8. 1845.

♦ .Journal Coll. Soi. Imji. fniv. Toklo. xxxix. 10.

March 6, 1920. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

115

A NEW CHINESE LILY.

Although the Chinese flora is compara-
tively rich in Lilies, and in L. regale has
given us 'what seems likely to prove the
most satisfactory garden plant of the genus, one
cannot say that practical horticulture has bene-
fited to an extent commensurate with the number
and importance of the Lilies discovered in China
during the past twenty-five years.

Herbaria, on the other hand, have been
enriched by a mass of Chinese material in which
the recognised groups of the genus Lilium are
all represented. A good deal of this material
has not yet been digested, and though it contains
specimens of wild Lilies that, not to put too
fine a point on it, are ungainly and unattractive,
there is much of extraordinary beauty and
interest awaiting the pen of the skilled
elucidator.

Critical examination of the section pertaining
to Lilium in a representative collection of
Chinese herbarium specimens, reveals a pre-
dominance of the group of Eulirion, or true
Lilies. This is no more than is to be expected,
lor the group in question is more in evidence in
China than in any other part of the globe known
to naturalists, and botanical exploration has
made it tolerably clear that these Lilies are
fairly well distributed over a considerable part
of the Celestial Republic.

Specimens of Eulirion are to be found in the
collections of nearly every explorer from David
to Farrer. and while the conclusion is
irresistible that many of these Chinese Lilies
are akin, botanists have rightly based several
species on the material available and will doubt-
less segregate others.

For some inscrutable reason the collector's
conception of a trumpet Lily seldom seems to
go beyond L. Brownii, and that is doubtless' the
reason why, at one time or another, that name
11 as been bestowed on almost every member of
die Eulirion group discovered in China.

Hie magnificent Kansu Lily, so well photo-
graphed 'by Mr. Malby (Fig. 46), is the last and toy
no means the least to have kinship with Brown's
Lily thrust upon it, but botanieally it is no near
relation of that unique species, which, so far as
we know, has not yet been recorded west of
Hongkong.

This Kansu species — not, it may be observed,
to be confused with the magnificent trumpet Lily
(No. 316) found by Farrer in the same province
— seems to be intermediate between Wilson's
Lily, L. regale, and L. sulphureum, for long
supposed to be confined to Burma, but of late
years not infrequently reported from Western
China. It has the long leaves and noble head
of the latter, as well as the exquisite sunset
colouring of the petals and the same grateful
fragrance, but is slighter in stature, and one
may look in vain for the axillary bulbils which,
so far as my Observation goes are a fixed
character of L. sulphureum, incidentally render-
ing the propagation of it so simple a matter.
The trumpet is longer than in L. regale and the
edges of the petals are more recurved, while the
flowers do not hold themselves up in the semi-
erect fashion so noticeable in that Lily, tout have
an equally attractive droop. The style and
stigma are those with which L. regale has made
us familiar. The long and shapely flower bud,
with its rich vinous colouring, is not the least
attractive point about this remarkable plant,
which like L. sulphureum and L. Sargentiae
seems to need a hot sun for its proper develop-
ment and is in no sense a Lily of the woods.

The bulb is ovoid, with numerous thick, ovalte
scales of the dark purple hue so noticeable in
many Western Chinese Lilies; the stem has the
aerial roots "with which all known members of
the group are furnished.

As this fine Lily has not been in cultivation
for more than a few years and is by no means
plentiful enoughi to justify experiment in
cultural treatment, it is too soon to hazard an
opinion as to the value of the plant from the
horticultural point of view, or to say whether
it is likely to stand the rough and tumble of
ordinary garden treatment, or the uncertainties
of our climate, as well, for instance, as L.
regale has already proved its ability to do.
The fact, however, that the bulb is dormant for
an unusually long period — from early October

liil January is well nigh spent —during which
it may be kept all but bone-dry, is possibly an
indication that the excessive wet of our average
winters may prove the undoing of the plant, just
as it has proved the undoing of L. .Sargentiae,
L. sulphureum, L. Wallichianum and many other
noble Lilies which cannot sleep in a damp ted
with impunity, though tolerant of an abnormal
amount of moisture when the roots of the bulbs
are active. Should that prove to be the rase, the
Kansu Lily is likely to remain in the compara-
tive obscurity of the connoisseur's garden, where
the particular needs of the plant can be met by
placing the bulbs in very sharply drained
positions, on the slope of a bank, or among tree
runts, always in full exposure to the sun.

The specimen from which the photograph was
taken in the summer of 1915 is probably unique,
since, as far as the writer is aware, no other is
in cultivation; it came into his hands originally
from Prof. Scheubel. through the gund "Hires nt
.Mr. E. H. Wilson. A. Grove.

in gardens. The rediscovery of the plant in For-
farshire in 1917 establishes its claim as British.
Like those of the rest of the species the flowers
are insignificant, but the beauty of the leaves is
irresistible, especially the under surface which
is densely covered with long, silky white hairs,
but so closely adipressed that the" whole under
line glitters with a satiny sheen. The. hairs
project beyond the margin, appearing like a
silvery lacing above. The main distinction of
A. argentea is that the leaflets are joined at
the base for one-third of their length or more.
The illustration in English Botany, t. 244, in-
tended for A. alpina, was drawn from a garden
specimen of A. argentea, and though subse-
quently altered, it does not now represent either
plant.

The Index Kewensis refers argentea to
alpina, but in the Kew Hand Lift of
Herbaceous Plants A. argentea, Don, is referred
In conjuncta, whilst A. argentea. Lam., is run
sidered to be synonymous with alpina ./. /•'.

Fro. 45. — an UNNAME

THE ALPINE GARDEN.

AH I1KM11J.A AB.GENTEA.

In history the above plant has had a very
chequered career. It was discovered by G. Don
in the Clova district of Forfarshire prior to 1812,
and he named it as albove from Treyelyan's
Vegetation of the Farm' Islands, published in
1837. Five years later it was des< ribed by
Babington as A. conjuncta, who stated that the
name A. argentea had already been used by
Lamarck. Nevertheless (he name A. conjuncta
is used in Flore t 'omplite ,A France Suisse ei
Belgique, a work still undergoing publication.
The plant is closely allied t" A, alpina, but is
larger anil more easy in cultivate in gardens
than its near relative. I had it in my care
during the seventies of the last century, under
the name of A. conjuncta, anil so far as my
observations go that is the mosf common name

TRUMPET I.1I.V FROM KANSU; HEIGHT, 4J, FEET.

ADONIS AMUBENSIS IX WIGTOWNSHIRE
Adonis amurensis flowers extraordinarily early
in Sir Herbert Maxwell's garden at Monreith. I
have no iniformation .i^ l" it- date of flowering
this year, hut from Sir Herbert's interesting
garden note-book 1 culled the information that
it flowered for six years on the following dates:
January 8, 15. 8. 4, 25 and 50. Such an early
flowering plant is invaluable, and while it dees
not bloom so early with me In the S.E. of Kirk-
cudbrightshire 1 away from the sea, it is one

.if my earliest flowers of a non-bulbous char
acter. 1 grew it in partial shade, however, so
that retards it a little

Adonis amuirensds is a native at Mandschuria
and Japan; there arc numerous well-marked
varieties •<< the plan! in cultivation in the latter
country. A double flowered form is illustrated
,,, Gard. Chron., March 25. L905, the petals
being greatly increased in numtbei al the expense
of the stamens. S. Arnott.

116

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[March 6, 1920.

The Week's Work.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By Sidney Legu, Gardener to the Dowager L.ADT
Nt.nburnhoi.me, Warter Priory, Yorkshire.

Lobelia.— Store plants oi perennial species of
Lobelia, now under glass, may be divided and
placed in small pots, using a tree compost
They do equally as well it planted m frames and
given protection from frost. In warm localities
they simply require a little protection t with-
stand the cold of winter, and where this is
piovlded the stools should not be divided until
April, when they may be planted P«"™"&
Guard against excessive watering during the
early stages of growth.

Hybrid Clematis.— March is the best month in
Which to plant hybrid Clematis. A deep
o7en loamy Soil, rid? in humus ,nd not deficient
in lime, meets their requirements. Soil o f close
texture should be made porous by the add on
of coarse lime rubble, lumpy charcoal and river
sand A mulching of well-rotted manure should
be afforded the roots each autumn but care
should be taken not to injure the bine by a
too close application of the manure. Varieties
of Clematis Viticella and C. Jackmami grow
strongly at Warter Priory, and the practice fol-
lowed is to prune them early in March and not
lower than four feet from the base. All varieties
which flower on the new wood should, generally
be cut down to within six inches of the ground
during November.

General Remarks.— Plant Gladiolus, Ranun-
culus and newly imported bulbs of Lilium and
Hyacinthus candicans. Specimen plants, re-
quired for the future embellishment of the
portico or terrace, such as Fuchsia, Hydrangea,
Myrtle, Aloysia, Magnolia, Agapanthus, and
Plumbago oapensis, should be examined. Re-tub
or top-dress the plants, using rich compost, and
arrange them in a light, cool, airy house. I
prefer to grow new standards of Heliotrope each
year from autumn-struck cuttings, as such
plants flower profusely. A temperature of 60°
is suitable for the present, but when they have
reached the desired height and have made good
specimens, cooler conditions are advisable.
Encourage standards of Bougainvillea glabra to
grow by affording than genial warmth, and
transfer' Humea elegans to 6-inch pots, using a
gritty compost. Place soft-wooded stove plants,
such as Iresine and Alternanthera, in a warm
plant house to develop shoots that may be
used as cuttings. It is not advantageous to
keep stock plants of Ageratum, as this subject
is readily raised from seed. Dobbie's Perfection
is a variety worthy of note. Impatiens Holstii
is a useful dwarf flowering plant for sub -tropical
bedding, and seeds may now be sown.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By H. Wheeler, Gardener to Mrs. JexnkR, Wenvoe
Castle, near Cardiff.

Carrots and Turnips A sowing of early

varieties of Carrots and Turnips should be made
on a warm border, and if light soil is
added to raise the border above the surrounding
level, this will be an advantage. Sow the seeds
m drills 12 inches apart.

Rhubarb.— Where it is intended to plant
Rhubarb the work should be done forthwith.
Select ground that has been trenched and well
manured in advance of planting, and do not
plant where Rhubarb has been grown during
recent years. Divide the roots and select pieces
with one or two crowns, discarding any that
show a tendency to flower. Three pieces should
be planted in each station, so that they may
form large clumps quickly. Plant firmly but
not deeply ; the crowns should be just visible
when planting is finished. Place a light cover-
ing of strawy material over the crowns to pro-
tect them from cold winds. None of the stalks
should he pulled from plants in their first year

of planting. The distance apart ait which to
plant will be governed by the size of the
varieties: a space of 3 feet 6 inches is suitable
for the dwarfer sorts, and 4 feet 6 inches for
the more robust varieties.

Onions. — Onion seeds should be sown on rich
ground that has been deeply worked, and, as a
long season of gro.vth is necessary, they should
be sown as early in March as possible to ensure
the ripening of the bulbs early in the autumn.
Giant Zittau and Long-keeping are varieties
that keep well, and the latter, by reason of its
high-built shape, produces very heavy crops.
A good dressing of dry ash from the garden
bonfire will improve the working of the ground
and add to its fertility. This should be well
worked into the surface by means of a hoe.
Rake the bed free of all rubbish and endeavour
to provide two inches of fine tilth. Tread the
bed to make the soil firm, and afterwards rake it
level. Sow the seeds in shallow drills, made fifteen
inches apart, lightly cover the seed and make
the soil firm Iby treading along the drills.
Finish the work Dy lightly raking the bed in
the direction the drills were drawn. A useful
drill for sowing Onions or any small seeds may
be made by making a hole from the inside of
an ordinary tin of about 2^ inches in diameter;
the hole should be suitable to the size of the
seeds to be sown. By shaking the tin just
a.bove the drill the seeds in it are distributed
evenly and the work accomplished quickly.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By F. Jordan, Gardener to Lient.-Col. Spender Cur,
M.l'., Ford Manor, Lingtield, Surrey.
Mid season Vineries. — Houses which contain
mixed varieties of Grapes should be closed if
niipe Grapes are required in July and August.
The latest houses of Lady Downe's and Gros
Colmar, which require a rather long season Of
growth, should be closed.

Pines. — It will be necessary to help all Queen
Pines which have their fruits in a for-
ward condition of growth 'by daily attention
to the most trifling details. Directly the flowering
stage is passed the roots will require frequent sup-
plies of tepid liquid manure, guano and soot water.
The weather of March and April being very
changeable, fixed day and night temperature can-
not be maintained, but the maximum should
range from 70° to 85° by day, when sun heat
permits of giving a little ventilation. Supply the
necessary moisture by damping the paths
and lightly syringing the beds in between the
jiots. Successional plants are also active, and,
as the days increase in length, they will require
more water at the roots, whilst the amount of
atmospheric moisture should be increased in pro-
portion to the quantity of solar heat. Later
plants that were transferred recently to larger
pots should be grown in close, moist conditions
until the roots are established in the soil ; growth
of roots being of more importance than that of
leaves for the present. A little air may be
admitted with a rising temperature at 70°
gradually increasing the amount of air up to 80°,
and closing the house early for a further rise
in the afternoon.

Pot Vines. — Pot Vines started into growth
before January will need plenty of weak,
manure water, and other stimulants at the
roots, the strength being increased as growth
extends. Keep the laterals pinched, but en-
courage leaf development, as this will improve
the size of the berries. As soon as the latter
show signs of colouring, a few laterals should
be encouraged to grow, as this improves the
colour of the fruit. Pay careful attention to
the supply of atmospheric moisture; if red spider
appear at this stage, the leaves should be
sponged, as the slightest injury to the foliage
will check the swelling of the fruit. Remove
all superfluous bunches, and thin all free setting
varieties as soon as possible. Sudden changes
in the temperature at this season make it
necessary to bestow extra care and attention
to ventilation. A little air should be admitted
early dn the day, and at night, if conditions are
favourable, in order to encourage strong, healthy
growth, and to allow an excess of atmospheric
moisture to escape.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By T. W. Briscoe, Gardener to W. R. Ltsaqht, Esq.,
Castteford, Chepstow.

Coelogyne cristata. — This is the most popular
species of Coelogyne, with its varieties hololeuca,
Trentham, Lemoniana, and maxima. * This
Orchid may be successfully cultivated in a house
used for a miscellaneous collection of plants.
The ordinary plant stove is suitable during the
plant's season of active growth, and a cooler
structure will suffice throughout the season of
rest.

Vanda. — The various species belonging to this
genus, and particularly those of the V. tricolor
section, are showing signs of renewed activity,
and specimens that have become tall and leggy
through the loss of their lower leaves may be
repotted. Remove the old soil and drainage, and
cut through the stem immediately below a few
new roots. These Orchids may be grown in
ordinary flower pots with one or two large
pieces of crock placed over the drainage holes.
Arrange the plant with the basal leaves near to
the rim of the receptacle and, if needed, use a
small stake to hold it in position. Fill the pot
two-thirds its depth with potsherds and pieces
of charcoal, and bend the roots round into it.
provided this can be done without injuring them.
The remaining space should be filled with peat,
finely broken crocks, and Sphagnum-moss. A
few living heads of the moss should be in-
corporated with the last layer of soil, not only
to give the plant a smart appearance, but to
keep the roots cool and moist. Plants that do
not need repotting should be top-dressed writh
fresh, clean Sphagnum-moss and peat, with a few
nodules of charcoal interspersed. Such plants
will often form roots above the pot, and, with a
little attention, they can be guided to the com-
post and will eventually grow into it. When the
repotting or top-dressing is finished, give sufh
cient water to wet the whole of the soil, and
direct watering will not be needed again for
several days. Newly-potted plants require but
little moisture at their loots for some weeks,
but the surface moss should be sprinkled with .
water whenever it becomes dry. Protect the
plants from strong sunlight, and glow them ini
a warm, humid atmosphere. Remove the flower-
spikes from all weak specimens directly they
are seen. V. Kdmballiana, and V. Amesiana will!
succeed in the Cattleya house, while V. teres,,
V. Hookeriana and V. Miss Joaquim should be
grown in a sunny position where it is possible
to spray them with tepid rain water two or
three times daily throughout their season of
active ■ growth. A numlber of these plants is
often arranged in a long box placed at the end
of the plant stove or a similar position where
they may receive the full benefit of the sun's
rays. When growth is completed, discontinue
spraying, and keep the plants fairly dry at the
base.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By T. Pateman, Gardener to C. A. Cain, Esq., J. P.,
The Node, Oodioote, Welwyn, Hertfordshire.

Gooseberries. — If the bushes have not already
been pruned, the work should be proceeded with.
Thin the heads, shorten the leading growths, and
prune the inner growths to three or four eyes
to form spurs. After pruning the plants, rake
some of the old soil from beneath them and sub-
stitute fresh soil and mortar rubble. The roots
may afterwards be given a light dressing of
short manure, which will serve to keep the soil
moist in dry weather. Where birds prove destruc-
tive to the buds, spray the trees with Quassia
extract, or intertwine black cotton amongst the
(branches. Certain varieties of Gooseberries
have a pendulous habit of growth. These should
be given supports in the form of stakes placed
in the centres of the bushes, tying three or four
of the leading growths to them. The planting
of fruit trees should be finished by an early date,
for planting so late as March may entail extra
labour in watering and mulching the trees,
especially if the season proves to be a dry one.

Strawberries. — Where space is available a bed
of Strawberries should be planted annually
on a south border to furnish early berries.
The situation should he warm and sheltered
from cold winds in the early spring.

Mabch 6, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

117

The runners should be planted ten inches
apart in the rows, which should be about
fifteen inches asunder. These special plants
will furnish ripe fruits a fortnight earlier than
those in the permanent beds, and follow closely
those that have only been slightly forced in
frames or houses. Before a mulching is spread
between the rows of Strawberries clear the
ground of every weed. I do not recommend deep
digging in the neighbourhood of the plants, but
where Strawberries are planted two and a half
feet to three feet apart between the rows little
harm will be done to the roots by pricking up
the soil lightly in the centre of the rows. It
is essential to surface-dress the soil close up to
the plants with freshly slaked lime to keep
slugs and other ground insects in check. The
mulch should consist of good stable manure, and
if it is placed in position now the manurial pro-
perties will be washed down amongst the roots,
thus greatly assisting the plants when they are
making their new growth. The mulch also serves
to keep the ground moist in dry weather, and
by the tune the berries are ripe the straw will 'be
wasned clean for them to rest upon.

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By John Govtts, Foreman, Royal Botanic Gardens.
Kew.

Camellia. — 'Plants in pots requiring repotting
should "be attended to just as they are starting
into growth, although some growers contend
that this work is best done when Camellias have
set their flower IhkIs. Many fine single
varieties have been raised in recent years, and
these have revived, to a large extent, the in-
terest of growers in the Camellia.

Freesias. — These sweet-scented greenhouse
flowers generally prove unsatisfactory in

the immediate neighbourhood of London,
due to the fact that their season of
nctive growth is winter. When, for weeks
at a time, the plant receives little or no sun-
shine, the new growth becomes so weak thai
it develops few flowers. If seed is sown now the
seedlings should, with suitable treatment, flower
by next * November. The best results are
obtained by sowing the seed directly in the
llowering pots — those of five inches diameter
being the most suitable. In their younger stages
Freesias are best grown in a house having a
temperature of 50° to 55° and a close, moist
atmosphere. As the season advances admit more
air and grow the plants in an ordinary green-
house nr house having a similar temperature.
Water the plants with great care until the pots
are well tilled with roots.

Stock Plants. — During the next two months
the propagation of many winter-flowering
plants, including Eranlhemums, Jacobinia
clrvsostephana, J. coccmea, Plumbago rosea.
Salvia .splendens, audits varieties; Aphelandras,
Enpatoriums, various winter-flowering Begonias,
and many other useful subjects may be under-
taken. The ultimate success of many of these
subjects depends very largely on the care which
the stock plants receive after they have finished
flowering. Too often they are pushed under
stages or placed in out-of tne-way corners, where
they receive but little light and scarcely any
attention. It is true that space for these plants
is generally hard to find, but it pays to devote
a certain amount of space to them in a house or
houses, which, so far as possible, should be
reserved for this purpose. Another important
point is to keep ample stock to have sufficient
cuttings at one time for raising a batch of plants.
At this season all stock plants should be placed
in a light position and be encouraged to make
strong, healthy shoots. In the case of subjects
that are shy in making good growth, it pays to
turn them ouT of their pots, reduce the balls
slightly and repot them in fresh compost,

Gloriosa superbaandG. Rothschildiana.— These
showy -flowered plants should be turned out oi
their receptacles and repotted into large pots in
which they will flower. The work should be
done with extra care as the tuberous root-stocks
are very brittle. Use a rich compost and give
the plants but very little water until growth is
active.

SOPHRO-LAELI,0-CATTLEYA MAEGRAND.

A brilliantly coloured flower of this line

cross between S.-L.-C. Marathon ((J. Empress

Frederick x S.-L. Psyche) and Sophronitis

fiandiflora, showing the advantage of intro-
ucing a species, the colour of which is desired,
a second time, is sent by the raisers, Messrs,
Armstrong and Brown, drchidhurst, Tunbridge
Wells. 'While maintaining the size and form of
S.-L.-C. Marathon, the dark .scarlet of S. grandi-
flora is perpetuated. The front of the lap has a
crimson band and the disc is yellow.

CATTLEYA RHODA.

The very handsome Cattleya which i.^ the
subject of the coloured plate accompanying the
present issue of the (lard. Ckron. is a hybrid

obtained by crossing C. Hardyana with C. Iris.
The raiisers were Messrs. Charlesworth and Co.,
who, in September, 1908, obtained the R/H.S.
Award of Merit for this handsome Orchid.
Several varietal 'forms have appeared, notably
C. Rhoda conspicua (A.M., R.H.S., Messrs. S.
Low and Co.. Sept. 28, 1909); C. R. Fairlawn
var. (F.C.C., R.H.S., Mr. H. S. Goodson, Aug.
30, 1910); C. R. Fowler's var. (F.C.C.. R.H.S.,
.Mr. Gurney Fowler, Oct. 6, 1914] ; C. R.
iliuminata (F.a.C, R.H.S.. Me/asfrs. Charles-
worth and Co., Aug. 15, 1911); and C R. The
Jewel (F.C.O., R.H.S., Messrs. Charlesworth
and Co., Nov. 5, 1912). In shape C. Rhoda has
much the same character as C. Hardyana, with
some evidence of the influence of C. Iris. The
sepals and petals may vary from urea m yellow
tc deep apricot, according to the variety, while
the finely frilled and broad lip is usually ruby
red with lighter margin.

Fig. 46. — miltonia bleuana var. princess Elizabeth, r.h.s. first-class certificate,
February 10. 1920. (See p. 109.)

NEW HYBRIDS.

(Continued from January 10, p. 15. J

Brasso-CntUey;i Knchantress

Brasso-Laelia Billingtonii

Brasso-Laelio Cattleya Tonic ...

Cattleya Quebec

Cymbidium Atlas

Cymbidium Corncrake

i '\ mbidiura o^u i ■ - 1 1

Cymbidium Warbler

Cypripedium Irabia

Cypripedinni aurensis

Cypripedium Cairo

Cypripedium Celsia

C\ pripciliuni ri:ii'iln']

Cypripedium Oyril Lee
Cypripedium Mauoham
Cypripedium Memoria K. M. Ogilvie
t \ pripedium Mrs, Allied ('. Hanbury

Cypripedium Mulatto

Cypripedium Ncsta

Cj pripedium Oui Prince

Cypripedium i mvu

B.-C. Digbyana-Mendelii x C. Fabia ,
B. liigbyana x B.-L. Mrs. M. Gratrix
B.-L.-C. Cooksonii x B.-L. Mrs. M. Hi
Mrs. Percy Bigland x choooenais alba

Cravenianum x Doris

Holfordianum > L'arishii Sanclernc

G itti iimiii ■ w iganianura

<; tl i.Mium x Holfordianum

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ttera x The Baron

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lli'iu. Kur\ ades x gigaa

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118

THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE.

[Makch 6, 1920.

EDITORIAL NOTIOE,

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the
PUBLISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, WC

Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editors

do not undertake to pay for any contributions or
illustrations, or to return unused communication*
or illustrations unlets by special arrangement. The
Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any
opinion* expressed by their correspondents.

ALPINE

MEADOWS OF
YUNNAN.

BURMA'

OX the wetter mountain ranges of the far
northern Burma-Yunnan frontier (as also
no doubt on other ranges where the pre-
cipitation is great in summer), a plant associa-
tion is developed to which the narr.e alpine or
mountain meadow may justly be given.

It is not alpine in the sense that it habitually
occurs above the tree limit, though it often pre-
vails as high as the normal limit of trees; but
the name is convenient, the meaning clear. It
differs from lowland meadows, such as we are
accustomed to in England, in sundry minor
points, but chiefly in the absence, or complete
subordination when present, of grasses.

This alpine meadow is characterised 'by a
great growth of tall herbaceous plants, attaining
their maximum rather late in the summer — early
in August, generally speaking— and lasting into
September. Most of these plants spring from
perennial rootstocks (Compositae, Umbelliferae)
or from bulbs (Liliaceae), for in winter the
meadow is always under deep snow, and not a
trace of the glorious summer display remains.

Ft is developed at various altitudes — in the
Htawgaw Hills (Salween-Irrawaddy watershed,
lat. 26° N.). mostly between 9,000 and 10.0C0
feet, on the Mekong-Salween watershed (lat.
28° N.), between 12,000 and 14,000 feet, and
always seems to occur amongst Bamboo growth,
there being apparently a constant struggle in pro-
gress between the Bamboo and the meadow-plants
for supremacy. Often it occupies marshy ground,
where, indeed, it reaches its highest develop-
ment ; but it is also found on exposed south-
lacing slopes. In either case it is always more
or less hemmed in by forest . fringed with
Bamboo, and out up by clumps of Bamboo and
scattered shrubs.

Other characteristic features of the meadow,
beside the great height attained by the plants
during a brief vegetative season, are the variety
of flowers met with, the regular sequence of
glaringly dominant plants throughout the season
(so that the meadow appears at first sight to be
composed of one species only), methods of flower
protection against incessant rain, and methods
of seed dispersal.

There is usually no sign of flowers till the
beginning of June, when some of the most
beautiful species which go to the making
of these meadows appear before the
heavy rains of July set in. Thus in the
Htawgaw Hills and northwards along the
China frontier as far as the Wulaw Pass, a
lovely Nomocharis (N. pardanthina), the graceful
white Liliuim Wallichianum and the vinous
purple Meconopsis Wallichii are all early flowerers.
Again, at the Doker-la on, the Yunnan-Tibet
frontier still further north, one of the first
meadow plants to flower is Meconopsis pseudo-
integrifolia.

Other plants which flower early in the meadows
of the N.E. Frontier are: At the Wulaw Pass —
the most remarkable alpine meadow I have ever
seen, lining a maze of streams tumbling amongst

islets of higher ground covered with Fir forest,
whence a complex system of elevated mountain
ridges radiate in all directions — the splendid
ciolet Primula Delavayi of the curious Omphalo-
gramma section ; and in the marshy meadows
south of Hpimaw, Prirmda helodoxa and P.
Beesiana, both S.W. Yunnan plants.

On a wet June day, when dense masses of
cloud come rolling up the mountain side to fall
in heavy showers, there is no more beautiful
sight than a meadow of pink Nomocharis loom-
ing through the mists. The N.E. Frontier
species, which I take to be X. pardanthina, has
rose-pink flowers irregularly blotched and speckled
inside at the base with deep purple brown,
chocolate, and crimson. The large flowers, 'borne
two, three or four on a stem, are nodding, and
the whole plant, which is a foot or eighteen
inches high, is of extreme grace and delicacy.
Sometimes white-flowered specimens, looking as
though cut out of satin, are met with. Alas !
the delicacy of these lovely blooms is their un-
doing— the heavy rains quickly batter them to
pieces, only those under the lee of some friendly
clump of Bamboo surviving more than a lew-
days of this onslaught.

The genus Nomocharis is as typical of the
meadows on the Mekong--Salween divide [e.g.,
the Doker-la) as of the Salween-Irrawaddy
divide. On the Doker-la are found N. tricolor
and other species; in fact, it was here in 1911
that I first saw and marched through meadow »
pink with Nomocharis.

June is the month of lilies, including Nomo-
charis, Lilitim nepalense, L. Wallichianum and
L. giganteum on the N.E. Frontier, where also
is found, but rather later, a magnificent crim-
son-flowered Lily. This last never dominates the
meadow as L. Wallichianum may do, never
occurs massed like Nomocharis, but always
singly or in twos and threes, though widely-
scattered.

In July the Umbelliferae take the lead; at
least half a dozen species are prominent, some
more than others, and they have the distinction
of being almost the only plants in the meadow
whose flowers are freely exposed to the rain.
However, they are great favourites amongst the
flies, beetles and other small insects which haunt
the meadows. Another plant which in most
meadows becomes dominant towards the end ot
July, is a large purple-flowered Geranium; in
places it grows in immense numbers, colouring
the entire hillside so that from a 'little distance
nothing else is seen. It is followed in August
—I still refer to the N.E. Frontier — by a splen-
did violet-flowered Allium in ever greater num-
bers, so that the meadow again takes on quite
a different appearance.

X'ot till August has begun do the Compositae
begin to assert themselves, save in some cases
for the early appearance of their massive foliage.
After mid-August they hold -the field, both in
numbers and variety, mostly yellow-flowered
species of Seneoio, Solidago and such familiar
genera. In some places, especially where it is
marshy, tall Thalictrums are conspicuous in
August, amongst which mention may be made of
the huge purple-flowered T. semiscandens ; and
where the meadow is shaded by scattered trees,
masses of Polygonum, or elsewhere, of Strobi-
lanthes, growing socially, may almost exclude
other plants. In one meadow I found the whole
hillside purple with a small Orchid not unlike
our meadow Orchis maculata ; and there is a
tall cream-coloured Epipactis which occurs in
sufficient numbers to be conspicuous. Then
there are Louseworts (Pedicularis) in great
variety, several species of Corydalis, one notably
with brilliant sky-blue flowers, the Balsams,

often growing socially, and two species of Aconi-
tum, which are amongst the very last plants to
flower, not opening before the end of August.
One species, with deep Tyrian purple flowers,
grows erect; the other is a twiner, which, hang
ing festoons of violet-blue flowers from the
Bamboos, is one of the prettiest sights in the
meadow. Though I have mentioned only a few
of the plants met with (I have said nothing, for
instance, of the Ardsaemas, Bodgersias, or species
of Mimulus and Ranunculus), the above will
give some idea of the variety and succession of
the plants of the meadows.

As a protection against rain, nearly all
the meadow flowers are nodding, or pendent; for
instance, most Liliaceae, Geranium and Thalie-
trum. Those of Meconopsis stand vertically on
edge ; those of Orchids, Corydalis and Aconitum
are more or less upside down ; Mimulus, some of
the Compositae and Impatiens have nodding
flowers. The Umbelliferae alone, with a few
Compositae. appear indifferent to the rain ;
but it may be noted that these plants flower in
the latter part of July and early August, wh.-n
the first fierce rush of the rains is over and ;
break may come at any time. In any case, the
honey is protected by the structure of the flower,
and I noticed flies, beetles and other small
insects at work amongst the Umbelliferae while
it was raining.

Bees, too, seem quite independent of the
weather; butterflies, on the other hand, are
rarely seen in the alpine meadow and, indeed,
there are no flowers adapted to butterflies.

A similar uniformity is observed with regard
to seed dispersal by the meadow flowers. The
fruit is either a capsule, from which the seeds
are shaken out by the wind (Meconopsis, Pedi
cularis, Aconitum and Liliaceae — with winged
seeds); or an explosive capsule as in Geranium
and Impatiens; or the seeds are wind borne as
in Compositae and in Clematis which scrambles
over the ground in these meadows. The I m-
belliferae, Allium and Polygonum furnish a few-
exceptions.

The Doker-la meadows already referred
to occupy broad basins in the upper
mountain valleys. which glacier torrents,
checked in their tumultuous career, have filled
up with sand. They are surrounded on all sides
by tremendous precipices, and the openings both
above and below are constricted as the valley
again narrows. Thus their appearance differs
totally from those of the N.E. Frontier, which
occupy steep slopes and the flattened crests of
ridges, especially where there are depressions,
which in summer become marshes. But though
there are many plants found at the Doker-la
which are not found on the N.E. Frontier at all
{e.g., species of Adenophora, Salvia. Aquilegia,
Fritillaria, etc., none of which genera even are
yet recorded from the Htawgaw Hills), and
others found in the meadows of the N.E.
Frontier unknown to the Mekong-Salween divide
(e.g. the crimson Lily referred to) ; and though
also the species of Corydalis, Nomocharis, Pedicu-
laris, the Compositae, Umbelliferae, etc., are
different in the two areas, yet essentially these
meadows are the same throughout the entire
region. The general resemblance is unmistak-
able— it is a single plant association, owing its
origin to the same causes.

The general climatic conditions are the sati.e,
too, on the Mekong-Salween and Salween-Irra-
waddy divides, though the latter has perhaps the
heavier rainfall. And as alpine meadow is
absent from the drier regions of the Mekong-
Yangtze divide, it seems likely that adequate
rainfall plays an important part in its develop-
ment. I1'. Kingdon Ward.

Maech 6, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

11!

DEMOLITION OF THE GREAT CON-
SERVATORY, CHATSWORTH.

Gabdenebs everywhere will learn with regret
that 'the fine old conservatory at Chatsworth
(see Fig. 47), the seat of the Duke of Devonshire,
is to be razed to the ground. The reasons given
for the destruction of this magnificent plant-
bouse are the great cost of fuel and the diffi-
culty of finding labour for its management.
Many would wish that the fine old building
could have been spared, if even in disuse, until
the present troubled economic problems are more
settled and happier times prevail. But the
edict for its dismantling has gone forth and the
huge structure will disappear during the next

In an ordinary winter about 300 tons of coal
and coke were required to heat the great build-
ing, but in aji exceptionally severe winter about
half as much again wras necessary. Many of
the smaller trees have been removed to the
orangery and Camellia house. The lairger trees
and palms were, however', left to their fate.
About twenty years ago the great conservatory
was thoroughly overhauled, painted, and glared.
In Gard. Ghron., June 26, 1875, the conserva-
tory and its plants were described and illustrated
in a Chatsworth supplement, wherein the writer
stated that this house and its inmates presented
more grace and elegance than the palm-
stove at Kew. At that time this magnificent
house contained some of the finest specimens of
warm exotics in cultivation in Europe.

flowers. A white variety and one with amethyst-
coloured blooms are not in my possession. Maw
does not specify any of the varieties, but gives
a good coloured plate of the typical form
in his great monograph. The species comes from
Dalmatia and Serbia, and probably also
from Bosnia. Although C. tommasinianus is
smaller than C. vermis as represented by the
Dutch varieties, it is delightfully attractive.
By the way Maw says it is later than C. vermis,
but it is not so with me. S. Arnnit.

SAXIFRAGA BURSERIANA SULPHUREA.

Among the newest of Saxifrages, this sulphur-
coloured form is a plant of the greatest charm
and distinction. It would appear to "be but a

Fig. 47. — the cheat conservatory at chatsworth. now being demolished.

four months, which is the time it Is computed
the work will involve.

The whole of the materials, wood, glass, etc.,
with which the great conseJrvatory was con
structed, has 'been purchased by Mr. Thomas
White, of Two Dales, Matlock, 'and a gang of
men have already begun the work of demolish-
ing the house.

The conservatory, from the design of which
the Crystal Palace was built, was erected about
1860, and covers exactly one acre otf ground.
The length is 276 ft., breadth 123 ft., height of
central roof 67 ft., and the transverse span 70 ft.
The house contains 75,000 square feet of glass,
which, in order better to resist the violence of
storms, was disposed in angular projecting rows.
It 'was heated by means of seven miles of 6-in.
piping, weighing upwards of 200 tons. Round the
huge dome of glass and woodwork ran a gallery,
supported by light iron brackets, and was
reached by a flight of steps formed in the orna
mental rodswork. Prom the gallery a magnifi-
cent view of the surrounding country was
obtained.

SPRING FLOWERS.

CROCUS TOMMASINIANUS.

This season the earliest flowers of Grooufl
tommasinianus were but little behind those of
C. Sieberi, the latter having 'been retarded by
the absence of sun, although the weather lias
been exceptionally open.

Spring flowers are few and 1 am surprised that C.
t omnia si ni anus is mil more frequently cultivated,
as it is not only low in price and easy to grow, but
is also delightfully bright and attractive. What
is more, it seeds better than some other
Crocuses in the open ami seedlings appear in a
delightfully informal fashion even at seme
distance Groin the parent clumps,

This Crocus varies to some extent, and,
besides what is known as (lie typical form with
pretty sapphire-lavender segments, there is a
pale coloured one known as C. 1. pallidus and
another known as C, t. al ropmpiireus with lilac

Seedling variation of Burser's Saxifrage and its
name also suggests this. It is said, however, to
be the result of a cross between S. b.
tridentina and S. Faldonside which, seeing that
there is so much S. burseriana influence in the
latter, does not remove the hybrid very appre-
ciably from it. In colour, the newcomer is in-
termediate between the parents; it has a pure,
refined sulphur-yellow tone on opendng, which in
the final stages resolves itself into rich, deep cream.
There is nothing like it. In point of size it sur-
passes either parent, even excelling S. b.
tridentina which, in, habit of growth, earliness,
and flowers on 3-inch high peduncles, it most
closely resembles. In form, shapely appearance
ami the rubricated character of the flowers the
influence of S. Faldonside is evident. The flowers
are, however, less solid looking ihan those of
S. Faldonside. Saxifrage Burseriana sul
pliiit'ea- gained an Award of Merit. two
years ago when exhibited by Messrs. R, Tinker
and Sons, who have twice already this year
shown it well at Vincent Square, E. If.
./' nhins.

120

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[March 6, 1920.

THE FUTURE OF THE POTATO CROP.

As a member of the Potato Advisory Com-
mittee to the Ministry of Agriculture I am
privileged to place before you, in addition to
my own views, which may not necessarily be of
any value, the official views of the Ministry
upon the problem with which the country is
faced, and I desire at the outset to acknowledge
my indebtedness to its officials for their per-
mission to present an indication of the pro-
cedure which will probably be followed in the
near future.

The Potato is in such universal use that it is
difficult to realise that less than 400 years ago it
was completely unknown in these Islands. The
plant is a specific type of tuber-bearing Solatium,
to which Linnaeus gave the name of Solanum
tuberosum, and its natural habitat is generally
supposed to be Chili or Peru. Consequently it
is a semi-tropical plant, which accounts for its
susceptibility to frost and the care which it is
necessary to take to prevent the destruction of
(lie tubers from extreme cold.

From time to time hybridists claim
lo have raised seedlings which are frost-
proof ; I had one sent me not long
ago from New Zealand which was stated
to possess this characteristic,, but it collapsed
when put to the test, and I am afraid it is too
much to hope for success in this direction.

The probable date of the introduction of the
Potato into England is stated by Sir Joseph
P.anks to have been July, 1586, and at first
strong objection w;is taken to it on the plea
that it caused sickness. If so, it was no doubt
due to the tubers becoming greened and so
rendered unfit for human consumption. its
popularity soon grew, however, until it became
what it is to-day, a recognised necessity in every
household.

The plant in a wild state is still found in
South America in many different forms, some of
them heing exceedingly ornamental, and a large
number of these types have been under observa-
tion tit Reading during the past thirty-four
years. As would be anticipated, the plants are
very much smaller and less luxuriant than those
of the commercial Potato, ami in several caseSj
notably that of Solanum Maglia, the tubers are
produced at the end of very Ion- stolons, some-
times being found as far as 6 feet away Ifrom
the parent plant. There is one characteristi*
about ;dl of them which is of great importance,
and it is this : the Potato in its wild form,
unlike the Potato of commerce, breeds true
when self -pollinated, and produces tubers
in eve v way similar to the parent plant, while
the pollen grains when examined under a (will-
power microscope are perfe tlv elliptical; whereas
the pollen giains of the cultivated Potato are
quite irregular and possess no particular shape.
When or why this character of breeding true
was lost is unknown, and all efforts so Ear made
to explain the mystery have proved ineffectual,
but the change is undoubtedly a. great luss from
every point of view. These wild forms are of
extraordinary interest, but it is the cultivated
Potato 'with which I am dealing to-day.

Some people believe in second sight, and
some appear to see visions in which the future
is revenled. Such visions would be xiseful if they
could be produced when required, but as far as
I am concerned, the prophecy in this instance
can only be deduced from experiences in the
past.

Potntos are grown solely for consumption, and
it imay therefore be safely assumed that the
acreage of Potatos in the past ha-s been largely
influenced by the population. The census returns
show the population for England and Wales to
be for the years 1910-1914, as follows:—

1910 ... ... 35.791,902

1911 ... ... 36,070.492

1912 ... ... 36,382,456

1913 ... ... 36,606,226

1914 ... ... 36,960,684

or a general steady increase per year of about
jOO.OOO people. These, according to the

* A Paper read by Mr. Martin II. F. Sutton, F.L.S..
it a Meeting of tfu> Farmers' Club cm Monday , 2nd
February. 1020.

Ministry of Food statistics, would require
30,000 tons of Potatos, so that if there is a true
connection between production and population
the acreage of Potatos should show a certain
increase year by year when the birth-rate again
goes up and the population increases, as it does
after every war, and as we hope it will soon
do again. The exact figures ol the acreage of
Potatos for England and Wales for the period
since 1910 are as follows : —

CULTURAL MEMORANDA.

1910
1911
1912
1913
1914

402,847
429,172
462,903
442.035
461,621

from which it wilt be seen that in the ptest there
has not been the same steady rise in acre ige.

In 1911 there was an increase or 28,000 acres,
and in 1912 30,000 Acres, 'but in 1913 the acre-
age declined by 20.000 acres, and the normal
acreage was not again readied until 1914 and
1915. We may therefore take it that, as a
geneml rule, the acreage of Potatos normal to
England and Wales is about 460.000 acres, and
that this rises and falls as the farmers' experi-
ences during the current year with the crop
have been financially good or otherwise.

War Acreage.

Farmers are to be congratulated on increasing
their acreage of Potatos to the maximum ever
grown in this country — viz., 633,832 acres in
1918. a rise of nearly' 200,000 acres above the
normal. The full advantage of tin- huge i rop
would have been apparent had the war continued.
Ha; oily it did not. and it is public knowledge
now that the crop of Potatos produced from this
acreage wis much tnore than sufficient for our
needs, and that as the war conditions had ceased,
thousands of tuns were lying rotting in the pits.
Farmers have realised then true position, and
in 1919 quite rightly planted a rcdm ed acreage —
viz., 476.050 acres, which even now is 10,000
a1 ive the normal. As far as can be seen at
present, this acreage is approximately the corr cl
i. in' for England and Wales under lie changed
conditions — to keep markets supplied wit lout
causing any undue effects — 'though bearing in
iciii 1 the variable yield of the crop, the acreage
t ir the next few veals should err on the generous
side, A norma] acreage with a short yield per
acre might land the country in great difficulties
if pre-war imports were no! available, which in
the present unsettled state of Europe is rerj
in otba'ble.

Effect of Imports on Production.

Apart in in very small consignments vvi in;.."
regard tin- import trade in early Potatos in
commence in .May from Spain, Portugal and the
Channel Islan Is. and imports continue to arrive
in large quantities until the home-grown earlies
ate ready for the market, when the foreign
supplies fall off rapidly. It appears, therefore,
that lire importation of these early kinds meets
a definite demand in the market which could not
be met by home producers.

As regards the importatdon of ^nain-crops,
statistics show that Potatos are imported into
this country during periods when a short crop
is experienced here, and also that Potatos are
exported from this country in times of plenty.
The exports and imports are governed by the
sound principle of supply and demand, and there
is no reason to show that any alteration is likely
to take place in the future.

Influence of Disease on the Potato Crop.

Many accurate writings are extant which
clearly show the terrible havoc that was made
amongst the Potato crop in 1840 by the dread* I
Potato blight. It appears that for several years
this disease was a veiy great menace, and led
to important changes. The old Victoria, Regents
and White Rock seem to ha.ve been widely
grown just then, and as we know these varieties
were extremely susceptible to the disease, they
fell into disfavour amongst farmers, and we e
replaced by the Champion, a Potato dntrodui i il
by Mr. John Nichol-Ochterloney, Forfarshire, in
tin1 year 1866.

[To be continued.)

EARLY MELONS.
To obtain early Melons the grower should have
the facilities of a lean-to or small span roofed
house where a night temperature of between 65°
and 70° can be maintained. The plants may be
raised from seeds sown singly in small pots filled
with loamy soil, and germinated in a propagating
case over bottom heat. With thesoil just moist the
seedlings will soon appear and the small plants
should be grown on a shelf near the roof-glass.
At that stage the house in which they will be
fruited should be got ready for them. Red
spider is one of the worst pests of the Melon,
and, beyond the usual washing down of the
woodwork and glass any old soil that may be
lying near the hot-water pipes should be cleared
away, as nothing is more likely to harbour the
insects. The benefit Melon plants derive from
sunheat cannot be over estimated, and in making
up the bed this should be kept in mind. If very
early fruits are required fermenting material
should be used to provide bottom-heat, but for
ordinary purposes in houses adequately heated
it may only be necesary to use litter for raising
the bed to within about two feet of the roof
in order that the plants may receive the full
benefit of the sun's rays. Whatever kind of
material is used it should be trodden firm before
the soil is placed on it. If good loam, some-
what on the heavy side, is available the plants
will require nothing further as rooting material
beyond a little old mortar or lime irubble to
render it sweet and porous.

Iie> I ,1 should be about twenty inches wide
and nine inches deep, and may consist of whole
turves [0ur or five inches thick, if the turves
,ue of good quality; otherwise they are
chopped apart roughly or pulled
pieces. The turfy material should be
made firm to favour the plant making
short jointed growth. When strong enough the
plants may be set in mounds of finer soil
arranged at intervals of about 20 inches. The
soil sh< "Id !»' allowed time to become warmed
through before planting- Water the roots with
tepid watei mil then place slicks in position to
train the leading shunts. Very little water will
l;e luc.-ssarv after this until the roots are active.
A genial atmosphere should be maintained by
clamping the paths and bare spaces as well as
syri iging the foliage once or twice daily accord-

4 tu the weather. The weather must also be
tile guide in the use of the ventilators.
I i ol I draughts and undue fluctuations
in the temperature mu t never be pet
niitted. Close tie house in the after-

ii n before the sun loses its power, damping the
bare paces at the same time. The thermometer
will -ise rapidly, anil the hot moist atmosphere

II be ' I tlie utmosl benefit to growth, provided
judicious esc is made of the heating arrangement
tu prevent a too rapid lowering of the tempera-
t tire mi cold nights.

Train the main shoot of the plant as a single
. ..Inn. an I when the shoot is near the
top wire pinch out the point. Laterals will then
(level. ip rapidly. As the female flowers are about
tn expand maintain a somewhat drier atmosphere
and discontinue the morning syringing of the
foliage. Should the weather be cold and dull use
a little more heat in the pipes and ventilate
i idinglv. Endeavour to obtain an even crop
of almiM three fruits on a plant. Stop the
laterals at one leaf beyond the fruit and those
without limit at two or three leaves, according
tn their position. Those near the top of the
plant may be allowed a little extension to main-
tain a regular flow of sap,

Pay particular attention to watering the

i Is and continue to syringe and damp the hue

spate-: at the latter operation in the afternoon
weak liquid manure may be used instead of clear
water. The value of adding fresh soil to the
roots as they apjvear on the surface ought not tn
he overlooked as it has a stimulating effect on
growth, nut equalled in any other way. As the
fruits swell support them with nets and
enc6urage them to develop by giving the roots
liberal applications of a suitable fertiliser.
Melon plants are particularly liable to canker.
One of (he chief predisposing causes of this disease
i excessive moisture about the " collar." Tu a

d

March 6, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

121

large extent this may be prevented by keeping
the mounds of soil always on the dry side, and
exercising great oare in the use of the syringe.
It is, however, essential to keep a sharp watch
for the complaint, and, on the first signs of it, to
dress the affected parts with lime.

When the fruits begin to net -withhold Stimu-
lants gradually, hut keep the roots still moist or
the foliage -will suffer, causing the flavour to be
inferior. Ventilation may also be a little freer.
and, when the weather is unfavourable use a
little more fire-heat to permit of admitting a
little air at night. When the fruits are almost
fully netted care must be taken that the border
is not kept too moist or they will be liable
to split. When the stalk is cracked all round
its base the fruit may be cut, and its flavour
improved by keeping it in a cool room for two
or three days.

In addition to the constantly increasing
number of fine varieties there are two or three
good standard sorts, including Hero of Lockinge,
The Peer, and Blenheim Orange. F. <T.

HARDY FLOWER BORDER.

PROPAGATION BY LEAVES.

The extract from The Gardeners' Chronicle
of 75 years ago, on "Propagation by Leaves."
was very interesting, as showing the patience
that the old-time gardeners took in carrying out
their experiments. In these days few, if any,
are prepared to wait for years to learn the
time necessary for a tutting to form roots. Yet
at the present day propagation by means of
leaves is found to be quite practicable in the
case of many plants, notably a number of the
Gesneriaceae, and several of the Begonias. In the
case of that popular Begonia Gloire de Lorraine,
some cultivator's prefer to increase the plants from
leaves, whilst others use cuttings of the young
shoots. One thing to hear in mind is that where
stock is limited a greater number of young plants
may be raised from leaves than from cuttings.
The various garden forms of Begonia Rex may
also be increased in this way. In the case of
these plants, several specimens may he
obtained from a single leaf. The method
generally employed is to take a well-
matured leaf and lay it on a bed of
Coconut refuse, or on a pan filled with sandy
soil, holding it in position by two or three pegs.
Then, with a sharp knife, the midrib is severed
in three or four places and, to a lesser extent,
the secondary ones. In a warm propagating
case a young plant will be formed from each
cut, so that a single leaf will yield several
plantlets. Some cut up the leaves and insert
them as cuttings, but this method is, as a rule,
'less satisfactory than the other.

In the case of Begonia Gloire de Lorraine,
single leaves with their petioles are taken, these
last being dibbled into the prepared soil up to
the blade of the leaf.

Gloxinias are readily propagated in the
way recommended for Begonia Rex and
its varieties, 'but in the case at the
Gloxinia it is best to make cuts only in the
mid-rib. Many other Gesneriaceous plants are
increased in this way, but Gloxinias are almost the
only ones propagated by leaf cuttings, and even
for these the practice is less followed than it was
formerly.

Many of the numerous succulent plants can
Ibe, and are, propagated from leaves, in their
i case a very simple matter. The leaves may be
ipulled off from the stem and dibbled as cuttings
;into pots of sandy soil, standing them on a
greenhouse stage or in some similar position.
'They do not need to be kept in a close case, or
(even shaded. The grower must guard against
ttthe plants receiving an excess of moisture, which
would cause the leaves to decay.

Crassulas, Cotyledons, Rochea falcata, and
others may he increased in this way. The
showy flowered Pinguicula caudata is another
subject that may be propagated by moans of
leaf cuttings. The leaves should be dibbled into
clean, well-drained pots or pans filled with a
mixture of peat, Sphagnum-moss chopped fine,
and silver sand. After inserting the leaf cut-
tings they should be well watered and the pots
or pans placed in a propagating case where
gentle warmth is maintained, b". T.

ANTHERICUM LIL1ASTRUM.

St. bhuno's lilt (see Fig. 48) is a very old
and much valued garden plant, for it gives a
generous display of its 'beautiful white flowers
early in the summer and is an effective 'border
plant, especially when arranged in large masses.
It was introduced from Southern Europe in
1629, and qmite eairly the authorities were
divided as to its correct designation, for although
both Haller and Miller classed it with
Hemerocallis, Iinnaeus placed it with Antheri-
cnni, and as A. Liliastrum the plant is known in
most gardens. This Liliaceous plant has also
been called OTnlthogahwn liliforme, Liliastrum
album, Phalangium Liliastrum and Czackia
Liliastrum. But it would appear that we must
accept another name to all these — Paradisea
Liliastrum — as the correct one, for Bertoloni,
whose description was first given in Flore des
Serres, 1875, t. 2182, reduces all the others to
synonyms.

Tile coloured plate of the inflorescence in the
work referred to is exceptionally good.

soil in a cool and rather moist part of the garden;
its failure in others to poor, warm, dry, sandy
soil. In the former conditions the plant spreads
and produces a wealth of drooping, white flowers
on stems eight inches or so high. There
are three varieties in commerce, but, although
the one named grandinora or major is perhaps
the best, the common form is very beautiful. The
double white form is prized ' by some, hut
the plant is stiff and ungraceful comparer!
with the others. S.

ROMNEYA COULTERI.

This lovely plant is not seen in gardens so
frequently as its free-flowering and sweet-
scented characteristics would seem to merit.
The dainty, white, Poppy-like flowers are pro-
duced in profusion from 'July to October, and
always attract attention. Seed is produced in
abundance, but owing to its minute size, the
successful raising of the plant from seed requires
expert knowledge, and even such, seedlings as
develop make slow progress.

A much simpler and quicker method of in-
crease is by means of root-cuttings inserted in
the early spring. These should be detached

Fig

-ANTHERICUM LILIASTRUM; FLOWERS WHITE WITH A I.REEX SCOT
ON THE APEX OF EACH SEGMENT.

The plant grows wild in the Alpine meadows
of Switzerland and encroaches towards the sum-
mits of the higher levels. In this country it
flowers in May and June. The tufts of radical,
linear leaves grow about 2 feet high and speci-
mens planted in rich, sandy soil grow vigorously,
producing the fragrant, white inflorescences in
numbers. There is a form known as major,
which will attain to the height of 6 feet and
has flowers much longer and 'broader than those
of the type.

ANEMONE SYLVESTRIS.
The beautiful Anemone sylvestris, the Snow-
drop Windflower, is frequently either too free
in its growth or denies its owner the gratifica-
tion of seeing it happy and healthy and giving an
abundance of flowers. It is but rarely that it
flourishes without encroaching on the space
allotted to other flowers, and in many gardens
it becomes rather troublesome in this respect,
rambling about and sending up its deep green
leaves and stems hearing lovely white flowers.
In other places it is planted and yields a few
flowers for a year or two, looking all the time as
if it resented its conditions, and finally dwindling
away. Its success appears to be due to a rich

from the main roots, cut into 1-inch lengths, and
inserted closely together in a pan of sandy soil.
If placed in a house having a temperature of
65°, the root-cuttings will, in four to five weeks
after insertion, commence to throw up strong
shoots, and when they have reached that stage
they should be placed singly in small pots.

Grown in the same house, they will make
good plants 'by the early summer, when they
may be planted out. Good loamy soil suits the
plants, and if set at the foot of a south wall,
or in any sheltered, well-drained position, they
will survive the winters in the south. //, II.

NIEREMBERGL4. RIVULARIS.
The Cup Flower, as Nierembergia rivularis
is popularly known, is a charming carpet-
ing plant when, in summer, it is almost
covered with the large white flowers, occasion-
ally tinged with rose. It may be called
capricious, for, while some havo'no difficulty
with it whatever, others, with apparently
similar conditions, have to confess themselves
baffled. The best plants I have seen were in
pans set, in summer, in pails of water with the
'Htcr just about an i„,l, ,.,• two above the
bottom of the pan. 71.

122

ItlE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[March 6, 1920.

NATIONAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
OF FRANCE.

The report of the National Horticultural
Society of France gives some idea of the havoc
caused in its ranks, directly and indirectly,
through the European upheaval of 1914-1919.
The list includes the names of many, perhaps
the great majority, of the eminent provincial
French horticulturists who, besides belonging to
and working enthusiastically for their own local
society, are also members of the central one at
Paris, which practically corresponds in import-
ance to our own Royal Horticultural Society.

M. D. Bois, in the current number of the
society's journal, reviews the society's operations
during the war period in a succinct, compre-
hensive and interesting manner. I am sorry
to note that the reduction of the society's
strength has been considerable. In January,
1914. the total membership was 5,114, on
January 1 this year it had shrunk to 3.906. Rut
that fact plainly stated conveys no idea of the
immense loss the society has suffered through the
death of members.

M. Bois takes each year's losses by death
separately. .Many of the names will be
familiar ' to readers of The Gardeners1
Chronicle ; some were close persona] friends
of my own, others kindly disposed col-
leagues, who at some time or other
have shown great kindness to me. 1914. Eugene
Vallerand, of Begonia fame; 1915. .1. 1'.. Cine,
who was a member of the jury at the 1912
International Chelsea Show; Pierre Thiebatlt,
father of Emile Thiebaut, the Paris Treasure'
of the French Horticultural Society of London,
who was taken prisoner early in the war and was
thus doubly tried in his affliction ; 1916, Vivian i
Morel, the eminent Lyons horticultural writer;
Jules Gravereaux, the famous rosarian oI'L'Hay ;
Ferdinand damin ; Henri Crepin, a very
enthusiastic and famous Chrysanthemum fancier;
1917. Oscar Fanyan, of Lille, practically done In
death by the Germans; George Schneider;
Etienne Salomon, of Thomery. whose name is
known wherever the Grape vine is grown;
Rozain Boucharlat, of Lyons, chiefly known here
fur his early efforts in raising seed] ng
Chrysanthemums (the Pelargonium was also a
speciality of his); F. Buivenicli. the grand old
man of Belgian horticulture; Paul Haiit;
Philippe de Vilmorin; 1918. Maurice de
Vilmorin : Pierre Girallot, the Lynns rosarian ;
Augustin Gravereau, or. .i< we used to rail him.
Gravereau sans x. to distinguish him from the
Rose grower of that name; 1918. A. Cogniaux ;
Prince Anatole; Gargamie of Petrograd; Lucien
Charles Baltet, son of Charles Baltet. the famous
pomologist of Troyes ; Octave Dnin, the publisher.
Such is a small part of the toll death has levied
on this French society during the past five years.
('. JFaniHtn Payne.

TREES AND 8HRUBS.

THE BIRCH AS A STREET TREE.

The Birch has, I believe, never been recom-
mended for planting as a street tree. Can it be
recommended for the purpose? I have .seen it
d< ing very well under comparable conditions,
and should like to learn the experience of others
in tins matter. There are those who insist
upon planting trees if only they have a com-
paratively narrow street under control, and for
these it is extremely desirable to be able to
recommend a list of trees, of which, indeed,
there are few, that are generally suitable and
have a minimum of darkening effect. Nearly
opposite the window facing me, as I write, is a
Time tree. It lias been pruned into a fan-
shaped form so that the maximum <A light is cut
off from the window which nearly faces north.
Had a Cornish Elm been selected it might for
years have continued with very little attention
from the primer, and it is possible that Birch
might also last a. great number of years as a
street tree and, besides being very beau ti fail, a
Birch would not obstruct so much light as the
Lime. If, Trioin Lynch, Y.M.II., Torquay.

RHODODENDRON INTRICATUM.

Several plants of this interesting Rhododen-
dron are in. full flower at Kew near to King
William's Temple. The flowers are the nearest
approach to blue among Rhododendrons, and
this effect is judiciously increased at Kew by
planting this Rhododendron near to Erica
oarnea. The species is also the smallest mem'ber
of the family that I have yet seen, the flowers
being less than halif an inch across, and the
leaves smaller still. Plants varying from four
to fifteen inches in height had an abundance of
flowers open on February 27. The species is a
native of W. China and forms a valuable plant
for sheltered positions on rockwork. It evi-
dently does best where it gets a fair amount of
sunshine, as other plants oi' this Rhododendron
growing at the shady end of the rockery are not
succeeding so "well. The flowers of R. intricatum
are almost invariably developed in clusters of
five. The plant illustrated in Gard. Chron.,
April 27, 1907, shows how profusely the flowers
are produced. 11'. //. Divers, Y.M.H.

LONGEVITY OF CYCLAMEN EUROPAEUM.

A specimen oi Cyclamen europaeum has
been in the possession of a member' oi our family
since 1861. It is always in good condition, and
blossoms freely everv vear. I have never found

Fib. 49. — cyclamen europaeum : large specimen

VI l. l:\si 60 YEARS OLD; SMALLER SPECIMEN 15
YEARS OLD.

ii literature am indication of the ags to win: li
('. europaeum may attain, and therefore would
be very glad to learn if any of your readers
have knowledge of a plant of this species lasting
sixty years or more. I enclose a photograph of
tlie plant referred to (see Fig. 49) with a 15-yeair-
old descendant by its side. Charles Kollmvs,
(Hani* [Switzerland).

REMEDY FOR BIG BUD IN CURRANT.

An important result was secured at the Long
Ash1. on Experiment Station last year. It \\ as
found that what Americans would call a "de-
layed dormant " spraying with lime-sulphur
greatly decreased the spread of "big bud" on
Black Currants. The bushes were sprayed with
lime-sulphur at winter strength when the must
forward leaves were about the size of a sixpence,
a stage usually reached early in May. The leaves,
were slightly yellowed, but the bc.sh.es soon
recovered their normal appearance; and aftei
the fall of the leaves in autumn it was seen that
the sprayed bushes were considerably freer of
big buds than the central bushes. The wash
used at a strength of 1 in 12 was approximately
twice as effective as 1 in 16.

It is realised by the investigation that tin-
evidence of one experiment is not conclusive,
particularly as the dry summer may have helped ;
but the results are so encouraging that it was
thought well to make them known.

The effect of the work is no doubt io seal up
the big buds and prevent the migration of the
mites to fresh buds. Market Grower.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

[The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for
the opinions expressed by correspondenti.]

Onion Fly.— I was interested in the
article signed Norfolk, on p. 56, on
"Unions on Light Soil," especially in
his suggestion that soil may retain the
pungent odour of Parsley grown there pre-
viously, thereby preventing the activity of the
Onion fly. For nearly twenty years I have
planted, at about thirty yards interval, year old
Parsley plants on the new Onion bed, at sowing
time, or have thinly sown Parsley seed with the
Onions, and with both methods the result has
been the same; I have had no Onion maggot.
These methods of prevention were suggested to
me many years ago by a then celebrated north
London market .gardener, and the number of
years I have tried the plan with unfailing
results, seems to indicate that the Onioni fly
dislikes the smell of Parsley, equally with that
of Celery. //. Collyer, Stonage Park, Brampton
Brian, Hereford,

Hosts for the Mistleto.— I have been interested
in reading of the various hosts for Mistleto
recorded in recent numbers of the Gard. Chron.
The | arasite grows on the following trees at
I rlasnevin. — Acer Lobelii, Aesculus flava,
Crataegus Oxyacantha, Cydonia japonkra. alba,
Pyi us germanica, Pyrus Aucuparia iructu-luteu,
Primus sj).. Robinda Pseudacacia, Tilia petiolaris.
Symphoricarpus orbieulatus, and the common
Ctab stock. ./. II'. J!., Gla&nevi/n,.

Ultra Violet Light (see Gard. Chron.,
December 6, 1919, p. 283). — Regarding uranium
salts as a sort of poor man's radium, some years
before the war 1 tried the effect of placing a
silica tuibe containing some 10 grms. of uranium
nitrate in the centre of a large circular pan in
whii li concentric circles of seeds of two varieties
>l Tomato were sown, so that some seeds were
very close to the tube, and the rest at graded
distances From it. Thereafter the seedlings were
pricked out into a long-shaped pan, into whirl i
tuibe was transformed, and the seedlings,
which had been near, were planted near and so
"forth. No difference in germination or in growth
appeared and it was surmised that at any rate
the quality of the salt used was insufficient to
establish any effect. If the experiment is worth
repeating it would not be worth while unless a
very much greater quantity was employed.

ll. E. n.

Mangetout Pea, Vilmorin's Sans Parchemin
tres large Cosse. — A 1 1 A I >st ra < t oi work toy
X. Sigeroku published in Bot. Mag., Tokxo,
XXXlt.. 377, May, 1918, appeared in Gard.
Chron., Nov. 15, 1919, p. 245, and it is there
recorded that crosses with another Mangetout
I" Siruendo *) yielded a certain proportion of
membrane-bearing pud.--. Bui it is not clear
that a basal fallacy was excluded. I thhrk it
v> i- in 1911 that 1 obtained seed of the dwarf
3 ft. variety from Vilmorin, and a certain amount
of instability was found, as a certain proportion.
though small, o:' the plants produced mem-
branous [mils; moreover there was an appreciable
amount of colour variation in the seeds. The
norma] seed is wrinkled and dull greenish- brown.
On storing, especially after two or more years, the
green bleaches out and the seed becomes brown,
with perhaps small spotting of dark colour, per-
haps really purple pigment. In the first genera-
tion, besides the parchment y pods, some of
the seeds were deep purple in colour (self)
and others with some suffusion of the same
giving the appearance of a dark blotch. After
selection for a couple of years the parchment
factor seemed to have been quite eliminated;
last year owing to depredations of mice, nearly
the whole crop was reserved for seed and all
the pods were free from membrane. It does not
appear that the experimenter analysed the purity
of his original seed or did any reselecting before
proceeding to cross, so that the appearance ctf
parchment pods in the various generations of
crosses is hardly surprising, though perhaps the
possibly fortuitous arithmetical .agreement with
" Menrlelian expectation " may be astonishing as
well as fatuous. I may add that two types of
the variety have become established, one " neck-
lace " type, in which the pods shrink down show-
ing the prominences of the seeds as in a necklace
of beads; and the otiher "balloon" type, in

Mabch 6, 1920. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

123

which the much inflated pod on ripening does
not shrink down upon the seeds, but remains as
a fla'bby bag. Both are excellent on the table
and apparently keep time. The balloon type
only appeared in a few plants, and is perhaps
rather nearer to a membranous type. The
Mangetout Breton likewise throws a certain
number of membranous pods when hrst obtained,
but on selection that too has been purified, and
all come down to a necklace type ; it may be
noted that the shnck substance, when ripe, is of
a very .thin, scJft, papery consistence, whilst that
of the " ties large Cosse " is like sticky, damp
chamois leather to the feel. H. E. Durham.

Utilisation of Vacant Railway Land. — Under
War conditions food production was materially
increased by the cultivation of allotments, the
breaking up of pasture, and the like. The pro-
duction problem is still acute, and it seems
rational that cultivation should be largely ex-
tended on the land, at present idle on railway
embankments and cuttings. Without going into
statistics, there are some thousands of acres of
land on main and local railway systems, varying
from the worst to the most fertile quality. The
utilisation of such land by afforestation is pre-
cluded by the danger of trees behig blown down
across the line, and by obstruction of visual
signalling. Market gardening and the growing
of osiers might be practised on the more level
stretches, While on embankments and in cuttings
fruit growings would be possible. The cultiva-
tion of fruit trees involves simple management,
and can be no obstruction to traffic or signalling.
Moreover fruit trees would prevent landslips
and would help drainage on sloping ground.
Varieties could be assorted to the quality of the
soil. Difficulties, legal or otherwise, as to access
to the line would be overcome by the railways
themselves inaugurating the work. The best
recommendation for the scheme is that it would
provide opportunities for the employment of
disabled soldiers, who would, however, first have
to be trained at existing fruit farms. They
would also for some time have to work under
supervision. H. C. King, S'-Jiool of Forestry,
Oxford.

The Education of Young Gardeners The

interesting and probably well-meaning letter from
G. C. Gough (page 63) on the above subject
really resolves itself into the question as to the
merits of practical versus theoretical training of
gardeners. I take exception to the implied
ignorance of the average gardener. Many years
ago a controversy was carried on in the garden-
ing Press on the same subject, with, I believe,
the balance of opinion on the side of the practical
man. However, we now have horticultural
colleges, and time alone will prove which turns
out the most skilful horticulturist, the college or
the hard school of practical experience. Never
has gardening held such a high position as during
the last two decades, and never has such skill
been shown as in the production of the wonderful
examples of fruit, flowers, and vegetables which
have been seen during the last 20 to 25 years.
British gardens are the envy of the whole world.
All this has been brought about by the practical
and intelligent gardener working in the private
garden and the nursery. The village flower
shows, fostered by the practical gardener, have
proved that the cottager and allotment holder
have little to learn from theoretical instruction,
in fact,I venture to say many of them could teach
college-trained students more than they will
ever learn from a few months' training at college.
How then can we reconcile with these facts the
statement of Mr. Gough that few gardeners are
to be found fit to instruct the people in tin' pro-
duction of more food? Is it not a fact that the
practical gardener was the first to give instruc-
tion in the Horticultural Colleges? And. if so,
why should he not be qualified to instruct
generally. The practical gardener has a wider

range of subjects to deal with than can be I id

in many colleges (of course, I except Kew and
Wisley), and I very much doubt if the majority
of students have the opportunity of obtaining a
thorough working knowledge of such important
commercial subjects as Grapes, Peaches, Melons.
Tomatos and Cucumbers, to say nothing of trees
and shrubs, and landscape work, a knowledge of
which is so essential to the successful gardener or

teacher. In connection with this I recall the
visit of a finished student, who, while waiting
for my return from another part of the estate,
had whiled away the time- by walking around the
kitchen garden. On meeting her she told me
how sorry she was to see my Pears covered with
mildew and gave me yards of advice as to how
best to deal with the trouble. On going with
her to the tree I found it was a Quince, with the
young fruit covered with its natural down. If
the subjects are not present I maintain the
student cannot he taught soundly, as Mr. Gough
asserts is the case. As to the statement that few
men are found fit for administrative posts, I am
lather of the opinion that it has not been proved,
for however capable a man may be I question
if he has much chance of success without such
ability. If by "as guide and teacher" Mr.
Gough means the county posts now being filled,
I would say far more good has been done by
the practice and example of the skilled gardener
and the knowledge he has spread through
debating societies than all the organised lectures
will ever do. with their attendant expense to
the community. — John T. Tubb.

SOCIETIES.

Fig. 50.— clianthus dampieri.

Ciianthus Dampieri. — Your correspondent, in
issue of February 7, refers to this species as a
difficult plant to grow successfully. In this he
is quite correct, but if the object is only to pro-
duce a. few trusses of bloom each year, it may
be of interest if I mention that I have several
times found ibis fairly easy to do. When plants
are raised in spring, arrange for two or three
to be planted ou1 againsl a south wall as soon
as the weather is fit. Here, in a way that must
be surprising when fallow plants indoors air
possibly failing, they rapidly get strong, make
stoat stems and flower quite satisfactorily before
the end of the summer. Healthy young plants
are desirable to commence with, and it should
therefore be pointed out that red spider is the

great enemy to be guarded against. The r 3

of this plant are delicate and seeds should there-
fore be sown two or three together in small puis
in order to avoid potting off. Watering, too,
must be careful, but let it be remembered thai
no dry-country plant in creation ever made
growth without. some SOUTCe of moisture.
//. Irwin Lynch, V.M.II,. Torquay.

READING AND DISTRICT GARDENERS.

At the meeting held in the Abbey Hall, on
the 23rd ult., Mr. F. Townsend presided over a
good attendance of members. "Chiysanthemums
for Exhibition and Decorative Purposes " was
the subject for discussion, introduced by Mr.
Small, The Gardens, Sandhills. Bletchingley, a
delegate from the Redhill Gardeners' Association.
The lecturer claimed for the Chrysanthemum
that it was the most stately autumn flower, no
other having such a wide range of colour or
giving such an abundance of bloom for cutting.
After giving a historical resume of the flower,
Mr. Small passed on to give cultural details
under the following headings: — Japanese varie-
ties for exhibition. Incurved varieties for ex-
hibition. Decorative varieties in pots, and
Summer-nowering varieties for growing in the
open.

An interesting discussion followed, especially
on the timing of buds and varieties, and this
was sustained by Messrs. Townsend, Fulker,
G. Smith, H. G. Cox, F. Cox, Tovey, Cook,
Martin, Carter, Chislett, and E. J. Dore.

The Association's First-Class Certificate of
Cultural Merit was granted to Mr. A. H.
Fulker, The Gardens, Elmhurst, Reading, for
a splendid group of Primula obconica. The
plants bore large trusses of bloom in pleasing
shades of colour.

HORTICULTURAL CLUB.

M. Bintner's Lectuhe on "Silver Leaf."

February 24. — The monthly dinner and lecture
of the Horticultural Club, held on the occasion
of the last R.H.S. fortnightly meeting in the
lecture room of the Horticultural Hall, Vincent
Square, Westminster, marked the resumption of
these social meetings, which have been so suc-
cessful in the past. The lecturer was M. Jean
Bintner, who came from Luxembourg to address
the members on the subject of Silver Leaf. The
chair was taken by Mr. H. iS. Rivers, and there
was a moderate attendance.

In his opening remarks, M. Bintner stated
definitely that no cure for Silver Leaf was known.
It had become a most serious pest to fruit trees
and was aiso causing considerable damage to
ornamental trees and shrubs ; in Holland, for
example, the whole of the Lilac bushes, which
are grown extensively for the market value of
their flowers, were threatened with destruction.
The disease was world wide, from the Balkans
to -Siberia across to Vancouver, and down to
Australia and New Zealand.

The worst effect in this country v as that pro-
duced on stone fruits, the Plum in particular.
So far only two varieties of Pium, the Pershore
Egg and Rivers Early, have escaped the disease,
and in Luxembourg they cultivate a variety
named Crech which seems to be immune. The
disease enters the tree through a wound, or t In-
cut surfaces made in pruning. The hyphae
grows upwards in the tree — >very fast in an up-
ward, slower in a downward direction. If a
silvered branch is cut out directly it is delected
the progress of the disease may often be a. nested.
Growers should be careful in removing suckers
to do so without injury to the root, for there is
r\ idence that root infection may take place.
The fructifications oi the disease develop within
23 days, and usually in September, although
spores may be shed at the end of August. These
latter are known in have retained their vitality
for 10 months, and it is probable th.it thej can
remain dormant f«u t'hree or four years.

A physiological condition of the leaves may
give rise to false Silver Leaf, but true Silver
Leaf may always be detected bj tin' discolora-
tion of the wood. In false Silver Leaf there is a.
reduction in the ch lor op lasts, but no local dis-
coloration of tlir wood, and branches placed in
water ever give the same amount of discolora-
tion to the water.

With regard to preventive hums ores, the
grower should cul out silvered branches as soon
.is they are detected, as near to tin- main stem
a-, possible, and beyond the discoloured tissue.

124

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[.March 6, 1920.

This would favour rapid callusing. The wounded
surface should, meanwhile, be protected by a
coating of Stockholm tar or grafting wax.
Nurserymen should endeavour to find a stock
that is immune to the complaint, and he (the
lecturer) had found types 15 and 16 of the Eng-
lish. Paradise stock to bo partly immune. The
Siberian Crab "was very susceptible.

In the discussion which followed, Mr. Ban-
stated that he had largely restored a silvered
Plum tree to health by spreading two large
barrowfuls of lime over the roots, and he won-
dered if dressings of lime and sulphate of potash
would be beneficial generally. M. Bintner con-
sidered that application of these materials would
strengthen the plant and thus make its tissue
more resistant to the complaint. Mr. J.
Weathers pointed out that the Heston district
of Middlesex, where 90 per cent, of the Plum
trees are affected, is very deficient in lime. He
stated that the disease had been known in the
Middlesex Plum orchards for 60 years, and
predicted that the Middlesex Plum orchards
would soon be wiped out by the complaint.

Silver Leaf had also spread 'largely to Goose-
berries, but had often been mistaken by growers
for attacks of red spider. He was sorry to
announce that Silver Leaf had now destroyed his
tree of Rivers' Early Plum, which could there-
fore not be regarded as immune. With regard
to liming, he had found this to be of no avail,
nor had sulphate of iron, permanganate uf potash
or sulphur been of use. In some of the old Plum
orchards in his district the stumps had been
allowed to remain, and they were covered with
the fungus Stereum purpureum, which was so
well known locally that it had acquired the
name of Heliotrope tungus.

MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF ENGLAND
ORCHID

February 5.— Present : Messrs. R. Ashworth
(in the chair), A. Bums, D. A. Cowan. J. C.
Cowan, J. Cypher, J. Howes. J. McNab. D.
McLeod, E. W. Thompson, and H. Arthur
[Secretary).

AWARDS.
First-Class Certificates.

Cypripedvwm Radium, (G. F. Moore puncta-
num x Alcibiades superfeum) ; Odontoglossum
A. E. Thompson, from P. Smith, Esq; Oypri-
pedium, Astarta (Psyche X insigne Sanderae),
from Mrs. Slingsby ; and CattUya Trianae
Mooreana, from S. Gratrix, Eeq.

Awards of Merit.
Lycaste Skvnnerii vara, alba Great Sex,
Phoebus, and Crimson Glow; Odontoglossum
Doris West Point car. ; Cypripedium Persvus
Queen Alexandra; Dendrobium Dellense; and
Soph ro-C 'a ttleya Sa xa ma on ifica , from S. Gratrix .
Esq. ; Lycaste SHnnerii rat-. His Excellency,
and L. Omenta Bridge Hall var., from Mis.
Bruce and Miss Wrigley ; and Odontoglossum
crispwm var. Pearl White, from P. Smith. Esq.

Cultural Certificate.
To Mrs. Slingsby, for Cypripedium, Astarte,
and to Mr. J. Howes, for Dendrobiums and
Odontioda Bradslia/wiae Colossus.

GROurs.
S. Gratrix, Esq., Whalley Range (gr. Mr.
.1. Howes), was awarded a Gold Medal for a
group. Mrs. Bruce and Miss Wrigley, Bury
(gr. Mr. A. Burns), staged a group to which a
Salver Medal was awarded. F. A. Hindley,
Esq., Bradford, staged a group of cut flowers
of Cypripediums, to which a Silver Medal was
awarded.

February 19.— Present : The Rev. J.
Orombleholme (in the chain, and Messrs. A.
Burns, A. Conings'by, D. A. Cowan, J. C.
Cowan. J. Cypher, J. Evans, J. Howes. A.
Keeling, D. McLeod, J. McNab. Dr. F. T. Paul,
W. Shaokleton, E. YV. Thompson, and H. Arthur
(Secretary).

AWARDS
First-Class Certificates.

Cattleya Memoria F. M. Ogilvie var. Tin
Premier; C. Snowdrop Intertexta \allia x
O'Brieneana alba). Odontoglossum crispum

West Point Monarch, Dendrobium Sir Fredh.
Moore, and D. Samuel Gratrix, 'from S.
Gratrix, Esq. ; Cattleya Trianae The Baron,
from P. Smith, Esq. ; and Dendrobium Schultzii,
from Capt. W. Horridge.

Awards of Merit.

Dendrobium, nobile Gibsonii, Odontoglossum per-
eultu.m. Black Knight, Lycaste Skinnerii rosalba,
Odontoglossum crispum vars. Virgin Queen
and White Lady, from S. Gratrix, Esq. ;
Lycaste Skinnerii ingens, from Mrs. Bruce and
Miss Wrigley; Odontoglossum rayonatum and
Cumbidium Diana Bolholt var., from Capt. \\ .
Horridge.

Awards of Appreciation.

Odontoglossum ardentillus Perfection and
O. crispum Pink Pearl, from S. Gratrix,
Esq.; Odontioda Royal Gem Bolholt car..
from Capt. W. Horri'dge.

Groups.
S. Gratrix, Esq., 'Whailey Range (gr. Mr. J.
Howes), staged a group to which a Gold Medal
was awarded. Mrs. Bruce and Miss Wrigley,
Bury (gr. Mr. A. Burns), were awarded a
Silver Medal for a. group. Capt. W. Horridge,
Burv (gr. Mr. Coningsby), was awarded a Silver
Medal for a group.

BRITISH GARDENERS'.

The Annual General Council Meeting of the
British Gardeners' Association was held at Chel-
tenham on Friday and Saturday, the 27th and
28th ult. There were seventy delegates present,
representing branches all over England, Scotland
and Wales. Mr. R. Greenfield, president, occu-
pied the chair. The main feature of the
business was the discussion on wages, but this
was not so lengthy as was expected. It was
carried unanimously that the Association adopt
a minimum rate of £3 10s. per week for all
horticultural workers over the age of twenty-
one. A suitable scale for workers in different
grades will be drawn up by the Executive
Committee at the earliest possible moment.
It was decided to change the name of the
Association and in future to use the title of
National Union of Horticultural Workers.

Mr. R. Greenfield was re-elected president
for the ensuing year. Mr. T. Candler vice-presi-
dent. Mr. J. W. Craig treasurer, and Mr. Cyril
Harding re-elected general secretary.

At the end of the first day's business a large
and enthusiastic meeting was held at the Town
Hall, Cheltenham, at which the speakers were
Mr. Jack Jcnes, M.P., Mr. R. B. Walker
general secretary. Agricultural Labourers' and
Rural Workers' Union ; and Mr. Cyril Harding,
general secretary. British Gardeners' Association.

A meeting of the British Gardeners' Associa-
tion was held at Gloucester on Tuesdav, the
24th ult. Mr. R. Greenfield (president of the
Association) occupied the chair. Mr. Greenfield
stated that the Government had excluded gar-
deners from the National Wages and Hours of
Employment. Bill. The Association was now
affiliated with the Trades and Laibour Councils,
and for the first time they were represented
at the Trades Union Congress at Glasgow, held
last September. The trouble now was that
although they had every other union behind
them, they had not the support of every gar-
dener.

The speaker alluded to the rapid progress
whioh the Association had made during the past
12 months, at the conclusion of which they had
118 branches and a membership of over 6.000.
He appealed to his hearers not to be satisfied
by becoming members themselves, but to per-
suade their fellow workers to join the Society.

®bttuar\>.

George Hugo Tabor. — The death uf this well
known Thames Valley artist and amateur gar-
dener occurred on February 22, at his residence
i.i Teddington. Mr. G. H* Ta'bor, who was 63
years of age. was, in his young days a student in
Paris, at Julien's famous studio, where he im-
bibed a great predilection for colour, which

found expression in his paintings oi bright gar-
dens and glowing autumn tints in his landscape
studies. He spent much time in his garden
where he both cultivated and studied plants, and
this, no doulbt, was responsible for the fidelity
with which he depicted all plants and ftrees.
With his wife, who, with one son, mo-urns his
loss, he was largely responsible for the founda-
tion of the Thames Valley Arts Club, Oi which
he was secretary.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Abnormal Richardia : F. C. The abnormality
in your Richardia, in which a leaf below the
inflorescence has developed the characters and
white colour of a spathe, is of frequent occur-
rence, and is popularly known as " twin "
Airum. The true spathe is in the nature of a
bract and has developed from one of the
ordinary green leaves. It ds small wonder that
an adjacent leaf should -also sometimes assume
the white colouring.

Azalea Leaves Diseased : C. The abnormal,
fleshy processes on the leaves of your Azalea
are due to attacks by a fungus named Exo-
basidium Rhododendri. Similar galls are
sometimes produced on Laurus nobilis, the
Bay Laurel. Remove and burn all affected
leaves as soon as they axe detected.

Grafting or Budding Weigela on [Laburnum :
G. B. We have never heard of anyone work-
ing the Weigela on Laburnum, and would even
go so far as to say that it is not possible to
do so, as the two plants belong to two widely-
separated orders. The Cytisus is easily grafted
on, the Laburnum, but the resulting plants
are, as a ruie, not long-dived.

Heating Greenhouse and Frame : A. P. A
better plan than the one you suggest would be
to remove a large portion of the soil so that
the base of the frame may be 'brought down
to the level of the pipes in the adjoining
greenhouse. Ill" this is done, and wide gratings
are made in the wall, the frame should receive
sufficient 'Warmth ; if the gratings are fitted
with sliding wooden or slate shutters, the heat
may be controlled as seems desirahle. A great
deal of heat would be wasted if the pipes were
placed deeply in a large hulk of soil.

Minimum Wage: D. J. Gardeners employed
in private gardens do not come under the con-
ditions of the Com Production Act. therefore
there is no legal minimum wage so far as they
aro concerned.

Mushroom Spawn : 0. R. The portion of
spawn sent is very dry and hard, but there
is no reason why the mycelium, which is
plentifully evident, should not give good
results if the cultural treatment is correct.

Names of Plants : Interested. 1. Dendrobium
heterocarpum ; 2, Populus balsamitera. — In-
quirer. 1, Grevillea juniperina; 2, Olearia
insignis; 3, send when in flower; 4, Gl'iselinia
littoralis; C. A. 1, E'.eagnus pungens aureo
variegata. ; 2, Pittosporuni Mayii : o, Pitto-
sporum undulatum ; 4. Berberis Bealii ; 5,
Sequoia semper virens ; 9, Pernettya iwucro-
nata; 10, Rhododendron ciliatum ; 11, Erica
carnea; 12, Erica mediterraiiea ; 13, Acacia
longifolia ; 14, Rhododendron damnum; 15,
Rhododendron venustum (Jackson!) ; 16. Helle-
borua orientals. — J . W. Euouymus japonicus
var. aureus ; this is hardy in sheltered situa-
tions in your part of Scotland. — J. E. R. N.
1, Camellia japonica ; 2, Cornus Mas ; 3,
Erica lusitanica ; 4, Berberis Bealii ; 5, Cydonia
japonica; 6, Muehlenbeckia oomplexa ; 7. Vao-
liuiuiu Vitis-Idaea ; 8. Olearia dentata : 9,
Buxus balearica; 10, Pieris flordbunda; 11.
send when in flower: 12. Phillyrea media.
— Hafodunos. 1, Rhododendron arboreum
var. album ; 2, unnamed hybrid between R.
arboreum and R. caucasicuni. — //. C. Saxi-
fraga ligulata var. speciosa. — G. N. Ompba-
lodes verna.

Communications Received.— S. H.— F. E. B.—
P. H. 0.— A. P.— .1. K. E.^T. L. B.— D. F.— O. C—
W. C.—Vf A— A. IT.— W. C.-R. B. P.— W. K.-W. T.
A B. W.— W W.— L. A.— S. C— B. .1. M.— M, G.—
A.M.

March 13, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

125

THE

No. 1733.— SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 19LO.

CONTENTS.

Agricultural workers, in-
crease of minimum
rates of wages for . . 12G

Alpine garden, the —
Erodium pelargoni-

florum . . 127

Hutchinsia alpina . . 127
Tropaeolnm poly-

phyllum . . . . 127

Antwerp, horticultural
exhibitions at, in 1020 126

Birds and buds . . . . 134

Books, scientific and
technical . . . . 134

Brassicas, club root in 134

Bulb gard en , the —

Lilium apeciosuin . . 133

Chrysanthemums, popu-
larity of large . . 134

Fruit garden, the market 130

" Gardeners* Chronicle "
seventy-five years ago 126

Imperial Botanical Con-
gress 12G

Manchester, arbor day
at 126

Melville, Mr. David,
presentation to . . 126

Obituary —

Rourke, James . . 136
Sisbury, .T. H. .. 136

Plants, early flowering 125

Plants, greenhouse, with
fragrant foliage . . 131

ILLUSTRATIONS

Coelogyue asperata

Potato Edzell Blue

Potato Kerr's Pink

Tropaeolum polyphyllum

Wistaria clunensis

note-

Plants, new

worthy —

Rhododendron praever-

num iv •

Potato crop, the future

of the
Potato prices, re-control

of

Rhyniaceae

Royal Society, the . .
Silver-leaf disease
Snowy or White Fly . .
So eieties —

Chester Paxton

Royal Horticultural..
Trees and shrubs —

Cotoneaster rotundi-
folia

Hamamelis

Wistaria chinensis
United Horticultural

Benefit and Provident

Society
Vegetables —

Lettuces, summer . .
Water, the exudation of,

by Colocasia anti-
quorum
Week's work, the 128,
Windsor Rose Show . .
Wye, fruit growers' con-
ference at . .
Year Book and Diary,

a useful

129
133
132
127
131

Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing w&ek
deduced from observations during the last fifty
yea.rs at Greenwich, 41.05°.

Actual Temperature : —

Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street,
Covent Garden, London, Wednesday, Maioh 10, 192U,
10 a.m. Bar. 30.3, temp. 46°. Weather— Dull.

The United Horticultural
The united Benefit and Provident
Horticultural Society, which was founded
Benefit in 1S71, owes its institu-

and Provident tion chiefly to the efforts of
Society. £WO distinguished horticul-

turists, Mr. William Marshall
and Mr. Shirley Hibberd, both of whom have,
unfortunately, not survived to see the present
success which has attended their enterprise.
Mr. William Marshall, who was for many
years Chairman of the Committee of the
Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund, is also
remembered by horticulturists as' the first
to flower Odontog-lossttm crispuirr in this
country. Mr. Shirley Hibberd was one of
the chief horticulturists of his day, and was
for a long period editor of The Gardeners'
Magazine. These gentlemen, aided by their
friends, established the United Horticultural
Benefit and Provident Society by donations
and "by the proceeds of exhibitions, their
object being to provide horticultural workers
with opportunities of making provision for
illness, periods of distress, and old age.
In its earlier years the Society made but slow
progress. From 1890 onwards, however,
the membership increased greatly, although'
having regard to the advantages which the
Society offers, it is difficult to understand
why gardeners have not joined in yet larger
numbers It may be that one reason the
Society does not secure the adherence of
every gardener throughout the country lies
in the absence of local "lodges." In any

whT * ;fre V° d°ubt °i the ^eat benefits
which it confers upon its members, and of

orRe'^r'-10" lt o^Pfes among- Friendly

or Benefit societies. The late Mr T Q u J

RothschHd was for manv lea^Pat^ P0°dthdee
Society, and was succeeded by Sir Harrv

Yeitch, whom all hope may long be spared
to continue in that office. As the name of
the society implies, it is at once a Benefit
and Provident Society. In return for pay-
ments made according to a prescribed scale,
the members are entitled to relief during
periods erf distress and during illness to sums
varying from 4s. to 27s. for 26 weeks ; from
2s to 13s. 6d. for the next 26 weeks, and there-
after trom is. to 6s. od. per week so long
as illness lasts. The Convalescent Fund
of the Society, which was established bv the
late Mr. N. N. Sherwood, enables all mem-
bers who have been suffering through illness
to obtain that change of air which is so often
necessary for complete recovery. The
organisation of the Society is such that
every member has a personal account which
is rendered annually. On one side are
placed his annual subscriptions, and on the
other his share of the amount disbursed
during the year as sick pay. Almost in-
variably there is a balance to the credit of
the member, and the balance is brought
forward each year with 3 per cent, interest
added thereto, in short, any surplus of
receipts over expenditure "is" appropriated
to benefit members in proportion to the
amount of contribution paid by each." The
personal credit account (known as the
Deposit Account) remains until a member
reaches the age of 70 years when he may
withdraw the amount, less £10 to be paid to
his nominee at death. In some instances
members of _ long standing have been able to
withdraw £150 when reaching 70 years of
age. At the age of 70 years a "member
ceases to contribute, but is eligible for
assistance from the Distress Fund in case of
need ; and such assistance mav take the
form of 5s. per week. It may be stated
that a member who reaches the r ge of
60 years may withdraw annually a sum equal
to double the amount of interest accruing
to His Deposit Account. Many members
meet their annual "d'ues " in this way and so
obtain benefit without further direct payment.
Grants from the Distress Fund amounted
to £7 6.;. od. from 1S71 to 1880; £25 from
1SS0 to 1890; £289 Ss. 6d., 1890 to i960;
,£1,176 14s. id., from 1900 to 1910; and
.61,107 3s. iod., 1910 to 1919; a total of
£,2,605 I2S- 5d- No sick pay was claimed
during the first six years of the Society's
existence, but from 1871 to 18S0, 79 mem-
bers received the modest total of £59 7s. 9d.
under this heading, as compared with a
total of £76,555 us. 8d, paid out to sick
members from 1910 to the end of 1919. Alto-
gether, the Society has rendered assistance in
the form of sick pay to the amount of
£12,456 18s. Sd. Till the end of the year
1919, the nominees of deceased members
received £4,304 12s. 6d. ; withdrawals from
the Deposit Accounts of members over 70
years of age, totalled £3,260 2s. 6d. ; and
lapsed members, on reaching the age of 60
years, received £1,331 3s. 2d. The financial
soundness of the Society may be gathered
from an inspection of' the statement of
liabilities and assets; the latter, consisting
of investments amounting to £57,147 (in-
cluding over £10,000 in War stock), are
sufficient to meet all claims on the Benefit,
Distress, and other funds, and leave a sur-
plus of £6,026, which is regarded as a
provision for depreciation of investments —
a contingency not likely to arise seeing that
most investments have been made under
face value and will mature at par. The
management of the United Horticultural
Benefit and Provident Society is in the hands
of a committee and officers elected by the
members. There are three trustees, Mr.
James Hudson (who was Treasurer for over
a quarter of a century), Mr. Rilev Scott, and

Mr. Charles H. Curtis. Mr. J. Winter,
Supt. of the Marylebone Parks and Open
Spaces, is Treasurer. The committee con-
sists of twelve members, one third of
whom retire annually. Mr. C. H. Curtis
has now entered upon his twentieth succes-
sive year of office as chairman of commit-
tee; and Mr. A. Bedford, Gunnersbury
House Gardens, is vice-chairman. The
secretary of the Society is Mr. A. C. Hill, 35,
Alexandra Road, West Kensington Park,
London, W.14, and we suggest that all
young men engaged in private, public, or
commercial gardening, or in other branches
of horticulture, should apply to him for full
particulars of this ably-managed Benefit
Society. The 54th Annual General Meeting
of the Society was held at the Royal Horti-
cultural Hall, Westminster, on ' Monday,
March 8, but pressure upon our space com-
pels us to hold over our report of the pro-
ceedings until the next issue

The Re-control of Potato Prices.— The Govern-
ment have announced their intention to resume
control of Potato prices from March 15 of this
year. In making this announcement the Par-
liamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food
implied that the deoision was due to the present
high price of Potatos, which he put at £14 ISs.
per ton. The figures which ho gives of the
average and total yields of the 1919 crop, are : —
1919 yield, 2,900,000 tons, with an average of 4.7
tons per acre, as compared with the" general
average (1918-1917) of 3.700.000 tons at 6.3 tons
per acre. These figures thus show that the 1919
crop was some 800,000 tons short of the average ;
that is. taking the average crop at 100 per cent,
the 1919 crop was only about 78 per cent, of
that crop.

Horticultural Club.— A house Dinner of the
Horticultural Club, followed by a lecture on

Travels in British Bast Africa and round
Victoria Nyanza " by Mrs. Ellen S. Blount,
F.E.G.S., will be held on Tuesday, March 23,
in the Lecture Room, Royal Horticultural Hall,
Vincent Square, Westminster.

Early-flowering Plants.— Sir Herbert Maxwell,
Monreith, writes :— "It is true that, as my friend
W. Arnott remarks, Adonis amuremsis has tile
merit of flowering at the darkest time of the
year. This season it opened its first bloom on
December 29 ; the dates of some other winter-
blooming herbs being: — HeUeborus niger a'lti-
folius, October 7 ; Erica carnea, Christmas Day ;
Snowdrop, January 8 ; Winter Aconite, January
10; Saxii'raga Burseriana, January 22; Saxi-
fraga Irvingi, January 23 ; and Leucojum Vag-
neri, January 23. But I cannot profess any
affection for Adonis amurensis. Like its near
relative, A. vernaJis, it cannot display its
beauty without broad sunshine, which cannot
be obtained at the time it chooses to flower in
our country. And now, when the March sun
is beating on the borders, the blooms of the
Amur Adonis are all but over. As for the
double-flowering form, I maintain it is an ugly
monstrosity, bad in form and impure in colour.''

A Useful Year Book and Diary.— The Fruit,
Flowers and Vegetable Trades Tear Book and
Diary, published by the Lookwood Press, 1,
Mitre Court, Fleet Street, price 3s. 6d. npt, is
a valuable book, not only to those specially
interested in the raising and marketing of fruits,
flowers and vegetables, but to growers "in general,
in< hiding those in private establishments. The
diary pages are of ample size for recording
events and there are ruled columns for the
entering of cash statements ; each week's page
is conveniently interleaved with blotting paper.
The usual diary matter, such as postal rates.
Bank Holidays, weights and measures, are in-
cluded, and in addition, much useful data on
matters pertaining to trade growers, including
a monthly calendar of the principal operations
in the orchard, market garden and nursery;
rules and regulations governing tile marketing
of produce in Covent Garden ; and methods of
controlling some of the principal diseases and
|» sis.

126

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Mabch 13, 1920.

Horticultural Exhibitions at Antwerp in 1920.
— In connection with the Great Exhibition to be
held at Antwerp this yeax, arrangements have
been made for holding a series of horticultural
exhibitions, and the dates upon which these will
be held, together with their special features, are
as follows: — May 1 to 9, Azaleas, Rhododen-
drons and Orchids; May 15 to 19, Tulips, Irises,
and other early flowers ; May 22 to 30, Cacti
and Ferns ; June 5 to 7, cut flowers, principally
perennial subjects; June 12 to 15, Roses; June
19 to 22, fruits and vegetables: June 26 to 29,
Liliums and Sweet Peas ; July 3 to 6, Carna-
tions ; July 10 to 13, Roses; July 17 to 21,
Begonias and Gloxinias ; July 25 to 27, floral
desugns ; July 31 to August 3. out flowers :
August 7 to 10, Annuals; August 14 to 17.
Gladioli ; August 22 to 24, Dahlias ; August 29
to September 1, Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, Palms,
and Ferns ; September 4 to 8, vegetables ; Sep-
tember 11 to 14, Orchids ; September 18 to 22,
general horticultural exhibits ; September 25 to
29, fruits ; October 3 to 10, preserved fruits, and
fruits packed for market ; and October 17 to 21,
Chrysanthemums.

Presentation to Mr. David Melville. — The
retirement of Mr. D. Melville from the position
of gardener at Dunrobin, where he has been in
charge over a period of forty-six years, gave
his friends an opportunity of showing their
appreciation of his personal qualities, his skill
as a horticulturist and his services in the public-
life of the community at Golspie. The apprecia-
tion took the form of an illuminated address and
a purse of Treasury notes. The presentation was
made on February 27 at a largely attended
meeting, over which Mr. A. N. Macaulav
presided.

Imperial Botanical Congress — A proposal is
under consideration to hold an Imperial
Botanical Congress simultaneously with the
Empire Exhibition, which will take place in
London in September, 1921.

The Royal Society. — Botanists will note with
pleasure that in the list of nominations to the
fellowship of the Royal Society, their subject is
repr/esented by Captain A. W. Hill, assistant
director of the Royal Gardens, Kew, and Sir
J. C. Bose, the distinguished Indian scientist.
Captain Hill has made many and -valuable con-
tributions to botanical science. His earlier woi'K
dealt with the minute anatomy of plants, and
during later years he has devoted attention, with
valuable results, to the history of such horti-
cultural plants as •Primula obcomea. Sir J. C.
Bose is distinguished for the elegance of his
methods of investigating the response of plants
to stimulation. Another name in the list is that
of Dr. E. F. Armstrong, much of whose chemical
work — on sugar's and on pigments — has reference
to plants.

Fruit Growers' Conference at Wye. — A con-
ference of fruit growers will be held at the
South Eastern Agricultural College, Wye, on
March 23, when the Minister of Agriculture is
expected to preside. The conference will com-
mence at 11.30 a.m., and the morning programme
includes addresses by Capt. Wellington, Mr.
H. S. Bickham, and Mr. R. G. Hatton, who will
deal with Fruit Growing in England. During
the afternoon, Messrs. E. S. Salmon and F. V.
Theobald will lecture on Diseases of Fruit Trees
and their Remedies. Arrangements are being made
to provide luncheon and tea at 3s. per head for
those who notify the principal, Mr. M. J. R.
Dunstan, of their intention to be present.

Chester Paxton Society. — With the object of
continuing their work of encouraging food pro-
duction by allotment holders — which led to
such successful results during the war — the
Chester Paxton Society organised a series of
lectures during the winter months. The pro-
gramme included lectures on : — Insect pests
common to allotments and gardens, 'by Prof.
Newstead, F.R.S. ; the cultivation of vegetables
most suitable for allotments, by Mr. Ben Ash-
ton; the cultivation of bush fruits, by Mr.
W. Stewart; the cultivation of Apples, Pears,
and Plums, by Mr. N. F. Barnes. The demand
on the part of allotment holders for instruction
in fruit growing is noteworthy, and indicates
that the holders have every intention of main-
taining permanent allotments.

Black's Gardening Dictionary. — Messrs. A. and
C. Black, Ltd., Soho Square, advise us that
their new Dictionary of Gardening is in the
press. Mr. E. T. Ellis is the editor and he has
had the assistance of over one hundred expert
contributors.

Increase of Minimum Rates of Wages for Agri-
cultural Workers. — On the 5th inst. the Agri-
cultural Wages Board considered the reports
which had been received from the District Wages
Committee on the draft proposal to increase the
minimum rates of wages at present in force for
all male workers of 21 years of age and over
throughout England and Wales to 42s., with a
minimum increase of 4s., and, after inserting
provisions for adjustments in the overtime rates
on the usual principle of week day overtime at
the rate of time and a quarter, and Sunday
overtime at time and a half, and for con-
sequential alterations in the special rates for
stockmen in certain areas, decided to give formal
public notice of the proposal forthwith, , As
already announced, the effect of the proposal
would be, in areas where the ordinary minimum
rate is now 36s. 6d., 37s., 37s. 6d., or 38s. to
raise it to 42s., and in areas where it is now
higher, to raise it by 4s. in each case. The
proposal was formally published on the 8th
March, and. in accordance with the provisions •
of the Corn Production Act, no order can be
made putting the proposed increases into opera-
tion until a month has elapsed from that date,
during which period any objections to the
proposal may he lodged with the Board for their
consideration. The Board also discussed the
advisability of increasing the minimum rates for
male workers under the age of 21, and for
female workers, and decided to refer these
questions for consideration in the fiist instance
by a special Committee of the Board.

The Exudation of Water by Colocasia anti-
quorum. — lb ■ nocturnal exudation of water drops
by the leaf tips of Colocasia uutiqiioi-um is one
of the minor wonders of the vegetable world. It
is true that the exudation of drops of water
occurs in many other plants — Oats. Fuchsia, etc..
but in few or none is it so copious as in
Colocasia, where so much is exuded that nearly
a pint of water might be collected in a single
night 'from a dozen leaves. No less remarkable
than the quantity is the purity of the water,
which is ejected from the leaf ; analyses showing
that the liquid is to all intents and purposes pure
water. Owing to this latter fact, it has generally
been assumed that the exudation is of the
nature of an excretion; that is to say, that the
liquid is filtered through the living cells of the
leaf, or at all events, through a vegetable mem-
brane before being exuded. Recent investiga-
tions,* however, show that this is not the case —
at all events, so far as the leaf is concerned —
but that it passes from the woody elements of
the leaf, directly into a series of canals, which
communicate with the pore at the pouch-like
tip of the leaf. The driving force for the exuda-
tion, udiich sometimes may be sufficient to ejei I
the drops to a considerable distance, appears to
be the root, and it must be assumed that the
activity of the root in absorbing water during
the night is so great that more is taken into
the plant than can 1»- conveniently retained. It
would be interesting to know whether the rate
of transpiration of the leaves during the day is
less than that of other shade plants or whether
the extreme efficiency of the root in absorbing
water has imposed upon the leaves this means
of getting rid of the surplus.

Arbor Day in Manchester. — The authorities of
Blackley Municipal Schools. Manchester, are
resuming their tree-planting operations this
month, after a break occasioned by the war. The
Roll of Honour contains the names of nearly 400
old boys who served their country during those
troublesome years. To honour these heroes the
boys and girls planted 200 trees in the years
1915 and 1916. On Saturday, March 6, 81 trees
were planted to form an avenue through the
David Lewis Recreation Grounds. The trees
were planted in the following order : — Plane.
Elm, Ash, Chestnut. Elm, and each tree will

* " Exudation of Water bv C'olocisia antiminrum."
By Margaret G. Flood. Nou* from the Botanical

School of Trinity College, Dublin. I., III. June. 1919.

bear a label containing the name, regiment, year,
and tree-planter's name. This will be a monu-
ment of living trees — the children's tribute to
the old boys. The Lord Mayor of Manchester
presided at the function and planted the first
tree.

Windsor Rose Show— HR.H. the Prince of
Wales offers a Challenge Cup, at the Windsor
Rose Show, to be held on June 26, for a com-
petition in Sweet Peas, open to amateurs-

Rhyniaceae. — The lecture delivered in Edin-
burgh recently by Dr. Kidston, F.R.S. ,
on " Tlie Vascular Plants of the Chert Band of
Rhyme, Aberdeenshire," has drawn renewed
attention to this quaint old Aberdeenshire
village, and, indeeed. made it quite famous in
scientific circles. The generic name cf Rhynia
has been given to a member of the new botanical
order styled " Rhyniaceae." This entirely novel
genus and order of plants are delightfully
described in the recently issued volume of the
Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh
by Dr. Kidston and Professor W. II. Lang, of
Manchester University, the latter of whose fine
research work into the morphology and life-
history of Bryophyta, Pteridophyta and
Gymnosperms is well knowrn and highly appre-
ciated in scientific circles. It was Dr. Mackie,
a medical practitioner of Elgin who first dis-
covered in a silicined peat-bed of the old Red
Sandstone age at Rhynie the remains of plants
the appearance and structure of which were new
to science. Dr. Home, of H.M. Geological
Survey, was early informed of the find, and has
since taken an intense interest in the matter.
The sjiecimeus found at Rhynie represent, we
arc told, the simplest known forms of
Pteridophyta or Acrogens — a group that includes
ferns, club-mosses, and their allies. To one of
the finds the generic name Rhynia has been
given, and to another Hornea. Both are in-
cluded in the new botanical order Rhyniaceae,
the members of which are distinguished by having
neither leaves nor roots, and by consisting of a
subterranean stem with long single-celled
rhizoids and of a circular aerial stem dichoto-
mously branched, with sporangia at the ends.
These petrified plants from the Rhynie peat-bed
are regarded not only as more primitive than
any land plants of the present day, but as the
oldest of which science has knowledge in the
proper sense of that term. They are much
simpler than most specimens of the floras of
both the Upper Devonian and the Carboniferous
formations; and it is not surprising that the
discoveries of Dr. Mackie and his fellow-workers
have aroused great interest. Other vascular
cryptograms, than Rhynia and Hornea have also
been found in the chert-bed at the base of the
hill known as Tap o' Xoth, Aberdeenshire ; and
the comparisons and conclusions drawn by Dr.
Kidston and Professor Lang (from whom we are
promised a further instalment) are sarre to
attract the keenest interest of botanists and
geologists.

The Gardeners' Chronicle' Seventy five
Years Ago. — We have to announce that the
Trustees of the Botanic Garden. Cambridge,
have decided upon pensioning Mr. Arthur Biggs,
the present aged gardener in that establishment,
and of appointing a successor. Candidates for
the appointment must send in their testimonials
beiiore the 7th of April, under cover to the Vice-
Chancellor. These testimonials must relate to
the candidate's capacity of arranging a new gar-
den, according to a "given plan, and to his
practical and scientific qualifications. As
soon as the testimonials of the several
candidates shall have been considered,
notice will be given to such as are
approved of to repair to Cambridge on a day
then to be named, in order that they may
undergo an examination by the Rev. Professor
Kenslow. The value of this appointment is
£121 per annum, with an allowance of fuel, and
a house free of rent, taxes and repairs. Gard.
i-h run., March 15, 1845.

Publications Received -.—Transactions and
Proceedings of the Botanical Society of Edinburgh.
Neill and Co., Ltd., Edinburgh. Apple-grain
Aphis. A.C. Baker and W.F.Turner. Govern-
ment Printing Office, Washington.

Mabch 13, 1920. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

127

THE ALPINE GARDEN.

NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS.

TROPAEOLUM POLYPHYLLUM.

The genus Tropaeolum includes several
popular garden plants, valuable not only on
account of their very showy blossoms, but also
for the ease with which they may be propagated
and cultivated. T. polyphyllum, which forms
the subject oi the illustration in Fig. 51, lias the
common name of Yellow Rock Indian Cress, but
it is not a native of either of tbe Indies, its
natural habitat being Chili, from whence it was
introduced in 1827. The foliage is very orna-
mental, and coloured glaucous green. The plant
has a tuberous root stock and is sometimes used
in the flower border, but it is best adapted for
the rock garden, where, as is well shown in the
accompanying illustration, it drapes the larger
portions of stone in a most pleasing manner, and
gives a profusion of its rich, yellow flowers,
which are streaked with red in the upper petals.
In situations suited to the plant the trailing
shoots grow sometimes as long as eight or nine
feet and in June they are studded with the
showy flowers which arise from the axils of the
much divided leaves. But it is not always easy
to establish the species and many fail to grow
and flower it satisfactorily. A writer in (lard.
Chron., June 24, 1893, observed that at Scone
Gardens, Perthshire, plants trained on two sides
of the brick support of the conservatory gaive
a. magnificent picture of bright gold, owing to
the profusion of the blossoms.

ERODIUM PELARGONIFLORUM.

Aptly named in every way, this Heron's Bill
is a plant which commends itself to the lover of
flowers. In foliage it resembles the Pelargo-
niums, and in flower it reminds one very forcibly
of some of the older show and fancy Pelar-
goniums, at one time so much in vogue. Willi
its large flowers, conspicuously blotched, it is a
most attractive plant for a dry sunny border or
a warm place in the rock garden. It is fre-
quently ranked as hardy, and it is so in most
seasons, but I have found that old plants are
extremely liable to die and that it is much
better to rely on young ones, raised from cuttings
or seeds, either method being easily adopted.
Cuttings will strike about as easily as those of
a Zonal Pelargonium if taken off and treated in
the same way, and seeds germinate well in pots
under glass. I have even had a few self-sown
seedlings appear in the vicinity of an old plant.
but it is not prudent to trust to selfsown seed-
lings and it is wiser to save some when ripe and
sow them under glass.

This is one of the most robust of the choicer
Erodiums. It will flower when quite small, but
will eventually grow to more than a foot high
if it survives two or three winters. As already
indicated, E. pelargoniflorum should have a
warm, sunny place in dry soil. A.

HTJTCHINSIA ALPINA.

A small plant of Hutchinsia alpina rarely
attracts much notice from the garden visitor.
Its heads of little white flowers are not numerous
enough or large enough to claim the notice of
the casual passer-by, and the real beauty of this
alpine plant is unseen. When, however, a speci-
men a foot or more in diameter is viewed, it
seldom escaipes observation and mention. But
the true admirer of flowers cannot but be pleased
with even a small plant, because of the charm-
ing, deep green, finely-divided foliage, which
sets off the snowy whiteness of the flowers,
which are neat and well-fonued, although the
Hutchinsia is a member of the Cruciferae, a.
X.itnral Order embracing many weedy subjects.
No one can, however, call H. alpina "weedy."
The Hutchinsia, although a native of moist
places on the high mountain ranges of Europe,
is not difficult to cultivate, and grows wonder-
fully well in light soil on roekwork, or even in
the front of the border in ordinary garden soil.
Its full height is only an inch or two, and a
good mass is a close carpet of shining deep green
leaves studded thickly with pure white blooms.
It is quite readily and quickly raised from seeds,
but can be divided when of fair size. It thrives
in sun or partial shade. .S'. Aruoll.

RHODODENDRON PRAEVERXUM, N.SP.

For some years now growers of Chinese
Rhododendrons have known that there was a
mixture of types in cultivated plants of so-
called R. sutchuenense. One of these types,
of rather straggly growth, has large leaves with
a woolly midrib and a pink corolla merely
spotted inside the back of the tube, but without
a, blotch at the base. A second, and probably
much more common plant, of somewhat com-
pact habit, has rather smaller leaves, a glabrous
midrib, and a whitish corolla with a huge purple
blotch at the base gradually graded into spots
on the upper part of the tube. In 1917 Mr.
J. C. Williams drew my attention to these two
forms, and although then out of flower, I ex-
pressed the opinion that they were not specifi-
cally the same. I now describe the second
plant mentioned as a new species, R. prae-
vernum.

The plant with the woolly midrib and pink
spotted corolla was figured in the Botanical

not very far from the western boundary of the
adjacent province of Hupeh, where Wilson made
several gatherings of the species. Franchet
makes a special po'nt of the hairy midrib
(" (folia . . . subtus rufuscentia, et praeter
nervum medium crassum lana cinerea demum
detersili obtectum glabra"). And again, in a
note at the end of the description, he says :
"Voisin du R. gracilipes mais ses pedicelles
sont courts, ses feuillcs laineuses en dessous
sur les nervines. " He makes no mention of a
blotch, and I can find no sign of one on the
type specimen.

So we may be quite sure that those plants
named sutchuenense, which have combined a
glabrous midrib and a blotched corolla, are not
the true species as described by Franchet. And
Miliars' observations as to the absence of a
blotch from the flowers of his Chenault plants
originally introduced by Farges seem to be con-
clusive.

In 1911 Messrs. Veitch sent to Kew a plant
named sutchuenense, which we may regard as
a third form, with a hairy midrib, a white
corolla with a blotch rather broken up and not

Fig. 51. — tropaeolum polyphyllum.

IPhotograph by R. A. Malbij.

Magazine, t. 8362, as R. sutchuenense, the
description being supplied by Dr. Hcmsley.
Through the kindness of Prof. Bayley Balfour,
I have been able to compare this with Franchet's
type and find them to be identical. The other
has remained without a name, no doubt being
regarded by some as the true sutchuenense and
by others as a colour variety of that species.
In regard to the colour of the flowers of sup-
posed true sutchuenense, Millais says in his
book on Rhododendrons, p. 250: "Wilson de-
scribes it as a bush 6 m. tall and 4 m. across,
with flowers rose, rose -pink or rose-red, with a
dark blotch. Specimens that I possess from
Wilson's seed bear out this description, but
plants I have from Chenault, which are origin-
ally of Farges' introduction, have smaller leaves
and almost white flowers, only spotted on the
upper lobes of the corolla."

R. sutchuenense was first, described by Fran-
chet* in 1895 from a specimen collected by
Farces in the ne-ghbourhood of Tchen keou-tin.
in Eastern Szechuan. I have not been able to
find this locality on a map, but probably it lies

• Franohet in Jovrn. fir li-it., ix., 392.

so dark as in the second plant mentioned above.
This seems to be almost intermediate between,
true R. sutchuenense and the plant described
below as R. praevernum.

There is stdl a fourth condition to record, and
a very fine plant it is, as shown by Mr. Gerald
Loder at the R.H.S. show on Tuesday, February
24. This has all the characters of the Hoi. .Vat/
sul i huenense except that the corolla has a deep-
blotch.

Summarising these observations, then, we
have four plants showing different combinations
of characters, as follows: — 1, true R. sutchuen-
ense of Bo/. May. and as grown by Mr. Millais
(leaves with floecose midrib, pink corolla with
spots on the upper part of the back of I he tube,
but no blotch at the base); 2. R, praevernum,
new species (leaves with a glabrous midrib,
whitish Bowers, with a huge dark-purple blotch
;it the base and spotted in the upper parti ;
3, a plant (Veitch, 1911). with Boocose midrib,
and flowers as in number 2: and 4. Mr.
Loder's plant, with leaves and colour of corolla
of No. 1, but with the purple Motel of No. 2.
I propose for the last -mentioned the name-
Rhododendron sutchuenense, var. Geraldii.

128

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[IIahch 13, 1920.

Having established Xo. 1 to be the real
sutchuenense, and 1 can see no reason why it
should not be from the evidence before me, J.
cannot help but conclude that it and R. praever-
mvm are two distinct species — at any rate theyr
represent the extremes of a number of closeiy-
allied forms — and that Nos. 3 and 4 are natural
hybrids between tliem. This seems probable
because both species occur in Western Hupeh.
Experimental crossing between Xos. 1 and 2
should prove whether this view is correct. Tile
following is a description of R. praevernum
taken from living plants growing at Kew, where
they have recently, during the abnormally mild
weather, flowered in great profusion. Maybe
the earlier flowering characteristics of R.
praevernum will not always be a recommenda-
tion for outdoors, on account of late 'frosts. It
should, however, prove invaluable for cool
greenhouses such as the Himalayan House at
Kew, where it has made a. capital show : —

R. praevernum,* Hutchinson, n. sp. : — A
spreading, laxly-branched shrub; ultimate
branchlets 'suberect, green, glabrous. Leaves
laxly subvertacillate, spreading, glabrous, ellip-
tic-oblanceolate, somewhat graduallv acute at
the apex, narrowed to the base, 10-18 cm. long,
2.5-5 cm. broad, broadest about or slightly above
the middle, firmly papery or almost leathery in
texture, closely reticulate on both sides, dark
green above, pale grey-green below ; midrib
slightly impressed above, prominent 'below,
straw coloured, about 3 mm. broad at the base ;
lateral nerves about 15-18 on each side of the
midrib, spreading, forked about 5 mm. from the
margin and branched ; petioles 2-2.5 cm. long,
almost flat above, convex below, glabrous. In-
florescence terminal, about 10-flowered, sup-
ported by the upper leaves ; bud scales oblong,
abruptly acuminate, brown, villous with
appressed hairs on both sides, glabrous towards
the margin, up to 3 cm. long and 1.8 cm. broad;
pedicels spreading, stout, 2 cm. long, reddish-
purple towards the apex or along the upper
side, glabrous. Calyx Obsolete, obscurely 5-
lobed, lobes broadly triangular, fleshy, glabrous.
2 mm. long. Corolla whiiite or suffused with
Tose, with a large dark purple blotch at the
base of the tube and with smaller purple spots
above; tube somewhat campanulate. 5-pouched
at the base, 4 cm. long, pubescent with short
white hairs on the lower part within, glabrous
and distinctly striate outside; lobes 5, deeply
emarginate, about 2 cm. long and 3 cm. broad.
Stamens 15, as long as the corolla tube, or
slightly longer; filaments shortly villous with
white hairs in the lower part ; anthers dark
brown, almost 3 mm. long. Ovary 10-15 celled,
purple and green, 5 mm. long, glabrous ; style
slightly longer than the stamens, white, gla-

* Khoflodondron praevernum, Hutchinson, sp. nov. ;
affinis R. sutchuenense, Franca., sed gemmis florifens
■anguste ovoideis, folii costa media infra glabra (nee
lanata), floribus albidis, corollae tubo dorso maculo
atropurpureo magno et superne plurimaculato ornate,
differt.

Frutex divaricatus. laxe ramosus; framuli iiltimi
suberecti, virides, glabri. Folia lase subverticillata.
patentia, elliptico-oblanceolata, apice subsensim acuta,
basi angustata, 10-18 cm. longa, 2.5-5 cm. lata, eirciter
vel leviter supra medium latiora, firme chartacea Tel
subcoriaeea, utrinjque glabra et orebre reticulata, supra
fnseoviridia, infra pallide cinereo-viridia ; casta media
supra leviter impressa, infra prominens, straminea, basi
eirciter 3 mm. lata; nervi laterales utrinsecus 15-18,
patuli, intra marginem eirciter 0.5 cm. bifurcati et
ramosi; petioli 2-2.5 em. longi, supra fere plani. Infra
convexi, glabri. Inflorescentia terminalis, eirciter 10-
flora, foliis superioribus suffulta; perulae oblongae,
abrupte acuminatae. brunneae, utrinque adpresse villosae,
marginibus glabresoentibus, usque ad 3 cm. longae et
1.8 cm. latae; pedicelli patuli, robusti, 2 cm. longi,
itpicem versus purpuragcentes, glabri. Calyx obsoletus,
obscure 5-lobatus, lobulis late triangularibus carnosis
glabris 2 mm. longis. Corolla alba vel roseo suffusa,
dorso tubi maculo atropurpureo magno et superne
maculis purpureis numerosis ornata; tubus tubuloso-
•campauulatus, basi a-saccatiw. 4- cm. longns. intra
inferne pilis brevibus albidis reflexis pubescens, extra
glaber, distincte striatus; lobi 5, profunde emarginati,
eirciter 2 cm. longi et 3 cm. lati. Stamina 15, corollae
tubo aequilonga vel paullo longiora ; filamenta inferne
breviter albo-villosa ; antberae atrobrunneae, fere 3 mm.
longae. Ovarium 10-15-looulare, purpureum et viride,
5 mm. long-urn, glabrum; stylus staminibus paullo
lnngior, albus, glaber, stigmate disciforme minute
niultilobulato eirciter 3 mm. diametro rubescente
ooronatus. Fructus lignosus, basi obliquus, 4 cm. longus,
style peraistente. Western China: Westej-n Hupeh. ■
E. H. Wilson (Veitcli Exped.l 17 fl. and fr. Apr
1900, E. H. Wilson (Veitch Exped.) 2537. E. rH
II il*on (Arn. Art. Exped.) 507 partly. South Patting
«.00O ft., Henry 5285.

brous, crowned by a disk-like, minutely lobulate
reddish stigma a-oout 3 mm. in diameter. Cap-
sule woody, oblique at the base, 4 cm. long,
style persistent.

I also take the opportunity of giving a more
detailed description of the type specimen of R.
sutchuenense, collected by Farges in the neigh-
bourhood of Tchen-keou-tin, Eastern Szechuan :
— A shrub ; one-year-old branchlets about 6 mm.
thick when dry, marked by prominent black len-
ticels and minutely muricate, in an early state
minute woolly- pubescent. Leaves rather crowded,
oblong or oblong elliptic, rounded and slightly
auriculate at the base or obtuse, bluntly mucro-
nate at the rounded apex, 9-18 cm. long, 3.5-5
cm. broad, firmly chartaceous in texture, dark
green above, finely reticulate and paler below,
glabrous except for the densely floccose midrib,
which when the hairs have sometimes fallen off
remains prominently postulate or vernucose ;
midrib slightly impressed above, very prominent
below ; lateral nerves delicate, about 20 on eaoh
side of the midrib, distinct below, freely
branched some distance from the margin ; peti-
oles 2-2.5 cm. long, nearly flat above but with a
very narrow groove down the middle, rounded
below and at first finely floocose-pubescent, soon
nearly glabrous and finely postulate. Outer
flower-bud scales thick and leathery, very
minutely puberulous, shortly and abruptly
acuminate, the inner ones rather densely villous
outside. Inflorescence terminal, about 8-10-
flowered ; axis about 1cm. long; pedicels 1.5-2
cm. long, very thinly lanate-pubescent, gradu-
ally expanded into the calyx. Calyx with 5
very shortly triangular lobes about 1.5 mm. long,
glabrous, fleshy. Corolla widely funnel-shaped-
campanulate, 6 cm. long ; tube 4 am. long,
minutely puberulous towards the base on both
sides, faintly spotted in the upper part but not
blotched ; lobes 5, rounded, emarginate, about
2 cm. long and 2.5 cm. broad. Stamens about
15, shorter than the corolla; filaments softly
hairy in the lower part ; anthers 4 mm. long.
Ovary 7 mm. long, glabrous, slightly lobulate at
the apex, surrounded at the base by a lobulate
fleshy disk ; style 4.5 cm. long, glabrous, gradu-
ally widened into a disciform lobulate stigma
about 3.5 mm. in diam. Fruits not present.

Var. Geraldii,* Hutchinson ; characters of the
type but the corolla with a large blotch in the
lower half of the tube. J. Hutchinson.

The Week's Work.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.
By T. Pateman, Gardener to C. A. Cain-, Esq., J. p.,
The Node, Codicote, Welwyn, Hertfordshire.
Alpine Strawberries.— Seeds of Alpine Straw-
berries may be sown now in shallow bo;. <_;
pans. They will germinate quickly in a warm,
moist atmosphere. As soon as the plants are
large enough to handle they should be pricked
off into shallow boxes and still kept growing in
a genial temperature. After the seedlings
are well established they may be stood in a
frame near the glass and" gradually hardened in
preparation for placing them in the open.

Newly Planted Fruit Trees.— The trees should
be examined occasionally, and where they have
become loose at the base made firm again.

Cuttings of Bush Fruits.— Should cuttings of
Gooseberry, Currants and other small fruits have
become loosened in the soil by the action of frost
make them firm, treading on either side of the
rows when the ground is in a suitable condition
for doing this.

Fruit Room.— Examine frequently the fruits
in store and remove any that show signs of
decay.

Grafting. — Owing to the early season it will
probably be necessary to commence grafting
operations by the last week in March or early
in April. Whip or splice grafting is the method

■ Pliodo'dendron sutchuenense. v:ir. Geraldii.

Hutoh.nsnn, var. nov., a typo ftunbus maculo atropur-
pureo magno onmtis differt.

generally adopted, for it is easily performed and
practically certain to succeed provided the work
is done carefully. Trees that were cut back as
advised in a previous calendar should be made
ready by trimming the surface smooth
with a sharp knife. Where there is

a difference in the sizes of the stock
and scion the latter should be placed a
little on one side to ensure a union. When the
two have been fitted together as accurately as
possible, hind them with raffia or some other
suitable material. Cover the grafted part with
clay or grafting-wax to exclude the air.

Vegetables and Fruit Trees Where good fruit

is required it is not advisable to plant or sow
vegetables close to the bush or tree. A space of
five to six feet about fruit trees should be kept
clear of other crops to allow the sun and air
to reach the soil over the roots of the trees and
permit of the use of the hoe. The soil should
never be allowed to become hard, and should
be well hoed after heavy rain.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By John Coutts, Foreman. Roval Botanic Gardens,
Kew.

Hippeastrum.— The main batch of Hippeastrum
plants are in flower and good forms should be
selected for seed production. Care is necessary in
this respect, for indiscriminate cross pollination
may result in the spoiling of a good strain. Thus,
if one desires to perpetuate good crimson forms,
only the best plants of that colour should be
selected as parents, and the same should be
done in the case of light-coloured forms. Plants
that were not repotted and have finished flower-
ing are growing freely and will need increasing
supplies of water. Others that were shaken out
and repotted will require very little water until
they have made new roots and top growth.

Imantophyllum (Olivia). — The Clivia does not
require frequent repotting, and when it is
necessary the work should be done after the
plants have flowered. If large specimens are
required they should be shifted into larger
receptacles, but the general stock should be
grown in as small pots as possible. In repotting
it is best to wash all the soil off the roots, which
will permit of cutting off all the old decayed
roots. Propagate choice varieties by division.
Plants in good health have a large number of
roots making repotting a difficult task. The soil
should be on the dry side, in order that it may
be easily worked amongst the roots; the fleshy
roots are very apt to decay if they are damaged,
and on this account water should be very
sparingly given until plenty of new roots have
developed. Syringe newly potted plants very
lightly, for the broad leaves conduct the water
into the pot and when there is little root action
the soil would soon become saturated from this
cause.

Begonia. — Where large plants of B. Gloire de
Lorraine are required, insert the cuttings obtained
from plants grown specially for this pairpose.
Select the basal shoots as cuttings in all the
Lorraine forms. The American raised varieties,
viz., Concurrent and Glory of Cincinnati, are
worthy of extended cultivation : while Mrs.
Petersen, with its brilliant red flowers and dark
foliage with metallic sheen, should have a great
future as a market plant, as it shows to great
advantage in artificial light. It is rather slower
in growth than the other forms, thus an early
start should be made with propagating it.
Begonia Evansiana, B. weltoniensis, B. Dregii
and B. Sutherlandi are all useful plants for con-
servatory decoration, and should be started into
growth. They are not so generally grown now
as formerly, but are deserving of the attention
of growers, as they may be had in flower towards
the end of the summer when interesting subjects
are scarce for conservatory decoration. Begonia
coocinea, B. Haageana, B. echinosepala, Presi-
dent Carnot and Luzerna. all make fine speci-
men conservatory plants. These Bogonias should
be Tepotted as they require more root room.
Begonia semperflorens gigantea rosea is one
of the most useful greenhouse Begonias and, by
propagating successional batches, plants may be
had in flower all the year through.

Marot 13, 1020.1

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

120

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By Sidney Legg, Gardener to the Dowager Ladt
Nu.vbernholme, Warter Priory, Yorkshire.

The Tea Garden. — There are variously designed
summer or tea-house?, and amongst the best are
those built of brick or stone. Some of them
have penthouse-eaves which, give to the build-
ing the appearance of a cottage or bungalow.
Where space and environment 'permit, such tea-
houses may be made more attractive by the
addition of a small cottage garden, which should
be of such proportions as to be in keeping with
the house. A low Roman wall, allowing suitable
openings, will make a useful boundary, as will
also a. closely planted hedge of Fellenberg Hit.-.-.
When the borders and a. few pla.in boils have
been made it is preferable to flag the remaining
ground, and leave openings here, and there for
the reception of small individual plants. II'
breadth allows, an Apple, Pear or Cherry tree
may be planted. A windlass, standing over an
imitation well-top, together with bucket and
besom, is a pleasing addition. Old-fashioned
flowers are the most suitable to plant, and as
far as practicable a few of each kind should be
used in preference to many of one distinct
variety. Lavender, Rosemary, Sage and
varieties of Dianthus are indispensable, and it
is wise to allow soft colours to predominate so
as to harmonise with the grey foliage of the
other plants. A few standards' of Honeysuckle
and Tea Roses will improve the scene, and
clumps of Hollyhock and Sunflower will prove
effective in the border. Pyrus japonica, Jasmin,.
and Clematis may overhang the Roman wall,
and Aloysia, Winter Sweet, and Vines should
be placed against the house. Amongst other
plants which may be used are: — Daphne
Mezerenm, Kerria japonica, Fuohsia Eiccartonii,
Pansy, Musk, Thyme and early Chrysanthe-
mums. To preserve a realistic appearance, at-
tention should; be given to details: for instance,
when stakes are required, they should he natural
vnd used as cut.

Broad Beans. — Seeds of the Longpod and
Windsor types may now be sown in the open to
.succeed those sown in heat. As firm ground
is necessary for this crop, select land that has
been manured and dug some time previously.
Draw two drills at one foot apart and two inches
deep and, at intervals of one foot, place two
seeds fairly closely together in them; the
weaker plants should be removed when the
seedlings appear. A distance of three feet
should be allowed between the next pair of
rows.

Herbs. — Cuttings of Thyme and Sage struck
last autumn are ready for transplanting. Tarra-
gon and Chives should be divided into small
clumps for replanting. Mint gives better re-
sults when propagated from cuttings than from
transplanted roots. Reserve the ground for this
crop until the cuttings become a/vailable in April.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By F. Jordan. Gardener to Lieut. -Col. Spender Cut,
M.P., Fopd Manor, Lingfield, Surrey.

Early Permanent Vines.— Keep the shoots .lea,
of the glass, but do not be in a. hurry to tie
them in position as, later, when the vines
are in flower, they may be tied down
without much fear of injury. Take advantage
of fine days to forward the crop, but do not
maintain a high temperature; during cold
nights 60° to 63° is quite suitable; 5°
more may he given during mild weather. Care-
fully pinch the laterals, for good, healthy leaves
are preferable to lateral growths.

Fertilisation.— When the flowering stage is
reached, a constant circulation of warm, buoyant
air is essential to a good set. The temperature
may be raised to 65° by night for Black Ham-
burgh and 68° for Muscats. Much depends on
the weather, however; too much heat and an
arid atmosphere are detrimental to a free setting.
It has been proved during the past few years
that vines tfruit freely in a much lower tem-
perature than usually provided, but atmospheric
moisture must be reduced when less fire heat is
used. The setting of Grapes is helped by arti-
ficial pollination. Muscats and other varieties
known to be shy setters may be greatly assisted
in this direction by charging a camel hair brush
with Black Hamburgh pollen and running it
very lightly over the flowers every day when
the temperature has reached the maximum.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By H. Whf.ei.ir. Gardener to Mrs. Jenner. Wenvoe
Castle, near Cardiff.

Seedlings. — Vegetables that have been raised
in heat should be pricked off before they become
drawn, and grown in a temperature of .about
50°.

Peas and Broad Beans. — When Peas and Broad
1m'. mis. in Pols, attain a height of two inches.
they should be placed in a. cold frame; cover
1 lie frame at night to exclude frost.

employed, more care is necessary in watering.
In re-making the plants into specimens, a number
of leads or growing points are required, and
they should be arranged evenly over the surface
in such a manner that the centre of the
plant is well furnished with growing points. It
may be necessary to use wire pegs to hold the
pseudo-bulbs in position until the plants are
re-established in the compost. When the work
of repotting is completed, arrange the plants in
a warm, moist house, shade them from strong
sunlight, afford water sparingly, and spray them
overhead each day when the weather warrants
the use of the syringe. Where numbers of these
plants are grown, a Eerw specimens should be
repotted each year. This is preferable to dis
turbing the whole collection at one time, owing
1,, the tact that C. cristaita does not flower so
freely or so strongly the first year after being
repotted.

Fig. 52. — coelogyne aspebata.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By T. W. Briscoe, Gardener to W. R. Ltsaght, Esq.,
Castleford, Chepstow.

Coelogyne.— During the past few weeks well-
grown plants have furnished a fine display, and
now that the flower scapes have been removed,
any necessary repotting may be done. C. cxistata
does not need disturbance at the roots for several
years, but specimens that have overgrown their
receptacles with the growing points extended
far beyond the soil, should be turned out of
theiir pots or pans, the old soil and dead roots
removed, and the back pseudo-bulbs, excepting
three -behind each growing point, cut away. Pans
six or nine inches in diameter are preferable to
pets for this class of Orchid, and, as Uoelogynes
are more or less shallow rooting, the pans should
be filled quite half their depth with drainage
material. Use compost consisting of Osmunda
fibre, peat, and Sphagnum nio*s In equal parts.
with a sprinkling of finely broken potsherds
t,, render the mixture porous. Some growers
advocate the use of good fibrous loam instead
of Osmund" fibre, but when this material is

Other Species of Coelogyne.— The genus
Coelogyne is a large one, and contains a number
of plants of horticultural merit, one or more
being in flower during the greater part of the
year. In these circumstances the repotting may
lie spread over the twelve months. Use the same
kind of soil as advised for C. cristata. A few.
such as C. Massangeana and C. Dayana are, on
account of their pendulous scapes, best grown
in teak wood baskets, furnished with a wire
handle, whereby thej may be suspended from
the roof rafters. Coelogynes that inhabit hut.
damp countries should be grown in the warmest
house; they embrace C asperatn (see Fig. 52),
C. Rossiana, 0. Mieliolit/ii, C. Dayana, and C.
Oumingii, while C. barbata, C. Baocida, C. data.
C. graminifolia, C. ocellata, C. Gardeniaua, and
('. speciosa, may he grown in a bouse having an
intermediate temperature. Partial shade is needed
by all Coelogynes, and at no lime should (he soil

l,e allowed to become excessively dry. Although
the water supply should he less both in quantity
and frecpiencj throughout the period of in-
activity, sufficient moisture mtisl he given to
keep the p -,-inli . bulbs ill n plump and rigid

pondil ion

130

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[MABra 13, 1920.

EDITORIAL NOTICE.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the
PUBLISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, W.C.

local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige by
sending to the Editors early intelligence of local
events hlely to be of interest to our readers or o)
any matters which it is desirable to bring under
the notice oj horticulturists.

THE MARKET FRUIT GARDEN.

THERE seems to be a general agreement
that the past month was the mildest,
sunniest "February within memory. At
the same time the rainfall was very low, the
total of .47 in. recorded by my gauge being less
than half the average. There were white frosts
on a few mornings towards the opening and close
of the month, but they were of the mildest
order, and could not be said to give an\- hint
of winter. No one could fail to enjoy the
glorious weather, but it must be confessed that
the fruit-grower's pleasure was marred by
anxiety as to the fate of his crops. Naturally
vegetation was phenomenally forward at the
close of the month. I consider the season to 'be
four weeks in advance of the normal. The
nearest approach to it of which I have any
record was 1913, but the present season is slightly
more precocious. Blackthorn was in full bloom
in the hedgerows by February 15, and at the
same date yellow Crocuses were a blaze of
colour, followed five days later by the first of
the double yellow Daffodils. Turning to fruit
trees, the blossom buds of Pears have been
showing in compact clusters since the middle of
the month, whilst the earliest of the Plums —
Monarch and Black Diamond — had just Iburst
their fruit ibuds 'by the 20th, exposing the
clusters of unopened bloom buds. By the same
date the fruit buds of two varieties of Apples
(Beauty of Bath and Golden Spire) had advanced
so far as to show just the tips of the leaves
surrounding the bloom clusters ; and it wt.s
found advisable to omit the winter spraying of
these kinds, as the caustic wash in use was
scorching the buds. As a rule, one can salfely
go on spraying Apples well into March.

Up to the time of writing all is well with the
orchards. There has been little interruption I"
work in the open, which is forward in con-
sequence, and there is promise of a beautiful
display of blossom. But what is in store for us
during the next two months? We cannot hope
to escape all severe frost and cold winds. If a
cold spell came immediately, I do not think
fruit, trees would be harmed. On the contrary,
development would be suspended, and all might
be well. Danger lies in a continuation of mild
weather, which must bring many fruit trees into
bloom at a season when they could hardly
escape damage from frost.

Early Seasons.

I believe I am correct in saying that early
springs are almost invariably followed by fruit
crops that are under average. In the springs
of 1916, 1913, 1912, and 1903, vegetation was
very forward, and in each of these years the
fruit harvest was light, taking the country
generally.

Winter Spraying.

Winter spraying was carried out under ideal
conditions in February. There was scarcely any
interruption by rain or wind. When a caustic
wash is being used, calm weather is essential,
as the spray is very painful if it blows into
the men's faces. Rain does not matter if it
does not fall whilst the trees are actually wet
with the wash. If the wash once gets a chance
to dry on, all is well.

Winter spraying ds the most trying of the
yrar's spraying operations. It uses the most
material, and therefore takes longest and in-
volves the most carting of water, whilst the
strong solutions used are destructive to clothes
and painful to the hands. There is no job on
the fruit farm that the men dislike so much.
Spraying in summer is far less irksome. Pro-
gress is then more rapid, the weather is finer,
and the spray does not burn.

I was Tather deceived as to the quantity of
wash required. Last year I found that each
tree required rather over one gallon. This
year, spraying 10 acres, the quantity used
averaged over 1£ gallon per tree. The chief
reason ifor this is that many big Plum
trees were included, and these seem to take
much more wetting than Apples, the growth
being bushier and the bark rougher.

It is surprising that winter spraying
should use more wash than summer spraying
with a contact wash against aphides, etc. In
both cases the trees must be drenched, but the
contact wash has better wetting powers, owing
to the soap it contains, and the foliage on the
trees catches and confines the spray. In winter,
with the branches bare, half the spray misses the
tree and falls on to the ground.

No job needs more supervision than spraying.
Success depends very much on thorough work,
and some men seem unable to learn the knack.
A .good sprayer wets his trees thoroughly with
half tile wash used by another. Some dwell
too long in one spot and miss others altogether.
The appearance of the trees after spraying
with caustic soda and copper sulphate is ample
compensation to the grower for the trouble in-
volved. They look delightfully clean and
healthy. Even old canker wounds on Apples
are cleared of loose, dead tissue, and left with
a good chance of healing over.

Beginners and Pupils.
Judging from the number of applications
received from people who want to look round
the place with a view to seeing something of
fruit growing before starting for themselves, it
appeairs tli:it many are attracted to the industry.
I suppose it is mainly 'because Army life has
encouraged a longing for outdoor occupation.
It will be unfortunate, however, if many people
embark on fruit growing at a time when those
already in the industry are distinctly pessimistic
as to its future. At meetings of trade associa-
tions it seems to be generally agreed that all
branches of <c»mmerlclal horticulture have a
hard time to face. No doubt established
businesses will be able to weathar it; but one
cannot imagine a worse time than the present
for beginners. Trees are three times their pre-
war value and d ifficult to obtain at any price ;
and all other requirements are correspondingly
dear. Wages are high, and about to rise again,
with the probability of curtailed working hours
into the bargain. At the same time, prices for
the grower's produce are rapidly falling to pre-
war scale. Long before trees planted now come
into bearing they will certainly have reached it.
Would-be pupils are also numerous. For them,
I think, prospects are better. As growers realise
that scientific methods are essential, the demand
for intelligent, experienced men as managers will
probably increase. Or, Should the pupils
ultimately wish to start for themselves, by the
time they have gained their experience, con-
ditions may be more favourable. However this
may be, pupils are now so plentiful that a
grower might almost run his business with no
other labour, if he cared to do so. Personally,
I never take pupils because, if they are to be
taught properly, they take up more of one's

tune than their labour is worth. They may
say that they are willing to give their services
in return for tuition, and to work just like the
ordinary hands ; but you cannot- conscientiously
put a pupil to hoeing for two or three months on
end. You must show him something of every
branch, and give him a good deal of time and
thought.

Low Prices for Apples.
There has been a lot of discussion as to the
reason for the low prices of home-grown Apples
during the past winter, as compared with those
ruling for imported fruit. The Ministry of
Agriculture, wishing, no doubt, Ito point a.
much-needed lesson, offfer the well-worn ex-
planation of inferior grading and packing. This
solution, however, does not fit all cases. There
are now plenty of growers who pack well, and
yet their stored Apples have given poor returns,
though better, of course, than those realised
for badly-packed samples. I suggest that
the true explanation is to be found in the
brighter colour of most of the imported fruit
The demand all through the winter has been
for coloured Apples — in other words, for Apples
that look sweet enough to eat raw, and do not
require cooking with sugar. I may be met by
the objection that Bramley is a coloured Apple,
whilst Newtown Pippin is green : but the reply
to this is that even the general public know that
the latter is a sweet eating Apple, whereas
Bramley is a cooker in spite of its colour. Even
at the end of February, with imports getting
low, the price of home-grown cooking Apples
advanced very little; but I sold some Baumann's
Red Winter Reinette (bright colour, but no
flavourl at 6s. per half-bushel. The sugar
scarcity is a very unfortunate feature of the
situation for fruit-growers.

Aphides and Frost.
I was much interested in Mr. J. (J. Blakey's
article on the above subject (p. 78). Such pro-
longed, painstaking observations as his are of
the greatest value to fruit-growers, who have
not the time to undertake them for themselves.
Evidently we must dismiss once and for all the
comforting hope that aphides succumb to frost
to any extent. There seems to be more hope
that, they may be drowned by rain, though it is
probable that enough survive all adverse con-
ditions to multiply and infest the trees.
Natural insect enemies are of more importance.
Last year the ladybird beetles and their larvae
did much to keep down aphides, and there
is some hope that they may do the same good
work in the coming season. Many of the beetles
have survived the mild weather, and have been
found on the trees during pruning.

Ploughing in Orchards.
Capital work has again been done this winter
with the special fruit farm plough. Two Apple
orchards from which the under-erop of Black
Currants had been grubbed have been ploughed,
throwing the furrow-slices towards the stems of
the trees. With the handles of the plough set
off at an angle, and the horses attached by a
single chain to the beam instead of to the head,
both horses and man walk clear of the branches,
whilst the plough works close to the trees.
An open furrow is left down the centre of each
alley, and serves for drainage. This is filled
in by cultivation and hoeing during summer,
which also draws most of the surplus soil away
from the trees again. Running grass, which
formed a perfect mat in part of one orchard,
and defied the fork and hoe last year, was
covered perfectly by the plough. I do not
think there is any more root injury than in
digging, if as much, and the work is, of course,
vastly less expensive. Market Grower,

March 13, 1920. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

131

INDOOR PLANTS.

GREENHOUSE PLANTS WITH FRAGRANT
FOLIAGE.
Fragrance, whether in flowers or foliage, is
appreciated 'by practically all lovers of plants.
First and foremost among greenhouse plants
with sweetly scented leaves are the different
varieties of Pelargonium, which are not now
grown to the same extent as they formerly were.
They are, however, very attractive, not only to
the sense of smell, but the foliage of most, kinds
is exceedingly pretty, while, from a flowering
point of view, many of them have merit.

Among the best must be included P. crispum,
of a delightful Citron scent. A variegated-leaved
variety of this species was given the high honour
of a First-Class Certificate by the Royal Horti-
cultural Society last year. Clorinda, with bright
rose- pink coloured blossoms; P. dentieulatum,
finely out foliage; Duchess of Devonshire,
flowers lilush-whiite, blotched crimson, foliage
very fragrant; P. nliiolium odoratum,
with Fern-like fragrant leaves ; Fadr Ellen, an
Oak-leaved variety, with rose-coloured flowers :
Lady Plymouth , with variegated foliage ; Lady
Scarborough, with leaves cut like Parsley; M.
Nonin, with much divided leaves and scarlet
flowers ; Pretty Polly, with almond-scented
leaves ; Prance of Orange, dwarf, Orange-scented ;
P. quercifolium, Oak leaved; P. radula. with
large and much divided leaves ; Scarlet Pet, red •
flowered; Shottenham Pet, rosy-purple flowered;
and P. tomentosum, with large, hairy leaves that
have a strong odour of Peppermint.

To these must be added the different forms
of the old Unique type, all of which are of
rambling growth and bear fragrant leaves. The
best is Rollisson's Unique, with rich violet-
crimson-coloured flowers. Though the Pelar-
goniums named above are so desirable in many
ways, they cannot he regarded as popular at t lie
present day, hence it is often difficult to obtain
certain varieties as few nurserymen stock them.
Another fragrant plant is the Lemon-scented
Verbena (Lippia citriodora), often known as
Aloysia citriodora. In the milder parts of the
country it survives the winter out of doors, but
it is generally regarded as a greenhouse subject.
The rough leaves are deliriously scented. Com-
plaints a.re sometimes made that the Lemon-
scented Verbena does not root readily from cut-
tings, hut no difficulty need be experienced in
that respect. If an old plant is placed in a
warm greenhouse in early spring, it will at once
start into growth, and as soon as the young
shoots are a < ouple of inches in length they
are suitable for use as cuttings. They should be
inserted quickly into pots of sandy soil, and if
placed in a close propagating case where gentle
warmth is maintained, roots will soon 'be
f ormed .

The Myrtle is another greatly appreciated
scented-leaved shrub, but in order to obtain the
best of the fragrance, the leaves must be lightly
crushed. The Myrtle also occupies a high
position as a flowering plant. There is a small-
leaved variety — Jenny Rleitciheiibach, which
blooms freely when quite young.

Eucalyptus* citriodora lias a very pronounced
Citron-like fragrance while the leaves retain
their juvenile character, but in the adult foliage
fragrance is less pronounced. The Blue Gum —
Eucalyptus globulus — may also be included with
scented-leaved plants. Erlangea tomentosa, a
comparatively recent introduction from Central
Africa, is valued because it produces its heads
of mauve coloured blossoms during the winter
months, and has also very pleasantly scented
foliage.

The Pineapple Salvia that bears the specific
name of S. rutilans gives out an agreeable per-
fume if Mo-htly touched, but if roughly handled
the Sage-like smell becomes very pronounced.

An old plant in gardens is the South African
Diosma ericoides, a much branched Heath-like
shrub. If the hand is passed over the foliage a
pleasing aromatic fragrance is given off. The
Ralm of Gilead — Cedronella canariensis — which
was formerly known as Dracocephalum
canariensis, is a member of the family Lauiatae.
The rough leaves are highly fragrant, and! speci-
mens at exhibitions attract particular attention,
as the plant lis now seldom met with in gardens.
Andropogon Schoenanthus, the Lemon Grass,

is a fragrant species that grows well in a warm
greenhouse. The leaves when bruised emit a
very pleasing odour and the plant is of very
attractive appearance. This Andropogon is the
source of Indian Geranium oil.

Artaibotrys odoratissimus is another swe|et
scented plant that needs a warm house, being a
native of the Malayan Islands. It forms an
evergreen shrub and produces its Apple-scented,
i eddish -hi own flowers in terminal racemes. II". T.

TREES AND SHRUBS.

HAMAMELIS.
The mild weather prevailing at the time of
writing, and for the past few weeks has been
very favourable for the development of the
flop, era of the Witch -Hazels. Four species —
II. arborea, II. japonica, H. mollis, and II.
\ emails, and one variety, Zuccariniana, are at
present in flower; while H. virginiana blossoms

as many leaves usually remain on thd
plants until early spring, C. rotundifolia is
best described as a semi-evergreen -species. The
flowers are white, tinted with pink, not con-
spicuous among the rather small Box-
like leaves. The particular" season of beauty is
wrhen the bushes are in fruit, for the latter are
fairly large, half-inch long, Pear-shape, and in
colour a brilliant sealing-wax red. Besides form-
ing freely, the fruits remain in good condition on
the plants until February or March, as they are
the last of the Cotoneaster fruits taken by the
birds. C. rotundifolia is most effective when
planted in groups, either in the shrubbery
borders, or a large bed in the pleasure grounds.
With the mid-winter sun glistening on the fruits
the bushes are particularly attractive.

Cotoneasters may be propagated by seeds and
cuttings, the latter made of half-ripened shoots
during July and August, inserted in a slightly
heated propagating frame; or ripened shoot*
may be inserted in a cold frame in October or
November. ^-1 . 0.

Fig. 53. — wistaria chinensis flowering

TERRACE WALL.

in autumn. Of these, H. mollis, the Chinese
Witch-Hazel, is the best and most showy species
when in flower, wliile in leaf in summer the
bushes are distinct and attractive. In the
pleasure grounds at the present time the
Hainamelis, with their deliriously fragrant flowers
and narrow- twisted or hooked yellow petals, are
unsurpassed. Being deciduous, the bushes are
particularly showy with an evergreen back-
ground.

The least known species is H. vernahs, a native
of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Missouri, introduced
to Kew from the Arnold Arboretum in 1910. It
may perhaps be best described as a Januarv and
February flowering H. virginiana. The new
introduction will be sought after for collections,
but as a decorative and showy species it is in-
ferior to the Asiatic species.

The usual method of propagation is grafting
under glass in spring, using H. virginiana as the
stock. Seeds ripen during some seasons, and
these should he sown as soon as ripe, but ger-
mination may take a year or more. H. mollis
ripened seeds at Kew during 1914. The Witch
Hazels thrive in a moderately light, loamy soil,
with a. little leaf-mould or peat immediately
around the plants.

COTONEASTER ROTUNDIFOLIA.

The. species rotundifolia is perhaps
the most useful shrub in the Cotoneaster
family. It forms a spreading bush Four
feel to six feet or more in height-, and.

WISTARIA CHINENSIS

China has enriched our gardens with a wealth
of beautiful flowering plants, but none is more
hands,, in,- or more generally cultivated than the
Wistaria, which was introduced so long ago as
1816. The plant is ver\ long lived, ana the fine
specimen on the wall in the Chiswick Gardens,
raised (probably by layering) from one of the
first specimens imported, is~ well within the
recollection of many. Age only seems to cause
greater freedom of flowering,' as witness the
many fine examples of old plants on garden
buildings and walls, which each season are
draped with the long racemes of bluish-lavender
blossoms, forming one ,,! the most attractive
features in their season.

The long, rambling shoots lend themselves
admirably to trailing and entwining among
balustrades of low containing walls, such a.s is
seen in the accompanying illustration, which
shows the terrace "all at Paddockhurst, Sussex.
furnished with the plant in bloom. In some
seasons the Wistaria develops a second crop of
flowers late in llie summer, funning a succession
to t hose ,,l' May and June.

It will be noticed also that this plant is used
as a climber against the wall of the ailja.vnt
building, where it is flowering freely.

Besides those purposes, the Wistaria, is a good
subject for pot cultivation and it often Forms
part of the decoration of the " Japanese "
garden, where il is usually associated with pools
or si reams, a fine effect being produced when
the shoots hang down over the water.

132

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Mar™ 13, 1920.

THE FUTURE OF THE POTATO CROP.

(Continued from p. 120.)
So far as one can gather. Champion
was not exactly the kind of Potato
required, tat inasmuch as the variety
was resistant to the disease, it 'became
popular with the farmers, for they were able to
grow good, sound crops with the minimum of
risk. Breeders of Potatos then set to work to
produce varieties suitable for market purposes,
but which, like Champion, retained resistancy
to disease. Magnum Bonum, introduced by my
own firm in 1876, Schoolmaster, Up-to-Date
and Maincrop, and many other excellent varieties
possessing these qualities, became popular, and.
as these wore out, their places nee taken bj
such newer introductions as May Queen, Epicure,
British Queen, Abundance, President, King
Edward and Arran Chief. Many of these.
though in possession of factors rendering them
resistant to blight, lacked others which rendered
them highly susceptible to another parasite
which produces wart disease.

The first time this disease was brought to my
notice was in the autumn of 1898, when a case
was reported to me by the late Mr. W. Kerr, of
Dumfries, though the plant was grown on the

The disease is exceedingly virulent, ex-
ceedingly contagious, and no cure has yet been
found for it; perhaps it will prove incurable.
Infection may be carried on the soles of the boot,
and probably a great deal of contagion has been
conveyed hi this way. On that account I some-
times, indeed, fear that the presence of so many
experts on the poisoned soil at the Ormskirk
trials from all parts of the country may itself
be a danger, though whether the Ministry of
Agriculture would be successful if they applied
to the Treasury for a grant to enable* them in
provide a few hundred pairs of boots or goloshes
for the use of visitors to Ormskirk is perhaps
open to doubt ! It is also likely that the disease
has been spread and will to some extent continue
I ci be spread as the result of the conveying of
irnckloads of Potatos from infected districts; for
it is for all practical purposes impossible either
In retain railway tricks for the use of immune
varieties grown in clean areas, or to cleanse
these trucks sufficiently to ensure that the next
consignment may not be infected by the tubers
carried on a previous journey.

During the past summer Mr. Snell has been
conducting a valuable series of experiments with
insecticides and preparations of various kinds to
secure non-immune Potatos from attack on in-
fected land, but I understand that so far his

Fig. 54. — potato kekr's pink.

Cheshire side of the Mersey, neat Liverpool.
Probably, however, the Ministry of Agriculture
are acquainted with earlier instances of its
appearance.

About 1907 it began to cause alarm, and in
1908 the Board of Agriculture wisely carried out
exhaustive inquiries, arid Mr. Oough, one of
their inspectors, noted that varieties like Snow-
drop, Conquest, Langworthy and Golden Won-
der were not only resistant, but were never in-
fected with the disease. This discovery marks
an important stage, and led the Board to insti-
tute trials from which there developed a piece
of experimental work by Mr. Malthouse in
Shropshire, and Mr. Snell, in Lancashire, which
saved the whole situation, and incidentally raised
the Potato industry of Great Britain to the first
rank in the world. Practically all varieties of
Potatos in commerce were tested, the result
showing the startling fact that over one hundred
are immune to Wart Disease, some of the more
important being Dargill Early, Arran Comrade,
Great Scot, Tinwald Perfection, White City.
Kerr's Pink (Fig. 54), Majestic and Abundance.
During the period 1909 1915 hundreds of acres
of Potato land in this country became infected
with this disease.

' A ',-ajier rend by Mr. Martin IT. F. Sutton,
P ^.ri., at a Meeting of tin- Farmers' Club on Monday-,
2nd February, 1020.

efforts in this direction ha\e proved unavailing.
' The researches of the Ministry of Agriculture
have, however, given to the farmer the solution
of the ptoblem, for even if his hinds are abso-
lutely poisoned with the disease, or situated in
a suspicious district, he need not despair.

The following table will give an indication of
how far it is at present possible to replace the
more popular Potatos which succumb to Wart
Disease with varieties which ate immune: —

Non-Immunes.

Immunes.

May Queen

Dargill Early.

Duke of York

Edzell Blue

First •
Earlies

Express

(see Fig. 55)
Snowdrop

Eclipse

Witch Hill

L

Epicure

S ut t oil's Ashlcaf

r

British Queen

Great Scot

1

Royal Kidney

Ally

Second -J

Edinburgh Castle

Arran Comrade

Earlies

Queen Mary

King George

I

The Colleen

Sutton's Early

Market

r

Arran Chief

Abundance

Main-

Up-to-Date

Majestic

crop -i

King Edward

Kerr's Pink-

I

Factor

Tinwald Perfection

L

President

White City

I ha.ve already referred to the discovery of
immunity made by Mr. Gough in the year 1908,
and I should like at tins stage to call your atten-
tion to its extraordinarily interesting nature.
Plant diseases are legion, and many eminent men
are doing invaluable work in ascertaining their
causes and suggesting preventive measures, with
considerable success; as a result, the Ministry
of Agriculture has published a large number of
h-aRets which are of gireat assistance to the
grower of farm plants, fruit trees, vegetables and
other plants of all kinds possessing characteristics
of more or less value to the nation. For many
years hybridists have been devoting their ener-
gies to the production of Potatos capable of
resisting the ravages of the ordinary Potato
disease, Phylopthora infestans, and much good
work has been done in this direction. Some of
us have fairly clear ideas as to the lines upon
which such work should be conducted with the
best prospect of success. In the case of Wail
IhVi-ase, however, we find ourselves confronted,
as a result of this discovery, with a circumstance
which, so far as I am aware, is practically
unique, for varieties are constantly being pro-
duced which are not merely resistant, "but
absolutely immune to attack. I do not think it
is possible to resist this conclusion; you may
plant an immune variety in infected soil and
surround it with plants of susceptible varieties,
and in no genuinely authenticated case, so far
.as I know, has the immune variety been infected
in the slightest degree.

It has been suggested to me that a collapse
may be expected when in the course of time a
variety loses its constitution through age, but
against this has to be placed the fict that many
of the best-known immune kinds nave already
been in cultivation for many years, mtably such
Potatos as Sutton's Abundance and the Sutton
Flourball, introduced into commerce in 1886 and
1895 respectively. We may, therefore, I think,
consider that point settled.

An equally important question both to the
grower and the hybridiser is: What constitutes
immunity? Here, unfortunately, at present we
have no answer to give, though we cannot doubt
that this problem will be settled in the near
future. We all probably have our tlieories, and
many of us are engaged in research work for the
elucidation of this mystery. I venture to hold
the opinion that when it is solvrd it will be far
easier to produce immune varieties of great merit
than i^ the case at present.

I'l INTING IN THE FrTIUiE.

Iii the 'eighties I lie fanners, to overcome
blight, gave up growing Victorias and Regents,
and planted the resistant variety Champion. The
farmers of to-day in the Xorth-Western ami
Midland parts of England must forsake their
old and perhaps favourite kinds and grow tjio
immune varieties. There is no other safe com sr
for them to adopt, and no other which would
be fair to their neighbours with the clean lands
in the Eastern Counties. The plain is the only
one which the community as a whole could
accept.

Apart, therefore, from the regulations of the
Government, this change will take place in the
future. At present fully 95 per cent, of the
disease in England and Wales is confined to land
lying north of a line drawn from the fl umber to
the Bristol Channel, and any regulations made
by any Government Department would be for
the purpose of keeping the disease within these
limits. Most growers in this infected part natur-
ally take advantage of the researches mentioned,
but there are others who might be inclined
to keep varieties producing diseases every year
irrespective to the danger to others. Regula-
tions are made to prevent this. The important
Potato industry of the Home and Eastern
Counties is practically clean, and growers there
are viewing with considerable anxiety the
chances of their lands becoming infected ; they
know of the infected lands on the West Coast,
and realise the danger of bringing Potatos
across. In the public interest, therefore, the
trade in Potatos for the future may be somewhat
controlled so that all Potatos grown in the
infected parts may be consumed therein and not
moved to the clean -areas,

March 13, 1920. j

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

133

Wart Diseasevas Affecting Extort.

Owing to the existence of wart disease, foreign
nations are making regulations for the purpose
of preventing the introduction of infected seed
Potatos from this and other countries. There is no
doubt that foreign countries are anxious to secure
,our varieties, and the desire will increase pro-
vided the Potatos can be obtained from clean
lands. This is another reason why stronger
efforts must be made to keep the clean lands
from becoming infected. It could; Ibe accom-
plished by the wholesale planting of immune
sorts at once, but farmers with cJean lands are
not ready for the change, seeing that varieties
-such as May Queen, Ninetyfold, Epicure, British
■Queen, King Edward, Evergood and Arran
•Chief give such excellent results.

Taking a broad view, it is distinctly a danger-
ous practice to continue planting any variety
which shows any special susceptibility to the
disease. Statistics of the Ministry of Agricul-
ture show that the bulk of fresh cases of this
•disease occurring in the clean districts are on
A roan Chief; the experiments of the Ministry of
Ormskirk also show that Arran Chief and
Cumberland Ideal are more susceptible to the
disease than others. This being the case, these
two varieties will soon go out of cultivation,
and the sooner growers in the Eastern Counties
.give them up the better.

Rapid changes are at all times difficult to
•effect without causing disturbance, and even
disastrous results. Raisers of Potatos must
review the whole subject carefully and produce
the kinds required. The right Potato must
possess the fine shape and cropping powers of
the Up-to-Date, with tho resistance to blight of
the Sutton Flourball and the immunity of a
■Golden Wonder.

\To be concluded.)

THE BULB GARDEN.

VEGETABLES.

SUMMER LETTUCES.

Lettuces are in demand throughout the
summer, so that it is necessary to keep up a.
succession. The hotter the weather, the greater
is the demand for Lettuces and the more diffi-
cult it becomes to supply them, owing to the
liability of the plants to "bolt " or run to seed.
This is most likeh to happen if the plants re-
main too long in the seed-bed and are then
planted when the soil is somewhat dry. In hot
weather sowing on seed-beds should not be
done ; it is a better plan to sow the seeds
thinly in drills where the plants are to stand.
In these conditions the plants are able to bear
drought, provided the roots have a cool, rich
medium. In the latter case seeds should he
■sown at the bottom of a fairly wide drill, drawn
about two inches deep ; the plants are then
grown in a shallow trench, so that they get
the full advantage of showers. Should the
soil be dry at the tune of sowing, the drill can
be filled with water an hour or so in advance,
no watering being done after sowing. This
plan ensures rapid germination, even in the
■driest of weather. If good seed he used it can
be sown quite thinly, as nearly all v/Ul ger-
minate, and it is an advantage to have as little
thinning to do as possible. The plants re-
moved in thinning may be set elsewhere if re-
curred. If tire soil is dry and transplanting is
done, holes should be made in advance and
filled with water, the plants being put in -when
the moisture has drained away.

Frequent small sowings made as described
will give a succession of Lettuces throughout
the summer with little trouble. Large sowings
axe not advisable, as the crop is soon over in
hot weather. The growing crop benefits much
from constant hoeing and from the occasional
use of liquid manure, or, failing that, a very
light top-dressing of nitrate of soda.

The Cos varieties are generally most appre-
ciated in summer, and of these, 'Sutton's Non-
such and Peerless are as good as any. The first-
named is a medium grower, but very solid ;
Peerless is large and a grand summer Cos
variety- If a Cabbage variety is wanted, Ideal
will be found satisfactory. James A. Paice.

LILIUM SPECIOSUM.

This Lily, which is represented 'by several
varieties, must be regarded as the best all round
Lily that flowers during late summer and early
autumn. Prior to the war, immense quantities
of the bulbs were sent to this country from
Japan when in a dormant state, but this season
comparatively few have been received. Such
being the case, it will be necessary to take care
of those that have flowered, and grow them on
for another season. This was not always done
when bulbs .were plentiful and cheap, a fre-
quent practice being to depend upon fresh
importations each year.

Lilium speciosum may be put to a variety of
uses. It is invaluable for the embellishment of
the greenhouse or conservatory, for it flowers
when many of the summer flowering occupants
of these structures are on the wane. The plants
may be placed out of doors during summer and
taken under glass just as the earliest blossoms
are on the point of expanding, if desired to
have them in flower earlier, they may be grown
entirely in the greenhouse.

L. speciosum and L. iongiflorum are the two
best species for retarding purposes. By this means

bulbs of Lilium speciosum, then known as L.
lancifolium, from Holland, as, though originally
a native of Japan, it rapidly increased under
cultivation by the Dutch. The Japanese forms
sent over within recent years have given flowers
much superior in size and colouring to those
grown in Holland.

Of coloured sorts, the best are Melpomene
and ru-brum magnificum, in both of which the
flowers are deep carmine, edged with white.
Not all the coloured forms from Japan are of
equal merit, for individual differences among
them are many. In those from Holland, the
names of purpureum, roseum, and rubrum, seem
to be used indiscriminately, for there is often
no difference between them. I have heard the
suggestion made that the form with green stems
should be known as roseum and the dark
coloured one as ruibrum. This differentiation
cannot, however, be relied on, as occasionally
some of the green stemmed plants bear flowers
deeper in hue than the dark tinted ones.

One variety that I have never obtained among
the many thousands of Japanese bulbs I have
flowered is the punctatum of the Dutch, with an
almost white ground, dotted in a varying degree
with deep pink. It is of a more delicate con-
stitution than the others, and the anthers are
yellowish.

Fig. 55.-

flowers may be had practically all the year
round, and they are extremely useful for various
decorative purposes. When potting the bulbs
of Lilium speciosum, it should be borne in mind
that it is one of those Lilies which produces
roots from the base of the stem as it continues
to grow. For this reason, when the bulbs are
being potted, enough space should be left to
allow of a liberal top-dressing as the stem roots
develop.

The value of Lilium speciosum in the outdoor
garden may be considered next. It is not one
of those species that will hold its own in ordinary
soil and improve year by year, but, grown in
good loamy soil of a sandy nature and quite
free from stagnant moisture during the winter, it
will do well. In the open ground it should be
planted in a fairly sunny spot, for if much shaded
the blossoms are later in opening, and are apt
to be disfigured in the event of heavy rains and
cold nights. The bulbs should be planted so
that there are fully six to eight inches of soil
above their apices. If the soil of the garden is
somewhat adhesive the bulbs may be embedded
in a little clean silver sand.

Varieties are numerous, and the names
that have been applied to them are far more
numerous. Time was when we obtained all OUT

EI1ZELL BLUE.
133.)

The best white flowered form is Kraetzeri,
which was formerly sent here in very large num-
bers from Japan. The firm, compact bulb is of a
yellowish tint, while the pale green, pointed
leaves are very thickly arranged on the stems.
The flowers, the segments of wliich
reflex in a regular manner, are pure
white, except for a greenish stripe wliich
extends about half way down the centre of each
segment. The anthers are chocolate coloured,
while in the nearly related album novum they
are clear yellow. This last named has rather
more massive petals of a purer white than those
of Kraetzeri. Another white flowered form is the
Dutch album, with very deeply coloured bulbs,
while the foliage is dark green and the stems,
as well as the exterior of the buds, are heavily
tinged with chocolate. When first expanded the
flowers are pure white, except, for a small
greenish star in the centre, but after a few days'
sunshine the petals frequently become slightly
tinged with pink. The segments, too, reflex in a
very irregular manner. There are a couple of
varieties, one white, and the other coloured, with
fasciated stems, grown in Holland. They are
known as corymbiflorum or monstrosum, and
are of no value from an ornamental point of
view. W. T.

134

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[March 13. 1920.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

[The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for
the opinions expressed by correspondents.]

Birds and Buds (see p. 95). — I think more is
.accounted to the sparrow in destroying fruit buds
than it deserves. If Mr. Boyes will make
observations early in the autumn, lie will find
that chaffinches are the culprits. In my own
case these birds did not even wait for the leaves
to fall, but began to take the buds the third
week in October, and now I notice that tits are
destroying the Pear blossoms H. Teatherton.

Silver-Leaf Disease.— Interest in this disease
is certain not to wane, and since in a recent
issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle it was
stated that it occurs in South Africa and New
Zealand, I would ask correspondents in those
countries to provide further definite information.
It would be interesting to know, whether it is
precisely Stereum purpureum that produces
Silver-leaf in their countries, or whether some
other fungus might not be responsible there.
There need be very little difficulty about deter-
mining what is responsible. If a branch or
a tree has Silver-leaf, and dying back produces
a crop of anything like Stereum, or even perhaps
any fungus, it would be easy to know what to
expect and it would require very little scientific
experiment to determine with certainty the rela-
tion between them. R. Irwin Lynch, V.M.H.,
Torquay.

Club Root in Brassicas. — As a remedy for Club
root and maggot in Brassicas, I place a shovel-
ful of garden soil in a pail, add 1 lb. of red
lead, mix the two well together and then add
half a shovelful each of soot and slack lime.
These ingredients should be mixed and water
added to make the whole into a thick paste. If
the soil is of a light nature, cow dung could be
added to make the material adhesive. The mix-
ture should be well stirred before the roots of
Brassica seedlings are dipped in it as they are
taken from the seed bed, or the red lead will sink
to the bottom of the pail. Last season we had
no rain from the middle of March until the end
of June, but no plants were lost from Club
disease or maggot infestations. Gardeners are
frequently advised to plant out Brassicas in
showery weather; I prefer to plant in dry
weather, and then water the plants thoroughly
each day for the first week or two. A lad or
strong girl can do a vast amount of watering
in an afternoon if the water supply is handy. I
raise my early Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflowers
in boxes, but never lift them out with a ball
of soil ; they are pulled out as from an outdoor
seed bed. This practice may check them for a
few days, but if the plants are well watered
they soon grow freely and are not troubled with
Club disease and maggots. II'. Chitty, Sennotee
■ Park, Guht, Norfolk.

Popularity of Large Chrysanthemum Blooms.—
The interest in large exhibition flower? of
Chrysanthemums is small. In bygone days I
had a severe attack of what was known as
" 'Mum fever"; it was a pleasant malady, and
I hope there will soon be an outbreak of it and
that it will spread widely. Personally, I am
of opinion that circumstances prevent a revival
of the once great popularity of large blooms.
Mr. Harman Payne (see p. 87( refers to the
immense crowds which attended the N.C.S.
shows at the Royal Aquarium, Westminster:
undoubtedly they came to see the large flowers,
and other crowds visited the principal shows all
over the country up to within a few years prior
to the great war. But the interest had waned
and was still waning prior to this period. Old
growers dropped out and young ones were not
forthcoming, or only in a very limited number.
Doing away with "boards *' was said to be the
cause of diminished interest, but I doubt it. To
produce a fine exhibit entails considerable labour
and much patience and expense. Gardeners
work fewer hours than previously, and in many
gardens expenditure on labour has been greatly
reduced. The newly rich have not yet attained
to an interest in 'horticulture. To produce the
large show flowers means a considerable expense
for fuel alone. The cost of packing-cases,
carriage, and fares is very different from what

it was iu previous days, to say nothing of other
items! I regret to have to say it, but I can-
not reasonably anticipate a revival of interest in
big Japanese blooms. Personally, I am pinning
my faith to the single- flowered section, and the
public taste seems to be in this direction. At
the chow held in Birmingham last autumn, the
most ta.*ked-of exhibit was a vase of singles put
up by Mr- Leo Thomson, of Liverpool. W. J.
Godfrey.

Snowy or White Fly. — I have been looking
forward with interest to answers to Mr. E.
Beckett's appeal for some efficient method of
exterminating this terrible pest. Without doubt
it is very much on the increase, especially in
Tomato houses, and a remedy will be most wel-
come. The most effectual time to adopt remedial
measures is during the early part of the year —
January and February — when the temperature in
the houses is generally low, and the mature insects,
not so active, are more easily destroyed. At this
period fumigate the houses three times with XL
All Compound, missing three nights between
each fumigation, and keeping the houses as cool
as possible. After fumigating, spray all plants,
wails, etc., with Katakilla, which will not injure
tender foliage and appears to me the best insec-
ticide to use. During 1918 we experienced a bad
attack of White Fly in the Tomato houses, but
by aPplyinS the above remedies energetically
the pest was nearly 5- tamped out, very few in-
sects appearing in 1919. W. Chislett, Hill
Hill Gardens, Wokingham.

Professor Lefroy's method of conquering

White Fly, given on p. 96, is amusing if
nut effective. I am afraid some of the Hies
would refuse to be carried out with the Beans.
Rome years ago, a friend who called on me had a
few Tomato cuttings in his hand. I saw a soli-
tary White Fly take wing from the cuttings,
but how many more escaped I do not know. My
plants, which were clean of the pest up to that
time, wei;3 soon infested. I have not been
troubled with the pest for some years now, be-
cause I grow nothing in the winter which would
keep it alive. According to my experience, it
is easily got rid of. It cannot stand fumigation
if sufficient fumes of nicotine reach it. As soon
as the liquor begins to boil the flies fall to the
ground, and the fumes which reach them are not
sufficiently strong to kill, but if sprayed with a
nicotine wash while still on the gitmnd and
rather unhappy, they quickly succumb. Nico-
tine wash applied with a syringe will also kill
all the eggs it reaches, but on? cannot be sure
of reaching all of them, so that the best plan
is to follow up the fumigating and spraying the
ground under the plants for a week, by which
time, if the weather is fairly warm, hatching
will be finished. In a hot season, this insect, or
one closely allied to it, may be seen on many
outdoor plants, so that it is necessary to keep
n. watch on the Tomatos. TTm.. Taylor.

Scientific and Technical Books. — One part of
the descriptive catalogue of the British
Scientific Products Exhibition, organised by the
British Science Guild last year, was devoted to
selected lists of books on Science and Technology.
The Guild has been asked to extend these lists
so as to include not only all branches of science
— both biological and physical — but also the chief
technical subjects. It has undertaken to do
this; and a committee, of which I am chairman,
Ins been appointed to prepare such a catalogue.
The lists will be limited to books of British
origin actually in current catalogues of the pub-
lishers, so that they can be obtained in the usual
way through booksellers. School books and
elementary manuals will not be included, and
the general standard will be that of college
courses in scientific and technical subjects, or of
works' libraries. Each list will be submitted to
authorities upon the subject with which it deals,
but in order to secure that no important work
is omitted, the committee invites the assistance
of everyone interested in its task. Such aid may
be afforded bv sending (to the British Science
Guild. 6. John Street. Adelphi, London. W.C.2)
lists or single titles of British books of standard
value or proved worth in any branch of science
or industry. 7?. A. Gregory.

SOCIETIES.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.

March 9. — The exhibition in connection with
the meeting held on the foregoing date was »
splendid one and crowds of Fellows and visitors
took advantage of the bright and brisk spring-,
weather to visit the Royal Horticultural Hall in>
Vincent Square. Orchids, Hyacinths, Daffodils,
Alpines, Carnations, flowering shrubs, Apples
and home-grown Oranges were the leading
features oi the exhibition. Novelties were fairly
numerous. The Rev. J. Jacob's small group of
new Freesias, some of them showing deep pink
and red shades of colour, was one of tha most
interesting of the many exhibits, as it indicated
great progress in the evolution of a coloured,
race of Freesias.

Floral Committee.

Present .' Messrs- H B. May (in the chair),.
C. Williams, W. J. Bean, John Green, G.
Reuthe, J. W. Barr, R- C. Notcutt, J as- Hud-
son, H. Cowley, John Heal, Geo. Harrow, J. W.
Moorman, C- R. Fielder, J- F. McLeod, W.
Howe. J. Jennings, W. H. Page, Clarence-
Elliott, John Dickson, C. Dixon, Arthur Turner-
E. H. Jenkins, Reginald Cory, W- R. Dykes,.
Chas- E. Pearson, Chas. E. Shea, E- F. Hazel-
ton, W. P. Thomson, J. T. Bennett Poe, H. R-
Darlington and George Paid.

Awards of Merit.

Freesia Rosebud — This charming variety has-
shapely flowers and produces them on sturdy
stems. The colour is white, tinged with pink,
with rose-pink tips to the three lower segments
and a blotcli of yellow on the central lower
petal. Shown by Rev. J. Jacob, Whitchurch.

Freesia Quakeress. — A showy variety, with
bright, rosy lilac flowers, the three lower seg-
ments being of a deeper and richer tone with.
a pale yellow blotch on the middle segment.
Shown by Rev- J. Jacob.

Rhododendron calophyllum. — This fine species
was represented by a flowering growth bearing
one large head of nineteen broadly campanulate
flowers. The colour is blush pink, with a deeper
flush on the outer side, and a few veinings of
the deeper shade. In all the flowers examined
there was a deep chocolate-red blotch in tne
lower part but only occupying one-half
of the base — as though pushed to one side. The-
deep-green leaves are about 10 inches long.
Shown by Mr- Reuthe.

Helleborus Gertie. — A showy Lenten Rose..
with broad flowers coloured deep rose and
speckled with red.

Helleborus Ena — A large-flowered variety, the-
cream-coloured filaments contrasting finely with
the dar"k, reddish-crimson of the broad segments.

These two Lenten Roses were shown r>y
Adeline Duchess of Bedford (gr. Mr. C.
Dixon, Chenies).

Primula denticulata magnifica — A very fine-
and robust strain of this popular Primula. The
flowers were large and the colouring bright and
varied. Shown by Messrs. Bakers.

Groups.

A magnificent group of Hyacinths, arranged
by Messrs. Sutton and Sons, was one of the-
features of the meeting. The whole of one
length of tabling was filled with handsome
spikes of leading varieties, groupeu in circular
mounds in a setting of small Ferns and Berberis
foliage. Some of the combinations were delight-
ful, notably King of the Blues with the pale
blue Schotel; the rosy Queen of the Pinks with
the vellow City of Haarlem ; Corregio, white.
with Enchantress. p»le bbw: an' the dpvt< Kine
of the Blues with the vellow City of Haarlem
(Gold Medal)-

Messrs. Allwood Brothers' display of Car-
nations was an artistic one- Against a back-
ground of black velvet, this firm disposed abo'it
fifty vases of varying heights, filled with hand
some flowers of Wivelsfield Apricot. Red^ May
Day, Mary Allwood, Wivelsfield Beauty, Wivels-
field' Claret (very fine), Jessie Allwood. Kosf
Pink Enchantress and other varieties (Silver-

March 13, 1920.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

135

■Gilt Mora Medal). — The corner group ot flower-
ing plants oi' perpetual Carnations, exhibited by
C. A. Cain, Esq. (gr. Mr. T. Pateman), The
Node, W.elwyn, was in a rather out-of-the-way
place, nevertheless the fine blooms came in for
a fair share of admiration (Silver Banksian
Medal)

Mr. C. Enc.elmann's contribution of Carna-
tions was a large one and the blooms were in
fine condition- Of Lady Northcliffe, Carola,
Delice, Saffron, White Wonder and Peerless there
were very large vases of blooms (Silcer-Gilt
Flora Medal). — Messrs. Stuart Low and Co.
were also exhibitors of Carnations, and in their
group the perpetual Malmaison variety, Hugh
Low, was an outstanding feature (Silver Bank-
' sian Medal). — Messrs- K. Luxford and Co. had
.a pretty group of Carnations, and made a special
feature of blooms of White Wonder, Mrs- E. \V.
Ward, Aviator and Enchantress (Bronze Bank-
sian Medal).

Messrs. G. G- Whitelegg's rock garaen pro-
vided a great attraction for lovers of alpine
flowers; on this occasion it was furnished with
Morisia hypogaea, Primula kashmeriana, Myo-
.sotis Ruth Fischer, Iris pumila exeelsa, Saxi-
fraga eorreaphylla and Viola graeca (Silver Flora
Medal). — Messrs. Pipers arranged a little gar-
den, with roughly paved pathway and steps.
The background consisted of shrubs, and clipped
shrubs were used in the foreground- Most of
the colouring was provided by Aubrietias
planted in rockwork on both sides of the steps
(Silver Grenfell Medal).

Messrs- R. Tucker and Son showed a fine
selection of choice Saxifragas, together with
Draba dmlbricata, Morisia hypogaea, Iberis
stylosa and Primula Juliana (Bronze Banksian
Medal). — Mr. J. J. Kettle's Violets were
.scarcely so fine as on previous occasions, neverthe-
less visitors crowded round his fragrant group
(Bronze Banksian Medal). — Mr. G. W. Miller
again contributed a display of spring flowers,
and showed Polyanthuses, Primroses, Tulips and
Adonis (Silver Grenfell Medal).

Mr. G. Reuthe showed many interesting plants,
his Rhododendrons being especially attractive,
notably R. calophyllum, carrying a large head of
pale-pink flowers (Bronze Banksian Medal). —
Messrs- J. Cheal and Sons showed flowering
sprays of various Promises and Cydonias, Prunus
Pissaxdii being the most attractive subject. —
Forced Lilacs, Wistarias and Forsythias were
grouped ■with Ferns and Palms by Messrs. Wm.
Cutbush and Son (Silver Grenfell Medal). — The
Mollis Azaleas exhibited by Messis. R- and G.
Cuthbert provided a patch of brilliant yellow
and orange colouring and proved the value of
these shrubs for forcing (Silver Flora Medal).

Mr. L. R- Russell exhibited Azaleas, Camel-
lias and Rhododendrons and produced a fine
•effect in one corner of the hall (Bronze Banksian
Medal)-

Messrs. H. B. May and Son's group of
Genistas, Cinerarias, Hydrangeas, Cyclamens,
Ferns and Palms was rendered fragrant by
■specimens of Boronia megastigma (Silver Bank-
sian Medal). — Mr- E. J. Hicks exhibited a few
Roses, the chief varieties, all beautifully shown,
Iieing Princess Mary, Mdm. E. Herriot, Climbing
Lady Hillingdon and Queen of the Belgians
(Silver Banksian Medal). — Messrs. W. Artin-
dale and Son exhibited cut flowers of their
•capital strain of Primula obconica.

Orchid Committee
Present: Sir Harry ,T. Veiteh (in the chair),
Messrs- Jas. O'Brien (lion, sec), Wm. Bolton,
W. H. White, Arthur Dye, Gurney Wilson,
R. A- Rolfe, J- Charlesworth, Fred K. Sander.
S. W. Flory, J. E. Shill, W. J. Kaye, E. R.
Ashton, R. Brooman-White, T- Armstrong, A
McBean. and Frederick J. Han bury.

AWARDS.

First-Class Certificate-
Oypripedium Florence Spencer Chardwcir
variety (Memoria Jerninghamiae x Actacus
Zanqleyense) , from Messrs. Armstrong and
Brown, Orchidhurst, Tunbridge Wells. An
addition to the class comprising C. aureum Sur-
prise and C. Actaeus Bianca. The broad, snow-
white dorsal sepal, with small yellowish base,
as superior to that of other varieties in its broad,

square development, and in its beautiful wax-
like texture- The broad pietals and lip are pale-
yellow, with a slight rose shade, and some darn
spotted lines appear on the upper parts of the
petals.

Sophro-Laelio-Cattleya Meuse car. magnified
{L.-C. callistoglossa x S.-L.-C. Marathon), from
Messrs. J. and A. McBean, Cooksbridge, Sussex
A very handsome and richly coloured flower of
fine shape- Sepals bright reddish-rose. Lip
dark rose, with a glowing crimson centre and
yellow disc.

Preliminary Commendation.
Odontoglossum Hymen (Lambardeanum x
Mars), from Messrs- Armstrong and Brown.
A fine continuation of their violet-tinted Mars
hybrids, with broad segments- of dark reddish-
violet colour, with slight white lines and margin

Cultural Commendation-
To Mr. Farnes, Orchid grower to Pantia
Ralli, Esq.. for a finely-grown plant of a good,
rose tinted form of Cymbidium Alexanderi As'h-
tead Park variety.

Other Exhibits.

Messrs- Armstrong and Brown were awarded
a Silver Flora Medal for a large group composed
principally of fine Odontoglossums, Odontiodas,
Cypripediums, and Laelio-Cattleyas. New
hyorids in the centre of the group were Odonto-
glossum W. E. Bisset var. majestica (crispum
Mossiae x Mars), wholly dark mahogany-red,
with white margin ; Odontioda Colinge var.
Virginity (Odm. crispum x Oda. Coronation), a
model flower, in shape like a large 0. Pescatorei,
and of fine substance, pure white with a cluster
of claret blotches on the sepals ; Oda. Daunt-
less (Oda. Coronation x Odm. Armstromgii), a
bold flower with the inner parts dark violet and
the tips and margins white; Oda. Juno var.
Neatness, an advance on Oda. Coronation ; and
some specially good Dendrobiums.

Messrs. Charlesworth and Co., Haywards
Heath, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a
very effective group rich in showy Odontoglos-
sums and Odontiodas, among the latter being
Odontioda Ma-nora (C. Noezliana X Oda. Coro-
nation), a fine example of again using the original
colour-species (Cochlioda Noezliana) on enlarged
forms which possess inferior coloru-ing. In the
novelty the form of Oda. Coronation is improved,
but tin markings are bright scarlet derived from
C. Noezliana- Another very interesting noveltv
in the group was an Odontocidium, between Odm*.
Epicasta and Oncidium coiynephorum. with
much of the rose tint of the latter in the seg-
ments.

Messrs. Stuart Low and Co., Jarvisbrook,
Sussex, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal
for a group of showy Cattleyas. Laelio-Cattleyas
and other hybrids. The centre was of fine plants
of the large, yellow-lipped Oncidium splendidum.

Messrs- Sanders. St. Albans, were awarded
a Silver Banksian .Medal for a group with a fine
selection of hybrid Cymbidiums in the centre,
with showy Odontoglossums ajid Odontiodas

Messrs- Flory and Black, Slough, secured a
Silver Banksian Medal for a group of Odonto-
glossums and other hybrids, among which were
the new Rolfeara Ceres (B.-C. Ilene x S.-C.
Saxa), a blush white flower of good size and
shape ; and Sophro-Cattleya Venus, of reddish-
copper colour.

Baron Bruno Schroder (gr. Mr. Shill) showed
fine cut spikes of Calanthe Baron Schroder.
Dr. F. Bedford, Dovercourt, Fulford, York,
sent Brasso-C-attieya Dietrichiana var- Firmin
Laimibeau (C. Faibia x B.-C. Mrs. J. Leemann).
with rich crimson-purple flowers and superior in
colour to most other Brasso-Cattleyas : a
noble form of Odontioda Madeline, Dovercourt
variety, and other hybrids.

Pantia Ralli, Esq., Ashtead Park (Orchid
grower Mr. Fames), sent three forms of Sophro-
Laelio-Cattleya, His Majesty (S-L-C- Marathon
X C. Trianae) differing in colour from rose-
purple to red.

Narcissus and Tulip Committee.
Present: Messrs. E. A- Bowles (in flic chair),
W. F. M- Copeland, J. T- Bennett Poc, W, H.
Cranfield, G. Reuthe. li W. Leak. ,1. YV. Jones,

P. R- Barr, Geo. Churcher, H. V- Warrender,
C. Bourne, Herbert Smith, H. G. Hawker,
F. H- Chapman, W. Poupart, Reginald Cory,
W- R. Dykes and H. Backhouse, Rev- C. T.
Digby, Rev. G. H. Engleheart, Rev- J. Jacob.
Rev. Rollo Meyer, Miss Willniott and Chas. H-
Curtis (hon. seel-

Awards of Merit.

Narcissus Magnificence — A splendid large-
flowered, trumpet variety of deep golden yellow
colour. It is somewhat like N. King Alfred
in its size, strength of stem and colour, but it
differs from that variety in showing some evi-
dence of the influence of N. maximus, and also
in coming into bloom a fortnight before N-
Golden Spur when grown in similar condi-
tions. At Newcastle, Co. Down, N- Magnifi-
cence was in flower out of doors on February
17. Shown by The Donard Nursery Co.

Narcissus Mrs. Leonard Harrison — A
delightful Daffodil, derived from Narcissus
Jonquilln, x N. triandrus albus. The flowers
are pendent on stems about a foot high, and
their colour is pale sulphur yellow. The effect
of N. Jonquilla is seen in the colouring and
appreciated in the fragrance, while the shape of
the flowers and their grace come from N. trian-
drus albus A beautiful, free-flowering hybrid,
suitable for the rock garden. Shown by L- F.
Harrison, Esq., Orchards. East Grinstead.

Narcissus triandrus calathinus. — Although
this is an old plant, it appears not to have re-
ceived much recognition from Daffodil experts-
A Botanical Certificate was awarded it in 1877.
As shown in a pot, its sturdy stems carrying
several drooping flowers, cream-white and grace-
ful, it deserved a higher award, but to grant It
an award as an exhibition flower, as on this
occasion, at once raises the question of what
constitutes an exhibition flower in the opinion of
Daffodil experts. Shown by the Rev. G. H-
Engleheart.

Groups.

The Group of Daffodils exhibited by Messrs.
Barr and Sons provided a great attraction for
the majority of visitors. The blooms were
arranged in small vases on a high-pitched five-
tiered stage, consequently every flower could be
seen to advantage. Many of the varieties were
unnamed seedlings- Chief among the named
sorts were Jasper, Furnace, Battle-axe and Blaz-
ing Star, all richly coloured ; Empire, Vivian
Gosnell and Madonna, white sorts; and General
French, Yorick and King Harold, golden yellow
(Silver-Gilt Flora Medal).

A very pleasing exhibit, consisting of Tulips
and Poetaz Narcissi, grown in fibre, in fanc\r
bowls, was made by Messrs. R. H. Bath, and
was greatly admired. The flowers were very
fine. The same firm showed cut blooms of the
handsome Daffodils Croesus, Silver Dawn.
Phyllis, Homespun and Buttercup (Silver-Gilt
Banksian Medal).

Capt. Hawker, Strode. South Devon, and Mr.
F. Herbert Chapman, Rye, each showed a few
cut Daffodils-
Fruit and Vegetable Committee.

Present: Messrs. C. J. A. Nix (chairman).
E. Beckett, W- H- Divers, W. Bates, G. Wood-
ward, S. B. Dicks, P. D. Tuckett, W. J. Jet'
feries, H. Markham, A- Bullock, John Vert,
W- E- Humphreys, E. A. Bunvard, Geo. F.
Tinley. P. C. M. Yeitch, H- S. Rivers. W.
Poupart, W. Crump, 0. Thomas, G. P- Berry.
J. Harrison, Jos. Cheal, W. Wilks, F. Jordan,
anil J. Kelly.

Award of Merit.

Apple Alfriston — This well-known late
variety has several synonyms, including Shep-
herd's Pippin, Oldaker's New, and Lord
Gwydyr's Sew town Pippin. It was raised by .i
Mr. Shepherd, at I'ckfield, Sussex, but derives
its name. Alfriston. from the village of that
name, near Hailsham. Hogi; describes it as one
of the largest and best late culinary Apples-
The skin is clear, pale yellow, flushed with rose
colour on (lie side exposed to the sun: the flesh
is white, crisp, juicy and sweet. Shown by Mr.

W ClIC Ml'.

(IllOUPS.

Messrs. Bunyard's, Ltd.. Maidstone, exhibited
80 varieties of Apples, for which a Gold Medal

136

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[March 13, 1920.

was awarded- This splendid exhibit was note-
worthy for the high colour and large size of the
fruits, and included many uncommon sorts, so
that it was of more than usual interest to porao
logists. Amongst varieties which were shown
especially well we noted Calville des Femmes.
Christmas Pearmain, Farmer's Seedling, and
Reinette d'Osnabrack.

C. A- Cain, Esq., The Node, Welwyn (gr.
Mr. T- Pateman), snowed an extensive exhibit
of Apples and a few dishes of late Pears. The
fruits were selected specimens and were in fine
condition for so late in the season. (SiLver-Gilt
Kmightian Medal).

Messrs. J. Cheal and Sons, Crawley, were
awarded a Silver Knightian Medal for 45 varie
ties of Apples of such sorts as Newtown Wonder,
Adams's Pearmain, Cornish Aromatic, Nancy
Jackson, Crawley Beauty, and Bess Pool.

Messrs. T- Riveks and Son, Sawbridgeworth.
exhibited Oranges and other Citrus fruits grown
in their nursery under glass. The brilliantly-
coloured fruits, arranged with the natural foli-
age, made an attractive as well as uncommon
exhibit- The Oranges were represented by such
varieties as Achilles, St. Michael, Dom Louise,
Embiguo or Navel, Bittencourt (a late sort), and
Long Orange (notable for its rich golden colour)
(Silver Hogg Memorial Medal).

Colonel Buddotph, Grey Court, Ham Common,
was awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for an
exhibit of Cox's Orange Pippin Apple

Lady Kathleen Dhummond, Sherbourne
House, Warwick, exhibited seven varieties of
Apples, for which a Silver Banksian Medal was
awarded.

Miss Holland was awarded a Bronze Grenfell
Medal for fruits of Bess Pool Apple.

Mrs- Pulman, The Willows, Bisley, Surrey,
was awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for 12
dishes of Apples, including local varieties.

Messrs. Sutton and Sons, Reading, were
awarded a Silver Knightian Medal for an exhibit
of vegetables, in which Broccoli were of out-
standing merit- The varieties Snow White and
Superb Early White were represented by mag-
nificent heads shown in large numbers. There
were also splendid Lettuces of the Golden Ball
variety, Improved Hearting Kale, wellJblanched
heads of Chicory and Mushrooms.

©bttuarp.

James Rourke. — It is with deep regret we
announce the death of Mr. James Rourke,
assistant superintendent of the Glasgow Parks.
He died suddenly on the 1st inst., following
an attack of acute pneumonia. Mr. J. Rourke
was only 48 years of age. He was a native of
Dublin. After serving in the gardens at Rath-
more and Castle Oliver, Mr. Rourke entered the
Royal Botanic Gardens, Dublin, and afterwards
went to Kew. where he remained three years,
gaining experience, winning the esteem of the
authorities and making many friends. From
Kew he obtained an appointment as foreman in
the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, in 1897. and when
Mr. Whitton became Curator of those gardens in
1902, he a-ppointed Mr. Rourke as resident
superintendent. He proved such_ an excellent
cultivator and administrator, that in June, 1915.
he was promoted to the important position of
assistant superintendent in the Glasgow Parks.
He is survived by his wife, bwo sons and a
daughter.

J. H. Silsbury. — Many of your readers will
regret to hear of the death of Mr. James H.
Silsbury, who died at Shanklin, Isle of Wight,
on Tuesday, March 2, at the age of 58. The
names of Mr. Silsbury and Mr. Martin Silsbury,
his younger brother, are well known in the horti-
cultural world as those of raisers of some of the
finest exhibition Chrysanthemums, In business,
the Messrs. Silsbury Bros, were printers and
publishers, and one of the first firms in the Isle
of Wight to practise artistic typography ; they
won prizes for their -work in national competi-
tion. Recently Mr. James Silsbury was elected
chairman of the Isle of Wight Horticultural
Association, which holds meetings at Newport.
C. Orchard.

MARKETS.

CUTENT

GARDliX, March 9th.

Vegetables

: Average Wholesale Prices.

s.d.

s.d.

s. d. s. d

Asparagus, Knclisli

Mustard and Cress

Devon 100s ..

35 0-

—

per doz. punuets

16-20

Middlesex , ,

12 0-

15 0

Mushrooms, per lb.

2 6-30

Heans, Guernsey,

Onions, per cwt.

12 0-16 0

per lb

2 6-

3 6

Parsley, per doz.

— Worthing

2 6-

3 6

bunches

2 0-30

Beets, per bag. . .

S 0-

10 0

Parsnips, per bag

8 0-10 0

Cabbage, per doz.

2 0-

4 0

Potatos, per cwt.

12 6-10 0

Carrots, per i bag

4 0-

4 6

— Guernsey, perlb.

14-16

Cauliflower, per

Kadislies, per doz.

doz.

3 0-

6 0

bunches : .

2 0-40

Celerv, uer fan,

Rhubarb, forced

(12 heads)

3 0-

4 0

per doz

13-16

Chicory,

Seakale per punnet

2 0-23

— English, per lb.

0 3-

0 6

Spanish Onions

— Belgian ,, fl

0 5-

0 6

4 tier

17 0-18 0

Cucumbers, each

1 3-

1 9

5 tier

22 0-23 )

Garlic, per lb. . .

1 9-

2 0 Spring Onions, per

Greens, per bag . .

2 0-

2 6 ' doz. bunches . .

3 0-40

Endive, per doz.

3 0-

(i 0 Sprouts, per

French Lettuce

bag 2Slb.

2 C- 3 0

per doz

1 3-

1 9 Tnmatos, Teneriffe

— Batavia, per doz.

3 0-

3 (1 ; l:est, per bundle

30 0-40 0

Herbs, perdoz. bun.

4 0-

0 II

Turnips, per bag

7 0-80

Mint, per doz. bun. 6 0-80 Watercress,perdoz. 0

Remarks. — The improvement in business has been
steadily maintained, the demand from the provinces
being ' particularly good. The latest and heaviest ship-
ment of Cape Fruit has been practically cleared. New
nrrivaU due at mid-week are somewhat light. Home-
grown Cooking Apples in good condition are getting
dearer. Cucumbers, in view of the lower quotations
.ately ruling-, have become in better demand and prices
sliow a tendency to harden. Pines are in good condition
and, with no advices of further arrivals this side of
Easter, prices promise to be fairly firm. Canary Tomatos
..f the best marks are very scarce; severe gales in the
Canaries have practically ruined the second crop.
English Grapes are limited in supply and their prices
have an upward tendency. The last shipment of British
Columbian Apples consisting of S.O00 cases is due to
;irnv- early next week. Forced Beans are in rather
freer supplv and prices are now reasonable. Cauli-
flowers from France, Cornwall and Guernsey are
available; those from Guernsey are particularly
good. Outdoor green Vegetables are fairly plentiful
and prices are moderate. In view of the proposed control
on Potatos there is *ome uncertainty in this market,
but best, samples will remain an extremely difl&oult
trade until the finish of the season.

Out Flowers, &c. : Average Wholesale Prices.

s. d. s. d.

s. d. s.

Azalea white, per

doz. bun

Camellias, per doz.
Carnations, per doz.

blooms, best

American var.
Chrysanthemums —
— White, per doz.

blooms . .
— spray White,

per doz. bun.
Daffodils, Single,

per doz. bun. —
— Emperor
— Empress
—Golden Spur ..
— Henry Irving . .
— Pnnceps . (
— Sir Watkin . .
—Double Van Zion *\ 0
Freesia, White,

per doz. bun.
Heather, white,

per doz. bun.
Hyacinth, large

per doz. spikes
Lilium longiflorum

per bunch
Lilium speciosum,

album per bunch
— rubrum, perbun.
Lily of the Valley

per bunch
Narcissus,

Grand Prlmo, per

doz. bun.

Pheasant Eye,

per doz. bun.
Orchid'-, per doz.
— Cattleyas
— Cypripediums

per doz

6 0-70
2 6-30

3 6-60

8 0-10 0
36 0-54 0

12 0-15 0

12 0-15 0

6 0-90

3 0-40

4 0-90
10 0-12 0

9 0

3 0-60
10 0-12 0

19-20
20 0

5
4

0-
0-

5 0

2

6-

4

0

5

0-

8

0

S

0-12

0

24

0-

<S0

0

4

0-

6

0

Pelargonium, dou-
ble scarlet, per
doz. bun?. . . . 12

Richardia (Arums),
per doz. bin'?. 6 '

Roses, per doz.
bloom? —

— General . .

— Ophelia . .

— Richmond

— Sunburst

12S0-1S 0

8 0-10 0

12 0-18 0

30 0-30 0
30 0-48 0

48 0-64 0

6 0-
3 0-

Tulips, White, per

doz. bun

— Coloured var. . .
— Darwens, in

variety, perdoz,

bun.
Violets, Single

large, per doz.

bun.
— Ordinary
French Flowers —
— Allium, Star of

Bethlehem, perpad IS 0-20

-Anemones, Pink,

per doz. bun. 3 0-40

-Lilac white, per

doz. spray .. 6 0-70
—Marguerites yellow,

per doz. bun. 3 0-40
— Mimosa, per pad 8 0- 10 0
— Narcissus, Paper

White, per pad 18 0-25 0
— Banunculus.Carmine,

per doz. bun. 10 0-12 0

Scarlet .. ..10 0-12 0
— Stock double

white, per pad 8 0-12 0
— Violets, * ■

Parma, per bun. 5 0-60

Remarks.— Owing to the stoppage of supplies from
the South of France during the past week, en account
of the strike, home-gmwn flowers and those from the
Channel Islands have received more attention, and all
white blooms have sold freely at increased pnees.
Roses are now all attracting more attention, and some
excellent fine blooms of Richmond are now offered;
also some very fine coloured blooms of Sunburst and
Ophelia with' a limited quantity of Niphetos and
W Stpvpus. Small consignments of Sweet Peas, white
and coloured, are being received from home growers;
also -mall quantities of mauve Spanish Iris. AmongBt
Orchids large Cattlevas and Odontoglossums aTe very
limited supplies; the kinds which are more numerous
consist of Cypripedium

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Failure with Louise Bonne of Jersey Pear :
J. J. S. M. The best plan to secure the?
pollination of the flowers of your Louise Bonnes
of Jersey Pear tree will be to obtain a tree of
Williams' Bon Chretien and place it near the
Louise Bonne. A pot tree would be best, as
the opening" of its flowers could be controlled,,
whereas if planted in the open its blooms
would expand Iat,sr than those of the tree on
the wall.

Indoor Roses for Market Supplies : F. A. C.
If quantities of flowers are required indoors,,
the two ibest red Roses are Richmond and
Liberty* ; there is also a climbing form of both.
Duke of Edinburgh is also suitable, but does?
not give successional crops of flower. Mrs.
John Laing is an excellent pink variety for pot
culture, as the blooms may be cut with long
stems; while Mme. Abel Chatenay Rose,
sihaded salmon, is one of the best sorts for in-
door cultivation. Your best market would be-
with some local florist, as London and the large-
towns are supplied by the large trade growers.
Any local florist could tell you where you
could buy the necessary boxes, or you could
obtain them from one of the sundriesmen who
advertise in our pages.

Lily-of-the- Valley : F. A. C. Lily-of-the-
Valley is easily grown iru any good garden.
soil. The ground should be trenched, or deeply
dug, and enriched with well-rotted farmyard
manure. For convenience of gathering the
spikes the plants are best grown in beds, four
feet in width, with. a. path 12 inches to IS
inches wide between them. Plant, single crowns,
in lines six inches apart, and four inches apart
in the lines. The plants require little atten-
tion beyond keeping them clean and giving a
top-dressing of rotted manure every winter.
The beds should be in full bearing in three-
years from planting and, if well attended to,
will continue to produce good flowers for many
years. If fixst-class spikes are desired, a
number of fresh beds should be planted every
year; and the older plants, for (forcing, should
be lifted in their third and fourth year.

Names of Fruits: Cox- 1, Hormead Pear-
main ; 2, Tower of Glamis ; 3, Wilson's Pro-
lific.— B. E. : Apple, Gascoyne's Scarlet ; Pear,.
Catillac. — /. H. J. : Cheshunt Pippin. — J. H. :
1, Minchull Crab ; 2, Radford Beauty ; 3,
Imperial.— Ii.-R. T. : Wyken Pippin.— A. P. :
Probably Radford Beauty.

Names of Plants : A. P. Hoffmannia Gheis-
breghtii variegata. — E. R. : 1, Cedrus atlantica
glau'ca ; 2, Pernettya mucronata ; 3, Pieris
floribunda; 4, Berberis Darwinii. — A. P.: 2y
Ruellia Portelliae; 3, Asclepias curassavica. —
G. L. : Primus Pissardii. — Miss B. : liigustrum
ovalifolium var. auireum. ,

Registration of Local Society : W. H. S,
There is no need to register your local horti-
cultural society

Sulphate of Iron for Fruit Trees : P. Many
authorities consider that nothing is to be
gained by applying sulphate of iron as a fer-
tiliser to fruit trees. Practically all soils con-
tain the very minute quantity of iron required
by plants ; and if this is supplied in excess it
is harmful. As a general fertiliser for
Pears use two parts of superphosphate, on©
part of sulphate of ammonia and one part of
sulphate of potash. Mix thoroughly and apply
the fertiliser at the rate of 3 ozs. per
square yard, covering a space rather wader
than the spread of the branches. If farmyard
or stable manure can be obtained, this would
be much more certain in its results, and should
(be followed by an autumn or winter dress-
ing oif basic slag at the rate of 4 ozs. per square
yard. Ground carbonate of lime (chalk) would
be best for Plums growing in a light soil.

Cymbidhims. Darwin's

line, and all Lilium r.ie
Valiey continues to be

blooms are scarcer.

Dendrobium, Laeliae, and
Tulips are now a good
well supplied. Lily of the
available, but first-quality

Communications Received.— R. P. B.— F. c — H H
— D. A. B.— H. C. F.— P. R.—W. G — H. C. R.'— R. W.
— T. S.— E. T. M.— W. A.— T. L. R.— L. A.-E. P. and
Co.— P. A. R.— F. E. B.— J. E.— T.^J. M. (Chicago}—
H. C— W. G. B.-^T. D. H.— D. W.— Dr. R. (Florence).

Makch 20, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

137

THE

(&sxttmtTs Cbrrmttk

No. 1734.— SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 195.0.

CONTENTS.

Aberdeen r Chair of

Obituary —

Botany, appointment

Prime, H.

148

to

138

Stanton, George . .

148

Adonis amureusis, the

Ordnance survey maps

138

double

145

Pear scab

137

Alpine garden, the . .

140

Plants, indoor..

143

Apples, the double

Potato The Champion

145

grafting of

142

Propagation by cuttings

143

Books, notices of — ■

Relation of Botany to

Outlines of the His-

commerce

138

. tory of Botany . .

139

R.H.S. exhibition of

Cultural memoranda —

British grown fruits

137

Perennials from seed

144

Societies —

Dobson, the late Mr.

British Carnation ..

147

W. H

140

Leeds and District

Farrer's, Mr. Reginald,

Market Gardeners

148

exploration in Asia . .

142

Reading and District

florists' flowers —

Gardeners

147

Carnations, perpetual

144

Roval Hort.

147

41 Gardeners' Chronicle"

United Hort. Ben. &

seventy-five years ago

138

Prov.

147

Gardeners, the educa-

Thames Valley allot-

tion of young

145

ments

133

" Gardeners' " Horti-

Timber, Empire grown,

cultural Society

137

exhibition of

138

•Gardeners' Royal Ben.

Torquay wheelbarrow,

Inst.

137

147

Insect pests aud plant

Trade notes

148

diseases

138

Trees and shrubs —

Ireland, notes from . .

148

Lebanon Oak, the . .

130

Lazy-beds

145

Picea jezoensis

139

Linnean Society of Lon-

Pinus Thunhergii as

don

137

a shelter tree

139

London Daffodil show

137

Primus microlcpis . .

139

jvristleto, hosts of the

145

Vine Maple, the . .

1*9

Narcissus Solei! d'Or . .

145

Vegetables

145

.North of England Hort.

Weather in Scotland . .

14!i

Society

ILL1

146
JSTF

Week's work, the 140
ATIONS.

141

Begonia Polyantha

143

Carnation Wivelsfield

Whi

e

148

Kxacum ma crjiiithum

141

Lazy-bed method of grcn

ring I

145

Narcissus Magnificence

14<i

Picea jezoensis and P. j

hont

Piheum Alexandrae

142

Stanton, portrait of the

late

ieorge

148

Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week
deduced from observations during the last fifty
years at Greenwich, 41.8°.

Actual Temperature: —

Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street,
Covent Garden, London, Wednesday, March 17, 1920,
10 a.m. : Bar. 2!).!), temp. 55°. Weather— Dull.

The spring climate of the
Pear humid sections of the Pacific

Scab. North West of the United

States (parts of Oregon and
Washington) is very similar to that experi-
enced in most parts of this country, and in
these humid districts as in ours, Pear scab,
due to the attack of the fungus Venturia
pirini is common and often causes severe
losses to growers. With their usual thorough-
ness, the United States Department of
Agriculture have made special investiga-
tion* into the incidence of Pear scab in the
Pacific North-West, which shows that the
factor which determines the provocation of
scab is atmospheric and soil humidity — par-
ticularly Spring humidity- In the arid
regions of the Pacific North-West, Pear scab
does not occur, but where the climate is
humid and Spring rainfall abundant, it is
universally present, and unless spraying is
resorted to, the fruit is severely attacked and
damaged. The reasons for these facts are,
first, that infection occurs chiefly in the
Spring; blossom infection taking place at
any time from the first opening of the tuds
until a month after full flowering ; second,
that for infection to take place, two con-
secutively wet days are required — a state of
affairs unfortunately common in Spring.
Failing 48 hours during which a water film
covers the surface of the flowers, etc., the
spores do not infect the tree; third, the spores
causing Spring infection are produced by the
fungus wintering in f-illen leaves as well as
in diseased twigs, and in a wet climate, the
fungus produces its Spring crop of spores

* Published in Farmers' JtuUttin 1056, U.S.A. Dei.l.
of Ajrric.

at the time of flowering of the Pear, dis-
charging them into the air, whence, settling
in the flower or other part of the tree, they
set up infection under the conditions of
moisture already described. Once the fun-
gus has found a lodgment in flower, stem or
foliage, it continues to produce summer
spores which re-infect the trees. Knowing
this course of events, the grower is in a
position to control the fungus, that is to
sav, though it may prove difficult to cure an
affected tree it is not difficult to prevent in-
fection. The method of prevention consists
of a spray which when deposited in the tree
renders the growth of the spores impossible.
The sprays which are most effective are lime-
sulphur and Bordeaux mixture. The timing
of the application is no less important than
the choice of the- right materia^ and evidently
the first spraying should be given just before
the blossom buds show white or be.uin to
swell. For this first spraying lime-sulphur
is needed at a strength of 1 to 20, and
Bordeaux mixture at 4-4-50. As the Bulle-
tin points out, this treatment is necessary in
orchards already infected, and specially so in
those in which the fallen leaves, which har-
bour the disease, have not been destroyed or
ploughed in during the Autumn or early
Spring. Dusting with sulphur is also found
to be an effective preventive. In relatively
clean orchards, this first application needj only
be made if the weather is so continuously
humid as to provide ideal conditions for
the germination of the spores. A second ap-
plication should be made as soon as the un-
opened flowers have escaped from the bud,
and in this case the lime-sulphur must be
diluted to iJ pint in 50 gallons of water.
rT\p?rience shows that this spraying is most
important and should be given at the time
of the fall of the petals, thus serving to pro-
tect the young fruits which have already be-
gun to form. It is advisable to add lead
arsenite as an insecticide when spraying at
this period or the next earlier period. A
fourth spraying, after an interval of ten or
fourteen days, and a fifth a month later may
also be necessary, and in these spraying, lead
ansenic is added to the lime-sulphur or Bor-
deaux mixture at the rate of 1 pound _ (or
paste 2 pounds) to 50 gallons of spray fluid.

Change of Price of " The Gardeners'
Chronicle." — The attention of our readers is
directed to the announcement (see page x.) that
on and after April 10, the price of The,
Gardeners' Chronicle will be raised to 6d. We
owe it to our readers — who are to-day more
numerous than at any previous period of the
79 years during which The Gardeners' Chronicle.
has been in existence — to explain that the change
of price has been made with the greatest
reluctance, and only after the most careful con-
sideration of present costs of production. A
comparison of pre-war and present costs of pro-
duction shows that there has been an increase
varying from 150 per cent, to 360 per cent., and
that the larger items have increased at the
higher rate. So long as there seemed any pro-
spect of costs of production falling, the 'Gardeners'
Chronicle, Ltd., were prepared to bear the
present heavy costs and to find recompense
for their efforts in the knowledge that, as shown
by the numbers of their readers, they were ful-
filling the first aim of the founders of the
Journal — that of advancing the interest of horti-
culture. There is, however, no sign that costs
of production are likely to fall, and hence it has
become necessary to ask our readers to bear a
larger share in the expenses attaching to the
publication of the Journal. It is not without
interest to observe the varying prices of the
Journal during the past three quarters of a
century. In the year of its foundation the
price of The Gardeners' Chronicle., was 6d., and
remained at that figure until 1862 when, owing
to the repeal of the stamp duty, it was found

possible to reduce the price to 5d. Continued
cheapening of the costs of production and the
growing popularity of advertisements, permitted
of a further reduction to 3d. in 1887. For
thirty years The Gardeners' Chronicle re-
mained at that price until the changed economic
conditions brought about by the war necessitated
an increase to 4d. Thus the vicissitudes of
economic conditions of the country are reflected
in the price of The Gardeners' Chronicle. We
may hope with reasonable confidence that in
course of time the country will enjoy economic
stabilisation and reduction of costs of production
with a corresponding reduction in the price of
this Journal.

London Daffodil Show. — The Royal Horticul-
tural Society will hold its Annual Daffodil Show
on April 13. in the Society's Hall at Vincent
Square, Westminster. Schedules may be ob-
tained by sending a stamped addressed foolscap
envelope to th|e Secretary.

" The Gardeners' " Horticultural Society.—
This Sussex Society (Horsham) proposes to hold
its annual flower show on August 25, 1920.

E.H.S. Exhibition of British-Grown Fruits. —
The Council of the Royal Horticultural Society
has decided to hold its Autumn Show of British-
grown Fruit on October 5 and 6 next, thus
reverting to the pre-war policy of holding the
Show on two days. Fellows of the Society are
requested to make a note of this extension in
their tickets and book of arrangements.

Festival Dinner of the Gardeners' Royal
Benevolent Institution. — The Duke of Connaught
will preside at the Annual Festival Dinner in
aid of the funds of the Gardeners' Royal Bene-
volent Institution, on June 29 next, at the
Grocers' Hall, City. Ladies and gentlemen
willing to have their names placed on His
Royal Highness's list of Stewards are kindly
invited to communicate with the Secretary, Mr,
George J. Ingram, 92, Victoria Street,
Westminster.

Linnean Society of London. — For some time
past the Council of the Linnean Society has been
considering the increase in the cost of manage-
ment, particularly with regard to repairs and
furniture at Burlington House, heating, fighting,
and salaries. The greatest advance, however, is in
printing and paper, and it has been estimated
that the publication of the new catalogue will
cost £500. Taking all these matters into con-
sideration, and believing that authors cannot be
exppcted to bring forward papers if these are not
published in an adequate manner, the Council
has decided to ask the Fellows of the Society to
alter the By-Laws as necessary and raise the
annual subscription for each Fellow from £3 to
£4. We learn that the Council has approved a
proposal to establish a fund to be used for the
reduction or remission of admission fees and
annual contributions; this fund -will be dedicated
to the memory of Bishop Goodenough. the first
treasurer of the Society. When the capital
reaches a total of £1,000 'it will be possible to pay
from the income the sum of £1 towards the
reduction of the admission fee, as well as to meet
special cases where the payment of the whole
admission fee may be thought proper.

Demise of Three French Botanists. — Our Paris
correspondent writes : — Three French botanists of
advanced age have passed away during the past
few months. M. Jules Poisson, assistant honorary
professor of botanv at the Natural History
Museum in Paris, died on the 27th November.
1919, after more than 65 years' work in the
Jardin des Plantes. which he entered as a student
gardener in 1843 at the age of ten years. He was
chiefly famous for his great knowledge of
economic botany, and was well known for his
researches in seeds, textiles, and various drugs of
vegetable origin. M. Emile Boudier, the cele-
brated French mycologist, died in his 92nd year.
He was the author of an important work, h
Wycologici, containing 600 magnificent plates
reproduced from his own water-colour drawings.
M. Th. Delacour, born in 1831. was formerly
treasurer of the French Botanical Society. For
many years he was connected with the firm of
Messrs. Vilmorin, Andrienx and Co.. of which he
eventually became a partner. His herbarium,
uhirh was ,.f considerable value, he bequeathed
t.. the French Botanical Society.

138

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[March 20, 1920.

Association of Economic Biologists. — A general
meeting of the Association of Economic Biologists
will be held in the Botany Department of the
Imperial College of Science on March 24. The
morning session will commence at 11.30, and
the programme will include : — 1, Short Com-
munications and Exhibitions; 2, The Relation of
Protozoa to Soil Problems, by Mr. D. Ward
Cutler; 3, Correlation between Seed and
Crop, by Miss Winifred E. Brenchley, D.Sc.
At the afternoon session, commencing at 2.15,
the subjects discussed -wlill he : — 4, The
Nature and Scope of Botanical Research in the
Cotton Industry, by Mr. W. Lawrence Balls,
Sc.D. ; 5, The Calcifuge Habit in Ling (CaJluna
vulgaris) and other Ericaceous Plants, by Mr.
M. C. Rayner, D.Sc. ; and 6, Shoot Wilt of
Plum Trees, by Mr. H. Wormald, D.Sc.
The papers will be illustrated by lantern slides
and specimens, and followed by discussion. Sir
David Prain, president of tine Association, will
preside.

Appointment to Aberdeen Chair of Botany.—

On Tuesday, the 9th inst., the Scottish Office
issued the intimation that the King had, on the
recommendation of the Secretary for Scotland,
approved the appointment of Mr. William Grant
Oraib, M.A., to be Regius Professor of Botany
in the University of Aberdeen, in the room of
the late Professor Trail. Mr. W. G. Craib is a
son of the late Mr. William Craib, fanner,
Kirkside, Banffshire, where he was born a little
oyer 30 years ago. He received his early educa-
tion at Banff Academy and Fordyce Academy
Banffshire, and later entered Aberdeen
University, from which he graduated in arts
with special distinction in botany, in 1897. He
was a great favourite of the late Professor Trail
who formed a high appreciation of his work, and
who anticipated a great future for him On
leaving Aberdeen Mr. Craib's first appointment
was at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, under
Sir David Prain. From Kew he went as an
assistant at the Botanical Gardens, Calcutta and
while there undertook two botanic journeys of
investigation in different parts of India These
proved markedly successful. Returning to this
country, he became assistant at the Royal
Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, and also lecturer
in Sorest Botany and Indian Forest Trees in
Edinburgh University. Only a few days ago
Mr. Craib was elected a Fellow of the' Royal
Society of Edinburgh. He returns to his alma
mater with a reputation as a systematic
botanist and reliable worker, and it is felt he
will bring to the chair an enthusiasm and ability
that will fully maintain the high traditions so
worthily upheld by his predecessors. Among
'"? other "'0lk- Mr- Oraib has compiled 1
flora of Banff, which was published in the
Transactions of the Banff Field Club. Mr
Oraib is the tenth graduate of Aberdeen
University to be appointed a professor either at
home or abroad, in less than as many months a
result that reflects the highest credit on the
"Lamp of the North."

Insect Pests and Plant Diseases. — The
technical advisers of the Ministry of Agri-
culture are giving careful attention to the
question of preventing' the introduction into this
country of insect pests and plant diseases from
abroad. Several countries already possess these
safeguards ; for instance, the United States and
Cape Colony prohibit altogether the importation
of plants except under special permit. Such a
policy, if adopted in this country, would present
obstacles to the development of agriculture and
horticulture and would probably not meet with
the approval of growers; while the alternative
plan of placing potentially dangerous host plants
in quarantine for a definite period is open to
criticism on the grounds of expense and delay.
Experts consider the quarantine system has many
good points and might with " advantage be
adopted in this country. In any case, a system
of inspection at ports 'of entry 'might be made.
In the case of imported Gooseberries, such a
system of inspection led to the adoption of a
somewhat similar method of inspection by ex-
porting countries, resulting in the despatch of
much cleaner fruit to this country. If similar
steps w.ere taken in regard to nursery stocks

arriving here from abroad, there would be good
reason for expecting an improvement in quality
and cleanliness. In addition, the danger of
epidemics arising from the introduction of foreign
plant enemies would be considerably lessened.

Ordnance Survey Maps. — Landowners, farmers
and all connected with the land will find the large
scale Ordnance maps of exceptional value. • The
maps on the scale of 25 inches to the mile show
hedges, walls, fences, ditches, roads, paths,
streams, houses, woods and orchards, in fact,
every feature of the countryside, whether
natural or artificial. The acreage of each field
or enclosure is also shown. For trifling sums,
owners or occupiers of land can obtain thoroughly
reliable maps of them* properties. The price per
sheet of these large scale maps is 5s. The
Ordnance Survey also publish maps on the scale
of six inches to the mile, quarter sheets of which
are priced from Is. to Is. 6d. Several editions of
excellent maps on the scale of 1 inch to the mile,
and on smaller scales, are also published at prices
ranging from Is. to 3s. each. All roads ore
shown ; in the coloured editions, these are classi-
fied by means of distinctive colouring according
to the nature of their surfaces, including suita-
bility for fast traffic. Footpaths, towns, villages,
railways and stations, livers, streams, parks,
■woods, county boundaries, high and low water-
mark are all accurately delineated. The whole
country has been completely surveyed, and the
maps are kept up to date by a system of periodic
revision. They are unsurpassed for accuracy of
detail and are of the greatest value to those who
desire to possess an accurate knowledge of any
district or locality in which they are specially
interested. They can be purchased through any
bookseller or stationer, or direct from the
Director-General, Ordnance Survey Office,
Southampton.

The Relation of Botany to Commerce. — This
was the subject of a highly instructive lecture
delivered to the members of the Aberdeen
Chamber of Commerce on Monday, the 26th
ult., by Dr. Macgregor Skene, who is earning
high praise by the fine work he is accomplishing
in the teaching of Botany in Aberdeen Uni-
versity. The science of botany, Dr. Skene
pointed out, made the student of it acquainted
with a number of simple biological facts — the
fundamental facts of life, which all should
know ; it told him of the relations between
the animal and plant kingdoms ; it showed
him the conditions necessary for healthy develop-
ment, the way in which environment affected
growth, and the way in which characters were
inherited. Secondly, it was an invaluable
training in manipulation and observation. The
professional botanist in his investigations had
laid down a groundwork of knowledge for the
purpose of his own interests, which was at the
same time the necessary foundation for any
work of an economic character. That did not
aim at diminishing the importance of the work
of the farmer, who was himself a researcher,
continually asking questions, carrying out experi-
ments, and drawing conclusions. It was really to
be regarded as an effort to use all the available
knowledge and trained power of observation
and reasoning of the scientific worker to draw
the full possible return from the soil. Hundreds
of generations of " practical " fanners had raised
the productiveness of crops and the fertility of
the soil by hundreds per cent. Under the
present conditions of extensive production and
intense competition, even a five per cent, increase
in a crop might mean an addition of millions
of pounds to the wealth of the nation. That
the scientist was able to do this when he worked
in conjunction with the practical man could be
proved by many examples in which it was
always clear that the advance could only have
been made by using the general botanical know-
ledge which had been accumulated for purely
scientific purposes. Of that there were such
examples as the ether method for forcing spring
flowers, soil sterilisation for curing soil sickness
in Tomato houses, and, most important of all,
the production of rust-resisting and strong
Wheats by Professor Biffin. In the future they
could look to great advances in the production
of improved and absolutely true races of im-

portant crops, and also to increased fertility
of the soil, both by improvement of manures
and by the control of their bacterial population.
In particular, they could look with confidence
to the help that would be given by botany, if
ii were properly utilised, to the solution of their
own most pressing national problem — the utilissa-
tlon of the moors.

Exhibition of Empire-grown Timber. — We
understand that the Department of Overseas
Trade is organising an exhibition of timbers,
grown within the British Empire, to be held
at the Holland Park Skating Rink, London, W.,
from July 5 to July 17 next. Besides en-
deavouring to display the fidl range of Empire-
grown timbers, the promoters are arranging to
demonstrate the chief uses to which such tim-
bers may be put. A committee has been
formed to arrange all details connected with
the exhibition, and includes representatives of
the Colonial Office, the Crown Agents for the
Colonies, the Government of India, the self-
governing Dominions, the Forestry Commission
and the various British societies interested in
forestry and utilisation of timber.

Thames Valley Allotments. — The demand for
allotments in the Hampton, Teddington and
Twickenham districts continues to be pressing,
in spite of the fact that large areas have been
parcelled out. Applications are being made to
H.M. Office of Woods and Forests for an ex-
tension of the Paddocks' Allotments to the
public footway leading from Hampton Wick
Church to Bushey Park. The Teddington Dis-
trict Council has acquired additional land in
various parts of the district. Complaint has been
made to the Hampton District Council that an
allotment holder grew flowers on his plot for
sale in Kingston market contrary to the usual
conditions of tenure. In the course of the dis-
cussion, the Vice-Chairman said he thought
there was no more harm in so doing, than in
selling surplus vegetables, but the general
opinion was opposed to this, and it was felt
that any holder who has more ground than he
requires for vegetables, to meet his home require-
ments should, in view of the great demand, re-
lease it for some one in want of a plot. The
Surveyor was instructed to ascertain what allot-
ment land in the district was used for flower
cultivation.

The " Gardeners' Chronicle " Seventy-five:
Years Ago. — The Fellows of the Horticultural
Society will be glad to know that letters have
been received from Mr. Fortune, dated the 16th
December. He was then at Hong-Kong,,
arranging for the shipment of his collections to
Europe. They occupied many chests, and were
about to be despatched as fast as opportunity
occun'ed. We are happy to add that the in-
defatigable exertions of this zealous young
traveller are likely to be crowned with great
success. Mr. Fortune had met with many very
beautiful shrubs, and it is hoped that a large
part of them will prove hardy, or nearly so.
Viburnums, with heads of large flowers, like a
Hydrangea; Moutans in great variety; Peaches,
Apricots, Roses, handsome Creepers, Azaleas,
Daphnes, both sorts of the curious hexangular
Camellia — a great desideratum, for it must be
the most beautiful of the varieties ; others from
Fokein : Hydrangeas, a very fine double white
Gardenia, with flowers as large as a Camellia ;
a curious Chrysanthemum, named as a perfect
gem ; new Pines, Honeysuckles, and Plums, are
among the rareties mentioned as being actually
on their way to England. We learn from other
sources that Mr. Fortune has been consulted
by the Governor of Hong-Kong as to the prac-
ticability of planting the bare hills of that
island, which at present consist more of build-
ings than vegetation. In the former respect,
the place was making extraordinary progress, a
large town having already started up. The
panic as to unhealthiness was wearing off ; good
hospitals and ban-acks for the troops were
rapidly erecting; the rest of the inhabitants
were already well provided for. and the ships
in the harbour were perfectly healthy. It is
rumoured in this country that Mr. Fortune had
proceeded to Formosa. Gard. Chron., March
92. 1845

March 20, 1920. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

139

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

A HISTOKY OF BOTANY.

In this well-printed volume of 262 pages4
Professor Harvey Gibson gives an eminently
readable acoount of the historical development
of botanical science. The author exhibits
generally a good eye for perspective, and
the space which, he allots to descriptions
of the work of the chief contributors is well
proportioned. The tribute to Theophrastus of
Eresus (B.C. 370) as the [founder of botanical
science and the describer of 500 species will,
together with Sir Arthur Hort's translation of
the Historia Plantarum, help restore the fame
of this true student of nature. To Brunfels
and contemporary 16th century Herbalists, Pro-
fessor Harvey Gibson is less kind. His criticism
that Brunfels and Fuchs added little or nothing
to the description of the plants they figured
may be true, but he fails to give them the
credit they deserve ior their often faithful and
beautiful delineations of plants.

Coming to less ancient times, PTofessor Harvey
Gibson's treatment of Linnaeus is severe and, we
think, undeservedly so. He regards Linnaeus
as little more than a card cataloguer of plants
and is dissatisfied with him because his system
of classification is not a natural one. But it
may be asked where is the natural system even
to-day? Who shall expound the natural system

TREES AND SHRUBS.

Fig. 56. — picea jezoensis.

based on phylogeny and to be likened, to a
genealogical tree? Is not the genealogical tree
itself a chimera, and was not Linnaeus perfectly
right an "card indexing" plants? It is well to
be compelled to review our admiration for great
men ; but we think that Linnaeus will survive.

It is a pleasure to find clear accounts of the
work of the great British Botanists, Ray, Hales,
Knight and Robert Brown, but we cannot sub-
scribe to the adverse comments passed on John
Lindley. It may be that his contribution to
systems of classification was not considerable,
but for the diagnosis and description of species
few botanists have surpassed "Lindley — and a
perusal of the eariy pages of this journal would,
we are convinced, have shown Professor Gibson
that Lindley's name will remain as that of a
great systematist.

Within the scope of such a volume as that
under review some departments of Botany must
perforce be treated all too briefly, and the
specialist reader may be inclined to regret the
brevity of treatment of his particular subject :
but when regard is had to the multiplicity of
aspects presented by botanical science, we think
that Professor Harvey Gibson deserves special
commendation for the balance which he has pre-
served in dealing with these many sections.

• Outlines <*l tin- History nf Botany, bv Professor
(TnrveT Gibson, C.B.15. A. and 0. Blaok, Ltd,, 191!).
price IDs. net.

PICEA JEZOENSIS.

In 1914 Mr. E. H. Wilson made an expedition
to Japan to study trees and other plants. He
paid particular attention to this Spruce and
satisfied himself that there was only one species
of flat-leaved Spruce in Japan. The name
Picea jezoensis was given to it by Siebold and
Zuccarini in 1842. and their name must stand for
the type.

I believe this is represented in my photograph
reproduced in Fig. 56. The tree is not in general
, ultivation, but will probably be found in botanic
gardens, such as those at Kew, Edinburgh and
Dublin. Fig. 57 represents the forms usually
found in gardens and nurseries, where it is
labelled either Picea ajanensis or Picea
hondoensis.

There are no doubt many intermediate forms,
but for gardening purposes these two are quite
distinct. Fig. 57 shows much the handsomer
kind. The leaves have a beautiful silver-white
under surface, and they are curved and more
crowded together than in the type. Wilson, in
his book on The Conifers and Taxads of
Japan, quotes Mayr as saying that the young
leaves of Picea hondoensis are tinged with red
and that Dr. Henry transposes the statement and
applies it to Picea 'ajanensis. I have noticed this
red, foxy tinge on the young leaves of Picea
jezoensis, but not on the variety hondoensis.
Edmund Giles Loder, Leonardslee.

THE VINE MAPLE.

Acer circtnatum, the Vine Maple of
California, is one of the most conspicuous of the
American Maples in autumn, for at that time
the leaves assume brilliant orange and scarlet
tints, which make a bush a conspicuous object
from a considerable distance. It is rarely seen
except as a bush in this country, although undei
favourable conditions in America it sometimes
attains a height of 30 or 40 feet. Its rounded
leaves, which are margined by from seven to
nine acuminate lobes, are distinct from those of
other Maples, and there is no mistaking the
species when it is growing amongst others. The
flowers also are showy, for thev are bright red in
colour, whilst the fruits also have a red
tinge. Although often spoken of as a
Californian plant, the Vine Maple is found also
in other parts of western North America, for
it is met with from the coast of British Columbia
northwards through Washington to Mendocino
County in California. Though discovered in
1806 it was not until 21 years later that the
Horticultural Society succeeded in raising plants
from seeds sent home by David Douglas. Though
A. circinatum can have no future from an
economic standpoint so far as timber is con-
cerned, it well deserves a position in the garden
on account of its decorative qualities.

THE LEBANON OAK.

Quercus Libani, the Lebanon Oak, is notice-
able during summer by reason of its elegant out-
line and narrow leaves, but in autumn another
and more distinct character is apparent, for the
acorns and the acorn cups are quite unlike those
of other species. The Lebanon Oak is a native of
Asia Minor and grows freely in this country,
forming a tall, pyramidal tree with graceful
branchlets and lance-shaped leaves 3^ inches to
4-i inches long and rarely more than an inoh wide,
with margins broken by regular, sharp-pointed
teeth, and leaf stalks rarely more than half an
inch in length. The acorns are large, being
from one to one and a half inches long and three-
quarters of an inch to an inch or more in width.
The cup, which is mounted on a short, thick stalk,
encloses the greater part of the acorn, and it is
with difficulty that the acorn can be extracted
without breaking the cup. The latter is covered
with rough greyish scales which give it a netted
appearance. Q. Libani is a tree which might
well be included in gardens where rare trees are
encouraged, for it grows well ; the foliage is of
good, healthy appearance and its large and dis-
tinct fruits give it an unique character amongst
other Oaks. Though often increased by graft
ing. trees on their own Toots .ire to he preferred.

PINUS THUNBERGII AS A SHELTER TREE.
People who are desirous of planting
shelter trees or trees which may be established
in exposed positions in sandy ground near the
sea, would do well to give this Japanese
species a trial, for it is likely to succeed quite as
well as the Austrian Pine in similar con-
ditions, whilst there is a probability of its
timber being of better quality. In the few places
where it has been tried in the vicinity of the
sea in Great Britain, it has given satisfactory
results, whilst it is one of the chief trees used
for planting in sandy soil in exposed situations
in Japan. Its value for seaside planting and
for securing shifting sand are referred to in
Forestry of Japan, published by the Bureau
of Forestry, Tokyo, whilst the same work states
that its timber is hard and full of resin, that it
can be preserved for a lengthy period, and that
it is well adapted for the foundations of
bridges and other engineering works. Pinus
Thunbergii belongs to the two-leaved section
i if the genus, its dark-green leaves being four
to six inches in length, and the sheath round
the base of each pair about ^-inch long. Its
cones are rather larger than those of the Scots
Pine and brown in colour. It sometimes happens
that they are produced in large clusters which

Fig. 57. — picea jezoensis var. hondoensis.

completely surround the stem, as many as from
45 to 65 having been counted in different
clusters. As is the case with all other Pines,
the most satisfactory results are obtained by
planting the young trees in permanent positions
whin quite small, for those which are from nine
to fifteen inches high become established more
quickly and often outgrow others which may
be four or five feet high at planting time. IF. D.

PRUNUS MICROLEPIS.
It lis surprising that this beautiful Cherry is
not more frequently seen in gardens. I do Dot
know any other tree or shrub which can surpass
it for brightening the dull winter season. It
commences to flower early in December, and
through January and February it is clothed in
its beautiful double pink flowers, with buds oi
deeper colour. A tree measuring about 18
feet in height by 20 feet through, is a very
pretty object in these gardens at the. time of
writing (Feb. 16). In a wet or very cold season
it suffers somewhat, but even though its wealth
,,f blossom is a delight only periodically the
species is worth a prominent place in gardens. A
native of Japan it was put i"l" commerce by
Mr. Smith, of New-w. about 1911. /'. Wilm*-
hurst HiJlhrooh Plan Gardens, Tver JJrnih.

140

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Makch 20, 1920.

THE ALPINE GARDEN.

CASTILLELA ACUMINATA.

Offered sometimes as C. miniata, this Cali-
fornian plant has never found its way into
general cultivation. It suffers from a doubtful
reputation which, I fear, is not undeserved. It is
wonderfully hardy, and I know one or two Scot-
tish gardens in which it has been successfully
established, besides that specimen in Yorkshire
which is the subject of an interesting note in
Mr. Reginald Farrer's My Rock Garden. It has
its special likes and dislikes, and the worst
filing is that these are not easy to discover.
Mr. ° Fairer writes of it as growing in a
peat bed, and certainly it succeeds with him, out
I have seen it growing excellently in light, sandy
loam, as well as in a moraine with peat below
the chips and stones. But it is safer not to dog-
matise, and I believe a good deal depends upon
the drying off of the roots in summer, only to
he secured in a sunny, warm place. As for its
appearance, few can mistake it with its flam-
boyant vermilion-scarlet flowers on stems from
one to two feet high. The species is apparently the
hardiest of the rate, but must always be bought
without any confidence as to its success in any
special garden or position. .S'. Arnolt.

SPHAERALCEA PEDATA.
Under the n.-.me of Malva Oreeana, Sphaeral-
cea pedata was figured in the Botanical Maga-
zine, t. 3,698. There it is stated to be of obscure
origin, or probably a hybrid, but it is evidently
identical with S. 'pedata. It also figures in
gardens under the name of S. munroana variety.
S. pedata is a native of the Western borders of
Texas and New Mexico, and under its various
names has been grown in gardens since 1837,
when it was cultivated in Edinburgh Botanic
Gardens in a greenhouse. Of freely branching
habit, it should be planted on a sunny ledge
where the branches can hang down over the face
of a wall. In such a position it has been attrar
tive at Kew, in summer, producing its rosy red
flowers from June to August. The stems are
about two feet in length, and, with the pedately
pinnatifid leaves, are covered with a soft pubes-
cence. Like the other Sphaeralceas, S. pedata is
easily propagated by means of cuttings inserted
in summer. II'. /.

THREE BLUE-FLO WERED ALPINES.

One of the loveliest of free-growing Alpines
is the Cynoglossuni . with, flowers like Forget-
me-nots, known as ('. amabile. It has the reputa-
tion of being not unite hardy. Plants th?, have
flowered certainly do not crane thru-. eh the
winter alive, and it is good practice to lift them
in autumn, pot, and winter a sufficient stock
under glass. The species may quite well be
grown as an annual by sowing seeds early in the
year in heat and growing the plants under glass
until May. when they should be strung enough
to be nlanted out.

Another good blue-flowered plant of simil-i '
appearance when in flower is the large-leave 1
Anchusa myosotidifolia. There is no doubt as
to the hardiness of this species, but after a few
years the plants become enfeebled and should
be divided and replanted. To the foregoing,
Myosotidium nobile may be added. Of this 1
have both blue and white forms, hul they cannot
be recommended for cultivation except in
specially warm localities.

But I would like to recommend another Alpine
which I do not recollect to have seen men-
tioned bv your readers. I got it under the name
of Lithospermum Froebelii. It is a suffruticose
plant that is perfectly hardy, and in summer
becomes one mass of grey-blue flowers. This
Alpine plant may be increased by means of cut-
tings inserted in autumn. I have found cuttings
of this and some other sorts root fairly well wlyn
dibbled into light soil in a 6-inch pot placed in-
side an 8-inch, one and covered with a. sheet of
glass. A cold pit, or. better still, a Carnation
pit, where just a little neat is provided during
winter, is well suited for striking the cuttings
in. Once they are Tooted, it pays to pot the
plants singly and so establish them previous to
planting on the rockery. R. P, Brotherston.

The Week's Work.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By Sidney Legg, Gardener to the Dowager Ladi
Nvnburnholme, Warter Priory, Yorkshire.

Odd Corners. — The treatment of odd corners
often requires much forethought, especially
where large trees overhang or strong winds have
direct access. It is essential to determine at the
outset whether the corner may be barren in
winter, partly so, or must of necessity be fully
clothed. Where it is desired to furnish the
ground, under overhanging evergreen trees, with
the idea of providing a permanent screen, there
is nothing more accommodating than Ruscus
aculeatus. The soil should be enriched with
well-rotted manure and young specimens used
for planting ; it is essential that the shrubs be
well supplied with .water during the two suc-
ceeding summers. Evergreen flowering shrubs
which will thrive in partly shaded positions are :
Laurustinus, Berberis, Olearia Haastii, Coto-
neaster and Pernettya. In more open situations
effective combinations may be made by asso-
ciating evergreen, deciduous, herbaceous and
bulbous species. Pleasing examples are : — (1)
Golden Privet, Lilium tigrioum. L. croceum,
Fuschia Riccartonii and Winter Aconite ; (2)
the purple-leaved Hazel, Verbascum, Berberis
Darwinii, Kniphofia and Crocus ; (3) Betula
sylvatica, Forsythia suspensa, Gorse and Snow-
drops. It is advisable to plant wind-swept
places with evergreens, such as a bold group
of Holly interplanted with Crataegus Pyracantha
and Berberis aquifolia in the foreground. An
effective combination is thus formed which will
withstand the strongest winds. I advocate the
planting of evergreen shrubs during early
spring, especially in cold districts.

Hardy Evergreen Azaleas As with deciduous

species, the evergreen Azaleas need to be boldly
planted to create a brilliant effect. They may
be used to give solidity in large rock gardens,
or planted in beds sheltered from strong winds
and the midday sun. In districts north of
London it is advisable to choose a very sheltered
position for these plants and afford them protec-
tion during severe w-eather by the use of dried
Bracken fronds, which may be placed on and
between the foliage of the shrubs. The plants
will succeed in good loam, free from lime, but
the best results are obtained, over a number of
years, by planting in a peaty compost 2 feet
in depth. The bottom of the bed should be
thoroughly broken up before adding the prepared
compost. Close attention to watering dming
very dry weather is essential, and occasional fine
sprayings with soft water during the growing
season are very beneficial to the new growths.
Planting may be done at this season ; give the
roots a thorough soaking after the planting is
finished. The following species may be recom
mended : — A. amoena and its varieties, includ-
ing Hinodigiri, and the white A. ledifolia.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN

Bv T. Patemax, Gardener to C. A. Caix, Esq., J. P.,
The Node. Codioote, Welwyn, Hertfordshire.

Staking Fruit Trees. — To obtain well-
trained specimens of bush Apples and Pears it
is necessary to place neat stakes as supports to
some of the weaker varieties and those of a
spreading habit of growth. The stakes are
chiefly required in the case of trees that have
been planted during the past three or four
years. Strong, erect -growing varieties such as
Bramley's Seedling, Warner's King, Newton
Wonder. Rev. W. Wilks, Rival and Chas. Ross
will grow shapely by car,eful pruning and do
not need supports.

Leaf Curl in Peaches and Nectarines.— This
disease is very prevalent in some localities on
wall trees, and I have often noticed that it
appears when the material used to protect the

blossoms is removed. Leaf curl is caused by a
fungus, and all affected parts should be removed
and burnt. In the case of bad attacks, the trees
should be sprayed with a mixture of soft soap
and sulphur, prepared by mixing four ounces^ of
soft soap with six ounces of sulphur, and adding
three gallons of water-. In applying it, keep
the mixture well stirred, or the sulphur will
remain at the bottom, and use a fine syringe.
Another good specific is a weak solution of
potassium sulphide. Should the weather be
frosty at night, spray the trees early in the day
in order that they may become dry again early
in the afternoon.

Protection of Fruit Blossom. — Every effort
should be made to protect the blossoms of choice
fruit trees. Pea-sticks, before they are cut
ready for Peas, will help considerably to ward
off frost, and are frequently used here for the
purpose with success. Since keeping bees 1 have
never troubled to use a rabbit's tail to pollinate
the flowers of fruit trees.

General Remarks. — Overhaul all netting, and
put in order any needing repair. The

work will find labour for the staff on wet days.
Where new netting is required, place the order
at once. Square-mesh netting will cover a
greater length than, the same amount of
diamond-meshed netting. Where stakes are used
to carry the nets over Strawberries, Raspberries,
and bush fruits, they should be prepared in
readiness. Endeavour to have all fruit quarters
put in order by this dale, aud on wet days pre-
pare shreds and shading material in readiness
for use in summer.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By T. W. Bkiscoe. Gardener to W. K. Lisaght, Esq.,
G'astleford, Chepstow.

Thunia. — This small genus of decorative
Orchids embraces the species T. alba, T.
Bensoniae, T. Brymeriana, T. Marshalliana. T.
Winniana. and T. Veitchiana. To obtain the
best results with these plants annual repotting
is necessary, and now that growth has restarted
the work may be proceeded with. Thunias may
be grown either in the Orchid house proper or
in the ordinary plant stove, in which they will
often give the best results. The atmosphere of
the house should be warm and humid. A light,
sunny position is essential.

Repotting Thunias. — Use a moderately rich
and retentive compost consisting of fibrous loam,
good quality peat or Poly-podium fibre, partially
decayed Oak or Beech leaves and chopped
Sphagnum-moss in equal parts. Fill ordinary
flower pots one-third of their depth with
drainage material, and over the crocks place a
thin layer of Sphagnum-moss. Shake all the
old soil from the stems, and shorten the roots
to a small tuft which will serve to hold the
pseudo-bulbs in position until new roots are
established in the soil. Grade the pseudo-bulbs
into three sizes to ensure growths of equal
strength and to render the plants of more uniform
size when in flower. Four or five of the
longest stems may be placed in a pot seven
or eight inches in diameter, but the smaller
pseudo-bulbs should be arranged in receptacles
in accordance with their size. Each old stem
should be tied to a thin stake.

Cultural Requirements. — Thunias require an
abundance of water during their period of active
growth, therefore the rooting medium should
be made fairly firm and the surface half an
inch or so below the rim of the pot. Arrange
the plants near to the roof -glass, keep then
surroundings moist by spraying and, for a week
or two, water the roots sparingly. When the roots
are seen to be creeping near the edge of the
pot the amount of water may be increased with
advantage, while a light spraying_ overhead
may be given whenever the condition of the
weather warrants the use of the syringe. Few
insect pests trouble Thunias, but it is advisable
to watch for thrips in the early stages of growth,
while red spider will soon make its appearance
if the atmosphere is kept too dry.

March 20, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

141

Treatment of Old Plants. — After flowering is
over the plants are best grown in a light, airy
house to thoroughly ripen the pseudo-bulbs, but
in such conditions plenty of water will still be
needed. A few weeks of this treatment will
suffice to harden tire stems, when the water
supply may be gradually diminished until
moisture i-; withheld. Store the dormant plants
in a house having a temperature of 50°.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By F. Jordan, Gardener to Lieut. -Col. Spender Clai,
41. P., Ford Manor, Lingfiekl, Surrey.

Melons. — The earliest plants have been
stopped, unci in order to secure an even crop of
fruits it may be necessary to remove the first
female flowers. Pollinate the flowers daily until
two or three fruits of an even size are secured
on each plant. If the plants are grown in pots,
feeding may be commenced as soon as the fruits
are set, subsequently supplying the roots with
alternate waterings of liquid manure and light
dustings of a quick-acting chemical manure. This
system of feeding encourages roots to develop on
the surface, where they are directly under the in-
fluence of the warm, moist atmosphere of the
house. Plants set out on ridges or beds should
be lightly top-dressed with rich compost, warmed,
as the roots appear on the surface. Maintain a
genial atmosphere by damping and syringing,
and let fhe temperature at closing time be 90°,
with a night temperature of 68-75°, according to
the weather. Melons may be sown more freely
after this date, with better prospects of success.
The plants are easier to cultivate as the days
lengthen and the sun increases in power.

Strawberries. — As the sun gains power Straw-
berry plants in pots will require liberal supplies
of tepid water and liquid manure to cause the
berries to swell. If the plants are forced in
favourable conditions, including plenty of light
and air, the fruits will set freely. Remove all
small, weak flowers before they open. Fumi-
gating the house is as essential as the watering
and syringing of the plants, which should be
removed from vinery shelves to a light place
where they may be syringed freely. Discontinue
feeding the roots with liquid manure as soon as
the berries change colour, and remove the plants
to a cooler house when the Strawberries are
ripe, to improve their flavour. Later varieties,
such as British Queen and Dr. Hogg, grown
in pots or frames, produce large fruits off the
finest quality, and maintain a succession of ripe
berries until the crop of the _ earliest
out-door varieties is available. Keep the
plants in cool conditions and admit air
freely; when the fruits are set fire-heat may be
dispensed with.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By H. Wheeler, Gardener to Mrs. Jennfii, Wonvoe
Castle, near Cardiff.

Capsicums and Aubergines.— A house having
a temperature of 70° and a moist atmosphere is
required for the successful culture of these
plants, and special attention must be paid to
syringing, as they are very 'liable to attacks of
red spider. The see-d should be sown in pans
filled with light, rich soil. Transfer the seed-
lings to small pots when they are large enough
for shifting, finally potting them tin 7-inch pots.
Only in exceptionally hot summers are these
vegetables a success out of doors; if their
cultivation in the open is attempted, grow them
in a warm situation such as at the foot of :i
south wall.

Globe Artichokes. — The protecting material
should be removed from established plants of
Globe Artichokes. Young plants produce the
finest heads ; therefore, if existing stools are
three or more years old, it will be advisable to
make a fresh plantation. The ground should !>■■
trenched in readiness for planting later. Well-
rooted suckers give the best results ; if seedlings
are used, the seed should be sown now m slight

warmth to ensure having strong seedlings for
planting out in May.

Peas. — Seedling Peas that have been for-
warded in heat will, after careful hardening, be
ready for transplanting in the open ground.
Plant firmly, and take great care not to disturb
the roots more than is necessary. Fresh sowings
to maintain a regular supply of pods should be
made at intervals. The height to which the
Peas will attain is the distance at which the
rows should be apart. The ground between the
rows may be cropped with early Cauliflowers or
Spinach.

Tomatos. — To be successful with outdoor
Tomatos it is necessary to have strong plants
— with the first flowering truss well advanced —
ready for planting out early in June. To en-
sure tliis the seed should now be sown thinly in
pans, covering them very lightly, and the seed
lings grown on in a house having a tempera-
ture of 65°. Use an open compost formed of
loam, leaf-mould and sand. Earliest of All.
Sunrise, and Ailsa Craig are three excellent
varieties for outdoor cultivation.

l/

addition of leaf-mould, peat and plenty of coarse
silver sand. This plant may also be propagated
by means of cuttings.

Statice. — At one tune Statices were favourite
exhibition plants, but are now seldom seen,
although deserving of more general cultivation.
S. brassicaefolia, S. Halfordii. S. intermedia,
S. imbricata and S. profusa are all good garden
plants. S. brassicaefolia. and S. imbricata are
best raised from seeds, when they can be ob-
tained. The shrubby Statices are generally slow
growing and uncertain of increase by means of
cuttings, but the latter root readily "if they are
tongued and mossed after the manner of
propagating Dracaenas. The plants may also be
propagated by means of root cuttings. Statice
Suworowii is a beautiful hardy annual, and is a
fine subject for pot culture. Seeds may be sown
now. This species is best grown singly in 48-
sized pots.

Browallia.— Sow seeds of the following :—
Browallia elata and its var. alba, B.
speciosa var. major, and B. viscosa. B. elata
is a slender-growing plant, and it is best to
place several specimens together in a 48-sized

ssW^

EXACUM MACKANTHUM ; FLOWERS BLUE, WITH YELLOW STAMENS.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By John Coctts, Foreman, Roval Botanic Gardens,
Kew.

Exacum. — Both Exacum macranthum (see Fig.
58) and E. attine may be raised from seed sown
now in a warm house. The latter is a compact
growing plant, about six inches high, producing
small, bluish-lilac flowers, and may be treated as
an annual. It grows well in an intermediate house
and may he placed in the greenhouse when in
flower. The former is a very beautiful planl,
with its large, blue-purple flowers set off by
blight yellow stamens. It is a stove biennial,
but may be grown in a warm greenhouse when
in flower. It is not a very easy subject to manage ;
the roots should never be over-potted, send
require careful watering at all times. The com
post should consist of medium loam, with the

pot; B. viscosa is a larger growing species,
which, if stopped several times, makes a tine
plant in 6-incn pots. Both species do best with
ordinary cool-house treatment. B. speciosa var.
major has large, 'blue flowers with a white
I lu oat, and grows best in a house Inning an
intermediate temperature: the plants in.n be
removed to a cool house when in flower. This
species is frequently propagated from Millings,
and by raising snxocessiona] batches it ma} '■
bad in flower all the year round. Browallia
(Streptosolon) Jamesonii is a beautiful green
bouse planl. seen at ils Ix-sl when planted out
ami trained up a pillar. Where it receives full
exposure to sunlight, if produces its beauii
ful orange-coloured flowers in prolusion.
Ibis plant also makes fine specimens if grown
in large pots.

142

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[March 20, 1920.

EDITORIAL NOTICE.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the
PUBLISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, W.C.

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

Mr. REGINALD FARRER'S SECOND
EXPLORATION IN ASIA.*

16. — The Barenjooh.

SOUTHWARD, the Sabiya Kaw valley
winds upward to its end, in a cirque
of great, gaunt peaks and precipices ; on
the east, immediately above, towers the long
wall m the ridge that here bounds Burma and
China, but on the west, the corresponding wall
is broken by the deep bay of an Alpine valley,
about five hundred feet above, retreating in a
little " plan " or marshy plain, between pro-
jecting buttresses of mountain, with a high
rocky arete behind, ascending to a culminating
pinnacle of 13,000 feet. The first part of the
ascent is steep, through Bamboos, and up "water-
courses. The mossy floor of the hillside suggests
new Primulas, but not one is to be seen, not
even the lovely little pale-blue Davidii of similar
situations across the valley, which seems con-
fined to the actual neighbourhood of the pass, on
either side. And otherwise the flora of the
" Cambuseta " is dull. But soon after we top
the rise and come out into the woodland of the
marsh-level, a new matter of interest leaps to
light.

In England, a year or two since, I heard
a. caustic critic complain that he had bloomed
Primula (Omphalogramma) Delavayi, and that it
was not worth growing, being of an ugly pink
magenta. This I accepted without question,
though not without regret. But on the top of
Hpawshi Bum. P. Delavayi at last met my own
eyes, and I was amazed, for it was glorious;
enormous-flowered, fiingy. violet, of an imperial
magnificence. What mortal taste could be so
exacting as to want more? But now I think I
know the answer to the riddle, and the character
of P. Delavayi is cleared, for the genuine plant
abounds, it seems, all along these Alps, in cool
or marshy places (where it develops into giant
masses, like beds of Violet clumps), from eleven
thousand feet upwards, in the edges of Alpine
scrub, along rill banks and by springs, and even,
in its highest extension, out in the long hay "I
the ope.i Alp itself. It blooms everywhere in
June, and its leaves are always like those of
Viola odorata, rusually broader than their length.
But when P. Delavayi is already a foot high in
fat seed-pods, there comes into flower, in July,
the impostor that has got itself confused with
the genuine treasure and brought discredit on
it, for this is another Omphalogramma. absolutely
indistinguishable, to my eye, from P. Delavayi
itself, either in habit or habits, except that it
neither begins so low, nor mounts so high, in-
variably flowers a month later, and invariably
has leaves longer than their breadth, more like
those of some large form of Viola hirta. But
the species are quite distinct, and their flowers
alone would set them worlds asunder. When
first I saw the sham Delavayi in bloom, indeed,
I imagined its flowers were a very poor diseased
secondary-blossoming of the real one; but full
subsequent investigation has now shown me that
these flowers are the unvarying rule in this

st nd Omphalogramma, and not dishonouralble

exceptions in the other, for the impostor never

• The previous articles by Mr. Farrer were published

in our issues for June 21, June 28, July 12, August 9,

August 23, September 6. September 27, October 18,

November 1, November 22. December 6, 1919, Janu:irj

J. January 17, February 7, und February 28.

produces anything but small, inferior stars of a
very ugly pink-magenta; indeed, huddled down
so as harely to escape from the fat sheath of
reddish scale-leaves, nothing could be more
readily distinguished from the boldly emerging,
huge, violet trumpets of the real Delavayi, even
ii; differences 'in the tube be not taken into
account. And, since all explorers are not able
to do their work with their own eye and hand,
and as the two species cannot be known apart,
when out of flower (except by then.- foliage, which
no native " collector " could be expected to
remark), I believe that some of the indis-
criminate gleaners in the vast field of China must
have gathered the wrong Omphalogramma instead
of, or as well as. the right; and that this is the
history of the disappointment expressed by some
growers over what they have hopefully reared
as P. Delavayi.

In any case, the wrong Delavayi fills the light
Alpine wood above the marsh, and ascends to
damp places under the rocks above, never so
luxuriant and large in spread as the other, but
in close clusters of two or three crowns. Higher
up, the scrub tails off, the Bamboo ceases, and

Fig. 59.— rheum alexandrae growing in its
natural habitat.

wc emerge into grassy glades ascending to the
ridge. On the crest the line of demarcation is
as definite as in the ranges of North Tibet. On
the south side, long grass and flowers, on tile
north a uniform springy sheet of dwarf Rhodo-
dendrons, in three or four species, sinking away
unbroken for five hundred feet or so, to where
the woodland of Spruces resumes. The point
has a liar wonderful view westward, over all the
intermediate depths and valleys of richest blue,
tumbled up in white fluffs of cloud, away to
where the great range at Imaw Bum towers along
the west, itself so lost in cloud as even to
obscure the thought of Mr.. Kingdon Ward
sitting on its far side, probably collecting very
much the same plants as I. But here, upon this
neck, more immediate matters claim the mind,
for it was here that my orderly had a memorable
encounter with a mother bear and her two
babies, which resulted in the demise of all three
and the consequent immortalising of this col as
the Barenjoch.

When he had finished gesticulating out the
heroic tale, I parted from my companion and
pursued my upward way towards the peak along
the ribs of hay and lawn which descend from
the unbroken wall of cliff that mounts above.
The flowers, lovely and numerous as the stars,
were those of all these high Alpine elevations,

and, as such, shall be dwelt on at ampler leisure,
lint hardly had I embarked on my climb than 1
was aware of a new Rhododendron — a sturdy,
stocky little bush, wider than its height of a
foot or two, with neatly splayed-out foliage. All
the flowers were long since over, of course;
but no, I had the luck to happen on a plant pro-
ducing secondary trusses, and -was rejoiced to
find them loose and large-flowered, with trumpets
aS a waxy flesh— or rose— white, flushing to pink
between the lobes, and with basal glands of
deep carmine. Greatly kindled by this delight-
ful discovery, and by a lap of marsh all azure
with Gentians, I achieved the rest of the ascent
with alacrity, and at length, by a steep Takin-
track up a couloir, rejoined my companion on
the actual summit. Here there was nothing but
bould>r-seree, too large for flowers, and sear
brown turf beginning to be golden with a little
Potemtilla, And Mr. Cox had also found
"nothing." But among that "nothing." when
produced for inspection, there turned up no less
a treasure than the long-lost Bheum Alexandrae
(see Fig. 59), about which there was such a
clamorous perquisition in all the gardening papers
a season or two since. But rare (if not extinct),
as it then appeared in gardens, R. Alexandrae
is hardly less so on these, its native Alpine
heights. ' The most protracted and keen search
on all the neighbouring ridges and heights
throughout this -range never brought to light
more than this one sxall colony of some twenty
plants, stolidly standing up from the bare dead
lawn of that' wind-swept arete, and looking,
paradoxically, comfortable solid phantoms, with
their pallid ghostly spires, like cellar-bred
stalagmites, against their background of wild
high Alpine cloud. Reginald Farrer.

THE DOUBLE GRAFTING OF APPLES.

\s the tune for grafting Apples is once again
almost with us, the value or otherwise
of double grafting may be considered.
Very old trees are not suitable for
grafting; at least, any above about 30 years
of age that I have treated have never been a
success. Those of about 1C to 15 years, on the
contrary, quicklv grow into handsome specimens
But it' is the fruitfulness of the tree and the
quality of the fruit that is of most importance,
and in my experience a double grafted Apple is
never so fruitful as one that has been only once
grafted or budded. Some varieties, of which
Newton Wonder is an example, are barren, or
only once in the course of several years bear a
few fruits. Even such a consistently free-
bearing variety as James Grieve never carries
more than one-third of the crop which it does
on a once-worked stcck. Of course, the Apple
on which the double graft is made may have an
important bearing on the imposed variety, but
in every case that I have tried the hosts have
been particularly free-bearing sorts which were
re-grafted on account of their earliness and being
too many of each for our requirements. These
are Ecklinville Seedling, Lord Grosvenor, Lord
Suffield. and one or two of Paradise Pippin.
When one comes to discuss the size and quality
of the fruit borne on these trees, it has in-
variably been very superior to that of the same
sort growing in the same garden. Still, it has
to be considered whether or no the small crop
may not be entirely the cause of such fine fruit
as, again instancing James Grieve, these pro-
duce; but on the whole I think not. And if
one gets a good crop year after year, and the
individual fruits forming the crop be of the
largest size and superior quality, that is all thai
is asked for in a private garden. I may add
that all the trees to which reference has been
made are grafted in the rind, a simple and eff.ee
tive method, and, the stock being of a proper
age, three scions on each in a very few years
entirely cover the cut -over portion. I would also
recommend grafting wax for its cleanliness and
general utility. R. P. Brotherston.

March 20, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

143

INDOOR PLANTS.

BEGONIA POLYANTRA.

The subject of the illustration (Fig. 60) has
been in cultivation at Kew for at least twenty
years, and is supposed to 'be a native of Mexico.
It is a very pretty and useful winter flowering
Begonia for the greenhouse. Propagated by
cuttings inserted in March, and given
good cultivation during its growing season
in a house with an intermediate tem-
perature, the plant makes a specimen
about two and a half feet high with shoots
that arch over along their upper halves in a
very graceful manner, and bear, during January,
a profusion of pale pink flowers. If propagated
later in the season and grown in six-inch pots,
B. polyantha is a very useful plant for furnishing
the side of a conservatory stage. Old plants may
be grown a second year if large specimens are
desired. .7. C.

BEGONIA SEMPERFLORENS GIGANTEA.

A very desirable Begonia, which I did not
sec mentioned in Mr. Heal's admirable article
on "Winter Flowering Begonias" (see p. 43), is
Begonia sempernorens gigantea. It does not
bloom so earl)' in the season as the different hy-
brids of B. socotrana, but may be had in flower
during the early months of the year, and will
furnish a succession of bloom for a long time.
As is well known. B. sempernorens is an exceed-
ingly variable species, for the several forms
differ widely from each other in habit, colour of
the flowers, and other particulars. The one
mimed gigantea is of hybrid origin, and was
obtained by the intercrossing of B. sempernorens
with the Mexican B. lynchiana, which was,
when first introduced, known as B. Roezlii.
This last is a tall-growing, sparely-branched
species, with brightly-coloured blossoms. The
gigantea section — for there are two or three of
this class which do not. differ markedly from each
other — was raised 'by M. Lemoine, of Nancy.
It is by no means a novelty, but is well worth
more attention than is usually bestowed upon it.
Cuttings are very easily rooted, and soon grow to
a flowering size. Effective specimens mav be
grown in pots from five to seven inches in dia-
meter. They must not be stopped too freely
when young'in order to induce a bushy habit of
growth, as the weighty clusters of deep rose
pink blossoms are seen at their best on stout,
vigorous shoots. When the pots are well fur-
nished with roots the flowering season is greatly
prolonged by watering the plants on frequent
occasions with liquid manure or some other
stimulant. II'. T.

ASYSTASIA (MACKAYA) BELLA.

Tins plant is known as the Crimson Flag and
tings of this beautiful plant; large cuttings, six
to eight inches long, root readily in a close
propagating case. The shoots should be severed
at the intemodes, and the untrinvmed joint just
buried in the soil. In twelve months' time the
plants will be good specimens in six-inch pots,
and they may be grown in a cool greenhouse
well exposed to light and air.

The plants should be kept on the dry side
during the winter. In their second year they
may be shifted into ten-inch pots, in which some
will grow three to four feet high.

Asystasia bella is generally regarded as
a difficult plant to flower successfully ; the
essentials are good cultivation during the grow-
ing season, a partial rest during the winter and.
most important of all, removal of all the lateral
growth on the flowering shoots when the flower
spikes are developing, for neglect to do this in-
variably results in the flower buds dropping.

ACALYPHA RISPIDA.

Cuttings of this Acalypha may be inserted
now. The plant grows quickly and the cut-
tings will form good specimens by the early
autumn. They should not 'be stopped, tout
allowed to run up with a single stem. Being
a free-rooting subject, this Acalypha needs
plentiful supplies of water and feeding with

liquid manure. It makes a good standard ;
plants intended for standards are 'best rooted
the previous autumn. All Acalyphas are very
subject, to attacks of red spider, which is 'best
controlled by a free use of the syringe on the
under side of the leaves.

SCHIZOSTYLIS COCCTNEA.

This plant is known as the Crimson Flax and
Kaffir Lily ; it is hardy in the south on warm,
sheltered borders, and in borders in front of
plant houses, but even in the south and west
the flowers frequently get damaged by frost
during the autumn. In gardens where it is
grown in quantity for supplying cut 'blooms,
it is wise to erect a. frame-work that may be
covered with canvas to protect the flowers from
frost. It is a beautiful subject for the green-
house, and, if intended for this purpose, the
present is a good time to plant it out. The best
method of planting is in clumps, which in the
autumn may be lifted and placed in six-inch or
seven-inch pots. F.

Once having got the subject into stock, there
was no difficulty in striking cuttings from the
stock plants. It is a case of restricting growth.
Conrbretum purpureuim I have had to produce
rooted in order to show that cuttings can be
struck. Ipomaea Horsfalliae is another subject
that presents no difficulty if the cuttings are
taken from restricted stock plants. This point,
of propagation to which I draw attention must
be well known to nursery propagators, but they
are not writers, hence this note. There must
be many points, perhaps, known to practical men,
that do not get into print, just as success seems
sometimes to he obtained by quite exceptional
methods. It is almost always recommended, for
instance, that cuttings should be placed over
bottom heat in greater warmth than usual, but
I have always thought that I succeeded with
Camptopus Mannii, one of the old Bnt. May.
plants, by rooting it in a lower tem-
perature than usually advised, because
other cuttings treated differently bad
failed. If I am correct, the reason is obvious —
there is a natural tendency on the part of the

Fid. 60. — BEGONIA POLYANTHA : FLOWERS PALE PINK.

PROPAGATION BY CUTTINGS.

Very interesting articles and notes have been
published by The Gardeners' Chronicle on the
subject oif Propagation by Cuttings. It has been
rightly stated, I believe, that there is no subject
which cannot be propagated by this method. It
has also 'been said that everything depends upon
the right kind or condition of cutting. This is
true, but I do not think that any writer has
mentioned how these cuttings are to be obtained.
In the case of many of the difficult, or so-called
impossible, subjects, it is a question of restrict
ing the growth of the plants from which the cut-
tings are to be taken. There may be the greatest
possible difficulty in striking the cuttings that
have t<> be taken from the specimens of the great
stove or conservatory subjects, but once a catting
has been struck there is no difficultv in propa-
gating fniin the plant so obtained. Many years
ago I had serious responsibiliti.es in propagation
and I constantly found that this was the case.

cutting to continue growth, thus exhausting
itself, and the active state of the cutting is
checked by lower temperature so that it lias
time to recover. To prevent the exhaustion of
the cutting is always the first consideration
when propagation is done by this method.

Difficult, or so-called impossible, subjects I
have at various times succeeded with, but there
is one, to my great regret, that I have never
taken in hand. This is Chimonanthus fragrans.
and I recommend it to the attention of anyone
who wishes to try experiments. If 1 had the oppor
ttinily now, I should begin by growing a plant
in a pot, no longer than necessary, to provide
the cuttings. The difficulty of striking this sub-
ject is such that Dr. Lindley offered a guinea,
it is said, to any gardener who would bring
him a rooted cutting. 'The guinea was never
paid. I believe, but 1 should It greatly dis
appointed if I failed to succeed in one way or

another. /.'. Irwim Tjynch, Ex-Curator,
Botanic Oardt ». ' 'ambridgt .

144

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[March 20, 1920.

FLORISTS' FLOWERS.

PERPETUAL CARNATIONS.

The cuttings of these most useful greenhouse
plants may be inserted either in the autumn or
early spring. I have found the best rooting
medium to consist of two parts brown sand, one
part leaf-mould, and on,e part loam, s:!ted
through a sieve with a quarter-inch mesh, and
well mixed. Prepare thumb-pots or wry Miiall
sixties, and place one cutting in each pot. Make
the soil firm and scatter fine sand on the lop c 1
each pot. Select strong, well-ripened shoots
as cuttings, preferably those from the centres
of the plants, as they will be found to
grow freely and ultimately makd the best plants.
Prepare the cuttings with a sharp knife, making
a clean cut just below a joint, and strip oil the
bottom leaves. Insert one cutting in .each pot
and label the variety as the work proceeds
Cuttings of these Carnations strike more easily
and quickly if a little bottom heat is provided,
such as a hot-bed of leaves and stable litter
affords. On the hot- bed place a layer, two or
three inches deep, of ashes or cocoanut fibre
refuse. When the heat is just on the decline
plunge the pots up to their rims and arisnge a
frame on the bed to cover the cuttings. Keep
the frame close until the cuttings show signs of
growth, and then examine the pots; if roots are
developing admit a little air, and when all
are rooted remove the plants to a shelf in a
cool house having a steady temperature of
45°. Watering should be done at all times with
great care, as herein lies the secret of successful
culture. A suitable compost for the first potting
consists of two parts fibrous loam, one part
leaf-mould, and one part manure from a spent
hot-bed, with a sprinkling of silver sand, char
coal and sifted mortar rubble. Pot firmly, and
place the plants on the shelves again, and as
soon as they have made three or four pairs of
leaves, pinch out the points to cause them
to break" sturdily. With careful treatment, the
young plants will" grow quickly, and as soon as the
"pots are filled with roots they should be shifted
into 5-inch pots, using similar soil as before,
but in a slightly rougher state. At that stage
the plants may" be grown in a cold frame on
a base of finely sifted ashes, covering the light at
night if frost threatens. Keep the plants close for
a day or two, but afterwards admit air on every
possible occasion, taking care to prevent cold
draughts. Keep the growths pinched to obtain
shapely specimens.

A sprinkling of Carnation fertiliser and occa-
sional waterings with weak soot-water will greatly
benefit the plants when they have filled their
pots with roots. At that, stage the plants will
soon he ready for their final shift. They will
flower well in pots six or seven inches in
diameter ; the strongest specimens in the
larger and the weaker ones in the smaller size.
A little more rough loam may be used at the
final potting. If an exoess of -manure or leaf-
mould is used the plants are apt to grow too
rank, and coarse shoots do not produce the best
flowers. They should be staked neatly and
the shoots kept tied as growth develops. Shade
the plants on bright days with tiffany, and
lightly spray them with rain-water in the after-
noons; the moisture will help to ward off
attacks of red spider. There will not be mucn
fear of this pest, how.ever, if the plants have
been well looked after and fed with discrimina-
tion. Some growers "are troubled with rust in
their plants, which I think is most prevalent in
a damp season or in gardens in damp situations.
If it appears the affected leaves should be picKea
off and burnt. At all stages of growth the
plants should be kept tied neatly to the stake:
they will grow much letter and produce finer
flowers if the growth is not allowed to become
twisted.

As the days lengthen the plants will grow fast
and produce a large quantity of bloom, and con-
sequently will respond better to liberal feeding
than during the winter. If good flowers are
desired through the spring and summer,
the plants should be potted on about the end of
February, and have all surplus growth removed.
Certain varieties make a lot of growth about this
time, which is verv suitable for use as cuttings.

Varieties that are shy in producing cuttings
should be propagated whenever suitable shoots
are available, otherwise the stock of that particu-
lar variety may be lost. Weak plants that do
not need re-potting may be top-dressed, first
removing some of the old surface soil. During
very bright weather the plants may be shaded
and syringed, and should also be fed with soot-
water, alternated with a concentrated manure.
In the autumn these Carnations may be placed
out-of-doors to harden the growth preparatory
to taking an autumn batch of cuttings. I have
found this an excellent plan, as cuttings from
good, hard plants strike much more readily
than those from overgrown, sappy speci-
mens. Varieties which are difficult to
strike may he layered in the same
manner as Souvenir de la Malmaison Carnations ;
indeed, the Perpetual Malmaisons are best
propagated in this way. When the layers are
rooted, lift the plants carefully and pot them
in sixty-sized pots. Grow them on a shelf, as
advised for those struck from cuttings. B. II".
Thatcher, Carlton Part Gardens, Market
Scarborough.

CULTORAL MEMORANDA.

RAISING PERENNIALS FROM SEED.

The raising of perennials from seed, besides
providing us with a plentiful supply of vigorous
plants of many of our favourites, is one of the
most interesting phases of gardening. As in the
raising of new varieties of flowers, fruits and
vegetables, so in the general practice of raising
perennials, there is always the element of un-
certainty to give zest to the work, in addition
to the possibility of something really good being
obtained. Many of our garden perennials are
not true species, hut varieties which have been
obtained either from a chance sport or by
deliberate hybridisation. They have not heen
fixed, as new Sweet Peas are supposed to be,
before being sent out, but the plants have been
propagated by division or by cuttings and so
distributed. They are, in fact, in pretty much
the same condition, as regards fixity, as
varieties of fruits, and seedlings from them may
be expected in many cases to vary no less than
in the case of fruits.

Thus, if we sow a packet of seed of some
perennial of which there are varying shades of
colour, such as Erigeron speciosus, Lupinus
polyphyllus, Pyrethrum roseum, Aubrietia,
Lenten Roses, Trollius, Delphiniums, Lobelia
cardinalis, L. fulgens, and Sea Hollies,
we may plant them out in a nursery bed and
leave them there to flower the first year, after
which we may select those which we like best
and do away with the rest, when, besides
getting some fine, vigorous clumps, it is not at
all 'improbable that we may get some with
distinct shades of colour. Many of the most
beautiful introductions of recent years have
originated in this way without any artificial
cross-fertilisation. By selecting both the pollen
and the seed parents we can, of course, greatly
increase the chance of raising good novelties, but.
leaving this out of account, it we consult our own
taste in the selection of seed parents alone we
shall stand a good chance of getting varieties
nearer our own ideal of that particular flower —
the richest orange in the Iceland Poppy, the
cleares"t~*blue in the Delphinium, and the most
glowing orimson in the Gaillardia. Many-
perennial plants vary a great deal in many ways
when raised from seed, as, for instance, in the
case of Campanula persicifolia, C. earpatica, C.
turbinata, the Dropmore variety of Anchusa,
Centaurea montana, Michaelmas Daisies and tall
Phloxes, and if we start with a packet of
seed of the best strain procurable we may
reasonably expect to get some fine sorts as
regards not only colour, but foliage, habit,
season and duration of flowering.

But this is only one aspect of the subject.
Some plants when received from the nursery
are difficult to estahlish, the lifting and the
journey together apparently lessening their
powers of adapting themselves to our more or

less uncongenial conditions, with the result that
they die or only just linger on in an unsatisfac-
tory condition.

On several occasions I have purchased young
plants of Scabiosa caucasrica which have
never put forth a leaf afterwards, the plants
apparently not finding it worth while to try and
get over the move with the prospects of growing
in such a wet clay as mine. By raising seedlings,
however, and putting the plants into their
flowering positions when in their third or fourth
leaf I have obtained good specimens. Slugs are
very fond of this plant, but where these are not
a difficulty it might be better to sow the seed
in small patches on the borders and thin
the seedlings to one or two plants, which should
be left to flower there. The Dropmore variety
of Anchusa italica is well worth -raising in the
same way, bought plants being of little use, as
a rule, as they do not make good flowering
specimens the first year, and often do not live
the second if the soil is a damp one, unless they
are made into root cuttings, which means waiting
another year. If this plant is raised in pans it
should be planted out very soon, its root or roots
being allowed to fall straight down a deep hole
made with a dibber and filled with good soil. I
have measured a root nearly two feet long when
the plant has only been in the third leaf.

There are many plants which are very easy to
cultivate but difficult to move

In these cases, again, it is a good plan
to raise the plants each season from seed
and put them in their flowering positions in
their early stages. Gypsophila paniculata is a
case in point, its brittle, fibreless roots receiving
such damage in the process of lifting, if the plant
is an established one, that it is often three years
before it makes a good specimen, 1 y which time
we can get good plants from seeds which will
go on improving. The same is true of the great
Sea Lavender, some of :he Sea Hollies.
Echinops Ritro (choosing seedlings of the best
colour). Delphiniums, especially D. Belladonna,
of which seed can now be obtained; Catananche.
Alyssum saxatile, Oenothera macrocarpa, and
Lupinus polyphyllus, all of vvnich resent being
moved and rarely make such fine specimens after
the transplanting as when flowering where they
have grown since they were in the seedling stage.
This applies especially to the Tree Lupin, which
is difficult to establish in the spring and does not
withstand the winter very often if planted m the
autumn, especially in wet soils. There are many
plants, some of ill. m, perhaps, rather doubtful
perennials, which do better the first year than
in succeeding ones, and in such cases it is
worth while raising a batch every year to
replace those which are flowering the same year.
Seedlings of Campanula persicifolia, for instance,
if raised from seed sown in a frame in
February, make good plants by October,
and give a splendid display the following
summer, but they . are often not nearly so
good in any subsequent year. They vary a great
deal, and it is a good plan to save seed from the
best specimens. The hybrid Columbines should
be treated in the same way, and if some of the
short-spurred varieties are grown among them
some fine strong types may be expected after a
year or two, and we may get some stronger
plants of certain colours than we can buy.
G.iillardias, Iceland Poppies, Sweet Williams,
Lebdia cardinalis, L. fulgens, Coreopsis
•ranJiflora, C. lanceolata, Verbascum phoe-
niceum Pentstemon hybrids, Polemomum
(Jacob's Ladder), the Primrose family (including
the Auricula), and many other's, should be
treated in the same way.

Hollyhocks, too, are much less likely to suffer
from disease if treated similarly.

One or two things should be borne
in mind iby those who raise and grow
perennials from seed. The seed should be
sown very thinly in order that the
seedlings sustain no damage either in the
process of thinning out or through becoming
leggy Before this is done. Though the seed of
many perennials may be sown at almost any time
in the year, and in some cases germinates better
if sown as soon as ripe, yet to obtain plants to
flower the year after they are sown one can
scarcely sow' the seed too early in the year in
the case of true perennials. Alger Petts.

March 20, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

145

VEGETABLES.

EARLY POTATO PLANTING IN AYRSHIRE.

During recent weeks many thousands of acres
of early Potatos have been planted in the Girvan
district of the Ayrshire coast and in Wigtown-
shire.

The planting season usually commences about
February 7, Out owing to the exceptionally
wet weather at that period, operations were this
season delayed until about February 18 Since
that time the weather has been extremely
favourable for the work, and another week of
fine weather should see the planting practic;illv
completed.

The variety which is universally grown is
Epicure. It has so far proved to be the most
successful of all, as it yields the heaviest crop
for digging in June, and although occasionally
touched by frost, this does not have a very
adverse effect upon its growth. Another point
which is greatly in favour of this variety is the
heavy foliage it carries. This is of great
assistance in dry seasons in conserving the
moisture in the soil, which, being of a sandy
nature, dries quickly.

The general methods of cultivation employed
may be of interest. In the first place, every
farmer sprouts his Potatos in specially-made
trays, and these are usually kept in sheds built
for the purpose. The tubers are set up in Sep-
tember, or as soon after that time as possible.
In frosty weather lamps are kept burning night
and day if necessary, and in favourable weather
the doors are thrown wide open to admit plenty
of air and light.

As those Potatos are grown on the same land
every year, very heavy manuring is necessary.
Sea-weed, or " wrack/' as it is better known in
this district, is regarded as very valuable material.
It contains a considerable amount of potash,
and is invaluable for bringing the soil to a fine
tilth. The farmers cart it at every available
opportunity, and use it so far as is possible
every second season. In the alternate season
farmyard manure is used.

At planting time a heavy dressing of artificial
manure is used, the usual quantity being from
12 cwts. to. 15 cwts. per acre. The analysis of the
mixture commonly employed is: — 7.40 per cent,
nitrogen, 9^ per cent, ammonia, 16 per cent,
soluble phosphates, 2 per cent, citric soluble
phosphates, 2 per cent, insoluble phosphates,
and 5 per cent, of sulphate of potash. This
system of manuring has been adopted year after
year, and the results have been highly gratify-
ing. In addition to the above, a dressing of
bone meal is occasionally given, and so also is
a dressing of lime.

After the crop has been lifted, a second, or
"catch crop,'* is usually sown. This may take
the form of Rape, Mustard, Italian Ryegrass,
Barley, or Boracole. The first three are used
either for ploughing in during the autumn as
green manure, or for sheep-feeding. The Barley
in good seasons often threshes very well, and in
less favourable seasons provides useful fodder.
The Greens or Kale constitute a most profitable
crop to send to market, and are being more /ex-
tensively grown each year.

During the past few years exceptionally high
piices have been obtained for those famous early
Ayrshire Potatos, and the farmers again antici-
pate that record prices will rule, owing
to the probability of old Potatos being almost
unobtainable by May and June. John Stewart.

LAZY-BEDS.

Ireland has always been the chief home of
the Potato, and Potatos and milk are still the
staple diet of the greater percentage of the
" crofter " population.

A description of the method by which the
Potato crop is generally grown in small gardens,
or even on 5-10 acre fields, will probably be of
interest to reader*. I am confident that the
lazy-bed system (as it is usually called] has
much to recommend it, either for reclaiming
waste land, breaking up pasture, or cultivating

land that has , water , close to the surface. The
tool used is either the long-handled graft or a
digging spade with a o-foot haft ; but I have
found an ordinary garden spade quite as useful
a tool when used by a man who is used to it.

Whether the land is under grass or has been
cultivated before, the procedure is exactly the
same. The ground is marked out into alternate
strips 3^ feet and lj feet wide, respectively.
Manure is lightly scattered over the wider strips
and sufficient soil to 'bury the manure half, an
inch deep is thrown on from the narrow strip.
The Potato sets are then placed in position in
three rows at one foot apart each way ; some-
times 18 inches is allowed between the rows, of
three. The sets are covered with about three
inches of soil from the narrow strip or trench
and all the soil for the subsequent earthings is

Fig. 61.— lazy-bed method of growing potatos.

A. manure; B nnd U. soil; C Potato sets; E, soil for

subsequent earthing.

taken from the trench or trenches. The trenches
are filled in when the crop is being harvested.

On dry lands this method would obviously be
doomed to failure, but no other method of culti-
vation could. I believe, so aerate the soil and at
the same time produce a crop. Of course, our
humid climate is a great factor in success.

As an experiment, last season I adapted this
method to the growing of Celery and Peas, ancl
with great success, on land taken over in May.
The ground was old pasture, about 300 feet
above sea-level and 30 feet above the water-
table, but a good supply of water was available
for artificial watering. ' The trenches were dug
two feet wide and two and a half feet deep and
the soil was banked up between them. They
were then filled with one foot of manure
covered within three inches of the new level with
a mixture of soil and old manure. Peas were
sown and Celery planted in these trenches, and
the ground between was cropped with salads or
used as seed-beds for Cabbage, etc.

During the past few weeks we have been
double digging part of the land that was treated

Fig. 62. — lazy-bed adapted to celery and

other crops.

A, soil from trench; B, manure; C, soil level for

planting Celery; D, soil level for planting Pens.

in this way. The whole of the soil to a depth
of two spits has turned up remarkably easily
and appears to be in as good a condition as
ground that was thoroughly trenched and
liberally manured during the winter of 1918.
There, is a tendency for grass and weeds to grow
strongly at the edges of the beds, but this is
easily overcome by turning the outside turf
before commencing to plant; if this precaution is
taken even top-rooted weeds, except a few al
the outsides, seem to disappear entirely

I am certain if the lazy-bed method of cultiva-
tion is tried in England it will become popular,
more especially as a method of converting pasture
land to good, deep garden soil. C. A. Covhe,
Kilworth. t'n. t'ork.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

[The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for
the opinions expressed by correspondents.]

The Double Adonis amurensis. — In the note
on forms of Adonis amurensis (see p. 115) no
mention is made of a peculiarity of the double
fluwer. The number of petals is enormous and
the adventitious ones from the stamens, instead
of being yellow, gradually assume a green colour
until the whole centre of the broad flower be-
comes green. It is a case of chloranthy of the
petals. The variety is certainly highly inter-
esting, but if the metamorphosed petals were to
remain bright yellow like those of the single
form, the double one would almost certainly
become a favourite in gardens, because the
plant is of easy cultivation, and more durable
than the other perennial species which tind their
way into gardens from time to time. It flowers
early in almost any position, but a little shelter
from prevailing winds would be beneficial to
the flowers. J. F.

Narcissus Soleil d'Or. — The popular buiuh-
flowered Narcissus Soleil d'Or proves to be one
of the earliest, hardiest, and brightest of its
section, and it has been in full bloom here for
the past fortnight, outside, planted close to a
south-east wall, but without any other protection
The plants withstood the effects of 7° and 8°
of frost on February 22 and 23. They have been
planted five years and, at the time of writing,
the trusses cany four and five fully developed
flowers of a very bright colour. A. B. Waddsy
Unglefield Gardens, Reading.

The Education of Young Gardeners. —I am
very interested in the correspondence on the
above subject, and should like to add a few
suggestions. In the first place, I consider every
young gardener should endeavour to spend :i
few years in several well-managed nurseries.
My experience is that, after two to three year?
in a general nursery or private garden, a young
man should spend a year at a time in nurseries
or gardens; for instance, one year as journey-
man in a good private garden, one year in a
good hardy plant nursery, one year in a tree
and shrub nursery, and so on. This system
adds interest to one's work. I believe in
every county having its demonstrating and trial
grounds which require a man qualified for
administration purposes, but I also think each
county should make much greater use of its
practical men. I know many practical gar-
deners who are good lecturers, and who, during
the winter months, would be glad to give a
course of lectures in their own locality if the
county would arrange such courses and pay the
lecturer a fee. During the past fifteen

years I have given many addresses in
the various parts of tly> country where
I have been staying, and. on looking up
my records for the winter of 1911-1912, find my
expenses, without wear and tear of cycle, came
to over £5. These lectures were all given in
small villages, out of the range of the county
lecturer. Very few gardVners can afford
such an expense, and, in consequence, their vari-
able experience is lost both to the young gar.
dener and the general public interested in gar-
dening. .4. H. E.

Hosts of the Mistleto. — In a note on p. 69
J. F. writes: "For many years past, however,
T have noted a fine colony of large plants of
Mistleto on the English Elm (Ulmus campestris)
in the churchyard at Leatherhead." As I have
never seen Mistleto growing on any kind of
Elm, on March 4 I went to see the specimens re-
ferred to. There are now only two Elm trees in
the churchyard; these are comparatively young
and have no Mistleto. On enquiring of a
friend, who has lived close by for several years.
I was told Mistleto could be found over the wall
in a grass field, but. on further investigation. I
found the Mistleto growing on Lime trees ! Is it
possible that ./. F. has iforgotten owing to lapse
of years? Can any reader give an instance of
Misllrto growing on the Elm at the presenl
time. W. //. Divers, V.M.H., Wesldean, Hook,
near Surbiton.

Potato The Champion. — My friend Mr. William
Cuthbertson, of Messrs. Dobbie and Company,
calls my attention to an error in the article
on " The Popularity and Deterioration of

146

THE GARDENERS* CHRONICLE.

[March 20, 1920.

Potatos " (see Gard. Chron,., Feb. 28, p. 108).
By an oversight the raising of Champion was
attributed to Mr. Barclay, whereas it was raised
by Mr. John Nicol in his garden at Ochterloney.
In 1880 Mr. Nicol was examined by Mr. Barclay,
M.P., when appearing before a select committee
of the House of Commons, and stated that it was
in 1862 that he planted Potatos and obtained
seed-apples. The seed was sown the following
year, and from this seed Tire Champion variety
was produced. H. V. Taylor.

The late Mr. W. H. Dobson. — As one who was

in close touch with the scientific work of the
late Mr. W. H. Dobson, I wish to add my
tribute to the appreciation of his labours which
appeared in your issue of February 25. Through-
out the years during which I was engaged in
agricultural-chemical work in the University of
Leeds I had frequent opportunities of seeing and
discussing his work, and early formed a high

as manganese and boron, on the growth and
fruiting of vines, would be adequate to give him
an honourable place amongst scientific investi-
gators, and it is sincerely to be hoped that some
means may be' 'found of placing them on record.
His scientific wotfk throughout was characterised
by the most scrupulous regard for accuracy, and
he would spare no efforts to secure complete
mastery of the technique of any analytical
method hefore applying it in his investigations.
Living in the country, he was largely cut off
from the modern facilities and intercourse with
fellow-investigators, which afford so much assist-
ance to the academic 'worker. A bedroom served
as his chemical laboratory and, in adapting it
for his purpose, he displayed a fertility of re-
source which compelled admiration. Reference
is made in your obituary notice to the valuable
advisory work which he accomplished for York-
shire farmers and horticulturists, work which
throughout was carried out with scientific

Fig. 65. — nahcisstjs magnificence.

R.H.S. Award of Merit. Tiiesdny, March 9. (See page 135.)

opinion of his character and ability. British
horticulture may well be proud of its successive
generations of practitioners of the highest tech-
nical excellence, but rare indeed is it to find
skill in practice combined with the enthusiasm
for, and solid achievement in, scientific re-
search which was the outstanding feature of Mr.
Dobson's career. Modest to a fault concerning
the merits of his research work, he could never
be persuaded to publish the results of his work
in scientific journals, and despite the most
strenuous pleading of his friends he could never
be persuaded that it would not be presumptuous
on his part as a practical man to put himself
forward as a scientific investigator. His re-
searches on vine-culture alone, in which, with
infinite pains and skill, he investigated the in-
fluence of various soil factors, notaibly the supply
of lime and the rarer ingredients of soil', such

thoroughness arid a close acquaintance with the
latest developments of agricultural and horticul-
tural research. Alongside these manifold acti-
vities he displayed the warmest interest in the
general welfare of British horticulture. The
woi-k of the private investigator is the
peculiar glory of British science, and it
is with a view to ensuring that some
little tribute may be paid to the memory of one
whose modesty alone deprived him of recogni-
tion during his lifetime that I am asking you
to give the publicity of your journal to this
imperfect appreciation. Charles Crowther.
Director, Research Department. Olympia Agri
cultural Company, Ltd.

North of England Horticultural Society.— I
shall greatly esteem the advice and counsel of
vourself and the readers of The Gardeners'

Chronicle. The question I desire to ask of
those interested in horticulture in the north of
England is this : Is there still a need for such
a society as the N.E.H.S., and how can it be
placed in a strong position 1 We have at present
a Reorganisation and Reconstruction Committee
at work, but I am told their difficulties are great.
We have about £75 in hand to our credit so we
are not bankrupt by any means. And to me the
wonderful thing is that, notwithstanding a state
of suspended animation from March 21, 1916, to
June 17, 1919, and even now the impossibility of
getting fellows together as in old times, we have
good and loyal friends. Our " good will " is an
asset. Perhaps a little history will help to
straighten matters out. On January 6, 1911, in
the Lord Mayor's Rooms at Leeds, the society
was inaugurated, after a fair amount of local
agitation and Press correspondence. The name
of the late John Clayton stands out pre-
eminent among the pioneers. The general feeling
was that up in Yorkshire and in these northern
counties we were too far away from London to
benefit by the R.H.S. shows. Growers and others
who desired recognition of their efforts in the
shape of diplomas or certificates, apart altogether
from money prizes, felt themselves severely
handicapped. Although I had not desired the
post of secretary I did my best to carry out the
plans outlined and when I retired, October 1,
1913. the following was our position : — Paid-up
fellows and members, 520; paid-up affiliated
societies, 20. If I may lie allowed to criticise, two
mistakes were made which placed the society in
a dangerous financial position. First, no
guarantee fund was established to pay "ft
initial expenses. I advocated this as I had seen
the beneficial effects at our first (Hexham)
Northern Fruit Congress, 1910. Then there was
the natural Leeds and Yorkshire bias which ovei
balanced affairs too much, and generally made
the society untrue to name. Until February 16.
1917. I was out of the society except as the
one and only honorary life member, although I
helped Mr. J. C. Jackson, our secretary, by
raising some £127 towards wiping out the deficit.
The name of Major J. W. Dent, Ribston Hall,
should be for ever remembered in this connection
for his princely generosity. One great source of
weakness, financially, 1913-16, to the N.E.H.S.
was the Journal Committee, who took over the
matter in 1913. up to which time the Magazine,
as it was then .ailed, was self-supporting. The
Investigation Committee appointed on January
21, 1919, was able to place its finger on this
weak spot. The loss in 1914 was £90 and in
1915 £119. These figures speak for themselves.
The auditor also reported £50 owing for
advertisements. As hon. sec. since Fel
ruary 16, 1917. I have had to mark
time' and " wait and see." Mr. J. S. Buinton
and myself have tendered our resignations twice,
but by request they are held over. What does
the horticultural fraternity in the north of
England wish and desire? For myself, I think
the vegetable and allotment departments are
fully catered for and fully organised already.
There is one opening which I would like to see
accepted, and it is summed up in the word
" fruit." Whether it be in garden cities, villa
gardens, market gardening or fruit growing there
is scope here for organisation, encouragement,
and experiment. At Wye, Long Ashton, and
Wisley, to mention only three centres, yon have
for the south of England great educational
facilities. Except for the work of Mr. A. J.
Sowman. under the Lancashire C.C., we have
nothing, to my mind. and. so far as I know, pro
gressive or really helpful in the north of England.
What does go on is fitful and haphazard. The
Yorkshire experimental grounds are a disgrace —
let anyone visit Hunsingore and see the trees
growing together and full of mussel scale. This is
largely due to horticulture being under the heel
of agriculturists who naturally cannot understand,
or. if not farmers, they are townsmen who do
not grasp what openings there are for home
production of fruit. At our Knaresborough Red
Cross Fruit Show in October, 1916. Dr. Keeble
advocated a Northern Trials Station. Is tins
not fit work for the N.E.H.S.? ./. Bernard
Hall. Famham Vicarage. Knaresborougli,

March 20, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

147

The Torquay Wheelbarrow. — Under the
above designation I desire to refer to the kind of
wheelbarrow almost universally used in Torquay.
It has simply the addition of smaller wheels to
the two legs. These are no inconvenience when
the wheelbarrow is lifted by the two handles and
used in the ordinary way, and it is conceivable
that in case of weight, against a rise of the
ground for instance, it is very convenient to be
relieved of the weight on the hands and to push
the barrow. Thus the wheelbarrow becomes
practically a hand-cart, and this seems sometimes
to be recognised by modification of the construc-
tion. For going clown hill there must certainly
be an advantage. If it were possible, the Royal
Horticultural Society might do worse thaai main-
tain an exhibition of garden implements and
materials. There is an extremely valuable form
of shovel commonly used in the south-wast of
England which, I think, is never seen in London
and some other parts. The shovel in common use
is like a spade, with the same straight handle,
but with larger blade. This requires that a man,
in loading a cart for instance, should bend his
back to the horizontal and then, from this weak
position, have no great power in the necessary
push. The west ot England shovel, on the con-
trary, allows a man to remain nearly upright
and to have enormous power of push by means
of the leg above the knee. This shovel, with the
blade fiat on the ground, has an upturned tube
to take a curved handle, which rises over the leg,
above the knee, to the right hand, the left hand
being rather below the knee. In this position
there is enormous power of leverage on the leg
for loading a cart, and enormous power of push
on the ground without any danger of breaking
the back. The ordinary shovel makes the back
take all the strain. A difficulty I have found is
that the ordinary garden labourer would rather
strain his back than take to an implement that
is new to his experience. R. Irwin Lynch.

SOCIETIES.

NOTES FROM IRELAND.

The spring show of the Royal Horticultural
and Arboricultural Society of Ireland will, by
kind permission of Viscount Iveagh, K.P. , be
held in the covered yard, St. Stephen's Green,
Dublin, on April 8. As far as can be foreseen
this date should suit Daffodils, for which the
Irish schedule provides sixteen classes, although
last year a date two days later found them
behindhand.

Generally speaking, vegetation is a month
earlier than it was this time last year, which, of
course, is not a matter for unqualified congratula-
tion. The morning of the 8th inst. found a very
cold night culminating in 7 degrees of frost at
the Royal Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin. But
notwithstanding the frost, plants of Primula
denticulata in full bloom on the cool side of the
extensive rockery at Glasnevin had not lost their
beauty, indeed, I never saw this Primula more
pleasing than on that morning, after the unkind
night, while Kauffman's Tulip, in royal red,
gave a splash of colour.

It is interesting to notice Mistleto making use
of the weak-wooded Snowberry bushes as a host
at Glasnevin (as recorded on page 122). It
seems to raise the question as to what the para-
site will not avail itself of, rather than what it
will thrive on. However, it is not a matter for
surprise to find it there, as a shower of berries
must, have fallen from the dense clusters on the
Chestnut overhead, on which luxuriant bushes
abound, with the possibility of lodgment in the
forked, twiggy growth of the Snowberries
underneath.

Very noticeable at the entrance to the Glas-
nevin Gardens are the wall-trained plants of
Pyrus creniulata Gibbsii, and P. c. yunn-anense,
with their profusion of brilliantly red berries,
notably the last-named, which is almost dazzling
as the sun chases the frost away. In the little
Alpine house, a pan of Saxifraga porophylla is
beautiful, its pink-purple flowers springing from
small, encrusted crowns ; S. Irvingii, pink, and
S. lilacina, with a "Blue-eyed Mary " in
Omphalodes cappadocia, were equally charming.
K. Dublin.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.

Scientific Committee.

March 9.— Present : Messrs. E. A. Bowles,
M.A. (in the chair). J. Fraser, H. J.
EUves, W. Hales, A. Wcrsley, W. R. Dykes,
H. J. Page, F. J. Chittenden (hon. sec.) ;
Messrs. Crane, Jardine, and Rev. J. Jacob
(visitors).

Primula crosses. — Messrs. Baker, of Wolver-
hampton, showed a cross between Primula acaulis
and P. Juliae, widr dark purplish led flowers
and leaves like those of Primula Juliae and ailso
Primula Juliae x P. elatior, with pinkish flowers
very similar to the form shown by Dr. Rosenheim
a few meetings since.

Variegation of stern in Freesia. — Rev. J.
Jacob showed a variety of Freesia with orange
flowers, the lower part of the stem of which
showed alternating bands of darker and paler
green. These were deferred for further examin-
ation.

Pruning, etc., of seedling fruits— Mr. A.
Worsley gave an account of his observations upon
the growth of seedling fruits of various kinds,
including Apples, Pears, Plums, Peaches, and
Apricots, and remarked upon the methods of
pruning such seedling trees and upon the charac-
teristics of certain seedling fruits as compared
with their parents.

Veltheimia viridifolia.—Mr. Blaythwayt, of
Porlock, sent a specimen of this interesting Cape
bulb. It is nearly hardy, but not quite, frost
being fatal to it.

READING AND DISTRICT GARDENERS.

At the meeting held in the Abbey Hall
on Monday, March 8, Mr. Alderman F. B.
Partitt, presided over an excellent attendance,
including several memibers oi the Berkshire Bee-
Keepers' Association. The subject for the
evening was " Practical Bee-Keeping," and the
lecturer was Mr. Henry Edwards, who gave a
very exhaustive discourse on skeps, comb for-
mations on frames, swarming, extracting honey,
and honey flowers. A splendid series of lantern
slides was shown enabling the audience to more
closely follow the lecturer's remarks.

A beautiful exhibit was staged by Mr. F.
Townsend, The Gardens, Hillside, consisting of
Hyacinths in pots, each bulb carrying a splendid
truss of bloom. The most noticeable varieties
were La Victoire, King of the Blues, City of
Haarlem, Corregeio, Jacques and Schotel.

UNITED HORTICULTURAL BENEFIT AND
PROVIDENT.

March 8. — There was an unusually large at-
tendance of members of the United Horticul-
tural Benefit and Provident Society at the fifty-
fourth Annual General Meeting, held at the
Royal Horticultural Hall, Westminster, on the
above date.

The report and accounts for 1919 were pre-
sented. These show that the total income for
1919 was £4,261 5s. Pd.. including £1,859 16s.
from dividends on investments. The expenditure
amounted to £5,968 7s. Id., this sum including
the purchaso of investments. The sick pay for
the year came to £843 0s. 2d. , as compared with
£825 5s. lOd. in 1918. In Scale A, forty-three
members received a total of £279 14s. ; in Scale
B. 118 members received sick pay amounting to
£507 8s. ; in Scale C. twenty members received
£47 14s. 8d. ; in Scale D, seven sick members
received £8 15s. ; and one juvenile member
received 10s. 6d. The total amount paid out in
sick benefits included £108 2s. paid to wounded
and sick members serving with His Majesty's
forces. The grants from the Distress Fund sane
to £187 Is. 6d. Twenty-three members withdrew
interest in accordance with Rule 19, amounting
to £89 4s. 4d. , and two members over the age of
seventy years drew from their deposit accounts
amounts totalling £209 17s. Two lapsed members
who had reached the age of sixty years closed
their denosit accounts, amounting to £9 15s.,

whereas the payments in this connection in 1918
were £96 19s. lOd. Fourteen members, including
seven soldiers, died during the year, and their
nominees received sums varying from £1 8s. 2d.
to £49 lis. 4d., and making a total of £226 12s.
The cost of management was £352 12s. 8d., and
£30 9s. Id. was spent in advertising the Society.

Forty-three members were admitted during the
year, and five juvenile members were transferred
to the Adult Section. The total membership now
stands at 1,685, made up as follows : — Scale A,
334; Scale B, 1,059; Scale C, 175; Scale D, 100:
Juveniles, 17.

The Chairman, Mr. Chas. H. Curtis, in moving
the adoption of the report and accounts, briefly
outlined the work accomplished and referred to
the purchase of £2,300 of War Loan during the
year, this amount bringing the total invested in
War Stock to over £10,000 and the total invest-
ments to £57,147 (see p. 125) —Mr. Price
seconded the motion, which was carried.

Votes of thanks were accorded the Trustees,
Officers, Members of Committee and the Horti-
cultural Press. Messrs. Bashford, Bedford,
Penton and Wesker, the retiring members of the
Committee, were re-elected. Mr. T. Winter was
reappointed Treasurer and voted £20 from the
Private and State Sections for his work. Mr.
A. C. Hill was reappointed Secretary, and Mr.
Chas. H. Curtis was re-elected Chairman of Com-
mittee for the twentieth consecutive year.

At the close of the general business, a Special
General Meeting was held, and alterations of
rules were adopted, whereby a special scale of
sick pay was created, in which, by an increase
of subscriptions by 50 per cent., the members will
receive an advance of 50 per cent, in payments
during illness. This is a voluntary scale, and
members may enter it irrespective of age until
the end of 1921, when fees will be payable
according to the age of the memiber joining.

Other alterations agreed to allow a grant of
£10 to be paid to the nominee of a deceased
member, in addition to any sum standing to his
credit, in short, a funeral benefit fund has been
arranged without an extra subscription, the
benefit paid out being covered by a pro rata
deduction from the amount of surplus cash
credited annually to each member.

Mr. Butler gave a resume of the model rules
which the Commissioners of Friendly Societies
have recommended for adoption. It would
almost appear as though these rules have
been drafted on the basis of those now-
used by the U. H. P. B., therefore the
necessary adaptions were few. The meet-
ing gave the Committee and officers full
power to put these rules into force, subject to
the necessary adaptation, both for the Private
and the State Sections.

The meeting closed at a somewhat late hour,
with a very hearty vote of thanks to the Chair-
man.

BRITISH CARNATION.

The twenty-fourth exhibition of the British
Carnation Society was held at the Horticultural
Hall on Wednesday, March 10. It cannot be
said that the show was up to pre-war standard.
as we have seen more trade groups and larger
entries in the competitive classes, but it was
nevertheless a good show, and so far as quality of
bloom is concerned some of the varieties of recent-
introduction were in advance of those formerly
recognised as the best sorts.

Two novelties were granted Awards, both be-
longing to Messrs. Allwood Bros., Wivelsfield
Nurseries, Haywards Heath. Wivelsfield Claret
is a large, substantial flower, supported on strong
stems. Its colour is a very full rich claret, dis-
tinct and effective in a good light. The other
variety is named Wivelsfield Beauty, a light yel-
low, neatly edged and striped with rose pink
This appears likely to be a useful addition to
exhibition varieties.

The principal class in the schedule was that
for which the George Monro Cup was offered, the
requirements being 12 vases of distinct varieties.
25 blooms in each. Mr. W. E. WALLACE was the
only exhibitor. Among his varieties were Lady
Northclifre, Mrs. C. W. Ward. Winsor, Pink De-
light. Scarlet Glow, and Mikado, hut he also
showed his own variety L'na Wallace, a brilliant

14H

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[March 20, 1920.

rose-cense flower of fine quality ; Romeo, a rich
crimson of capital shape, with dll the appear-
ance of a market flower, but devoid of scent ;
Sunstar, White Wonder, Enid and Day Dream.
There were four entries in the class for a vase
containing not fewer than 100 blooms of one
variety. The successful exhibitor was Mr. C.
Engelmann, who showed Lady Northoliffe.
There were those who thought Mr. T. Page's
vase of a new variety, named John Page, was
superior. It is a shade lighter in colour than
Lady Northclift'e, but it is a grand flower. None
of the vases presented an elegant appearance,
and we would suggest that so large a number of
blooms as one hundred would make an infinitely
more attractive display if arranged in a basket
or an epergne.

The best three vases of 12 blooms each, con-
fined to British novelties distributed since Janu-
ary, 1917, brought another first prize to Mr.
Engelmann. His varieties were Bona, a hand-
some flower, shading from salmon pink through

Peters coming second with the same variety ;
third prize was awarded to Chastity, a new
variety, shown by Mr. J. Green, March. The
Newport Carnation Nurseries also led for a
pink variety, with Lady Meyer. Mr. Engel-
mann's Bona excelled in the "salmon " class, and
the same exhibitor won the first prize in the
"crimson " class with Carola, and for "scarlet "
with Thor, which is a scarlet of vivid colouring
and superb form. Mary Allwood, Iona, and
Nora West were the other three prize winners in
individual colour classes.

Mr. R. F. Felton had matters all his own way
in the decorative classes, showing a magnificent
basket of the new pink variety named Mrs.
Walter Hemus. and a superb bouquet of the
yellow " Saffron."

Trade Exhibits.
Mr. C. Engelmann was awarded a Gold Medal
for a splendid group, which included fine blooms
of Lady Northoliffe, Laddie, of wonderful size;

FlG. 64.— CARNATION WIVELSFIELD WHITE.

shrimp pink to a darker salmon tint
toward the edge of the petals ; Speckles
is a flower well named, it being speckled with red
on a pink ground ; and Iona. The Misses
Price and Fyfe showed good flowers in this class
of Isobel Felton. a white variety which was de-
scribed as a model of form ; Cholita and Mrs.
Walter Hemus. Unfortunately, there were two
points in which this exhibit fell short of the
Schedule, i.e., wiring in one instance, and the
showing of a variety not yet in commerce In
other respects this exhibit merited the first prize.
Mr. Engelmann won first prize for three
American novelties, with Laddie, a verv large,
bold flower; Peerless and Crystal White. Mr.
Wallace's Romeo was placed first in the class
for one vase of a British novelty ; second. Dolly,
u rich salmon pink, smooth-petalled variety of
Mr. Engelmann's. The Newport Carnation
Nurseries led in a class for the best vase of a
*hite variety, showing White Wonder; Mr. J. E.

the new Bona, and Carola. with all its sports.
Messrs. Allwood Bros, showed a large table
group, which was also awarded a Gold Medal ;
their novelty, Wivelsfield Claret, was made a
conspicuous feature. The exhibit also contained
good blooms of the " Wivelsfield " varieties,
including Wivelsfield White (see Fig. 64) ;
there were also several unnamed seed-
lings of great promise. A big bank of
Chastity, a pure white variety, from Mr. J.
Green, March, demonstrated the usefulness of
this addition to white sorts. Messrs. Keith,
Luxford and Co. showed flowers of good quality,
evidencing skilful cultivation.

The schedule included sections for gardeners
and amateurs, there being seven classes in each
of the two divisions, each class for one vase of
5 blooms of a distinct colour.

The principal prize winners in gardeners'
classes were Mr. R. Lay, gardener to E.
Wurmald, Esq., Sheecwell. Potter's Bar, and

Mr. H. H. Brown, Castle Hill Gardens, Engle-
field Green, Surrey.

Mr. Herbert Blake, Tower Cottage Alver-
stoke, Hampshire, showed ibest in the Amateurs'
Section, winning 1st prizes for one vase of a
pink variety, one vase of a salmon-pink variety,
one vase of a crimson variety, and one vase of
any other colour than those enumerated.

Mr. W. G. Oakley, Hill Croft, Luton, was
successful in the class for a white variety, and
he was awarded the 2nd prizes in the classes
for pink, salmon-pink, crimson and scarlet
varieties.

At 3 p.m. a conference was held in the lecture
room of the Royal Horticultural Society, when
a paper on ' ' The Culture of Carnations in Pots "
was read 'by Mr. F. Jordan, Ford Manor
Gardens, Lingneld, Surrey.

In the evening some sixty-six members and
their friends "were present at the Annual Dinner,
held in the Duke's Room, Holborn Restaurant.
Mi'. J. S. Brunton presided. A pleasant evening
was spent, the Committee having arranged an
excellent musical programme.

LEEDS AND DISTRICT MARKET
GARDENERS.

A competitive Rhubarb exhibition was held
at Leeds, on the 6th inst., under the auspices
of the above Association. The show was the
seventh of the series, and it was made the
occasion of a social event, a smoking concert
being held after the show. There were four
classes for (a) six sticks of Prince Albert or
Linnaeus; (b) six of Victoria or any other
variety; (c) six of Dawe's Champion; and (d>
three marketable bunches of Victoria Rhubarb,
not to exceed $ lb. each.

Messrs. Whitwell and Briggs. Bramley, ex-
celled in the two first classes and Messrs. T. W.
and H. Popplewell, Farsley, in tile other two.
The first prize in the last class was a silver cup.
offered by Messrs. Garcia, Jacobs and Co..
valued at" 10 guineas. The cup has to be won
three times in all before it is the property of
any exhibitor.

The Committee states that the show is the
only one of its kind in the Empire.

At the close of the show all the exhibits
were sent to the wounded soldiers at the Mili-
tary Hospitals, Leeds.

©bltuarp.

Henry Prime. — It is with deep regret we
have to record the death of Mr. H. Prime,
gardener at Hatfield House. Hatfield, Hertford-
shire, at the early age of 40. For some time
past he had not been in very robust health anoT
the end came peacefully on February 19. Mr.
Prime succeeded the late Mr. Norman as gat-
dener to the Marquis of Salisbury about 14
years ago, and he thoroughly maintained the
high reputation the Hatfield gardens have so
long enjoyed. Mr. Prime was a clever culti-
vator of fruits and the raiser of several new
Strawberries. The funeral took place at the
Hatfield Cemetery on the 24th ult. In
addition to the relatives, estate officials
and garden staff, Mr. Hazelton, Mr. H.
\1 ivkli.ii,., Mr. Fitt and several other
gardeners resident in the immediate neighbour-
hood were also present. A widow and one child
are left to mourn the loss of a modest and
kindly man, who was one of the most skilful
gardeners of our times.

George Stanton. — It is with deep regret we
announce the death, on the 14th inst., of Mr.
George Stanton, formerly gardener at Park
Place. Henley-on-Thames, in his 80th year.
Mr. Stanton was for 42 years in charge of the
gardens at Park Place, and for the past six
vears he had lived in retirement on the estate
where he had laboured for the greater part of
his manhood. He was born on December 10.
1840, at Bramley, near Guildford, Surrey. His
gardening career commenced at Rydinghurst,
where he remained for three years: he next
served in the gardens at Knowle Park, and.
after two years there, he entered the Royaf

!

Mabch 20, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

149

gardens at Windsor, where he was employed
for a further two years. He next gained ex-
perience in the Royal Botanic Gardens at
Kew, and was successful in winning the first
prizes for botany in his two years' studentship.
He rose to be first hand in the propagating
department, and left Kew with an excellent
testimonial as to his conduct and attainments.
He continued to gain successes in botany and
horticulture, and filled posts as foreman at
Berry Hill, Maidenhead, the residence of Mr.
John Noble, and gardener at Whittlebury,
Northampton. His former employer, Mr. Noble,
having purchased Park Place, Henley, invited
his old foreman to take charge of the gardens
and pleasure grounds, and this post he held
until 1914, when he retired, but continued to
live on the Park Place Estate. During his long
period of service at Park Place many young
French gardeners served under him, and his
connection with our gallant ally found other
scope, for in 1867, and again in 1878, he was
selected by the Society of Arts to report on
horticulture at the Paris exhibitions. In 1901
he was elected an honorary member of the
French National School of Horticulture at Ver-
sailles, and in the same year was nominated
by the French Government, Chevalier du Merite

JpsW^^w-.-

THE LATE GEORGE STANTON.

Agricole, as "a fitting recompense to an excel-
lent cultivator and a worthy man," words
aptly chosen as testifying to the abilities, as
well as the character of a great English gar-
dener. In 1918 Kew men honoured him by
electing him President of the Kew Guild, "in
recognition of hi* great ability and regard for
his personal qualities.

TRADE NOTE.

An important meeting oi those interested in
the Dutch bulb trade was held on Monday, the
1st inst., at the Adelphi Hotel, under the aus-
pices of the Chamber of Horticulture, and at
the request of a Scandinavian Committee who
desired to have an expression from the English
trade on the whole matter. A full discussion
resulted in the passing of the following resolu-
tion : — " That this meeting recommends members
of the horticultural trade not to make any pur-
chases of Dutch bulbs prior to June 1, at the
Dutch Bulb Exporters' Association's present un-
justifiaible prices, in view of general conditions
(including prices and points of trading) coming
under discussion, and important revisions likely
to result therefrom."

CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

G. R. Downer, Chichester.— Herbaceous and Alpine

Plants.
Rodert Sydenham, Ltd., Birmingham.— Seeds.
Kent & BitrnoN, DarLington.— Seeds.
S. F. Curtis, Wingate-Saul Road, Lancaster— Sweet PeaB.
J. Cheal & Sons, Ltd., Crawley— Dahlias.
Isaac Poad & Sons, Ltd., *Wa.I rugate, York— Steel

Potatos.
Dixoxs, Hull— .Seeds

FOREIGN.
Peter Henderson A Co., New Tork, U.S.A.— Seeds,

Plants, Sundries, etc.

MARKETS.

COVEXT GARDEN, March 16th.

We cannot accept any responsibi'ity for the subjoined
reports. They are furnished to us regularly every
Tuesday, by the kindness of several of the principal
salesmen, who are responsible for the quotations. It
must be remembered that these quotations do not
represent the prices on any particular day, but only
the general average 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.

Fruit : Average Wholesale Prices.

Ferns and Palms : Average Wholesale Prices.

s.d.s.d

Apples (English)

-Cox's Orange

Pippin, per lb us

best

8 0-11 0

— Blenheim Pip-

pin, per bus. . .

10 0-14 0

— Newton Wonder

6 0-10 6

— Lane's Prince

Albert, per bus.

6 0-90

— Bramley's Seed-

ling, per bus.

7 0-12 6

— Brit. ColumbiaB

—

Fnll

control

Nova Scotian —

—Golden Russets

Nos. 1. & 2.

60 0 —

— Baldwin

l'a and 2's

45 0-50 0

Bananas, singles

25 0-40 0

doubles

35 0-40 0

Cape Fruit—

— Peaches

S 0-12 0

— Pears ,

9 0 10 0

— Pluns . .

10 0-12 0

s. d. b. d
— Grapes, white, 16 0-20 0
black, 18 0-20 0
,, Gros Colmar 25 0-30 0
Grapes — ■English
— Gros Colmar .. 7 0-80
—Special .. .. 5 6-60
— AImeriaperl21b.l2 0-2o 0
Ijemons —

— Naples 300 's 28 0

—Messina 300's 20 0-26 0
Oranges —

Mure i a 300

Blood 360

Seville 200's

Valencia 300

240

40 0-45 0

7 6 —
35 0-
30 0-

Niits — Brazils(new)

perewt. 135 0-140 0
Chestnuts-
Naples ..36 0-40 0
Cob Nuts, perlb. 12-14
Walnuts 25 kilo. 45 0

Pears, Californian

Winter Nelis .. 42 0-45 0

Pineapples, each 2 6-76

Vegetables • Average Wholesale Prices.

Asparagus, English

Devon 100's ..

Middlesex „ . .
— Cavaillon . .

— Lauris

Beans, Guernsey,

per lb

— Worthing
Beets, per bag. . .
Cabbage, per doz.
Carrots, per \ bag
Cauliflower, per

doz.
Celery, Der fan,

(12 heads)
Chicory,

— English, per lb.
— Belgian „ ,,
Cucumbers, each
Garlic, per lb. . .
Greens, per bag . .
Endive, per doz.
French Lettuce

per doz

— Batavia, per doz.
Herbs, perdoz. bun.
Mint, per doz. bun.

25

0-

26

0

IV

0-

15

0

1 0-4

3

6 0

-7

0

2

6-

3

6

2

fi-

3

fi

S

n-

10

0

2

0-

4

0

i

0-

i

6

3

0-

6

0

3

0-

4

0

0

3-

0

fi

0

5-

0

«

1

3-

1

9

1

fi-

1

St

2

0-

2

fi

3

0-

6

0

2

0-

2

fi

4

0-

0

n

4

o-

It

0

6

0-

8

0

Mustard and Cress

per doz. punnets
Mushrooms.per lb.
Onions, per cwt.
Parsley, per doz.

bunches
Parsnips, per hag
Potatos, per cwt.
— Guernsey, perlb.
— Algerian, new, .,
Radishes, per doz.

bunches
Rhubarb, forced

per doz

Seakale per punnet
Spanish Onions

4 tier

5 tier

Spring Onions, per
doz. bunches . .

Sprouts, per

bag 2SIb.

Tomatos, Tenerlffe,
liest, per bundle

Turnips, per bag

Water cress, perdoz.

16-20

2 6-36

18 0-20 0

2 0-30
8 0-10 0

13 0-18 0
13-14

0 5£-0 6i

2 0-40

13-16

2 0-30

16 0-17 0
22 0-23 0

3 0-40
2 0-30

30 0-40 0
7 0-80
0 9 ■

Remarks. — A moderate tone has prevailed during the
week, with many commodities increasing in quantity.
Cape Fruit holds considerable attention, and although
shipments have heen fairly heavy, there is little or
no slackness in demand. English Apples continue a
difficult trade and good fruits are getting scarcer.
English Grapes are a shorter supply and are hardening!
in price. Pineapples are available in excellent condi-
tion : no further arrivals are expected until after Easter.
A fair quantity of forced. Strawberries has been avail-
able during1 the week at very high prices. Apples from
British Columbia and Nova Scotia are in rather firm
demand, mainly due to a lack of home-grown coloured
dessert fruit. Canary Tomatos have been arriving in
more or less unsatisfactory condition, and best marks
are very scarce. Cucumbers are getting more- plentiful.
Mushrooms have been fairly numerous but the colder
weather in the earlier part of the week considerably
shortened supplies and prices remain firm. Forced Beans
from Worthing and Guernsey show improvement in
quantity and prices have an easier tendency. Forced
New Potatos are in better supply and quotations are
appreciably lower. Some excellent samples of Algerian
New Potatos are available at very reasonable rate.*.
Hardy green Vegetables continue to be fairly plentiful.
The Potato trade remains difficult, good examples being
extremely short.

Plants in Pots, Etc. : Average Wholesale Prices.
(All 48'a per doz. except where otherwise stated.)

s. d. s. d
Aralia Sleboldii .. 10 0-12 0
Asparagus plumo-

BU9 12 0-15 0

— Sprengeri .. 12 0-18 0
Aspidistra, green 48 0-72 0
Azaleas, each 3 0-50-76
Cacti, per tray

12's, 15's . . 5 0-60
Cinerarias, per doz. 15 0-24 0
— Stallata .. ..24 0-30 0

s. d. s.d

Cyclamen

24 0-30 0.

Erica melanthera,

per doz

30 0-Pfi 0

Genistas

24 0-30 0

Lilium lancifolium

rubrum48s32sc'r]

3 6-46

Marguerites-white

18 0-24 0

Palms, Kentia . .

24 0-30 0

— 60's

15 0-18 0

— Cocos . . . .

24 0-36 0

s. d. s. d
Nephrolepis, in

variety, 48's . . 12 0-18 0

— 32's 24 0-36 0

Pteris. in variety

48's 12 0-21 0

—large 60's .. 5 0-60
—small 60's . . 4 0- 4 G

72's per tray of

15's 3 6-40

s. d. s. d.
Adiantum

cuneatum 48's,

per doz 12 0-15 0

— eiegaus . . . . 15 0-18 0
Asplcoium 48's, per

doz 12 0-18 0

—32*s 24 0-30 0

—nidus 48's .. 12 0-15 0
CyTtomium 4S's 10 0-15 0

Remarks. — Flowering plants are now making a bright
display in this department. Cinerarias are exceptionally
fine, and Genistas have greatly improved in quality.
Other flowering plants consist of Azaleas, Boronias,
Acacias arroata, Marguerites, white and coloured
Hyacinths, Daffodils and a few pots of Spiraeas, which
are quickly purchased. Ferns and Palms are offered in
fairly large quantities.

Out Flowers, &c. : Average Wholesale Prices.

s. d. s. tl
Pelargonium, dou-
ble scarlet, per
doz. bun .. ..12 0-15 0

s. d. s. d
5 0-60

7 0-80
3 0-30

6 0-80
6 0-12 0
6 0-12 0
4 0-50

4 0-50

5 0-60

Richardia (Arums),

per doz. blms. 6 0-10 0
Roses, per doz.
blooms-

3 0-5 0
12 0-18 0

6 0-10 0
8 0-12 0

4 0-50
8 0-12 0

6 0-80
3 0-50

6 0-12 0

Anemone fulgens,

per doz. bun.
Azalea white, per

doz. buu

Camellias, per doz.
Carnations, per doz

blooms, best

American var.
Daffodils, Single,

per doz. bun. —
— Barrii
—Emperor
— Empress . .
— Golden Spur
— Pnnceps . .
— Sir Watkin

—Double Van Zion 3 0-50
Freesia, White,

per doz. bun. 3 0-12 0
Heather, white,

per doz. bun. 10 0-12 0
Hyacinth, large

per doz. spikes 19-20
Iris, Spanish, per bun 4 0-5 0
Lilium longinorum,

per bunch . . 20 0

Lilium speciosum,

album per bunch 5 0

— rubrum, per bun. 4 0-50
Lily of the Valley

per bunch
Narcissus,
Grand Prlmo, per

doz. bun.

Pheasant Eye,

per doz. bun.
Orchid'-, per doz.
— Cattleyas
— Cypripediums

per doz 4 0-60

Remarks. — Roses are arriving in larger quantities, and
their prices are considerably reduced since a week ago.
Exceptionally fine blooms of Liberty, Richmond, Sun-
burst and Ophelia are offered. White blooms are also
getting more plentiful, Niphetos being most in demand
at the present time. Nearly all other flowers, excluding
Daffodils, are a shorter supply. Lilium longiflorum is
very scarce. Other flowers the prices for whion are
advancing are Tulips, Lily of the Valley, Sweet Veao,
Freesias, Camellias, and best quality Princess of Wales
Violet. A good supply of Daffodils, White Narcissus
Primo, White Pearl and Ornatus continues to arrive
from SciUy and Guernsey in good condition. flic first
consignment of French flowers since the French railway
strike arrived last Friday, and was greatly welcomed.
It consisted of Anemones, double and single Narcissus,
white and coloured Stocks, Allium (Star), and a few
baskets of Mimosa (Aoaeia). All these flowers arrrived
in an excellent condition, and were soon sold. Supplies
from France have been much larger since Saturday, the
13th inst.

2 6-40

4 0-60
4 0-60
24 0-30 0

— General . .

— Ophelia . .
— Richmond
— Sunburst

— Niphetos . .
-W. Stevens ..

Sweet Peas, white

and coloured, per

doz. bun. .. 10 0-15 0

Tulips, White, per

doz. bun 30 0-36 0

— Coloured var... 30 0-18 0
— Darwens, in

variety, perdoz,

bun. 48 0-60 0

Violets, Single

large, per doz.

bun.
— Ordinary
Wallflowers, per

doz. bun.
French Flowers —
— Allium, Star of

Bethlehem, perpad 12 0-15
— Lilac "white, per

doz. spray . , 6 0-70
— Marguerites yellow,

per doz. bun. 3 0-40
— Ranunculus, Carmine.,

per doz. bun. 6 0-10 0

Scarlet . . . . 6 0-10 0
— Stock double

white, per pad 10 0-12 0
— Violets,

Parma, per bun. 5 0-60

THE WEATHER.

THE WEATHER IN SCOTLAND.

February was an exceptionally mild month, with a
medium rainfall, and an amount of bright sunshine in
excess of the average for the district. Rainbows were
seen on the 8th and the 13th. There was only one
gale during the month. The total rainfall of 1.92 inch
was spread over 15 days, of which only 8 were official
' ' rain days," the wettest day with 0.59 inch being
the 18th. Of sunshine 95.1 hours were registered, being
an average of 3.3 hours, and a percent-age of 34.8;
there were 5 sunless days. With a mean of 29.96 inches
the barometer varied from a highest of 30.58 inches on
the 5th, to a lowest of 29.16 inches on the 11th.

For the month, the mean temperature was 40.5°
the mean maximum being 47° and the mean minimum
34°. The highest maximum was 56° on the 2nd, and
the lowest minimum 27° on the 21st, giving an absolute
range of 29°, while the lowest maximum waa 38° on
the 19th, and the highest minimum 47° on the 31st,
On 9 nights the temperature fell below (he freezing
point. Oni the grass the mean minimum was 30°
with a lowest of 21° on the 2lst. There were is nights
of ground frost. At 1 ft. deep the eoil temperature
varied considerably, but rose from 34° to 38°. Snovr
fell on 3 days. The prevailing winds wen westerly.

Jamet Matlock, Director of Studies, St, Andrews,

Training College Gardens, Eirkton of Mains, near

Dundee,

150

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[March 20, 1920.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Address: II". 77. A. The address you require
is Messrs. R. Tucker and Sons, Oxford.

Blanket Weed : W. G. Skim as much of the
weed from the water as is possible, and con-
tinue the use of copper sulphate, increasing the
strength if the water contains no fish or culti-
vated aquatics.

Correction. — Mr. H. Collyer points out that
in his note on the Onion Fly (see p. 122) the
distance apart which the Parsley plants are
«et is three yards, and not thirty, as printed.

Fruit Growing and Market Gardening :
77. E. E. The following works would be suit-
able for your purpose : — Modern Fruit Grow-
ing, by W. P. Seabrook, The Lockwood Press,
1, Mitre Court, London; Fruit Farming, by
George Bunyard, W. S Vivish and Co., 28,
King Street Maidstone; and Commercial
Gardening, by John Weathers, The Gresham
Publishing Co., 34-35, Southampton Street,
Strand, London.

Fruit "Spot" Disease: S. E. and .4. The
trouble is the same in both the fruits, which
are attacked with " Spot ' ' disease. Several
distinct fungi are associated with it, and it
is not known exactly which species of
fungus is the first cause of the disease. Useful
information on the subject will be found in the
recent reports of the Fruit and Cider Institute
(Long Ashton, Bristol). The conditions of
storing Apples is one of the main factors con-
cerned with the severity of the disease.

Fungus Attacking Azaleas : F. E. B. The
swollen, gall-like appearance of the foliage is
due to attack by the fungus Exobasidium
Rhododendri. Diseased leaves should be re-
moved and burned before the spores of the
fungus develop.

Gardeners and Unemployment : G. J . — The
unemployment insurance does not apply to
agricultural or horticultural workers.

Gloxinia Leaves with Brown Markings :
J. E. The rusty appearance of the

foliage of your Gloxinias and Begonias
is caused by a mite. The pest may
be destroyed by Tobacco water, and, wh,?re the
plants may be conveniently dipped in the
liquid, this it the best method of destroying the
mite. Large plants should be syringed, taking
care to wet the undersurfaces of the leaves,
which may be done by placing the plants on
the floor on their sides.

Names of Fruits : 0. A. 6, Annie Elizabeth; 7,
Flower of Kent; 8. Mabbot's Pearmain.
F. K. Broad Eye Pippin, not Grecian Pippin;
Claygate Pearmainj not Northern Spy. — E. P.
and Go. The fruit reached us in a decayed
condition. Send specimens next year earlier in
the season.

Names of Plants : A. B- H. Chimonanthus
fragrans. — E. B. Cupressus pisifera var.
squarrosa. — P. H. 0. Arctostaphylos Man-
zanita. — P. B. Pinus canadensis. — A. B. 1,
Codiaeum Oerstedii; 2, C. Mr. J. Laing; 3,
C. Mrs. Lucy; 4, C. illustris ; 5, C. Veitohdi ;
6, C. Chelsonii; 7, C. edmontiensis ; 8, C.
sinitzinianus ; 9, C. Weismannii improved; 10,
C. variegatum : 11, C. Reidii : 12. C. Evans-
ianus ; 13, C. Nestor ; 14, C. Wiesmannii ; 15,
C. Johannis; 16, C. Laingii; 17, C. elegan-
tissima; 18, C. elegantissima. — .7. L. B. 1,
Nephrolepis acuta ; 2, Polypodium aureum ;
3, Aealvpha Wilkesiana : 4, Fatsia japonioa;
> 5, Liriope japonica var. variagitea ; 6,
Davallia, specimen dried up : 7, Nephrodium
intermedium ; 8, Adiantum fulvum ; 9,
Maranta leuconeura var Kerehoveana; 10,
Fittonia argyroneura. — C. C. Probably
Orniithogalum caudatum ; specimen imperfect.
— W. K. Tropaeolum trieolorum. — C. L. 1,
Habenaria Bonatea (syn. Bonatea speciosa,
Bot. Mag., t. 2.926);' 2. Eranthemum pul-
chellum ; 3, Leucojum vernum. Snowflake. —
E. R. W. Erica Cavendishiana (yellow) ;
Boronia heterophylla (pink).— ,7. Mc. G.
Cornus Mas and Smilax aspera.— J. IT".
Cypripedium Lord Woolmer (Leeanum x Hera
Euraydes).

Narcissus poeticus ornatus : H. B. The deep
planting and moisture recommended for the
double white Narcissus poeticus are neither
desirable nor essential for N. p. ornatus, which,
flowering and maturing earlier, has distinct ad-
vantages over the May flowering variety. As a
rule planting 3 to 4 inches deep is suitable for
N. p. ornatus, and deeper planting is not cal-
culated to render it immune from attacks
of the grub of the Narcissus flies, Merodon
equestris or Eumerus strigatus. These deposit
their eggs on or about tile plant, and
the grubs of Eumerus follow the growth and
enter the bulb, when reached, from without.
In the first case the descent is easy and more
direct. Trapping the flies with a butterfly net
from April to June is one way of reducing tbe
pest, and by occasionally spraying the Nar-
cissus foliage with Quassia extract and soft
soap in solution during the same period, the
plants may be made distasteful to the insects.
The large Narcissus fly is not unlike a bumble
bee, but has two wings only, whereas oees
always have four. Immersing the bulbs in
water for forty-eight hours will often force out
the maggot from the bulb, and if this be done
early in August the pest will not cause much
harm.

Peach Trees Unsatisfactory : P. A. B. The
probable reason of the flower buds of your
Hale's Early Peach failing to open was an
excessively dry condition at the roots in the
resting season. The trouble may also result
from other causes such as over-cropping, un-
suitable stocks and soil of too light a texture.
Indeed, any wrong cultural condition that
causes a check to the tree may predispose
the latter to cast or fail to open its flower
buds.

Plants for a Paved Garden : ./. 77. E. We
take it provision has been made for the roots
of the plants, though the sketch submitted does
net show it. That, however, is necessary,
both as concerns the spaces (interstices) and
the soil beneath the stones if success is to be
achieved. If by "rough plant stones" you
mean some form of oolite, then their irregu-
larity will provide ample accommodation for
plant life, while their weight and thickness will
dispense with any need for bedding them in.
Neither plant too freely, nor use many mound-
forming subjects. Insert small plants thinly
and use one variety of plant only in each seam.
The following are useful subjects: — "Mentha
Requieni, Lemon Thyme, Erinus alpinus
(seeds), Acaena microphylla (for large spaces
only), Linarra pilosa, Ar.tennaria tomentosa,
Arenaria balearica, Campanula pumila, C. p.
Miss Willmott, Dianthus squarrosus, Thymus
lanuginosus, T. serphyllum coccineus, Myosotis
rupicola (seeds), Sedum lydium, S. hispanicum
glauicum, Saxifraga muscoides atropurpurea,
S. sanguinea snperba, and S. Cymbalaria
(seeds). Near the base of the sundial, a
solitary tuft of Armeria Cephalotes would
look well, and along the base supporting the
pedestal Corydalis lutea. On one of its steps
or ledges the Cobweb House Leek (Sempervi-
vitm) could be placed, a sprinkling of soil
below, and placing it firmly thereon being all
the planting required. If much floral colour
is desired, it could be obtained from Aubrietias
and Phlox subulata; what would be best,
however, depends not a little on the colour of
the stone, and of this you say nothing.

Pronunciation of Plant Names : G. L. This
work is out of print, and can only be obtained
occasionally from second-hand book sellers.

Seedling Apple : T. D. The fruits sent are of
rather good shape. If the tree is carefully
attended it might produce Apples of a larger
size. The fruit has the appearance of a
small Annie Elizabeth, with a stalk like that
of Newton Wonder.

Silver Leaf Disease in Plum Trees : A. J.
Your Plum trees are suffering from a severe
attack of the real Silver Leaf disease (Stereum
purpureum). The peculiar discolouration of
. the wood is ample evidence of the attack and
the diseased branches should be cut back to
•»«!! beyond the healthy wood.

Tomatos for Outdoor Cultivation : F. L.
The ideal Tomato for outdoor cultivation
should, above all, be early fruiting, produce
heavy lower trusses and have a firm, elastic
skin. Colour and shape are also desirable,
but these qualities should be of secondary
importance. As the season of ripening is
short, the heavy bottom truss is, naturally,
of great importance, and, as the crop is ex-
posed to all weather, the fruits of a thin-
skinned variety will split and be unsaleable
should there be heavy rains just as they
approach ripeness. Because of this a selection
from the early sorts do best under outdoor
cultivation. On heavy soils we have had excellent
crops from Kondine Red, a variety which
possesses the qualities we have enumerated tn
a marked degree. Its only drawback is a-
habit of frequently producing twin flowers
at the apex of the first truss and these, of
course, produce large, badly-shaped fruits.
But it is a small matter to nip out the first
dowers when giving the plants routine atten-
tion. At Messrs. Sutton's trial of several
hundred varieties last year we noted that thi9
variety was very prolific, even on their com-
paratively light soil, though at Reading Sut-
ton's Maincrop, Abundance and Earliest of Ail
gave the very best results. All the plants '.n
the trial were grown under ordinary cultiva-
tion such as would be given by the market
grower. In addition to these varieties,
Merrivale, a selection from the well-known
Carter's Sunrise, is favoured by many for
outdoor culture on medium and light soils.
Should you wish to grow a yellow-skinned
Tomato, Golden Queen is to be recommended.

To Measure Timber :, D. A. Multiply the
square of the quarter-girth, or of £ of the mean
circumference by length. The girth of stand-
ing trees is taken by means of a leather timber
strap, 12 feet in length and about \ inch wide.
and on which every fourth inch is numbered
from 1 to 36. Thus a tree baring a circum-
ference of 120 inches would read 30 inches on
the strap. Allowance must be made for the
bark according to the kind of tree, and there
are other circumstances to be taken into
account, which you will find in an inexpensive
work on forestry, such as Webster's Practical
Forestry, published by William Rider and Son,
Ltd., 8-11. Paternoster Row, London, E.G.

Turkish and Virginian Tobacco : Smudge.
Three species of Nicotiana are concerned in the
production of smoking Tobacco, Viz. : IN.
Tabacum, cultivated in North America; N.
rustica, grown in Central and South America,
Germany, Hungary and Russia, and probably
the source of Turkish and Latakia Tobaccos;
and N. persica, which produces the Shiraz
Tobacco of Persia. There are numerous culti-
vated varieties of each of the above species,
and some are better suited to particular dis-
tricts than others. The classification of To-
bacco according to the variety grown is not of
much value for trade purposes, as the plant is
influenced greatly by soil and climate, and the
same variety grown in different localities may
produce leaf of different types. The same
plant may also produce several grades of leaf ;
for example, the lower leaves may serve for
pipe Tobacco, the next for cigarettes, the
middle for plug, and the tips for plug fillers
or low-grade pipe Tobacco. Although one dis-
trict may produce several types of Tobacco, it
is usual for one type to be confined to a certain
restricted area. The methods employed for
curing the leaf also affect the finished product,
which is known either as air-cured, sun-cured
or flue-cured.

Working Hours in a Nursery : E. B. The
hours for agriL-ultural workers (which includes
horticultural and market garden workers) are
48 hours from October 1 to February 29, and
50 hours from March 1 to September 30. This
is the normal round ; time in excess of this ss
paid for at the rate -if tune and a quarter.

Communications Received.— E H.— A. O.— S. L.—

O. M— H. F. Z.— W. n.— R. W— A. C. C— W. H. A —

E. M.— W. L. B.— S. A.— O. B.— M. N. T.— 3. E. P.—
T. E. T.— .1. S. W.— W. C. R.— F. T.

March 27, 1920. j

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

151

THE

<&axbmtv% t&lftamtk

No. 173.").— SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 19L0.

CONTENTS.

Alpine garden, the —

Androsace glacinlis . . lja

Ants, methods of des-
troying . . . . 152

Appl- Altriston . . 100

Association Francaise
d'Horticulture . . 151

JBasic slag, value of . . 152

Books, notices of —
Flowering trees and
Shrubs for use in
South Africa . . 158

Brassicas, club root in 160

British Gardeners'

Association . . . . 150

•Carnations in pots, the
cultivation of per-
petual lloweriDg . . 15G

•Carnations, American,
for Belgian growers.. 151

•Chrysanthemums, late

..15?

rooted
Fruit Register —
Apples, Egremont
ltusset 158 ; Sylie
House Russet 158 ;
Thomas Coomber 158
" Gardeners' Chronicle"
seventy-five vears

ago 152

.Hardy flower border —
Seuecio candicans . . 153
Sphaeralcea amt-igua 153
.Hybrid Orchids . . 153

Kew Gardens, war

memorial, at . . 152

JXorfolk, demonstration
farm in . . . . 151

ILLUSTRATIONS.
Adonis amurensis, the double-flowered form of
Androsace glacialis
Apple Thomas Coomber ..
Dalfodils, colonies of, at Gravetye
Memorial to Xew men who fell in the war, . .

Obituary —

Cowan, Charles W. . .
Onion fly

Orchid notes and
gleanings —
Cyinbidium I'Ansonii
Cymbidium Alexan-
der!
Cypripedium Hazel-
dene
Oucidium splendiduni
Paeony in America, the
Plants, indoor —
Hippeastrnm par-

dinum
Pparmaunia africana
Potatos, seed, the price

of

Potatos, the planting of
early, in infected areas
Royal Gardeners'

Orphan Fund

Seaweed as manure . .

Snowy or White fly . .

Societies —

National Sweet Pea

Reading Gardeners . .

Royal Horticultural

Spring time in the

garden
Timber, home-grown . .
Trade note
Trees and shrubs —
Birch, as a town tree
I raxinus Mariesii . .
Vegetables —

Potatos
Week's work, the

1(50

153

153

153
153
151

154,

155
155

151

151

151
151
100

151
102
162

157
152
102

157
157

158
155

150
155
158
157
153

Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week
deduced from observations during the last fifty
years at Greenwich, 42.7°.

Aottjal Temperature: —

Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street,
Covent Garden, Loudon Wednesday, March 24, 1920,
10 a.m : Bar. 30.0, temp. 57°. Weather— Dull.

The record of the activities
The Paeony 0f the American Paeony
in America.* Society, contained in the
Bulletin for August, 1919,
shows that the Paeony continues to grow in
favour in the United States. It also shows
that the plant is not free from the troubles
of disease which affect it in this country.
Thus Mr. Boyd, in discussing "root dis-
ease " of Paeony, mentions that by lifting
plants, cutting away all diseased parts and
dipping them in Bordeaux mixture and
transplanting them, though it reduced the
disease, did not remove it altogether. He
therefore suggests that the American Society
should offer a prize for the best paper on
the cure and prevention of the disease
British nurserymen will appreciate the
tribute paid to them by Mr. J. C. Wister,
who, after two years of service in Europe,
was able to visit the R.H.S. show of June
17th, 1910. Mr. Wister, in speaking of the
show, remarks that he had never seen at
any flower show such uniformly high
quality of exhibits, and that the Paeonies
exhibited by Messrs. R. H. Bath and Co.
and Messrs. J. Kelway and Sons showed that
the English " possess more of the newer
French varieties than the French do them-
selves."

Mr. Wister also visited M. Emile
Lemoine's nurseries at Nancv, and refers
in terms of high praise to Lemoine's hybrid
P. lutea l'Esperance, which was produced by
crossing P. lutea and a variety of P. Moutan.
The flower of the hybrid is single and of
clear, perfect yellow, with reddish stamens

* Bulletin of Paeony News, No. 9. Published by the
American Paeony Society. Aug., 1919.

and pistil. This, and other similar yellow
Tree Paeonies, bridge the gap of time
between the Tree Paeonies and the later
herbaceous Paeonies ; they have the further
advantage that, unlike P. Moutan, they do
not make so early a start as to risk damage
from late spring pests

Another Paeony referred to by Mr. Wister
is P. Delavayi, the Chinese herbaceous
species with small, single and reddish-
chocolate flowers, not decorative, but pro-
bably of value for breeding purposes.

Ot plants other than Paeonies, Mr. Wister
mentions the hybrid Lilac, produced by Mr.
Lemoine by crossing the pink-flowered
Syringa Wilsonii and S. Sweginzowii superba.
Another visit paid by Mr. Wister was to M.
August Dessert at Chemonceaux, in whose
nurseries he saw a fine display of Japanese
single Tree Paeonies. He attributes the
rarity of these plants in the United States
to the Tact that importations from Japan are
generally grafted on P. Moutan stock, and
that the strong growth of the latter
smothers the scion. M. Dessert grafts them
on herbaceous Paeony stocks. For this pur-
pose he uses sorts of a strong growing
variety such as festiva maxima or edulis
superba. Mr. Dessert's method is to take
a piece of root half an inch or so in diameter,
to trim the top square, and to insert two or
more eyes by means of a cleft graft, which
is then waxed and tied, the top of the scion
being «lso waxed to prevent drying. The
work — in France — is done in July, August
and September, and the plants are put at
once in sandy soil and covered with cloches.
They make growth in the following spring,
and are either sold as one-year-olds or trans-
planted and grown on for larger plants.

Change of Price of " The Gardeners'
Chronicle." — On and after April 10, the price
of The Gardeners' Chronicle will be raised to
6d. As explained in our issue of Moj-ch 20,
p. 137, the increase in price is rendered neces-
sary by the increased and still increas'ng costs
of production. It is made with great reluctance,
and only after the most careful consideration
have we decided to ask readers to bear a larger
share of the expenses of publication.

Great Heath Fire in Surrey.— Chiefly as a
consequence of the dry conditions brought about
by the recent brilliant weather, there have been
numerous Heath fires on the beautiful commons
for which Surrey is famous. It is particularly
unfortunate that at Hook Heath, Woking, the
Gorse, Heather and Pine trees were almost
wholly destroyed by fire early in the present
week.

Linnean Society of London. — The proposal to
increase the rate of annual subscriptions to the
Linnean Society, as outlined in the Oard.
Chron. of March 20, p. 137, was accepted by
the Fellows at a meeting held at Burlington
House on the 18th inst. The annual subscrip-
tion will be £4 in future instead of £3.

Price of Seed Potatos. — In reply to enquiries
made by the National Union of Allotment
Holders as to the increased price of seed
Potatos, the Ministry of Agriculture stated that
the high rates are due to the scarcity of sup-
plies. The Ministry also pointed out 'that on
January 1, 66 per cent, of the Scottish Potato
crop remained in the growers' possession; there-
fore, if the prices altered at all, they should
have a downward tendency.

National Sweet Pea Society The twentieth

exhibition of the National Sweet Pea Society
will be held, in conjunction with the Birming-
ham Horticultural Society, at Handsworth Park,
Birmingham, on Friday and Saturday, July 23
and 24. The schedule has been issued and in-
cludes forty-eight classes. Copies may be
obtained from the secretary, Mr. Henry D. Tig-
well, Greenford, Middlesex.

Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund Mv. D.

Ingamells has been elected Chairman of the
Committee of the Royal Gardeners' Orphan
Fund for the ensuing year. The Victory Fes-
tival Dinner, under the presidency of the Rt.
Hon. Viscountess Astor, M.P., will be held at
the Princes' Galleries, 191, Piccadilly, W.l, on
Wednesday, May 19, Ladies and gentlemen
desirous of being present on this occasion in
support of the Viscountess Astor, are requested
to communicate with the Secretary.

American Carnations for Belgian Growers

The American Carnation Society's Committee
appointed to care for the welfare' of Belgian and
French nurserymen who suffered during the war,
is still in being, and has recently issued a re-
quest to the members of the Society to send
plants of the Carnations introduced during the
past two years to Mr. W. E. Wallace, Eaton
Bray, Dunstable, or Mr. C. Engelmann, Saffron
Walden, both of whom have promised to care
for the plants on arrival and make all arrange-
ments for their distribution.

Association Francaise d'Horticulture.— The
French Horticultural Association (formerly the
Chrysanthemum Growers' Association) recently
held its general meeting under the presidency
of Mr. Charles Deloncle, Senator, at the office's
at 34, Rue de Lille. Paris. It was decided to
resume the work of the Society, and to make an
appeal to all members to help carry on its
activities. It should be recalled that this
Chrysanthemum society, which was transformed
in 1914 into a society for horticulture in general,
comprises nearly three thousand members, with
sections for those specially interested in
Chrysanthemums, Roses, Carnations, Orchids,
Dahlias, Sweet Peas and other flowers. Already
the Society has been able to group its members
according to their particular tastes, and to
publish a paper, The Amateur's Garden, while
its members take a leading piairt in competitions,
congresses and exhibitions.

Demonstration Farm in Norfolk. — With the
object of snowing what is possible by good hus-
bandry on poor Heath land, the Ministry of
Agriculture lest yeaa- purchased an estite of
over 1,500 acres at MethY.vold, in Norfolk, which
will be known as the National Demonstration
Farm of the Ministry. On this aret, 1,043 acres
are under arable, 43" acres •under grass and 441
acres are waate Heath. The estate is a stretch
of typical Norfolk Heath land in a poor state of
cultivation, and in the past has been largely
devoted to game. It includes 200 acres of
Bracken land which have been reclaimed under
the auspices of the Development Commissioners.
In farming this large area, the Ministry intends
to profit by the lessons learned from the* reclama-
tion of the Bracken land and to make full use
of labour-saving implements and machinery,
and to improve the land by chalking and by the
addition of organic matter. The latter will be
supplied by folding sheep and ploughing in green
manure. As the soil is notably deficient in
potash, liberal dressings, of this manure will be
applied. The scheme of demonstration also in-
cludes pig breeding and rearing on the open-air
system, stock rearing, and poultry keeping. .V
feature of the cultivation on this laud will be
the growth of Tobacco on a comparatively large
si'. 1 V.

Peach Leaf Curl.— Peach Leaf Curl is, in cer-
tain seasons, very destructive to outdoor
Peaches and Nectarines, especially to those
grown on north walls. The leaves" of affected
trees become thickened, puckered and twisted,
and their colour changes to yellow and red.
Later they become covered with a delicate bloom
which consists of the minute reproductive por-
tions or " spores " of the fungus. Finally the
leaves die and drop from the tree. The young
wood of the tree is also affected and. more
rarely, the flowers and fruit. Trees liable to be
affected should be thoroughly sprayed with
either Bordeaux or Burgundy mixture before
the buds begin to swell.

Seaweed as Manure.— Some species of Seaweed
contain as much nitrogen as farmyard manure
(although in a more slowly-acting form), and

152

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[March 27. 1920.

more potash, but less phosphate, so that it is
advisable to add a phosphatic manure when
seaweed is used instead of farmyard manure. It
should be put direct on the land, or mixed with
dung or other material which will absorb some
of the decomposition products. The Ministry of
Agriculture states that fresh seaweed cannot
economically be used as manure at any great
distance from the coast, as the expense of car-
riage of so bulky a product would make the cost
prohibitive. For it to be used at all on inland
farms it would either have to be dried and
ground, or burnt. Taking the price pea-
unit of potash at about 8s., the value of burnt
seaweed as a potash manure would be over £11
per ton in the case of Laminaria stems, and
over £8 per ton in the case of Laminaria
fronds; while Fucus would be worth about £6
per ton. These values compare with a price of
about £7 per ton for kainit at the present time.
It seems possible, therefore, thai the collection
and burning of Laminaria and Fucus might
prove profitable.

War Memorial to Kew Men.— Sir Robert
Lorimer's design for the memorial to be erected
at Kew, inscribed with the names of the members
of the garden staff who lost their lives in the
war, is illustrated in Fig. 65. The tablet con-
tains the names of thirty-three members of the
Kew Guild and, as two other names are to be
added, it will be seen that these famous gardens
paid a heavy toll in its past and present members
who made the supreme sacrifice. The Temple of
Arethusa, in which the memorial will be erected,
was illustrated in Gard. Cliron., October 4, 1919,
Fig. 82. It is estimated that the total cost of the
tablet and its erection will be £150. which sum
is feeing raised bv a special Memorial Fund of
the Kew Guild, "with Mr. J. Coutts, J, The
Gables, Kew Green, Kew, as Treasurer.

The Planting of Early Potatos in Infected
Areas. — The Ministrv of Food has come to the
conclusion that at the present rate of consump-
tion, the reniaining supplies of eating Potatos
from the 1919 crop" will be exhausted before the
new Potatos of the 1920 crop are available. For
this reason, there will be a very heavy demand
on the latter as soon as they appear on the
market, and it is desirable that the acreage
planted with, first early varieties be increased to
the largest extent possible. The possibility of
such a situation was foreshadowed some weeks
back and growers in the Eastern and Southern
Counties have responded to it in a very laudable
manner, large quantities of first early varieties
being planted. Growers occupying land within
those areas in which Wart Disease is widespread
and common, point out, however, that their
willingness to co-operate is hindered by the
marked shortage of stocks cf first early immune
varieties. The Ministry of Agriculture and
Fisheries, after careful consideration of this
question, has decided as a temporary measure to
issue general licences authorising the planting
in infected areas of own-saved "seed" of any
true first early variety, and also of those
varieties recognised by the Ministry as of the
Eclipse type, provided that they are planted on
land on which Wart Disease has not occurred
and that they are grown and lift ed as
first earlies. Potato growers will not
require individual licences for such planting.
This concession does not extend the list of early
varieties allowed to be introduced under licence
by bona-fide market growers for planting in
infected areas. It is reported from many parts
of the Midland Colmeies that, when sprouted
and planted early, the second early immune
variety, King George, grows quickly and can
be marketed practically as early as Epicure.
Seed of King George is plentiful and its price
is much lower than that of first early varieties.

Assistant Forestry Commissioner. — We learn
that Mr. Hugh Murray, late Deputy Controller
of Timber Supplies, has been appointed Assistant
[Forestry Commissioner for England and Wales.

A Specific for Mussel Scale. — The following
recipe for a spraying mixture against Mussel
Sri lc is given by a correspondent in the Agri-
cultural Gazette, March 22, 1920 :— Dissolve 1 lb.
caustic soda (70 per cent.), 1 lb. carbonate of

potash (80 per cent.), and 1 lb. treacle in several
gallons of water. Then dissolve 1 lb. copper
sulphate (98 per cent.) and 2| lb. carbonate of
soda (soda crystals, 98 per cent.) in separate
vessels, the former (copper sulphate) being pre-
pared in a ten-gallon tub for preference in two
or three gallons of water. When all is ready,
pour in the soda solution, stir vigorously, and
add the caustic soda and potash fluid. In cases
of very bad attacks of Mussel Scale, hand-wash
the tree, using a moderately coarse scrubbing
brush and ordinary paraffin emulsion. This will
soften the scale, and thoroughly cleanse the trees.
The spray fluid should be applied afterwards.

Method of Destroying Ants.— Th: Journal of
the Jamaica Agricultural Society states that a
good poison for ants is made of one part of
tartar emetic to ten parts of sugar dissolved in
100 parts of water, or combined with cold lard
or some such grease so that it will not evaporate
readily. The poison may be spread on chips
of wood or pieces of glass or china and placed
in the ant trails out" o: the way of domestic
animals.

Covent Garden Estate. — We understand that
Mr. E. C. Fairweather, of Avisford Park,
Arundel, is in negotiation with the Covent
Garden Estate Company for the purchase of the
famous Fruit, Vegetable and Flower Markets,
and the surrounding streets, comprising an
estate of about 18 acres, at a price of nearly
£5,000.000. Our readers will remember that the
estate has changed hands several times during
recent years, and the last purchaser was Six
Joseph Beecham.

Home-grown Timber. — It is estimated that
the timber sold by the Home-grown Timber
Department last year approximated in value to
£3.700.000. The* Department is being wound
up, but there are still 6,500 workpeople in its
employ.

American Iris Society. — Iris experts in America
are anxious to secure the co-operation of their
British confreres and hope that many will join
the newly formed American Iris Society, to which
we referred on p. 36. Owing to the rate of
exchange, the annual subscription of three dollars
may be computed at 12s. for British members
and such subscriptions should be sent to Mr.
A. J. Bliss, Morwellhan, Tavistock, who is
acting as the Society's agent during the unsettled
state of the exchange, and who will give an
official receipt.

Cotton Growing in Uganda— In a paper on
Uganda, read by Sir Robert T. Coryndon,
Governor of that country, before the Royal
Colonial Institute on the 23rd inst., it was con-
tended that there could be no doubt as to the
Protectorate's commercial and industrial destiny.
If the English would supplement their genius for
colonisation with business enterprise the result,
he said, would be a notable increase of raw
material for the Empire's needs. The crop on
which the Protectorate would increasingly
depend was cotton, the quality of which was a
little below that of Egypt, but a good deal above
that of Africa or India. The present price at
Manchester, 4s. a pound, was Is. 8d. above that
of middling American, and there was no reason
why a premium of one shilling should not be
■ Jit alned for some years. A large proportion
of the country was suited to cotton cultivation,
and, assuming an energetic Government staff,
there was every reason to anticipate a steady
increase in production.

The Value of Basic Slag as Manure. — At the
meeting of the Faraday Society held on Tuesday.
23rd inst, Sir T. 11. Middleton, in a contribution
to a general discussion on " Basic Slags: Their
Production and Utilisation in Agriculture and
Other Industries," dealt with the national aspects
of the case for increasing the supplies of basic
slag. He remarked that if the old corn-growing
lands of England weTe again to take their place
in producing wheat, it seemed probable that one
feature in the scheme of management would be
the alteration of corn-growing with a period
during which clay soils would rest and regain
fertility 'by growing clover manured with basic
slag. He estimated that if the necessity arose,
and all the products of the soil were efficiently

distributed, the present population of the United
Kingdom could be supplied with breadstuffs Irrom.
the produce of about 14 million acres. Towards
this total England and WTales would be required
to contribute 10 million acres. With 15 million-
acres under the plough, we would grow from
7^ million acres when corn prices were low to
85 millions, or even nine millions when prices
ruled high. Should danger arise it would be
impossible to secure 10 million acres of corn if
we started, as in 1914, with 11 million acr-es of
tillage land. Li spite of the great effort made,
we only got 7£ million acres in 1918. But if we
began with 15 million acres of tillage in hand,
our task, though formidable, would be by no
means impossible. Dealing with a comparison of
various types of open-hearth basic slags on grass-
land, ilr. G. S. Robertson said the field trials
indicated that open hearth basic slags provided
a valuable source of phosphoric acid on soils very
deficient in this ingredient, and that these slags
could be very profitably used for the improve-
ment of heavy clay soil pastures and meadows.

The Weather. — The beautiful weather ex-
perienced in the Metropolitan and southern
counties since the 19th inst-. has altered the face
of Nature and turned many dull gardens into
beauty spots. In Middlesex and Kent the Plum
Orchards are white with blossom, and the
earliest Pears are rapidly opening out their
clusters of flower buds, while beneath the trees
Daffodils of many kinds provide delightful pic-
tures. Many railway 'banks are brilliant with
the golden flowers of the Coltsfoot, while in
parks and gardens the Forsythias, Berberis,
Primus Pissardii, Ribes sanguinea, early Rhodo-
dendrons, Squills, Chionodoxas, Wallflowers,
Auibrietias, Primroses, Polyanthuses and Nar-
1 issi in variety are in bloom. From Usk Priory,
Monmouthshire, Mr. R. Windsor Riokards
has sent us a spray of the common Hawthorn
with new leaves of abnormal size for such an
early date, and with flower buds in an advanced
stage of development.

The " Gardeners' Chronicle " Seventy-five
Years Ago. — Seedling JEpacrises. — In the report
of the meeting of the Horticultural Society, of
the 13th inst., it is suggested that, if E. im-
pressa were crossed by grandiflora something
good might be expected. Tire seedling in ques-
tion (ardentissima) is descended from those two
varieties. In the early part of 1842 I bloomed
between 200 and 300 "seedlings, the produce of
grandiflora on impressa or vice versa; the
whole, with very few exceptions, were long
flowers much resembling each other in colour
and form, with a habit more like that of
grandiflora than impressa. They were rather too
dull in colour. Not despairing, however, of
obtaining something good in another genera-
tion, I crossed these upon grandiflora and vice
versa ; and my expectations, in this instance,
were fully realised, for many beautiful and dis-
tinct varieties have been the result. This cross
produced flowers brilliant in colour, and various
in character; grandifloras with beautifully white
and well reflexed lips; impressas as long as
grandiflora. with trumpet-shaped tubes 1 while
others, again, showed an evident disposition to
be striped ; and one plant has nearly a white
tube with a pale rosy lip. Such is the charac-
ter of the grandchildren of grandiflora and im-
pressa, and from their tendency I have no hesi-
tation'in predicting that another cross, aided
by miniata, will open such a field for the
hybridist as will bring this somewhat neglected,
hut beautiful tribe of flowers more into general
cultivation and public favour.— W. H. Storey,
Gard. Chron., March 29. 1845.

r Publications Received -.—Note on the Euro-
pean Corn borer (Purausta Nubilahs Hnbner)
Carl Heiiirich. Government Printing Office,
Washinoton. Seasonable Hints. Dominion Ex-
perimental Farms. The Hon. S. F. Tolmie and
E S. Archibald, Canada. Journal of the liot/al
Societu of Arts. Vol. LXVIII. No. 3500. G.
Bell and Sons. Ltd., Price fid. British Fern
Gazette. F. W. Stansfield, British Ptendologi-
eal Society. Kendal, Westmorland. Indian,
llnnncr Due', Breeding. Rev. Tolm Wilson,
Armathwaite, Carlisle, Is. fid. post free.

March 27, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

153

HARDY FLOWER BORDER.

SENECIO CANDIDANS.
This is a new addition to the Groundsel
family, which is already extensively represented
in gardens. It is a native of the Falkland
Islands, where, with S. Smithii, it is abundant
on the sandy beaches, forming a rank herbage
about three feet high. S. candidans is a hand-
some foliage plant with large fleshy leaves of
a silvery whiteness. The flowers are yellow, but
somewhat small, and are produced in large
corymbs. Plants of this were brought home by
Mr. Elliot from the Falkland Islands along with
Oxalis ennea-piiyllaj. Another very interesting
plant collected at the same [time was
a curious Umbelliferous plant called the Balsam
Bog (Azorella caespitosa). It forms huge cotmpai t
hummocks several feet in diameter. The flowers
are small and insignificant, like those cf most
members of this order, and it is more of a
botanical curiosity than an acquisition from a
garden point of view. TF. /.

SPHAERALCEA AMBIGUA.
The genus Sphaeralcea belongs to the Mallow
family and consists of about seventeen species,
of which only three or four are in cultivation.
The most familiar member is M. Miinroana, a
liandsome plant which has been in cultivation for
nearly a century. The present species resembles
it somewhat in the colour of its flowers, but is
more erect and shrubby in habit. It grows from
one foot to three feet high, forming a bushy
plant with silvery, canescent leaves, broadly
ovate or cordate in outline, lobed and toothed.
The brick-red flow7ers, about one inch in
diameter, are produced in racemose inflorescences
during the months of June and July, often
extending well through August. S. ambigua is
a native of the arid plains of Arizona and
"Southern California. The plants, which have
flowered during the past summer, were
raised from seeds gathered at 6.000 feet elevation
on the border of the Death Valley, California,
by Mr. Whitney, who sent them to Kew in
1909. A hot summer is ideal for this species
as well as many other California!! plants, as
all the Sphaeralceas require a warm, sheltered
position and to be planted in well-drained soil.
Plants left out during a severe winter in the
open border may succumb to the cold and wet,
but others in pots kept in a cold frame survive
and flower freely. S. ambigua is evidently a
plant for the wanner parts of this country, where
it would make am attractive subject. W.I.

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

CYMBIDIUM I'ANSONII.

When this supposed natural hybrid flowered
out of an importation of C. Lowianum, with
Messrs. Low and Co., in 1900, it was suggested
that it resulted from a cross between 0.
Lowianum and C. Trucyaiinm, and the record
has been recognised by some and is likely to
confuse subsequent records if persisted in. The
fact is that it is nearer to C. Lowio-grandittorum,
lmt as nothing definite is known about it, it is
better to retain the record as " nat. hyb. un-
determined.'1

C. Cravenianum. said to have been raised be-
tween C. Lowianum and U. Tracyanum was shown
in 1906, but its record must have been erroneous,
for it was very near to C. I'Ansonii. So also
was C. Mandaianum previously shown. Both
these are forms of C. I'Ansonii. C. gattonense
(Tracyanum x Lowianum), for which Sir Jere-
miah Colman, Bart., received an Award of
Merit, Jan. 28, 1908, holds the record for tin-
cross assigned to it, as it is evidently correct
and totally dissimilar from the I'Ansonii class,
the error of whose record it definitely proves.

CYMBIDIUM ALEXANDER!
Tine great beauty and variability of this charm-
ing hybrid has been finely demonstrated this year
by flowers from G. Hamilton-Smith, Esq.. Sir
Geo. L. Holford, and now from Mrs Bisehoffs-
heim, who has some two hundred specimens of

a superb strain of it in flower. The blooms are
all large, and wax-like in texture, and vary
from wholly pure white, to white with crimson
blotches on the lip ; pale rose, and rose with
darker lines ; clear canary yellow with red zone
on the lip ; and one pale copper colour with
red markings on the lip. Several white forms
have intensely dark claret markings on the lip,
extending to the base in the Warren House
variety. The species concerned in its pro-
duction are C. insigne, C. eburneum, and C.
Lowianum, in none of which t.he copper-
yellow and deep maroon shown in some of the
varieties appears.

ONCIDIUM SPLENDIDUM.

This fine, large yellow-lipped species received
a First-Class Certificate when shown by Lord
Londesborough at the Royal Horticultural
Society, Feb. 16, 1870, and it has always been
a comparatively rare plant. It is interesting to
know that a nice batch of it is blooming in the
extensive nurseries of Messrs. Stuart and Low
and Co., Jarvisbrook, Sussex, in company with
the pretty yellow 0. concolor and other

Oncddiums and scarlet Soplironitis , tiie showy and
interesting species being a speciality there. O.
splendiidium is one of the most distinct
Oncidiums, although it has been confused with
the totally dissimilar 0. tigrinum. Its short,
hard pseudo-bulbs, each with a stout and fleshy
upright leaf, renders it easily distinguishaible
from any other species, except 0. mioroohilum.
even when not in flower. The slender branched
inflorescences of small blooms borne by 0.
microchilum are surprisingly different from those
of 0. tigrinum.

CYPRIPEDIUM HAZELDENE.
A flower of this fine cross between C. insigne
Harefield Hall variety, and C. Dowleri Hind-
eanum (Godefroyae leucochilum x insigne
Harefield Hall), sent by William Bolton. £,sq.,
Wilderspool, Warrington, is very interesting as
showing that the second introduction of the C.
insigne parent has not materially affected the
form of the C. Dowleri variety which 'bore the
seed, the elongated deflected petals and fleshy
lip being still retained. The colour is yellow-
ish-cream, with (blotched lines oi dark chocolate-
purple on the dorsal sepal and petals.

U5?JL

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Fig. 65.— design of proposed memorial to kew men who fell in the war.

NEW HYBRIDS.

{Continued from March fi, p. 117.)

Cypripedium Sadie

Laelio-Cattleya Alborak
Laelio-Cattleya Etna
Laelio-Cattleya Golden Light . .
Laelio-Cattleya Misionea
Laelio-Cattleya Persia ..
Laelio-Cattleya Themus
Odontioda Archibald ..
Odontioda Elizabeth
Odontoma Fittiae
Odontoma St. Andre
Odontoglossum Cordimium
Odontoglossum crispo-Solon
Odontoglossum Dorothy Arkle . .
Odontoglossum Horatio
Odontoglossum Model . .
Odontoglossum Robin Hood ..
Odontoglossum San Juan
Odontoglossum Thetis
Odontoglossum Triomphe de Brug
Odontoglossum Violetfta
Oncidium incurvophorum
Sophro-Cattleya Eileen ..
Sophro-Cattleya Santa Ffi
Sophro-Laelio-Cattleya Floryi. .
Bophm-Laello-Cattleya Rnborls

Hera Euryades x Draco

L.-C. Isabel Sander x C. Maggie Raphael alba

L.-C. Baroness Schroder 0. Drapsiana
Luminosa x Golden Fleece. .
L.-C. Baroness Schroder x C. Dowiana ..
i ..■( aurensis x C. Dowianaauxea ..

L.-C.Myrrha C.Trianae

Graireana ■ Bradshawiae . .

Thwaiti'-ii l.radshawiar

\l Bleuana 0dm. Harryanum magnificum

M. Phalaenopsia x Odm- Edwardii..

cordatum ■ cximium

erisnum x Solon

i nrecorded

Menier St. Vincent - Rex ..

Aglaon promerens

Mars x illustrlssimnm

i hM i ■ Lambeauianum

Solon x Dusky Monarch

Black Prince x Vuylstekei

Doris Annstronuiae
incurvum ■ eorynephorum ..
Doria Saxa

C. Rhode ■ S.-C. Doris

S.-L.-C. Marathon ■ C. Carmen

L.-C. Rubens S.-C. Doris

Exhibitor.

Mrs. Bruce and

Miss Wrigley.
Baron Schroder.
J. and A. McBean.
Sir Geo. L. Holford.
Dr. M. Lacroze.
McBean.
Charlesworth.
sir .1. Colman.
R. G. Thwaites, Esq.
Charlesworth.

Sanders.

Sanders.

H. T. Pitt, Esq.

Charlesworth.

Armsl rong and Brown.

Armstrong and Brown.

Armstrong and llrowii.

Dr. M. Lacroze.

Charlesworth.

Sanders,

Armstrong and Brown.

Charlesworth.

McBean

Dr. m. Lacrose.

I'lory and Black.

Florj and Black.

154

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[March 27, 1920.

The Week's Work.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By F. Jordan. Gardener to Lieut. -Col. Spender Clat,
M.P., Ford Manor, Lingfield, Surrey.

Planting Vines — Those who intend planting
one-year-old vines should make, preparation for
placing them in the borders. In the issue
for February 7 I recommended making the
borders in advance and also shortening the rods
to two buds. The new growths should now be
two or three inches long and the vines in good
condition for planting. Disentangle the roots,
spread tliem out carefully, and cover them with
warm compost to the thickness of about three
inches. Water the roots freely with water
warmed to 75°.

Early Peaches. — The disbudding of the earliest
Peach trees will now demand almost daily atten-
tion, and may be carried out conjointly with
the thinning of the fruits until each fruit and
shoot has ample room for full development.
Young trees can only be trained in the best style
by careful and judicious disbudding. As soon
as the fruits have set on healthy trees disbudding
may be commenced, but hi the case of trees
that are breaking weakly owing to a
check induced by lifting, root-pruning or other
cause, the disbudding should be delayed
until the roots and sap become more active. Do
not remove a large quantity of shoots at one
time, but follow the rule "a little and often."
Tie down the shoots as they advance in growth,
but do not overcrowd the trees with young wood.
A space of 6 inches is none too much between
the shoots. In mild weather the night tempera-
ture may be raised to 60°, but on cold nights
55° is suitable. Endeavour to have the tempera
ture about 75° to 80° at closing time with plenty
of atmospheric moisture, syringing the trees
freely with tepid soft water to ensure this, but
allowing the foliage to dry before nightfall. Pay
careful attention to watering the border with
water warmed to 60° to 70°. Old trees may be
given weak liquid manure. Where the drainage
and general condition of the borders are satis-
factory, it is seldom that growing Peach trees
suffer any evil from overwatering.

Succession Houses.— The trees in the later
houses are very forward this season, and little
or no fire-heat will be needed. It may. however,
be necessary to provide some artificial warmth
on very cold, damp nights. Keep the conditions
of the house moderately moist if no fire-heat is
used, with a night temperature of 50° ; if it is
desired to hasten the development of the trees the
temperature may be raised 5°. The latest houses
should be kept as cool as possible to retard the
trees, as very late fruits are almost as valuable
as the early ones, and much depends on the
treatment the trees receive now, for once they
commence to grow freely they must not be
checked. Keep the trees clean of pests by
fumigating the house or syringing occasionally
and lightly with quassia extract, and pay the
same careful attention to watering and dis-
budding as recommended for the earlier trees.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By H. Wheeler. Gardener to Mrs. JenneR, Wenvoe
Castle, near Cardiff.

Seakale. — Plant thongs, saved from the
forcing roots, in a warm house. Stand

them upright in deep boxes and fill the box
with fine soil, which should be kept moist.
If not already prepared, the ground the plants
are intended to occupy should be double-dug as
soon as possible, incorporating a good quantity
of decayed manure with the bottom spit.

Potatos. — Early varieties of Potatos may now
be planted. As some form of protection from
spring frosts will probably be necessary, the situ-
ation should be one in which protection may be

conveniently afforded. A distance of two feet
between the rows and one fool, between the sets
will be sufficient for the earliest varieties.
Drills of about five inches in depth should be
made with the hoe, and they should remain open
for a short time before planting in order that
the sun-heat may raise the temperature of the
soil. Soot is an excellent manure for Potatos,
and if some is sprinkled in the drills it will act
also as a deterrent to slugs. Cover the seed
tubers by forking between the drills, burying
them to a depth of three inches. If the seed
tubers are large and require dividing, it is
advisable to out them at once rather than wait
until the time of planting. Each portion should
possess one or more good "eyes," and, in cut-
ting, which should be done from the rose end.
do not completely sever the tuber, but leave
just sufficient uncut at the bottom to hold the
Potato together. The portions mayT easily be
broken apart when the tubers are lifted from the
trays for planting.

Spinach. — Spinach provides a crop in a com-
paratively short time after sowing. At this
time of the year sow round-seeded varieties such
as Victoria or Long Standing in shallow drills
made one foot apart. Spinach may be sown
between rows of Peas on an early border, and
the plants will receive protection from cold
winds, which the Pea sticks will break. Seed
of New Zealand Spinach should be sown in
warmth to raise plants tor transplanting in the
open in June.

Vegetable Marrow.— Plants raised from seed
sown at the end of February are ready for plant-
ing in a neated pit where a temperature of 50°
may be maintained. A heap, nine inches deep, of
rich, open loamy soil should be made and the
seedlings planted therein. Damp the walls and
bed daily at the time of closing the pit. but
guard against overwatering, otherwise the fruits
will fail to set. Admit air on all favourable
occasions by tilting the lights at the back.

Carrots. — The main-crop varieties should be
sown in rows made fifteen inches apart as soon
as the ground is in a suitable condition. Choose
land that has not been recently manured, and
if the crop was attacked by the Carrot Fly last
season make the new planting as far from the
old one as is convenient. This is a difficult pest
to combat in the spring and early summer,
and where prevalent the sowings to provide
winter supplies should be deferred until early
in July, after which time Carrots are not
attacked by the fly. Carrots intended for
exhibition should he grown in specially prepared
stations made by filling holes made with a
crowbar with special soil, as was recommended
for the growing of exhibition Parsnips ; very
little firming of the soil is required in the case
of Carrots. They should be ready for pulling
in eighteen to twenty weeks from the date of
sowing if they are desired for exhibition
purposes. Intel-mediate Matchless and Early
Gem are two good varieties of their respective
types.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By T. Pateman, Gardener to C. A. Cain, Esq., J. P.,
The Node. Codieote, Welwyn, Hertfordshire.

The Early Season — The season is quite three
weeks in advance of the normal, and all fruit
trees are in a forward condition. After a brief
spell of colder weather, the precociously
warm spring has come again and with
it increased danger for late fruits. I

do not think fruit trees in the open are so
far advanced as to take any harm at present;
but should mild weather continue we can hardly
expect the blossom to escape damage by late
frosts.

Apple Aphides.— To obtain the finest and
cleanest fruit, and to keep the trees in the
healthiest condition, systematic sprayings are
essential. Perhaps the best time to spray is
during the period between the opening of the
leaf buds and the bursting of the flower buds.
Apple aphides may be controlled by spraying,
but in a great many cases it proves ineffective

owing to the fact that it is done too late. It
is a great mistake to defer spraying until such
time as the leaves have curled, for the pests.
have then protected themselves, and to spray
under these conditions is a* great waste of
material and labour. There are several reliable
proprietary washes on the market, but whatever
specific is used it should be of a poisonous
(nature. Nicotine emulsion is a good wash, and
if used according to directions proves very
effective. This spray may also be used after
the petals have dropped. The spraying must
be thorough, so that the insecticide penetrates
well into the buds and reaches every insect. The
spraying should be done on a calm day, and in
frosty weather the trees should be sprayed early
in the day in order that they may become quite-
dry again by the evening.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By John Cotjtts, Foreman, Roval Botanic Gardens,
Kew.

Primula Make early sowings of P. sinensis

varieties, P. oboonica, P. kewensis and P. ver-
ticillata. These plants all grow well in an
ordinary greenhouse, but the sinensis forms do
best in a temperature of 50° to 55°. The seeds
are uncertain and irregular in germination ; on
this account the seed pans should be retained
until it is certain the seeds have all germinated.
The stellata forms are very beautiful and
valuable for decorative purposes as pot plants-
Primula. — The double white Primula should
be prepared for propagation. Some of the botton
leaves should be carefully trimmed off with a
sharp knife, and fresh Sphagnum-moss mixed
witli silver sand packed around the base of the
stems. When the moss is well filled with roots,
the plants may be pulled to pieces and potted
in a light, rich compost to which some old
mortar rubble has been added, or, failing mortar,
lime. Lime in some form should always be
added to the compost used for Chinese Primulas.
The newly-potted plants should be placed in a
close case for a few days until they are estab-
lished ; the after treatment should be the same
as that given to the seedling Chinese Primulas.
Impatiens. — There are several species of Im-
patiens, including I. Holstii and its varieties
(wliich are probably hybrids with I. Sultanii), I.
Sultanii, I. Oliveri and I. platypetala var. alba,
which are very useful for greenhouse decoration.
By propagating successional batches, the plants
may be had in flower all the year round. They
may all be propagated either from cuttings or
seeds ; it is usual to treat I. Sultanii as an annual,
raising the plants from seed dining the spring.
The good colour forms of I. Holstii should be
propagated by means of cuttings. I. Oliveri is
a giant amongst Impatiens; when planted out
or grown in large tubs it attains a height of
some six to eight feet and flowers more or less
all the year through, its delicately coloured
flowers having a remarkable resemblance t*>
those of a Miltonia.

Panax fruticosum var. Victoriae.— This pretty
plant is useful for decorative purposes, small
specimens being suitable for placing on tables.
Cuttings root readily in a warm propagating
case. I have found" it a very useful stock on
which to graft choice Aralias such as A. ele-
gantissma and A. Veitchii gracillima.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By Sidney Lego, Gardener to the Dowager Ladt
NUNBrRNHOLME, Warter Priory, Yorkshire.

The Rock Garden. — Make preparations for
replenishing the rock and Alpine garden with
plants where certain subjects have failed. W ith
che exception of a few species, September plant-
ings in the north are not, generally speaking, so
successful as those pei-fomied in the spring.
Empty cavities behind rocks are detrimental to
the w:ell-being of plants with far-seeking roots ;
therefore such open spaces should be tightly
filled with light, porous soil. Simplicity, together
with boldness, should be the aim of the planter
and, in no less degree, of the builder. Where
rocks are sparsely placed, solidity may be
attained by a judicious planting of compact

March 27. 1920. |

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

trees and shrubs. Amongst suitable subjects for
this purpose are : Rock Roses, -Tuuiperus com-
munis nanus, Skimmia japonica, Daphnes.
Pemettya mucronata, Cistuses, Japanese Maples,
Berber is, and prostrate Cotoneasters. Should
dry weather follow the planting of these species,
manure from a spent Mushroom bed will otter
♦he best material with which to mulch the soft,
and. moreover, it is not unsightly. Small young
plants should be chosen, as they become estab-
lished quickly and ultimately give more satis-
faction than older specimens. Where extra soil
is necessary, a compost consisting of fibrous
loam, leaf-mould, mortar rubble and river sand
will meet ordinary requirements. I do not
advise the use of old potting soil, as it may
introduce weeds, also insect and animal pests.
Careful treatment should be afforded to peat-
loving plants and also to those Impartial to lime.
Ramuudias thrive best when planted in perpen-
dicular stations in a sheltered northern aspect, in
a compost containing no lime. Alpine Primulas
in general require a half-shady, cool, well-drained
slope, but certain species, for instance P.
japonica and P. rosea, are most suitable for
growing on the flat in moist soil. The best stimu-
lant to apply to rock plants, collectively, at the
present time is a sprinkling of steamed bone-
flour, which should be given when signs of rain
are apparent. Endeavour to keep the garden
scrupulously clean, but retain moss on stones
and lichen on trees where it is necessary to
give an appearance of age.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By T, W. Briscoe, Gardener to W. R. Lysaght, Esq.,
Castleford. Chepstow.

Potting Calanthes. — Three parts of the compost
should consist of good, fibrous loam, the remain-
ing part of chopped Sphagnum-moss, finely
crushed potsherds, and half-decayed Oak-leaves.
If good fibrous loam is not obtainable one part
of Osmuiida-fibne may be added. Some growers
advocate a sprinkling of dried cow manure,
others discard loam and use peat, and, no doubt,
in low-lying districts such a rooting medium has
its advantages. In any case the fine particles
should be removed, and especially from the loam.
by means of a coarse sieve, and the mixture
prepared a few days before it is needed and
placed in a warm house. The proper time at
which to repot the plants is when roots appear
at the base of the new growth, and fresh soil
should always be given before the roots are far
advanced. If not already done, remove the
pseudo-bulbs carefully from their pots and shake
away the old soil. Cut away the dead roots
to within one inch of the base; the small tuft
will help to hold the plants in position. Scale
insects often infect the base of the pseudo-bulbs,
and if present they should be removed by means
of an old tooth brush. Ordinary flower-pots or
deep pans are suitable receptacles, and they
should be one-third filled with drainage
material. The largest pseudo-bulbs of C.
Veitchii, 0. Wm. Murray, 0. Regnieri, and C.
Harrisii may be potted singly, but those of the
luteo-oculata group are best placed several
together in the same pan. A good-sized pseudo-
bulb will require a pot six inches in diameter,
and so on in proportion to the size of the plant.
Calanthes are strong-rooting Orchids, and the
soil should be mads firm ; leave sufficient space
at the top of the pot for watering. When the
operation is completed the base of the new
growth should rest upon the soil, for, if buried
deeply, it is liable to damp off. Arrange the
plants in their glowing quarters about two feet
from the roof-glass, and, if the soil was fairly
moist at the time of potting, no direct watering
will be needed for several days, but it will be
expedient to syringe between the pots twice or
thrice daily, according to the amount of
atmospheric humidity in the house. For a few
weeks give water with extra care, for an excess
of moisture in the soil will prove very harmful.
Later, when the plants are rooting freelv, and
particularly when the new pseudo-bulbs are
formed, let the roots have an abundance o1'
water. At this stage an occasional application of
weak liquid manure made from cow dung will
be btMiefieif' **ut discontinue feeding the roots

when the foliage begins to show signs of
maturity. Keep tJie plants Free from insect
pests, and, when it is necessary to vaporise the
house, it is much safer to fumigate lightly on two
nights in succession than give :i single sli'oiig
fumigation.

INDOOR PLANTS.

THE ALPINE GARDEN.

ANDROSACE GLACIALIS.

The genus Androsaee consists of a large
number of beautiful little plants which inhabit
the mountains of Europe and Asia. Many of
them are typical alpine plants of low growth
and tufted habit, covered in spring with masses
of bloom which entirely hide the foliage. The
differeml species which comprise the genus may
lii' divided into two sets'; one group (of which
A Laggeri is an example) is usually Found
growing in alpine, turfy meadows, forming large
spreading carpets. The members of the other

H1PPEASTRUM PARDINUM
The numerous garden forms of Hippeastrum
are now grown to such an extent that the
original species are but rarely met with. One
of the species which was very popular in gar
dens half a century ago, is H. pardinum, but
it is now seldom seen. The flowers, of which,
generally speaking, tw^o or three are borne to-
gether on a soape about eighteen inches high,
are quite shallow, moderately large, and of
fairly good shape. They are usually of a bright
cream colour, with just a slight tinge of green,
and are profusely dotted with crimson. There
i.-. a certain amount of individual variation in
the flowers, some ha.\uig. broader petals than
others, while (he spotting also varies consider-
ably. The finest form that has ever come under
my notice bore the varietal name of snperbum.
It is included in the Ken) Hand List of Tender
Monocotyledons. In this variety the flowers

Fig

66. — \NDROS.\CE i;LA<IALTS. NEAR THE ATJGSTBORD PASS (9.500 FT.).

group, which includes A. glacialis, are some-
times known as Aretia, and are all of close
tufted habit; they grow in the fissures of locks
and stony slopes.

The former group is easier to grow in this
country, and many charming species are quite
at home in the rook garden. For the others,
special conditions are necessary, either planting
in deep crevices, or in a stony moraine where
there is abundant moisture but perfect drainage.

Androsaee glacialis is a native of the high
granitic alps, between 6.000ft. and 10,000lt. The
plant illustrated in Fig. 66 was growing wild
on a loose, stony rock face on the Gruben Alps,
near the Augstbord Pass, at an altitude of over
9.000 ft. It made a beautiful picture some six
inches in diameter, the whole plant being practi-
cally ludden with its charming pink flowers. The
species makes a dense tuft, like ;i cushion,
formed of numerous shoots closely packed to-
gether that bear small rosettes of leaves at their
extremities. These are pubescent, giving the
tufts a hoary appearance when not m flower
Young pi nits were collected and brought home.
I mt did not survive long in I hese lnw altitudes,
evidently mi.-sing the pure air and conditions
of their mountain home. Seeds offer the 1>< s1

means of sin-cess in r.'.ising I his plant. II'. /.

are ot good size and shape, while they are so
closely freckled with red that little of the
creamy tint can be seen. A native of Peru.
H. pardinum was introduced by Richard
Pearce, of tuberous Begonia fame, when travel-
ling in South America on behalf of .Messrs.
Veitch and Sons. It first flowered at Chelsea
in 1867. and was awarded a First-Class Cer-
tificate by the Royal Horticultural Society on
Maich 30th of that year. In spite of its
distinct character, H. pardinum haw been I nil,
little employed by the hybridist, and it has
played no important part in the present day race
of hybrids. Occasionally a variety may be seen
with spots which show a more or less marked
influence of H. pardinum. hut not often. II'. '/'.

SPARMANMA AffRICANA.

lit of Mower, they

As large plants pass 0
Should be pruned hard, and
and make new growth in a
to 55°. As growth advain
cooler conditions, and stand
the end of June until the
they may lose most of the
very sha.hhy after suon tren
only way to gel (In in to Hov
may be propagated from ■ i

encouraged lo break
temperature of 50°
:es, give the plants
them oin doors from
end "I September:
ir leaves and look
inicni , hut it is the
er freely. The plant
it ings, Foreman.
u

156

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[March 27, 1920.

EDITORIAL NOTICE,

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the
PUBLISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, W.C.

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

Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editors
do not undertake to pay for any contributions or
illustrations, or to return ttnused communications
or illustrations unless by special arrangement. The
Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any
opinions expressed by their correspondents.

Letters for Publication, as well as specimen g of
plants for naming, should he addressed to the
EDITORS. 41, Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, London. Communications should be

WBITTEN ON ONE SIDE OKXI OF THE PAPER, sent OS

early in the week a? possible, and duly signed by
the writer If desired, the signature will not be
printed, bat kept as a guarantee of good faith.

Illustrations.— The Editors will be glad to receive
and to select photographs cr draieings suitable for
reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable flowers,
trees, etc., but they cannot be responsible for loss
or injury.

THE CULTIVATION OF

PERPETUAL-FLOWERING CAR*

NATIONS IN POTS.

A LECTURE on the cultivation of perpetual-
flowering Carnations in pots, from the
special point of view of the grower in
private establishments, was delivered by Mr. F.
Jordan, Ford Manor Gardens, Lingfield, Surrey,
before the members of the British Carnation
Society on the 10th inst. Mr. Jordan stated that
the number of new Carnations introduced each
year and the remarkable improvement that most
of them show are sure signs of the ever-
increasing interest taken in this beautiful
flower. He dealt specially with the growing of
perpetual-flowering Carnations in pots, and pro-
ceeded as follows : — Pot culture is generally more
convenient than the bench system for amateurs
and private gardeners, as it is seldom there are
sufficient glass-houses at the disposal of private
growers, especially when, in addition to
perpetual flowering varieties, room is required
for Souvenir de la Malmaison. Perpetual-
Malmaison, and border varieties, such as
Cecilia, King Arthur, Lady Hermoine, and
Elizabeth Shiffner, all of which should be more
extensively cultivated.

Perpetual-flowering Carnations are easy to
cultivate, their requirements are simple, and,
from a market grower's point of view, their
value to-day is greater than ever. I have no
commercial experience in growing the flower,
but I have been successful in obtaining a good
display of Carnation blooms in private establish-
ments during the winter. A suitable house is
the first consideration, and it cannot be too
light or too well ventilated. A grower whose
plant houses are under the shade of large
trees, unsuitable in structure or badly ventilated,
cannot hope for any measure of sucoess.
Growers of these Carnations whose gardens are
in, or near, large towns are handicapped very
heavily.

It is most important to obtain healthy stock
from a reliable grower, and if the plants are
raised at home the proper selection of the
cuttings is one of the chief items to consider.
When the plants are in flower it is easy for the
amateur or professional gardener to mark or
place together plants with healthy foliage and
highly-coloured flowers possessing sound
calyces and good stems. This is one of the
many advantages amateur and professional
gardeners have over the csmni'""'ial grower, and

I have practised such careful selection for many
years with a fair amount of success.

The best growths for use as cuttings are found
in the centre, among the flower stems, and al-
though tfrey may be rooted at any period of the
year, from' December to March are the best
months. I have always had the finest results from
January -rooted cuttings : these have the best
season for growth before them. Moreover, the
plants recover more quickly after stopping, and
with me have always proved the most
floriferous and strongest specimens during the
winter. Cuttings struck too early often collapse
at a time when the flowers are most needed.
The best and most convenient cuttings are those
termed " heel " cuttings, about three inches long,
and these may easily be pulled off the plant, side-
ways. Remove the small bottom leaves carefully
and insert the cuttings in a propagating case,
one or two inches apart. Pipings may also be
-rooted in a similar manner ; these are pulled out
with a sharp jerk and are ready to be placed
in the case, as the joint is pulled in half.

Nothing is superior as a rooting medium than
a layer of about three or four inches of sharp
sand. A propagating case is necessary, and it
should be of a convenient size to accommodate
the number of shoots to be rooted. The cut-
tings should be struck in boxes about ten indies
in depth, but if only a small number of shoots
are to be inserted large pots may be used
instead. The box, or pot, should contain a few
crocks at the bottom to ensure a free drainage.
When the cuttings are inserted they should be
watered carefully by means of a can with a fine
rose. Place a sheet of glass over the box or
pot to exclude the air and keep the frame fairly
close for a week, removing the glass early in the
mornings to get rid of condensed moisture.
Gradually increase the ventilation after the first
week, removing the sheet of glass entirely
during the night until, after about three weeks.
it may be dispensed with entirely. Strike the
cuttings in a bottom heat of 55° and an
atmospheric temperature of 50°. The plants
should be ready for removal in a week or ten
days, as they should not be grown in the case.
Gradually accustom them to more light and air
and transfer them to two-inch pots, rising a
compost of loam and sand in a fine state.
Always use clean pots and a sweet compost.

Never allow Perpetual-flowering Carnations to
become pot-bound. Grow them in a

light position in a house having a night tempera-
ture of 50° with a rise of 5° during day. until
the next potting, when 4^-inch pots should be
employed. L^se similar compost to that

already advised, with the addition of
a little ash from the garden fire, and
grow the plants in the same temperature
until they become established. Water the roots
carefully and lightly syringe between the pots
and overhead on bright days, always being care-
ful to see that the plants are dry again before
night. At this potting care must be taken thai
the plants are not placed too deeply in the recep-
tacle, and this also applies to the final potting.

The first stopping of (he shoots should be
done when the roots are well established in the
new soil. The shoots should be pinched at the
fifth or sixth pair of leaves ; the point should not
be pulled out as is so often done. The plants
must be kept clean of pests: observing clean-
liness both in the plants and the house is the
first important step towards success. To ensure
this one or two light fumigations may be neces-
sary at this stage, and fumigating should always
he done in the evening when the plants are dry.

The plants should at this stage be making
rapid progress and soon be ready for their final
potting. The amount of ventilation may ■ be
steadily increased as the days lengthen, main-
taining the same day and night temperatures as
before. After May more air, both day and night,
'should be admitted.

Perhaps the most essential point to success is
the provision of suitable rooting material. Loam
or turf should be the basis of almost every kind
of compost. Turves from good old pastures may
be cut in various thicknesses, according to the
quality of the soil, and stacked in heaps, grass
side downwards, with a little freshly slaked lime
between each layer. The lime will cause the
grass to decay, kill weeds that may be present,
and generally improve tire compost. Decayed
leaf- mould, such as the gardener can obtain, is
also valuable, especially for the first two pot-
tings, but much depends on the quality of the
loam. Where it is necessary to purchase loam,
the yellow Banstead loam is to be recommended,
but this is not always so valuable as some
believe. In my opinion, fibrous local loams are
quite as good, and I have seen but few loams
that could not be used for growing good
Carnations. As a general rule about two-thirds
loam to one each of the other materials may he
used : but much depends on the texture of the
soil. Lime may lie applied in a fresh state to
heavy loams and as lime rubble for medium and
lighter loams. Pull the loam to pieces by hand,
removing all wire-worms and other insect pests.
I have used oyster shells, charcoal, finely ground
potsherds, and other materials, but, in my
opinion, there are no substitutes tor lime rubble
and burnt ash. Nor are artificial manures
needed, with the exception of good bone meal,
which may be used at the rate of a seven-inch or
eight-inch potful to each barrow-load of the com-
post. Medium and poor quality loams may be
greatly improved by the addition of well-
decayed manure.

Having prepared the compost in a fairly rough
state, pot the plants as they become ready.
CJse clean seven-inch pots, and see that the balls
of the plants are in a moderately moist condition :
it is almost impossible to pot too firmly.

In the ninth, in cold districts, the plants
should not he stood out of doors, therefore a
Ionise should be prepared for their reception.
Stand the plants on a cool ash or gravel bed
which has previously been lightly dusted over
with soot. Six-inch pots are large enough for
such varieties as Triumph, Mikado, and May
Day. Endeavour to have all the plants in their
flowering pots by the middle or end of .May. and
allow them to have plenty of air and all the
sunshine available.

Water the roots carefully for some time after
potting the plants, in fact, great care is
necessary in watering all through the year, and
the grower must be guided by the weather and
thte season. The soil should be kept in a
moderately moist condition.

Occasional fumigations are necessary to keep
down greenfly. The second stopping should take
place at this stage, and should be carried out at
short intervals until the end of June. By
stopping one or two shoots at a time on each
plant, at the fifth pair of leaves, the flowering
season will be prolonged. The Carol a varieties
and Baroness de Brienen should only be stopped
once to obtain early winter flowers. Place one
stake to each plant, or patent wife stakes may
be used. Tie the shoots to the stake : afford only
ome tie to each flower stem, :it the base, and
allow the stem to support the flower in a natural
manner. i To be conclude!. )

March 27, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE.

157

LATE ROOTED CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

Amongst the various means adopted tu pro-
duce dwarf Chrysanthemum plants, that of root
ing cuttings in March or April to flower
eventually in 6-inch and 7-inch pots, is perhaps
the easiest. It is also a method not without its
advantages to the exhibitor. The trade set the
example in this respect nearly thirty years
ago, and although in present-day varieties there
is a higher standard of quality than prevailed
at that time, it has been found possible to
continue, to some extent, on similar lines. The
value of the method to the average grower lies
in the fact that it enables him to produce credit-
able blooms on dwarf plants.

It is advisable to propagate late varieties Ho-
wards the end of March, or even a little earlier
in special cases, for the reason that, as soon
as they are established in 60-sized pots, some
will require stopping to produce their flower-
buds in good time. Others that come to time
from a natural break early in June when propa-
gated earlier in the season, may be inserted
early in April, while decorative varieties may be
kept very dwarf by rooting them at the- begin-
ning of May.

The cuttings may be rooted in boxes of sandy
soil in a closed propagating case, but it will lie
necessary to keep them quite cool, shaded from
bright sunshine and lightly sprayed overhead
should they droop excessively. A little air
should be admitted at night after the cuttings
have been inserted a few days, to prevent, th/3
accumulation of moisture. When rooted,
gradually inure the cuttings to the atmosphere
of the house, and pot them into 60-sized pots
at th,e earliest opportunity. In most cases it will
be safe to grow them in a cold frame, but the
lights must be protected if frost is imminent.
Free ventilation must be afforded in mild
weather. "The plants should be placed in their
flow.ering pots before they experience the
slightest check through being pot-bound in the
smaller pots.

Employ a similar compost to that usually
afforded Chrysanthemums grown in large pots.
It is no advantage, however, to use artificial
manure in the compost. Bone meal has a lasting
rather than a stimulating effect, and used in
moderation is beneficial. Provide moderate drain-
age, pot firmly, and leave space for one of two
light top-dressings later. Frame accommodation
until the roots are active in the new soil is an
advantage if the weather happens to be wet
or cold. Thp summer quarters should be quite
open, but sheltered from the boisterous winds
that invariably occur during August. Means of
supporting the plants should be provided, and
Uie rows of plants should run north and south,
vith a maximum of light and air between them.
\s the plants will have- a, smaller rooting space
than is usually allowed, watering will be a
matter of moi.e Chan ordinary importance. During
hot weather frequent waterings will be neces-
sary, and the foliage of the plants should be
syringed twicp a day. Further encouragement
to growth will be provided during August by
watering the immediate surroundings of the
plants with liquid manure. Success rests entirely
upon the judicious carrying out of all cultural
details.

Chrysanthemums in .-mall pots should be
fed more liberally than those in large ones,
and it is best to commence with light weekly
supplies of liquid manure before the pots arc
quite full of roots.

Regular attention must he paid to the re-
removal of side growths and to proper staking
and tying. Early in August the first top-dressing
may be applied and watered in. Once these late-
struck plants become established they make
headway considerably .'viler than those rooted
at the beginning of the year, and as their buds
require less time to open it will no( be found
advisable to stop thpm until ten dins or
so after the process has been carried out on th •
earlier plants.

Varieties that require stopping to produce i uds
about the middle of August include Capt. Fox,
Undaunted, Salonica, General Smith Dbrrien,
and W. Vert, and stopping is best done at tin-

end of April, as soon as the plants have become
established in the small pots. W. Rigby, Mrs.
G. Drabble, General Petain, Princess Mary and
Queen Mary should be encouraged to break early
in May. Mrs. H. Kensey, Mrs. G. Gibson and
Rosamund are amongst thos/3 varieties that should
be stopped towards the end of the month, while
up to the middle of June varieties which produce
buds at the usual time from a natural break on
early-struck plants may be stopped according to
their strength. Decorative mid-season varieties
of all kinds may be stopped twice in the case of
April struck cuttings, but for those rooted in
May the vigour of the plants must bff taken
into consideration before stopping them more
than once. Very lat^e bush sorts, such as Bertha
Larhaux. do 'best when stopped once in the
middle of April. F. T

TREES AND SHRUBS.

SPRING TIME IN THE GARDEN.

Spring, the time of the Daffodils and other
early flowers, seems always tihe happiest season
in gardens, for the youth and vigour of awaken-
ing vegetation appear to be reflected in every
living thing around. At no other time is the
countryside more interesting or charming, for

THE BIRCH AS A TOWN TREE.

Though the Birch is rarely recommended as a
street, tree or for town planting as stated iby
Mr. R. Irwin Lynch (see p. 122), yet that it
can, and does, succeed in such situations is
proved by the beautiful avenue of these trees
that is the pride of Stepney Churchyard, or the
single specimens at Fulham Palace, Chelsea,
Kensington or Finsbury Park. In the compara-
tively pure air of Golders Green, the Birch
thrives amazingly and has attained goodly pro-
portions. The Stepney trees, which average 25
feet in height and form a graceful and pleasing
shade along one side of these nicely kept
grounds, are thriving well in the impure
atmosphere of the eastern end of the great
Metropolis.

With reference to a recent note on the Ginkgo,
or Maidenhair tree, it may be of interest to state
that a tree of this kind attained to goodly
dimensions in a very cramped position by Com-
mercial Road in the east, where dust and
foul air are the order of the day. But the finest
of London's Maidenhair trees is growing near
the Refreshment Kiosk in Waterlow Park — a. per-
fectly shaped specimen fully 50 feet high, the
stem girthing 3 feet 9 inches at a yard from the

Fill. 67. — COLONIES OF DAFFODILS AT GRAVETYE.

apart from the glorious colouring of the earliest
flowers, there is great delight even in the un-
folding of the buds on trees ami hedgerows, and
in the joyous songs of the feathered populace,
which, like the flowers, serve to remind us that
tlie dreary winter is nearly over.

It is at this lime that the wild garden presents
its most beautiful appearance, and there is joy
in (lie wanton ami untrammelled manner in
which the pi nils in such a garden associate. In
these informal quarters the various subjects
are. to a Targe extent, teft to care for themselves,
and alter a year <>v I w c form Colonies such as

the clumps of Daffodils al Gravatye, Sussex,
shown in the accompanying illustration (Fag.
67). Tlie scene depicted is a most beautiful one.
ami its chief nolo is sim | .1 icily. The abundant
arboreal vegetation amidst which the picturesque
little cottage is situated will appeal to all lovers
of nature, anil I he water is in happy associa
lion with the Narcissus, bringing to mind the

Old lee, -ml COI ted Willi Ihe ni sake .if the

Mower. In this precocious season it is sur-
prising that the Daffodils have not been greatly
influenced In their season of blossom, but have
"Interred their nivn lime more strictly than
have the early-flowering trees.

ground. Few perhaps know that there is a
In ilthv young Ginkgo growing in St. Paul's
Churchyard. A. 1>. Webster.

FRAXINUS MARIESII.

Tin: common flowering Ash or Manna, Ash,
Fraxinus Omus, is a well-known ornamental
tree, but other members of the Ornus group, of
which a dozen or so have been introduced, arc
seldom represented in gardens. F. Mariesii is
one of the number, and though introduced so
long ago as 1879 very few well-grown trees are
known, Maries is said to have discovered the
tree in the l-iisliaii Mountains in Central China
when collecting for the Messrs, Veitch, ami u is
reported to have flowered for the first tune in
England in the Coomlie Wo.nI nursery iii 1882.
It grows mi" a small, bushy-headed tree with
purplish luanchlets clothed with the usual
pinnule leaves, mad' up of about live oval leaf-
lets which are from one ami a half to three
in, lies long ami moderately stout in texture.
The white flowers are h.cne about the end of
June in large, erect, terminal panicles and they
are succeeded by purplish fruits which are very
similar in Bize to those of F. Ornus II is suitable
for planting to form a lawn specimen. W.D.

158

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[March 27, 1920.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

Flowering Trees and Shrubs for Use in
South Africa."
This work is from the pen of Mr. T. R.
Sim and it is written with a view to directing
the attention of residents in South Africa to
tilie numerous trees and shrubs, exotic and
native, available lor their gardens. The early
part of the book is given up to chapters on
general work connected 'with tree and shrub
arrangement and cultivation, including Land-
scape and Garden Effects, Trees and Shrubs for
a Small Villa Garden, Trees and Shrubs fur
Special Localities and Special Purposes, Pro-
pagation and Culture and Care of Trees and
Shrubs, these subjects being followed bj short
descriptions of a large number nf species. On
reading this book we are greatly impressed by
the wonderful climatic conditions of a country
that enables the horticulturist to grow within
its [boundaries the best of the trees and shrubs
known in the outdoor gardens of the British
Isles, and also many of our hot-house plants
such as Gardenia florida. Medinilla magnifica,
Bougainvillia glabra, Jaearanda mimosaefolia.
and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, in fact there appears
ta be scarcely any limit to the trees and shrubs
that may be* grown in one or other part of the
Union of S. Africa. There are, of course, many
plants girown dn our hot houses that would
stand, and often be better for a much lower
temperature than they are given during the
resting period. That the wealth of material
found in S. African gardens is not due entirely
to climatic conditions ds evidenced in the hist
chapter, where the author reminds us of the
fact that 12 years ago, what is now beautiful
garden surrounding the viceregal residence at
Brynterion, was a solid Took surface, with not
an' inch of soil over the greater part of it, and
that 10 years ago, what is now the beautiful
gardens on the Durban Beach, were tide swept
sand dimes, perplexing the municipality as to
how they could stop the sand drift, which,
starting there, threatened to bury the town.
The plants are described in alphabetical order :
first the exotics, then the native plants. In
many instances the inflorescences are illustrated
by small drawings, and in other cases full-page
photographs are given of well developed plant*.
The work ds not onlv useful to residents in S.
Africa, but is also useful as a work of reference
for people in other countries.

FRUIT REGISTER.

APPLE THOMAS COOMBER.
The new variety of culinary Apple illustrated
in Fig. 68 was shown by Mr. Thomas Coomber.
The Hendre Gardens, Monmouth, at the meeting
of the Royal Horticultural Society on November
18, 1919. The fruit is of very handsome
appearance, and is of the Emperor Alexander
type, the shape, as will be seen on reference
to the illustration, being conical The skin is
coloured deep crimson over two thirds of its
surface; the side not exposed to the sun is
greenish-yellow. The stalk is about |-inch
long and' set in a deep cavity; the eye also is
in a depression of considerable depth with
pleatings around it. The quality is good.
We have no personal knowledge of the habit or
cropping qualities of the tree, but Mr. Coomber
obligingly furnishes us with the following par-
ticulars : — " Apple Thomas Coomber was raised
upwards of twenty years ago by my youngest
son, when a school boy, and consequently the
parentage is unknown. The original tree was
destroyed after it had fruited for several years.
and the only specimen we have of the variety
is a bush which was grafted on a tree of Frog-
more Prolific. The seedling has a free, spread-
ing habit of growth, and is a very prolific bearer.
The fruits are in season from October to the end
of February. The variety was submitted to the
R.H.S. Fruit and Vegetable Committee in

* Flowering Trees and Shruot for itae in South
Africa. By T. II. Sim. Pietermaiitzburg. Published bv
the Speciality Press nf South Africa. Ltd. Johannes-
burg: Onpe Town, 1919 Price 7s. lid.

October. 1918, when I was asked to show it
again in December, 1918. which I did. and was
asked if the tree could be seen when in fruit
by members of the Committee. Up to the pre-
sent, however, no inspection has been made."

APPLES EGREMONT RUSSET AND SYKE
HOUSE RUSSET.

I incline to the opinion that Egremont Russet
is quite the best of the russet Apples and,
moreover, it has not the tough skin which is
characteristic of the majority of the Apples of this
class. In colour it is quite apart from any other
variety that I know; a well finished fruit bears
a striking resemblance in form and m colour I..
- 1 ' ■ Orange, so that this Apple is always a feature

flat shape. Its poor appearance is its only
failing, for it is one of the best of the very
late dessert varieties, and I much prefer it to
that much-lauded Apple, Stunner Pippin, which,
here in Gloucestershire, is of very little value.
The fruits of Syke House Russet should
be allowed to hang on the tree for
as long as possible. The variety is in
season during April. The flesh is sweet
and very pleasant and the fruits of suitable
size for dessert. Syke House Russet may be
recommended as a very late Apple. This
variety makes a neat bush tree on the Paradise
stix'k. grows very freely, and bears a moderate
clop with great regularity; it flowers late enough
to be generally safe from the spring frosts.
Ralph /■;. Arnold.

Fig. 68. — apple thomas coomber.

in an exhibit. The flesh is yellow, somewhat
resembling that of Cox's Orange Pippin ; the
flavour is first-class, sweet and decidedly
aromatic, and the variety is a decided acquisi-
tion for table use during January and February
and sometimes well into March. The crop should
be allowed to remain on the trees as late as is
possible, for the skin has a tendency to shrivel
on early gathered fruits — a common failing with
many "russets.'' Trees grafted on the Para-
dise stock, and trained either in bush or espalier
form, preferably the latter, grow well, if some-
what slowly, and crop consistently and freely.

Syke House Russet is unprepossessing in
appearance, being small and green, irregularly
marked with a greyish brown russet, and of a

VEGETABLES.

POTATOS

At a recent meeting of the Bath and District
Gardeners' Mutual Improvement Association. I
asked the opinion of the members as to haw
much hind a man could cultivate if he planted
it exclusively with Potatos.

There was' some difference of opinion at first,
but when the plan was unfolded of anticipating
busy times by getting over some of the routine
earlier than is usually practised, it was agreed
that two acres could be managed, provided help
was given at the time of lifting the crop, but.
as there frequently would be nothing to do on

March 27, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

159

the Potato patch, it would not altogether be
more than equal to one man's labour for the
whole year.

Supposing he starts digging with a fork in the
middle of October, it would take a man 4(1 days
at the rate of 8 perch per day to turn over two
acres, but, as the weather would not always be
suitable, the time may be reckoned to the end
of the year, i.e., 76 days to complete the task.
Then, whenever the weather and the land are
favourable, he should draw drills over the whole
plot, 3 feet apart and not less than 5 inches deep.
These drills will become partly filled up by the
rain, so that early in March it will he necessary
to go over the ground again and regulate the
depth.

About the middle of March, or as soon as the
conditions are favourable, one may commence
placing seed tubers of late varieties in these
drills from 12 to 15 inches apart, and covering
them with about two inches of soil. Should frost,
follow, it may be advisable to give a little more
covering, but at tins time of the year, excepting
in the northern parts of the kingdom, frost
seldom penetrates more than two inches.

The end of April should see the planting
finished, and some of the earlier planted tubers
should be showing their shoots above ground.
Some of the pulverised soil on the surface may
then be pulled towards the stems, not much at
a time, and the ground may be gone over 'twice
or thrioe. fin-ally leaving the steins and the
primary leaves in a broad V-shaped trench. I
object to burying the stems 6 indies deep. In
my experiments the primary leaves have been
the best leaves, and they have continued green
and robust to the end. This could not be if the
rows of strong-growing varieties were less than
3 feet apart. But when there is plenty of
lateral room and the stems are not supported
by earthing up, the haulms spread out early
and allow the sunlight to reach the base of tue
plant. The internodes, when the haulm has
plenty of room and light, is not drawn ;
consequently the haulm itself is shorter.
Every leaf not exposed to the light is worse th;m
useless. There are a few varieties of Potatos
which bear the tubers close to the main stem,
and some of them may be above the original
ground level; these are not suited for the plan
described, but we may do very well without
them, as there are many to choose from. Most
of the varieties develop their tubers a few inches
from the stem, and in my experiments I hardly
found a green tuber. I believe that any land
wrhich has 12 inches oil moderately good soil is.
if property treated, capable of producing 30 tons
of Potatos to the acre.

In this neighbourhood it is a favourite plan
for the operator to cany the Potatos in a bag
slung before him, make a slanting hole with a
spade, holding this implement with one hand,
while he throws the tuber ih behind it. Or, if
he prefers not to place the shoots upside down,
he makes a plastered hole with a dibber, and
lodges the tuber somewhere between the top and
bottom. Then, after the shoots are 6 inches
above ground, he does what the natives here call
hacking, i.e., he chops off any roots which may
have grown out a few inches from the tubers,
previous to burying the primary leaves and
stems. Last season my Potatos were planted in
trenches made 4 feet apart, and when the stems
were a few inches high I tested the soil between
the rows, which was much above the level of
the tubers, and although there had been no
nitrogenous manure applied for two years, I
found the roots had already taken possession of
the whole breadth.

The produce of the two acres may be reckoned
at 60 tons. If early varieties are planted, the
yield will not be so great, but the difference in,
price will compensate for the smaller crop. Costly
as manual labour now is, it might be applied with
profit to growing Potatos, but had I 100 acres
to cultivate I should endeavour to get over the
work more quickly. When I see the ease with
which the apparatus fixed to a steam-roller tears
up a macadamised road, I think that it would
not be difficult to make a revolving grubber
worked by stationary engines. We alreadv have
the engines, but I want the grubber." The
machines mentioned by J. F. are pushing
machines. Wm. Taylor.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

[The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for
the opinions expressed by correspondent*,.]

The British Gardeners' Association. — It is quite
certain old members of this Association will have
been interested in the report of its annual
general meeting in your issue of March 6. Some
folks will wonder what the Association is going
to do. It is now proposed to alter the name of
the Society. Not long since a new scale of wages
was to be announced. The gardening fraternity
waited, and later, as we all know, condemned
the scale as unfair. Everyone will agree that
wages in horticulture have been far from what
they should be, but to suggest £3 10s. per week
for workers at 21 years of age when other trades
cannot get 50s. is foolish. The hesitancy shown
in withdrawing the old and proposing a new
scale of wages suggests that members of the Ex-

and they ask, " Is it worth while to join
again?" There is no doubt a feeling
abroad that while members who have helped to
build up the British Gardeners' Association with
money and their time have been away, others at
home have taken up the reins of government
and instituted new rules. Some time ago it
was stated that membership had increased by
2,000 weekly, but the total membersliip now, it
is believed, falls far short of the pre-war figures.
What does the gardening community need?
Does it need its old British Gardeners' Associa-
tion or does it wish to give its allegiance to a
body which so often changes its coat? I know
something of what the British Gardeners'
Association did in its early years when at the
R.H.S. Council rooms. I worked on the Execu-
tive Council, and remember the careful
scrutiny of applications for membership,

<*®ummffl

Wk

^mi

?l3k

fe-v^

Fig. 69. — double-flowered adonis amurensis. (see p. 161).

ecutive Council are not all agreed. I believe the
names of the Council members are not published
as formerly ; unless this is done and the position
they hold is given little interest will be shown
in their doings by an intelligent gardener. It
must be remembered the British Gardeners'
Association was not formed to help the garden
labourer, but to assist the professional gardener.
All the British Gardeners' Association appears
to concern itself with now is wages and hours.
This may attract the younger workers, but will
it build up a great society or be helpful to
members generally ? I was a member of the
British Gardeners' Association from its com-
mencement, 1914. until I joined His Majesty's
Forces. From that time the British Gardeners'
Association had nothing to do with me. I wrote
asking whether a Journal was being published,
as I thought it might give me something to
read. Others could tell of similar experiences]

and the rejection of those with no ex-
perience. That is why the British Gardeners'
Association moved slowly at first. It was laying
its foundation and branches were formed on
educational lines. Lectures by many able men
were given, including Professor Bottomlev, the
late Mr. George Gordon, and Mr. R. H.
Pearson (late editor of the Gard. CAron.}, Mr.
C. H. Curtis and others. Opportunity was given
to anyone to state a grievance, which was passed
on to the Executive Council to deal with. The
grievances of Kew men and L.C.C. gardenen
were dealt with in this way. It only remains to
say horticulture is one of the oldest of pro-
fessions and its dignity as a profession should
remain. It cannot be classed with transport
workers and kindred trades. No trade union is
stronger than the medical or the legal associa-
tions, and it was upon their system the British
Gardeners' Association was formed. A well:

160

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[March 27, 1920.

known lawyer, Mr. Garnett, worked hard for the
Association and recovered hundreds of pounds in
or out of court for gardeners. He also settled
many disputes. At the outbreak of war
employers were beginning to consult the British
Gardeners' Association and to seek employees
therefrom. The Earl of Plymouth proved an
ideal President; he was able to hold the balance
for .both sides. Is it not the time to deal with
this matter now, when it is proposed to alter
the name of the British Gardeners' Association ?
One way would be for gardeners to join it en
masse and get a voice in the affairs. On the
contrary an eminent horticulturist has suggested
to me the formation of another association?
What do other gardeners think'/ A. J.
H artless.

Snowy or White Fly. — For killing Snowy Fly
by means of sodium cyanide, I use two fluid
ounces of water, two fluid ounces of sulphuric
acid, and two ounces of sodium cyanide for
every 4,000 cubic feet of space or ^ oz. of each
to every 1,000 cubic feet ; these quantities will not
harm the tenderest fern fronds. When cyanid-
ing, the greatest possible care should be taken,
as the gas is a very deadly poison, and to in-
hale it -would cause sudden death. The manner in
which I proceed is perfectly safe. Take a house
2,000 cubic feet in size, for an example. Two
vessels are a'equired, each containing one fluid
ounce of water. Then add in each case
1 oz. of sulphuric acid to the water. Place each
vessel a short distance from either end of the
house and see that all ventilators are tightly
closed. It is urgently necessary to place notices
on the doors, marked : Dangerous, Poison-
Gas ; DO NOT ENTER THIS HOUSE. The Opei.lt"!

should also see that everybody on the place and
at the house is warned. Having taken these neces-
sary precautions for safety, everything is ready
for the cyaniding. Take sufficient news-
paper to wrap in each packet £ oz. of sodium
cyanide. Drop one packet in the vessel furthest
from the door and walk straight out, dropping
the other packet in the vessel nearest the door
on leaving. Close the door, lock it, and do not
go near the house, until next morning, when I
am sure all the gas will 'be gone; but, to make
absolutely sure of this, set the door wide open for
an hoinr before entering, and then enter with ;i wet
towel wrapped round the nose and mouth, keep-
ing this on until all the ventilators have been
opened. Then leave the house for another
half-hour as an extra precaution. Remove the
vessels and place them safely under lock and
key. I may add that the temperature of
the house when fumigating should be from 48°
to 54°, and the foliage of all plants should be
perfectly dry. I would have sent this note
earlier but I have been waiting to ascertain
whether any eggs of Snowy Fly have escaped the
fumigation, and would hatch as the warmer
weather arrived. I have hunted high and low,
but I am delighted to say that I have been un-
able to find any traces of fly after one fumiga-
tion only. I hope this note will be of assist-
ance to Mr. E. Beckett and other gardeners
affected with the White Flv scourge. Janus
Birkett, The Gardens, Hank House, Accrington.

For treatment under glass, I would refer

your correspondent to the Ministry of Agricul-
ture's Leaflet No. 188 — Fumigation* with Hydro-
cyanic Acid Gas. The strength recommended for
Tomatos in the leaflet we have used here with
entire success, and without injury to a large
variety of plants, which included Grevilleas.
Richardias, Ericas, Pelargoniums, Cinerarias.
Primulas, Polygalas. Abutilons. Begonias,
Albizzas, Ferns, seedling Tomaitos and Lettuces.
O. E. Hudson, East Anglian Institute of Agri-
culture, i 'helmsford.

Fumigating with Auto-shreds will clear

the houses of Snowy Fly. We use no other
fumigant here, as we find Auto-shreds both
economical and effectual. Tims. Spencer, Good-
rich Court Gardens, Ross-on-Wye.

1 have had White Fly on Tomatos, Salvias

and Heliotropes, under glass, every year, but
have always been successful in destroying the
insect by fumigating with XL All Nicotine

compound two evenings in succession. Edward
F. Usher, The Grange Gardens. New Eltham

Onion Fly. — On' page 122, Mr. R. Collyer states
that he has been able to prevent the ravages of
the larvae of the Onion Fly, by either planting
year-old Parsley plants on the new Onion bed
at sowing time, or by thinly sowing Parsley
seed with the Onions. For some time past a
large number- of allotment holder's in the mid-
land counties have tried the Parsley method, but
in every case that has come to my notice as
much damage has been caused by the Onion Fly
maggot on the beds containing Parsley as on
beds where Parsley had not been sown or
planted. Has any reader of the Gard. Chron.
yet found a really effective remedy for this
pest I C. H. 0., Southampton.

Apple Alfriston. — At the fortnightly meeting
of the Royal Horticultural Society, held on the
9th inst.,"the Fruit and Vegetable Committee
gave an Award of Merit to Alfriston Apple.
This Award has caused considerable comment in
Scotland. Alfriston has been in commerce at
least three-quarters of a century, and is rapidly
dropping out of cultivation, and rightly so.
It is a curoberer of the grouud. 'What justifica-
tion is there for an Award of Merit to an oil
and worthless fruit of this type? Practical
opinion has had good reason to question many
of the awards granted by whau is assumed to be
the leading horticultural organisation of the world,
I the case of Alfriston Apple simply accentu-
ates the suspicion that its Committee are lacking
in sound judgment. In these days we have
many Apples far superior to Alfriston. Many
of them are as yet unlionoured by the Royal
Horticultural Society, and it is sad to think that
awards will not be given them until the Fruit
Committee find that the fruit growers of the
country have tested them for themselves. Popu-
larity "gained by experience will, in short, force
the Committee to make awards as it has done
before. It is a lamentable reflection upon the
perspicacity of the R.H.S. Fruit Committee
Alfriston is doomed to the rubbish heap : its
day is done, and yet, after being nearly a cen
tui-y in cultivation, it actually obtains an Award
of "Merit ! A Fruit Committee that gives an
award to such an Apple as Alfriston cannot
hope for the confidence or respect of practica'
men. When one considers the nanus of the
members of the Committee, an award to Alfris-
ton is inexplicable. Northern Fruit Grower

Club root in Brassicas. — A mixture similar to
that recommended by Mr. W. Chitty (see p.
134) for preventing Club root in Brassicas has
been in vogue with certain gardeners as long as
I can remember, but it does not go to the root
of the evil. When Club root is prevalent in a
kitchen garden it is a sure sign that the land is
more or less sour through lack of lime, and in
many oases the disease is fostered by the absence
of any proper system of crop rotation. During
the past sixteen years I have had to deal with
two badly Club-infested gardens, and have used
nothing but air slaked lime, with the 'best re-
sults. "The first thing to do is to make sure of
a clean seed-bed. Selea the site early in the
year and dig in a good dressing of lime : another
and lighter dressing should be applied and
forked in a week or ten days before sowing the
seeds. I also make a practice of forking in
a dressing of lime on each plot of ground selected
for Brassicas about a fortnight before planting,
and always avoid following one orop of Brassicas
by another on the same land. By this method
the disease is easily stamped out on the worst
infected land, and, in addition, the condition of
the soil is greatly improved for other crops. 1
am not surprised that Mr. Chitty finds it neces-
sary to water his plants every day for a week
or two after planting, as I imagine his " dipping
mixture " 'burns up all their root fibres. I favour
the method of planting in drills which may be
watered a few hours before planting ; if
thorough watering follows planting, and the
soil is kept well cultivated, the plants will
quickly establish themselves. Plants recover
from the check caused by transplanting sooner
in fine, warm weather than in dull, cold weather.
W. C. Rowson.

SOCIETIES.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.

March 23. — Gloriously fine spring weather was
experienced on Tuesday last, and as a conse-
quence there was a large attendance and a
capital exhibition at the Royal Horticultural Hall,
Vincent Square, Westminster. Daffodils were
prominent and so were Rhododendrons and other
early-flowering shrubs, while Orchids and a few
exhibits of fruit were (forthcoming, and there
were two large rock garden exhibits. Mr.
llalrvniple's new- Freesias provided one of the
chief attractions and they showed an immense
advance in colouring.

Floral Committee.

Present: Messrs. H. B. May (in the chair),
W. J. Bean, E. Harrow, John Heal, G. Reuthe,
W. B. Cranfield, J. W. Moorman, C. Williams,
C. R. Fielder, John Green, Thos. Stevenson,
Arthur Turner, John Dickson, Chas. Dixon, H. J.
Jones. Jas. Hudson. W. Cuthhertson, J. Jen-
nings, G. W. Leak, E. A. Bowles, J. T. Bennett
Poe, Chas. E. Shea, E. F. Hazelton, W. P.
Thomson, Chas. E. Pearson, W. R. Dykes, E. H.
Jenkins, J. W. Ban-, H. Cowley and R. C. Mot-
. utt.

Clematis Mayeniana. — A sweetly-scented,
white-flowered species, some of the axillary
clusters bearing a total of fifteen flowei-s each
about two inches across. The leaves are stiff,
light green and usually borne in threes. Shown
by Capt. B. H. B. Symons-Jeune, The Chalk-
pit, Henley-on-Thames.

Iris buoharica aurea. — A pretty hybrid,
obtained by crossing I. bucharica with I.
orchioides. It has the characteristic sturdy
growth and glistening green leaves, but the
flowers are clear yellow, with two red brown
lines along the basal part of the golden yellow
falls. Shown by W. R. Dykes, Esq.

Freesia Yellow Prince. — A large-flowered
variety, with broad, rounded segments of a soft
sulphur-yellow colour. and deeper yellow-
shading.

Freesia Robinetta.—A. delightful Freesia, with
deep rose-pink colouring that is set off by the
gold in the throat and on the lower segment.

Freesia Golden King. — This vigorous variety
has medium sized flowers of a bright yellow
colour, with deep golden shading. These three
Freesias were shown by the raiser, Mr. G. H.
Dalrymple, The Nurseries. Bartley, Hamp-
shire.

Groups.

The Hon. Vicary Gibbs (gr. Mr. E. Beckett),
Aldenham House,. Elstree, made up a large and
interesting rock garden that was greatly ad-
mired. Of the golden Ranunculus moiitanus there
was a. fine colony, and of Viola gracilis Clarence
Elliott. Primula hirsuta alba, P. hirsuta -Mr-.
J. H. Wilson, Draba imbricata. and Erica carnea,
there were goodly groups. Mollis Azaleas and
Viburnum Carlesii crowned the highest ]>oint.
and other shrubs noticed were Osmanthns
Delavayi. Cytisus praecox,. Ledum palusfcre and
pygmy' Junipers. Near by Mr. Vicary Gibbs
showed a collection of alpines in pans (Gold
Medal).

Messrs. Pipers showed a rough-flagged ter-
race, with Morisias, Primulas and Gentians
growing between the joints. Below the terrace
wall were Au'brietias and Saxifragas, and a
background was provided by the sweetly-scented
Viburnum Carlesii (Bronze Flora Medal). — A pre-
tentious rock garden was constructed by Messrs.
Whitelegge and Co. The stonewoik was
rather prominent but. nevertheless, there were
fine colonies and drift- of Saxifraga oppositifolia
W. A. Clarke, Viola gracilis, Myosotis Ruth
Fischer. Primula denticulata and Azalea
Hinodijiri I Silver-gilt Banksian Medal).

Messrs. R. Gill and Sons grouped Rhodo-
dendron flowers effectively and made a feast of
colour. Thev showed grand trusses of Gill's
Triumph, Duchess of Cornwall, Blood Red.
H. T. Gill and a number of seedlings (Silver
Flora Medal)— Messrs. J. Chf.al AND Sons
showed sprays of Primuses and Cydonias, as
well as a collection of Aubrietias.

March 27, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

161

Brilliant colouring was provided by Messrs.
Wm. Cutbush and Son, who showed sinensis
and mollis Azaleas in variety, associated ivim
Magnolias, tall standards of Viburnum Carlesii
and Japanese Maples (Silver Flora Medal). —
Mr. G. Reuthe's group contained Camellia
reticulata, Rhododendron Elsie (grande X
Falconeri). with big creamy flowers; R. Auck-
iandii. Shortia galacifulia, in fine condition;
Osmanthus Delavayi, Berberis and Anemones
(Silver Banksian Medal).

Mr. Elisha J. Hicks exhibited a lovely group
of Roses, the leading sorts being Mis. Elisha
Hicks, Princess Mary. Joanna Bridge, Lady Itil-
liiigdon and Chas. E. Shea (Silver Banksian
Medal).

Messrs. Allwood Brothers made a charming
exhibit of perpetual-flowering Carnations, and
they displayed Mikado, Wivelsfield Claret and
Salmon Enchantress in fine foim (Silver Bank-
sian Medal). — Messrs. Stuart Low and Co.
filled a table with Carnation blooms set up in
receptacles of varying height ; Baroness de
Brienin, Hugh Low, Mephisto, Red Ensign,
Eileen and Mrs. Hamilton Fellows were the
leading varieties shown (Silver Banksian Medal).
— Mr. C. Engelmann again contributed a fine
group of Carnations, wherein the large varieties
Iona and Saffron stood out prominently (Silver
Banksian Medal).

.Mr. J. J. Kettle again delighted everyone
with his Violets, and Mr. G. H. Dalrymple,
The Nurseries, Bartley, astonished everyone
with his group of variously coloured Freesias.
A whole series of yeLlow varieties was shown
and a number of sorts of the Amethyst type,
besides orange-shaded and rose-tinted sorts. In
this very charming exhibit Le Charmante.
Yellow7 Prince and Golden King were notably
fine (Silver Grenfell Medal).

Tillandsia Lindenii, carrying its beautiful blue
flowers, was shown by Mr. L. R. Russell,
who also sent other Bromeliads. Mr. Russell
also had a very bright group of mollis Azaleas,
Wistarias, Camellias, Indian Azaleas and
Clematis (Silver Flora Medal). — Messrs. H. B.
May and Sons had a pleasing exhibit of F'erns,
Palms, herbaceous Calceolarias, Cinerarias,
Genistas, and the fragrant Boronia megastigma
(Silver Banksian Medal). — Messrs. Bakers
showed their excellent strain of Primula
denticulata, both white and coloured forms ;
with these were Anemones of sorts, Saxifragas,
Viola gracilis Lord Nelson and sprays of early-
flowering shrubs (Silver Banksian Medal). — The
large display made 'by Mr. G. W. Miller con-
sisted chiefly of Primroses and Polyanthuses,
Tulips, Daffodils and Azaleas (Silver Flora
Medal).

Messrs. Bowell and Skarratt, Cheltenham,
grouped Alpines with dwamf shrubs, and showed
the double form of Adonis amurensis (see Fig. 69),
Trachystemon orientale, Corydalig Wilsonii and
the double Cheiranthus Harpur Crewe (Bronze
Banksian Medal). — In Messrs. R. Tucker and
Son's group of Alpine plants we noticed ex-
amples of Adonis vernalis, Primula Juliae, and
Omphalodes cappadocica (Bronze Flora Medal).

Orchid Committee.

Present : Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart, (in the
chair), Sir Harry J. Veitch, Messrs. Jas.
O'Brien (hon. secretary), William Bolton, R.
Brooman-White, R. A. Rolfe, Frederick J. Han-
bury, E. R. Ashton, Richd. G. Thwaites.
Gurney Wilson, T. Armstrong, H. G. Alexander,
J. E. Shill, W. J. Kaye,' Fred K. Sander,
Walter Cobb, Arthur Dye, S. W. Flory, J.
Charlesworth, C. J. Lucas, W. H. Hatcher, and
Stuart H. Ijow.

AWARDS.
Ffrst-Class Certificates.

Cattleya Cowaniae alba [intertexta alba x
Mossiae Wageneri), from Messrs. J. and A.
McBean, Cooksbridge. One of the best of the
pure white crosses, shown for the first time hy
Messrs. McBean in 1915. The flowers are as
large as those of C. Mossiae Wageneri and are
pure white, with light yellow disc to the lip.

Odontoglossum Everest [Princess Mary x
Mirabeau var. Mastiff), from Messrs. J. and A.
McBean. This novelty is a great advance on
the grand hybrid for which, as 0. Mastiff, this

firm gained a F.C.C. some years ago. The
flowers have the pure white ground and dark
purple blotching of C. Mirabeau var. Mastiff,
and its fine substance, but the segments are very
much enlarged. The plant bore a spike of five
flowers.

Awards of Merit.

Aerido-Vanda Mundyi [V. teres x A. van-
durum), from Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart.,
Gatton Park, Surrey (gr. Mr. Collier). This is
one of the most interesting hybrids, and it
gained recognition at the Royal Horticultural
Society when first shown and was illustrated in
the Gard. Ohron., March 2. 1918. The flowers
are nearest to Aerides vandariun, and clear white.

Odontioda Joan, Warnham Court rarx/t/
(Oda. Charlesworthii x Odm. ardentissimum),
from C. J. Lucas, Esq., Warnham Court, Hors-
ham (gr. Mr. Duncan). Like most of the Oda.
Charlesworthii crosses, this variety is almost
self-coloured. The flowers are large and of fine
form, deep red in colour, with blush white
front to the lip.

Pleione Pricei, from W. R. Price, Esq., Chep-
stow, Monmouthshire (gr. Mr. J. Adamson).
A pretty addition to the class known as Indian
Crocus, the nearest to this, which was collected
in the Island of Formosa, being the Indian P.
Hookeriana. The plant bore many lilac-tinted,
fringed-lipped flowers of great beauty. It is
figured in Hot. Mai/., t. 8729.

Odontioda Joiceyi {Odm. Promerens X Oda.
Coronation), from J. J. Joicey, Esq., The Hill,
WitleyJjBurrey (gr. Mr. J. Mackay). One of the
best of the improvements of Oda. Coronation.
The flowers are large and of perfect form ; they
are heavily blotched on the inner two-thirds
with reddish purple, the ground being Hush
white. The white band around the basal colour
of the petals is very attractive.

Cultural Commendation.

To Messrs. J. and A. McBean, Cooksbridge,
for a superb specimen of Odontoglossum
Souvenir de Victor Hye de Crom (Harryanum
X luteo-purpureum) .

Groups.

Messrs. Charlesworth and Co., Haywards
Heath, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for
a very effective group of finely-grown Orchids,
the features being the beautiful Odontoglossums,
among which their snow-white ;<xanthotes "
hybrids were prominent; rich scarlet Odonti-
odas, including several which were flowering for
the first time ; Laelio-Cattleyas and Brasso-
Cattleyas.

Messrs. Armstrong and Bkown, Orchidhurst,
Tunbridge Wells, were awarded a Silver Flora
Medal for a good group containing several new
hybrids, which showed their improvements in
Odontioda Coronation, Oda. Jupiter var. vio-
lacea, (Odm. eximillus X Oda. Coronation), with
fine violet blotched flowers; and Oda. Lady
Patricia Ramsay var. Flamheau (Odm. Lam-
beauianum x Oda. Coronation) had large and
very curiously tinted white flowers, with reddish
orange markings. Brasso-Cattleya Cliftonii
magnifica and various good Cyrr.bidiums were
also shown.

H. T. Pitt, Esq., Rosslyn, Stamford Hill
(gr. Mr. Thurgoodi, was awarded a Silver Flora
Medal for a pretty group of hybrids, with some
interesting species. Cvmbidiums were arranged
at the back with other tall-growing species ;
Miltonias and Odontoglossums and showy
Cattleyas in front. Speciallv good was the new
Laelio-Cattleya H. T. Pitt" (L.-C. Bella x C.
Enid), a grand flower of true Cattleya form.

Messrs. Stuart Low and Co.. Jarvisbrook,
Sussex, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for
a very effective group of hybrids and species.

Messrs. J. and A. McBean, Cooksbridge, were
awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a group of
tinelv-grown hybrids.

Messrs. Flory and Black, Slough, were
awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a selec-
tion of hybrid Orchid novelties, in which were
Snphro Laelio Cattleya Juno (S.-C Saxa X L.-C.
Dominiana). large and of good form, rod', with
crimson lip : Brasso-I*aelio-C**ttleya Alcides
(B.-L.-C. Veitcbii x L.-C, Walter Cobb), a

rather showy hybrid, still showing C. bicolor;
and Laelio-Cattleya Elsie (L.-C. Ophir x C.
.Suzanne Hye de Crom), white tinged with pale
yellow.

Other Exhibits.

Sib Jeremiah Colman, Bart., showed Brasso-
Cattleya Mildred Gatton Park vair. (C.
Schroderae x B.-C. Digibyano-Schiroderae), with
handsome, blush-white flowers; and Laelio-Catt-
leya Lady Evelyn (L.-C. Goldfinch x C.
Empress Frederick), a very pretty and finely-
formed flower. Sir Jeremiah Colman also
showed fine spikes of the rare Vanda. suaivis
pallida and Lycaste Skinneri armeniaca.

G. vV. Bird, Esq., Manor House, West Wick-
ham (gr. .Mr. Redden), showed Odontioda Sensa-
tion Manor House variety, Oda. Sunbeam (Oda.
Vuylstekeae x Odm. Lambeaueanum), a very
fine scarlet Oda. Cooksonae, and Oda. Gladys^
the original and very pretty form.

Narcissus and Tulip Committee,
Present : Messrs. A. E. Bowles (in the chair),
W. F. M. Copeland, G. Reuthe, W. R. Dykes,
\V. B. Cranheld. P. R. Barr, F. Barchard,
H. V. Warrender, John W. Jones, Geo. Monro,
Jnr., Chas. Dawson, \Y. Poraipart, J. T Bennett,
Poe, J. Duncan Pearson and P. H. Chapman ;
Rev. J. Jacob, Mrs. Backhouse, Miss Willmott,
and Chas. H. Curtis (hon. sec).

Awards of Merit.

Narcissus Honey combe. — A double-flowered
Daffodil, with large cream white segments and
with the centre of the flower filled in with
snorter frilled portions of a pale cream yellow
colour.

Narcissus John Evelyn.— This is a bold Daffo-
dil belonging to the bicolor section of the
incomparabilis group. The spreading perianth
is white and composed of rounded, overlapping
segments. The crown is very broad, frilled and
deep yellow, but often split. Both Daffodils
were shown by W. F. M. Copeland, Esq.

Groups.

Messrs. Barr and Sons exhibited a beautiful
group of Daffodils that was attractive by reason
of its arrangement as well as the quality and
variety of the flowers. Bonaparte, Dan.esfield,
Golden Chief, Red Beacon, Buttercup, Mrs. G. H.
Barr and Whitewell were leading varieties shown
(Silver-Gilt Flora Medal).— Messrs. R. H. Bath
displayed Tulips finely grown in bowls of fibre,
but rather spoiled the effect by leaving some
faded Daffodil blooms among the Scillas and
Chionodoxas used as ground work. The same
firm showed a few fine varieties of Daffodils as
a separate group (Silver Flora Medal).

Some charming Daffodils were shown by
Messrs. H. Chapman ; there were many unnamed
seedlings in addition to Dazzle, Red Lady,
Kestrel and the tall, golden Flagstaff, with
stems 25 inches high, which just failed to get
an award (Silver-Gilt Grenfell Medal). —
W. F. M. Copeland, Esq.. Shirley, Southamp-
ton, contributed an interesting display of Daffo-
dils that included fine flowers of St. Vincent,
Orange Dubloon, and the new Rosalie, Henrietta
and John Evelyn (Silver Gilt Grenfell Medal).

Some fine spikes of Hyacinths were contri-
buted by Messrs. R. and G. Cuthbert, who
showed fourteen large pans of these flowers
(Silver-Gilt Banksian Medal). — Major Churcher,
Alverstoke, was an exhibitor of Daffodils
(Bronze Flora Medal).

Fruit and Vegetable Committee.

Present: Messrs. 0. G. A. Nix (chairman),
J. Cheal, E. A. Bunyard, A. Bullock, W. E.
Humphreys Geo. F. Tinley, F. Jordan, F. Per-
kins. W. H. Divers, S. ' B. Dicks, Rev. W.
Wilks, and W. Poupart.

A Silver Banksian Medal was awarded to Mr.
Streeter, Straffan House Gardens, Kildnre.
Ireland, for twenty \avielies ol Apples. Tim
best, varieties were Christmas Pearmaiu, Beauty
of Stoke, Striped Hcaufin. Hoary Morning,
Annie Elizabeth ami Adams's Pearmain.

A collection, comprising fourteen dishes of
Apples, was shown by Sir II. Webb. Hilforge,
Holme Lacy, Hereford.

162

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[March 27, 1920.

READING AND DISTRICT GARDENERS.

At the meeting of the above Association, held
in the Recreation Club Room, Abbey Hall, on
Monday, March 15, Mr. P. L. Stanley, of the
Molassine Model Poultry Farm, Twyford, opened
a discussion on " Chicken-rearing and Egg Pro-
duction as it affects Gardeners." A discussion of
over an hour's duration followed.

Mr. G. Tovey, The Gardens. Leighton Park,
received a First-Class Certificate of Cultura!
Merit for splendid spathes of Richardias (Arum
Lilies).

©bttuarp.

Chas. W. Cowan. — It is with much regret
that we have to announce the death, at the ripe
age of 34, of Mr. Charles William Cowan, D.L.,
J. P., of Loganhouse, Midlothian, which took
place on the 18th inst. at Mortonhall House,
near Edinburgh, where he had resided for about
a. year. He was the eldest son of the late Mr.
Charles Cowan, M.P. for the city of Edinburgh,
and was all his life associated with the paper-
making firm of Alex Cowan and Sons, Ltd.,
which was founded by his great-grandfather in
1779, and of which he was chairman up till a
tew years ago. Mr. Cowan resided for many
years at Valleyfield House, Penicuick, but lat-
terly he took up iiis residence at Dal'housie
Castle, where he gathered together one of the
finest collections of Narcissi in the country, and
where he produced some splendid effects by
naturalisation of the plant in the grounds round
the castle. He took a great interest in horticul-
ture generally, and attended all the horti-
cultural shows in Edinburgh. He was one
of the oldest members of the Scottish
.Horticultural Association, and was president in
1899 and 1900. He also held office in the Royal
Caledonian Horticultural Societv on several
occasions, and was one of the oldest members of
the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scot-
land, which he joined in 1860.

MARKETS.

COVENT GARDEN, March 23rd.

Fruit : Average Wholesale Prices.

s. d.s.d a. d.s.d

Apples (English) I Lemons —

— Newton "Wonder 10 0-14 0 i —Naples 300's IS 0-32 0
— Lane's Prince j —Messina 300's 18 0-32 0

Albert, per bus. 8 0-14 0| Oranges—
— Bramley's Seed- I Murda 300

ling, per bus. 8 0-13 0 Binod 3fi0
Bananas, singles 25 0-40 0
doubles 35 0-40 0
Cape Fruit —

—Pears 9 0-10 0 „

—Plums .. .. 9 0-10 0 ! Nut?-

Seville 200's
Valencia 300
240
Brazils(new)

42 0-50 0

7 6 —

45 0-60 0

—Grapes, white, 18 0-20 o! Percwt. 135 0-140 0

black 20 0-22 0 Cob Nuts, perlh. 12-14

,, Gros Colniar 25 0-30 01 Walnuts 25 kilo. 45 0

— AJmeria per 12 lb. 16 0-20 0 Pineapples, each 2 6-76

Vegetables ; Average Wholesale Prices.

Asparagus, English,

Devon 100's .. "
— Ca vail Ion . .
— Lauris,
Beans, Guernsey,

per lb

— Worthing
Beets, per bag. . .
Cabbage, per doz.
Carrots, per i bag
Cauliflower, per

doz.
Celery, ner fan,

(12 beads)
Chicory,

— English, per lb.
— Belgian ,, ,,
Cucumbers, each
Garlic, per lb. . .
Greens, per bag . .
Endive, per doz.
French Lettuce

per doz.

s. d. s. d.

10 0-12 0 |
4 0-4 6
6 0-7 0

2 0-26
2 0-30
8 0-10 0

2 0-40
4 0-46

3 0-60

3 0-40

0 3-06
0 5-06
0 8-13
16-10
2 0-26
2 0-40

19-23

4 0-60

5 0-12 0

s. d. s. d
Mustard and Cress

per doz. punnets 16-20
2 6-30
18 0-20 0

Mushrooms, per lb
Onions, per cwt.
Parsley, per doz.

bunches . . . . 2 0-30

Parsnips, per bag 8 0-10 0

Potatos, per cwt. 13 0-18 0

— Guernsey, perlb. 13-14

— Algerian, new, ., 0 5§— 0 6 V
Radishes, per doz.

bunches . . . . 2 0-40
Rhubarb, forced

per doz 14-18

Seakale per punnet 2 0-30
Spanish Onions

4 tier .. ..20 0-22 0

5 tier . . . . 24 0-25 0
Spring Onions, per

doz. bunches . . 3 0-40
Sprouts, per

bag 23 lb. .. 2 0-30
Tomatos, Tenerirfe,

[test, per bundle 30 0-40 0

Turnips, per bag 7 0-80

Watercress, per doz. 0 9

Herbs, perdoz. bun.
Mint, per doz. bun.

Remarks. — The volume of business is increasing satis-
factorily, the continued open weather having a good
effect "both on the supply and the demand. Cape Fruits
continue to arrive in excellent condition, and the
demand remains firm for Pears, Plums and Grapes.
English Apples are scarce, and the few good parcels
of Lane's Prince Albert, Bramley's Seedling and New-
tons that are coming to hand show a sharp advance in
price. Forced Strawberries are available at high prices.

Apples from British Columbia are clear, but a further
shipment of 4,000 cases is expected in a week or ten
days. Canary Tomatos continue to arrive in a more
or leas unsatisfactory condition, mainly due to the
severe storms in the Canaries and also the undue delay
in transit. Cucumbers are now arriving in considerable
quantities, and with the present fine weather they are
meeting an eager demand at somewhat lower rates.
Mushrooms are fairly plentiful and prices remain
steady. Forced Beans from Worthing and Guernsey are
increasing in supply, and prices are gradually getting
moTe reasonable. Forced Potatos arrive in better
quantity, and the prices are slightly lower. Green
vegetables are fairly plentiful, and prices reasonable.
Good samples of old Potatos are very scarce.

Plants in Pots, Etc. : Average Wholesale Prices.

(All 48'a per doz. except where otherwise stated.)

s.d.s.d s.d.s.d

Aralia Sieboldii .. 10 0-12 0 Cyclamen .. .. 24 0-30 0.
Asparagus plumo- \ Erica melanthera,

sus 12 0-15 0 per doz 30 0-Pfi 0

— Sprengeri .. 12 0-18 0 Genistas .. ..24 0-30 0
Aspidistra, green 48 0-72 0 Lilium lancifolium
Azaleas, each 3 0-50-76 nibmm4Ss32se'eh 36-46
Cacti, per tray ' Marguerites-white 18 0-24 0

12's, 15's .. 5 0-60 Palms, Kentia .. 24 0-36 0

Cinerarias.perdoz. 15 0-24 0 — 60's 15 0-18 0

— Stallata . . . . 24 0-30 0 — Cocos „ . . 24 0-36 0

Ferns and Palms : Average Wholesale Prices.

s. d.s. d.
Adiantum

cuneatum 48's,

per doz 12 0-15 0

— elegans .. ..15 0-18 0
Asplenium 48's, per

dor 12 0-18 0

— 32's 24 0-30 0

— nidus 48*s .. 12 0-15 0
Cyrtomium 4S"s 10 0-15 0

8. d.s. d
Nephrolepis, in

variety, 48's .. 12 0-18 0

—32's 24 0-36 0

Pteris. in variety

48's 12 0-21 0

— large 60's .. 5 0-60
—small 60'S . . 4 0-40

72's per trav of

15's 3 6-40

Remarks. — Business shows signs of improvement in
this department. The newest lines offered are some
fine plar.ts of Blue Hydrangeas and Rambler Roses.
Some splendid Cyclamen are still on sale.

Out Flowers, &c. :

Anemone fulgens,

per doz. bun.
Azalea white, per

doz. bun 7 0-80

Camellias, per doz. 3 0- 3 G
Carnations, per doz.
blooms, best,
American var. 2 6- G 0
Daffodils, Single,
ppr doz. bun. —
— Barrii . . . . 4 0-60
— Emperor .. fi 0 12 0

— Empress .. .. fi 0-12 0
— Golden Spur .. 4 0-50
— Pnnceps . . . . 4 0-50
—Sir Watkin . . 5 0-60
— Double Van Zion 2 6-30
Freesia, White,

per doz. bun. 9 0-12 0
Gardenias, per

box. 12's 10 0-12 0

18's 8 0-90

Heather. white,

per doz. bun. 10 0-12 0
Hyacinth, large

per doz. spikes 19-20
Iris, Spanish, per bun 4 0-5 0
Lilium longiflorum,

per bunch . . 21 0-24 0
Lilium speciosum,

album per bunch 5 0

— rubrum, per bun. 4 0-50
Lily of the Valley

per bunch . . 2 C 0
Narcissus,
Grand Prlmo, per
doz. bun. . . 4 0-60
Pheasant Eye,
per doz. bun. 4 0-90
Orehid=\ per doz.
— Cattleyas .. 24 0-30 0
— Cypripediums
per doz 4 0-60

Average Wholesale Prices.
d.s.d.

d.s.d
0-6 0

2 6-30

7 0-12 0
4 0-60

8 0-12 0
4 0-50
6 0-80

Pelargonium, don-

ble scarlet, per

doz. hun . . . . 12 0-15 0
Richardia (Arums),

per doz. blms. 8 0-12 0
Roses, per doz.

blooms —
— General
— Ophelia . .
— Richmond
— Sunburst
— Niphetos . .
— W. Stevens .
Sweet Peas, white

and coloured, per

doz. bun. .. 10 0-15 0

Tulips, White, per

doz. bun 36 0-48 0

— Coloured var... 30 0-48 0
— Darwin, in

variety, perdoz,

bun. ' 30 0-48 0

Violvts, Single

large, per doz.

bun.
— Ordinary
Wa 11 flowers : per

doz. bun.
French Flowers —
— Allium, Star of

Bethlehem, perpad 9 0-12 0
— Lilac white, per

doz. spray 6 0-70

— Marguerites yellow,

per doz. bun. 3 0-40
— Ranunculus, Carmine,

per doz. bun. 6 0-10 0

Scarlet . . .. 6 0-10 0
— Stock double

white, per pad 10 0-12 0
— Violets,
Parm-v, psr bun 5 0-60

6 0-80
3 0-50

6 0-12 0

Remarks.— Large supplies of Carnations, Daffodils,
Lily of the Valley, Roses, and Tulips, are available, and
prices are easier. Red Roses, consisting of General
Jacqueminot, Liberty and Richmond, are abundantly
supplied. Other prominent sorts are Ladv Hillingdon,
Cphelia, Prince de Bulgaria, Sunburst, <and W Stevens,
and the blooms of thes.1 varieties are the finest offered
thia season. Darwin Tulips are now making a verv
bright show, the varieties offered are Clara Butt, Mrs.
Fa.rncombe Saunders (mauve), Mrs. Copeland (dark
mauve), Ingliscombe Yellow, Loveliness, and La Candenr
All Lihums remain a limited supply, and prices are
firm. Spanish Irises are improving in quality, and
some fine blooms are now on sale. Gardenias may now
be added to the list of choice flowers. Sweet Peas are
getting more numerous, but prices remain firm for the
finest blooms Large supplies continue to arrive from
Guernsey and Seilly. Daffodils from this quarter show
signs of finishing, the weather being most unsuitable

nnV /r ?'>WerS dUrin* the Past week- In addition t°
Unffodils, large quantities of Narcissus ornatus are bein^
received. Large consignments of the above are being
conSn ^ Cornwa11- b»* <ftey arrive in much better
c mnit.on. _ Small consignments of Anemone fulgens,
E1', Ir,s- «ncl other choice varieties of NarcissuTand
Daffodils, meet with a ready demand.

TRADE NOTE.

To prevent the introduction of any " seed "
Potatos, save true and pure stocks of immune
varieties, into those areas infected with Wart
Disease, the Minister of Agriculture has
restricted such introduction to those stocks which
had been inspected during growth and certified
as satisfactory in those respects. The notifica-
tion of this policy was, however, accompanied
by the announcement that should the supplies
of certified stocks be found insufficient to meet
the demand, the Ministry would be prepared to
licence certain non-certified stocks. The results
of careful investigation seem to 6how that the
certified stacks of "Golden Wonder" and
" Kerr's Pink" are now becoming exhausted,
and the Ministry is therefore prepared to grant
licences for the introduction into "infected areas
of non-certified stocks of these two varieties.
Applications for licences should be made imme-
diately to the Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture
and Fisheries, 72, Victoria Street, S.W.I. In
the case of stocks grown in England and Wales,
the Potatos will he examined before licences are
granted. In the case of stocks from Scotland,
licences will be granted subject to the inspection
of the seed upon arrival at its destination, and
without prejudice to any action the Ministry-
may think fit to take as' the result of such in-
spection. Merchants are again reminded that in
the case of any sale of certified stocks or of
licensed non-certified stocks, the relative cer-
tificate or licence number must be given to the
customer in the invoice or other written
document.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Blasting Tree Stumps: S. H. Try the Ex-
plosives Trades, Ltd.. 6, Cavendish Square,
London, W.l. This firm is making a speciality
of tree-root extraction at the present time and
will supply full information.

Flowering Plants for House Decoration in
Summer : II". H. M. Summer is, in many
respects, a difficult time in which to pro-
vide good flowering subjects for house
decoration. Tuberous-rooted Begonias may be
used, hut they do not last well. Among fibrous-
rooted Begonias, Corbeille de Feu and Wel-
toniensis should prove useful. Streptocarpus and
Achimenes also prove serviceable, while small
plants of Hydrangeas may be had in bloom over
a long period and they have the merit of lasting
well. Corydalis thalietrifolia, a plant easily
raised from seed, although not showy, has
elegant foliage and pale yellow flowers, and
lasts well, even in London. Clerodendron
fallax, propagated ea.rlv in the spring, will
flower during August. Campanula pyramidalis
in blue and white, is very fine, especially
for large halls and saloons. Liliums may toe
grown, but their perfume often proves too
strong indoors. Hardy annuals grown in pots
are very useful towards the end of May and
beginning of June. Schizanthus, Clarkias and
Godetias, are all good, and many other annuals
may be used with success.

Grafting Wistaria on Laburnum -. G. 71. The
Wistaria may he grafted on the Laburnum,
though it is not often done, as the resulting
plants do not live long. The operation should
be done in April, preferably under glass, but
it can be done in the open.

Horse Leech : H. P. The " -worm " sent is a
leech, the Horse Leech (Aulastomum gulo).
This species is very common in fresh water.
It does not attack mammals like the medicinal
leech, hut its food consists of earthworms and
small aquatic animals. The egg capsules are
laid on land. It is therefore one of the most
land-loving forms of leeches, and for this reason
doubtless, and owing to its feeding on earth-
worms, may he attributed the fact that it was
turned up when soil was being dug.

Communications Received— S. A. A.— E W. E.—
_K s S.— S. L.-.I. c— R. vr.— W. W.— F. J C —
B. T. G.— A. B— K. V'.^S. W.— E. H. J.

April 3, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' m CHRONIC LE.

163

THE

No. 1736.— SATURDAY, APRIL 3, 1920.

CONTENTS,

Acacia dealbata

173

Mistleto, hosts of the

173

Acacias tor potienlture

169

Moraea iridioides Joha-

.Alpine gardt-n, the —

I«5

Erinus alpinns

171
171

Obituary

i.74

AVa!dst?inia

171

Orchid notes and glean-

1G4

ings—

167

.Sophro-Lae.Iio-Caf.-

Buds, selection of, for

tleya Royalist . .

169

grafting

163

Pot plants, conveyance

vCarnations in pots, the

of,- by passenger

cultivation of perpe-

train

ita

tual-flowering,

172

Potato rrop, thelfuture

■C h r y s a n t li e m u n

of the

170

blooms, popularity

Potato, future of the

173

•Cultural memoranda — ■

Pctatos, Common

Primula chronica . -

171

Scab of

Deepdene, sale of

164

Primroses, blue

173

JDesfontainea spmosa

173

Proiessioual Gardeners'

Dumfries flower show

164

Association

J 64

English ^versus ^Scot-

Regent's Park, tractor

tish gardeners

172

ploughing at

164

ERIowors in season

164

Rhododendron sutch-

•Forestry —

uenense

172

Home afforestation,

Scoizostylis coccinea..

173

commercial aspect

Societies —

■of, . .

172

Manchester and N. of

[Fruit register —

England Orchid. .

173

Apple Cox's Orange

Scottish Horticul-

V

Pippin

171

tural

171

•Gardeners' Chronicle

Snowv or W'nite Flv . .

173

seventy-flvej years

Spring flowers

164

ago

164

Stationmaster, a garde-

Hampstoad Horticul-

164

tural Association . .

164

Trees and shrubs —

Horticultural Workers*

Erica darleyensis

lOo

Union

173

Genista sagittalis . .

1G5

Hybrids, new, list of..

1C9

Wistaria multijUga

165

J maw Bum, plant col-

Vegetables—

lecting on, . .

1(18

Asparagus

1711

Keeble, Dr, F. Wju.

163

Week's work, the 166 167

ILLUSTR

ATIONS.

Moraea iridioides ..

164

Sloraea iridioides Johnsonii

165

167

IfiH

171

Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week
deduced from observations during tne last fifty
years at Greenwich, 44.3°.

Actual Temperature: —

Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41. Wellington Street,
Covent Garden, London. Tuesday, March 30. 1020,
10 a.m. : Bar. 30.0, temp 02°. Weather— Dull.

In view of the widespread
Common Scab distribution of Common
of Potatos. Scab (Actinomyces scabies)
and the consequent loss
in the value of Potato crops affected bv it,
the following preliminary report of trials
carried out at the University of Leeds
by Mr. W. A. Millard, Lecturer in Agricul-
tural Botany, may be of interest and value
to Potato growers this season : — Common
Scab occurs mainly on light sandv or
gravelly soils, an outstanding feature of
which is that they are usually poor in
organic content and the treatment which
has met with most success on such soils
consists in adding- considerable quantities of
green organic matter to them, either shortly
before or at the time of planting. Thus, in
the experiments carried out at Leeds, the
trenches in which the Potatos were to be
planted were made both wider and deeper
than usual, and, in them, fresh or slightly
decayed grass cuttings (lawn mowings are
particularly suitable for the purpose)' were
liberally strewn. The sets were placed on
this and the trenches filled in with soil and
as much more grass as could conveniently be
mixed with it, the abject in view being to
ensure that the growing crop should he
embedded in soil composed largely of the de-
caying grass. In some cases, more grass
was subsequently strewn between the young
plants and covered in by earthing up. As
a result of this treatment, repeated now for
lour seasons on soil known to produce Scab,
crops have 'been obtained practically free
from the disease and so clean in the skin as

to compare favourably with those grown on
peatv soil, where the disease is almost un-
known. The control p-lots meanwhile gave
the usual crops of unsightly, scabbed tubers.
The quantity of grass applied was, on an
average, twenty tons to the acre, weighed
green, or roughly one wheelbarrow full
to four square yards, but this must be re-
garded as a maximum dressing and half
tne amount would probably suffice, except
where the outbreaks of Scab are very severe.
Again, where time and labour are not
factors of paramount importance, a portion
of the grass cuttings could conveniently 'be
forked into the soil a month before planting
time, the remainder being placed in the
trenches in the manner described. In the
experiments conducted, no stable manure
was used, since it was found that the grass
itself possesses a high manurial value. The
following mixture of artificials was, how-
ever, used : — Sulphate of ammonia and sul-
phate of potash both at the rate of 2 cwts.
per acre, and superphosphate of lime at the
rate of 4 cwts. per acre. The soil was of
poor quality, but under the action of the
grass the Potato haulm grew luxuriantly
and the average yield last year was j6
tons per acre. The control plots receiving
artificials, but no grass, gave an average
yield of eight tons per acre. It is almost
unnecessary to point out that in order to
obtain the best results from this "green
manuring," the sets used should be as free
from Scab as possible, and this is of great
importance also from the point of view of
yield. Experiments show that scabbed sets
produce a much smaller crop than clean
sets. It is not suggested that treatment of
the kind described is applicable to Potato
planting on a large scale. In that case,
other means must be adopted, such as the
ploughing in of a green crop, but, for the
smallholder or gardener, an application of
grass cuttings is easily and cheaply given,
and those who have the misfortune to
possess a Scab-producing soil may be glad
to know of this simple means of securing a
clean crop. It is to be hoped that the
University Authorities at Leeds will issue a
report giving full particulars of the research
that has been carried out on this subject
bv Mr. Millard.

Although in the work of a
Selection of large fruit-tree nursery there
Buds for ;s little time for choosing
Grafting. buds for grafting purposes,
yet it is manifestly a sub-
ject of practical interest to know whether
large buds are better than small buds, and
whether buds from a fruitful tree or shoot
give results superior to those obtained by the
use of buds from other less fruitful trees or
shoots. With the object of settling these
questions, extensive observations were
undertaken* by 'Mr. Charles C. Crandell,
of the University of Illinois, with the result
that it appears to be a matter of indifference
whether the buds chosen are large or small,
or whether thev were chosen from one part
of the tree or shoot, or another.

heedless to say, it is by no means a matter
of indifference from what tree the buds are
taken; for, as is known to nurserymen, trees
of a given variety differ considerably in their
ratesof growth. Mr. Crandell cites an inte-
resting case. Of two Ben Davis Apple trees
of the same age, grown side by side in the
nurserv, and later in the orchard, and both
formed from selected buds of the same tree,
one was over 5" per cent, taller than the
other, had nearly double the spread. An ex-

• " Apple Bud Selection : Apple Seedfintrs from
Seleoted Trees " Hull. 211, I'niv. of Illinois Agric.
t,xp. Stn.

planation, not apparently considered by the
author, is that the stocks on which the buds
were worked were not identical. The work
at the East Mailing Experiment Station has
shown the great differences which exist be-
tween Crab stocks, and this difference would
be sufficient to account for that shown by
the scions.

Results of a more positive nature were ob-
tained by Mr. Crandell from experiments in
Apple seed selection. The fruits from which
seed was obtained were graded in five sizes,
and at the end of the experiment it appeared
that the trees from seeds taken from large
fruits were rather more vigorous than these
from the small fruits, and that the former
exhibited more resistance to adverse condi-
tions than did the latter. The number of sur-
vivors in either case was, however, too small
to justify more than a cautious statement, and
it would seem to be a matter of much greater
importance for nurservmen to select the
suitable types of stock than to spend time in
sorting out the " pips."

The vigour of the root system — its depth
and the nature of the stem which the stock
forms, are of known and great importance
in deciding the value of the stock, and we
are glad to know that nurserymen in this
country are already fully alive to the impor-
tance of standardising fruit tree stocks, and
of grading stocks suitable for the several
types of trees, i.e., standard, half standard,
bush, cordon and espalier.

Conveyance of Pot Plants by Passenger Train.
— A meeting will be held by the Royal Horti-
cultual Society, in the Lecture Koom at Vincent
Square, Westminster, at 4 p.m. on Tuesday,
April 13, to discuss the following regulation
which the railway companies propose to intro-
duce : — "Plants and flowers in soil other than in
truck loads will be only accepted for conveyance
by passenger train if packed in substantial crates
or wooden boxes admitting of traffic being loaded
on the top thereof." All members of the horti-
cultural trades concerned are invited to attend
this meeting, and it will greatly facilitate the
proceedings if they will kindly send to the secre-
tary, Mr. W. R. Dykes, in writing, before
Thursday. April 8. delimte statements of the
effect so* far as they can see, and so far as they
are concerned, of the regulation which it is pro-
posed to put into force. These statements should
be accompanied, so far as possible, by detinite
figures and particulars of actual instances. It
will also t>e a help if the members of the trades
concerned would send any suggestions they may-
have for meeting in some measure the difficulties
that have arisen. It is hoped that combined re-
presentations which can be made as the result
of the proposed meeting will induce the authori-
ties to make some substantial concessions, but
these will obviously be greater if the Trade for
their part will demonstrate their willingness to
meet them by making suggestions to facilitate
the working of the railway traffic. These de-
tails, in writing, are required by Thursday, April
8. because a small committee will then meet to
arrange the agenda for April 13.

Dr. F. W. Keeble. — The marriage took place
on Saturday, the 27th ult., at the Presbyterian
Chun-. 'h. Bryanston Square, of Dr. F. W. Keeble,
C.B.E., F.R.S., and Mrs. Granville Barker (Miss
Lillah McCarthy). Dr Keeble's connection with
The Gardeners' Chronicle, hrs work at the Pood
Production Department of the Ministry of Agri-
culture, and his directorate of the R.H.S.. Wi
Gardens, has brought him closely in touch with
British horticulture; his appointment as
Sherardian Professor of Botany at the University
of Oxford, was recently announced in these pages.
Amongst those present at the church were Sir
Daniel Hall, who officiated as best man, .Mr. and
Mrs. Asquith, Sir David and Lady Prain, Sir
Alfred Mond and Mr. George Monro, Jnr.
Considerable public interest, was taken in the
happy event.

164

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Apbil 3, 1920.

Sale ol Deepdene. — It is reported that the
famous Deepdene mansion at Dorking with
200 acres of gardens and park, has "Deen
sold to a company, which intends to convert It
into an hotel. The first mansion was built
in 1652 by the Hon. Charles Howard, hut his
son, the tenth Duke of Norfolk, rebuilt, it in
1777, while it was altered by Mr. Thomas Hope
early in the last century. It owes much of
its present form, and particularly the Italian
south-west front, to Mr. Beresford Hope, who
made a great collection of paintings and
statuary. The late Lily Duchess of Marl-
borough formerly occupied Deepdene, which alto-
gether extends to 4,000 acres. Evelyn records
that only three years after it was decided to
build the first mansion the famous gardens were
already laid out in the deep valley, and, later
on, Aubrey lauded the grounds in his extrava-
gant style. " Coningsby " was conceived and
largely written at Deepdene, by Lord Beacons-
field, and many of the scenes of his novel are
taken from the place and the neighbouring
Dorking and Box Hill. Deepdene has long bmi
famous for its rich collections of wonderfully fine
Rhododendrons and Azaleas.

A Gardener Stationmaster. — Mr. John Reid,
for seven years station agent of the Glasgow
and South Western Railway at Sanquhar, has
been promoted to a similar post at Mauchline on
th,e same system. Mr. Reid took a great delight
in gardening, and the station garden at San-
quhar was always greatly admired by passen-
gers, while he took an active part in local horti-
cultural events. In recognition of his work and
the esteem in which he is held, Mr. Reid was
presented with a gift of treasury notes from the
traders and townsfolk, and a similar one from
the farmers and country people. Mr. Thomson.
Newark, himself an ardent hortictilturist, made
one of the presentations, and referred to Mr.
Reid's horticultural work.

Professional Gardeners' Association. — At a
largely attended meeting of professional gar-
deners, held recently at the Golden Lion Hotel,
Leeds, the Professional Gardeners' Association
was inaugurated for the purpose of uplifting
horticulture, by securing improvement in wages
and hours, encouraging co-operation amongst
gardeners, and creating a better feeling between
employer and employee; by establishing a reg-
ister to assist gardeners in obtaining suitable
situations, recommending efficient and capable
men; by assisting members when out of employ-
ment, and by forming a Distress Fund for the
benefit of those members who are reduced by
circumstances. The Association is to be worked
on non-compulsion and non-political lines, and
will include head-gardeners, single-handed
jobbing and under-gardeners. A committee lias
been elected, with Mr. Capp, the Gardens,
Nostell Priory, Wakefield, as general secretary.
We understand that a London Branch of the
Association is being formed, with Mr. F. Crosby
84, Falkland Road, Hornsey, ashon. secretary.
' Flowers in Season. — Air. G. H. Dalrymole,
Bartley, Hampshire, has forwarded a box
of his 'beautiful new hybrid Freesias,
which attracted much attention at the
recent meeting of the Royal Horticultural
Society. This new race of Freesias constitutes a
grand addition to the list of indoor flowering
plants available for conservatory decoration in
late winter and early spring; moreover, the
blooms are so decorative and fragrant that they
form valuable material for decorative pur-
poses when cut, and will doubtless he largely
grown for the flower trade. Although cut,
several days before they were placed in water,
the spikes soon revived and the flowers remained
beautifully fresh for a long time in a warm
room. Other growers, including the Rev. Joseph
Jacob and Mr. F. Herbert Chapman, have been,
and still are, working on the improvement of
the Freesia, and all three raisers have gamed
awards for new varieties. Mr. Dalrymple points
out that he is not the raiser of all the varieties
he showed on the 23rd tilt. He writes : —
" Honour to whom honour is due. I think it is
only fair to mention that Freesia Robinetta was
raised by Mr. C. van Tubergen, of Holland, as

well as some other varieties exhibited in my
group. This firm is far and away ahead of any
other, 1 think, as raisers of new Freesias, and
as my stock was started from bulbs purchased
from them, I feel it is only fair that a word
should be written on their behalf. Yellow
Prince was, I thought, synonymous with van
Tubergen's Buttercup, therefore I named my
variety Buttercup. The Committee said no,
and so it was renamed by my man, as I had
left the hall. But I still stick to my name of
Buttercup."

Hampstead Horticultural Association. — This
enterprising association has acquired land for
fruit growing, and arrangements have been made
for those of the 1,000 or so members who wish to
take part in fruit culture to obtain expert guid-
ance and practical experience in planting, prun-
ing, gathering and packing, and in the eradica-
tion of fungous diseases and insect pests.

Tractor Ploughing at Regent's Park. — A por-
tion of the sports ground at Regent's Park,
occupied 'by the military for the past five years,
is being ploughed by a Wallis tractor
machine, preparatory to being sown with grass

Fig. 70. — moraea iridioides.
(see p. 165.)

,-^eed. Regent's Park has had several narrow
escapes from disfigurement, but. happily, it has
escaped them all. In the days of Oliver Crom-
well, when it was known as Marylebone Fields,
it was a favourite hunting-ground, "the situation
convenient and game abundant." The area was
then much more extensive and well wooded.
Various encroachments were made until, in
1812, it was decided to preserve what was left
and it was then named Regent's Park, in honour
of th,e Prince Regent, who was so pleased with
the idea that he proposed to build a palace in
it.

Dumfries Flower Show. — The annual ex-
hibition of the Dumfries and District
Horticultural Society will be held in the
Drill Hall, Dumfries, on August 27. The
shows of the Dumfries Allotment Holders'
Association and of the South of Scotland Bee-
keepers' Association will be combined with that
of the Horticultural Society. Arrangements will
be made for a stall of flowrers, fruit and vege-
tables for the benefit of the Royal Gardeners'
Orphan Fund, a similar stall last year having
been successful in assisting the funds of this
gardening charity.

Spring Flowers. — A le. tare on Spring Flowers,
illustrated by lantern slides, will be given bv
Mr. W. H. Divers, V.M.H.. before the Addle-

stone, Chertsey and Ottershaw Gardeners*
Mutual Improvement Association, on April 6,
at 8 p.m., in the Wesleyan Schoolroom, Addle-
stone.

A National Apple Day. — At a conference of
the Fruit Growers' Federation, held at Glasgow
on March 18, joint methods of enlightening the
public on the food value of Apples were dis-
cussed, and the suggestion of a National Apple
Day found considerable favour. Mention was
made of the greatly increased consumption of
Bananas and Currants that followed collective
advertising, and the conference approved of a
fruit propaganda scheme, though the suggestion
of a member from Hull, that to encourage better
cooking of Apples prizes should be given for
Apple tarts, was not seriously considered.

Revision of Wages and Hours in Government
Parks and Gardens. — The question of gardeners'
hours and pay has been dealt w'ith recently so
far as Government parks and Kew are concerned.
Journeymen gardeners and garden labo'iirers now
receive 55s. per week and Is. 6d. per hour for
overtime. The hours are, summer 6.30 a.m. to
12 noon, with an interval of half an hour for
breakfast, and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., except on
Saturdays, when work finishes at 12 noon. All
work aiter 5 p.m. and on Saturday afternoons
is paid for at the overtime rate. In winter,
work begins in the parks at 7 a.m., with half an
hour for breakfast, an hour for dinner, and
ceases at 4 p.m., except on Saturdays, when the
day finishes at 12 noon. Owing to the natureof the
duties at Kew, work in winter is from 8 a.m. to
12 noon, and 1 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. ; Saturday,
7.30 a.m. to 12 noon. Seeing that before the war
wages were 24s. per week, and that the cost of
living has increased by about 150 per cent., an
increase to 60s. would balance matters. The
British Gardeners' Association at their annual
meeting recently, considered that the minimum
wage for gardeners over 21 years of age should
be £3 10s. per week, or 15s. pea- week more than
the gardeners at Kew are paid. The wages
and hours at Edinburgh and Glasnevin
Botanic Gardens are, we believe, the same as
at Kew.

The " Ga-deners' Chronicle " Seventy-live
Years Ago. — Cam pun uln pyramidalis. — Twenty
years ago it would hardly have been expected
that the Horticultural Society would have pro-
duced such a revolution in the culture of plants
under glass in this country ; but by their liberal
offers of medals, enterprise and emrulation have
been excited, industry and skill have been re-
warded, employers and employed have enjoyed
a mutual satisfaction, and the public, by their
splendid exhibitions, have been gratified. But
while our tender exotics have been improved,
some of our hardy and ornamental plants have
been neglected. 1 allude more particularly to
Campanula pyramidalis : this plant, when pro-
perly treated, will produce a flower stem from
8 to' 16 feet in height, regularly branching from
the bottom upwards, and forming a pyramid,
which, when the blossoms are expanded, is of
singular beauty, and when placed in a lobby or
entrance hall will continue so for a long period.
To have good plants fit for pot-culture, the seert
should be sown in March, in pans, and when the
plants are of sufficient size they should be pricked
out in rich light soil, where they should remain
until they begin to glow in the following spring,
when the strongest plants may be selected for
potting as the plants are not intended to flower
until tJiey are two years old ; they should at
first 'be put in pots just large enough to prevent
the roots from being cramped, and to induce a
slow but healthy growth. It must be left
entirely to the judgment of the grower whether
they should receive another shift in the latter
end of June or not ; at all events, it is not ad-
visable that they should remain all through the
winter in a pot larger than an 8-inch pot, the
chief object being to have well-ripened fibre or
vegetable tissue with highly elaborated sap to
resist the severity of the winter. The treatment
during the winter months is to plunge the pots
in sand or ashes in a frame, or any situation
where they can be kept dry. Tassel, Gard.
i ' In-. ,ii., April 5. 1845.

Apbil 3, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

165

TREES AND SHRUBS.

MORAEA IRIDIOIDES JOHNSONII.

ERICA DARLEYENSIS.

The name given above will probably not be
familiar to many readers, yet it is a more fitting;
name for the hardy Heath which originated in
the nursery of MessTS. James Smith and Son,
Darley Dale, Derbyshire, some years ago, and
was distributed as E. mediterranea hybrida, and
E. hybrida. E. darleyensis is very distinct from
E. mediterranea, and E. hybridia is an old name
belonging to a Cape Heath.

Many present-day growers will probably retain
the original name, but whichever one is used
none will dispute the value of the subject of this
note in the garden and pleasure grounds. Grow-
ing from 1 foot to 2 feet, in height, the plants
flower freely from November to April or May.
Tlie presumed parents are E. mediterranea and
E. carnea, the flowers being a rosy-red shade.
Commending to flower when small, the plants
grow into dense, spreading masses, which are
particularly effective in the pleasure grounds,
along the front of a shrubbery border, on sloping
banks, and in the open woodland. As a dwarf
informal edging to shrubbery beds and borders,
E. darleyensis is worth considering ; in fact,
being so bright and cheerful-looking in the dull
season, it is a Heather one cannot very well plant
too freely in extensive pleasure grounds.

Cuttings root readily in late summer and early
autumn, while layering and division also form
ready methods of propagation. While Heaths in
general delight in a peaty soil, Erica darleyensis
will grow almost, if not quite as well, in a sandy
loam with which a fair amount of leaf-mould is
incorporated. .4. 0.

WISTARIA MULTIJUGA.

While Wistaria chinensis merits all that is said
in its favour on page 131, it may be pointed out
that W. multijuga is more popular with the
Japanese than the older kind, and figures largely
in their tea gardens and other places of public
resort. While the individual racemes of flowers
are less showy than those of W. chinensis, the1
are much longer and more slender, so that a
specimen in full bloom forms an exceedingly
graceful feature. The flowers, too, are not
crowded as in W. chinensis. and in good examples
th° racemes will at times attain a yard in length,
i li -re is a certain amount of variation to be found
in the colour of the flowers, but as a rule they
arc of a pale lilac tint, tipped with purplish blue.
Recognised varieties are alba, white; rosraa, pale
rose; and Russelliana, deeper coloured than thuse
of the type. This Wistaria is not so suitable as a
wall plant as W. chinensis. but is seen I" th>
best advantage when trained on a pergola or in
some similar position, where, when laden with its
long, pendulous racemes of blossoms, borne in the
greatest profusion, it constitutes a feature of
great beauty.

I must confess that the species did not appeal
very strongly to me when I first saw it in flower
in the later 70's of the last century, while on a
visit to Messrs. Osborne's nursery at Fulham to
see a plant which had but a single raceme. Al-
though a vigorous climber, W. multijuga can be
treated as a bush, if the growths are spurred
back every year. Mr. Bean, in Trees and Shrubs
Hardy in the British Isles, refers to a plant
in the Kew collection that has been grown for
nearly 40 years in this way, and is only about
nine feet high, but hears an amazing profusion of
racemes. W. T .

GENISTA SAGITTALIS.

The Winged Genista is an excellent subject
lor planting on rockwork or on low banks

Not more than six inches or so high, lit trails
over the rocks or banks and makes a mass of
deep green stems and foliage, well supplied in
its season — summer — with plenty of golden
flowers. It is very distinct in its way, because
of its winged stems, expanding into membranes,
which gives it a most uncommon appearance. The
winged Genista. is a native of grassy land on
several of the European mountain ranges, and is
quite hardy in this country. G. sagitfalis is nol
particular as to tin- compost, in which it grows
and my plants have done well in poor,
stony soil, good loam, and sandy loam.
S. A rnott.

The beautiful Moraea iridioides Joluisonii,
is I lie loveliest, of all the Moraeas. The
original M. iridioides was figured more
than a. century ago in Miller'* Dictionary
of Plants. Originally discovered by Mr. R.
Moore (the English botanist who gave them his
name), the Moraeas of the Cape on Good Hope
may be divided into two groups, the bulbous,
and the rhizomatous, iridioides (see Fig. 70)
belonging to the latter, whilst bulbous sort.3 are
occasionally met with in greenhouses.

All the Moraeas have suffered neglect
by gardeners from the fact that their
blossoms, lovely as they are, are re-
markably fugitive, scarcely surviving for
more than the morning hours. But M. iridioides
Johnsonii (see Fig. 71l, imported from the moun-
tains of Ceylon by -Mrs. Johnson, behaves in the

too narrow to meet. Many blossoms are
borne on the same brandling stem, about 36
inches i" height, with strong upright foliage,
which is nearly as high as the flower steim.s. A
peculiarity of the plants is that they produce
fresh side-branohes for two seasons, and con-
sequently they are rarely without a flower if
given the temperature they enjoy, i.e., 60°. It
should 'be added, however, that Moraea iridioides
Johnsonii is so nearly hardy as to survive in
a cold greenhouse if kept just free from frost
and rather dry in winter. As soon as spring
arrives, 'however, the water supply should
be gradually increased until abundance
is provided in the heat of summer, when the
plant may be pla.ced in the open air.

The first flowers which opened in England m
the spring of 1906. were sent to the authorities at
Kew Gardens, to the Royal Horticultural Society
and to Mr. W. Robinson, who greatly admired
them whilst the Scientific Committee df the

Fie

71. — .MORAEA IRiniOIIlES JOHNSONII.

most satisfactory way; its blossoms are not only
double the size and tar more brilliantly coloured
than those of the type, but they persist tor
about four days in semi-shade, a little less in
full sunshine, the substance of the petals being
much thicker than those of the rest of the
genus, which are remarkably fragile.

,\ few seedlings, raised by Mrs. Johnson, were
given to the writer under the name of " a
rare Ceylon Iris," but the fact that there are no
known Irises indigenous to Ceylon, led to the
oi'ng plants being grown with special care
under glass. They eventually produced their
beautiful creamy white 'blooms, blotched with
yellow, with the three central " standards " of a
rich shade of violet and feathered at the base
with crimson-brown markings. The flower is of
singular beauty and the various lines are niosl
harmondous.

The diameter of tbe Bower is a';, ml 4 inches

(twice the size of the type i I and

the breadth of the petals is sufficient
|o cause them to overlap instead of being

R.H.S. pronounced them to be singular instances
of the effects of the warm climate and rich soil
on the originail form of the plant, which was
probably taken to Ceylon many years before.
That great authority on Irises, the late Sir
Michael Foster, in a letter to the writer, gave
it as his opinion that this plant, which hail
already shown sui li remarkable powers Oil
improvement, would be likely to continue to
add to its size and beauty under careful cultiva-
tion and selection. This wank has resulted in
the way predicted by him. Some of my latest
seedlings have produced two, and even three

blooais at the same i I. "t tine size and colour.

I'll., variety Johnsonii is easily raised front
seed sown in a greenhouse, ami the young plant:,
.sh.inld lie repotted as I heir roots need mole room.
Good sound loam (without animal manure),
leaf-mould, and charcoal in small lumps, will
suit them, with a little soot added after the
first time of potting. Old plants may be
divided and repotted, hot seedlings form the
l.est specimens. / J.. Richmond,

166

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[April 3, 1920.

The Week's Work.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By F. Jobdan. Gardener to Lieut.-Ool. Spendee Clai,
M.P., Ford Manor, Linyfield, Surrey.

The Orchard House.— The majority of the fruit
trees are either in flower or just past that stage.
Peaches and Nectarines should be grown in a
compartment by themselves; the earliest of these
ruite are stoning, and very little progress , w.U
he noticeable in them for some time to come.
Disbudding and pinching of the laterals still
require regular attention, especially in the case
^vigorous, young trees Top-dressing and
feedini the roots-tie chief aids to success m
the cultivation of pot fruits-should be continued
until the fruits are nearly ripe. Decayed manure
green horse-droppings, and Wakeley s Hop
manure may all be successfully used for top-
dressing all kinds of pot fruit-trees. Whatever
material is used, whether rich top dressings
liauid manure, guano or soot water, a little and
often shes the best, results, whilst the stimu-
lant should be varied from time to tune
Plenty of water is necessary at this stage, for
if the roots of pot trees are allowed to become
excessively dry the trees never recover from
the check. Syringe, the trees twice daily in
fine weather with soft, tepid water If ^a b. g ; ot
,oot is immersed in the water so used, the foliage
will be kept free from red spider and other pests.
Fumigate the houses when the trees are dry in
the evening, or syringe with quassia extract, it
greenfly makes its appearance

Pears and Apples — Pears are always valuable
eaily in the season and never over-plentiful.
The' trees give excellent returns tor liberal treat-
ment, and the fruits will set freely if growth
is allowed' to develop slowly in the early stages
of forcing. Attend to the disbudding of the
shoots and the thinning of the blossom buds
where they are too numerous ; this will strengthen
the remaining flowers. Discontinue overhead
syringing when the trees are in bloom, but
damp the floors and other bare places, and
admit an abundance of fresh air both by day and
night when the weather is favourable for venti-
lating Apples require similar treatment, and
should halve the blossom buds thinned in a
similar manner. Pollinate the blooms of all
orchard house trees daily, dusting them with
a rabbit's tail in the middle of the day when
the pollen is dry.

Cherries and Plums The earliest of these

trees with fruits at the stoning stage should be
kept growing steadily after this trying period
is passed. The night temperature may be in-
creased to 55°, with a corresponding rise during
the day. Syringe the trees and close the house in
good time to have an hour or two of sunheat,
allowing the temperature to decline to 60° or
55° afterwards with ventilation. Keep a sharp
watch for green or black fly. and syringe the
trees or fumigate the house directly aphis is
detected. Weevils also soon damage both fruit
and foliage, and must be sought in the curled
leaves and destroyed.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

Bv Stdnet Lego, Gardener to the Dowager Ladt
NrxBrn.NHOL.ME, Vvarter Priory, Yorkshire.

Dwarf Roses,, — In cold, exposed districts,
where late frosts are prevalent, the date of
pruning Roses should be governed each year by
the weather experienced in winter. Following a
mild February, there is often much top growth
early in March, which draws the sap upwards.
In suoh circumstances, it is unwise to prune
before the last week in March or the early days
of April. When the sap is active, the basal
buds " break " immediately the top growth is re-
moved, and if the pruning is performed too soon,

they are ultimately weakened by sharp frosts.
To extend the flowering season of Moss Roses,
leave one-third of the growths unpruned, cut
one-third partly back and the remainder to two
eyes. At the 'present time an application of
superphosphates, of not more than 4 ozs. per
square yard, will be beneficial to all Roses.

The Spring Garden Where frosts have raised

the roots of such plants as Polyanthus and Cheir-
aiithus Allionii, they should be firmly pressed
into the soil by hand. After the plants have
been made firm, the soil should be lightly stirred
with a small Dutch hoe. which may he used
between all species other than bulbous ones.
Aged specimens of Forsythia suspensa and F.
viridissima, with branches too thickly placed,
may be thinned judiciously when in flower, and
the shoots used for decorative purposes in
the house. A light dusting of soot should be
carefully applied between drifts of Iris reticulata
to prevent damage by slugs ; the same material
may be used as a stimulant to St. Brigid
Anemones. Cyclamens will be benefited by a
small application of steamed bone flour which
should be lightly worked into the soil with a
hand-fork. Afford diluted farmyard liquid
manure to Hepaticas as they pass out of flower.
Should it be desired to increase these plants, they
may be divided now.

Eremurus. — In 1919 the growing points of
Eremurus were badly damaged by late frosts. This
may have been due to moisture on the foliage at
the' time the temperature fell below freezing
point. It is advisable to have in readiness
material that will afford the plants some slight
protection, .such as small Spruce branches, which
may be easily placed in position when signs nl
frost are apparent.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

B> H. Wheeled, Gardener to Mrs. JenneR, Wenvoe
Castle, near Cardiff.

Cauliflowers Autumn-sown plants which have

been hardened are ready for transference to
their permanent quarters. To produce fine heads
they should be planted in rich ground, which
should be lightly forked before the plants are
put in. Use a' trowel when planting, taking
care to disturb the roots as little as possible
and thus obviate a check to the plants. A
distance of two feet between the rows and
eighteen inches between the plants in the rows
is suitable. To hasten their maturity, a few
plants of the earliest varieties, such as Snow-
ball and First Crop should be placed under
handlights holding five plants each. Airing
should be attended to. and the lights removed
on all favourable occasions during the day. ' If
slugs promise to be troublesome, arrange a few
handfuls of sifted ashes in the form of a mound
around the stems. A sowing of early varieties
and Autumn Giant should be made on a warm
bonier; sow also Michaelmas White and Self-
protecting Broccoli.

Seakale. — Thongs to produce forcing crowns
next season should be planted now. Set them
in rows made eighteen inches a-part, allowing
a space of fifteen inches between each root. The
ground for Seakale should be double-dug and
a good dressing of well-rotted manure incor-
porated in the bottom spit. To protect the
plants from slugs, arrange a small mound of
ashes about e,ach crown when the work of
I hinting is finished.

Onions. — Seedling Onions raised from seed sown
early in the New Year and subsequently potted
should have their tops supported. The system
I adopt is both easy and expeditious, and is as
follows; — Thin stakes are split from nine-inch
lengths of Bamboos ; and two slits are made
in each stake, one near the centre and one near
the top. The tying material consists of pieces
of manilla cord cut into three-inch lengths,
which, will provide any number of fine strands.
Press one end of the material into the slit, pass
it round the plant, and insert in the second
slit. No knots aire required and the string may
easily be slipped out to take in new growth's
when this is needed.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By T. Pateman, Gardener to C. A. Cain, Esq., J. P.,
The Node. Codicote, Welwyn, Hertfordshire.

Black Currants. — So far as my experience
goes I know of no variety of Black Currant that
is immune to " big bud " disease. I have
grown an old local variety for the past eighteen
years, and I thought I had a variety capable of
withstanding the mite. Yet on looking
through my bushes this year I find a few big
buds here and there. Where this disease has
only just appeared it should be combated by
every possible means, and a continual watch
kept on other plantations near by. Where old
bushes are very badly attacked it would be
wise to dig them up and burn them. Young
trees, only slightly attacked, should he cleared
of all swollen buds by hand-picking, and the
removal of the affected' buds should be followed
by a course of remedial treatment. Mix two
pounds of fresh lime with one pound of sulphur,
add four ounces of soft soap, and make the whole
into a thick paste. Add eight to ten gallons
of soft water, and apply the spray with a
syringe having a rather coarse nozzle. The mix-
ture should be strained through a muslin bag to
prevent the nozzle from being blocked by the
grit in the lime. Lime and sulphur may be
dusted liberally over and around the bushes.
The application should (be made in the
early morning when the bushes are damp. What-
ever means are taken to arrest the mite it must
be persevered with. When the spray is used no
part of the bush should he left untouched by the
specific. The treatment should extend over the
next five or six weeks.

Strawberries.— Where Strawberry plants were
attacked with mildew last season, and no pre-
cautions have been taken to rid the plants of
this disease, it may be necessary to spray the
plants as soon as they begin to make their new
growth. Two or three sprayings now may tend
to keep the plants free trom this disease, but if
allowed to go unchecked until such time as the
fruit is set it is a very difficult complaint to
contend with. There are several good proprietary
mixtures for mildew, and, if applied according to
instructions, no harm, but good, will result from
their use. Lime and sulphur with soft soap
added, as recommended for the Black Currant
mite is an excellent spray for mildew. The
mixture adheres well to the foliage, and is not
easily washed off by heavy rains. But what
ever remedy is used the spraying should be
thorough, and a coarse and ] owerful sprayer used
so that the under sides of the foliage may he
reached.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By John Coitts. Forerun. Roval Botanic Gardens.
Kew.

Cyclamen — Young plants of Cyclamen in
thumb pots, which have been wintered in an
intermediate house, should be ready for re-
potting, and when this is done they may be
grown in a cooler house, such as a low pit. Stand
the pots on a cool base, as a cool, moist
atmosphere is essential for the plants during the
summer. The compost for this shift should be
light and rich, and should contain old mortar
rubble.

Chrysanthemum. — The various batches oi
Chrysanthemums should be potted on as the
plants require more root room. Continue to
grow them in cool, shallow frames, which should
be kept close for a few days until the roots
are established in the new soil. Keep a sharp
watch for aphis, also leave-mining maggots,
which often prove troublesome ; both pests may-
be prevented by frequent sprayings with tobacco
water. Secure" cuttings to raise small plants
which are useful for the conservatory stages
and decorative work generally. The several
colour varieties of the Caprice du Prmtemps type
are excellent for this purpose, as also are sorc<
of the dwarf, compact-growing singles, of fchi
Ladysmith type.

Capsicum.— Where Capsicums are grown for
greenhouse decorations the seed should be sown
now The plants require high cultivation; they
are very subject to attacks of red spider and

April 3, 1920. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

107

also Begonia mite. The former pest may be kepi
down by the use of the syringe; and the latter,
by Campbell's Sulphur Vaporiser. Spraying
with M-All insecticide will also keep the mite
in check.

Vallota. — Plants of Vallota are growing freely,
and those that require more root-room should be
shifted into larger pots, without disturbing the
roots. Great care must be exercised in this
respect as the plants resent disturbance at the
root, and if doing well it is wise to leave them
alone. Specimens in an unsatisfactory condition
should, in common with all bulbous subjects, be
washed clean at the roots, the latter freed of
decaying portions and repotted again when dry.
When in good health the Vallota produces large
quantities of small bulbs, and as they soon
become crowded some of them should be detached
and potted singly to increase the stock. This
plant requires a light position in an ordinary
greenhouse, or a house with a greenhouse
temperature. V. purpurea is capricious in ils
requirements, and in many gardens it seems
impossible t" cultivate it successfully.

Rhododendron.— The Japanese type of Rhodo-
dendron includes many beautiful varieties worthy
of more extended cultivation, as they can be
had in flower, more or less all the year round.
Cuttings formed of half-ripened shoots root
readily in a close case at this or any other time.
The cuttings ai'e best trimmed off at a whorl of
leaves, although internodal cuttings also root
readily. The plants grow best in an intermediate
temperature, although some of the stronger-grow-
ing varieties are quite happy in a cool green-
house, and succeed planted out in a well-
drained, shallow bed. Plants in pots should be
turned out of their receptacles every spring, and
the bulbs reduced slightly to obviate the use of
large pots. One of the chief defects of these
hybrid Rhododendrons is their straggling,
ungainly habit, which may. to a great extent, be
corrected by tying down the slender shoots, and
this also tends to cause fresh growth to break
from the old wood. Other greenhouse Rhodo-
dendrons, such as Lady Alice Fitzwilliam,
Countess of Haddington Veitchii, and formosum.
may all be propagated by cuttings of half-
ripened shoots, inserted at any time during the
present month.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By T. W. Rrtscob. Gardiner to W. R. Ltsaght, Esq..
Castkfond, Chepstow.

Calanthe.— The deciduous species Calanthe
Veitchii, C. Havrisii, C. vestita rubro-oculata.
C. v. luteo oculata. C. Win. Murray, the late-
flowering C. Regnieri and several other beauti-
ful hybrids of recent introduction are, with the
exception of C. Regnieri, in a suitable condition
for repotting. The orthodox Orchid house is not
essential to the successful cultivation of
Calanthes, in fact, in some gardens these plants
are grown better than where a general collec-
tion of Orchids is included. The plant stove.
Cucumber house or similar warm house is
admirably suited to Calanthes during their period
of active growth, and the warm Orchid house
will answer the same purpose. Throughout their
season of activity the night temperature should
be 60°. but during the daytime, and especially
when there is bright sunshine, a few degrees
higher may be permitted. Whilst reasonable
exposure to the sun's rays is beneficial some
protection from strong sunlight is needed from
now onwards until the pseudo-bulbs arc nearly
matured to prevent scorching of the foliage. By
judicious shading and ventilation the plants will
make strong, healthy growth. Whenever the
weather , is favourable the bottom ventilators
may be left open throughout the night. Admit
air through the top ventilators with discretion,
and prevent a direct draught passing over the
plants. The atmosphere should be kept moist
by sprinkling the paths, floors, and stages witli
clear water, but in dull weather, damping once
daily will suffice, and it should always be done
.\illi a rising ami noi a falling temperature. II
due attention is paid to ventilation and the
correct amount of atmospheric moisture spol
disease will rareLy trouble the nlants.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

A Handbook of Forestry. '

The title of Mr. A. D. Webster's little book
is misleading, tor instead of being a " handbook
of Forestry," or endeavouring to tell us " all
about trees and their timber," it is really a
collection of notes upon subjects connected with
sylviculture, arboriculture, agriculture and
jja.rk management. Garden and Woodland
Notes, Rural Notes, or some similar title
would have conveyed a better idea of its scope.
The 216 pages contain about 500 of these notes,
together with an index, and many of the notes
are valuable as reminders, though there is little
that is actually new. Some of the notes are
fairly complete and convey a good idea of the
way in which certain work should be done ;
others are very meagre and do not stick to the

Required for One Acre," the following subjects
mentioned : — Broom. Furze, Grass Seeds for
Permanent Pasture, and Rape. Respecting the
second point, a good example is given on p. 62,
where, under the heading, " Regarding Trees,"
the author writes, " Frequently it is asked
what is satin wood, rosewood or ebony, and to
answci these and similar questions, the follow-
ing list has been prepared." Then follows a
list of 21 timbers with common and scientific
names. Why these timbers should have been
selected from amongst the many commercial
timbers is not clear, especially as several of
them are of little importance. Unfortunately,
the author has not in every case made the
correct combinations of scientific and common
names, neither is the spelling of the scientific
names, in all cases, correct. For instance, the
name of Iron Wood is usually used in connection
with Xylia dolabriformis ; it is given in the

FlU. 72. — NARCISSUS JOHN EVELYN : A BICOLOR INCOMPARABILIS VARIETY WITH WHITE
FERIANTH AND DEEP YELLOW CROWN.
lt.H.S. Award of Merit, March 33, 1830. (See p. 161.)

point. For instance, on page 43, under
" Transplanting the Holly," we read, " The
Holly succeeds best when moved in April or
May, damp, cloudy weather being preferable
for the work. Holly hedges should not be
topped until they have attained the desired
height" We are left to work out for ourselves
the relationship between the two sentences. An
attempt has been made to group various snii
je< ts under distinct headings, such as Concise
Rules in Woodland Management, Notes Re-
garding Trees, Shrub Notes, Timber, Tree
Seeds, Poisonous Trees and Shrubs, etc., but
unfortunately the author has, in several cases,
included subjects that are quite outside the
scope of the chapter headings, whilst in other
cases he has not gone deeply enough into the
subject to make the notes as valuable as they
miight otherwise have been. As an instance of
the first, we find at p. 97, under the heading of
" Tree Seeds," and the sub-heading of " Seeds

* .1 Eandbook "/ Forestry; »/■. All About Trees and
Their Timber, by A D. Webster. Published bj William
Rider 'ind Son. Ltd., s-1t, Paternoster Bow, London,
ice I. Prioe is. 6d. net.

work under notice as Laplacea haematoxylon,
Satinwood is given as Maba guianensis, where-
as tlie line Satinwood is Chloroxylon Swietenla,
belonging to an entirely different family. The
true Sandal Wood is Santalum album, but m
this book the Australian Sandal Wood (Fusanus
spicatus, and misspelt Fucanus) is given with-
out the prefix " Australian." In addition to
these, other minor mistakes might be mentioned.
which seem to pouit to a hurried revision of the
proofs, and these will need correcting in future
editions.

The King s National Roll.

Tins is the title of a publication* of 500 pages

containing the names, addresses, and trade des

oriptions of patriotic employers who had given

undertakings to emplo) disabled men under the

X: ial Scheme, to the end of 1919. King

George V. and Queen Alexandra head I he list;
the resl of the names of the signatories t<> trie
scheme are arranged in alphabetical order, by
counties, making referent »■ easy.

" The King's National Roll i undo
Stationery Offloe; price Is. lid. net.

H i* titty tj

THE GARDENERS' CHRONWL&

t April i, 1920.

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PLANT COLLECTING
IMAW BUM.— I.

ON

IT is an undoubted fact that on granite
mountains so great a variety of plants is
not found as on limestone. One reason for
this is perhaps the far less perfect jointing of
the former (besides the absence of stratification),
and its tendency to weather into smooth slabs
on which no plant can get a grip. But there
must be other reasons besides these purely
mechanical ones; poverty of lime, for instance.

Thus Imaw Bum, though over 13,000 feet high,
situated in a region of ample rainfall 'well dis-
tributed throughout the year; protected by snow
for six or seven months out of the twelve ; and
well connected with great parent ranges on a
main line of plant migration, does not rear the
alpine flora one might expect. It has, however,
an alpine flora, and a good one. But at the same
time it is a little disappointing. Owing to the
peculiar course of the Ngawchang River, which
flows in a complete U round the end of tbfl range
on which the Bum is situated, this peak and its
neighbours are isolated from the main Salween-
Irrawaddy divide; but the range joins up further
north, being simply a great spur carved out of
the main divide.

Imaw Bum can therefore he attacked from
either flank, east or west. Speaking generally,
a ridge must be selected for the ascent, the
valleys being choked below with dense forest of
a semi-tropical nature, especially on the west
flank, and above with Bamboo.

In 1914 I attempted to reach the summit of
Imaw Bum — perhaps the most conspicuous peak
in the Htawgaw Hills — from the east, or Hpimaw,
side. For this purpose I selected a ridge run-
ning rather north and south, tire crest of which
was attained after a very steep climb up its
flank.

Path-cutting for four days through Bamboo
forest brought us at last to the limit of
trees (Rhododendron and Silver Fir), and we
had no serious difficulty in achieving the summit
ridge, though shortage of food and bad weather
prevented us reaching the actual Bum, which
is situated at the northern end of a long ridge.
However, we found the alpine flora.

The summit flanks of the ridge, particularly
that facing south-west, are covered with a
carpet of dwarf Rhododendron, including at least
nine different species. One of them is R.
euchroum, discovered by me in 1914; another
bears some resemblance to R. intricatum. Most
of them are probably new. Here, too, Primula
coryphaea chequers the granite sand, occurring
in patches 'between the boulders, and there are
no fewer than four species of Cremanthodium
growing in the little grassy dells, including C.

Wardii and C. gracilliimun. The prettiest of
them has nodding flowers, the ray florets drawn
out together instead of spreading, so as to
form a soil of cone. Both disc and ray florets
are nearly colourless, almost glass-like, with the
faintest tinge of claret. Another pretty species
is a dwarf plant with sulphur-yellow flowers.

On grassy screes and amongst boidders are
the rich crimson pokers of a Polygonum, and
a violet-flowered Labiate, besides many dwarfed
shrubs, such as Juniper. Cherry, Rhododendron,
two species of Pyrus. Potentilla fruticosa,
and Spiraea Wardii, crouching' into cavities.
Over tlie cliffs hang down the long tails of
Cassiope myosuroides.

On the ridge leading to the summit were
patches of Rhododendron euchroum. with leaves
sometimes silvered, sometimes bronzed, beneath,
and fleshy, trumpet-shaped corollas of fiery orange
or red ; a fine species of Nomocharis beneath the
highest Bamboo belt ; and the glorious little
Primula sciophila of the Bella section. This
last has relatively large flowers, brilliant violet in
colour, and a big white eye; the throat is
stuffed with the usual pompon of white hairs.
These were my principal finds on Imaw Bum
in 1914. after two attempts to scale its for-
bidding slopes.

In 1919 I attacked Imaw Bum again, this
time from the opposite (west) side. The new
maps which had been prepared showed a fairly
wide valley cutting far into the range on this
side, the stream, in fact, rising from Imaw
Bum itself. It was therefore possible to
approach much nearer to the peak than had been
the case previously, before beginning to climb
seriously.

In the lower part of this valley were several
villages. From this side, then, the ascent was
eventually made along a ridge which swept
down from the summit in a wide arc, forming
the boundary of the valley on one side. Passing
through the lower forest belt, which may be
called temperate rain forest, I noted a consider-
able variety of trees, particularly Oaks of very
large sine, Bucklandia scarcely inferior, Schima,
Ficus, Magnolia, and Rhododendron. Con-
spicuous amongst the latter are R. sino-grande.
with its enormous leaves, used by the natives for
roofing their jungle huts, and R. agapetum,
whose brilliant crimson-scarlet flowers may be
found from April till August ! In fact, it s:ems
to have two distinct flowering periods, spring
and summer.

There are a few Lianas, species of Aristolochia,
Hydrangea, Clematis, etc. Most of the trees are
covered with epiphytic Ferns, Orchids (including
a magnificent white-flowered Vanda) Aeschynan-
thus, Agapetes. Rhaphidophora, etc. The under-
growth is mostly supplied by two or three
species of Bamboo, one of which is characterised
by a ring of downwardly-projecting spikes at
each node. There are also small Orchids,
Arisaema, Zingiberaceae, iris, impatiens,
Begonia, and so on. But the undergrowth is
rarely so thick as to be impenetrable, except in
the 'gullies.

At about 8,000 feet a marked change begins
to come over the forest. Many of the familiar
lug trees disappear; Rhododendrons become more
n umerous and varied ; Birch and Maples are
conspicuous, and Conifers make their appearance.
Species of Panax with huge leaves, standing in
erect circles when young, are now familiar
objects. From a distance they look like Palms
or tree Ferns.

The next belt traversed is that of Conifers
and Rhododendrons. On exposed slopes the

only Conifer seen was a Silver' Fir, but in
the high valleys, and on north slopes, there are,
besides, a Larch, the Coffin-plank tree (probably
Cupressus) and a magnificent Ps,eudo-tsuga. This
last is fairly well distributed, but both the Larch
and the Cupressus are very local. Much lower
down, Pinus Khasia is found on the east side
of the range, but not to the west; and altogether
the distribution of Conifers is peculiar.

This belt is mainly made up of Abies, Bamboo
and Rhododendron. Amongst the last may
be noted a fair-sized tree with silvered leaves
and large trusses of lemon-yellow flowers, like
R. argenteum ; a shrub with dense trusses of
Nutmeg-scented pink flowers and bullate leaves
— perhaps R. bullatum ; another species with
crimson-scarlet flowers, like R. agapetum, only
smaller; and tile grand, white trumpets, per-
fuming the hillside, of R. deudricola, or R.
crassum. This last flowers late — the end of June
or early July.

Besides these, there is another big trei\ with
the lemon flowers of R. argenteum ; but the leaves,
instead of being silver beneath, are rusty-red,
with a woolly tomentum. Above 11,000 feet
this is the only tree Rhododendron found, and
even that is dwarfed and gnarled. Four other
bushy species were seen in this belt on Imaw
Bum. making a total of nine.

Between these two main divisions of the forest

the temperate rain forest below, and the

Conifer forest above, several minor plant associa-
tions and transitional belts are passed through,
especially on south facing slopes. There is the
shrub belt, lor instance, between 8,000 and 9,000
feet. It consists of dwarfed specimens of both
liie upper rain forest trees and lower Conifer
forest trees, with a large number of shrubs such
as Rosa sericea, Ribes. Rubus (several species),
Hydra'igea, Pieris, Buddleia, Rhododendron,
and Lonicera. Tlvre are also a few lianes such
as Sihi/.andra. Smilax and Akebia. In certain
places alpine meadow is found, perpetually
struggling for supremacy with the encroaching
Bamboo. The meadow I have already described
in a previous article (see Gard. Chron., .Mar. 6,
1920, p. 118). But this is soon passed in con
tinning the ascent by the ridge, buried in
thin Conifer forest.

There is a scanty undergrowth of dwarf
plants growing in moss on the ground, or on
tree trunks. But wherever a marshy li illow
appears tree growth is suspended, and a wilder-
ness of tall herbs springs up in th. •■ light. This
dwarfness of the undergrowth in the dim forest
light, and magic growth in the open, is Strang',
being the opposite of what we learnt in (li •
laboratory about light retarding growth.

Plants of the undergrowth are an Oxalis. :■■
Utiicularia, several species of ground Orchid,
Impatiens (of course ! — there is no place on the
N.E. Frontier where they do not grow), Viola,
Acanthopanax, a tiny little Rubus growing like
moss, and a few others. The ridge goes up and
down, by no means ascending steadily, and the
summit seems miles away. However, the ascent
proceeds, and Abies becomes mure common — on
the ridge it is gnarled and wind-beaten. The
tree Rhododendrons disappear one by one, their
places being taken by much smaller species —
thickets of R. euchroum show that we really
are mounting. At last the trees die out; there
is nothing but Bamboo ahead. This is passed,
and an open area reached, with a thousand feet
of alpine flowers between the climber and the
summit. The wind, with gusts of cold, stinging
rain, buffets the party and makes us gelid with
cold. But what matters? Imaw Bum is
comiuered. F. Kiuadon Ward.

April 3, 1920. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

169

ACACIAS FOR POT CULTURE.

The genus Acacia is a very extensive une,
iii.i,,! of the species being natives of Australia.
In ;i wild slate the majority attain tree-like
dimensions, though others may he classed as
shrubs. Whilst some produce true leaves, but
sparingly, t lie phyllodes perform the function
of the foliage. These phyllodes are very per-
sistent, so that the plants are truly evergreen.
The vigorous growing species, of which the
beautiful Acacia dealbata may be taken as an
example, are too robust to be flowered in a
satisfactory manner in pots, but there are
several amenable to that treatment, and the
plants form a very showy feature in the green-
house during the early months of the year.
Unless a. lofty house is available, the plants
need to be pruned after flowering, in order to
keep them within limits. A mixture of loam,
peat, and sand, will suit them well, but lin the
ca.se of established plants, annual repotting is
by no means necessary. During the summer
the plants may be stood on a firm asn Dostum
nut of doors, and plunged in ashes, Cocqanut-
fibre refuse, spent Hops, or some other material.
By standing the pots on a firm bed of asoc,
worms are prevented from entering them and
choking the drainage. When stood out
of doors, the plants, if they have not been re-
potted, will be greatly benefited by occasional
waterings with liquid manure and soot water
combined, ur they may be fed with a concen-
trated fertiliser. The following are among the
best of the species for pot culture : —

Acacia armata. — This species has long been
a popular market plant, as it may be grown ,
successfully in comparatively small pots. Tile
phyllodes are very densely produced, and of a
particularly deep green colour, thus serving
admirably as a setting to the rich, golden-
yellow blossoms which are 'borne in round
heads. The inflorescences are sweetly scented.

Acacia Drummoniiii. — This is another
generally grown species in which the phyllodes
are wanting. The bi-pinnate leaves are some-
what suggestive of those of the Rue in tint,
while the flowers are borne in short, bottle-
brush-like racemes, which have a partially
drooping tendency. The colour of the blossoms
is pale yeJlow. This species is rather more
exacting in its cultural requirements than most
At aeias, and needs an extra amount of peat in
the soil. Pretty little specimens that flower
freely may 'be grown in five-inch pots.

Acacia hastulatv. — Also known by the name
of cordata, this species is a very distinct member
of the genus. If cut back annually, the plant
produces long shoots, after the manner of an
Epacris, thickly clothed with small triangular.
>harp-pointed leaves, from the axils of which
the straw-coloured blossoms are profusely borne.
Very effective plants may be grown in pots five
or six inches in diameter.

Acacia lineata. — This is a compact, rath:r
upright growing species, having its branches
clothed with small, narrow phyllodes and bearing
fluffy balls of bright yellow flowers in great pro-
fusion. The plant requires but little pruning

Acacia longifolia. — A species of strong growtl
which needs to be pruned hard every yea.'
after flowering. It then produces long shoot:*
clothed with Willow-like phyllodes, from thf
axils of which the yellow flower's are freely borne.
The blossoms are disposed in somewhat upright
racemes from 2 to 3 inches long. Planted out.
this species will make large specimens.

Acacia obliqua (syn. ovata). — One of the best
of all the Acacias for growing in pots. It forms
a profusely branched little bush, plentifully
clothed with small, roundish phyllodes. The
flowers, which are borne in small, globular beads,
are bright yellow in colour, and very freely pro-
duced.

Acacia PLATYPTERA. — This is a very distinct
species, as it is entirely without leaves or
phyllodes, their places being taken by a peculiar
wing on opposite sides of the principal shoots.
Another distinguishing feature is that the
rounded heads of rich, yellow flowers are borne
in late aaittunu and winter. Like A. Druin-
inuiidii this snecies is more exacting than most

in its cultural requirements, and needs an addi
tional amount of peat in the soil. The plant
requires but very little pruning.

Acacia i>ulchella. — The slender shoots of this
species are somewhat spiny and freely clothed
with small, bi-pinnate leaves. The globular
heads of golden blossoms are borne in great pro-
fusion during the spring. Even when out of
bloom the plant is very attractive.

Acacia Riceana. — This is a distinct species
with a markedly pendulous habit. It forms a
delightful pot plant when trained upright at
first, and then allowed to grow at will. In this
way an exceedingly graceful specimen is pro-
duced. The phyllodes are small and narrow,
while the flowers are of a creamy tint. It makes
a good plant for training on roof rafters.

Acacia verticillata. — To see this species at
its best it needs to be planted out in a prepared
bed or border, but even as a pot plant it is
very attractive. The phyllodes are small, needle-
like, and very freely borne. In the flowering
season they are almost entirely hidden by a great
profusion of yellow, fragrant blossoms. II'*. 'J'.

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

SOBHRO LAELIO-UATTLEYA
ROYALIST.

This, one of the deepest in colour of its class,
resulting from crossing Sophro- Cattleya Atreus
gloriosa {S. grandiflora X C. Lawrenceaiia) and
L.-C. Geo. Woodhams (C. Haidyana X L. pur-
purata), was shown at the Royal Horticultural
Society on March 23, by Messrs. Armstrong
and Brown, under the provisional name Vivid,
a name which had previously been recorded 'for
the cross 'between S.-L. Psyche and C. Fabia,
made by J. Ansaldo, Esq. Cattleya Laiw-
renceana conveys colour well, and L.-C. George
Woodhams, probably through the combination
of C YVar.scewicz.ii and C. Dowiana aurea m U.
Hardvana, is well known for intensifying the
colour of the varieties crossed with it.

S.-L.-C. Royalist lias much of the form of the
Laelio-Cattleya parent. The sepals ami petals
are dark violet- crimson, Ihe lip deep ruby-
purple, with small yellow disc, to which yellow
lines extend from the base.

Fig. 73. — odontioda joiceyi.
R.H.S. Award of Merit, March 33, 1920. (See p. 161.)

NEW HYBRIDS.
{Continued from March 27, page 153.)

Parentage

Cattleya .Mont, Blanc

Cattleva Snowdrop

Cymbidium Elder

Cymbidium Kittiwake ..
Cymbidium Landrail
Cymbidium Linnet
Cymbidium Merlin
Cymbidium Redstart
Cymbidium Yellow-Hamraer . .
Cypripi'dimii Florence spencer Chard-
war, var. . . . . ^
1 \ prjpedium Puffin
Cypripedium Radium
LaeUa-Cattleya Macaw
Odontioda Dauntless

Odontioda Manora

Odontoglossum Hymen

Kolfeara Ceres

labiata alba x O'Brieniana allm
intcrtcxta alba O'Brieniana alba
Alexanderi x J.owio-grandillorum . .
Gottianum x Dryad
Dryad x Lowiamim
Alexanderi x Holfordiamim
Dryad :>. Alexanderi
Dryad x Pauwelsii ..
Gottianum x Lowianum

Memoria Jerninghamiae x Actaeufi langleycnsc
Ucibiades x Demetcr
G.F.Moore x Alcibiadcs ..
Luminosa x Pi/arro
Oda. Coronation x Odm. Armstronsnae
C. NoezMana Oda. Coronation ..
Lamliardeammi x Mars
B.-C.-llcne x S.-C.-Sa.\a

S. Low and Co.

s. Gratrix,

Esq.

Sir Geo

1.

Holiord.

sir Geo

1,

Hoi ford.

sir Geo

1

Holford.

Sir GeO

1.

Holford.

sir Geo

I.

Holford

sir Geo

1.

Holford.

s,r Geo

L

Holford.

ArinstrniiL; and Brown.
Sir Geo. I. Holiord.
V Smith, Esq.
sir Geo. I.. Holford.

Anns! nam and Brown.

Charlesworth ami Co.

Armstrong and Brown.
Flory and Black.

170

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[April 3, 1920.

THE FUTURE OF THE POTATO CROP.

[Concluded from p. 133.}

Ui'ON the cultivation of the Potato crop I do
not, propose to touch, for it was dealt with very
thoroughly in the admirable paper read before
the club 'by Major D. A. Spence in January,
1917. I should like, however, to remind Potato
growers of the importance of planting first-class
seed.

I presume that those who regard this crop
seriously — and we have all learnt its value
during the war — make a practice of procuring
Scotch or Irish seed every second or third year,
if not oftener, and I should like in this con-
nection to remind you that Ireland is soon likely
to be a very serious competitor with Scotland.
The Ministry have, I think, acted very wisely in
classing Irish seed as Grade (1) equally with
Scotch seed. The Irish Board are doing invalu-
able work in educating {he Irish grower ais to the
importance of keeping his stocks absolutely pure,
and their efforts are meeting with considerable
success.

The English grower is usually content 'to grow
the produce of his Scotch or Irish seed a second
year; when he does so it is well worth his -while
at the time of lifting the crop to select his seed
with care; it is far too often the case that the
crop is thrown in a heap in a haphazard way,
when those tubers not suitable for culinary pur-
poses are set aside for seed. On the principle
that like begets like, good sound tubers weigh-
ing from 3 to 4 ozs. should be selected for this
purpose, and in the interests of the following
year's harvest the earlier the crop can be raised
after it has finished growth the better. The
difference between two crops grown respectively
from ripened a/nd unripened seed is astonishing,
,uid it is this fact which ex-plains the difference
between Scotch and Irish seed and that grown
in the South of England. In a series of experi-
ments I carried out some yeaTs ago I found a
difference in favour of the unripened seed
equivalent to no less than li ton to 2 tons to the
acre.^ which, at the price of £10 per ton, means
a gain to the grower of £15 to £20 to the acre.

To an audience such as this it is hardly neces-
sary for me to refer to the importance of boxing ;
every practical grower is aware of its value,
though it is to be feared there aire still many
who neglect to adopt this practice. The tubers
should be set up in trays in some frost-proof
place in January (or at' the time of lifting if
more convenient), anid exposed to as much light
as possible. By this means dwarf and strong
dark green shoots will be obtained by planting
time, instead of the long and thin bleached
shoots which are sure to be rubbed off when the
seed is stored in a heap. When the time for
piloting arrives the trays can be carried
straight out into the field where thev are
required. The gain resulting from boxing in the
weight of the future crop is admitted by all
practical men, while there is less risk of the
tubers going wrong than when stored promiscu-
ously. This procedure also has the advantage
that it enables the planter to detect at a glance
any weak or unhealthy tubers and discard them.
_ Trnc Food Value of the Potato.

I wish, in conclusion, to draw your attention
to a subject which has so fan- been almost entirely
neglected in this country, but which T have
reason to think will ere long he recognised as
of great importance. It will have not only to
be studied by the chemist, but given considera-
tion to by the grower if we are to retain the
overseas Potato trade, which in years when the
crop is a good one is of so much value to the
farmer. I refer to the comparative food value of
different varieties.

A Food War Committee was appointed by the
Roval Society some time back to inauire into tne
composition of Potatos crown in the United King-
dom, and they issued their report in April, 1919.
This report is worthy of careful study; it intro-
duced the subject in the following remarks : —
"The important part now play,-,] by Potatos in

* A Paper read by Mr. Martin H. F. Sutton, F.L.S.
at a meetine- of tin. Fanners' Club on Monday 2nd
February, 1920.

the national dietary makes it desirable that we
should possess adequate and reliable information
as to the composition and nutritive characteristics
of our Potato supplies." The writer's consider
that the percentage of dry matter should serve
as a useful guide in comparing the value of
varieties, and in a table give the comparative
results from some fifteen varieties, which show a
variation from 27.24 dry matter in Golden
Wonder, to 20.64 in Lochar.

I venture to think, however, that the work has
not at present been carried nearly so far as is
desirable in the public interest. It is not merely
a question of which British-grown varieties may
be the most valuable from the point of view of
food content, but whether we in this country are
working on the right lines. It is a remarkable
fact, with which no doubt many practical
growers are acquainted, that the British taste
in Potatos from a culinary point of view is
diametrically opposed to that obtaining in
France. In the latter country the Potatos which
are most favoured here would only be grown for
starch production or the production of alcohol.
In a most valuable contribution to this subject
by Professor Johnson, Professor of Botany.
Royal College of Science for Ireland, the follow-
ing table is given, showing the starch content,
the crude protein content, the palatability factor
and the culinary reputation in France and in
Ireland of four French and four Irish kinds: —

^

Starch

(S-g

~ o

Culinary

French Grown.

Con-

■S°

2 s

Reputation •

tent.

a

(France).

Per

Per

cent.

cent.

Belle de Fontenov

11.05

2.77

.25

Very good

Quarantine de la

Halle

13.35

2.17

.IS

Good

Saucisse Rouge . .

12.81

2. 1

.16

Passa ble

Richter'slm peratoi

19.33

1.61

.08

Inferior for
taHe.good
for starch
factory

Irish Grown.

(Ireland)

Beauty of Bute . .

22. 0

2.2!

.10

Very good

Arrau Chief IJ .

14. 8

2.25

. 5

Good

Irish Chieftain

13. 0

2.29

.18

Passable

Champion II.

12.75.

3.15

.23

Wry bad

Professor Johnson points out that from a
study of this table it will he seen that the
French criterion of a palatable Potato is exactly
the opposite of the Irish, and he proceeds to
remark : —

By preferring a waxy tuber |I should have
preferred the term firm, for the French Potato
is not exactly waxy) with a high proportion of
protein, the Frenchman unconsciously shows his
appreciation of the importance of high nutritive
ratio. The minimum diet given for the average
man doing a moderate day's work is 3^ ozs.
protein, 31 ozs. fat, 17£ ozs. carbohydrate. This
gives a nutritive ratio of 1.7. In a well-balanced
diet this ratio is obtained by mixture. It is
dangerous to try to live (or have to live) on a
one-sided diet— e.g., on Potatos alone. In 1916
Poles, bring exclusively on Potatos, were found
to be suffering from dropsy. The more the diet
is restricted to the Potato the more desirable
it is that it should be a variety relatively rioh
in. protein. The average Potato nutritive" value
is 1.9. Tire very good table variety, Belle de
Fontenoy, shows the low nutritive value 1.4,
while the inferior table variety, Richter's
Imperator, shows a ratio 1.12. The limit of
safety, unless the consumer is to suffer from
protein starvation, is 1.10. Fortunately for
the Potato-eating peasant there is, as the
American noted, generally a cow somewhere
round the corner, redressing the balance by a
supply of milk, with a nutritive value of 1.4.
It must, however, be remembered that the pro-
tein of the Potato is cheaper than that of milk ;
protein of animal origin being necessarily dearer.
The ordinary Irish Potato is less nutritious and
more expensive than the French, to the extent
to which it contains less protein and more
starch."

Professor Johnson adds, " that a tuber
relatively rich in protein matter is far more
suitable for a poor man than a tuber rich in
starch, and that protein matter, weight for
weight, may cost the consumer twelve tunes
as much as starch, though as sources of energy
and heat they are nearly equal."

I make no apology for quoting at some length
from this publication, because I regard it as one
of the most useful pieces of work that has yet
been done, and it is' up to the raiser and the
grower alike to try and educate the public to
the importance of Potatos of high ifeeding value,
as well as varieties immune to Wart Disease.
Whether these two characteristics of high protein
content and immunity to this disease are
obtainable in the same Potato is a problem upon
which no information is at present obtainable,
but a vast field for inquiry in this direction lies
open to the experimenter.

There is. however, another aspect from which
this question may well be regarded, and that is
the matter of the public taste. As a nation
we are strongly conservative, and a narrow
channel of water only tw-enty-two miles across
has prevented us from discovering that our
neighbours on the other side are not only in
the habit of eating a vegetable in a more
nutritious form than ourselves, but one that is
far more pleasar.it to the taste, and if the former
character does not appeal to us, we might at
least be expected to have discovered the latter.
The yellow -fleshed Potato, with its high pro-
tein content, has only to be tried to be apprecia-
ted, and I trust that extensive acreages of such
kinds may in the future be planted by growers,
under official encouragement by the Ministry,
to demonstrate to the public the national
advantage of their use.

I shall not have covered my subject adequately
if I fail to remind you that in foreign countries
the Potato is used extensively for purposes other
than that of food. On the Continent large
acreages are grown for the production of starch
and alcohol, with the result that both these
commodities are obtained at a very low price.
The price of starch in this country to-day is
Is. per lb. (the pre-war price being about 2,jd.),
whereas a year or two ago the price of Potato
starch in the United States was only 5Jd. per
lb. I believe I am correct in stating that over
80 per cent, of the alcohol employed in Germany
is obtained from Potatos.

Whether it is in the national interest that
in a comparatively small country like this land
should be devoted to crops for such purposes,
is a matter for the consideration of the Govern-
ment, but it is as well that we should be re-
minded of the possibilities in connection with
this crop.

I have endeavoured to avoid loading this
paper with tables of figures, which are seldom
studied, though beloved by the statistician. 1
am conscious that I have treated the subject
from a somewhat unusual point of view, but I
hope it has not lost its value on that account,
and if I have succeeded ill however small a
degree in inspiring fresh interest in a problem
which we all have to face, I shall feel that this
contribution to the subject, despite its defects,
lias not been altogether in vain.

VEGETABLES.

ASPARAGUS.

Asparagus beds that are top-dressed
annually with decayed manure and rich com-
post will continue I" produce strong shoots For
a number of years, but too frequently tins
annual dressing is not ;i Horded— or not in
suiticieait quantity or quadity.

Those wlho have destroyed old Asparagus beds,
or lifted three-year-old crowns for forcing, are
aware of the mass of fleshy roots made by the
plants. Indeed, old beds are quite matted with
them — decayed and aflive — and i\s new roots
form on the surface of those made the
previous season, it proves how very necessary
this annual top-dressing is. Where the surface
dressing is withheld, it Is no I uncommon to find
the crown buds and surface roots fully exposed
to the sun, wind and frost. The number of roots
formed by seedlings seems almost out of propor-

April 3, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

171

tion U> the top growth, and it ihe soil in the
seed (bed is suitable, many of the roots will be
a foot or more in length. It will thus be seen
that an individual plant requires considerable
space for the roots to extend to their fullest
extent. The genera] advice is to set the crowns
at 18 inches apart each wlay. Yet in rich
grounds the roots from plant to plant will not
only meet the first season at this distance, but
overlap and become interlaced.

The plants should not 'be closer than one yard,
and as much wider as space will permit. A
method of growing this delicious vegetable to
the highest state of perfection which can be fol-
lowed with advantage in most gardens, large
and small, is to plant isolated specimens m
different positions. A row of plants a yard apart
could form a dividing line in the garden, or
single plants might be dotted about in odd
cornea's and different parts of the garden.

The herbaceous border will probablv contain
many less ornamental subjects tham the Aspara-
gus, which might be used as a back row plant.
In each instance suitable stations should be
made of rich compost to receive the plants, and
I 'would suggest it should be set slightly above
the ordinary soil level. Richard Parka; fhir-
rington, Sussex.

THE ALPINE GARDEN.

FRUIT REGISTER.

APPLE COX'S ORANGE PIPPIN.
With care in gathering the fruit— this
variety is often harvested too early— and careful
storing, Cox's Orange Pippin Apple is available
from early November until the end of March or
later. Certain growers experience a difficulty with
tins Apple owing to the tree's susceptibility to
canker. Even in the stiffest of soil this trouble
may be overcome by trenching the site for
planting three feet deep to provide free
drainage. In such soils the trees should
be planted on the surface and have
their roots slightly mounded up with
earth. This method results in the trees
settling down to their natural level when the
trenched soil subsides. Those who plant this
Apple even six inches deep in such soils are
sure to be troubled in the future with cankered
branches. When the first sign of this maladv
shows itself pare away all affected bark neatly
and coat the wound with gas tar. not Stockholm
tar, as the former is much more curative. Half,
standard trees, bushes and single cordons of this
Apple should be planted in the open, not
against a wall. There is no comparison between
the firmness of flesh, quantity of juice and flavour
"I fruit grown on walls and those grown
quite in the open. The fruits on half-standard
trees receive an abundance of sunlight and air
as do those olf bush trees when trained with cor-
don-like branches and not crowded. Ample space
far this Apple is an absolute necessity. K.
Moh/urit.r.

CULTURAL MEMORANDA.

PRIMULA OBCONICA.
This Primula lias been greatly improved in
recent years, and the flowers of the modern race
are larger, fuller and more perfect in form than
those of the elder type, whilst the trusses are
much larger. Specimens raised from seel sown in
February or March will make serviceable plants
by autumn. The seedlings should be pricked off
into pans, using for compost a mixture of good
fibrous loam, leaf-mould and sharp sand. Later
they should be potted off singly in 3-inch pots,

and when established in these 'pots grow a

moderately warm house on a shelf near the roof
glass or in a warm frame. If they show signs of
flowering early pinch off (he bloom and do not
allow the routs to suffer from waul of water
Syringe the plants on fine, sunny days. The
Compost for the final potting should consist of
good fibrous loam, three parts to one part each
"I leal mould and well-decayed manure with the
addition of a small quantity of charcoal and
Bluwpsand. n. C. Mason. Bn/nkufryd Y,„//,

ERINUS ALPINI'S.

This pretty little wall plant is an old in-
habitant of gardens, having been introduced
nearly two hundred years ago. In some parts
of this country it has become naturalised on
old walls of ruins. In such situations it readily
becomes established if seeds are sown in crevices
which contain a little soil in which the seed can
germinate. The plant soon makes itself at home
in the rock garden, reproducing itself freely
from self sown seeds, its favourite situation
being on weather- worn limestone which is
mumbling down and mixing 'with soil.

E. alpinus is found wild on the Pyrenees, and
Alps of Switzerland, and Northern Italy. It
varies a good deal in the colour of its flowers,
as well as in tlie hairiness of its foliage. The
typical plant lias reddish-purple flowers in long
racemes, produced throughout, the spring and
summer. The pure white form (var. albus)
is quite as free in growth and flower production.
Other forms with bright red and rose-coloured
flowers may be selected from a batch of seed-
lings. II'. /.

In Nyman's Conspectus florae Europaeae, V.

gracilis and V. heterophylla are made varieties of
this species, but although there is a family re-
semblance, they are distinct for garden pur-
poses, being of taller growth and more slender
habit. W. I.

WALDSTEINIA.

The Waldsteinias are pretty plants, closely
related to Geum and Potentilla, and are valuable
for the rockery or for carpeting under bulbs and
other spring flowers. They are also pleasing
when suitably planted by themselves, and some
are extremely pretty on a retaining wall. They
are of very easy culture and may be grown in
any reasonably good garden soil, little attention
being necessary beyond keeping the trailing
species in bounds, which is not at ail difficult.
The plants are easily increased by division any
time between March and October, and some
species may he raised from seeds. They thrive
well in the shade.

Wai.dstkinia geoides. — This is a small plant
and somewhat disappointing, but when it has
grown to six inches or more across, which it will
do in a year or two, it is by no means to be
despised. The individual flowers are small, but
numbers are produced together. They are of a

Fin. 74.

-VIOLA CALCARATA GROWING WILD ON THE ALl'S.

VIOLA CALCARATA.
Well mimed the "Pansy of the Alps," this
attractive species in its various forms is found in
Alpine pastures spread over I he whole of the
European Alps. h is a lovely plant, forming
lults of leafy stems about three inches high,
bc.uing large, violet-purple flowers, each with a
long spur. The specimen illustrated in Fig. 74
was, with others, growing in profusion in the
Turtman Valley, in mountain meadows at an
elevation of 7.600 feet. It was found in stony
ground amongst boulders'; spreading by means
of underground stems rambling among the stones,

■'"d flowering Ereely ai igst the short grass.

This charming plant is easily grown in the rock
garden in half-shady situations, or even in full
sun provided il receives sufficient moisture at
the roots. It should be planted in very gritty
soil with thorough drainage, but it must have
plenty of water when in full growth. In rich
SO'' the plant makes too much foliage al the
expense of flowers. Easy to propagate by means
' F cuttings inserted in summer, or by division

after flowering, il may also be raised fr s Is

sown as BOOH as they are ripe. The colours d

Hi- flowers vary From violet-purple I., pah- lilac

"I'd pure while. There is also a clear yellow
form known as V. Zoysin, which is found in
ico-f Eastern Alps of Carinthia,

pleasing yellow, and associate admirably with
the hues of the undivided, kidney shaped leaves.
This species is four to six inches in height.

Waldsteinia fragarioides. — The Strawberry-
like Waldsteinia is not so choice as certain
others. although highly recommended by
some. The plant is of a spreading habit, send
ing out runners, ami it also seeds freely, so that
it requires to be kept within limits It is, how-
ever, pleasing with its neat, three-lobed leaws
and golden flowers, which are developed in
drooping sprays.

Wai.dstkinia thifolia. — The trifoliate Wald-
steinia is. in my estimation, the best garden plant,
of the genus. It has remarkably pretty,
leathery, shining green leaves, and produces
sprays of golden flowers over a considerable
lime in summer. It makes a charming carpet,
and spreads freely enough to be valuable for
this purpose. It is. however, not too rampant
for keeping in bounds and is charming m almost
every respect, f have a carpet of W. triloba

retaining wall and il is delightful all the

year, and especially when in flower.

Other Waldsteinias. Less well known.

although not re rcooiumcnd.ible, are W.

lobala and W. sihiriea, the former much after
the style of W. trifolia and the latter with
fewer flowers, S, Arnoll,

172

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[April 3, 1920.

THE CULTIVATION OF PERPETUAL-
FLOWERING CARNATIONS IN POTS.

FORESTRY.

{Concluded from. p. 156.)
In tile southern and midland counties the
plants should be placed out of doors at the
beginning of June on a firm bed of ashes which
has previously been dusted over with soot.
Protect the plants from heavy rains with lights,
but do not shade them from the direct rays of
the sun. Harden the plants carefully before
placing them out of doors and pay particular
attention to watering them, also occasionally
spray the foliage with clear soot-water and
quassia extract to keep down insect pests. The
plants should all be housed by the first week in
September.

The use of fertilisers is much over-
done by the majority of growers especially
in tlie' autumn and winter, and many
failures may be traced to overfeeding
and growing' the plants in an excessively
high temperature. If a sweet compost is pic
pared, as I have i-ecommended, one or two light
applications only of a fertiliser should fie given
before the turn 'of the year. Use a slow-acting,
organic, specially-prepared manure, such as that
manufactured by Messrs. Allwood Bros. I have
used this manure in large quantities and the
results have been excellent.

In the spring, when the days lengthen, the
plants need feeding more frequently. Clear soot-
water is an excellent stimulant at all times and
the fullest use should be made of it.

Ventilation and Temperatures.

In winter keep the temperature of the house in
which the growing and flowering plants are
boused as near to 50° as possible, with an increase
of 5° during the day. Ventilation should be
liberal at all times, and a circulation of warm
air with gentle warmth from the pipes in dam p,
cold weather will help the plants to grow strong
and thus better able to resist disease. The list of
varieties includes sorts of all colours and shade-.
and new ones showing some improvement are
continually being raised. Many novelties have
vigour, size, length and strength of stem 1m
recommend them and growers should become
familiar with eai-h new variety as it is placed on
the market.

Of insect pests and diseases greenfly, red
spider, thrips. ami " rust " are perhaps the
most common, but with careful attention to
cultural details these troubles may be obviated.
If a plant is found to be suffering from " rust "
pick all affected leaves off and burn them. Red
spider may be destroyed by using salt water in
the proportion of half-an-ounoe of coarse salt to
one gallon of water. To destroy thrips. which
generally attack these Carnations out of doors,
spray the plants with clea" soot-water and quassia
extract, and fumigate them after they are
housed. The same methods may be used for the
destruction of greenfly.

After the plants are housed pay careful atten-
tion to such cultural details as disbudding and
tying of the shoots. Disbud the plants at an
early stage to obtain fine flowers, and admit an
abundance of air, which will help to lengthen the
flowering period and bring out the best qualities
of the blooms. Endeavour to keep the plants
bushy by cutting the flowers low down ; leggy
plants are never attractive and evidence bad
cultivation. Do not crowd the plants, but re-
arrange them at short intervals; even when not
in bloom they may be arranged in an attractive
manner. I strongly recommend growing the
plants a second year. If the flower stems are
severed low down, as advised, very little
shortening of the shoots will be necessary.
Remove some of the old soil and repot the plants
in eight-inch pots in April treating them as
advised for one-year-old plants. They will give
an abundance of flowers early in the autumn and,
if fed judiciously, continue to flower freely.

The various cultural details should be carried
out at the proper time and in a workmanlike
manner. The girower should realise that the
perpetual-flowering Carnation is practically hardy
in this country and should be treated accordingly
to grow and flower it successfully.

COMMERCIAL ASPECT OF HOME
AFFORESTATION*.*

In pre-war days, when timber could be
carried from St. " Petersburg or the Gulf of
Bothnian ports at as low a rate as it could be
conveyed by rail from Ballater (some fifty miles
from Aberdeen), the prospect of a suitable return
for capital invested m timber production in this
country was never a very rosy one. Home
timber now had a better- chance, but it would be
wrong to assume an 'immediate commercial suc-
cess. " To compete, with foreign products we had
the difficulties of producing as cheaply, of
.supplying timber as good in quality, and of
delivering in equal dimensions, especially as
regarded length.

In Northern Europe timber had grown for
long in natural abundance, and labour and
river transport were cheap. In time, with
afforestation, our peasantry would be experts
m the processes of wood production, but trans
port would be a drawback. With the cost of
railway transport raised 50 per cent., and the
trouble and expense of trucking and untrucking,
unless lor very long journeys, road haulage was
the only way, the tractor to have steam raised
with the waste products of the woods, in the
shape of compressed sawdust briquettes by
preference. It was also absolutely necessary that
the wood should be all cut on the spot, or as
near to it as possible, kiln-dried at once, and
kept under cover until dispatched. The sap, the
great drawback to the Scots Fir, would thereby
be saved from becoming black, and tin- cost "I
carriage would be much reduced through the
goods being dry. Only one Fir, the Caroline
Pine, earned mure sap than the Scots Fir, an I
it was dealt with ill that way. Ihe greatest
drawback and handicap to the "dealer in native
« i. Is in the past was that our forests were not
in such density as to justify the erection of
thoroughly equipped sawmills, with accommo-
dation for permanent workers. Under the new
authority tint might be made possible.
Whether, when freights had fallen and Russia
was again exporting, we would be able to com
pete on equal terms, only time emdd tell; but

there could be loii'bt that in spite of many

drawbacks, the use of native wood had of late

years attained to a position of strength (•

which it ,vould not be easily displaced.

If B.riti.sh Firs or Pines, that is to say, soft
woods, were I. el lei than tlmse grown in Northern
Kurope, the matter of even a considerable
difference in price would not matter much. 'I be
best, of course, would be preferred, especially
i! it were a native product, but, unfortunately,
the contrary was '.he case. Timber from our
home Spruce and fir trees was too knotty, and
the latter also {■•■> sappy. Larch should be more
extensively planted, h apt to rot at the roots
in certain soils, for certain purposes it need
fear no competition. The defects of quality
ought to be one of the chief studies of the ex-
perts in the new Forest Authority. It might be
that the Sitka Spruce — it was to be seen at
Durris. a few miles from Aberdeen, growing
straight in close canopy — was what we wanted,
although I should like to see the seed of the
live Spruces of Russia experimented with.
Something must be done to improve the Scots
Fir, or it is liopeless to expect it tc 'be more
than a wood for pit or railway sleepers, box-
wood, or some of the commonest purposes of
trade. Seed from Northern Sweden or Russia,
where the red woods grow with almost no sap, is
to be preferred. If an early production of bulk
is wanted, the Douglas Fir is the tree to select.
In its native home, America, it grows magnifi-
cent timber; here it is extremely knotty, with
the heart wood soft and spongy, and is a wood
that no timber merchant would stock if he could
help it. It should never >be put down unless in a
light, shingly soil, and given plenty of lime to
grow. As an ornamental tree the Douglas Fir
is not surpassed ; as a commercial proposition
it is a failure, and it is to be hoped that

• Lecture by Sir John Fleming, Paltmiinzie, Aber-
deenshire, before (he members of the Aberdeen
University Forestry Society, February '37. 193a,

too much Government money will not be wasted
in planting it.

The difficulty in regard to dimensions had as
much as anything ruled out the home product
from the largest buyers. North European timber
averaged 16 to 19 feet, and a sufficiency of long
lengths could be got up to 25 feet. Home timber
handled by my firm during the war did not
average more than 11 to 12 feet, and very few
pieces exceeded 15 or 16 feet. The reason was
that our trees grew with more taper. Prac-
tically, they seemed not to be grown close
enough, and yet the trees in the North European
forests did not, so far as he had observed, grow
any closer. Until that was rectifisd, the home
products would be excluded from many of its
best markets.

With the exception of Eastern Ross-shire, hard
wood trees, such as the Oak, Ash and Elm, did
not grow at all satisfactorily. Evidently the
soil was the determining factor. The quality of the
hardwood, tree for tree, however, was equal to
anything that could be imported, and were they
grown closely for trade purposes, instead of
widely apart for park adornment, a, great market
would await, home hardwoods in the future
Ihe Forestry Committee or Authority, just
apjiointed. while containing several undoubted
experts in the planting and growing of trees,
included no one who had ever handled the pro-
duct of the forests. To be following the advice
of the old Scottish laird to his son, " Aye be
stickiii in a tree, Jock," will, I expect, be
their chief concern ; but unless some considera-
tion was given to the product after maturity, the
commercial result of afforestation might be any-
thing but successful.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

[The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for
the opinions tXpressrd by correspondents.]

English vereus Scottish Gardeners.— In refer-
ence to Mir. Ben H. Martin's statement on
p. 42 as to Scotch gardeners' superiority, the
average English gardener is equal to the average
Scotchman in the profession, but somehow misses
the praise. Mr. Martin says it is not that
people who apply for Scotch gardeners are pre
incited iii t lit.ir favour, but that they are
superior to the English in horticultural work. Not
long ago, a. friend and 1 interviewed a lady who
had a vacancy for a head gardener. Both of us had
the same number of references, had been in the
profession the same number of years, and had
served in France. The lady read my references
first, then asked for my friend's. The moment
she saw his name, and before reading one refer
em e through, she exclaimed. " You are Scotch.
I am sure you will suit me." Neither do I hold
with Mr. Martin's system of training boys, or at
least the one he recommends of putting a boy
on a fixed course before lie qualifies for a
journeyman. All lads dislike to look forward
from day to day to a set course, but if put with
a journeyman, or foreman even, who usually
manages to vary his work and avoid monotony,
the lad would benefit more by assisting to per-
form simple operations than always doing the
rough and dirty work. I also advocate a young
mar. changing "his situation every second year
in order that he may see work done in different
wavs, rather than staying long in one place and
thinking there is only one way to do certain work.
The more changes the better, and the beginner
should always try to get employment under a
successful cultivator. Every gardener has bis
strong point in the cultivation of fruits.
flowers, vegetables or decorating, and a youth
serving under a good man can usually
gain good experience in two years.
Frederic C. Kin,;. I. n™< Gardens, Milnthorpe

Rhododendron sutchuenense.— In your issue of
March 13 Mr. .1. Hutchinson describes the mix-
ture of types in cultivated plants of the so-called
Rhododendron sutchuenense. dividing them into
four distinct forms or species. Some years ag

I purchased from Messrs. .1. Veitch and Son?
at the time of their nursery sale, six plants o
R sutchuenense. Three of these flowered tihis
vear in February, and correspond respectively
with those described by Mr. Hutchinson as J...

II and IV., the other three plants have not

April 3, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

173

yet flowered. I do not know from "what batcn
of seed the Messrs. Veitch raised these plants,
but they all appear to be of the same age, and
in all probability are from one seed packet,
though possibly the seed may have been
gathered from different plants at the time of
collecting and labelled R. sutchuenense. It is
curious, however, that one plant of each form
should be so distinctly represented in the
three that have flowered. Kenneth McDouall,
Logan, Stranraer.

Popularity of Large Chrysanthemum Blooms
— Mr. Godfrey rightly comments (see p. 134)
on the trouble and expense of successfully grow-
ing the large-flowered types of Chrysanthemums,
as compared to the popular single and decora-
tive varieties, and I think it would not be out
of place to consider the respective claims of these
classes. When huge heads of Japanese blooms
were considered to be the last word in Chrysan-
themum culture, the smaller-flowering varieties
were very much in the minority. Certain people
may wonder what has caused public opinion
to veer round so greatly in favour of the latter;
but while the size and shape of the large blooms
were, practically speaking, the limit of develop-
ment and further improvement could only take
the form of new colours «tnd shades, in the
single and decorative sections there was, and
still is, a wide field of improvement 'besides colour
open to the skill of the raiser. Tastes have
changed too, for whereas a decade or so ago
the fashion in house and conservatory decoration
called for stately and imposing masses and
formal groups, the present-day demand is
almost, invariably in the direction of light and
graceful decorations of dwarfer style. Much
valuable time was occupied in the growing
season by the stopping and training of the
large-flowered varieties, and large and lofty
structures were an indispensable adjunct to the
successful flowering of the plants. Then there was
the anxiety arising from possible attacks of mil-
dew and damping of the petals, while the neces-
sity for a big stock of large-sized pots and a con-
siderable depletion of the loam-stack were other
items to be reckoned with. In the case of the
smaller types of Chrysanthemums, not one-half
of these considerations are involved ; they mature
with little attention beyond ordinary routine
cultivation ; they occupy much less stage-space
and much smaller pots ; they may be successfully
flowered in any ordinary greenhouse, are not
nearly so liable to diseases, and undoubtedly
give a much more generous return in blooms of
a highly decorative value. Mr. Godfrey states
that he sees no hope for the return to popu-
larity of the Japanese or Incurved types of
Chrysanthemums, and the majority of growers
will no doubt agree with him. The day of
the single and decorative Chrysanthemum is with
ns, and will not readily pass away. J. E.
Palmer.

Hosts of the Mistleto. — I have not noticed
that any of your correspondents have referred to
the Mistleto being found on the Hazel. Years
ago — I cannot recollect the date — I found it
growing on Corylus in the Hendre Park,
and referred to the fact in your pages. The
Mistleto thrived for some years, eventually be-
coming a large bush, but subsequently died
owing to rabbits killing the Hazel, while the
ground was covered with snow, by eating the
bark. If my memory serves me rightly, the
late Mr. Rust, while at Eridge Castle Gardens,
referred in the pages of the Gard. Chron. to
having found Mistleto upon the Azalea. The
Mistleto is. I believe, but rarely found growing
in Cornwall — at any rate near the sea — but I
recollect the late Mr. Bacon, when gardener at
Duporth, St. Austell, showing me, with mani-
fest gratification, a plant of Mistleto which he
had induced to grow on an Apple tree. Tlw".
Coomber, The Hendre Gardens, Monmouth.

Snowy or White Fly — The following will be
found an effective remedy for this most trouble-
some pest, if commenced early, either in advance
of, or very soon after, its appearance : — (11
Stand about the house a few saucers containing
formalin (undiluted) to evaporate; set up out
of the reach of domestic animals. (This is a good

method for keeping down the common house fly
in dwelling houses.) (2) Spray the plants with
a solution of formaldehyde, 1 part in 60 or 70 of
water. A third remedy is to use, as a spray,
" thymo-cresol," which is very effective for' the
destruction of this pest. J. S.

The Future of the Potato. — I have read with
considerable interest the articles appearing in
the Gard. Chron., by Mr. Martin H. F. Sutton.
on the Future of the Potato. In 1903, in a
small village in North Staffordshire, almost every
garden was infested with what (at that time)
was almost an unknown Potato disease; this
afterwards proved to be Wart Disease. How-
ever, one of the cottagers had the variety Snow-
drop growing in his garden, and, much to his
surprise and delight, this variety not only pro-
duced good crops, but the tubers were found to
be clean and free from the dreaded disease. As
the villagers had been used to having good crops
of Potatos previous to the disease making its
appearance, they were much dismayed on lifting
their cr'ops to find scarcely anything but masses
of fungus adhering to the tubers. To persons
in humble circumstances, and many with large
families, this meant a considerable loss. Con-
sequently they eagerly purchased seed of the
variety that had proved immune, and in every
instance it proved resistant to the dreaded
disease. I believe I am correct in stating that
this was one of the earliest discoveries made
of the fact that certain varieties would resist
the disease, and much anterior to the date
mentioned by Mr. G. C. Gough. Science had
nothing to do with the discovery ; it was prac-
tical experience. Up to the present time no
cure for the disease has been discovered, but in
all probability practic.nl experiments will, in the
future, find some remedy for this disastrous
malady. J. W. G.

Acacia dealbata and Blue Primroses. — Enor-
mous quantities of flowering sprays of Acacia
dealbata (Mimosa) are sold in florist's shops.
Most, of these flowers come from the Riviera,
and it may be of interest to record that a good
tree is now in flower in one of the gardens
above the famed Rock Walk at Torquay. It is
the finest tree I have noticed in this country
apart from those in the Tresco Abbey gardens,
in the Isles, of Scilly. A friend has brought me
a bunch of single Primroses showing a remark-
aible variety of good, clear colours. The blues
are all good, from pale blue to indigo; one of
tile best is of rich Plum colour, while the reds
fairly vie with florist's forms of Primula
sinensis. These remind one of the double Prim-
roses now so rarely seen. For some reason they
die out in certain gardens, and on this point the
late Mr. A. Perry onlce told me that there is
nothing they like so much as a good piece of
kitchen-garden ground. B. Irwin Lynch,
Torquay.

Desfontainea spinosa (see p. 75). — I was very
pleased to see a note on this plant, which de-
serves to be grown more extensively in this
country. The writer of the article, in common
with a host of other plant lovers, does not be-
lieve that the species can withstand cold winds
and frost. This is a great mistake. The plant
is grown .extensively at Keswick in Cumberland,
where it thrives well and flowers magnificently.
This place, which is supposed to be the wettest
town in England, also gets as much frost as any
district. Yet the best specimen is in St. Oonn s
churchyard, which is about 200 feet above the
lake and 550 feet above sea level. The shrub
is planted in a westerly aspect and is exposed to
the worst winds and storms. It is stunted in
growth, but the wealth of bloom every year is
magnificent. This specimen flowers much better
than plants in sheltered positions, B. B. Hayes,
Ambleside , Westmoreland.

Horticultural Workers' Union (Late B.G.A.)
— T believe it would be a. good thing if gardeners
joined the Horticultural Workers' Union (late
B.G.A.) en masse. As Mr. Hartless suggests,
the employers would then form an association
of their own, and it would be possible to form a
Whitley Council to settle wages and hours.
Our profession is one of the oldest, but. it is flic

lowest paid. The medical profession have not
forgotten to raise their charges. F. G. Wade,
late 1st Suffolks.

Schizostylis coccinea.— The statement made on
p. 143 that " the best method of planting" the
Kaffir Lily " is in clumps " does not accord with
my experience. Immeasurably superior to it,
assuming that the finest spikes are desired, is
that of singling the strongest plants and afford-
ing them correct treatment. Clumps invariably
contain much weakly growth, which, incapable
of flowering, preclude the full development of the
larger plants, whose good flowering, as a conse-
quence, also suffers. Planting this and kindred
subjects in clumps is a method that should have
been banished long ago, since the results accru-
ing therefrom are usually of an indifferent
character, with a meagre floral display. Clump-
planting, too, is one of the drawbacks of having
too much material at disposal — a plague of
cheapness or albundance. A rare and choice
variety is usually treated rationally, so grown,
indeed, that full development of each plant
raised is possible. Clump-planting, on the con-
trary, whether it concerns the subject of this
note, a herbaceous Phlox, Michaelmas Daisy,
Pansy or Montbretia, militates against complete
success, and is no longer tolerated by those whose
desire is to achieve the best results with every-
thing they grow. The way to achieve the best
flowering results with the Kaffir Lily has already
been stated, and if gardeners would but apply
the same method — that of singling the plants —
to the weaker portions, a stock of flowering
plants would soon be raised. Few plants are
more valued for cutting in autumn ; none more
accommodating or amenable to the will of the
ctdtivator. An outstanding cultural error in
connection with it is. that of planting on warm,
sunny borders, at the foot of plant-house walls
and like places. In this connection it should
be remembered that, as a permanent subject for
the open, this South African plant is of prac-
tically little use to the majority of British gar-
deners. Hence the need for cultivating it on
special lines. These, in conjunction with
singling the plants, should include the planting
in rich, cool, or even moist soils, conditions
which the average gardener has not, so far,
sufficiently recognised as all but essential to
complete success. That the plant delights in
such treatment there is no gainsaying, and. as
the time is ripe for planting it out, the moment
is also opportune for those who wish to depart
from the orthodox ways and try the experiment.
B. H. Jenkins.

SOCIETIES.

MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF ENGLAND
ORCHID.

March 5. — Present : Rev. J. Crombleholme-
(in the chair), Messrs. R. Ashworth, D. A.
Cowan, J. C. Cowan, A. Coningsby, J. Cypher,
J. Evans, J. Howes, A. Keeling. J. Lupton, D.
McLeod, J. McNab, W. Shackleton, E. W.
Thompson, J. Thrower, H. Arthur (secretary)
and Mrs. Slingsby (visitor).

Awards.

First-Class Certificates.

Cattleya Lady Bowena var. White Swan, and
Dendrobium Sir Frederick Moore magnificum.
from S. Gratrix, Esq. ; Cypripedium Memoria
F. .V. Ogilvie var. Hex (Pyramus X Curtmanii),
a Gold Medal was also awarded ; and Dendrobium
Findleyanum album, from P. Smith, Esq. ;
Odontioda Bed Cross Braekenhurst var., from
Dr. Craven Moore; and Dendrobium Austinii
Bolhnlt var., from Cftpt. W. Horridge.

Awards of Merit.

Odontoglossum Parsifal, 0. Gipsy Qui

Dendrobium nobile Hercules, D. Melpomene

xplendUsimum. D. Lady Jellicoe (Salteri x

Rolfae). and Lycastt Skinneri ruhella superba,

174

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[April 3, 1920.

■from S. Gratrix, Esq; Odontioda Madeline
Christabel, from Mrs. Slingsby; Cypripedium
SerapMna var. Marcel (Lord Ossulston sera-
phicum x Beckmanii), from the_ Rev. J.
■Crombleholme; Cattleya Sarrisoniana The
Grange var., from Messrs. A. J. Keeling and
■Sons.

Awards of Appreciation.

Odontioda Sir Douglas Haig (Odm. per-
■cultum x Oda. Cooksoniae). from S. Gratrix.
Esq.: and Odontoglossum Pluto, from Col. Sir
John Rutherford, M.P.

Cultural Certificate.

To Mrs. Sltngsby, for Odontioda Madeline
Christabel.

Groups.

S. Gratrix. Esq., Whalley Range (gr. Mr. J.
Howes); Capt. W. Horridge, Bury (gr. Mr.
Coningsby); and Messrs. Cypher and Sons.
'Cheltenham, were each awarded a Silver Medal
for groups.

March 18.— Present : The Rev. J. Cromble-
holme (in the chair), Messrs. R. Ashworth, A.
Burns, A. Coningsby, D. A. Cowan, J. C.
Cowan, J. Cypher, J. Evans. J. Howes, A.
Keeling, D. McLeod, J. McNab, Fred Sandei,
W. Shackleton, E. W. Thompson, and H. Arthur
.(secretary).

Awards.
First-Class Certificates.

Cattleya Cnwanae alba, var. Jeanette, C.
'Trianae alba var. Mary Regina, C. Lady
liowena The Bride, Laelio-t 'attleya Hi arm e
West Point var. (L.-C. callistoglossa x C
Schroderae), and Dendrobium filwesii, from
S. Gratrix, Esq.; Odontoglossum Doris
■majesticum (Ossulstonii X- crispum). and 0.
St. George (eximium x AlexandTae), from P.
Smith, Esq.; Cymbidium Gottianum superbum,
irom the Rev. j. Crombleholme.

Awards of Merit.

Odontoglossum St. Peter (amabile X Rolfeae),
O. Armalnvillierense rar.Mary. O.criipo-Solon,
0. crispum- Rosamund, Laelio-C attleya General
Allrnby (I- -C. Lucasiana x C. Fabia), and
Brasso-Laelio-Cattleya Lua (B.-C. Man- Beat-
rice x L.-C. G. S. Ball), from S. Gratrix.
Esq; Cymbidium Ahxanderi ainabile, from
the Rev. J. Crombleholme; and Odontoglossum
Memoria Nurse Cavell, from Messrs. Sanders.

Awards of Appreciation (First Class).

Odontioda Colinge var. rubra (Coronation X
crispum) and Odontoglossum Laurcntia liloxinum
(Jasper x Olynvpia), from P. Smith. Esq.

Cultural Certificates.
To Mr. J. Howes, for Cattleya Trianar alba
var. Mary Regina ; to Mr. J. Sandwell. for
Cypripedium. Tom Worsley.

Groups.
S. Gratrix. Esq.. Whalley Range (gr. Mr. J.
Howes); T. Worsley, Esq., Haslingden (gr. Mr.
J. Sandwell); and Messrs. Cypher and Sons.
Cheltenham, were awarded Silver Medals for
groups of Orchids.

SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL

Miss Burton presided at the monthly meet-
ing of this Society held on the 2nd ult.

It was unanimously agreed to rescind the
resolution adopted at the annua] business meet-
ing to hold a flower, fruit, vegetable and Potato
exhibition this year, and to abandon the holding
of a show for this year.

Mr. David Armstrong, Kirknewton House
Gardens, Midlothian, read a paper entitled "In
and Around the Garden."

as Assistant Director. He became Director in
1878 and held that post till the end of his official
career. Although Dr. Saccardo's name is asso-
ciated primarily with his systematic work on
Fungi, it will also be remembered both for his
work in the gardens of Padua and his historical
writings on Italian botanists and their work.

Dr. C. Gordon Hewitt. — The death — from
pneumonia following influenza — of Dr. Gordon
Hewitt, at the early age of 55, is a severe loss
to entomological science and to horticulture.
Dr. Hewitt laid the foundations of a high repu-
tation in this country when he conducted in-
vestigations into the habits of the house fly and
also into the life history of the Large Larch
Saw-fly, which was the cause of much damage
among" the Larch plantations of the Manchester
Corporation at Thirlesmere. Educated at tne
University of Manchester, he became the first
lecturer in Economic Entomology at that Uni-
versity. In 1909 he was appointed Entomologist
to the Dominion of Canada, and in his new and
larger sphere added largely to his reputation
as an enthusiastic and accurate investigator.
With these characteristics he combined a sound
judgment, which was displayed in all matters
affecting legislation against dangerous insect
pests. Dr. Hewitt enjoyed the respect and affec-
tion of a large circle of friends and colleagues,
by whom his untimely death is deeply deplored.

©bltuarp.

Dr. P. Andrea Saccardo.— The death is an-
nounced of Dr. Saccardo, who was for so long
associated with the Royal Botanical Gardens,
■"ndua, the service of which he joined in 1866

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Acetylene Refuse : T. S. Spent carbide of
calcium from the generator of an acetylene
lamp or gas plant has a manurial value. It
is, however, too powerful to apply immedi-
ately it is taken from the generator. It should
be placed first in some vacant corner of the
garden, and left until nearly dry: it can then
be applied with advantage to vacant land in
the autumn or spring, and dug into the
ground.

Beans Unsatisfactory: H. W. IT. We can
detect no evidence of organic disease in the
plants, and since the seeds have been kept in
the damp soil they have germinated and made
healthy seedlings. The trouhle is probably
due to wrong cultural treatment. For in-
stance, you may have kept the atmosphere too
close arid damp and the temperature of the
house too low, which alone would be respon-
sible for the failure of the plants. Beans
should be forced in a brisk, warm atmosphere
and the plants should be fully exposed to the
light. A suitable place is a shelf near to the
roof glass, but it would be necessary to water
the plants with extra care and syringe them
in fine weather in such a dry place.

Big Bud Mite : TT. ./. D. Experiments
carried out at Long Ashton suggest that a
mixture consisting of 10 per cent, soap and 5
per cent, crude carbolic acid, will control Big
Bud Mite on Black Currants, if used as a
spray on three occasions, i.e., m December,
January and February. Mr. G. M. Taylor
(see p. '157, March 29,' 1919), states that black
soap and compound quassia extract are botn
fatal to the mite if sprayed on the infested
bushes once a week from the middle or end of
March (according to the mildness of the
weather) until the first week in June.

Blue Hydrangeas : 0. M. Q. It is stated that
sulphate of iron and alum in solution, applied
to the roots, will cause Hydrangea flowers to
develop a blue colour. Ammonia alum ap-
plied copiously twice a week, at a strength of
i oz. in one gallon of water, is said to produce
satisfactory results. The plants should not be
grown in full exposure to sunshine, or the blue
colour will be blotchy.

Digging : Snwker. The amount of land a man
can dig in one day depends upon two things.
i.e.. the kind and condition of the soil, and the
skill and physical fitness of the man. Given
a free-working soil and suitable conditions of
weather, a capable man may dig from 10 roas

to 12 rods per day, but if the soil is very
heavy, 8 rods would constitute a good day's
work. A skilled man should dig a quarter of
an acre of land in from four to six days,
according to circumstances.

Enkianthus campanulatus : H. A note on
this plant was published in Gard. Chron..
August 23, 1913, p. 132.

Ferns from Spores : II'. B. The propagation
of the common kinds of exotic ferns from
spores presents no great difficulty. A warm
house is essential, such as a stove or close pit,
but a moist atmosphere is as essential as
warmth. The spores should be sown on the sur-
face of carefully-levelled, sterilised soil, in pans
or pots; the soil should be moist when sowing
is done and the pans should be at once covered
with sheets of glass and shaded with paper.
Germination is frequently rapid, and at first
the soil is covered with the green prothallia,
on which later the tiny, primary fronds
appear. Soon after the latter stage is reached
the sporelings should be pricked off
into pans of soil, to be subsequently potted in
small pots.

Gardening Encyclopaedia : O. M. Q. The
most important horticultural encyclopaedias,
including Nicholson's Dictionary of Garaen-
ing, are out of print. The new American
Standard Cyclopaedia of Horticulture, in six
volumes, published by Macmillan, is a reliable
and exhaustive work on horticulture, but the
cultural matter is written from the American
growers' point of view. The new edition of
Johnson's Gardener's Dictionary, published
by Routledge, might be suitable for your
purpose.

Medicinal Herbs : II'. IT. WTrite to Mrs.
Grieve, School of Medicinal Herb Growing.
Chalfont St. Peters, Buckinghamshire.

Names of Plants : F. V. H. The White Heath
is Erica arborea, and the pink one E.
mediterranea hybrida. Both these plants
are propagated by layering. The other
plant is Prunus Davidiana var. alba.
—Hafodunos. (1) Rhododendron Thom-
sonii, very near the type, but paler in
colour ; (2] R. fuigens ; (3) R Campbelliae ;
(4) R. campanulatum var. Wallichii; (5) R.
campanulatum: (6 and 7) R. arboreum x
campanulatum. These two are interesting,
showing great diversity of foliage, but very
near in colour and shape of flowers. — Vim.
A Dog's Tooth Violet ; species not recognised ,
hut probaibly Erythronium Dens Canis. —
Reader. Sequoia sempervirens. — H. T . Brun
felsia pauciflora. — II'. .1/. The long leaf is
Curculigo recurvata ; the blue flower is Brun-
felsia pauciflora. — B. and. II'. Pernettya
mucronata. — G. B. 1, Rhododendron dauricum
var. atrovirens ; 2, Leucothoe Catesbaei ; 3,
Prunus cerasifera var. — G. C. Saxifraga
oppositifolia.

Peach Leaves Dropping ; W. II". The margins
of the leaves are shrivelled and the tissue at
that part dead, pointing to some check to the
tree, caused, most probably, by improper
watering of the roots, which may have received
either an excess or insufficiency of moisture.

Tomato Plants : /. H. C . The disease is
known as damping off, and is caused by a
fungus. The plants have 'been kept too damp
and in a close atmosphere. Stand the seed-
pan on a dry shelf near the roof-glass.

Tkicholaen.a and Tellima : T J. H. Tri-
cholaena is a genus of Gramineae, or grass
family, and is now included in Panicum
Several species are in cultivation. Tellima
belongs to the Saxifrageae. The only specie^
in cultivation is T. grandiflora, a handsome
perennial, with palmately-lobed leaves and
bearing greenish flowers in April.

Communications Received— R. C. H.— \Y. J. T.—

It. S. S.— W. M.— 0, H -s i -S. C. T.-5I. B-

A. S.— H. H. 31.— s. L.— A. B— It. W. T.— C T.—
J. H.

Aphil 10, 1920. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

175

THE

(&avbmtx% €hvanidt

No. 1737.— SAT USD AX, APRIL 10, 1920.

CONTENTS,

Acacia deaUiata

185

Obituary —

Ammonia, effect of, on

Bartlett, Edmund..

186

wireworms

176

Downie, 3lrs.

186

Apple Alfriston

]86

Peeters, Augustin

Beans, runner. .

182

Andre

186

Books, notices oi' —

Onion Fly maggot

185

Fossil Plants

177

Orchid notes and glean-

Calceolarias, herbace-

ings— ■

ous

181

Cymbidium Diana

Celsias lor the flower

var. concolor

1B3

border

170

Cynorchis

183

Chrysanthemums,

Odontocidium Epi-

choice, in France . .

170

phorum . .

183

Chrysanthemum, Jap-

Pleione Pricci

183

anese, the future of

Spathoglottis

183

the

185

Paeonia Delavayii

185

Cultural memoranda —

Peaches, disbudding

Propagation by cut-

and thinning

182

tings

177

Potato spraying

182

Easter holidays, the ..

176

Potato crops and leaf

Egypt, Cotton cultiva-

curl of Potatos

170

tion in

176

Plants, new or note-

"Gardeners' Chronicle"

worthy-

seventy-five years

Clematis Pavoliniana

177

ago

176

Speed limit in the

Irises, hybridising

Royal parks

170

bearded

181

Sugar Beet industry

Larch canker

175

in England

170

" L 'Horticulture Fran-

Trade notes

186

chise "

176

Trees and shrubs —

Lilies in 1910

180

Birch, the

183

Linarias

184

Camellia reticulata

183

Mistleto, hosts of the

1S5

Loropetalum chinense

183

National Union of Horti-

Tulips of Florence, the

181

cultural Workers . .

185

Week's work, the 178

,179

ILLUSTR

ATIONS.

Celsia cretica

17'1

Clematis Pavoliniana

177

Lily, a new Chinese fFarrer's >

O. 3161 .' " . ISO (t 18

Peach shoot disbudded

1*2

Peeters, Augnstin Andre

186

Pleione Pricci

183

Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week
deduced from observations during the last fifty
years at Greenwich, 46.17°

Actual Temperature: —

Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street,
Covent Garden, London, Wednesday, April 7, 1920,
10 a..m. : Bar. 29.75, temp. 57°. Weather— Bright.

For nearly one hundred
Larch years after its introduction

Canker. i"nto this country, the

Common Larch was planted
generally only as an ornamental tree, and it
was not until 1730 that, owing to the enter-
prise of successive Dukes of Atholl, it 'was
planted extensively for timber production.
As its qualities 'became better known, the
Larch was more and more planted, and it
became one of the chief hopes of British
forestry. But in course of time its one
frailty — susceptibility to disease — became more
and more apparent until, at the present time,
it looks as though the experience of German
foresters would be confirmed and the Larch
would cease to be planted generally except
in company with other trees. Of the dis-
eases to which the Laroh is subject. Larch
Canker is perhaps the 'most serious, although
the various heart-rots which attack this tree
also do severe damage. So long ago as
1859 the Rev. M. J. Berkeley published in
these pages his discovery and diagnosis of
Larch Canker, and his description deserves
to be read to-day as a model of penetrating
and accurate diagnosis. Continental writers
— Willkomm, 1867; Hertig, 1880; and
others, have made further contributions to
our knowledge of Larch Canker, and have
demonstrated that, as Berkeley stated, the
Canker is due to a fungus, and they have
named it Dasyscypha calycina, in lieu of
Berkeley's name of Peziza calycina. They
have also shown that it is probably a wound
parasite, and yet, in spite of the attention
which it has received at the hands of prac-
tical foresters and mycologists, the fungus is

now so widely spread that there is scarcely
a plantation which is free from it.

In these distressing and ominous circum-
stances Mr. Hiley has devoted himself during
the past few years to a comprehensive in-
vestigation of Canker and other fungous dis-
eases of the Larch with the object of dis-
covering means of, at all events, mitigating
the eviis wrought by them. The results of
his researches are now published' in book
form* and there is no one who is at pains
to read what is in fact a masterly present-
ment of a most difficult subject but will
congratulate Mr. Hiley and the Oxford
School of Forestry on the excellence of the
work. - It is clearly and simply written,
direct, without dogmatism, and the subject
is treated in so philosophical a spirit as to
make this book an introduction to the study
of fungous diseases, which we can commend
wholeheartedly to every gardener and fruit-
grower as well as to foresters in general.
Since Larch Canker is not one of those dis-
eases which a tree must " take " if the
pathogenic agent is present, but rather a
disease which depends for its success on the
external environment, and consequently on
the state of health and vigour of the tree,
Mr. Hiley has found himself obliged to pay
special attention to the predisposing condi-
tions and to the phases of the grim struggle
which goes on between the Canker and tin-
tree which it attacks : for in the investiga-
tion of these conditions and of that struggle
lies the best hope of discovering methods of
growing Larch in plantations •which will'
favour the tree in its struggle against the
Canker- fungus.

In pursuit of this enquiry Mr. Hiley has
reached the conclusion that one of the most
general modes of entrance of the fungus is
through the dead lateral branches. In sup-
port of this view — which has been put for-
ward independently by Mr. A. C. Forbes
(see Gardeners' Chronicle, Nov. 15, 1902,
and Feb. 13, 1915) and by Mr. P. V. Laidlaw
— the author points out that Canker may
often be found at the part of the trunk cor-
responding to the insertion of a branch. Fur-
thermore, as the age of Cankers testifies,
thev occur oftenest when the tree is from
two" to eight years old, and it is between
these years that the small branches at the
base of the trunk naturally, die.

The mode of entrance of the fungus is
interesting. Having obtained access to the
dead branches, Dasyscypha calycina is able
to excrete a poison which kills the tissues
in its neighbourhood ; into those tissues it
is then free to enter. The tree responds to
the menace bv putting on a defensive armour
of cork. If the corky sheath is completed in
time the parasite is cut off from the deeper
and more vital tissues — as a pearl is cut off
from the oyster— but if not then the fungus
gradually penetrates into the bast and
cambium. Once there, it proceeds by the
'method of poisoning previous to invasion,
and, as a consequence, the cambium not \et
invaded is unable to develop normal wood
and that, of course, which is invaded is
destroyed and able to develop no wood at
all. Since, moreover, the activity of the
fungus is greatest between one season's
growth and the next and since the unaffected
cambium makes more wood than in an
affected tree, three results follow : (1)
that a flat concave depression is found on
the destroyed side — this is a Canker ; (2)
the successive wood layers at the edge ot
the Canker tend to overlap or underlap one
another; (3) the bole of the tree often takes

* The Fiingal Diseases of the Common Larch, li\
W. B. Hit. v. MA. School of Forestry, Oxford.
Clarendon Press. Prioe 12s. 6d. net.

on a bulge at the level of a Canker and!
in the side opposite thereto.

On Mr. Hiley's theory it should be pos-
sible, as tlxe author paints out, to check the
formation of Cankers by removing the lower
branches of trees before they die. Since it
is part of the theory that the fungus must
gain access to the dead before it is able to
attack the quick tissues, it follows that if
branches are cut off near the trunk, clean
wounds will not be a source of danger, and
this fact appears to be borne cut by experi-
ence in Bagley Wood, where Larches grow
as nurses to Deodars, and where the side
branches of the Larches were pruned the
trees failed to contract Canker.

In view of the devastation caused by the
disease, it is difficult to believe that the cost
of cutting off side branches would not be
more than met by the increased value of the
timber, but although that be the most im-
portant point for the practical forester, it
need not be considered here.

There remain, however, to be taken into
account the conditions under which Larch
is planted : for an unfavourable condition
bv reducing the vigour of the tree mav check
its power of walling itself in by corky layers
and hence lay it open to attack by the-
disease.

Planted in relatively low ground, the
Larch, which breaks into leaf early, may be
more liable to checks from spring- frosts
than is the case when it grows in a more
Alpine situation. Nevertheless, as the author
points out, Larch is by no means free from
Canker in its native habitat, and he records;
cases at 5,000 feet in the South Tyrol where
Canker is common.

Soil conditions are perhaps even more im-
portant, for Larch is remarkable in its rapid
growth. In youth it is a surface rooter and
in maturity a deep-rooted tree. Hence
poorly aerated ground will check its early
growth, and ground uncultivated to a suffi-
cient depth will be unfavourable to its
maturer years.

The frequently greater success of Larch
in mixed woods is, as Forbes has observed,
probablv due to the soil preparation affected
by deep-rooting companions of the Larch.

In gardening parlance we Imay declare-
that if Larch can be kept growing without
a check it will grow away from disease, but—
and there is the rub — it is apparently im-
possible to tell in advance whether a soil
will or will not suit Laich, although it is
stated that a soil that will grow Birch will
grow Larch.

It is interesting to note that the resistance-
of Japanese Larch to Canker does not appear
to be due to an actual immunity such as
that possessed by certain varieties of Potato
to Wart Disease, and it is also interesting
to learn by inference, from the book how
little appears to be the amount of investiga-
tion which has been made into the varietal
peculiarities of Larch. It is possibly in this
latter direction that the means of combatting
the disease may foe found, although in tli.it
case the outlook for owners of Laroh plan-
tations is not very bright. We trust that
this record of investigation will not mark tin-
end of Mr. Hiley's search for preventive
measures calculated to aid the Larch in re-
sisting disease. It is an admirable begin-
ning and doubtless the Forestry Commission
will see to it that means are provided for the
continuation of these investigations until a
complete solution of the problem is reached.

Change in the Price of the Gardeners'
Chronicle."— Tin- change in price of the Gard.
Chron., from 4d. to 61I.. as announced in pre
ceding issues, commeni es with the present
number. As already pointed out, the change-

176

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[April 10. 1920.

is entirely due to the greatly enhanced costs oi
production, and particularly of paper and
printing.

Lecture on Narcissus Disease. — A lecture
entitled " Further Investigations in Narcissus
Disease " will be delivered by Mr. J . K. Rams-
bottom on the evening of the 13th inst. in the
lecture room of the Royal Horticultural Society's
Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster. At the
R.H.S. fortnightly meeting held on the same
day a competitive Daffodil show will be held.
The lecture will 'be preceded by a dinner under
the auspices of the Horticultural Club to which
non-members are invited. The dinner will com-
mence at 6.30 p.m. and the lecture, which will
be illustrated by lantern slides, will be given at
7.45 p.m. Those wishing to be .present at the
dinner, the cost of which is 7s. 6d., are requested
to communicate with Mr. G. F. Tinley, Hon.
Secretarv of the Horticultural Club, 41, Welling-
ton Street, Strand, W.C.2.

Honours for Horticulturists. — Botanists and
horticulturists alike will be delighted to learn
that Prof. Isaac Bayley Balfour, Professor of
Botany, University of Edinburgh, and Regius
Keeper of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edin-
burgh, has received the honour of a Knight
Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
A similar honour has been granted to W. W.
Berry, Esq., a. member of the Agricultural
Advisory Council; S. F. Harmer, Esq., F.R.S.,
Director of the Natural History Department of
the British Museum ; and Lawrence Weaver,
Esq., Commercial Secretary to the Board of
Agriculture. The honour of C.B.E., has been
granted to R. R. Rabbins, Esq., J. P., a well-
"known market gardener in Middlesex and a, pro-
minent member of the Agricultural Wages Board.
The honour of Officer of' the Order of the British
Empire has been conferred upon Major H. C.
Corlette, Food Production Department, Ministry
of Agriculture; W. G. Lobioit, Esq., Vice-presi-
dent of the Chamber of Horticulture, a clever
market gardener at Hounslow, who has under-
taken special work in connection with War
Pensions; and Lieut, de Barri Orawshay,
Sevenoaks, who acted as Red Cross Trans-
port Officer during the war.

Value of Wild White Clover for Pastures.—
Wild White Clover is indigenous on grass lands
throughout this country, being found on the
best fattening pastures and frequently on quite
poor types of grass land. If present on a field,
-even in minute quantities, it responds freely to
basic slag and rapidly increases iri amount
under the influence of this manure. The great
value of wild White Clover in the formation of
pastures is due largely to the rapidity with
which it forms a sward, and thus keeps down
weeds; to its 'beneficial effect on the
grasses associated with it; andl on the fertility
-of the land for subsequent arable crops when
the turf is broken and the residues are ploughed
in. Seed of wild White Clover should be in-
cluded in all mixtures for leys of three or
■more years' duration ; it hastens the develop-
ment of a close base, encourages Rough-stalked
Meadow Grass — a nutritious plant which re-
mains green throughout the winter — keeps down
weeds, and makes for fertility. The results
-of experiments reported from the North Wales
University College show that wild White Clover
"is superior to White Dutch Clover.

Speed Limit in the Royal Parks. — In reply to
a question in the House of Commons. Sir A.
Mond, the First Commissioner of Works, said
that the speed limit of 12 miles per hour for
vehicles was imposed in 1910. The desirability
of abolishing it had been carefully considered,
and the regulation has been withdrawn. The
ordinary speed restrictions now applied and
would be strictly enforced in all the Royal Parks.

Potato Crops and Leaf Curl of Potatos.—
Although from ten to fourteen tons of Potatos
per acre is no uncommon crop in various parts
of the country, the average return is only six.
To some extent this wide variation is due to
.climatic and manurial influences, but in many
•cases light crops are due to the use of inferior
iseed. It is only natural that such seed should
.grow slowly and develop spindly sprouts and
•dwarf plants. For the grower who makes use

of obviously diseased and blemished seed there
is no excuse, but it is unfortunately impossible
to detect seed affected by the malady known as
"Potato Leaf Curi," one of the "deteriora-
tion " Potato diseases, which can seriously
reduce the crop. This complaint is more
common in the drier and wanner parts of the
country and is specially prevalent where mature
seed, obtained from fully ripened plants, is
used. As the malady is hereditary, it is of the
utmost importance to avoid sowing seed from
dwarfed plants, or even from healthy-looking
plants in plots or fields in which the Potato
leaf curl is common. Where immature Potatos
are used for seed each year, the trouble is prac-
tically never seen. Growers will find that the
planting of good seed Potatos, obtained from
the more northerly parts of the country, will
constitute the best insurance against the occur-
rence of Leaf Curl in their crops. This subject
is fully dealt with in the Ministry of Agricul-
ture's leaflet, No. 164.

L Horticulture Francaise. — This excellent
French trade journal, after a. period of inaction
due to war troubles, has been revived. We
have received an issue for each of the months
January, February a,nd March, 1920. British
nurserymen interested in continental horticul-
ture and commerce will find our contemporary
full of information, well edited and conducted.

Effect of Ammonia on Wireworms. — Certain
observations at the Rothamsted Experimental
Station have shown that ammonia (not. sulphate
of ammonia, but the base itself), is distinctly
harmful to wireworms. This substance is pro-
duced in soils where liquid manure is applied
and where sheep are folded on the land. It
may be pointed out that there is no evidence
that ammonia is liberated from organic manures
;n sufficient quantity at any one time to injure
wireworms, and hi no case is the material as
unstable as urea, which is present hi the ex-
cretions at sheep and in liquid manure.

Choice Chrysanthemums in France. — In the
current number of Le Chrysanthime we see that
the Paris Chrysanthemum Committee has made
a special recommendation of those Chrysanthe-
mums which have been most appreciated in the
last season's exhibits, or have been a success
amongst the French growers. They are .Mrs.
Gilbert Drabble, Mrs. R. C. Pulling, Capt. Fox,
Mr-. .1. Gibson, Undaunted, and Queen Mary.
We may well enquire where are the French
novelties? Evidently M. Ph. Rivoire's recent
lament was well founded. We notice, also, in
the same issue, that M. Reiser is compiling a
Catalogue of all new Chrysanthemums put into
commerce between 1914 and 1920. The Official
Catalogue of the French Chrysanthemum Society
is something like that of its English prototype-
somewhat out of date. The membership of the
French Society seems to be improving gradu-
ally ; it now numbers 664.

Cotton Cultivation in Egypt. — Apparently the
irrigated area in Egypt does not suffice for the
increased production of Cotton required to meet
the present great demand, consequently there is
a tendency on the part of certain growers to
destroy their cereal crops in order to plant
Cotton and so obtain a share of the current
prices, which are almost tenfold those obtain-
ing in 1914. Needless to say, owing to the need
of increased food production, strong measures
are being taken to frustrate these attempts.

The Easter Holidays.— The keen appreciation
by tin- public of parks and open spaces under
municipal or Government cunt ml is always
strongly evidenced at Easter and other public
holidays. This Easter, despite the fact that the
sky was clouded and showers threatened at any
moment, such places as Kew Gardens, Hampton
Court, Epping Forest and Hampstead Heath
were visited by enormous numbers of people.
Hyde Park, Batteisea Park and other parks olf
the metropolis were filled with happy holiday
folk, and in this precocious season there were
plenty of early flowers for them to enjoy, whilst
few could remember the treesand shrubs being so
far advanced in growth at a similarly early date.
The development of public parks and gardens is
a sign of the times, and it is recognised that
they provide one of the finest amenities to any
large town. It is to be hoped that the many

public places of this nature still occupied by
the military will speedily he handed back for
their legitimate purposes, as, apart from the in-
congruous appearance of the temporary build-
ings, the space occupied' by them is consider-
able, preventing the people from enjoying the
parks to the full, whilst hindering the park
authorities in their work. The countryside was
very beautiful during Easter, as it always is in
early spring, and the easy facilities for road
travelling by bicycle and motorcar temptedmany
thousands of city workers to visit unfrequented
lanes and by-way9, where they could enjoy the
beauties of Nature far from the madding
crowd. The outskirts of towns and villages
were alive with busy workers on gardens and
allotments, and it seems as though the habit
of gardening, learned by many for the first time
in the strenuous years of war, will long continue
as a peace hobby, for there seems very little
slackening of interest in allotment gardening
generally. The time seems opportune to
strengthen the existing legislation regarding
allotments. In many places the present Act re-
garding permanent allotments is unworkable,
partly because of apathetic councils, or of the
high cost of purchase or lease, or of a fear of
stopping the development of land for building
purposes.

[Hampton Court Vine. — Those who wish to see
the famous Great Vine at Hampton Court must
in future pay a fee of one penny. This is not
altogether an innovation, but in a measure a
return to a former state of affairs, for some
time up to 1882, during the reign of Queen
Victoria, a similar charge was made, though in
this case the proceeds went to the keeper of the
Priory Gardens.

Allotments at Merton. Surrey.— All the
available portion of the Whitley Estate has now-
been laid out as allotments and •'over-sub-
scribed " for. The demand was so great that it
was considered necessary to sub-divide a
number of original ten-rod plots, so as to satisfy
a3 large a number of applicants as possible. It
has been decided to charge a rent of eighteen-
pence per rod for the first twelve months, but
this does not include the provision of a water
supply. The fortunate applicants will be given
possession of their plots almost immediately, so
that they may raise summer crops cf vegetables
this year.

Chamber of Horticulture.— The offices of the
Chamber of Horticulture have been removed from
11, Adam St., Adelphi, W.C.2, and are now
situate at 18, Bedford Square, W.C.I, where all
future communications should be addressed.
Telephone number and telegraphic address will
be advised later.

"The Gardeners' Chronicle " Seventy-Five
Years Ago : Cheaper Glass. It has been the
misfortune oi the glass manufacturers to have
had a very injudicious advocate in Mr. Spooner,
and to his ill-advised speech last Monday in
the House of Commons on the import duties, the
alarm that has sprung up is, we think, to be
traced. The honourable member for Birming-
ham begged the House not to diminish the
import duties on glass for one year. " He was
satisfied"— we quote from the Times— -" that
the right honourable gentleman was giving a
great boon to the manufacturers and to the
public ; but by acting precipitately they wottld
destroy that boon, and introduce a large quantity
oi bad glass at a very low price." So that,
according to Mr. Spooner, the object of the re-
peal of the glass duties is, in the first instance,
to benefit the manufacturer, and after that to do
something for the public. But then he would
not let that something be in the form of very
low price glass for fear it should be of bad
quality; from which it would seem that the
advantage Mr. Spooner would permit us to enjoy
is that'of buying glass of excellent quality at
a high price. But we caimot believe these are
the sentiments of the glass manufacturers. On
the contrary, we have some reason to believe that
the tariff of prices agreed to by them after the
important decision of the House of Commons
that the amount, of import duty should be
immediately reduced to l*d. per lb. on window-
glass, will 'be a fair one. Card. Citron., Aj'ril
12, 1845.

April 10, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

\i:

CULTURAL MEMORANDA.

NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

PROPAGATION BY CUTTINGS.

Mr. Irwin Lynch has added further interest
to the subject of propagation by his note on
p. 143, while affording a valuable hint by his
reference to the influence of restricted growth
in the case of certain plants. Mr. Lynch
rightly states, too, that these and like points
must be known to nursery propagators, though
they do not get into print. One of the most
successful of such men that I have ever known
was Mr. T. Brown, who fifty years ago was in-
door foreman to Robert Parker at Tooting.
Doubtless Mr. Lynch knew him well. He was
of the old school of propagators, and, living at
a time when New Holland and other
hard-wooded plants were popular greenhouse
subjects, had problems to solve that do
not ari?e in modern plant propagation.
Brown was particularly successful with. Iponioea
Horsfalliae, and it will interest Mr. Lynch to
know that the stock plants from which cuttings
were taken were grown on the restricted plan.
That is to say, the plants were grown in pots
of 12 inches diameter, standing on the green-
house stage, the growths trained along the
purlin near the glass. Here, in conjunction with
a moderately low temperature, meagre growth re-
sulted; yet it was always to these plants that
Brown resorted for his cuttings, while ignoring
those developed on the planted-out specimens in
a warmer structure. But the cool, hardily-grown
cuttings of restricted growth were alwavs taken
to the warmer house to lie rooted, and the
measure of success certainly justified the means
adppted. Dipladenias were treated on similar
lines, and in fact the system was applied to a
variety of subjects.

Most gardeners realise how futile it is
to use, for propagating purposes, cuttings of
gross or unusually vigorous growth. In all
probability employing the internodal cutting will
solve not a few problems in the case of the more
difficult subjects and prove a time-saving method
also.

Among hardy plants, too, there are cert :i in
subjects which cannot be rooted in anv hap-
hazard sort of way. Eor example, I have known
a whole framefnl of heel cuttings, the product of
the flowering stems of Lychnis vespertina fl. pi.,
to he inserted and accorded cold-frame treatment
without one of them rooting, while every basal
cutting stripped off by the heel in spring and
inserted without further trouble will root in a
month, rather less if placed in a dung frame
with slight warmth. No hardy plant— save
Onosma probably— gave the propagator more
trouble than this Lychnis, and it must be
approximately 30 years since the late Rev.
Woolley Dod thanked me, on behalf of hardy
plant growers, for divulging the "secret lii
Hard. Chron.

In these pages, too, I gave, several
years ago, the particulars of how to increase the
Onosmas from cuttings— most desirable rock
garden subjects, the propagation of which had
h:irtled almost everybody. The "secret " again
was the heel cutting, which, as I told the Wisley
students in an address on New Year's Day last,
is the key to solving the problem of propagating
all herbaceous and alpine plants having hollow
stems.
_ Probably very few growers have rooted cut-
tings of On:phalodes Luciliae. I rooted my first
hatch of the plant in the spring of 1875, 'every
shoot striking, heel cuttings 'being employed".
For such things the "heel" is essential;' for
many others it is most helpful. An experience
with Euphorbia Myrsinites may be interesting.
Tap-growth cuttings callused, grew and remained
healthy for upwards of a yean-, but never rooted,
while three-inch long basal cuttings taken with a
heel rooted in less than a month when planted
beside them a year later in the same frame. In
like manner heel cuttings of the tropical E.
jacquinaenora are infinitely superior and
quicker rooting than those of any other type
practically 100 per cent, of the former striking.
Formerly I rooted the plant by the hundreds
and in every instance only heel cuttings were
employed. E. 11. Jenkins.

CLEMATIS PAVOLINIANA.

The plant shown in the accompanying illus-
tration (Fig. 75) gained an Award of Merit at
the Royal Horticultural Society's meeting on
Tuesday, March 23, as C. Meyeniiana. It has
been variously considered to be a variety of C.
Meyeniana Warp, or a distinct species under thfl
name of C. Pavoliniana. True Clematis Meyen-
iana* was first described in 1843 from specimens
gathered by Meyen, on the north-west coast of
Lantao Island, near Hong-Kong. Although speci-
mens from many other and far distant parts of
China were subsequently added, which appar
ently extended the distribution of the species,

Fig. 75. — clematis pavoliniana.

R.H.S. A.wnrd of Merit, .Alarcli 23, 11120,

as C. Meyeniana (see p. 160).

it is probable that the typical form of it does
not occur further north than the extreme south
of Yunnan. 'A northern representative of C.
Meyeniana is C. Pavoliniana, Pampanini. which
is found in a broad belt of China from Szechuan
to Chekiang and Fokien. True C. Meyeniana
was figured in 1903 in the Hot. Mag., 1. 7897. us
chief characteristics h-ing its large panicle or
thyrse of numerous flowers, with the sepals
about as long as the stamens. C. Pavoliniana.
on the other hand, has few-flowered in-
florescences, often only three, and rarely more
than seven flowers to each, whilst the sepals are
distinctly longer than the stamens. A figure of
this species appeared in th,9 Hot, Mat/, in April
1916, t. 8655. .1. II.

• Bee Knr Bulletin, 1916,

Conifers and their Earliest History.

Many volumes dealing with the living Coni-
fers have been published, but in Professor
Seward's Fossil Plants, Vol. IV.*, for the
first time we get anything approaching a. full
record of the known groups and their complete
history.

The modern botanist and the gardener may
■be surprised to discover how comparatively few
of the total of over 500 pages of text are
allotted to the forms still alive. The greater
part of the Gymnospeiims are extinct, and thus
fossils which range in age from the Upper
Devonian to the Tertiary bulk largely in this
history.

Although the ancient history of the group
may add nothing to the gardener's knowledge
of how to keep alive his rare and sensitive
Conifers, it should add greatly to the interest
with which he views them. Often the gardener
is to-day consciously repeating what nature was
doing some millions of years ago. For in-
stance, such genera, with restricted areas in
which they are native, as Ginkgo, Cryptomeria
and Sequoia (the first two with only one species
each, the third with but two) are to-day planted
and cared for, and thus acclimatised in this
country, although they come respectively from
the Far East and from North America. But
in the Tertiary epochs and in the Cretaceous
(however wide' the margin one allows for the
uncertainty of geological age, this cannot be
less than four or five million years ago), these
genera grew as native and uncultivated forest
trees in the area which is now Great Britain.

Such facts as these may well give rise to in-
teresting speculations as to the reasons for the
extinction and transmigration of genera from
one continent to another, and which permit
a species or genus of once almost world-wide
distribution to shrink until it is native only in
a small and restricted area, until, as in the
present day, man inteiferes with Nature's un-
aided arrangement of life and widely rehabili-
tates a. group which had almost lost its hold
on this earth.

Professor Seward's 'book is planned primarily
for the scientific student, and illustrates the in-
ternal anatomy and microscopic structure both
of the modern" plants and of those parts of the
fossil representatives which are available; but
throughout the l»ok, i Illustrating the recent
forms, are photographs of parts of the plant or
of interesting groups of growing individuals
which should appeal to lovers of existing trees.

For those of a controversial bent of mind, the
discussion over the origin of the Abietineae
should afford a very interesting opportunity fur
debate. The evidence given in this book by
Professor Seward is sufficient to convert anyone
with an open mind to the original and well-estab-
lished views that the Abietineae have arisen
more recently than the Araucarineae.

Professor Seward (p. 162) says : " The deter-
mination of fossil Conifers is one of the most
difficult tasks of the Palaeobotanist." As he
then most interestingly demonstiates. this is
largely due to the way in which the small
leaved Conifers externally resemble each other,
although belonging to widely different genera;
while sometimes even Angiosperms simulate
Coniferous twigs. An entertaining exercise
might well be devised for those who handle the
living plants to show how deceptively the differ
ent genera simulate each other when only a
small portion of foliage twig is available ns
evidence. The need for a minute knowledge of
the internal anatomy of the groups then becomes
apparent, and in this book such data are for the
first time made readily available, and we get
a comprehensive view' of the entire group oif
Conifers from the date of their origin in the
very remote past up to the present day.

'We can heartily recommend this volume to
the attention of those who take r serious in-
terest in plant history in general and Conifers in
particular.

* Fimil Plunt-: A Trjct-Bmd- <:r Slmltul, .,/ «-.(«»,-;

and asoloiiij, i,v A, 0 Bewnrd. Volume l\. Gink

Jen Oonifernfes, GBetales; with 190 illustrations.

Cambridge Universitj Press, J919 Demy 8to Pp. xvi.,
Ml Price t'l 1«. o''1

178

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Apiul 10. 1920.

The Week's Work.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By F. Joedan. Gardener to Lieut.-Col. Spender Clai,
M.P., Ford Manor, Ling-field, Surrey.
Thinning the Fruits. — This operation has an
important bearing on the size and colour of tha
fruits; when colour is imperfect the quality is
generally second-rate. Overcropping in the case
of such fruits as Grapes, Peaches, Melons and
Figs results in small, flavourless fruits deficient
in colour, whilst it is the most frequent cause
of the dropping of Peaches at stoning tune and
after. Bad culture is in some cases the reason
why forced Fig trees cast their fruits, but over
cropping is more often the cause. The fruits
enumerated above all need to be thinned
judiciously, and moderate cropping will also pre-
serve the health and vigour of the trees. Post_
ponement of the work will result in a waste of
the tree's energies, but, on the other hand, very
light cropping is equally bad in the case of
vigorous trees. Those with long experience know
the value of early and careful thinning ; it is the
young beginner who is afraid to sacrifice, some of
the crop.

Cucumbers The spring-sown plants will soon

be in full bearing, and they require attention
every other dav in pinching and tying
the shoots and thinning the fruits. Nothing
is more injurious to the crop than to
neglect to regulate and thin the young
shoots and remove all crooked and other
surplus fruits as this becomes necessary. More
moisture and frequent light top-dressings of rich,
warm compost will be necessary for the roots
as the davs lengthen and the sun increases in
power. As the weather improves, pits or frames
intended for Cucumbers should be cleansed and
made ready for the reception of the plants.
In the meantime, sow fresh seeds in small pots
to have young plants in readiness when required.

Strawberries.— As soon as the berries have been
picked, select clean, healthy plants and remove
them to a cool house or other place of shelter.
If this is done and careful attention is given
to watering the root's until such time as the
plants get hardened, they may be planted oul
to fruit next season. Attend to the thinning 61
the berries and feeding of the roots of succes-
sions! plants. Support the trusses of fruits to
prevent them becoming injured and keep them
clear of manure water Pay regular attention
to watering, especially on bright days with
drying winds, or the plants will soon suffer.
Keep a sharp watch for green -fly on the latest
plants set out in frames, as aphides soon injure
the fruits,

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By T W Briscoe. Gardener to W. R. Lisaqht. Esq..
CaBtleford, Chepstow.
Dendrobium.— The spring-flowering Dendxo-
biums include D. nobile, D. Wardianum, D.
aureum and a host of useful hybrids; at this
season manv have finished flowering, and are
in a fit condition for repotting or top-dressing.
In many establishments a house or division is set
apart for Dendrobiums. and, where a general
collection of Orchids is grown, the practice
is to he recommended, for Schomburgkia.
Catasetum, Mormodes, Thunia, and Cycnoclies
will succeed in the same structure. If such
quarters are not available the plants may I a
placed in a warm house or ordinary plant stove
during their period of active growth.

Repotting Dendrobiums. — The work of re-
potting or top-dressing Dendrobiums may be
done when the new growths are two or three
inches long, and roots appear at their bases. It
will be noticed that all the plants will not be
ready for fresh soil at the same time, therefore
it is advisable to make an examination weekly
until the whole batch has received attention.
Strong, healthy examples may be repotted with-
out disturbance at the roots, breaking the pot or
pan if necessary, and providing another recep-

tacle two sizes larger. Other plants, particu-
larly those with a large number of back pseudo-
bulbs and showing signs of deterioration will
need more attention. In all probability the
soil will be in a sour, exhausted condition, and
the roots decayed. Such plants should be turned
out of their pots, the soil removed, dead roots
cut away, and the number of back pseudo-bulbs
reduced to two or three behind each growing
point. As a rule, a much smaller pot will
accommodate these plants. If it is decided to
grow these Orchids on the stage, ordinary flower-
pots prove the most useful receptacles, but for
suspending from the roof rafters, pans shotdd be
chosen and a wire handle fixed before the plants
are placed therein. Both the pots and pans
should be clean and half-filled with broken pot-
sherds for drainage.

Compost for Dendrobiums. — The rooting
medium should consist of Osmunda or Al fibre
and chopped Sphagnum moss in equal parts;
cut the fibre into moderately fine portions, and
remove the dust by means of a coarse sieve.
Add a generous sprinkling of finely crushed
crocks. In repotting make the soil firm, and
afrrange it on a level with the rim of the pot.
See that the pseudo-bulbs are secure in the pan,
and, if necessary, tie them to the wires of the
pans, or to neat, thin stakes. A few plants
will probably not need repotting for another
year, while a top dressing will suffice for others.
The latter is a practice that I do not recom-
mend on a large scale, but there are a few in-
stances where it is beneficial, especially for those
Or. bids that do nut recover quickly after being
disturbed at the roots.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By H. Wheeler, Gardener to Mrs. Jennie, Wenvoe
Castle, near Cardiff.

Asparagus. — Asparagus should he planted on
raised beds that have'been previously prepared.
For preference, select one-year-old crowns, as
these take more kindly to transplanting than
those that are older. Remove three inches of
the surface soil to the sides of the bed, and, in
positions eighteen inches apart in the rows (which
also should be eighteen inches apartl place
small mounds of soil, in which the roots are to
he placed. Spread out the roots and cover them
with soil as the work proceeds, to prevent them
becoming dry through exposure to the air. As
soon as the plants are in position, replace the
toil soil, covering the crowns to a depth of three
inches. If it is intended 1 i raise the plants from
-nils, place a few seeds in a. clump, the same
distance apart, as recommended for the planls.
Thin I In- seedlings to a single plant at each
station when they have grown six inches high.
The established Asparagus beds should be raked
oyer and the spaces between the plants lightly
forked. Dressing the bed with salt should be
deferred until later, as this has a tendemy to
make the ground cold and thus retard growth.

Celery. — Another sowing of Celery for late
supplies should be made In pans and the seed
germinated in a temperature of 50°. Earlier
plants that have been pricked off should be
removed to a cool position. Celery trendies
should be prepared in readiness for planting, and
a thorough dressing of rotten manure incor-
porated in the bottom. The excavated soil
should be broken up during the operation, and
the ridges cropped with early and successional
Lettuces.

Seed Sowing — Sow seed of Cauliflowers, early
Broccoli. Kales, Savoys. Brussel Sprouts and
Leeks to provide plants for the main planting.
Make the seed-bed on a well manured border.
In an open position, and rake the surface soil
to a fine tilth. Sow the seed thinly in shallow
drills made 15 inches apart, a distance which
will permit of horing and weeding. Protection
from birds is usually necessary, and is best pro-
vided by the use of nets spread over a light
framework erected a short distance above the
bed.

Peas — Continue to plant out Peas that were
forwarded under glass, and sow varieties for
successional cropping. These and future sowings
should be grown in deeply-worked ground, so
that they may be able to withstand periods of
drought which may occur in summer.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

Bv John Coctts, Foreman, Roval Botanic Gardens,
Kew.

Veronica Hulkeana.— This, the most beautiful
of the shruibby Veronicas, is hardy in the West
when planted against a wall; in other parts of
the country it requires the shelter of a cool house,
where it makes a very graceful and beautiful
subject when well grown. It is easily propagated
at this season by means of cuttings, and, if
given perfectly cool treatment, its cultivation
presents no difficulty during the first year.
Large specimens often give trouble, for when
obviously healthy, they die suddenly without any
apparent cause. This is not due to pot cultuiv
as large plants go off in the same way when
growing in the open.

Buddleia asiatica and B officinalis.— Both
these plants may be rooted from < uttings inserted
during March or early April. Both species are
very fragrant , winter-flowering subjects, the latter
having honey-scented, heliotrope-coloured flowers.
B. asiatica is the more desirable and more useful
plant of the two; its greyish foliage, elegant
habit, and long, slender sprays of deliciously
fragrant flowers all combine to make it a very
desirable subject for conservatory decoration.
Considering that it was introduced in 1874 it is
surprising that it is not more generally
cultivated.

Euphorbia jacquiniaeflora. — Cuttings of this
species may be taken from plants started
;< few weeks ago. Young shoots, about

three i iches long, make the best cuttings,
although the old stems may be cut into short
lengths and rooted. It is a good plan to put
three cuttings in a single pot and repot them
when rooted without unnecessary disturbance.
This Euphorbia is by no means an easy subject
under pot culture, and very few cultivators grow
it successfully. In the immediate neighbourhood
of London it is hardly possible to grow it well,
as one night's fog will strip it of both flower.-
and foliage. It is, however, so beautiful as to
be worth extra trouble in its cultivation. It
requires careful watering at all times, and a
stove temperature during the growing period.
When grofwth is completed it may be grown in a
lower temperature, but care is required in this
respect or the plants will lose all their lower
leaves. It succeeds best when planted out in a
raised bed and the shoots trained up under the
roof-glass. Where required in quantity for
supplying cut blooms this is the best way to grow
it. cutting the plants hard back every spring.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By Sidney Leog, Gardener to the Dowager LlDT
Nunbcbnholme, Warter Priory, Yorkshire.

Hardy Annuals Advantage should be taken,

when the ground is comparatively dry, to make
preparation for the sowing of seeds. The soil,
having been pulverised by the action of
frost, may now be raked to a fine, even tilth
Ground that has not become weathered, or is
naturally heavy, may be made more 'workable by
the addition of burnt ash which has been stored
in a dry place. Annuals of from 12 to 18 inches
in height are best arranged in somewhat long,
irregular drifts which may be intersected here
and there by both shorter and taller kinds
according to position. The seeds should be
sown thinly and it is advisable to pay early
attention to the thinning of the seedlings to
obtain vigorous plants. With regard to such
annuals as Godetia, Clarkia, Dimorphotheca and
Phacelia, the flowers of which are of somewhat
short duration, discretion must be used as to
the date of sowing the seeds. Varieties of
Candytuft will give a second crop of flowers
if the first flower-heads are removed directly the
inflorescence fades. Mignonette, Chrysanthe-
mum, Calendula and Larkspurs are amongst
those enjoying a fairly long season of 'blooming
and should be sown at an early date. In some
localities it is advantageous to raise Larkspurs
under glass and grow them in small pots previous
to transferring them to the border. Salvia
Horminum may 'be sown in the border,
but the season of its coloured bracts should be

April 10. 1920]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

179

extended by raising plants in gentle warmth and
ultimately planting them in groups. Hardy
annuals are greatly benefited by a light applica-
tion of superphosphate, which should be applied
when the plants are making headway, and cave-
fully hoed into the soil. Annuals worthy of
special notice are : — Godetia Sunset, Lavatera
Loveliness, Clarkia Salmon-Scarlet, Chrysanthe-
mum Coronet, Eschscholzia The Geisha, Lark-
spur Rosy Scarlet, and Rudbeckia Golden Sunset.

Lawns — In some establishments the lawns
have not been mown during the past few years.
To have them in good order by early summer, it
is necessary to commence renovation at an early
date. Firstly, the rough grass should be mown
closely with a scythe, or, if the site is very
extensive, a field mower may be employed. The
turf should then 'be pressed with a heavy roller
to level the surface. As soon as the ground is
fairly even, the lawn mower may be used, with
the blades set high for the first mowing, and
afterwards low, to get the grass quite short.
A bush-harrow, which is easily made by lacing
a hurdle with Quick branches should be trailed
to and fro to clean the grass and distribute
worm-casts. The harrowing may be followed by
an application of sulphate of ammonia, at the
rate of about 1 oz. per square yard, to stimulate
the grass. Daily attention to rolling is essential
during the next few weeks, where tennis grounds
are required for fast play. If Plantains are
present in the grass they may be destroyed by
placing sulphate of ammonia on the crowns.

Vallota. — Imported bulbs of Vallota may still
be planted at the foot of a south wall, in
favoured localities. The border must have free
drainage and the soil should be light and gritty.
Lime, in the form of coarse mortar-rubble, should
be mixed with the soil. Plant the bulbs six
inches deep and surround them with coarse sand
before pressing the soil firmly about them.
Afford the plants protection from frosts and ex-
cessive wet during the winter.

CELSIAS FOR THE FLOWER BORDER.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By T. PiTEMAN, Gardener to C. A. Ciis, Esq., J. P.,
The Node, Codicote, Welwyn, Hertfordshire.

Aphis or Green Fly.— Green fly will soon
become a source of trouble to the fruit grower, as
all lands of fruit trees are subject to attacks
by this pest. Plums, Peaches, Nectarines and
Cherries, are specially subject to attacks. Where
the pest is found, the trees should be immediately
sprayed with quassia extract or some other
approved insecticide. At this season of the year,
when the young growths are tender, two or three
weak applications are preferable to one strong
one. If the weather is mild, spraying is ■best
done in the evening, but if cold nights prevail,
spraying should take place sufficiently early in
the day to allow the trees to become dry by
evening.

Fruit Prospects. — The past winter has been a
mild one, and as early as February fruit trees
were making rapid progress. Apricot trees were
in bloom by the end of the month, and by the
end of March, they had set a good crop of fruit.
Peach and Nectarine trees followed early in
March, and it is some years since I have seen
them bloom so freely. Plums and Cherries on
walls and in the open garden are flowering
splendidly. Pears on walls (certain varieties)
appear to he flowering less freely than U3ual,
but bush and standard Pear trees are very pro-
mising. Apple trees promise well, and if the
weather is kind, there should be a bountiful crop
of fruits. Damsons are blooming freely, and
small bush fruits are very forward. Birds
have not taken their- usual toll of the buds of
these kinds of fruits. Strawberries are now
making good growth, and as the crowns look
plump and healthy, they should flower well. It
is too early to predict what the fruit crops will
be, but at present the promise is a good one.
Everything is so early that it is hardly possible
for crops to escape some damage by late spring
frosts, therefore, in cold exposed situations, and
in low lying gardens where there is danger from
late frosts, every effort should be made to pro-
tect the fruit blossom.

The Celsia most generally cultivated is 0.
Arcturus, which is seen more often in the green-
bouse than in the flower garden. It is a valu-
able border plant, however, and is easily grown
as a tender annual if the seeds are sown in heat
in February, the seedlings pricked out when large
enough, and planted out of doors in May. This
species require liberal treatment in order that
the plants may continue flowering until the end
of the season, and it is important that the
central or primary spike be removed before it
has quite finished flowering, otherwise the
secondary spikes fail to grow so strongly as they
do when the plant is relieved of the centra] in-
florescence. C. Arcturus was first known as a

The Celsia that has invariably attracted the
most attention here, however, is C. coromande-
lina, a species that produces spikes 6 to 8 feet
in height, and continues flowering for a veiy
long time. I never have need to propagate this
species, because self-sown seedlings fit to trans-
plant in autumn and spring are usually to be
found, but for a beginning I recommend sowing
the seeds in June. It is the only species that
visitors ask for seeds of, and when this happens
with any plant it may be concluded that it is
well worth growing. It is a curious fact that
cultivation in the stove is recommenced for C.
coromandelina, yet it is much hardier than
either <»| tin- other species mentioned, and quite
distinct in habit from both. It was first culti-
vated towards the end of the 18th century in
Grimiwood's Nursery in Mile End Road.

Fig. 76. — celsia cretica flowering in a bed out of i us

Verbascuin, and is an old greenhouse plant some-
times grown extensively for conservatory decora-
tion, as at Kew,

Another old species is ('. erotica, a somewhat
coarse growing plant, but nevertheless
very effective in autumn in beds or
large borders (Fig. 76). I have always

grown this as an annual, but the seeds need to
be sown in January and the seedlings grown in
a warm house for at least three" months, other-
wise the weaker plants fail to flower. Unlike
C. Arcturus, C. cretica succeeds in poor soil,
and usually produces but one spike before being
ruined by frost. It was cultivated at Chelsea
by Phillip Miller in 1752. who describes it in
Edn. 6 of his Gardeners' Dictionary as a
Blattaria. Under' certain conditions, C. cretica.
makes a good pot plant suitable for grouping.

C. cretica, C. Arcturus and C. coromande-
lina are all yellow-flowered, but there is
another very pleasing species with white flowers,
named C. pontica, which is almost a \yed here
It reproduces itself as freely from seeds as the
Foxglove, and. like the latter, it has to be
reduced in numbers to keep it within hounds
During late years it has been confined to a
rockery, and' as it is of neat habit and quite
unobtrusive even when in a. mass, it may be
recommsnded as a decorative planl of s..ine
value. To commence, the sccils should he sown
mii a border in summer, and have treatment
similar to the last mentioned. It is perfect!}
hardy, which neither C. Ant urns nor ('. cretica
is, hence the reason for raising stock of these

last two ill heat each .--] g, /■' P. Brothcrston,

Ti/n inghame Gardens, Prestonhirk.

180

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[April 10, 1920.

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opinions expressed by their correspondents.

LILIES IN 1919;

IN our uncertain climate the seasons that
leave the grower of Lilies content are few
and far between ; they are like shining
spires of gold towering above the mists in which
memory wraps the conventional summers of the
British Isles.

Eight years have came and gone since the
writer had to chronicle such a remarkable season
as that of 1919. and the interval has been filled
with a heterogeneous assortment of summers, in
all of which there was too much grey on the
fare of the sky for the sun loving genus with
which we have to deal.

And who. twelve months ago, could have
dared to hope that the depressing series was
about to be broken. At that time, the calendar
notwithstanding, winter was still in full Swing,
and March had put up a record so black that
one had to go back nearly 40 years to find
the like of it.

It would be hard to hud more convincing
evidence of the mutability of our insular climate
Than the extraordinary contrast between the hist
quarter of this year and last. Twelve months
ago, vegetation lagged behind to such a degree
that one had to hunt industriously for the wel-
come signs oil active Lily life that usually catch
the observant eye before February has run its
,,,urse. What this means will he better under
stood when it is asserted that the season is an
exceptionally backward one which does not find
many of the early Lilies more or less knee high
at tire beginning of the vernal equinox. It was
as well they did not put out into the world
at the usual time last year, tor had the} done
so, there must have 'been a slaughter of the
innocents when April and the winter came to an
end simultaneously in a -blizzard of severity
almost unequalled for the time of the year.

After a winter as prolonged and unpleasant
as one can remember, the earth seemed like
some great giant recovering from a long illness.
There was no sudden joyous transformation such
as early May often brings about, but a tedious,
slow and gradual recovery ; nor. for a while,
were we allowed even one of those exquisite
days of early spring of which there have already
been so many this year, when the lark soars
far, far out of human sight and the life-giving
sun weaves his magic spell over young and old
alike, the while the soft wind, laden with the
scent of spring, murmurs the joyful hymn, old
as the hills, hut ever new.

It was characteristic of the inscrutable in-
stability of our climate that, having deluged the
earth for four months to a degree that must have
made sailors wish to take to the boats. Pro-
vidence should have turned off the tap, appro-
priately enough, with the coining of May. and
ushered In a drought which, 'but for the water-
logged state of the ground, must have brought
disaster to all but low-lying gardens. A dry
spell of four weeks that ensued entirely changed
the aspect oil affairs, and initiated a season

which, if by no means the peer of 1911, will
linger long and pleasantly in the memory of the
amateur of Lilies.

Looking back over the period of the war.
during which the little colony of Lilies whereon
these annual notes are based, had to shift for
itself, it is easy to see how much better some
species have come through the trial than others.
But it is not so easy to offer a satisfying ex-
planation of this, and no doubt several factors
should be taken into account. If gardeners
know anything for certain, it is that though
there are exceptions, Lilies as a ueiius are sun
loving plants; and observation has shown that a

Fig. 77.— croup of a new lily from china
(farrer's no. 316) : illustrating habit of
growth and flowering : height about 6 ft.

wet winter always takes toll oi a certain number
of bulbs. When a dull and gloomy summer is fol-
lowed by copious winter rains, one would expect

the result to be disastrous, but it is ii"i neces-
sarily so. and there is the outstanding fact that in
the case of nearly every species, difficult as
well as easy, there are individual plants which
through some accident of location, maybe the
proximity of some congenial influence, or a
constitutional trait, seem to be unaffected by
climatic conditions fatal to many, and go on year
alter year like sentinels of their clan. And if
one or two behave like this, why not all7

It is in the permanent establishment .if the
plants that the enthusiast's difficulty primarily
lies, but once any particular Lily has taken-

hold, it only remains for the grower to watch
for its reappearance in the same spot year after
year. And "let nothing induce him to move or
interfere. with a Lily that is flourishing, for- that
way lies retribution and regret.

When June comes in, Lilies begin to flower,
and it is a curious fact that no matter how
precocious or laggaa'd a season may be for plant
life in general, there is but a trifling variation—
a few days at the most- — in the date on which
the first Lily in the garden unfolds its petals.

That is not to say that the same species
always comes into bloom, before the others—^
though, for the matter of that, L. pyrenaicum is
usually first in the race — but that by about the
end of the first week of June one or other of
the eariy flowering group will be in evidence.

As all know, other bulbous plants vary a good
deal in the dates of their flowering, but it is not
so with Lilies as a family, and no matter how
exceptionally backward they may seem to be.
let us say, at the beginning of April, one may
safely take long odds that the first week in
June will find one or other in flower. Con-
versely, a mild open season will not see them
in bloom any sooner, though the plants will have
been making rapid growth during the first
quarter of the year.

The outstanding feature of a wonderful season
was the satisfactory progress made by the trum-
pet Lily (316), found by Mr. Farrer in the course
i if his first expedition to Western China. The
photographs (Figs. 77 and 78J of this Lily grow-
ing in the garden of Myddelton Honse leave no
room for doubt that it is a hue plant. When it is
added that under Mr. Bowles's fostering hands
this Lily is quick of growth, not difficult to
manage, and, so far as it is possible to judge
at present, blessed with that priceless virtue,
a tough constitution, it will be realised that Mr.
Farrer has nut explored Kansu for nothing.

He saw but two specimens of the Lily, which
he at first thought might be a form of L.
longiflorum. in cottage gardens just outside Siku,
" each sending up fine spikes of 4-5 feel, laden
with gigantic flowers and ultimately each rear-
ing aloft a stiff candelabrum of seed-pods. The
foliage appeared to be finer and more abundant
than in most types of L. longiflorum, approach-
ing more in its whole style that of L. regale."
We shall doubtless hear more of this remarkable
plant before long, for it produces seed in abun-
dance, and as gardening folk have reason U>
know, there are no more generous bands than
those that have raised this species with such
signal success.

But this is not the only Lily to the credit of
Mr. Farmer's first expedition (1914), and though
in port and flower the other — No. 183 — is at
the opposite end of the scale to the Eulirion
(316), it is none the less attractive.

Mr. Farrer found the " Marble Martagon," as
he christened it, in August of 1914. when explor-
ing the Tao-ho district of Kansu. where, by the
way. L. tenuifoliuin was scattered promiscuously
about the hillside, finding a footing too mi
cottage roofs. "If (183) haunts cool mountain
slopes and river banks amid the coppice. . .
It attains some fifteen inches in height and
carries one, two or three pendant Martagon
flowers of a cold ivory or paper-white, waxy
in texture and speckled rather unnecessarily with
maroon along the inner margins of the segments.
The flowers are larger and fatter than those of
L. tenuifollum. and I find it an attractive beauty.
as it hangs glacial and pure amid the scrub."

Mr. Farrer at first hazarded the view that
this Lily might possibly prove to be L. Davidii.

Atuil 10, 1920. J

tSE GARDENE&S' CHRONICLE.

181

on which j by the way, so far as is known, no
living European has ever set eyes, and though
liis account of the " Marble Martagon " left
one conscious of some uncertainty as to the
identity of it, there was a sporting chance that
Mr. Farrer might have lighted on the elusive
species named after the famous naturalist.

All doubt on the point was set at rest how
ever in the course off last summer, when the
Lily bloomed in the Botanic Garden at Edin
burgh, and later, in Mr. Frederick Stern's
garden at Highdown. In due course a specimen
of the plants raised by Mr. Stern was sent to
the herbarium at Kew, where it was diagnosed
as a new species and named after the
discoverer.

That L. Faxreri is very closely akin to L.
Dnchartrei admits of no doubt to those who
know them both, and it is possible that when
further material makes an extended critical
examination feasible, it may be considered
judicious to regard L. Farreri as a form of
J.htchartre's Lily. But whether that prove to be
the case or not, L. Farreri is a welcome addition
to the not over-long list of calcipJiilae in the
genus, and gives promises of being an easy Lily
to manage.

One by one the Lilies of Western China and
Tibet are finding their way to this country, and
what is more to the point, into cultivation in
our gardens. We have still to make acquaintance
with several of the species enumerated by
Franchet, and though the possibilities of the
Chinese flora seems almost limitless, it is hardly
likely that there can be any further epoch-making
discovery in the case of Lilium. And we may
well be content, for within comparatively recent
times and without taking Mr. Farrer's Kansu
Lily (316) into account, China has added five
fine species to the none too lengthy list of
Lilies that make no considerable draft on the
cultivator's skill,

Each of the sections into which the genus
is divided is represented. Martagons pre
dominate, as indeed they generally do where
Lilies congregate, hut the Eulirion group, in
which the country is especially rich, follows
hard on their heels. The Cardiocrinums — giants
of the race but specificially few in number —
have admitted a new-comer to their ranks in
L. mirabile; the Archelirion and Isolirion
sections, too, have their representatives. Beyond
all these there is the Notholirion group, in which
are found plants of extraordinary interest and
beauty.

AH the five Lilies referred to above — L.
Henrvi, L. mirabile, L. regale, L. Thayerae and
L. Willmottiae — are good garden plants with
strong constitutions. and all except the
Cardiocrinum — naturally, a leisurely Lily — pos-
sess the inestimable advantage of coming rapidly
to maturity when raised from seed.

Apart from these there are several remarkablv
tine species which, if they camiot safely be left
to inexperienced hands, amply repay the modi
cum of care necessary to ensure their well-being.
These include L. leucanthum. L. sulphureum, L.
Sargentire and several allied forms.

Beyond these, again, there are familiar old
species, L. apertum, L. Brownii, L callosum,
L. Delavayii, L. Duchartrei, L. giganteum, L.
nepalense, L. tenuifolium. L. tigrimim and
others, the whole forming a generic picture no
other country in the world can approach.

All those who pay any serious attention to
Lilies are aware that the natural location and
distribution of L. Brownii has always heeu
shrouded in mystery, and it might have come
from the moon for all any of the recognised
authorities have known of its habitat. It lias
come with something of a shock therefore to tind
that all the time it has been growing at our
door, as it were, for some years ago it transpired
that the species is native to the Hong Kong
district. The discovery — for such it undoubtedly
is— is due to Mr. W. J. Tntcher,* Superinten-
dent of the Forestry Department at Hong Kong,
and the accuracy of his diagnosis has been
proved 'by the flowering of plants raised from
seed Mr, Tutcher was good enough to .ynd to
the waiter a few vears since. A. Grove. Manh
25, 1920. _

* Kew Hun. AfvClnf.

THE TULIPS OF FLORENCE.

Some very interesting species of Tulips grow
wild in the neighbourhood of Florence, and their
origin has been a matter of discussion among
botanists. Some of these species have their
limited area of growth in proximity to old
gardens, and it is probable that they have spread
from these. For instance, in the immediate
proxiniiLy of the Guicciardini Corsi Salviati
Gardens, at Sesto Fiorentino, established in the
seventeenth centuiry, I have noted since my child-
hood a small area oif growth of Tulipa praecox
and another of T. Oculus-soks, and it is evident
that their dissemination is in the direction of the
plough's work from the limit of the gardens.

The best of these species I have collected and
grown. They are T. strangulata (isabellina',
nigro-macukvta and vario-picta varieties). T.
praecox. T. Ocuhis-solis, T. Clusuma, T. sylve*-
tris and T. Bonarotiana.

Some twenty years ago I bad a. mind to make
some ci'osses between these Tulips and other
exotic species and varieties, with a design to
raise a class of Italian Tulips, and I chose
the former as seed parents. The results were
good, and I think that it will be useful to the

with the whiteness of the whole flower. These
varieties were the best I have ever raised and
seen.

T. praecox, belonging to the eriobulbae
section, crosses well with the species and
varieties of other groups. Less easy is it to work
with T. Oculus-solis. T. sylvestris fruits easily,
its small capsules being filled with the smallest
seeds I have noted in the Florentine species I
have grown.

From T. praecox, fertilised with the pollen
of some fine species, such as T. Kaufmanniana.
T. Forsteriana, T. ingens, and T. Tubergeniana,
I raised a large number of seedlings but I could
not flower them. They were dispersed and lost,
together with my entire collection of about
twenty thousand bulbs. Dr. Attilio Bagionicri.
Castello, near Florence, Italy.

Fig. 78.— a well-balanced inflorescence of am. farrer's new

LILY (NO. 316).

breeders of these beautiful plants to record them.

I had the best results from T. strangulata.
The self-pale yellow variety, isabellina, fertilised
with the pollen of light Darwin, cottage and
French varieties, gave me, among a multitude of
finely-coloured forms, some cream or white, long-
stemmed, large-flowered, round petalled varieties,
like the Darwin type. It is worthy of note
that two of these had pluriflorous (3-4) stems,
both the parents being single-stemmed varieties.

T. strangulata isabellina fertilised with the
pollen of a Parrot Tulip produced a very alum
dant progeny < if Forms with regular flowers, only
one having a Parrot like, pale cream and white-
coloured flower.

But even better results I obtained from T. s.
nigro-maoulata. There are several forms of that
variety, the basal macule running from the
yellow, more or less streaked or suffused with
dark violet, to the uniform dark violet or black.
I chose the darkest maculated ones for my
experiments. Among the numerous progeny from
the fertilisation of these with the pollen of the
best Darwin and Cottage varieties, I found a
few forms with very large, round-petalled, white
or pale cream (lowers, and a large, black or very
d ark- violet basal macule, strikingly contrasting

HERBACEOUS CALCEOLARIAS.

The herbaceous Calceola.na is a beautiful
greenhouse annual, and the flowers exhibit ;t
wide range of colour, the tones including every
shade but blue, and plants may be had in flower
from mid-April to mid-June. The plant may he
propagated from seed sown from
April to August. There are two
important matters to o'bserve in
the cultivation of herbaceous
Calceolarias. The first is to grow
(lie plants in cool conditions all
through the year, and the tem-
perature should not exceed 50° ;
secondly, they must be kept
clear of aphides, which multiply
so rapidly that they quickly re-
duce the vigour of healthy
plants and effectively mar the
prospect of success. This
troublesome pest is easily eradi
cated by fumigating, or, ;i
Liquid insecticide may be used.

The seeds are very small and
are difficult to sow evenly, but
if they are mixed with a. little
flour it will he an easy matter
to distribute them with some
regularity. It is unnecessary to
cover the seeds with soil or
sand, but they should be kept
dark and moist until they ger-
minate. As soon as the seed-
lings can he conveniently
handled they should be trans-
ferred to suitable receptacles.
Watering is the chief care at
this stage. Too much, too
little, or an over-vigorous appli-
cation of moisture are equally
harmful. The plants should be
shaded from the direct rays of
the sun by tiffany or lattice
blinds during the summer-
When the plants have .reached
a suitaible size they should be transferred singly
to sixty-sized pots. Make the soil around them
moderately firm, which will favour sturdy
growth. Allow the plants plenty of space, for
crowding them results in attenuated growth
that is not sufficiently strong to resist the effects
of fogs and damp in winter.

In August or September Calceolarias should
be potted into four-aud a half-inch pots, and a
rich compost should be employed, containing a
fair quantity of charcoal. As the plants re-
cover from the disturbance of re-potting, they
may he pinched to cause lateral shoots to de
velop.

Calceolarias should bs transferred to their
flowering pots in February, those from seven
inches to nine inches in diameter being suitable
according to the size of the individual plant.
Equal portions of loam and leaf-mould, mixed
with half a part, of cow-manure and sand to
keep the compost open, constitute a suiilahle
roo ting-medium.

If the present genial weather continue.-, the
plants will make rapid progress and soon need
staking. Geo, If. Gophy, N.D.Hort.j Hort<n<
Pari-, Bradford. YorkS.

182

?BE GARDENERS' CBRONWLE.

[April 10, 1920.

DISBUDDING AND THINNING PEACHES.

The disbudding of Peaches and Nectarines
growing on walls in the open will soon be a
necessary operation. It is a cultural detail of
the highest impbrtance, becatise In a large
measure next season's crop depends upon the
way it is carried out. YVhen in good health
Peach and Nectarine trees freely produce young
shoots from the growths made last year, and on
which this season's crop will have just set. If
all the growths were allowed to remain, most
of thejn would fail to ripen through lack of air
and sunlight. It need scarcely be pointed out
that hi the absence of ripened wood there would
be few blooms next season, while the effect of
an excess of growth would be so great as to
practically ruin the trees for some time to come.
Heince the necessity for a timely removal of all
shoots likely to interfere with the full develop-
ment of those to be retained, and from which
next year's fruit crop is expected.

When disbudding, the usual method is to
retain the best shoot springing from nearest the
base, the centre one, and one at the end on
most of the fruiting branches (see Fig. 79).
Discretion must, however, be exercised, inas-
much as it is almost impossible to cover the
wall spaces at disposal by adhering to hard and
fast rules. For instance, the length and

strength of the branches bearing fruit vary, and
there may be space to be filled on one side or
the other. The general health of the tree must
also be taken into account.

Although trees growing in the open are not
dependent, like those under glass, on a free
system of ventilation to ripen the young wood,
it does not alter the case against crowding.
Free access of light, air and sunshine must be
allowed to all parts of the trees, and this must
he kept in mind whan disbudding, although
not until well on into the season will the grower
be justified in concluding that his work in this
direction is completed. When the young shoots
are being tied in. some of the weaker
growths will be best pinched back or cut out
entirely, while there will be no use for
the laterals that spring from the stronger shoots.
Whether the work of disbudding is to extend
over a period of three or four weeks, or be com-
pleted in one operation at the earliest date
possible, is another matter that rests with the
grower. This much, however, 'may be said,
that trees which are in a weak or backward
condition, or have every appearance of carrying
abundant crops, are naturally helped by the
early removal of all immature growths not
likely to be of use.

In order to secure fruits of a fair size, it is
necessary to practise thinning at an early stage
in their development. Here again the deciding
factor is the trees themselves. It is foolish to
overtax the resources of trees that have been
transplanted recently, or that from any cause
are not in the best of health and vigour. A
specimen in the habit of growing strongly is
more fitted to be cropped to the utmost limit
than is the case with one showing but average
cropping capacity. On the latter type one fruit
to every square foot of space may be sufficient,
but in the former there is no reason why a tree
should not carry one to every 9 or 10 ins. In
regard to the removal of the surplus fruits,
there is no advantage gained in leaving too
many to be removed after they have stoned.
Where slight protection is given the blossom
there is usually a good set, and in order to
prevent the trees suffering from the strain of
stoning too many unnecessary fruits, the bulk
of the thinning should be done as soon as it
can be seen (which fruits are making the best
progress. This is not a difficult matter, as there
are always some fruits that lag behind others.
Of course, there is something to be said for not
being too anxious to get the operation finished,
especially where the grower is aware that his
trees are liable to cast many fruits during
the stoning period, or where they have only
recently come under his care. Nevertheless,
with trees growing in the open it is wise not
to allow them, to waste their energies in stoning
an excess of unnecessary fruit, otherwise there
is always the danger of losing many by over-
taxing the strength of the trees. F. Townend.

VEGETABLES.

RUNNER BEANS.

Scarcely any other vegetable better repays
good cultivation than the Runner Bean, and
every effort should be made towards this end.
Under the best conditions of culture not only
will the individual Beans be finer and better
flavoured, but the plants will continue to yield
much longer and produce a heavier crop.
Choose land that has been trenched and well
manured early in winter, and allowed to remain
in a rough condition on the surface. Make
trenches about two feet wide and fork well-
decayed farmyard manure into the bottom spit ;
replace two-thirds of the excavated soil and
level the remainder along each side of the trench.

About the middle or end of March, according
to the locality, the seed should be sown
in well drained boxes in a compost
formed of one part loam, one part leaf-mould
and two parts, old soil from the potting shed.
Sow the seed about two or three inches apart,
selecting the plumpest specimens, and joins

Fig. 79.-

-PEACH SHOOT DISBCDIU.D A I POINTS
A, B, AND C.

prefer tall Pea sticks: others choose poles, placing
one to each plant. Either method is suitable,
but the supports should be of good length, as
Runner Beans under good cultivation often
grow ten or twelve feet high, and even more.
It is a good plan to place stout poles at each end
of the row and others at intervals along each
side to carry a strand of wire about six feet
from the ground to which to tie the stakes.
This not only gives the rows a neat appearance,
but makes the stakes rigid, enabling them, to
support the heavy growth in autumn, when
strong winds prevail.

The ground around Runner Bean plants
should be frequently stirred with the
Dutch hoe. In dry weather copious waterings
will be beneficial, and syringing the plants over-
head in the afternoons will keep them healthy
and clean. A copious watering with diluted
liquid manure, or a sprinkling of a concen-
trated fertiliser on the surface of the soil
when tlie weather is showery will help
the plants to develop fine pods. Water
from a pond or large tank that is open to the
sun is the best to use; on no account use hard,
cold water, as this is frequently the cause of
the flowers dropping. It is not advisable to
allow the plants to make too much top-growth ;
much finer Beans are obtained if the
growths and shoots are carefully regu-
lated, and the Beans also thinned to
two or three at a bunch. The pods should
be picked for use before the seed can be felt
inside, otherwise they will be tough and flavour-
less. The plants should at no time be allowed
to get dry at the roots, but if the ground has
been well cultivated there is not much fear of
drought, and a light mulch of stable litter placed
down and also between the rows will save much
labour in watering. R. II'. Thatcher, Carlton
Park Gardens, Market llarborough.

them in the soil edgeways, about an inch deep.
Place the boxes in a warm frame, or in a vinery
just started, and water them freely. They will
soon germinate. As soon as the first pair of
leaves is formed, remove the boxes to a cold
frame and keep it close for a day or two, after-
wards admitting plenty of air in warm weather.
In the meantime, the ground the plants are to
occupy should be forked over, made firm and
dusted lightly with wood ash and soot. Runner
Beans are highly susceptible to injury by frost,
and, if planted out in late April or early May,
means must be taken to protect them. There is
nothing gained by setting the plants out too
early in the colder parts of the country, because
in cold, wet weather they may turn yellow and
die. Much depends on soil and locality. At
planting time remove the boxes to the site of the
rows and carefully lift each plant with a trowel.
Place them about one foot, apart, and allow the
same space between the next rows, thus making
a double row in each trench or station. These
two rows should not be closer than eight or ten
feet from the next pair, and should preferably
run north to south, thus allowing the plants to
receive the maximum amount of sunshine. When
each row is planted water the plants and dust
them with soot to ward off slugs. If the soot
does not suffice to keep away slugs place sifted
coal ash around each plant. It is a good plan
to place the stakes in position directly the Beans
are planted, as the stakes will afford protection
from frost and cold winds. The form of support
to be used is a matter of choice. Some growers

POTATO SPRAYING.

Owing, to the unusual freedom of the Potato
crop last year .from late blight disease, there is
a danger that many growers may neglect to take
precautions against a possible outbreak of
disease during the coming season. As this is
the time of the year when the wise gardener
makes arrangements for future operations, a
word of 'Warning may be timely.

Practically all large and up-to-date Potato
growers now regard spraying as the most pro-
fitable form of insurance against, epidemics of
blight ; but many of the smaller growers are as
yet unconverted and either do not spray, or
only take panic measures to combat the disease
when it is too late to save the crop.

It has now been established beyond all doubt
that timely and systematic spraying of Potatos
prevents serious damage by blight and materially
increases the weight of crop, and although iu
many cases spraying appears to be ineffective,
good reasons can usually be found for such
failures or negative results.

One of the chief causes df poor results from
spraying has been the difficulty of correctly
preparing Bordeaux or Burgundy mixture from
the raw chemicals ; it is a slow and exacting
process, and mistakes are easily made. The
alternative is to use one of the excellent ready-
made articles which are now on the market,
such as " Blighty." This is a preparation 1 have
used with excellent results, and have never
known it to fail. It is prepared from
copper sulphate of guaranteed purity, it dissolves
readily, is perfectly safe to use, and is prac-
tically fool-proof, the addition of water being all
that "is required. Compared with the old and
tedious method of weighing and mixing copper
sulphate and soda, such a preparation is a boon
to Potato growers.

When spraying it is necessary to cover the
under as well as the upper surface Of the leaves
with a fine, mist-like spray. It is a mistake to
spray on any given date, such as the third or
fourth week in June. The time to spray is the
first dry day after a wet period during late June
or July. The preparation named adheres to the
foliage, and a heavy shower an hour after spray-
ing has no effect in removing it. M.

April 10, 1920]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

183

TREES AND SHRUBS.

LOROPETALUM CHINENSE.

Tbis shrub is a near relative of the Witch
Hazels (Hamamelifl), and, like the Asiatic mem-
bers of the genus, flowers during the early months
of the year. It is, however, evergreen, the twiggy
branches being clothed with oval shaped leaves,
from one to two inches long, and rough in tex-
ture. The most conspicuous portion of the
flower consists of four strap-shaped, pure white
petals, longer than those of the Hamameiis. The
flowers are abundantly produced, being disposed
six or eight together at the tips of the branches
and in the axils of the uppermost leaves. This
Loropetalum is too tender for general uutdoor
cultivation in this country, but forms a delight
fill feature when grown in pots and flowered
under glass. Its uncommon appearance, veiled
as it were, with little strips of white ribbon,
renders it additionally attractive. A compost
with a proportion of peat in the soil is suit-
able. If grown altogether in pots, the plants
may be plunged out of doors during the summer,
taking care that they do not suffer from want
of water, while if the pots are well furnished
with roots an occasional stimulant will be bene-
ficial. Loropetalum ohinense is, as implied by its
specific name, a native of China, and was intro-
duced in 1880 by Maries when collecting in that
country on behalf of Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons.
It has also, I believe, been reported from the
Khasia Hjlls. Flowering specimens were shown
at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural
Society on March 13, 1894. when a First-Class
Certificate was awarded the species. li\ '/'.

CAMELLIA RETICULATA

The handsome Camellia reticulata has a some-
what loose habit of growth, and in this respect
differs from most other members of the family.
It is a good subject for training against a wall,
and if given the benefit of such a position, one
is able to enjoy the beaiuty of the plant,
whereas planted in the open it is not sufficiently
hardy to prove a success, except in very
favoured localities.

The flowers are of a delightfully deep, yet soft
rose colour, semi-double, and fully six inches
across, the petals being prettily waved. A
plant carrying a dozen or more fully expanded
flowers is a beautiful object to possess and
enjoy. C. reticulata grows well here (Bucking-
hamshire) on a south wall with no other protec-
tion than such a. position affords, and has
suffered in no way from severe weather during
the last eight, years. As it is a really tine sub
ject and well worth the necessary wall space, I
wonder why many garden walls are covered
with poor subjects when such gems as this are
available. J). WilmshurH, Iyer Heath.

THE BIRCH AS A STREET TREE.
The Birch (Betula alba) may not have been
generally recommended as a street tree (see p.
122), but it is grown as one in the village
of Kew. It is also grown in miniature
front gardens both on the Surrey and Middle-
sex side of the Thames, where the Birches
might be regarded as street trees, since
they overhang the side pavement. 1 ihave
for many years regarded it a.s a very hand-
some tree for such limited spaces, as it does
not darken the windows to any great extent.
There are two distinct forms of the species, and
both are quite common in gardens at the front
or back of the houses in the northern parts of
Surrey. In one the slender branches grow
erect or at various angles, but straight, In
the other all the leading branches assume a
great length, and, being very slender, droorj on
all sides like water from a spray fountain. I
have seen this named B. alba pendula in a
botanical work, but it is quite different from the
trees so named in nurseries, including B. a, pen-
dula Youngiii (or Young's Weeping). The tree '1
refer to is not a weeper, ibut as an ornamental
tree I consider it superior. When the Birch
gets1 attacked by the mite. Eriophyes rudis, in
the form that affects the buds only, the tree i*
not go handsome. Besides the Cornish Elm. the
Guernsey or Jersey Elm (Ulmus Wheatleyi^ is
equally as suitable for narrow streets. ./. F.

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

CYMBIDIUM DIANA VAR. COXCOLOK.

The recurrence of albino characters in hybrids
is well shown by flowers of a colourless form of
C. Diana, raised between the distinctly coloured
C. Pauwelsii (insigne x Lowianum ooncolor)
and C. ecburneo-Lowiaaium concolor (eburneum x
Lowianum) sent by Mr. VV. E. Walker, gardener
to G. Hamilton-Smith, Esq.. Northside, Leigh
Woods, Bristol, who also sends flowers of t tie
parents for comparison. In C. Diana viair. con-
color, the whole of the red and rose markings
of C. Pauwelsii disappear, the flower being
entirely greenish-white, with whiter Lip. It is
interesting also to note that in the albino
variety, a derided relapse in form towards the
white C. eburneuin, with, its characteristic pro-
minent yellow crest on the lip, is evident.

PLEIONE PRICE!.

The granting of an Award of Merit, to Pleione
Pricei by the R.H.S. Orchid Committee on
March 23 (see p. 161) is a matter of special
interest to Orchid growers, because the exhibitor
of the plant was also the discoverer of the species.
Mr. W. R. Price discovered P. Pricei (Fig. 80.
in Formosa while visiting that island with Mr.

Oncidium-like Odontoglossum Edwardii would
probably meet the case and Odm. Epicasta was
selected, with satisfactory results. Odonto
cidium Epipharum has the slender, branched
inflorescence of some of the Odm. Edwardii
crosses, but with larger flowers of thinner sub-
stance. The sepals and petals, which are nearly
equal and well expanded, are rose-pink with
white margins. The lip is intermediate in form ;
it is coloured blush white with claret blotches.

SPATHOGLOTTIS.

As the species of Spathoglottis start into
growth the soil should be shaken from around the
tubers and the latter repotted in a similar
mixture to that usually used for Thunias. Fairly
deep pans should be filled one-third of their
depth with broken crocks, for drainage. S.
airrea, S. Lobbii and S. a;nreo-Viellardii should
lie grown in the warmest Orchid house, but S.
Fortunei, S. Petri and S. Yieillardii will succeed
in a slightly lower temperature. A liberal sup
ply of water is needed throughout the growing
period, but watering should be gradually re-
duced after the growth has finished and the
bulbs have reached maturity, and entirely with-
held for a few weeks when the foliage has
decayed. During the growing season the under-
sides of the leaves should be examined fre

Fig. 80.— i'I.eione pricei.
Award of Merit R.H.S'., March 23. (See p.

Ifil.)

II. .1. Elwes. Iii 1914. Mr. Price sent pseudo-
bulbs to Kew and these flowered in the following
spring. At first the species was considered to
be P. formosana. but Mr. Rolfe decided it was
a new and distinct, species. The flowers have
rosy-lilac or lilac sepals and petals, and a whitish
convolute, wide mouthed lip that is marked with
pale brown and has showy yellow keels. A
further attraction is the deep fringing of the
mouth of the labellum. The leaves are imma
ture at flowering lime, hut when fully developed
they may be 9 inches long and lj inch wide.
P. Pricei succeeds m a tropical house when
treated similar!) In I'. I Incikeriana. ' '.

0D0NT0CIDIUM EPIPBORUM.

This very pretty new hybrid raised Icy
Messrs. Charleswoirth and Co., between Odonto-
glossum Epicasta (Civile x crispuni) and the
rare and beautiful Oncidium corynephoram,
has recently flowered and is another instance of
the good results of progressive hybridisation
wilh an object. In 1908 Messrs. Ch.irlesworth
flowered their Odm. Clytie (Edwardii X Pes
catoreil, and in 1912 'their Odm. Epicasta.
When considering a subject to cross with the
remarkable Oncidium corynephorum. it. was
though! that one of a strain with the more

quently and sponged with tepid water if red
spider appeals, as it sometimes does in the
hottest months o,f the year. T. /!.

0YN0RCH1S.

The terrestrial Cynorchises should be re-
potted just as growth begins, for if the
work is deferred a week or two it is
impossible to provide new soil without injury
to the roots. Fibrous loam, and peat, with a
sprinkling of crushed crocks, provide a suitable
rooting medium, and pans Idled one third ol
their depth with material for drainage are the
best receptacles. Tin. species from Madagascar
C. grandiflora, C. Lowiana and C. purpurascens,
wilh the hybrid i'. kewensis — should be grown
in a warm house. Iiul the dwarf, white. South
Alii, 'an C. rc.inpaci.i. should be placed in (he

cool division. This species flowers during the

winter anil needs repotting soon. For a tew
weeks after being disturbed the tubers will
need- verv little direct watering, but the sur-
roundings should be kepi moist bj syringing

between lb,- pots dally. 0 the pans are

filled witli roots, a liberal supply of water must
1... maintained until the leaves are fully grown,

after which the plants gradually go to rest and

i he tubers should then be k-pt rather dry. B.

184

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[April 10. 1920.

HYBRIDISING BEARDED IRISES.

Miss Stutitevant and myself working on Irises
from the same point of view as Mr. Bliss, also
make no claim to scientific accuracy, but we
find certain of oinr records not fiully in accord
with his results (see p. 76), or at least sus-
ceptible of a different interpretation.

Upon the question of amoena.- variegata, or
neglecta-squalens relationship, we can say but
little, because from almost the first the newer
phenotoype neglectas, such as Oriflamme,
Shelford Chieftain, and others, have been used
for crossing and the progeny tends to show in,
at least, certain cases, fairly typical neglectas
as the genetic constitution becomes more
complex.

In one case, Ignititia x striata, apparently a
case of pure aanoena x variegata, one out of
six was lavender with veined falls, not unlike
Albatross, which I should class as a neglectn
form. This seems counter to the experience of
Mr. Bliss, but one isolated example is insufficient.
Amoenas have not proved of much interest, and
what few we have appeared in both F, and
F2, from a cross on Dr. Bernice (squalens var.) ;
the record on the tag was defaced, ibut the pollen
parent was probably Ignititia in the Fl genera-
tion, which gave one with white standards and
another so faintly flushed as to he classed as an
amoena. Ann Leslie self-crossed, has given a
wide range of colours, but a very few amoenas;
in fact amoena forms are unusual, except in
carefully develoi>ed strains, and, as in the case
of variegatas, it seems particularly difficult to
produce varieties of a height and size that are
comparable to those developed in other colours.
This is in accord with Mr. Bliss, but it seems
possible that a neglecta of recent origin, with
no taint of yellow, might produce a flower with
white standards and dark falls, though I believe
that to get that attractive, velvety quality, a
leaven of variegata will be necessary.

In regard to the plicata group. I have more
farts to support my belief that they are not
due to a similar recessive factor. I present in
contrast the results of two similar crosses, viz.,
Oriflamme x Count de St. Clair (plicata). and
Oriflamme x Jeanne d'Arc ; the pollen parent
in both cases is a plicata, with a. very delicate
picotee margin, pink and blue-toned lavender
respectively. The first gave four plicatas, and
nothing more, the second nine lavender sells
or bicolours, but no plicatas. This latter might
be attributed! to error or to parthenogenesis.
Mr. Bliss explains the first by supposing that
Oriflaimm-e has plicata, heritage, 'but if so it
destroys his argument in the second cross, which
accords with his statement that " When crossed
with pallida or variegata. (or any other
varieties not carrying plicata), the plicata. type
disappears entirely." Neither phenotypically,
nor in a number of other crosses, is there any
suggestion of this being the case. Again, from
Mme. Chereau x Jeanne d'Arc. both
plicatas, no plicatas resulted, and. still moifl
curiously, in a cross of Anne Leslie x
Archeveque, neither plicatas, two out of thirty-
six seedlings are apparently plicata varieties.
Archeveque and Oriflamme are both Vilmorin
introductions and it would be of interest to
know whether plicata. was present in their
pedigrees.

Any one of these cases may be easily ex-
plained as frotm inaccurate data, but it is asking
a good deal to consider all of them as coincidences
when they happen not to he in accord with the
results obtained by another breeder.

As in other lines of Iris breeding, one cannot
depend upon a certain variety to give similar
results even when crossed with phenotypes, and
to me the theory of cumulative factors seems
necessary. Venation seems to he a simple
Mendelian dominant, but in regard to colour
and its disposition in other ways a more complex
explanation is needed.

Before closing, I wish to refer again to the
suggestion that there is a close relationship
between a certain type of intensely coloured
pallidas, both red and blue-toned, and plicatas.
In one case, from Mme. Chereau, crossed with
what I might call a plicata-pallida, there were

six plicatas and the seventh was a very deep
plum-coloured self. This was repeated in a
similar cross. Rather in the same line is a
F2 generation, with apparently but one plicata
in the background, that gives almost invariably
plicatas and delicate pink-toned selfs — the in-
tensity of colour of the parent is gone, 'but in
Fj- we still find this dominance of plicata and
pink-toned selfs. Just where the connection lies
I cannot determine, but it seems possible that
there are two distinct cases of association, one
of plicata and unusual intensity of colour, and
the other of plicata. and "red-pallida," both in
dilution. As I go over the plicatas in my mind,
it seems to me that the intermediate tones are
many and unusual; I must try it out among the
flowering plants. In all this I have not con-
sidered the plicata pattern, except in connection
with a white ground; it is present already on
lavender grounds of many hues, on blended
grounds, and with the possible exception otf a
combination of clear yellow and white it may
be expected in every hue.

1 EJhould state that the conclusion of the
article by Mr. Bliss had not reached me when 1
wrote the foregoing remarks. Robert S. fituvte-
vantj Wellesley Farm , flf«*s., U.S.A.

UNARMS.

The genus Lin aria is a large one and includes
suine 150 species. They are usually herbs and
have a wide distribution in nature, being found
buth in the Old and the New World. The
flowers are solitary and axillary, or the upper
ones often in spikes or racemes.

But for their inveterate habit of spreading too
rampantly, the Toadflaxes would occupy a
much more important position in the garden
than they do at present. Certain numbers of
the species are also too weedy and ineffective to
possess much horticultural value, but a suffi-
cient proportion will be found to be worthy of
inclusion in numerous places. A proper amount
of consideration should, therefore, he given to
selecting situations for them, always keeping in
view their wandering and spreading tendency.
A large proportion of the Linarias which are
tiitalogued are of insufficient merit to c^ill for
notice, hut those dealt with below will be found
excellent for the positions suggested in the
border, rockery, or wall garden.

The cultivation of the plants is generally easy,
and they require only a light, loamy soil, or a
heavy one lightened by the addition of leaf-soil
or peat, and sand or grit. Taking them alpha-
betically, we have the following: —

Linahia aeoi-itriloba.— This is one of the*
gems of the smaller species, and a beautiful
plant fur growing in the crevices of cool walls,
chinks of the rocks, garden steps or paved path-
ways. The plant keeps closely to the ground, has
tiny leaves and wonderfully big flowers (for the
size of the plant), of a delicate, pale violet. This
species is a true perennial, but it sometimes
dies in extremely wet winters.

Linahia alpina. — L. alpina, the Alpine
Toadflax, is a delightful plant in every respect,
hut although a perennial, is generally short-lived,
yet its seeding is usually so free that it-
reproduces itself in this way without the
necessity of replacing the parent by sowing
seeds. This exquisite Toadflax hardly calls for
any description, a$ its delightful glaucous steins
and leaves are familiar to most gardeners, as
well as the violet, orange marked, long-spurred
flowers.

There are several varieties, including alba,
and rosea, also a few pale violet ones, less
'beautiful than the typical form with its rich
colouring. This Alpine Linaria loves the moraine
o." dry slope on rock work and should have
plenty of sunshine. It is raised readily from
seeds^— the best way of propagating this Toad-
flax, except in the case of the white and rose
varieties, which must be increased from
cuttings. In favourable spots this plant seeds
and gives natural seedlings freely year after
year,

Linaria antic-aria. — Generally offered as an
annual, this little species is as good a perennial
as the Alpine Toadflax, if planted in very dry
soil, and it will produce self-sown seedlings
varying from the parent. It is not, however,
a showy plant, but one which needs close in-
spection to reveal its quiet beauty. The
flowers are of various ground colours, ranging
from white, through blush and pink, to purple
and palest yellow to buff, and all prettily veined
with deep purple and decorated with an orange
lip. It loves a dry, sunny part of the rock
garden, and is free from the spreading tendemy
of certain species.

Linaria Cymbalaria. — Our native creeping
Toadflax, or Kenilworth Ivy, is a most beautiful
plant, but if left to itself becomes too
aggressive. It has interesting leaves and pro
duces the small, pale purple or violet flowers
in plenty. There is a white variety, alba. The
plant is a charming subject growing on a cool
wall, where it will insinuate its seeds into any
chinks in the most ingenious way. It is a
perennial and barely rises above the ground.

Linaria dalmatica. — This, with its superior
variety macedonica, will be found useful and
effective in the border. The plant grows about
two to three feet high and has glaucous leaves
and spikes of large yellow and orange flowers.
It is a hardy perennial and will grow in any
border, but has the failing of spreading at the
root and thus becoming troublesome in certain
places. It is, however, perhaps the finest of
the tall Toadflaxes, especially in its variety
macedonica.

Linaria hepattcaefolia. —But for its fi ee
way of sending out its runners the Hepatiia-
leaved Toadflax would be more popular in gar-
dens. Yet it is so pretty, with its creeping
branches set with prettily marbled, leaves and
small lilac flowers, that it is not to be despised,
especially in rough stone steps, crevices of walls
or roekwork. The plant is perennial, hardy, and
cheap to buy or easy to raise from seeds.

Lin art a origani folia. — 'Growing from nine
to twelve or fourteen inches high, with pretty
\ iolet -coloured flowers, this bushy plant is a
perennial, but not always long lived, dying off in
some winters, especially old specimens. This
species is easily raised from seeds or cuttings.

Linaria pallida. — In this we have a creep-
ing species with wonderfully large, fragrant
flowers CMC bright lavender colour, so that the
name of pallida hardly does justice to its
charms. It creeps about a good deal and is
better suited for the chinks and crannies of the
wall or rockery than anywhere else. L. pallida
is a hardy perennial. This plant is admirably
adapted for wild parts of the garden ami
appears to advantage on old banks and ruins
where it is moist.

Linaria triornithophora. — According to
some growers, this species is about six inches
high, but I hive seen it considerably taller —
about a foot in height. It is a doubtful peren-
nial with me, although classed as one. The
heads of flowers are bright purple, and of
peculiar form, the name, which means three
birds on a branch, being appropriate. In most
gardens, this Toadflax should be treated as a
biennial.

Linaria vulgaris. — The common Toadflax
would deserve more consideration were it not a
plant which spreads too much at the roots. The
yellow a nd orange flowers a re very at t ract i v e
above the glaucous foliage. Its form. L.
vulgaris Pelor'a, is both singular and pretty,
representing the successful effort of an irregular
flower to become regular. This has not been
done at the expense of beauty, and the variety is
an attractive and good border or low rock-wurk
plant. It likes stony soil and will flourish in
the roughtest conditions when exposed to Full
sunshine.

Other dwarf Linarias which may be mentioned
are L. glacialis. violet ; L. glauca, yellow ; L.
petraea, pale violet ; L. pilosa, resembling the
latter: and L. villosa. light violet.

The other I all species, such as L. purpurea
and L. pelisseriana, are hardly worth growing,
and those mentioned may be railed the cream of
the race. They may, in most cases, he raised
from seeds or propagated by division. S. Arnnft.

-April 10, 1920. j

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

185

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

[The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for
'the opinions expressed by correspondents.]

Paeonia Delavayii. — In the leader on the
I'aeony in America (p. 151), Mr. Wister is quoted
as referring to P. Delavayii as a Chinese her-
baceous species, with small, single, reddish-
chocolate flowers, not decorative, but probably
of value for breeding purposes. I It will no doubt
have been obvious to those who know their
-Paeonies, that there must be some misunder-
standing in regard to this, for if ever a true
arborescent Paeony exists, it is P. Delavayii. It
is understood to be a variable plant and that no
doubt is the reason Mr. Wister thinks so lightly
■ of the decorative value of the flowers. A well
.grown specimen of the best form, and five feet
high, is a fine object. Mr. Forrest's -views on
-the relationship of P. Delavayii and P.luteahave
already been expressed in the columns oil the
Gard. Chron., and now that he is happily
-restored to health, he may perhaps be able
ito throw some further light on the point.
A. Grove.

Hosts of the Mistleto (see pp. 9. 20, 44, 56.
69, 80, 108. 123 and 145).— 11'. H. D. has
asked whether any reader of the Gard. Chron. can
give an instance of Mistleto growing on the Elm.
"In answer to his enquiry, I have much pleasure
in stating that in Chalfont Park, Chalfont St.
Teter, Buckinghamshire, Mistleto is growing
on the English Elm (Ulmus campestris). It is a
medium-sized plant and established about five
years. This is the only instance I know of
Mistleto growing upon the Elm. G. Barrett,
'Chalfont Pari- Gardens.

In order to see if the Mistleto I referred

to at Leatherhead had disappeared (see p. 145),
I walked seventeen miles on March 31. 1
found the Mistleto where I recorded it in 1899,
"but discovered that I was confronted with a
difficulty in identifying the trees upon which it
is growing. The observation was made from the
Brighton Road, at the south side of Leatherhead,
where a very high wall prevented me from see-
ing the whole of the trees. They are numerous,
very tall, crowded and not in character, so that
I am still in doubt about their identity, but.
•will attempt it again when they come into leaf.
I certainly wrote Elms when I made the note,
•and that may have led me into error ; but I
hope it has not caused much inconvenience to
anyone. I counted eighteen good sized pieces
of Mistleto on this clump of trees. They may be
seen from other points, especially from the low
bridge over the Mole, at the foot of the hill.
■J.F.

Acacia dealbata. — I read with interest the
short note by Mr. Lynch in reference to this
tree flowering" at Torquay (see p. 173). As the
winter has been remarkably mild, Acacias have
flowered profusely in the west country, and the
■flowers have been of first, rate quality in this
•district. Acacia dealbata grows luxuriantly in
"these gardens, the silvery, fern-like foliage and
beautiful habit, making it quite a surprise feature
to tourists and other visitors from colder dis-
tricts. The flower sprays are eagerly sought after
by florists, especially when at their best about the
middle of February. I have observed that the tree
flowers fairly well if spring frosts do not exceed
8°, but if there are severer frosts, the buds drop
wholesale. The largest tree in these gardens,
growing in the open shrubbery, is about 35 to 40
feet- high, and about the same in width; the
■trunk 3 feet from the ground is 4 feet 6 inches
in circumference. Is there another specimen
•equal to this in the British Isles' J. J. Gribble,
Prnlee Gardens. Penzance.

Onion Fly Maggot. — Many years ago, when i
obtained my first appointment as head gardener
and bailiff on a small estate in Shropshire, we
had a lot of trouble with maggot in Onions,
Carrots and Parsley. A cottager living close
•by gave me his preventive method, as follows :
"' Draw the drills to twice the ordinary depth,
sow the seed after the drills have been half
filled with a mixture of stale soot and wood
.ash, and cover the seed with a similar mixture.

Then, when the seedlings are about two inches
high, dust them with soot while wet with dew. If
the soot gets washed off, dust again, and continue
as necessary until the young plants are about
the size of a lead pencil." Here, we always
place a border of Parsley around our Onion bed,
not so much as a preventive measure against
maggot, but to economise space and improve the.
appearance of the bed. If seeds are sown thinly,
no thinning of the seedlings is necessary. John
Ettle, Chief Horticultural Instructor, Kings-
wood Training School.

1 read with considerable interest

C. H. O.'s letter in the Gard. Chron. of tlhe
27th ult., and I hasten to state that for
the past two seasons I have been fairly free
from the Onion Fly among spring-sown Onions.
Directly the formation of the bulbs commences
I earth them up, that is, I cover the bulbs
entirely with soil, and I have had very good
results from this practice. I may also state
that I treat Turnips in the same way, and the
crop has never suffered from the Turnip beetle.
I think if your correspondent would try this
method the results would be satisfactory.
C. H. Bees.

1 have found spraying with paraffin

emulsion a successful method of preventing at-
tacks of the Onion Fly. The spray should be
applied at intervals during April and May
and the beginning of June, the frequency de-
pending upon the rainfall. The method of
raising plants in frames and transplanting them
during April has much to recommend it, and .
since following this practice I have never been
troubled with Onion fly. <S'. /. C, Lyndhurst.

National Union of Horticultural Workers.
— As a member of the original selection com-
mittee of the British Gardeners' Association, I
venture to claim a small share of your space
to deal with the points raised by Mr. A. J.
Hartless (see p. 159). By the overwhelming
vote of the members, the name of the organisa-
tion has been altered to the National Union or
Horticultural Workers (late B.G.A.). The old
name appeared to be exclusive, and often was
interpreted to mean only private gardeners, and,
seeing that the Union admits to membership all
men and women employed in horticulture, the
new title is a correct one. At the inception of
the organisation in 1904, it was definitely stated
that it was to include not only private gardeners
but also those employed in public narks and in
nurseries, and before 1914 a section had bjeen
formed to include garden labourers, because
if the garden labourer was to remain unorgan-
ised he would be a menace to the skilled gar-
dener; moreover, there was a difficulty in de-
fining a garden labourer. When the National
Standard of Hours and Wages was published iasi
year it gave both employer and employed some
guide as to what was just and fair. That it
had faults nobody denies, and the members,
through their branches, have decided to- remedv
some of these faults by endeavouring to raise the
minimum wag? from £3 to £3 10s., and the
various grades proportionately. Personally, I
should be pleased to learn of any other trade,
with the exception of the agricultural workers,
who have failed to secure 50s. a weak. Only
last week some of the agricultural workers in
Lancashire secured 60s. a week. There has been
no hesitancy in producing the new scale, and
there is no disagreement on the principle by
the present Executive ; the delay has been
caused by the diflicultv of meeting. The names
of the members of the Executive Council and
their position was submitted to the member-
ship; there was no secrecy. The organisation is
perfectly democratic, and realises that because
a man may not have reached the position of head
gardener in a large establishment he is not
thereby disqualified from office. Ir +he past we
have looked too much to th,g men in secure and
good positions to raise the status and remunera-
tion of those in lower positions in horticulture.
If head gardeners think thev can serve them-
selves by forming an association on the old lines,
let them do so ; I can well imagine the progress
thev will make. The old B.C. A. tried to improve

its membership by lectures, etc., and many a
branch became little better than a mutual im-
provement society; the newer organisation, in
addition, is determined that the members shall
share in the general advance gained by other
workers, and does not apologise in the least for
taking such a keen interest in wages and hours,
for they are the main factors in the workers' life.
I do not think Mr. Hartless wishes to infer that
the members who were left to carry on while the
others were in the Services, or making munitions,
took advantage of the absence of their comrades.
The fact is that only by a desperate effort and much
sacrifice was the Association kept going, and not
until the members, by ballot, decided to make it
a registered trade union was there a turn to-
wards the more prosperous and influential posi-
tion it now occupies. The old B.G.A. was not
constituted on the lines of either the legal or
medical associations, but more on those of the
N'ational Union of Teachers. It is foolish to
think of a gardener as anything but a wage-earner;
he is in a different category altogether to mem-
bers of the legal or medical professions, and the
sooner we cease flattering ourselves in that way
the better for us all. Mr. Hartless suggests
that membership is not so large as in pre-war
days. This is mere guessing on his part. The
membership to-day is an actual membership and
not a record of those whose names have appeared
on the books. Mr. Hartless's advic? " to join
p/n- masse and get a voice in the affairs " is good.

Thos. H. Candler, Bournville, Birmingham.

~i

1 find myself in agreement with most of the

remarks of Mr. A. J". Hairtless on p. 159,
and especially when he states the scale of wages
advocated is far from what.it should be. I
cannot agree with him, however, when he states
that workers in other trades at the age of 21
are not getting 50s. per week. I know a lad
who, when he left school, entered the gardening
profession, but, being dissatisfied with the low-
rate of pay, he decided to apply to a railway
company for a job as engine cleaner, with the
result that he was appointed to a vacancy about
two months ago, at the commencing wage of
55s. per week. Where is there an employer
in the horticultural trade who would have
offered him 55s. for his three years' experience,
however much of a genius he might have been?
It is quite true, as one of your correspondents
said some time ago, other workers "are all
laughing at us." Take my own case. My
wages at present are 50s. per week. Out of
this I have to pay 6s. for rent and provide for
a wife, and five children under fourteen years of
age. Contrast this with the painters now at work
on my employer's house and earning £5 10s. to
£6 per week for practically the same number of
hours that I work. Surely there ought to be
some legislation whereby all workers get a living
wage. I cannot get the necessities of life any
cheaper than the miner or the railwayman. I
hold no brief for the B.G.A. , and neither do 1
know anything of its doings. A. F. B.

The Future of the Japanese Chrysanthemum.
— The opinion has been expressed that the
popularity of large Japanese Chrysanthemums
is rapidly passing in favour of smaller-flowered
decorative and single varieti.es. Without wish-
ing to depreciate the charms and usefulness of
the latter, or to deny that there is an ever-in-
creasing demand by the general public for kinds
that will yield abundant quantities of cut
blooms for decorative purposes, I maintain that
large exhibition flowers still hold their own in
popular estimation, not only as examples of
high cultural skill, but as useful material for
the decoration of large rooms and halls wh,ere
an imposing effect is desired. The point of view
from which I am writing, however, concerns the
interest taken in big blooms by gardeners and
amateurs. Although during th" war period
many were obliged to discontinue the cultivation
of Chrysanthemums in any form whatever, it is
fair to' assume they never lost their former in-
terest in. or love 'for. them, and th,-y looked
forward to the time when war would cease, and
they might resume the cultivation of old favour-
ites. With the advent of peace, the revival of

186

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[April 10, 1920.

industry, and the release of men from the Ser-
vices and other occupations connected with the
war, ther,e came an awakening interest in horti-
culture generally. Enquiries began to be made
for stock, as most growers had lost their plants,
and in the spring of 1919 so great was the de-
mand for plants of Japanese exhibition
Chrysanthemums (as well as other sections) that
stocks held by nurserymen were soon depleted
and many enthusiasts were disappointed in ob-
taining stock that season. This demand is a
good test of the popularity of the Japanese
Chrysanthemums, and I am in a position to say
that the demand in 1920 is almost unprece-
dented. Good varieties are sought after by all
classes of growers, from the head gardener of a
big estate down to the miner in the Black Coun-
try -with his own humble greenhouse. Also, the
authorities in public parks aire again taking up
the cultivation of large, showy Chrysanthemums.
Chrysanthemum societies are reviving, and some
few have managed to hold an annual show all
through the war. In this connection it may be
said that, the National Chrysanthemum Society
set a good example by praiseworthy efforts on
the part of its officers and members in keeping
alive interest in the flower. Others might be men-
tioned ; one amateur society in North London
was successful in holding a small annual show
each yeair through the war, although without, the
inducement of a prize list. Foreign societies are
awakening after an enforced rest, and British-
raised Chrysanthemums are in request in many
parts of the world. Here is the opportunity of
those specialists who have not wholly relaxed
their efforts during the past five years in raising
new varieties. In conclusion, I am convinced
we have not heard the last word in regard
to large Chrysanthemums : varieties will improve
in form and beauty, even if they do not gam
in size. C. J).

Apple Alfriston. — As the culprit who sent
specimens of Alfriston Apples to the R.H.S.. I
offer a few facts in defence of the variety, which
Northern Grower (see p. 160) condemns as a cwn-
berer of the ground. Northern Grmoer's remarks
concerning the wisdom and knowledge of the
R.H.S. Fruit Committee I need not discuss, as I
imagine the members are quite competent
to defend themselves against the attacks of
anonymous or other writers. Possibly Northern
Grower has overlooked the fact that in its Book
of Arrangements the Royal Horticultural
Society specially asked that late-keeping varie-
ties of Apples and Pears should be sent to that
particular meeting (March 23), and in response
thereto, I sent a dish of Alfriston, one of Sandlin
Duchess and another of an unknown seedling. I
had no idea that the age of a variety was a
reason for withholding an Award ! It is fre-
quently staled that the value of anything is the
price it will make in the open market : judged
by this standard], Alfriston is worthy of the
Award of Men-it it received, for I am acquainted
with some shrewd, practical market growers,
both in the counties of Worcester and Middle-
sex, who grow the variety Alfriston on
a large scale. As furthe-: proof of value,
I have only to mention that during the month
of March Alfriston Apples fetched 42s. per cwt.
under the hammer in the Worcester public
market, and were bought 'by Birmingham
dealers. No other variety realised that price,
although Newton Wonder. King Edward and
others were offered. Of course, these growers
"pocket the brass and say nowt." Whether
Alfriston fails in Scotland, or even very much
nearer the recognised border line of north and
south, is quite immaterial, as no Apple succeeds
equally everywhere. Doubtless the craze for
colour in cooking Apples has kept Alfriston
somewhat in the background, but, as there now
appears to be a growing demand for large,
green, cooking Apples, Alfriston may yet re-
gain its proper position. Alfriston travels well
to market, and this cannot be said of all
late varieties, marketed when fit and ripe.
Needless to say, although I have been a member
of the Fruit Committee for very many years.
I took no part in the making of the award
criticised by Northern Grower. If. Crump,
Oalcridge, Malvern Link.

©bttuarp.

Mrs. Downie. — We regret to announce the
death of Mrs Downie, widow of the late Mr.
John Downie, nursery and seedsman, Edinburgh.
Mrs. Downie died at. her home, 2. Downie Ter-
raco, Murrayfield, Edinburgh, on March 30.

Augustin Andre Peeters It is with extreme

regret that we announce the death, on March
25, of M. A. A. Peeters, of Ancienne
Chaussee de Meysse, Laeken-, Brussels, one of
the oldest and most successful of Belgian
horticulturists, in his 86th year. M.
Peeters, like his son and successor, M.
Francois Peeters, was well known to British
horticulturists, and especially Orchidists.
During his long life he was a hard worker and
an upright man in every sense of the word.
Before taking up the cultivation of Orchids
he was a clever grower of Roses, Azaleas and
other popular flowers. He was for a long
time Vice-President of the Belgian Council of
Horticulture, and filled other important posts.
He was a famous exhibitor of Orchids and
new plants ; at the Ghent Quinquennial
Exhibition in 1903 he secured the R.H.S. Gold
Medal for the best display of Orchids. His
name is perpetuated in Eulophiella Peetersiana
and other fine Orchids.

THE LATE M. AUGUSITN-ANDRE PEETERS.

Edmund Bartlett. — We regret to announce
the death of this well-known West
Country horticulturist. which occurred at
Exeter on March 29, in his 75th year.
Mr. E. Bartlett was trained in the
leading gardens of Devonshire, and at a
relatively early age was appointed gardener at
Orleigh Court, an important North Devon
charge. Soon he was asked to supervise the
whole estate. Orleigh Court was famed as
having been the favourite seat of Sir Walter
Raleigh, where he was visited by Queen Eliza-
beth. On the death of the owner. Mr. Bartlett
contemplated settling in New Zealand, but, for
family reasons, abandoned the idea and accepted
the post of gardener and manager to Lady
Hotham at Knightleys, Exeter, where he soon
(became identified with county horticulture. He
was a most successful exhibitor at the city and
county shows, particularly with Roses, Chrys-
anthemums, Poinsettias, dinner table plants and
miscellaneous groups of plants. It is the busy
man who finds time to do things, and the late
Mr. Bartlett was for very many years an active
member of the Committee of the Devon and
Exeter Horticultural Society and manage]- of its
shows. He was largely instrumental in the for-
mation of the Exeter and District Gardeners'
Mutual Improvement Association, before which
he read papers on various subjects. On his re-
tirement, he was elected a Guardian of the Poor
of Exeter and he represented Belmont Ward for
17 years, being returned unopposed at each elec-
tion— a record in the annals of Exeter. A man
of fine presence and unswerving sincerity in
thought and speech, Mr. Bartlett was admired
and esteemed by all he came unto contact with,

and:, in his civic work, was widely known as a.
warm champion of the deserving poor and also-
a keen advocate of economy. Mr. Bartlett
leaves a widow, two sons and four daughters to-
mourn their loss. His eldest son, Harold, died
at Onitsha, West Africa, in 1890. He was ons-
of Kew's most promising student-gardeners and
one of the pioneers of cultivation in Nigeria;
but, unfortunately, met the fate that too often
falls to the pioneer in the tropics. His second
son, Mr. A. C. Bartlett, also an old Kewiite,
was for a dozen years or so an charge of
the famous pinetum and gardens at Pencarrow,
North Cornwall, and is now a Consulting Horti-
culturist at Kew, and .a frequent contributor to
our pages. The third son is in the service of the
Exeter City Council. At the funeral, on April
2, the large gathering assembled to pay their
last respects included Mr. Andrew Hope-
(Messrs. Robert Veitch and Son) and Mr. Fred
Luxton, Alexandra Nurseries, Exeter.

TRADE NOTES.

A strike took place on March 29 of the-
members of the Shop Assistants' Union em-
ployed in the nursery and seed trade in Aber-
deen. The demand was for advanced wages, a.
week of 48 hours and pay for overtime. The
terms asked were: Assistants, 16 years of age,
£1 4s., rising annually until at the age of 25 t he-
wage is £3 15s. : first hands to be paid £4 10s. ;
second hands, £4 Is. ; and packers and porters.
£3 5s.

The Edinburgh Nurserymen's and Gardeners'
Trade Association announce that the charge for-
jobbing is increased from April 1. The new
charge is ;,1 the rate of Is. 6cL per hour.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Calcium-carbide Refuse : 0. J. As stated on
p. 174, tlie calcium-carbide refuse from the
generator of an acetylene gas plant is of
value in the garden, when it has become dry.
Where lime cannot be obtained, the calcium-
carbide refuse should be stored under a roofed
but otherwise open shed, so that it may dry
and be ready for- use as needed.

Chiosya Leaves Silvered : W. L. — No doubt the
weather is responsible for the discolouration
of the leaves; probably frost followed by sun.
There is of course, a superficial resemblance to
Silver Leaf, but this disease is not present,
as evidenced by the fact that where one leaf.'
has been protected by another it is partly
green. Microscopically the discolouration is
quite different and not due to the presence of
air spaces, as in Silver Leaf, but to the abso-
lute disorganisation of all the chlorophyll
granules.

Names of Fruits; F.- II". M. The round'
Apple is Mini-hull Crab, and the other one
Stunner Pippin.

Names of Plants: J. P. 1, Azalea Raphael
de Smet ; 2, A. coccinea speciosa. — A. J '. B. r
1, Veronica speciosa var. ; 2, Akebia quinata ;
3, Olearia Traversii ; 4, Cotoneaster frigida -,
5, Cassinia fulvida; 6, send when in flower;
7,' Myrtus communis. — B. G. I. : 1, Escalloniai
macrantha.; 2, Ceanothus Veitchianus; 3,
Pieris (Andromeda) formosa ; 4, P. flonbunda;
5, P. japonica; 6, Ilex cornuta.

Volumes of the " Gardeners ' Chronicle" :
,/. L. A small, irregular set of volumes,
especially when certain numbers are missing,
is not likely to realise a high price, unless
certain volumes are needed by someone to
complete a set. Booksellers are always on the-
look-out for volumes to complete library sets.
An advertisement in this journal may possibly
bring you a purchaser.

Communications Received— A. C. B.— W. MoOv—
L. W. T— H. H. M.— H. A. do G — W. T.— W. S. Wi
—.1. 0. W.— C. S.— J. J. G.-C: S.-H. M.— W. I.—
W. H. M.

Aran. 17, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

187

THE

(Bartotttrs' (Khronkle

No. 1738.- SATURDAY, APRIL 17. 1920.

CONTENTS,

Agricultural "Wages

Orchis latifolia and

"Board

1S7

0. foliosa

191

Alpine garden, the —

Sophro-L;i<.'Mn-( ,it-

Silene acaulis

193

tleya Brilliant . .

191

America, proposed

Ormskirk Potato show

National Orciiid

and conference

187

Society for

1S7

Plants, indoor —

Azaleas, Kurume

194

Campanula Vidalii

190

Beet-sugar factory at

Columneas

19;>

Kelham

188

Pelargoniums , sea r-

Birds aud buds

196

let, for winter

Chrysanthemum, the,

blooming. .

193

in China
Disabled men, country

18S

Priory, gift of a, for the
public use

188

estate for

187

Rhododendrons, Java-

Food kitchens in the

195

London parks

188

SaiTjieenias

195

Fruit garden, the

market
Gardeners, legacies to

189
187

Shakespeare's garden,
plants tor . .

188

0'ordmer.s' Chronile

Societies —

seventy-five years

188

Boyal Horticultural
and Arboriculturat ,

Gardening and food

production
Hardy flower border —

188

of Ireland . .
Koyal Horticultural
Horticultural Club. .

198
190
198

Corydalis tuberosa

189

Spring garden, the ..

195

Lettuce, the

192

Sugar for jam-making

187

Local authorities and

Surveyors' Institution.

allotments

1S7

the

188

Obituary—

Trees and shrubs —

W. J. Tutchcr

198

Prunus cerasifera

Orchid notes and glean-

Pissardii

191

ings —

Trochodendron ara-

Eulophiella Eliza-

lioides

196

bethae

191

Verbena chamaedry-

Hybrids, new

191

folia

196

Laclio-Cattleya Ceci-

Week's work, the 190,191

dom

191

Wimbledon Common

188

Laelio-Cattleya Hil-

Wisley, ex-soldiers at

dom

191

187; the rock garden a

5188

ILLUSTR

*TIONS.

Lettuces Gloriosa and

Large

Frisian

1\)2

Corydalis thalictrifolia

189

Orchis latifolia and 0.

foliosa

191

Prunus cerasitera Pissardii ..

'.'. 194 A

195

Silene acaulis growing in its n

itural habitat

193

Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week
deduced from observations during the last fifty
years at Greenwich, 46.3°.

Actual Temperature: —

Hardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street,
Covent Garden, London. Wednesday, April U, 1K0.
10 a.m. ; Bar. 29.5, temp. 57°. Weather — Showery.

The recent official an
Sugar For nouncement with regard to
Jam Making, the amount of sugar that
will be allotted to private
households for the purposes of jam making
has occasioned great disappointment, espe-
cially amongst those who grow fruit. The
Food Controller has sanctioned an allow-
ance of 2 lb. per head for each member of
those households which have applied for
sugar for jam making, and those who grow
(heir own fruit will receive i lb. of sugar
for every 8 lb. of fruit they may grow. .The
amount is totally inadequate, and if the
present promise of a bountiful fruit harvest
is fulfilled there is sure to be a waste of
much valuable food, as sugar will not be
available to preserve the surplus. There is
a shortage of almost every commodity and
especially of foodstuffs, but there is appar-
ently an abundance of sugar for the making
of confectionery and the delicacies of the
pastry-cook, in which sugar is very exten-
sively used. In our opinion the value of
jam to the community is greater than either
sweets or pastries, and its use as a substi-
tute for butter is now general, especially
for children. It is commonly urged that
rhildren need sup~nr in excess of adults, and
that sweets should be plentiful for that rea-
son, but we doubt if the children are the
chief customers of the confectionery shops,
whilst, if it be a case of sweets versus jam,

we are of opinion that the latter is far more
wholesome, of greater utility and equally
enjoyed by the youngsters. After inviting
the public to fill in forms stating the quan-
tity of sugar required tor preserving hard
and soft fruits respectively, and enquiring
how much fruit the applicant estimated
would be grown in his or her garden, it is
not surprising that much grumbling is heard
at the meagre amount allowed, while another
grievance is the price. When the forms
were sent in no hint was given by the
authorities that there would be an increase
on the price — about 8i per lb. — then ruling,
vet the verv considerable advance to is. 2d.
per lb. is to be made for preserving sugar.
This in itself will deter many from claiming
even the moderate amount they may be en-
titled to, for it would make the jam so dear
as to be beyond their reach, and they will
have to rely on the professional jam maker,
who will, apparently, receive an adequate
amount of sugar for his purpose. How-
ever, with all our grumbling", the sugar may
not materialise unless great pressure is
brought to bear on the authorities, and
maybe not even then, but, in view of the
success of the Royal Horticultural Society
in helping to secure a supply of sugar for
jam making in iqiS, it is to be hoped that
this powerful society will exert its influence
lo the utmost to secure a more reasonable
ration for the home jam maker during the
present year. As the Council pointed out
on the last occasion, anyone possessing a
good fruit and vegetable garden can, if
enabled to make the best use of it, so far
reduce his demands upon the public food
supply that it will be only necessary to
encroach upon it so far as meat, bread and
salt are concerned. It would be interesting
to know the experience of those who have
tried sugar substitutes, such as saccharine
or glucose, or have used a special recipe for
fruit preserving with less sugar than is com-
monly employed. Amongst our readers there
are doubtless many who are acquainted with
economical methods of fruit preserving, other
than by canning or bottling. These latter
methods are very useful and perfectly simple,
but the sugar is still required when the
fruit is used, although in these cases it may
be drawn from the usual meagre weekly
ration. Thanks to the activities of the Food
Production Department, the methods of fruit
preserving by canning and bottling are now
widely known by those who grow fruit for
home use, and their practice enables the
familv to have fruit at its disposal all the
vear round.

Ex Soldiers at Wisley.— The garden staff at
tiie Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens.
Wisley. has recently been augmented by twenty-
four discharged soldiers, who are learn-
ing gardening under the Government scheme of
training for ex-Service men. The men receive
no wages hut ire given a maintenance allowance
Ivy the Government, which is defraying all the
expenses.

Ormskirk Potato Show and Conference.— Tin-
date of the Ormskirk Potato Sliow and Con-
ference has been fixed for Wednesday and Thurs-
day, 27th and ?84i October, 1920.

Agricultural Wages Board. — A readjustment of
the arrangements for carrying on the business of
the Agricultural Wages Board has been made by
the Ministry of Agriculture wiith the sanction of
the Treasury. Sir Henry Rew, who 'has recently
retired from the Civil Service will, as deputy
chairman, be in charge of the office and .>f the
general administration of the Board. The in-
creasing importance a.rhd magnitude of the
Board's functions and lit" desirability of more

direct supervision of the work of seeming strict
compliance with the Orders of the Board, have
rendered it advisable to divide the secretarial
duties. In future, Mr. E. W. Moss-Biimdell will
be in immediate charge of the outdoor staff as
Chief Inspector, while Mr. Russell H. Stanley
will act as Secretary to the Board and will be in
immediate charge of the indoor staff, the post of
assistant secretary, hitherto held by him, being
abolished. Both the Secretary and the Chief In-
spector will be equally responsible to the
Ueputy Chairman for the duties assigned to
them.

Carriage of Pot Plants by Passenger Train

At a largely attended meeting of the Trade,
held at the Royal Horticultural Hall, en April
13, tinder the presidency of Lord Banibomme,
a very strong protest was made against the
proposal of the railway companies to cease the
■ onveyance of pot plants by passenger train on
and after July 1 next. Numerous arguments were
put forward in support of the traders' point of
view, and these were embodied in a general
resolution which will be forwarded to the
Railway Clearing House and followed up, if
necessary, by a deputation from the R.H.S., the
Chamber of Horticulture, the Horticultural
Trades' Association, and the British Florists'
Federation.

Local Authorities and Allotments With a

view to secure satisfactory amendments to the
Land Settlement (Facilities) Act of 1919, the
National Union of Allotment Holders has ap-
pointed a committee to fully consider the whole
question of allotment legislation, as the Union
is of opinion the Act is not working favourably.
It is understood that the Ministry of Agricul-
ture is calling for a return from allotment
authorities showing the acreage acquired,
amount of land required and number of allot
ments provided under the Allotments Acts.

Wakefield and Northern Tulip Society

Chiefly as a result of a lecture given by Mr.
C. W. Needham before the members of the
Wakefield Paxton ' Society, a sum of £17 was
raised for the purpose of providing a Silver Cup
as the first prize for nine florists' Tulips on the
occasion of the Wakefield and Northern Tulip
Society's exhibition in 1920. This exhibition
will be held on May 29 at the Brunswick Hotel,
Borough Market, Wakefield, and the competi-
tion for the Silver Cup will be open to all
England. Other classes are provided, and
schedules may be obtained from Mr. I. Hewitt,
the secretary. Kemp's Bridge, Alverthorpe Road,
Wakefield.

Country Estate for Disabled Men The Vil-
lage Centres Council for the Curative Treatment
and Training of Disabled Ex-Service Men have
purchased an estate of 1,027 acres in a very
healthy district near Andovsr, Hampshire. By
the generous help of the Red Cross, who gave
£15,000, a complete medical block, with all the
most up-to-date methods of healing, has been
established. Instruction is given in horticulture,
farming, forestry, woodcraft, joinery, poultry
rearing, electrical fitting, basket-making, car-
pentry and joinery, boot and shoe repairing,
cooking, &c. At present there are 150 men. and
if the money necessary to erect more cottages
was forthcoming, the Centre could easily deal
with 500. The Council's offices are 51, Lincoln's
Inn Fields, llolborn, W.C.2.

Legacies to Gardeners. — Sir Edward Walter
Greene, Bart., of Nether Hall. Pakenham. Suf-
lolk. who died on February 27. left a legacy of
£300 to his gardener. Mr. Alfred Parsons,

R.A.. President of the Royal Water-Colour
Society, who died on January 16. left £200
and one year's wages to bis gardener, Mr. John
Green. Mrs. Fanny Harding Seddon. of Deer-
hurst Priorv, Clifton Down, Brist.il. former!}
of Waltliaiit House, Stoke Bishop, Bristol,
widow, who died on November 28, bequeathed
£200 and £50 a year to Iter gardener.

National Orchid Society for America-
American Orchid growers ami fanciers have con
templated 'lie formation of a National Orchid

188

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[April 17, 1920

Society for some time past., and with the inten-
tion of arriving at a decision those who have been
moving in the matter called a meeting of in-
terested persons for March 25, on the occasion of
the Orchid show held at the Horticultural Hall.
Boston. If the meeting was as .representative
as the promoters of the movement anticipated
we shall soon have the pleasure of stating that
the American National Orchid Society is an
accomplished !a.ct. We may point out that one
Orchid specialist m the United States believes
Orchids can be grown so successfully from seed
in America as to satisfy all demands in that
country. The programme of the Conference held
hi connection with the Boston show is as follows :
—.Basis of Orchid Classification, by Mr. Oakes
Ames: Geographical Distribution jf Orchids, by
Mr. E. H. Wilson; History of Orchid Cultiva-
tion in the United States, by Mr. W. A. Manda ;
Collecting Orchids, by Mr. John E. Lager; and
History of Orchids in England, by Mr. G.
I' Anson, formerly with Messrs. Low and Co., of
Clapton, and Messrs. Charlesworth and Co., of
Hay ward's Heath.

The Surveyors' Institution. — The next ordinary
general meeting of the Surveyors' Institution wilt
be held in the Lecture Hall of the Institution on
Monday, the 19th inst., when a Paper will be
read, entitled, " Som9 Problems connected with
Agricultural Policy," by Mr. Charles Browning
Fisher, C.B.E. The chair 'will be taken at
8 o'clock.

Gift of a Priory for the Public Use. — The old
English mansion known as Ware Priory, with
its grounds, has been presented to the people
of Ware by the owner, Mrs. Croft, mother of
Brigadier-General Page Croft, M.P. During the
war the Priory was lent as a convalescent home
for wounded men. It will in future be used as
the offices for the Urban District Council. Mrs.
Croft intends that the grounds should be used
for giving rest and recreation to the inhabitants
of Ware.

Establishment of a British Beet Sugar Factory.
—The Nottinghamshire Sugar Beet growing farm
at Kelham embraces some 30 acres of land, and
it is expected that the factory will begin work
early in 1921. The plant has been ordered from
a French, firm at Lille, which has had great ex-
perience in designing machinery for sugar manu-
facturing. It will be one of the largest and most
up-to-date in existence.

Food Kitchens in the London rarks and Kew
Gardens.— The Koyal Parks refreshment rooms
ar,9 now open and are again being managed dj
the National Kitchen Division of the Ministry
of Food. The refreshment (rooms are at Kiaw
Gardens, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and
Regent's Park, and hot and cold lunches, teas,
and light refreshments are being served, as
last year.

New Public Park on the Gunnersbury Estate.
—Ealing Council has bought from the executors
of the late Mr. Leopold de Rothschild, for £500
per acre, several acres of the Gunnersbury estate
for the purposes of a park and pleasure grounds.
About three acres will be taken over bv the
Middlesex County Council for use as allotments.

Gardening and Food Production On April 13

Sir A. Daniel Hall, Chief Scientific Adviser to
the Minister of Agriculture, commenced a series
of three Chadwick Public Lectures on Gardening
and Food Production, in the Lecture Hall Royal
Sanitary Institute, Buckingham Palace Road
Ixmdon, S.W. The title of the first lecture
was "1 he National Food Supply— How far can
we be self-supporting." The other lectur»s will
be on April 20, "Food Production in Gardens
and Allotments " ; April 27, "Social and
Hygienic Conditions respecting Gardens and
Allotments." Admission is free.

Shakespeare's Garden.— The appeal of the
Trustees and Guardians of Shakespeare's Birth-
place, etc., issued three months ago, for gifts of
Elizabethan plants and Mowers, wherewith to
stock his "Great Garden" at Stratford-upon-
Avon, has had a vesy gratifying response. The
King and Queen, Queen Alexandra and the
Prince of Wales, have graciously interested them-

selves in the project, and have given practical
support by valuable contributions of old-fashioned
Roses and other flowers. From the gardens of
all the Royal Palaces which were known to
Shakespeare, ample parcels of the same sorts of
flowers as grew in them wThen he visited them,
have been forwarded to Stratford-upon-Avon.
Thus, from Greenwich, as well as from
Frogmore and from Hampton Court, con-
signments of plants have reached Shake-
speare's Garden ; contributions have also been
received from the ga.rdens at Wilton, Cobham
Hall, Glamis Castle, Cawdor Castle, Gharlecote,
Knowle, Eshar Place, and Burghley House.
Most of the plants needful to furnish Shake-
spe;u'e's gawien in the style of his own time have
been forthcoming in sufficient quantities, but
there are some important kinds still needed.
These are: — Box, dwarf Box, both the ordinary
and the "Gilded variety"; Thrift; Thyme, the
golden and glaucous, as well *as the wild ; and
Santolina, known under its old English
name of "Lavender Cotton." Of these, thousands
of planus are needed. Similarly of Pinks,
"Streaked iSillynocwers " ; "Spike Lavender";
and of Pansies — "Love in. Idleness." — pale and
dark "purple with Love's wound," while of
"Eglantine" — Sweet Briar — a. few scores would
be verv welcome.

The Rock Garden at Wisley — Visitors to the
R.H.S. Gardens at Wisley will find the rock
garden especially interesting just now. Amongst
the great wealth of beautiful alpines in bloom
we specially noticed, on a recent visit, a colony
of the fine red Saxifrage Beauty of Letchworth,
another of Viola gracilis Mrs. Bowles, and a
mass of plants of Primula Juliae; this last is a
very dwarf species and rises very little above
the level of the soil, but it is exceedingly flori-
ferous. Lower down the rock garden were many
pretty plants of Bowles's Black Viola, and in
damp spots Primula rosea was flowering in pro-
fusion. The Pulmonaiias were contributing
delightful blue tones, and of these there were
charming patches of the dwarf P. Mawsonii.
Near the stream, at the foot of the rock-garden,
the Guimeras had just been divested of their
protective covering, and they attracted special
notice, for their unfolding leaves are beautiful.
and the huge and numerous inflorescences very
attractive. Two interesting shrubs were in
flower on the rockery, i.e.., Osmanthus Delavayi
and Viburnum Carlesii. The former plant is
represented by a splendid specimen, freely
covered with bunches of its fragrant, white,
tubular blossoms. Viburnum Carlesii was
equally good. Just beyond the rock-garden, in
the wood, the blood-red trusses of Rhododen-
dron Thomsonii arrested attention, and the
strong shoots of Lilium giganteum were equally
conspicuous.

The Chrysanthemum in China.— Referring to
the article under the above heading, in our
issue for Dece'inber 14, 1918, we note that our
contributor, Mr. Harman Payne, is giving the
first instalment of the original French text of
the paper, which he discovered in the old work
entitled Mrmoiies concern/mi I liistoire ....
'!es Chinoit, published by the Jesuit Mission-
aries in PeKin in 1778, in Lr Chrymn'.him°.
There is no doubt that the reproduction of this
old-time c;ntribution to the literature of the
famous flower from the Far East, in its entirety,
will be keenly appreciated by those members of
the French Chrysanthemum Society who are in-
terested in the history and literature of that
flower.

Wimbledon Common. — The news that it is
not intended to place ttv? famous windmill on
Wimbledon Common in working order has been
received with regret by a large number of per-
sons who have become attached to this well-
known landmark. But it is a relief to learn that
the four great sails will be replaced in due
time, lime had rendered them unsafe, and the
Board of Conservators, when taking them down,
decided that " while th,e need of house-room for
great masses of our fellow-countrymen is urgent,
no labour ought to diverted, even to things of
beauty." In addition to this laudable sentiment,
the fact remains that the Board has no power to

spend money from the rates for such a purpose.
The sails under consideration are not the original
set, but were erected to replace them by puouc
subscription, and it is confidently felt that when
the time comes th/ere will be a ready response
to a similar appeal. Wimbledon Common and
Heath, unlike those huge Noith London open
spaces — Hampstead Heath and Epping Forest
— are maintained and preserved by the immediate
inhabitants, whereas Hampstead Heath comes
under the authority of the London County Co>rn-
cil, and the Forest is maintained by the City Cor-
poration. To me,et the necessary expenditure
connected with Wimbledon Common a Tate is
levied by the Board of Conservators on all house-
holders assessed at £35 and upwards residing
within three-quarters of a mile of the Common,
and the rat^ is twice as great for those occupying
houses within half-a-mile as for the residents in
the outer zone. This is one restdt of the great
fight of some 50 years ago against encroachment
of the public rights, when the 1871 Act of Parlia-
ment settled the rival claims of the Lord of the
Manor and the commoners. The historic
Caesar's Camp is not a part of the Common and
it has long been generally recognised as private
property, though some contend it was not orig-
inally so. The destruction of the famous
" Rounds," some 40 years ago, is still remem-
bered with deep regret by many of the older
lovers of Wimbledon Common. Like many other
old camps in the country, it had a circle of
gnarled old Oak trees, which soon after shared
the fate of the " Rounds." The " John Evelyn
Club," formed many years ago, still continues its
good work at Wimbledon. It was instituted
primarily for the defence and promotion of the
picturesque amenities of the district and as an
educative centre for fostering the taste for
nature. It holds monthly meetings and arranges
occasional visits to other places of interest.

" The Gardeners' Chronicle " Seventy-live
Years Ago. — Hrath Edgings for Walks. — I
tried this to some extent last spring, and it has
succeeded so well and is so much admired that
I design edging the greater part of my flower
garden walks with it this season. It looks much
better than anything else I have seen. Indeed,
Heath, the general covering of our native hills,
although common, deserves a place in any noble-
man's garden. While in bloom it forms a fine
contrast with other plants of more delicate
habits in the flower border, and the fine, dark
green colour whicfa it retains during winter
makes it remarkably well suited for edgings.
My method of managing it is as follows : —
I cut the Heath up in turfs from a moor, free
from Grasses or other weeds, and which had
been burnt, as it is termed here, about three or
four years previously, so that the plants are
thick and young, and bear transplanting well.
Young Heath of the above age will average
about 3 inches in height. The turfs are out
up into convenient sizes, say from 3 to 4 feet
in length, from 3 to 4 inches in breadth, and
about 3 inches in depth, for the sake of taking
the roots properly up ; then take out a trench
about 9 inches in width and 8 inches in depth,
close by the side of the gravel in the walks ;
fill this trench with heath mould from any
dry moor (being best when of a sandy nature)
to within 3 inches of the surface of the gravel
walk, so that when the turf is laid its surface
may corespond with that of the gravel of the
walk, making the mould pretty firm befory
laying down the turf, lest the latter should
sink when rains come. When the turf is laid
down, apply the line on both sides and pare
off any irregularities with an edging iron or
knife ; fill up the trench on both sides with the
same kind of mould as that below the turf,
pressing it firmly in ; thus you have the Heath
planted in its native soil in which its roots
may extend themselves for several years; give
the whole now a watering, spread a little
gravel over the mould close to the turf on the
sido next to the walk, and a small portion of
garden mould over the heath-mould on thp
border side, and the work is finished. All the
keeping that Heath requires is to prune it with
a pair of shears once a year, in September, after
the blooming season is over. Muiryfold
Grange. Oarrl. Chron., April 19, 1845.

Aptul 17, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

189

THE MARKET FRUIT GARDEN.

Up to the end of March no harm had come to
the fruit bloom in spite of its earliness. The
only severe frosts registered at my place were
11° and 8° on the nights of the 7th and 8th,
and these were too early to do any damage.
After that the weather became delightfully mild
and spring-like, with plenty of sunshine, light
breezes, and gentle showers, mostly at night or
in the early morning. Under these genial
influences Plums burst into bloom quickly, the
earliest by the 15th, and the later
blooms opened before the close of the
month, by which time the petals had
begun to fall from the earliest flowers. The first
of the Pear and Cherry blooms opened on the
23rd; and by the end of the month early-
blooming Apples were already showing the pink
buds, which must open early in April. What a
contrast to last year, when no fruit bloom of any
kind was seen in March, and only the two
earliest-blooming Plums were fully open when
the blizzard came at the end of April. Thus
the present spring is about six weeks earlier
than last, and a fortnight or three weeks before
the normal.

Great Show of Bloom.

The display of bloom on Plums is tremendous.
Black Diamond, Monarch, President, Early
Rivers and Czar could hardly have shown more.
Victoria is only moderate, as was to be expected
after last year's enormous crop of this variety.
As already mentioned, some varieties of Plums
have already dropped their petals, so these
should now be reasonably safe from frost.
Atmospheric conditions seem to have been ide-al
for pollination, and the bees have been very busy
amongst the blossoms. Pears and Cherries are
also blooming profusely, but these, of course, are
by no means out of danger of frost yet. Apples
promise a good show of bloom, though consider-
ably less than last year.

Insect Pests.

So far fruit trees are remarkably free from
insect pests. Careful examination of hundreds
of Apple bloom trusses at the end of last month
discovered a good many Apple suckers, though
fewer than usual, numerous thrips (Euthrips
pyri), and a few Winter Moth caterpillars; but
only two aphides were found after prolonged
search. There is, of course, plenty of time for
aphides to appear in force, as they do not
normally hatch until April, but one would
expect them early in such a season. I do not
doubt that insect pests will soon be far more
numerous, but it is certainly a great advantage
to have the trees growing well in advance of
them as they are this year. It is during
periods where vegetation is checked that pests
do most harm, and healthy trees always seem
to escape the worst infestations.

Double-Wobked Apples.
Mr. R. P. Brotherston's remarks on double-
worked or top-grafted Apples (Gardeners'
Chronicle, March 20) are very interesting. He
etates that when one variety is grafted on to
another it is always less prolific than if worked
direct on to one of the usual stocks. He has
found, for instance, that even such a prolific
variety as .lames Grieve, when grafted on free-
fruiting kinds such as Lord Grosvenor,
Eckhnv, le and Lord Suffield, yields only about
one-third its normal crop, but always finer
fruit. It would be interesting to learn whether
other growers have had the same experience
Aly own top grafted trees certainly yield liVht
crops of very fine fruit, but this 'is to ^be
expected, as they have been in bearing only two

ZnT'n-^"'"- V- £ can be established that

op-graft,ng g,ves lighter crops and larger fruit

the know edge could be put to valuable use,

a the plan could be followed with varieties

fruits SJw V°- T,'-p,'°duCtio" and small
nuts. Possibly ,t might prove to be a corrective

which •■"1T"1S; ah.ernate-year Wing habit
which is characteristic of some varieties and

iMiniing nt the crops.

Stored Apples,

Only those growers whose stored Apples kept
sound until March gained any advantage from
storing this season, as the price did not rise till
then above that ruling at the time of gathering
the crop. Even then there was not much
advance, and sound samples were not plentiful,
so there is no doubt that most growers stored at
a loss. With me Newton Wonder has, as usual,
kept besT. It was still sound at the end of
March, though some of the larger fruits were
beginning to go brown around the core. This
is a grand market variety, and well worth plant-
ing more extensively. It has a splendid colour
and is always clean and free from scab, whilst
the tree is free-growing and healthy. Another
variety that kept very well is Barnack Beauty,
which cropped with me for the first time last
year. I was hoping that this would prove to be
a good late dessert Apple, but I am very much
disappointed with its quality. The flavour
after storing is quite disagreeable, and one
wonders why such a poor variety remains in
cultivation. Market Grower.

recent exceptionally mild winter it has never
been out of flower.

C tuberosa has been long known in gardens,
having been introduced, according to Nicholson's
Dictionary of Gardening, so long ago as 1596.
Not only is it one of the oldest, but it is one of
the most useful and attractive members of the
genus, the marline* of :ts flowering giving it an
additional value In ordinary reasons it fre-
quently opens its first flowers in February. On
M-vreh 6 a large group on one of the rockeries
here was m full flower.

Although of such ancient introduction, or per-
haps because of it, the plant would appear to be
anything but common in gardens. Very few of
the many who visit these gardens appear to be
acquainted with this Corydalis. I ramemiber a
few years ago one of the leading gardeners in
Scotland telling me it was becoming a rare plant
in that country. Incidentally, I had the pleasure
of adding it to his collection. As the specific
name denotes, the roofs' are tuberous; they are
also hollow. Throughout its whole season of
growth from the time when it begins to push its
shiny, bronze-coloured stems through the soil in

Fig. 81. — corydalis thalictrifolta.

HARDY FLOWER BORDER.

CORYDALIS TUBEROSA (SYN. C. CAVA).

The genus Corydalis includes many interesting
and beautiful plants, all marked iby a delicacy
and elegance of foliage hardly equalled by any
other group of plants — Ferns excepted — and some
have very attractive flowers. The introduction
of such valuable species as C. cheilanthifolia
and C. thalietrifolia (see Fig. 81) some years ago
from China — the latter, unfortunately, not quite
hardy — has served to reawaken the' interest in
and direct the attention of gardeners to the use-
fulness of this genus.

C. cheilanthifolia is a particularly delightful
I l.mt quit,, capable of baking care of itself, and
in spite oi the delicate appearance of its foliage
seems to bear with impunity, in the Smith .it
any rate, the severest weather Puring I la-

the early days of the year, until the foliage dies
away in late spring, it is an attractive little
plant. It has two leaves, biternato and delicately
cut into cuneated segments. The flowers are
purple in colour and borne on racemes from
6 inches to 12 inches high. The variety albiHora
is similar, except for the pure white flowers, and
is, to my mind, an even more beautiful plan)
than the type Both increase readily by means
of self-sown seed.

In common with most of the species, C.
tuberusa seems indifferent as to soil and situa
tion. Specimens I planted a few years ago in a
shady position amongst hardy Ferns are spread-
ing rapidly, and, in company with other early,
spring-flowering plants, serve to make bright
what would otherwise b:? a somewhat dull part
of the garden. The species thrives equally well,
however, in soil filled with Elm tree roots on
ap exposed part of the rockery. J. I). H., Bath

190

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[April 17, 1920.

The Week's Work.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

Bv Sidney Leoo, Gardener to the DowageT Ladt
Nenboenbolme, Warter Priory, Yorkshire.

Garden Design.— Formality is not altogether
pleasing in flower gardening, but there are in-
stances where, owing both to architecture and
the surrounding ground, formal flower beds are
more or less a necessity. Frivolous designs, not
suitable to the position and ground at command,
are an eyesore; moreover, to keep them in order
entails much laborious work. Before deciding
on any particular plan, it is advisable to come
to a decision as to the plants which will be re-
quired to furnish the beds. It is hardly to be
expected, owing to the present day cost and
shortage of working materials, that tender plants
will be nsed so extensively as formerly. This in
itself, is more of a blessing than otherwise, as
it will further the interests of hardy plants con-
siderably. Where permanent edgings are re-
quired to beds in the formal garden choose
natural stone wherever practicable. Ihis will
permit of such plants as Dianthus and Alyssum
spreading over the edge here and there and
adding a pleasing feature, Topiary is an un-
natural art, but well tended specimens some-
times give an air of distinction in places where
precision predominates. Unless of the very best,
workmanship and material, statuary should be
entirely eliminated. Old Italian oil jars are
pleasing receptacles for such subjects as Myrtle
and Plumbago capensis. Stone seats are useless
from a utility standpoint unless they are pro-
vided with light, wooden, lattice work frames to
fit the slab.

Scented Plants.— Exquisite colour and natural
form are essentials of good flower gardening, but
if fragrance is lacking the charm is only momen-
tary The wise planter will carefully study the
most suitable positions for the fragrant plants,
the perfume of which pervades the air as the
morning dew evaporates; also those whose scent
is predominant at midday and evening respec-
tively The Tobacco plant is valuable planted
beneath a sunny breakfast room window. Ac
commodation should be made behind seats, where
practicable, for the night scented Stock, whilst
Southernwood may be planted in the vicinity ot
shelters, where one is likely to take refuge from
showers. The garden proper may be made
fragrant in summer with Heliotrope, Carna-
tions, Stocks and scented-leaved Pelargoniums.
Delicious scents cause one to linger and admire
the garden beautiful.

Tropaeolum.— Dwarf, annual species of Tro-
paeolum grow too freely in rich soils and pro-
duce insufficient flowers. To obviate this the
seeds should be sown in small pots at the present
time and the plants ultimately planted out with
the pots intact.

Aiuga. — The varietv Brockbankii is a pleasing
addition to the family of Ajuga. The numerous
flower stems, which stand erect, are clothed
with rich, dark blue flowers. The plant will
not thrive in such moist conditions as suits A.
reptans, and it produces no creeping shoots but
it may 'be increased by division now ; plenty ot
sharp grit should be added to heavy soil before
planting the small clumps.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By H. WHEELER. rjf.Wler.er to Mm Jenneb, Wenvoe
Castle, near Cardiff.

Pottos.— The planting of Potatos should be
proceeded with, as it is advisable to get this
work finished before the end of April in order
that the plants may be as forward as possible
by the earlv part of July, at which time spray-
ing should ' be commenced. Second-early varie-
ties should be allowed a space of 2 feet 3 inches
between the rows and 15 inches between the
sets; late varieties should be grown 2 feet 6

inches between the rows, whilst in the case or
robust growers, such as Great Scot, allow 3
feet between the rows and put the seed tubers
18 inches apart. A depth, of 4 indies is a suit-
able one for all sections. Any refuse of a
light nature, containing humus, may with advan-
tage be used in the drills or trenches at the
time of planting, and soot used in the same
manner is an excellent fertiliser. Any surplus
sets of either early or second-early varieties
should be allowed to remain in the trays and be
kept in a light, airy place. If these are planted
any time previous to the middle of July, as
ground becomes vacant, they will prove a re-
munerative crop.

Parsley. — Transplant early-sown Parsley in
rows made fifteen inches apart, allowing a space
of one foot between the plants in the rows.
Make a further sowing of Parsley in the open
to meet future requirements.

Beet. — Sow seed of Beet in drills made fifteen
inches apart. A few seeds of Globe Beet, should
be placed at six-inch intervals in the rows, in-
creasing the distance to nine inches for the long-
rooted types. Extra fine roots may be grown
by making special stations with a crowbar, as
in the case of Parsnips, increasing the distance
apart to 12 inches.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By T. W. Beiscoe, Gardener to W. E. Lysaoht, Esq.,
Oastleford, Chepstow.

Propagating Dendrobiums — To be successful
with Dendrobiums, a stock of young, healthy
plants shonld be maintained, and each year a
few pseudo-bulbs removed at the time of re-
potting should be cut up for propagating pur-
poses. They should be cut into portions two or
three inches long, and several may be placed
around the edge of a small pot. filled with clean
sand and chopped Sphagnum-moss. Place the
pots in a propagating case, or in a moist, shaded
corner of a warm house. When roots have
formed, repot the plants, using similar soil to
that recommended for the older plants. Grow
the plants in a warm, moist house, and expose
them to more light directly they are established.
For a few weeks after repotting Dendrobiums
afford them water sparingly, but keep the
atmosphere moist, and the stages immediately
below the plants damp. A minimum tempera-
ture of 60° to 65° should be maintained, but
these figures may be exceeded during the day,
especially with sun-heat. Damp the house
thoroughly early in the afternoons, and close the
ventilators. If the weather is mild the bottom
ventilators may be opened an inch or two about
six o'clock, and be allowed to remain open
throughout the night. When closing the houses,
"summer time" must be taken into consideration.
As the growths elongate and root action becomes
vigorous, apply water more frequently, and
spray the plants daily overhead. Shade will be
necessary during the hottest part of the day,
but this' should not be too dense, or growth will
be weak and more liable to damp off.

Chysis. — These interesting Orchids are either
in flower or pushing up their spikes together
with the new growth. When the scapes are
removed any plants that need fresh soil may be
given attention. Fill the pots one third of their
depth with drainage and use a compost of
Osmunda-fibre with a moderate sprinkling of
Sphagnum-moss. Some growers add a little
fibrous loam, and if proper attention is given to
watering equally good results are obtained by
the use of this material. During the growing
period the plants should be placed in a light
position in the warm house, and if stage room is
required for otter plants the Chysis may be
suspended from the roof rafters. Keep the roots
well supplied with water until the pseudo-bulbs
are fully developed, but afterwards they need
only enough moisture to prevent undue
shrivelling of the stems. When the plants are
at rest remove them to a cooler house where the
atmosphere is not heavily charged with moisture.
The principal species are C. aurea, C. bractes-
cens, C. laevis and C. Limminghii, while the
hybrids are C. Sedenii and C, Chelsonii.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By F. Jordan, Gardener to Lieut. -Col. Sfendee Clai,
M.P., Ford Manor, Lintrfield, Surrey.

Pot Figs. — The earliest forced Figs in pots
ne?d plenty of warm, diluted liquid manure and
other stimulants, as the pots become filled with
roots. Plenty of atmospheric moisture isalsoneces-
sary during the flowering stage and through the
period of the fruits' last swelling, as the amount
of ventilation and fire-heat is increased. Remove
all weak growths and pinch all strong shoots, as
exposure to sun and light is essential to obtain
colour and flavour in the fruits. The night tern
perature should be 66° with a little ventilation,
and 75° to 80° on bright days. Early permanent
trees will be approaching the flowering stage, and
little progress will be noticeable until that is
over, but as soon as the fruits begin to swel,
again increase the night temperature by 5°.
with a corresponding rise during the day. Thin
the fruits where this is necessary and prevent
crowding of the shoots, for it is very necessary
that light and air should reach all part of
the trees. See that trees with their roots in
confined areas are not allowed to suffer for lack
of water ; in the case of old trees, weak liquid
manure may be used at every alternate watering.
The latest trees, in cold houses, will require more
water. The fruits should be thinned as they
increase in size.

Early Vines. — In very early vineries the Grapes
are safely past the stoning stage and com-
mencing to swell again. This is the stage when
the vines feel the effects of overcropping, but
there is no danger from this if the vines con-
tinue to develop healthy laterals ; in the case of
pot vines with roots in a confined area, the
growths may be very weak, and yet the foliage
may be healthy and the Grapes will finish well.
It is too late at this stage .to remove super-
fluous bunches, but some relief may be given
the vines by the removal of berries which show
signs of crowding. This should be the last time
the bunches are touched. See that all ties are
sound and not made too tightly. As every new
leaf at this stage assists the roots and black
Grapes colour best when the vines are furnished
with healthy foliage, a few laterals should he
allowed to grow so long as space can be found
for them. The roots of pot vines should be
stimulated with rich top-dressings and warm
diluted liquid manure, guano and soot water;
these materials should also be applied on a
slightly reduced scale, to the roots of early
permanent vines. When the Grapes are approach-
ing ripeness, withhold stimulants and use
clear water only. At this stage, the amount of
atmospheric moisture should be reduced and
plenty of fresh air admitted whenever the
weather favours a free use of the ventilators.
Always keep a sharp watch on the foliage in
warm, dry corners. If the variety Madresifield
Court is grown in pots see that the roots are
well supplied with water before the berries have
attained their full size, as a check from cold
draughts followed by a flush of water, often
results in the loss of some of the finest, berries ;
the same remarks apply to this Grape planted
in permanent borders.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By T. Pateman, Gardener to C A. Cain, Esq., J. P.,
The Node. Codioote, Welwyn, Hertfordshire.

Disbudding of Peaches and Nectarines. — Owing
to the very mild weather, Peaches and Nec-
tarines are very forward and disbudding of these
trees will now require attention. The work
should be done gradually and the operation
should also be governed by the condition of the
weather ; should the weather turn colder it will
be wise to proceed slowly. Perhaps the best time
to commence dis'budding these trees is when the
fruits are swelling freely hut, in every case,
the operator must he guided by the condition
of the trees. Those in a healthy, vigorous con-
dition may be disbudded forthwith, hut
in the case of those breaking weakly,
or any tha*. have received a check through
root pruning, the work should be deferred
r.nti] such time as the roots and

April 17, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

191

sap are more active. In no case is it wise to
remove too many shoots at one time, as this
would cause a check to the trees and be
detrimental to the swelling of the fruits.

Apricots. — These trees also require disbudding,
but not so severely as in the case of Peaches.
The first shoots removed should be those that are
badly placed, growing behind the branches, or
likely to crowd the trees. In this case also the
disbudding should ibe done gradually ; an interval
of several days should elapse before the work
is continued. Many of the shoots should be
stopped within a short time to form fruit spurs
for next season. As a general rule, three shoots
on one spur will be sufficient. Where these trees
have been protected from frost they have set far
too many fruits, «uid soma should be removed-.
Remove the protecting material as soon as it is
safe to do so.

Peach-Leaf Curl. — Keep a sharp watch for
this disease, and if it is detected, treat the trees
as advised in my remarks on p. 140.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By John Couxts, Foreman, Royal Botanio Gardens.
Kew.

Cytisus fragrans. — This Broom has for many
years been a popular market plant, its delicate
fragrance making it a general favourite. As
the plants pass out of flower they should be
trimmed, and such as require it should be re-
potted. Cytisus fragrans may be readily pro-
pagated at this time from cuttings formed of
half-ripened shoots, which root readily in a close
case. Plants may also be raised from seeds, and
seedlings show a considerable variation in habit
and leaf character, many being of a freer and
more graceful habit than those raised from cut
tings. These seedlings make excellent stocks
upon which to graft the beautiful, siivery-leaved
variety elegans, which cannot be propagated
from cuttings.

Cytisus stenopetalus. — This Canary Island
Broom is worthy of more extended cultivation.
It is a stouter-growing plant than the former',
and makes a good standard ; it is also later in
flowering, thus forming a succession to C.
fragrans.

Cytisus fllipes. — The slender growing Cytisus
filipes, also from the Canaries, is best raised from
seeds, and is seen to most advantage when
grown as a standard, having slender growth and
sprays of small, white flowers.

Celosia cristata and var. pyramidalis. — Seed of
Celosia cristata should be sown now to raise
plants for summer flowering; next month will
b9 soon enough to sow where the plants are
required for autumn blooming. Plants raised
from seed sown a fortnight ago should be ready
lor pricking off into light, rich soil. Celosias
require rich soil in which they may develop
rapidly, and should never suffer check from lack
of sufficient root space in their young stages.
One of the essentials in the successful cultiva-
tion of Celosias is to secure a good strain, for no
amount of careful cultivation will produce good
combs or plumes if the strain is a poor one.
The plants are very subject to attacks of red
spider and Begonia mite. Red spider may be
destroyed by using the syringe, and the mite By
sulphur vaporising, as already advised.

Salvia. — Salvia splendens, S. mutilans, S.
azurea var. grandiflora, S. involucrata var.
Bethellii, S. Heerii, S. leucantha and S.
rubescens are all useful subjects for the green-
house during autumn and winter; but in the
immediate neighbourhood of London they are
very uncertain, for one night's fog is sufficient
to strip them of every flower. They are all
readily propagated at this time by means of
young, soft cuttings, which, when rooted, Simula
be potted on as they require it. Stand the
plants out of doors in the summer, and afford
them the same treatment as for Chrysanthe-
mums. They may with advantage be planted
out for the summer, lifting and potting them
the autumn.

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

ORCHIS LATIFOLIA AND 0. FOLIOSA.

The Marsh Orchis (0. latifolia) is one of the
finest of our native Orchids, and is usually found
growing wild in moist meadows ; its flowering
season is from May to July. It is extremely
variable in habit, ranging from one foot to three
feet in height. In some forms the leaves are
quite green, whilst in others they have the dark
spots of 0. maculata. These two species cross
freely, so that one might select a range of forms
quite connecting the two. In the typical plant
the rich purple flowers are produced in long
spikes, while in the variety incarnata the flowers
are of a flesh-pink shade.

The Madeira Orchis (0. foliosa) is by some
authorities considered to be only a form of 0.
latifolia. It differs in having shining green,
arching leaves, instead of the more or less erect
ones of latifolia, while the rosy-purple flowers
are produced in broader spikes.

The accompanying illustration (see Fig. 82)
shows a group of these Orchids in a flourishing
condition ; the Madeira Orchis is the one with
the broader inflorescences.

Thev both flourish in moist, heavy loam, and

extending to the broad margin, which, like the
side lobes, is reddish purple. The column is
pale rose and the anther cap white. In a clear
light the scarlet of Sophronitis grandiflora can
be detected, and it plays a satisfactory part in
deepening the tints imparted by bile other
parents.

EULOPHIELLA ELIZABETHAE.

In the pretty group shown by H. T. Pitt, Esq.,
of Rosslyn, Stamford Hill (gr. Mr. Thurgood),
at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society
on Tuesday last, an outstanding plant was a
specimen of this beautiful, wax-like Orchid which
had been in the collection about a quarter of a
century. It was one of the original importation
from Madagascar, which came with such a
flourish of trumpets and sensational records of
adventures many years ago. The plant is now
very rare in gardens, and Mr. Pitt is to be con-
gratulated on retaining this and many other now
rare species in cultivation.

NEW HYBRIDS.

Flowers of two very promising hybrids are
sent by Frederick J. Hanbury, Esq., Brockhurst,
East Grinstead, in whose garden, now famous
for its many pretty hybrids, they were raised.

Fig. 82. — orchis latifolia and o. foliosa.

if left undisturbed soon form large tufts,
each of which sends up several strong stems.
The best time to take up and divide the groups
of tubers for the purpose of increase is after the
stems have died down. W. I.

SOPHRO-DAELIO-CATTLEYA BRILLIANT.

The first flower of this very handsome hybrid,
raised between S.-L.-C. bletclhleyflora Var.
vivicans (L.-C. bletchleyensis x S. grandiflora)
and C. Empress Frederick (Dowiana X Mossiae)
is sent by the raisers, Messrs. Stuart Low and
Co., Jarvisbrook, Sussex. It demonstrates a
fine advance in imparting the rich and vivid
colouring of the Sophronitis grandiflora cross
to the larger and broadly proportioned Cattleya,
whose outlines are maintained, although the first
flower of the small seedling plant is not so
large as that of the Cattleya parent, a feature
which maturity may alter. The sepals and
petals are glowing reddish purple, with darker
veining, the petals being broad, and wavy at
the edges. The base and cantre of the lip are
chrome yellow, with distinct claret-red lines,

Laelio-Cattleya Hjldoh. — This is a very bright
wnd finely-coloured hybrid, raised between L.-C.
Hilda (C. Lawrenceana x L. Boothiana) and
L.-C. Dominiana (C. Dowiana X L. purpurata),
and the analysis of the flower gives, in. tihe shape,
a good indication of C. Dowiana, but in colour
C. Lawrenceana predominates. The sepals and
petals are of that bright purplish-rose colour seen
in the best forms of C. Lawrenceana, and the
maroon-purple tint of the lip follows that species.
The base of the lip has light yellow lines; the
flower is fragrant .

Laelio-Cattleya Cecidom (Cecilia var. Louis
Chalon x L.-C. Dominiana (C. Dowian<i x L.
purpurata) follows a very common course in cases
where C. Dowiana is one of the ancestors, anil
results in a fine flower with pure white sepals
and petals, the yellow in C. Dowiana eliminating
the cyanic tints in the other parents. The lip,
however, compromises, and results in a showy
organ intermediate in tint, light violet with yel-
low base and gradually shading lines of yellow to
white on the front. The column is_ white. th»
most constant feature in mixed hybrid"

192

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[April 17, 1920.

EDITORIAL NOTICE.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the
PUBLISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, W.C.

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

Special Notice to Correspondents— The Editors
do not undertake to pay for any contributions or
illustrations, or to return unused communications
or illustrations unless by special arrangement. The
Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any
opinions expressed by their correspondents.

THE LETTUCE,

r

^HE early history of the Lettuce (Lactuca
sativa) is involved in considerable ob-
scurity, but there exists in the writings
of Herodotus, Virgil, Pliny, Columella, and
others, reliable evidence that the plant was
known and used by the ancient Greeks and
Romans in much the same manner as it is
used by us to-day.

How many varieties were in existence in
those bygone days we do not clearly know,
but coming down nearer to our own times we find
that Gerarde, in 1597, mentions the following
six varieties : — Lactuca safiva, Garden Lettuce;
L. crispa, Curled Lettuce; L. crispa altera.
Small Curled Lettuce; L. Saubaudica crispa,
Savoie Lettuce; L. capitata, Cabbage Lettuce;
and L. intybaca, Lumbard Lettuce.

It is interesting to note the remarks of
Gerarde on the uses of the plant. He states,

Lettuce maketh a pleasant sallade, being
eaten rawe with vineger, oile and a little salt;
but if it be boiled, it is sooner digested and
nourisheth more." I shall have occasion to
refer again to this latter remark. Dodoens,
whose Hutoire des Plantes was translated
from low Dutch (German) into French by
Charles de l'Escluse in 1557, mentions two classes
the curled and the heading, and states that
Pliny referred to the first as Lactuca crispa
and the second as Lactuca Laconica, whilst
Columella referred to the curled variety as
Lactuca Ceciliana. It is worthy of note that
neither of these writers makes any mention
of a Cos variety, but Miller, in an edition of
Ins Gardeners' Dictionary, published in 1757,
lias a list of fifteen varieties, including five
Cos or upright sorts, which were cultivated
for kitchen use in his day. The names of these
may be interesting to readers of The Gardeners'
Chronicle. (1) L. Common or Garden; (<2)
L. Cabbage; (3) L. Cilicia ; (4) L. Dutch
Brown; (5) L. Aleppo; (6) L. Imperial; (7) L.
Green Capuchin; (8) L. Versailles, or Upright
White Cos; (9) L. Black Cos; (10) L. White
Cos; (11) L. Red Capuchin; (12) L. Roman;
(13) L. Prince; (14) L. Royal; (15) L. Egyptian
Cos. In describing these he remarks. " The
most valuable of all the sorts of Lettuce in
England are the Egyptian Green Cos and the
Versailles, or White Cos, the Cilicia and Black
Cos, though some people are very fond of the
Royal and Imperial Lettuces; but they seldom
sell so well in the London markets, nor are
they generally esteemed. Since the White
Cos had been commonly cultivated it
had obtained the preference of all other
sorts until the Egyptian Green Cos was
introduced, -which is so much sweeter and
tenderer than the White Cos that it is by all
good judges esteemed the best sort of Lettuce
yet known. This sort will endure the cold of
our ordinary winters."

At the close of a century and a half the
Versailles Cos, the Egyptian Green Cos and tha

Green Capuchin, or Drumhead Cabbage,
varieties are practically all that remain in
cultivation.

Difference of opinion exists regarding the
origin of the Cabbage and Cos Lettuces, some
writers holding that they are the produce of
quite distinct parents and that the name Cos
was given to that particular section because
it was first introduced from the island of that
name.

Mr. F. J. Chittenden, however, points out that
" although the extreme forms are very different
from one another, all gradations between them

Fig. 83. — cabbage lettuce large Parisian.

are to be found, and there is little doubt but
that all have been derived from one original wild
plant, in all probability Lactuca scariola, a native
of Central Europe and Asia." On this point I
may add that Dodoens states that Crescentius,
an Italian botanist who flourished in the 13th
century, refers to a Lactuca Romana, i.e. Roman
Lettuce, and this has been supposed to refer to
the Cos section, and to have originated the
French name Laitue Romaine. It is noteworthy
that Miller does not class Roman Lettuce as a

- .J

Fig. 84. — cabbage lettuce gloriosa.

Cos variety, but speaks of it as cabbaging very
early. Reference as to the methods of using
the Lettuce may not be out of place. In
.Miller's time they were apparently used for
salads and soups, for which purpose they were
grown both in the forcing house and in the
open, but he does not mention their being served
as a green Vegetable like Cabbage and Spinach.
Reference to the quotation from Gerarde's
Herball given above shows that cooked Lettuce
was well known and appreciated as a valuable

article of food in his day. It is a pity thatcooked
Lettuce is not more frequently seen on our
tables now, for with very simple preparation it
may be made a very pleasant and healthful
dish.

We may now leave the old Lettuces and their
growers to their fate, and turn our attention
for a short time to the newer, and in many
respects more preferable varieties that are now
available. The Wisley Trials of Winter Lettuces
in 1917-18, when one hundred and fifteen
samples were sown, and the more complete trial
in 1919, when about two hundred and eighty
samples were tested, afford ample material for
forming a fairly sound judgment on the relative
merits and demerits of such varieties as were
submitted for trial.

Dealing first with the trials in 1919 of summer
and early autumn sorts, it should be stated thai
the trials were inspected on several occasions by
members of the Fruit and Vegetable Com-
mittee of the R.H.S., and various recommenda-
tions for awards were made. It is, however,
important to observe that awards were not given
to varieties as such; th,sy were given to strains,
an award being given to the truest strain. At
the same time it is quite fair to assume that
the committee would not have recommended a
worthless variety for an award however true the
strain might havebeen. I shall, therefore, be quite
safe in following the able, comprehensive, and
lucid report prepared by the director, Mr. F. J.
Chittenden, which he has kindly permitted me
to make use of ili preparing this article. The
Lettuces have been divided into non-hearting or
cutting varieties, cabbage varieties, cabbage
varieties which form a head, semi-Cos varieties
and Cos varieties, each group being further sub-
divided as seemed convenient and necessary.

Taking the sections in the order given, the
cutting and bunching varieties first claim
attention. The chief merit of this section is
the abundance of leafage which the plants fur-
nish and which is very highly esteemed in hot
countries where quantity is the first considera-
tion. The Simpson Lettuces, both white seeded
and black seeded, justly received the Highly
Commended award of the Royal Horticultural
Society at the recent trials. The latter is the
best for hot climates and light soils. The
number of times it has been re-named is good
evidence of its popularity and value.

American Gathering will please both grower
and eater if a little colour in the salad is not
objected to. Golden Beauty (H.C.) is a more
long-standing form of the white-seeded Simpson.
Taking nest the "Heading Summer Cabbage
Lettuces," the number of varieties available
is legion, and the awards were eonsequentlv
more numerous. It is only possible for me to
deal with a few of the most reliable varieties.
.Mr. Chittenden has rightly divided this section
into two groups — those with distinctly crisp
leaves, somewhat like the Cos Lettuce, brittle
and usually glossy on the veins, and those
with the inner leaves scarcely crisp but rather
buttery in texture. Taking the crisp varieties
first, the accompanying illustration of
Large Parisian (Fig. 83) accurately depicts
the general form. The heads are very
large but not spreading widely; foliage blis-
tered and not much crumpled, hearts fairly
firm, of good quality, and mild; very slow in
running to seed. This variety was exhibited
under seven different names, of which Iceberg is
perhaps the most popular. In the early sixties
of the last century, it was grown by an Exeter
gardener named Herniman, who introduced it
to the firm of Beck, Henderson and Child, who

Aran, 17, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

193

named it Herniman's Hardy, but outside of the
Exeter district it was very little known. It is
identical with a Continental variety named Lai-
bach Ice, and it was under this name that Mr.
Burpee obtained it and renamed it Iceberg. The
demand for it under this name is world wide.
The Fruit and Vegetable Committee justly gave
an Award of Merit to the seven strains, of wmch
Crystal Palace, Holborn Standard and Supreme
are the best known.

The next type has dark, dull green foliage
with paler margins, and is best represented by
Webbs' Wonderful (H.C.). Five different selec-
tions of it were sawn under different names,
three of which were Highly Commended. Under
the name of New York (P. Henderson) thfl
demand is simply marvellous, and from all
parts of the civilised world. It is worthy of
note that the New York as originally sent out
was identical with the old Neapolitan, which,
away from the Neapolitan district, has almost
disappeared, having been superseded by the
lighter coloured form long known as Webbs'
Wonderful. It is one of the largest Lettuces in
existence, but is never coarse.

(To be concluded.)

INDOOR PLANTS.

CAMPANULA VIDALII.

The genus Campanula is a very extensive one,
and some of the species resemble each other
very closely, but there is no danger of con-
founding Campanula Vidalii with any of the
rest. Though in the south-west of England, and
in other particularly favoured spots, it will pass
most winters without injury, Campanula Vidalii
must, in most parts of the country, be regarded
as a subject for the greenhouse or conservatory
rather than for the open ground. Its value
for the embellishment of glass houses is en-
hanced by the fact that it is, as a rule, at its
best during July and August, when many of
the summer flowering plants of the greenhouse
are past their best. A notable feature of this
species is that it forms a distinct, woody stem
from which develop several wide-spreading
branches that need to be supported with a neat
stick in order to ensure a shapelv specimen.
The leaves are narrow, about three "inches long,
stout in texture, and of a deep shining green.
As the branches elongate, the flowers are pro-
duced on the upper portion, sometimes as many
as a score of blossoms, or even more, on a single
shoot.

The individual flowers of C. Vidalii are about a
couple of inches in length, rather narrowly bell-
shaped, with a curious contraction in the middle.
They are white, with a distinct orange ring
near the base of the interior. They are of a
markedly thick, wax-like texture, and retain
their freshness for a considerable time. Cam
panula Vidalii is a native of the Azores, where
it was discovered by Captain Vidal, R.N.. after
whom it is named. A well-grown plant will
reach a height of two feet to three feet. Cut-
tings of the young shoots may be struck, but
they do not form roots very readily. This is
however, of small moment, as seeds are readily
produced, from which young plants may be
raised in quantity. I have tried crossing this
species with other Campanulas, hut always with-
out success ; neither have I heard of any hybrid
having been raised from it. W. T.

SCARLET PELARGONIUMS FOR WINTER
BLOOMING.

In my opinion, nothing can compare, in summer,
with a good bed of Paul Crampel Palargoni'iim.yet
few realise the other uses to which this well-known
plant may be put. During the last few
months of the year a batch of Pelargoniums of
different varieties is very interesting, but how
much more striking is a batch of 50 or 100 plants
of the Paul Crampel variety, staged to the best.
advantage ! Select plants that were propagated
Hi March from cuttings, and place them in :i
warm pit or greenhouse, and, after they are
well rooted, they should be potted singly in 4-
inch pots. At a later stage they may be 'accom-

modated in a cooler glasshouse until th,ey
are ready for their final shift into 6 in. pots.
They should be potted in .1 compost of loam and
good leaf-mould, mixed1 with a light sprinkling
of bone meal. Free drainage is essential. The
plants should be grown in a cold frame and
watered regularly and carefully, using liquid
manure occasionally. The flower buds should be
kept pinched off until about three weeks before
housing the plants. If cuttings are taken and
treated as above, the result will be a da-zzling
mass of scarlet in the plant house during October,
November and well on into December. W-m.
Clarke, Copley Gardens, Thornton Hough,
Birkenhead.

COLUMNEAS.
There are several species and hybrids of
Columnea in cultivation, which are worthy of
more extended cultivation. C. glabra and C.
glabra var. major, C. Sehiedeaiia, C. Ver-
stediana, C. magnifica, C. Lemomei and C.

portance of efficient drainage, and a free, optn
compost. Aesehynanthus, at one time moit
popular than at present, should now be propa-
gated and grown on under the same conditions.
Foreman.

THE ALPINE GARDEN.

S1LENE ACAULIS.
The " Moss Campion," or "Cushion Pink,'* is
one of the most charming members of a genus
which contains a large number of attractive
plants. In the Lake District and on some of the
Scotch mountains, as well as on Snowdon in
Wales, this delightful plant is found growing
wild, forming dense cushions of foliage,
covered with rosy-pink flowers. The specimen
illustrated in Fig. 85 was growing wild in
rough, stony ground on the Turtman moraine

Fig. 85. — silene acaulis growing wild

Banksii are all worth cultivating as greenhouse
plants. The newer C. magnifica is especially
good, as it is happy under ordinary greenhouse
treatment, and remains in flower for at least
three months. C. Verstediana and C. Banksii,
both of a drooping habit, are especially suited
for growing in baskets; basket cultivation als-u
suits them from the cultural point of view, as
in nature they are more or less epiphytes. And
this gives the d.ue to their successful cultivation
in pots, e.g., ample drainage and open, lumpv
compost, consisting of good fibrous loam and
peat, with the addition of silver sand and
charcoal. Columneas all root readily from
cuttings at this season in a close case, roots
ileveloping freely from all parts of the stem.

With the exception of C. magnifica, which k;
Ivest given cool treatment, all the others need
.in intermediate temperature, but, in common
with many such subjects, they will submit to a
lower temperature when in flower. During the
plants' season of active growth they need ample
supplies of water at the roots, hence the im-

[Fhotograiih by R A. Malby
ON THE TURTMAN MORATNE, 8,000 FEET.

in the Valais, at an elevation of 8,000 ft., in
June. It was a very large tuft, measuring more
than one foot in diameter at its widest part.
Other tufts of various sizes, equally densely
flowered, were growing in profusion all over the
place, making a very attractive display of colour
with their masses of pretty pink blooms.

There are several varieties of S. acaulis in
cultivation, including alba with pure white
flowers, and aureu, which has tufts of leaves
of a golden yellow hue. Generally speaking, the
flowers of S. acaulis are produced close to the
foliage, with hardly any stem, but there is a
stronger and larger-flowered variety called
elongata, which has the darker-eoloiu'ed flowers
on short stems raised well above the tuft.
Another name for the last is grandiflora. S.
acaulis var. flore pleno is a double-flowered form
that has the advantage of being more lasting
than the single ones. All are easy to cultivate
in this country, although they do not always
flower freely. A sunny position in moist, gritty
soil is all that they require. H'. /.

194

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[April 17, 1920.

TREES AND SHRUBS,

PRUNUS CERASIFERA PISSARJJn.

PEUNUS CERASIFERA PISSARDII (SyilS. P. C.

atropurpurea and P. Pissardii) seems to have ex-
celled itself this year in its profuse flowering.
At Aldenham we have many specimens in
various parts of the grounds, and for some time
past they have presented beautiful and striking
features, being covered with their pale, rose-
tinted blossoms, the illustration in Fig. 86
showing how freely they are produced.

Not the least important merit of the
tree for gardens is its beautifully coloured
foliage, which renders it valuable for orna-
mental purposes in the garden ; the colour-
is aptly described by Mr. W. J. Bean, in his
classical work on trees and shrubs, a* from the

We also grow it at Aldenham under quite
different conditions. Some years ago we planted
a large, angular shaped bed, with dwarf plants
in the centre, edged around by a wide 'band of
variegated Cornus, the centre plants 'being of
P. c. Pissardii. The trees are clipped three or
four times during the summer and the bed gives
a very pleasing and unique appearance, as the
clipping causes the young growths to continually
present themselves in very bright colours, the
Prunus often being taken for an Iresine, which
it much resembles when so treated.

Prunus cerasifera Pissardii was at one time
considered to be a form of P. divaricata. It
was first described in Revue Hortieole, 1881,
p. 190, by E. A. Carriere, who states that it
originated at Tauris, an important town in
l'ersia. M. Pissard, gardener to the Shah of
Persia, sent specimens to France and it was
named by M. Paillet in honour of the intro-

KURUME AZALEAS.

Fig: 86.— flowering shoot of prtjncs cerasifera pissardii.

young growth stage " tender ruby-red, changing
later to claret, finally to a dull, -heavy purple."
The photograph from which the illustration in
Fig. 87 was reproduced was taken on March 12,
1920, in these gardens. It will be observed
that the tree has been carefully trained by
pruning, and the brilliancy of its various beauti-
ful shades of colour seems to be enhanced by
this operation. The trees are pruned fairly
hard, and this does not lessen the crop of
llowers, but rather the contrary.

There are other varieties of this " Cherry
Plum " in cultivation, the best being P. c.
Blireiana, and its double form, and P. c.
Moseri, which also has a variety " flare pleno,"
but for general utility there is little doubt that
Prunus cerasifera Pissardii is pre-eminent. In
recent years the species has been extensively
planted in small suburban gardens as it does
mot make a very large tree when fully
developed.

In some towns it is used as a street tree.

ducer. This Prunus has become one of the most
popular trees for the decorative garden.

Unfortunately P. c. Pissardii does not fruit
very freely in this country owing doubtless to
two causes, viz., (1) its early flowering, which
causes it to run the risk of damage from spring
frosts, and (2) bullfinches are very partial to
the buds, although fortunately this year, here
at any rate, these birds have given but very
little trouble. Many consider that the bull-

finch lives solely on small insects, hut even if
this is the case, and I doubt the suggestion,
the bird certainly detracts from its value an
destroying pests, by the incredible amount of
damage it does to fruit trees and many beautiful
flowering shrubs. Though a great lover of the
bullfinch and other birds, I am convinced that one
cannot have both birds and fruits in gardens,
as is evidenced by the destruction caused to
P. c. Pissardii and other trees in past years
by these birds. Edwin Beckett, Aldenham
House Gardens, Elstree.

An exhibit of new Azaleas by the Arnold
Arboretum, Harvard University, at the March
exhibition of the Massachusetts Horticultural
Society excited great interest. These plants,
about 120 in number in more than fifty named
varieties, were found by Mr. E. H. Wilson in a
garden at Kurume, a town on the southern island
of Kyushu, Japan, in 1918. They were secured
for the Arboretum after long negotiations and
at very considerable expense, and were sent to
the United States.

At the Panama-Pacific Exposition, San Fran-
cisco, in 1915, a gold medal was awarded to a
collection of 30 plants of these Azaleas in 12
varieties; these plants were afterwards sold.
No other exhibit of these Azaleas, which botan-
ists now consider forms of Azalea obtusa, has
been made in America or Europe. In 1916, at
Mr. Wilson's suggestion, Mr. John S. Ames, of
North Easton, procured a number of small
plants of these AzaLeas from the Yokohama
Nursery Company; they arrived in the spring
of 1917, and this was the first importation of
Kurume Azaleas into the Eastern States. These
plants have grown well and flowered profusely,
and their beauty and charm is the delight of
their owner and his friends.

This race of lovely Azaleas is remarkable for
the abundance of its flowers and the lustre and
purity of their colours. The flowers vary from
pink to rose, cerise, lavender, mauve to magenta,
salmon, vermilion, bright-red to deep scarlet and
to purest white. Many of them have a petaloid
calyx and hose-iu-hose flowers. In such flowers
the stamens, which are always five, and the
pistil are perfect, and there is no malformation
as in ordinary double-flowers. The anthers,
which are light to dark, varying with the colour
of the corolla, add not a little to the pleasing
appearance of the flowers.

It seems incredible that after more than
three-quarters of a century of intercourse with
Japan the occidental nations should not have
known before Mr. Wilson's journeys in that
country all about this beautiful race of garden
plants which has been developed to perfection
by the flower-loving Japanese. This is, how-
ever, the case in regard to the Kurume Azaleas.
It is true that one kind, named "Hinodegiri,"
lias been introduced into America in quantity
for several years past, and has become quite a
favourite, especially in the Pacific States. 11
is also true that an old inhabitant of gar-
dens— Azalea amo-sna- with its magenta-coloured
flowers, and the red flowered Azalea obtusa,
belong to the Kurume group, but these are not
the best kinds, and there are hundreds of
varieties. In Bailey's Standard Cyclopaedia
of Horticulture, V. (1916), the above three
kinds are mentioned, and the existence of others
is briefly hinted at. In this country these Kurume
Azaleas appear to be no better known than in
America. Bean, in his Trees and Shrubs Hardy
in the British Isles, published in 1914, makes
no mention of them; Millais, in his Monograph
of the Genus Rhododendron, published in 1917,
says a few complimentary words about them,
and lists about a dozen under " Japanese R.
indicum or R. indicum-amoenum hybrids."

Mr. Wilson, to whom we are indebted for
most of this information, informs us* that it
was during the Arnold Arboretum Expedition
to Japan in 1914 that he first became acquainted
with these Kurume Azaleas when visiting at
llatogaya. a few miles north of Tokyo, the
garden of a Mr. Oishi, who specialised in these
flowers. The plants were very small, but
Wilson was allowed to make a complete collec-
tion of dried specimens for the herbarium of
the Arnold Arboretum. Curiously enough, in
and around Tokyo itself Wilson found that the
Azaleas amoena, obtusa and Hinodegiri were
commonly grown, but no others of the group.

On the Arnold Arboretum Expedition in 1917
19 it was determined to make a full investigation
of these Azaleas, to visit the city where
they have originated, and the mountain on
which the wild parents were reported to grow.
Opportunity came in 1918, and, to Wilson's

'Bulletin o/ the Massachutelts Hort. Soc. No. S, 1920.

Apbil 17, 1920. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

195

great, good fortune he had as companion Mr. H.
Suzuki, the head of the Yokohama Nursery
Company and a most important personage in
Japanese horticulture. The city of Kurume is
on the island ot Kyushu., and some 800 miles
south by west from Tokyo. They arrived there
on May 3rd, to find the Azaleas in full per
fection of bloom. " I went prepared," says
Mr. Wilson, " to see a display of blossoms, but
the entrancing beauty of myriads of delicately
coloured flowers covering a multitude of shapel ,
grown plants surpassed my most sanguine exj ci-
tations. The gardens of Messrs. Akashi and
Kuwano, the two leading specialists, were
veritable fairylands, and I gasped with astonish-
ment when I realised that garden lovers of
America and Europe knew virtually nothing of
this wealth of beauty. Most of the plants were
trained into low standards, each about 20 inches
high, with a flattened or convex crown some 18
inches through, and were monuments to the
patience and cultural skill of the Japanese
gardener. Other shapes there were, but this
was the favourite and most effective. The
flowers, each about half to three-quarter's of
an inch across, and borne on clusters of from
two to several at the end of every twig, were in
such profusion as to almost completely hide
the leaves. If a fault oould be found it was
that the flowers were too numerous."

Specialists in Kurume recognise some two
hundred and fifty sorts, and each has a name,
but the distinguishing points are often too slight
for the uninitiated to appreciate. More than
fifty kinds are quite distinct one from the other,
though for practical purposes they may be re-
duced to about twenty -five. Messrs. Akashi and
Kuwano selected as the very best the following
six: " Takasago " (pure pink, hose-in-hose),
'■ Azuma-kagami " (deep pink), " Kirin " (deep
rose, shading to silvery rose), "( Kumonouye "
(pure salmon). "Kurainohima" (vermilion, hose-
in hose), "Kurenoyuki" (white, hose-in-hose).
(To be concluded.)

THE SPRING GARDEN.

Spring flowers have been favoured with e.v-
ceptionally mild weather this season, and they
have contributed and are continuing to contri-
bute a glorious display in the garden. Whilst
the floral display is at its ibest careful note
should be made of the various subjects as to
their individual merits, also the future removal
and replacement of worn-out shrubs and peren-
nial species should be determined.

A plan should be drawn up denoting the posi-
tion, variety and number of spring bedding
plants required for next season's display. This
will facilitate future work and save much after-
thought. It is advisable to grow novelties in
the reserve garden the first season so as to
become acquainted with them and thereby
eliminate all risk of disappointment. A well-
enriched shady border should soon be in readiness
to receive single crowns of Daisy and Polyanthus.
Varieties of Viola and Aubrietia may be divided
into small portions and planted forthwith, or. it
cuttings are required, they may be planted as
lifted and should ultimately be cut over with a
sharp knife. Afford the plants copious water-
ings during dry weather. Myosotis may be
planted around Currant bushes, the soil lightly
stirred, and the plants left to produce self-sown
6eedlings. Cuttings of Arabis and Alyssum
saxatile may be inserted in a frame facing north.
The higher ground of groves may be carpeted
with Hepatica and the display extended with
Snowdrops and BlueJbells, whriclh should "oo
planted towards the moister areas with King-
cups and other moisture-loving plants. Labur-
num, Cherry, Primus, Craib, Forsythia and
Daphne Mezereum are amongst subjects which
should not be overlooked, and Violet, Primrose,
Lily of the Valley, Cyclamen, Crocus and Scilla
may be used in conjunction with these trees.
Alpine Strawberries growing on a sunny
sheltered bank are a distinctive feature in the
informal spring garden. Erysimum Golden Gem
and Cheiranthus Allionii are worthy of extended
cultivation. L. S.

HOME CORRESPONDEIGE.

[The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for
(he opinions expressed by correspondents.]

Sarracenias. — Time was when the strange and
interesting Sarracenias were more generally grown
than they are now. In the early 'eighties of the
last century collections were kept by different
nurserymen, notably by Messrs. Vedtch and Sons
and Mr. William j'iull, both of Chelsea. In the
nursery of the last-named a house was given up
entirely to their culture. In more recent times
Sarracenias were shown by the late Mr. A. J.
Bruce, of Chorlton-cum-Hardy, but now it is
questionable whether a good collection could be
obtained. Though the species are but few,
numbers of hybrids were raised when Sarracenias
were in the height of their popularity. As a rule
the most striking feature of this class of plants
is their singular pitchers, but the flowers also
attract by reason of their uncommon appearance.

autumn and winter alike, it was a pleasure to
enter the house devoted to their culture, as some
attractive kinds were always in flower. The
varieties in cultivation up to the dispersal of the
Veitchiaji collection were numerous, but it is
questionable if many of them are obtainable now,
I know of no firm tnat has taken up their cul-
ture as Messrs. Veitch did, and if there is one
I should like to hear of it, as I have been asked
where the varieties are procurable. The Javanese
Rhododendrons are often referred to as green-
house Rhododendrons, but generally they require
a temperature above ihat of an ordinary green
house. One of the hardiest is tine first of that
group to 'be raised, namely, Princess- Royal, the
result of a cross between the white R. jasmini-
floruni and the orange R. javank-um. Strange as
it may appear the blossoms of R. Princess Royal
are pink. With regard to the propagation of thesp
varieties from internodal cuttings, I have found
it more satisfactory to make a long slanting cut

w^m^r

Fir,. 87.

-prcnus cerastfera pi

se cartons.

els [tike tsee p.

The drooping petals of Sarracenia rubra, are of a
deep red colour, and, in addition, have a sweet
Violet-like perfume. On the contrary, the yellow
blossoms of S. flava have an unpleasant odour,
while the crimson flowers of ,S. Drummondii are
almost scentless. Tu order to encourage leaf
growth it is often the practice to remove the
flower spikes as soon as they are sufficiently
developed, but the blossoms are so quaint and
interesting that it seems a pity to destroy them.
Most of the Sarracenias will succeed in an
ordinary greenhouse temperature, potted in a
mixture of peat, live Sphagnum-moss and sand.
They need plenty of atmospheric moisture, as
well as a good supply of water at the roots. II*.
Javanese Rhododendrons. — The Javanese
Rhododendrons certainly merit all that is staled
in their favour on page 167, particularly with
reference to tflieir continuity of flowering. This
quality was in the olden days very evident at
Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons' nursery in King's
Pioad. Chelsea, where practically all the varieties
in cultivation were raised. Spring, summer,

than to sever the shoot straight across. The
slanting cut gives a greater surface for the pro
duction of roots. 7'.

Larch Canker. —In the leading article (p. 176)
little stress is laid on the condition and nature
of the soil in regard to the inception of canker
in Larch. My experience here with 400.000
Larch trees leads me to believe that the soil
is the all-important factor in determining
whether the tuts will be affected with canker
or not. Much of the soil here is a stiff loam
mixed with flint, from one foot to eighteen inches
iu depth : then comes a hard, pan-like subsoil
of a very tenacious character, not quite clay,
but. a near approach to it. This subsoil is. in
my opinion, the main cause of canker. Tins
assertion is borne out by experience; where the
soil was trenched two feet deep the trees made
excellent growth without any sign of canker.
Within fifty yards of the same site, in similar
soil, it is difficult to find a tree free from canker.
In the unprepared soil, the newly-planted trees
make extraordinary growth, from three feet to

196

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[April 17, 1920.

four feet in a season, until the roots have pene-
trated to the subsoil, which is usually after
ten to fifteen years. When the roots reach the
subsoil, they receive a check owing to the stag-
nant moisture retained by the hard, pan-like
strata. An outbreak of canker follows.
In such soil a thorough preparation is
imperative, or failure is a certainty, even if
deep-rooted trees are planted with the Larch,
because the former have not time to affect the
drainage as suggested. At one time there was
a general idea that canker was caused by the
careless removal of the dead boughs, thus caus-
ing injury to the bark and providing a lodg-
ment for canker gorms. My attention was once
drawn to this theory' of the cause of canker in
evidence given before a commission of enquiry.
I was then able to prove there was much more
disease above the trimmed parts of the stems
than below. In fact, where the trees on the
outer rows were not trimmed there was much
more canker than upon those with branches re-
moved. When Larch succeeds in soil of a
gravelly nature, with a naturally-drained sub-
soil, it should prove that the rooting conditions
have an important bearing on the success of a
plantation. Not more than half a mile from
where I write, where the objectionable hard,
pan-like subsoil does not exist, but where the
soil is light loam to a much greater depth,
canker in Larch is unknown. E. Molyneux,
Bish op's Wa 1th am .

Verbena chamaedryfolia. — I find this beautiful
plant — perhaps the most brilliant of the scarlet
Verbenas — to be at least half-hardy. 'Last
winter four plants in different parts of my
rockeries (all the plants I have) withstood a
temperature of 22° in the Stevenson screen,
which would be equivalent to 19° on the grass,
close to which two of them are growing. I
have reason to believe that a plant withstood
a temperature of 16 degrees of frost in the
winter of 1917-18 None of the plants had the
slightest protection. The creeping habit of V.
eihamaedryfolia maizes it a most desirable rockery
plant. Alfred 0. Walker, Ulcombe Place.

Trochodendron aralioides. — As this species
seems to he a scarce shrub in this country,
and as I have had my plant nearly 20 years and
this is the first time it has flowered, I send the
flower on the chance of it being of interest. The
figure in the Bot. Mag., t. 7375, has the in-
florescence enlarged beyond recognition and out
of all proportion to the leaves. T. aralioides is
a very degenerate member of the Magnoliacea.
Alfred 0. Walter, Ulcombe Plate, near Maid-
stone.

[Trochodendron aralioides is a native of the
Japanese islands of Yeso and Nippon, where it
inhabits the moist alpine woods. The inflor-
escence received from Mr. Walker is very small
as compared with the one figured in Bot. Mag.,
t. 7375, and which appeared in the Coombe
Wood Nursery in April, 1894.— Eds.]

Birds and Buds. — On page 134, your corre-
spondent, H. Teatherton, reproaches Mr. Boyes,
p. 95, for attributing bud-eating to sparrows,
and at the same time he himself makes similar
accusations against tits, and chaffinches. Is it
possible that the diet of the different species of
birds varies with the locality? I have watched
birds in relation to bud destruction here for
more than twelve years, but I have never seen
any birds, except the bullfinch, attack fruit-
buds. Chaffinches, tits and goldfinches abound
here, and are always to be seen pecking around
the buds and along the branohes of fruit trees,
doubtless feeding on the Winter Moth, insect
eggs, American Blight and aphides, but I have
never seen a bud fall to the ground while the
birds are thus engaged. On the contrary, proof
of the beneficial work of 'birds in gardens was
forthcoming after the severe winter of 1916-17,
when thousands of small birds perished. For
two seasons after this, American Blight in-
creased alarmingly. As this insect visitation
synchronised with a great shortage of labour
owing to the war, it was impossible to take
effective steps to combat it. In the spring of
1918 birds again became numerous, and the pest
decreased amazingly. T. E. Tomnlin.

SOCIETIES.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.

April 13. — The Royal Horticultural Hall was
filled from one end to the other on this date,
and the exhibits were interesting as well as ex-
tensive. The attendance was very large on this
occasion, indeed, during the afternoon there was
such a crush that locomotion was difficult. A
great attraction was the Daffodil show, but
Rhododendrons, Carnations, hardy flowers and
Orchids were well shown. Two Gold Medals
were awarded on this occasion, to Messrs. Barr
and Son and F. H. Lowinsky, Esq., respectively.
The Peter Ban* Memorial Cup was awarded by
the Narcissus Committee to Mr, J. Duncan Pear-
son for good work done in connection with Daffo
dils.

Floral Committee.

Present: Messrs. H. B. May (in the chair),
John Green, John Heal, J. W. Moorman, Geo.
Harrow, C. R. Fielder, Thos. Stevenson. W.
Howe, J. Dickson, Chas. Dixon. Arthur Turner,
W. P. Thomson, W. Cuthbertson, E. H. Jenkins.
W. G. Baker, H. Cowley, C. Williams, Jas. Hud
son, H. A. Darlington, A. Ireland, R. W. Wal-
lace, G. Reuthe, H. J. Jones and A. G. Jackman

First-Class Certificate.

Cornus Nuttalli. — A very handsome tree or
small shrub that is particularly attractive when
flowering freely. The flower heads are fully
three inches across, the creamy-white bracts
being the chief feature, surrounding a central
boss of tiny flowers that are rosy until they ex-
pand, when they are yellowish. Shown by J.
Osborne. Esq. (gr. Mr. W. A. Cook), Drynham,
Weybridge.

Awards of Merit.

Primula margarita Linda Pope. — A charm-
ing little Primula, almost of Auricula type in
habit. The leaves are broad, green and deeply
toothed along the margins. The flowers, borne
in a fair-sized truss, are a deep Lavender-blue
shade, with white eye. Shown by Dr. McWatt,
Duns. Berwick.

Rhododendron Richard GUI. — A large-
flowered, loose-trussed variety ; the broadly cam-
panulate flowers are of a rich and deep rose
colour, flushed on the outside with rose-red.
The foliage is neat and suggests R. Thomsoni.
which was one of the parents, R. Fortunei being
the other. Shown by Messrs. R. Gill and
Son.

Auricula Boakham Blue. — A glorious Auricula
with very large, deep, purple-blue flowers, having
a well-defined, creamy-coloured eye. One plant
carried a splendid truss of fourteen flowers.
Shown by Mr. Jas. Douglas.

Phyllodace [ ?] nipponica. — A dainty little
plant of Heather-like appearance, freely fur-
nished with narrow, stiff leaves, half an inch
long and whitish beneath. The flowers, borne to-
wards the ends of the little branches, are white,
bell-shaped and semi-pendulous. Shown by Mr.
G. Reuthe.

Phyllodace aleuiica. — A very dwarf, shrubby
plant and not so Heath-like as P. nipponica.
The stiff, short leaves appear all round the
stems and are set closely together. At the apex
of the branches the greenish-white, urn-shaped
flowers depend from slender, inch-long pedicels.
Shown by Mr. G. Reuthe.

Cardamine pratensis lilacina plena. — A
showy variety of a. popular native plant. The
flower spikes are six inches long and in the mass
look like miniatuTe Stocks. The flowers are not
very double, and their colour is light lavender.
A very beautiful and effective plant. Shown by
Messrs. B. Ladhams.

Daphne Cneorum alba. — This is a delightful
little shrub and differs only from the popular
rose-coloured type in having white flowers.
Shown by Messrs. R. Tucker and Sons.

Carnation Wivelsfeld Claret. — This splendid
perpetual-flowering Carnation has rich and deep
claret-red colouring. It has been described on
several occasions in these pages. Shown by
Messrs. Allwood Bros.

Rhododendron Donna Florenza. — This variety
was included in the large group exhibited by
F. H. Lowinsky, Esq., Sunningdale (gr. Mr. G.

Dribble). This and the three following are all
crosses of R. Doncaster and R. Aucklandii super-
bum. The truss is lax, of large size, and com-
posed of large, deep rose-pink coloured blooms,
slightly spotted in the interior.

R. Don Ernesti. — A variety similar to the fore-
going, with rose-pink blooms of a lighter colour
in the csntre. The handsome truss of large indi-
vidual blooms is very conspicuous.

7?. Donna Anita.— This variety has a smaller
and more compact truss than those already de-
scribed. The flowers are very pale-pink.

R. The Don.— -This variety is similar to Donna
Florenza; the colour is deep rose, slightly paler
in the centre and fading with age. The truss is
very big and of imposing appearance.

[Owing to pressure on our space the notices of
Groups will be given in our next issue. — Eds. J

Orchid Committee.

Present: Sir Jeremiah Colman. Bart, (in the
chair). Sir Harry J. Veitch. Messrs. Jas. O'Brien
(lion, sec), R. A. Rolfe, Frederick J. Hanbury,
J. Wilson Potter, Stuart H. Low, J. Charles-
worth, S. W. Flory, Arthur Dye and J. Cypher.

AWARDS.

First-Class Certificate.
Brasso-Cattlei/a Gallon Lily car. Tiiumph
[B.-C. Digbya nO'M i1 n delii x C. Trianae albens),
from Sir Jeremiah Colman. Bart., Gatton Park,
Surrey (gr. Mr. .1. Collier). The third of a
most satisfactory batch raised at Gatton Park to
receive an Award, and in point of size, form and
purity of its white tint, the best. The only
colour was the primrose-yellow base of the lip,

Awards of Merit.

Odontoglossum Joy Vro-slinneri x
tximium), from C. J. Lucas, Esq., Warnham
Court. Horsham (gr. Mr. Duncan). A very
pretty hybrid, with a close resemblance to 0.
Uro-skinneri, but on a. larger scale. The flowers
are white, densely spotted with dark purple. It
had previously secured for the raiser a Certificate
of Appreciation.

Odontioda Lion Perrin (Oda. Sanderae X
Odm. eximium), from Messrs. Flory and Black,
Slough. One of the finest advances of the bright
led Cochlioda crosses towards the large size and
form of the favourite Odontoglossums. Colour
deep r,ed, with lighter markings on the lip and
margin.

Laelio-Cattleya Eunice car. Snowdon [C.
chocoensis alba x //. anceps alba), from Messrs,
J. and A. McBean. Flowers borne on elongated
scape as in L. anceps, but as large as those <>t
the Cattleya parent : pure white, with pale-
yellow disc to the lip.

Cultural Commendation.
To Mr. H. Haddon, Orchid grower to Mrs.
Bischoffsheim. The Warren House, Stanmore (gr.
Mr. Taylor), for a most remarkable specimen of
Dendrobium Brymerianum, a compact plant with
22 spikes, bearing together 60 flowers, and cer-
tainly the most profusely-flowered specimen of
this fine, yellow-bearded Dendrobium yet seen.

Groups.

Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., Gatton Park.
Surrey (gr. Mr. J. Collier), was awarded a Silver*
Flora" Medal for one of the best representative
groups of varieties of Lycaste Skinneri yet
shown, and comprising the large pure white- L.
Skinneri alba graiidiflora, with a dozen pure
white flowers; Lycaste S. alba magnifica., with
equally pure white flowers, but broader in all iis
parts ; the charming, delicately-tinted L. S.
Gattc-n Park variety and varying tints of t<i ■
same species up to the dark maroon-lipped forms.
Some fine white Brasso-Cattleyas were also
shown.

Messrs. Stuart Low and Co., Bush Hill Park.
Enfield, and Jarvisbrook, Sussex, were awarded
a Silver Flora Medal for a most varied and inter
esting group, in which their love for rare species
and sterling advances in hybrids was well demon-
strated. The centre was of the now rare, large
yellow Oncidium M-u'shallianum, with very hand-
some Odontoglossums and Odontiodas. Remark
able above other good things in the group were

April 17, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

197

Cattleya Cappei alba (Schroderae x Trianae),
the best pure white of its class; Sophro-Cattleya
Atreus gloriosa, good and deep in colour ; other
scarlet Sophroiiitis cross,es, and some very hand-
some Laelio-Cattleyas.

Messrs. Armstrong and Brown, Orchidhurst,
Tunbridge Wells, were awarded a Silver Bank-
sian Medal for a selection of good hybrid Odonto-
glossums and Odontiodas, with several pretty
seedlings. Pine features were made by the
hybrid Miltonias, including M. Venus, good M.
Bleuana, and other Miltonias. Odontoglossuni
Promerens var. xanthotes had a fine spike of
snow-white flowers with lemon-yellow spotting,
and hybrids of Odm. Jasper showed the charac-
teristic uniform spotting of the parent.

Messrs. Charlesworth and Co., Hayward's
Heath, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a
pretty group, in which one of the best plants was
a finely-coloured Sophro-Laelio-Cattleya His
Majesty (S.-L.-C. Marathon x C. Trianae), in
size a close approach to C Trianae and with rich
colouring. The favourite L.-C. G. S. Ball, with
its bright yellow flowers ; rich scarlet Odontiodas
and multi-coloured Odontoglossums made a very
attractive show.

Messrs. J. and A. McBean, Cooksbridge,
secured a Silver Banksian Medal for a group of
very good Odontoglossums, Odontiodas and other
showy hybrids, including the very interesting
Odontoglossum Eugenia (cordafjum x crispum)
and some brilliant deep-red Oncidioda Cook-
soniae.

Messrs. Sanders. St. Albans, were awarded
a Silver Banksian Medal for a group of interest-
ing species and hybrids.

H. T. Pitt. Esq., Rosslyn, Stamford Hill (gr.
Mr. Thurgood), received a Silver Flora Medal
for a very pleasing group replete in the pretty
species and hybrids to which he has been con-
stant throughout the many years of his experi-
ence as an Orchid enthusiast Eulophiella Eliza-
bethae, some typical forms of Odontoglossum
Pescatorei, and other varieties were taken for the
afternoon Lecture by Dr. Rendle. Forms of
Miltonia and hybrids, and hybrid Odontoglossums
were good.

Mr. Harry Dixon, Spencer Park Nursery,
Wandsworth Common, was awarded a Silver
Banksian Medal for a pretty group, in which a
grand form of typical white Odontoglossum
crispum effectively outclassed the hybrids.

Messrs. Flory and Black, Slough, showed a
very interesting selection- of hybrids, for which
a Silver Banksian Medal was awarded.

Messrs. Sanders, St. Albans, were awarded
a Silver Banksian Medal for a group of hybrids
and rare species, including Maxillaria Sanderae
and other sterling old-time favourites.

Other Exhibits.

Sir H. S. Leon, Bart., Bletchley Park, Bucks
(gr. Mr. Field), showed a fine plant of the
natural hybrid Oymbidium Cooieri.

Dr. Miguel Lacroze, Bryndir. Roehampton
(Orchid grower Mir. Taylor), showed a grand
form of Odontoglossum venustulum ; and Odm.
Glorita (Jasper X Raymond Crawshay), both
with their first flowers, which were fine in colour
and size.

_ R. G. Thwaites, Esq.. Christehurch Road,
Streatham. showed a selection of novelties, whicn
will be recorded in a subsequent issue.

Narcissus and Tulip Committee.

Present: Messrs. E. A. Bowles (in the cnair|,
W. F. M. Copeland, Arthur R. Goodwin, G.
Reuthe, H. V. Warrender, H. Backhouse, J. D.
Pearson. P. R. Barr, C. Bourne, F. H. Chapman.
W. Poupart. W. B. Cranfield, H. G. Hawker.
Reginald Cory, John Jones, Geo. Churcher, F.
Barchard, W. R. Dykes, W. A. Watts, Mrs.
Backhouse, Miss Willmott, Revs. J. Jacob, Rollo
Meyer and C. T. Digby, and C. H. Curtis (hou.
sec.).

Narcissus Orange Glory. — A brilliant yellow
trumpet Daffodil, the colour suffused with an
orange tint. Th,e flowers are not large, but they
are elegant and the form suggests that N. cycla-
mineus was an ancestor. Shown by Messrs.
Barr and Sons.

Narcissus John Masefie/d. — A fine Poeticus
variety, with pure white and finely-formed

perianth, and bright red eye. Shown by Messrs.
J. B. Pearson and Sons.

Narcissus Firetail. — A very effective variety
that was entered as belonging to Section IX.,
which is the Posticus group, but its colouring
seems to place it outside the company of the
poets. It is a lovely Narcissus, shapely, and the
soft sulphur yellow perianth sets off the brilliant
crimson-red of the crown. Shown by Messrs
H. Chapman.

Groups.

The many trade displays of Narcissus contri-
buted largely to the. success of the meeting.
Whilst practically all the various sections of the
flower were represented, it was those with bril-
liant coronas of the Incomparabilis and Barrii
sections that won most admiration, though the
many greatly improved Poeticus Narcissi were
also especially good.

Messrs. Barr and Sons arranged a splendid
group in which,, appropriately enough, the bril-
liant cupped Barrii and many Incomparabilis
varieties were prominent. We especially noted
of these Major Spurrell. Ruby, Pyrrha, Nannie,
Nunon. Red Chief and Zenith as being excellent,
examples of these fascinating Narcissi. The
double flowers of Sulphur Phoenix found many
admirers, as also did the many other splendid
standard sorts of all types. Many seedlings of
great promise showed that progress m trie Daffo-
dil is being continued (Gold Medal).

The Donard Nursery Co. filled a large
stretch of space under the wall. Very bright
colour was supplied by such sorts as Dragon.
Croesus, Lucifer and Marshlight of Barrii type,
while several Poeticus seedlings were, also of
more than average merit. Particularly good
Trumpet varieties were Lady Margaret Bos-
cawen. Noble, King Alfred and Magog (Silver
gilt Flora Medal).

Messrs. Sutton and Sons instituted a welcome
improvement on the bare style of exhibiting Nar-
cissus by the liberal use of sprays of Berberis
pquifolium, Asparagus Sprengeri, A. plumosus
nanus and fine trails of Smilax. The disposal
of the vases was also delightfully unconventional.
By these means the Reading firm displayed to
the full the great decorative value of the best
Narcissi (Silver-gilt Flora Medal).

Mrs. Backhouse, Sutton Court, Hereford,
showed many gorgeous seedlings. They were
mostly of the Incomparabilis type, with most
brilliant coronas and represented a great advance
on the majority of standard varieties. These
unnamed sorts were characterised by broad,
brilliant coronas and great substance of perianth
(Silver-gilt Flora Medal).

Mr. G. L. Wilson, Broughshane, Antrim,
brought a collection of his Irish seedlings, among
which a medium ivory-whits Trumpet was very
fascinating. Moira O'Neill, the only named
bloom, was particularly good (Silver-gilt Grenfell
Medal).

Messrs. R. H. Bath. Ltd.. displayed many
good Narcissi, with strong spikes of Crown Im-
perial, the dwarfer, quaint Fritillaria Meleagris.
grape Hyacinths and a group of Violas (Silver
Banksian Medal).

Messrs. J. Carter and Co. had a group of
Darwin Tulips, backed by brilliant Japanese
Maples, which made a bright show. The chief
Tulips were Mr. Farncombe Sanders, Margaret
and Pride of Haarlem (Silver Grenfell Medal).

In Messrs. R. Sydenham's. Ltd., group,
Poeticus varieties, such as Virgil, Horace, Epic.
Laureate and Ben Jonson. were prominent
(Bronze Flora Medal).

Messrs. J. R. Pearson, Ltd., staged a small,
but choice, collection, including Saint Ilario.
Heroine, and Evangeline of the chaste Leedsii
class, and Bern Alder, Weardale Perfection and
Great Tom among; large Trumpets (Silver Bank-
sian Medal).

The Rev. G. H. Engleheart contributed his
customary " not for competition " collection. On
the present occasion it consisted of some two
dozen Poeticus seedlings of great excellence.

Fruit and Vegetable Committee.
Present: Messrs. A. H. Pearson (in the chair),
J. Cheal. G. P. Berry. H. S. Rivers. G. F.

Tinley, P. A. Tuckett, Owen Thomas, S. B.
Dicks. F. Jordan, A. Bullock, W. Humphreys,
Ed. Beckett, A. W. Metcalfe, J. C. Allgrove and
W. H. Divers.

Messrs. Sutton and Sons, Reading, were
awarded a Silver Knightian Medal for a collec-
tion of eighteen dishes of vegetables representing
twelve varieties. Th,e quality was superb and
the method of staging excellent. The outstand-
ing vegetables were the Broccoli ; heads of the
variety Satisfactory were magnificent, and there
were almost equally good ones of Safeguard.
Lettuces, Matchless and Golden Ball ; Cabbages,
Flower of Spring, Favourite and Harbinger;
Cucumber, Sutton's Market ; Mushrooms, Rad-
ishes and Gress were all of outstanding merit.

A seedling Apple, named The Rhydd Seedling,
was shown by Mr. Ernest Hills, Rhydd Nur-
series, Hanley Castle, Worcester. The fruits
possess considerable merit for a late variety and
the flavour is good. The skin is flushed with
red over the greater part of its surface, and there
are red markings at the base. The flesh is
greenish and juicy. It is a promising variety for
market purposes.

Competitive Dafeodil Classes.

When the exceptional earliness of the spring
is considered, together with the almost insuper-
able obstacles to special flower growing of the
past five years, the excellence of this year's show
becomes more remarkable. The quality was, in
nearly all cases, very high, and the competition
keener than might have been expected.

In the open classes, there was no exhibit of
48 varieties representing the different divisions,
but there were three of 12 Trumpet varieties,
and the best was 'by Mr. G. L. Wilson, Broughs-
hane, Co. Antrim, who had praiseworthy blooms
of Moira O'Neill (sulphur-yeliow trumpet), a
primrose-coloured seedling, and Monarch; 2nd,
The Donard Nursery Company, Newcastle,
Co. Down, who included two magnificent seed-
lings; 3rd, Mr. J. Mallender, Bawtry, York-
shire.

The onlv exhibits of 12 Incomparabilis varieties
was by the Donard Nursery Company, and
their collection deservedly received the 1st prize.
The vases of Lady Moore, Croesus and a seedling
were splendid.

Messrs. F. H. Chapman, Ltd., were alone m
the class for 12 Barrii varieties and were awarded
the 1st prize for a splendid collection of high
quality. Torsa, Crater and Horizon were ex-
tremely fine.

Two exhibits were forthcoming in the class for
nine varieties of the Poeticus type, but one, un-
fortunately, was disqualified, though it would
not have affected the first prize collection from
Messrs. F. H. Chapman, Ltd., who showea
mostly seedlings of high merit.

Amateurs' Classes.

The first class in this section was for 24 varie-
ties of Trumpet, Incomparabilis, Barrii, Leedsii,
or Poeticus varieties, and the 1st prize was won
by Dr. N. Y. Lower, Presteign, Radnor, with a
collection very representative of the different
types and of very good quality. The vases of
M;ss Willmott, Seville. Firetail, Dosoris, Heroine
and Dragon were excellent; 2nd, Rev. Thos.
Buncombe, Black Torrington, N. Devon, who
also showed a very representative collection of
great merit; 3rd, Mr. H. R. Darlington, Park
House, Potters Bar.

The Rev. Thos. Buncombe was placed 1st for
six Trumpet varieties, three stems of each ; 2nd
with (a) six Incomparabilis, (b) six Barrii, (c)
six Poeticus, and (d) six varieties of all or any
of the foregoing. Mr. H. R. Darlington was
awarded 2nd prizes for (a) six Trumpets, (b) six
Leedsii, (c) six Triandrus hybrids, (d) six Taz-
etta hybrids, and (e) six double varieties.

In section 3 of the Amateurs' Classes, the
premier prize, offered for 12 fairly representative
varieties, three stems of each, was won by Geo.
Churcher, Esq.. Alverstoke, with an excellent
collection ; 2nd. W. B. Cranfield, Esq., Enfield
Chase. Mr. Churcher was also awarded 1st
prize for three varieties of Poeticus, and the

198

THE GARDEN ER8' CHRONICLE.

[Apr [i, U, 1920.

'2nd for three varieties fairly representative of
five specified divisions ; while Mr. Cranfield
was 2nd with three varieties of Leedsn and
Poeticus varieties.

New Varieties.

Various classes were arranged for varieties
either recently introduced or not yet in com-
merce, and these enabled the enthusiasts to juuge
of their merits. Many good sorts were shown
and generally the competition was quite satis-
factory.

There was a gratifying competition in the class
for 12 varieties, introduced into commerce since
1913. The 1st prize was won by Dr. N. Y.
Lower, Presteign, Radnor, with a very fresh
and good collection. Many of the blooms were
shown under seedling numbers ; of the naineu
sorts, Beauty of Radnor, pale apricot Leedsii.
and Harpagon, brilliant Barrii, were particularly
good; 2nd, Wm. Welchman, Esq., TJpwell, Wis-
bech, who showed fine blooms of Hereward, Tran-
quility, Meliades, Emperor of India and Lord
Lister. Dr. Lower was awarded the Engle-
heart Cup for his 1st prize collection in this
interesting class.

The best six varieties not in commerce were
shown by Mr. W. B. Cranfield, whose chief
blooms were Venetia, a pure white Leedsii, and
Longbow (Poeticus); 2nd, Rev. Thos. Bun-
combe.

The Donard Nursery Co. had the best three
varieties not in commerce, of which Leontes and
Irish Rearl (giant Incomparabilisl were excel-
lent; 2nd, W. F. Mitchell, Esq., Leek YYooton,
Warwick.

In the class requiring nine blooms each of
three new varieties not in commerce, Messrs.
F. H. Chapman, Ltd., were awarded 1st prize
for splendid vasss of Rosamond. Eve, Marmion.
Valetta, Mrs. Grant and Bolero.

'The best vase of one variety was that oi Har-
vest Moon, a beautiful, soft, self-yellow Trumpet,
by The Donard Nursery Co.

Mr. W. F. M. Copeland was placed 1st for
nine varieties, one stem of each ; and Mr. 'W.
Welchman was similarly successful in the class
for 12 varieties, one stem of each.

Dr. Lower won 1st prizes for six varieties,
one stem of each, and three varieties, three stems
of each, showing in both classes very fresh and
good blooms.

Mr. W. B. Cranfield was awarded the 1st
prize for a collection of 35 varieties, three stems
of each, fairly representing the different divisions.
The Barrii Silver Daffodil Vase was awarded to
this very creditable exhibit.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL AND ARBORI-
CULTURAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND.

The spring show of the Society, held toy kind
permission of Earl Iveagh. K.P., in the covered
yard of his lordship's Dublin residence, proved
a pleasant function, for although entries were
comparatively few, the quality of the exhibits
was high.

The wiiirner in the premier class for 30
varieties of Daffodils distinct, embracing nil
sections, was Mr. J. Lionel Richardson",
Prospect House, Waterford, who won the Lord
'Ardilaun Challenge Cup. His varieties (three
stems to a vase) were Van Waveren's Giant, Lord
Kitchener, Michael, Great Warley, H. C.
Bowles, Noble, Sunrise, Lord Roberts, Ber-
nardino, Mrs. R. Sydenham, Whitewell, Cos-
sack, Croesus, Black Prince, Bacarolle, Ruby,
White Knight, Caedmon, Victory, Kingcup,
Ivorine, Muriel, Herod, and seven line, unnamed
seedlings. Mrs. Butler, Priestown House,
Priestown. Meath, was second For eighteen
varieties distinct, Mr. C. W. Parr, Ballivor,
Athboy, Co. Meath, was the only competitor. For
twelve distinct large Trumpets, Mr. J. Lionel
Richardson was first and Mrs. Butler second.
For twelve distinct medium cupped sorts, Mr.
J. L. Richardson led, and for twelve distinct
small cupped varieties he was also chief prize
winner. Mr. C. W. Parr won first prize for
six distinct Trumpet kinds, and Mrs. Butler
for six varieties <with medium cups, Mr. C. W.

Parr being second. For six distinct small-
cupped varieties, Mrs. Butler and Mr. C. W.
Parr were the prize winners, and Mr. J. L.
Richardson led with six vases of N. poeticus.

One hundred dictinct varieties were shown by
Mr. Richardson, not for competition, including
seodlings oi his own raising, and for which
he was unanimously awarded the Society's
Gold Medal. Three of the seedlings were voted
F.C.C.s toy the R. H.S.I. Council, two receiving
A.M.s.

Airs. Gsefk, Curragh Grange, won the oup
offered for twelve pans of alpines, distinct. For a
collection of hardy cat flowv.rs. slimbs not ex-
cluded, from the open, Captain Rialt., D.L. (gr.
Mr. T. Webster), Old Conna, Bray, was first with
a fine group in which Rhododendron arboretum,
R. Falconeri and R. Thomsonii were con-
spicuous, other good things toeing a fine vase of
Dendromecon rigidum and Grevillea rosmarini-
folia; Sir Stanley II. Cochrane, Bart. (gr.
Mr. G. Bower), Woodbrook, Bray, second. For
the smaller collection of twelve kinds, Mr. W.
Robertson (gr. Mr. C. Kempton), Hermitage,
Dimdrum, Co. Dublin won first prize, and for
a collection of twelve hardy shrub flowers, Capt.
Riall was chief prize winner.

In the classes for pot plants, the Lord Ardi-
laun Challenge Cup for six Roses was won,
with good, clean specimens, by Major Kelly
(gr. Mr. J. McDermott), Montrose, Donny-
brook ; Mr. W. Robertson was chief prize-
winner for Primula obconica ; Sir S. H.
Cochrane for Azalea mollis : and Mr. F. V.
Westby (gr. Mr. F. Simmons) for Deutzias,
with huge specimens, finely flowered ; Mr. W.
Robertson for herbaceous Calceolarias ; and
Mr. W. Robertson for Arum Lilies. For a
collection of bulbous or tuberous rooted plants
grown in pots or pans, staged on a space 8 feet
by 4 feet, Sir S. H. Cochrane won first prize,
as he also did in ;he class for Hyacinths.

Fruit was conspicuously good, and tile prin
cipal awards were won by Capt. Riall, Dt
R. T. Harris, Lord Cloncurry (gr. Mr. W.
Hall), Lyons, Hazlehatch and Co., Kildare,
Mr. W. Robertson and Major Kelly.

In the vegetable classes, Mr. J. M. Toner,
Kingstown; Lord Cloncurry; Mr. Howard
Guinness (gr. Mr. R. Morgan), Chesterfield.
Blackrock. Co. Dublin; Sir S. H. Cochrane;
Mrs. Ttsdall 'gr. Mr. J. Dougherty), Charles-
fort, Kells, Co. Meath; Col. Claude Cane (gr.
Mr. A. Horton), St. Wolstan's, Celbridge, Co.
Kildare; Miss Cunningham (gr. Mr. J. McLin-
don), Trinity Hall, Rathmines, Dublin; and
Mr. C. Wisdom Hely won the principal awards.

The only trade exhibit was from Messrs.
Hogg and Robertson, Dublin, who had a fine
stand of Tulips, including some of the best of the
Darwin sorts, and other bulbous spring flowers,
for which a Hold Medal was awarded.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

HORTICULTURAL CLUB

April 13.— The monthlv dinner of the Horti-
cultural Club, held on Tuesday last, in the
R.H.S. Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster, was
followed toy a lecture— under the joint auspices
of the Club and the Royal Horticultural Society
— by Mr. J. K. Ramsbottom, on " Further In-
vestigations in Narcissus Disease." There were
fifty present at the dinner and atoout sixty
at 'the lecture. Mr. Ramsbottom's remarks
were followed with keen interest, the majority
of those present being raisers and growers of
Narcissi. Mr. W. B. Cranfield presided at both
the dinner and the lecture. We hope to pub-
lish an account of the lecture in full in subse-
quent issues.

©bttuan?.

W. J. Tutcher. — Just as these pages were
being passed for the press, intimation reached
us of the sudden and untimely death of Mr.
W. J. Tutcher, Superintendent of the Hong
Kong Botanic Gardens. Mr. and Mrs. Tutcher
were proposing to leave Hong Kong about a
fortnight hence, for a long holiday in England
and Scotland.

Apple Baddamore ; ,$■. Your variety would
appear to be incorrectly named, as we find
no Apple named Baddamore either in Hogg's
Fruit Manual or in British Apples. If you
can give us further information with regard
to the variety we may be able to help you in
connection with the other points raised.

Christmas Roses Diseased : M. F. H. The
black spots on the leaves are due to the pre-
sence of a fungus, a species of Phyllosticta.
The plants should be sprayed with Bordeaux
mixture or lime-sulphur, before the leaves are
attacked.

Fruit Cultivation for Amateurs : H. C. F.
A suitable book for your requirements is
Fruit and its Cultivation, and it can be ob-
tained from our Publishing Department, price
7s., post free.

Fruit Farming ; 11'. A. Your best plan will
be to apply to the Horticultural Instructor in
the county in which you desire to obtain em-
ployment.

Fruit Spot on Apples : W. F. M . C. The
disease is known as " Fruit Spot. It is pro-
bable that several fungi are associated with it.
but the disease has not yet been fully worked
out by scientific investigators. The conditions
of storing are the most important factors con-
cerned in the development of the disease.
Only sound fruit should be stored and the
store-room should be kept perfectly clean.

Hobday's Rhubarb : G. L. We believe that
Hobday's Giant Rhubarb was put into culti-
vation by Messrs. Wm. Cutbush and Sons, of
Highgate.

Lapageria Growths Wilting : F. J. 0. No
disease is present in the growths submitted,
and we think the cause of the trouble may be
found in some error of cultivation, possibly
over-watering, which has re-acted upon the
roots, and consequently the growths have
wilted during sunshine. The rooting medium
should be thoroughly examined and the
drainage put into perfect order. It may be
necessary to provide fresh soil of a more open
texture.

Names of Plants : ..-i. G. 1 and 3, Erica
carnea ; 2, E. mediterranea hybrida; 4, send
when in flower; 5, Erica mediterranea; 6.
Erica Tetralix ; 7, Azara microphylla ; we can-
not undertake to name florists' varieties of
Daffodils and Rhododendrons.— C. E. B. : The
giant Morel, Morchella esculenta. — C. S. : 1,
Chlorophytuim elatuni variegatum ; 2, Mesem-
bryanthemum muricatum ; 3, Sempervivum,
probably arboreum ; 4, S. arachnoides ; 5,
Crassula lvcopodioides ; 6, C. Bolusii.

Pelargoniums Diseased : J. H. The Pelar-
goniums are suffering from the botrytis form
of some parasitic fungus. Cut away and burn
the affected parts, spray the plants with a
solution of sulphide of potassium, and pay
special attention to cultural details and cleanli-
ness

Price of Elm Timber ; A. T. For Elm Trees of
fair size and good quality, the price, standing,
varies from Is. to Is, 3d. per cubic foot ;
felled, Is. 6d. to Is. lOd. ; and put on rail
2s. to 2s. 2d. per foot. The price largely de-
pends on the site of the plantation, conditions
of roads, and distance from the railway station.
A quantity of prime Elm timber sold re-
cently in the neighbourhood of London at 2s.
per cubic foot, the timber being put free
on the railway by the seller.

Schizanthus Failing : II". E. B. On two
of the plants received the outer tissues of the
" collar " show signs of some injury; possibly
some strong fertiliser has been used as a sur-
face dressing. The other plants show no signs
of disease or injury, and the roots appear to
be quite healthy.

Communications Received. — A. O.— G. W. D.—
— F. J. C— R. S. S.— S. L— C. \V.— L. C— B. F.-
A. Q.—S. L— T. C— F. K. W.— J. P. C— J. D. R —
J. c. A.-W. J. B.— T. H.— E. S. C— G. B.

ArniL 24, 1920. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

199

THE

No. VJ59.— SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 1920.

CONTENTS,

Alpine garden the —

Journal of the R.H.S

Galanthus nivalis Per-

Gardens Club

199

fection . . . . 202

Irises, bog

205)

Polygala Vayredae . . 203

Land settlement

200

Primula leucophylla. . 203

Lettuce, the

201

Symphytum canescens 203

Lony Ashton, cider tast-

Synthyris reniformis 203

ing day at . .

199

American Apple trade.

Narcissus, further inves-

the 199

tigations on the e^l-

American Orchid Asso-

worm disease of

20S

ciation . . . . 200

Obituary —

Antwerp, horti cultural

Loder, Sir Edmund

exhibition at . . . . 199

Giles

210

Birmingham, new park
and open space for . . 200

Snell, John
Rhododendron \ Edge-
worthii

210
208

Datura sanguinea . . 208

Societies —

Edinburgh's bowling

Reading and Distrid

)* greens, the cost of .. 199

Cardeners

209

English versus Scottish

Royal Horticultural . .

209

gardeners . . . . 208

United Horticultural

Farri*r"c, Mr. Reginald's

Benefit and Provident

209

|»exploration in Asia . . 204

Sugar beet industry in

Florists' flowers —

England

199

Verbenas . . . . 207

Trades notes

209

Freesia names and the

Trees and shrubs —

R.H.S. Floral Com-

Azaleas, Kurume

205

mittee . . . . 208

Hhaphithamnus cyano

Fruit garden, the market 200

carpus

204

Fruit register —

Rhodendendron rnou-

Apple Alfriston .. 201

pinense

205

Fungus, the adjectival

Sophora tetraptera . ,

201

form of the word . . 209

Tutcher, the late Mr.

Gardener, honour for a 200

W. J.

20S

" Gardeners' Chronicle "

Week's work, the 202

203

seventy - five years

Wilson, the late It. J.

ago 200 |

H., memorial to

199

ILLUSTR

ATIONS.

Cremanthodium, a white flower

L'd

204

Daffodil bulb badly infested wi

th et'iworm

207

Eehvorm, head of an adult

200

Eelworms in a quiescent Ftane

200

Hare, Mr. F. E., portrait of

200

Lettuces California Cream and

vilow Seeded Butter

201

Narcissus bulbs, sections of hea

thy and diseased

208

Rhododendron rnoupinense

205

Syntnyris reniformis

203

Average Meak Temperature for the ensuing week
deduced from observations during the last fifty
years at Greenwich, 48 34°.

Actual Temperature: —

Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street,
Covent Garden, London, Wednesday, April 21,
10 a.m. : Bar. 29.5, temp. 49°. Weather— Dull.

The care with which statis-
The American tical information is obtained,
Apple Trade, tabulated and distributed in

the United States is illus-
trated by a statement concerning the Ameri-
can export trade in Apples, prepared by the
Statistical Division of the Bureau of Foreign
and Domestic Commerce and published in the
National Nurseryman. The figures are in-
teresting' as indicating the extent and value
of the American export trade in Apples, but
they should also cause British fruit growers
to consider ways and means whereby at
least some reduction may be made in the
large sum paid annually to a country which
does not admit horticultural produce from
the United Kingdom. The United States
is not merely a great fruit exporting country,
it is also one of the greatest fruit consuming
countries in the world, and yet during the
year 19 10 it exported ^25,558,079 worth of
all kinds of fruit. Of this amount Apples,
fresh and dried, but exclusive of those canned
and preserved, were valued at .£3,871,064.
The export of dried Apples to the United
Kingdom during the year under consideration
totalled 5,748,424 pounds, with a value of
^157,301, while fresh Apples arrived in this
country, from America, to the extent of
1,209,855 barrels and the value of £ 1,99 1,067.
With the one exception of Sweden, the
United Kingdom had the largest account
with America for these imports. Turning to
the export of fresh Apples, there is cause for

thoughtfulness in the fact that the United
Kingdom, in which fruit can be so well
grown, should import 1,050,996 more barrels
of American Apples than any other country,
and this in a year when the home Apple crop
was a good one. The United Kingdom was
the chief foreign market for fresh American
Apples in 1919, Canada coming second. We
learn that war did not seriously interfere with
the exportationof freshApples from the United
States to Great Britain, but rather stimulated
the demand for the American product.
During the five fiscal years, 1914 to 1918,
the United Kingdom took 60 per cent, of
the quantity and 59 per cent, of the value
of the total exports of fresh American Apples,
and during the years 1910 to 1914 we im-
ported an average of 65.8 per cent, of such
exports, Canada following with 14.3 per
cent., Germany 10. 1 per cent, and all other
countries 9.8 per cent. Australian Apples are
marketed from May to August, and the great
bulk of the English crop from September to
November, consequently the American ex-
ports are naturally largest from November
to May, when the new crop is available, and
at the most opportune time for a profitable
market abroad. Next to the United King-
dom, Canada, Argentina, Brazil and Aus
trnlia were the best markets durinrr the war
for American fresh Apples. Exports to
Cuba, Argentina and Brazil increased in
value, and the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden,
West Indies, Hong Kong and the Philippines
also purchased considerable quantities during
the same period. It is of interest to observe
that whereas the average price per barrel of
fresh American Apples was 15s. rod. in 1013,
it had risen to £1 15s. 2jd. in 1019. Scien-
tific and intensive cultural methods, im-
proved facilities for storage, distribution and
handling of commercial Apples, and trie
modern machinery and factory methods for
evaporating, desiccating, canninf and pre-
serving, have all tended to greatly increase
in recent times the proportion of Apples
entering into the American commercial ctop,
as compared with the total production. Many
Apples still co to waste in non-commercial
orchards throughout the United States, al-
though large quantities are canned or other-
wise used in the home in making Jams,
tellies, marmalades, cider, vinetrar and mince-
raeat. besides the fresh fruits stored forborne
consumption in the winter. Notwithstand-
ing this vast trade in Apples and the in-
creased domestic demand due to growth of
population, American growers hope, by the
further elimination of waste, by improved
methods of marketing and distribution, and
better cultural methods, to provide not only
fo- their home requirements, " but to greatlv
extend the market for American Apples
abroad."

Cider Tasting Day at Long Ashton.— Mav 6
has been fixed as the Annual Ta.sting Day
at the National Fruit and Cider Institute, Long
Ashton. Bristol. The business will commence
at noon.

Memorial to the Late J. H Wilson.— It is
nronosed to raise a memorial to the late Dr.
•T. H. Wilson, lecturer on Agriculture at St.
Andrews University, and well known for his
services to horticulture as well as to agriculture.
Members of the East of Fife Farmers' Club have
subscribed £40 towards this memorial, and ap-
pointed a. committee which w-ill co-operate with
others in furthering the scheme. It, is suggested
that the memorial should take the form of a
prize in connection with the new Plant-Raising
Station.

Cost of Edinburgh's Bowling Greens.— The
Edinburgh Municipal bowling greens, pavilions
and other accessories cost £13.219. and no charge

is made on the players in respect of this capital
outlay. The upkeep expenditure in 1906 was-
£1.2U2, and the income £802. In 1914 the ax-
penditure was £1,040, with an income of £887.
In 1919 the expenses amounted to £1,932 and
the income to only £556. The Council propose
to increase the charges to the players.

Journal of the R.H.S. Gardens Club. — This
publication records the doings of the past and
present members of the R.H.S. garden staff, on
somewhat similar lines to the Kew Guild
Journal. The volume for 1919 is No. XII. of
the series, and the club is to be congratulated
in having been able to issue the booklet during,
the whole period of the war, under the alble
editorship of Mr. John Fraser, whose associa-
tion with the old Chiswick gardens dates from
1880. Mr. Fraser himself contributes an article
on Surrey Mints, in which his extensive know-
ledge of the British Flora is evident. His re-
marks are made from personal observations of
the plants in the field, and he gives an in-
teresting account of the Mint-growing industry
at Mitcham, for the distillation of the essential
oil, together with observations on garden Mints,
of which he states there are no fewer than eight
types, including Mentha viridis, M. gentilis, M.
rubra, M. sylvestris, M. gracilis var. Ca.rdiaca,
and three hybrids between M. rotundifolia and
M. viridis. Very many of the younger merc>
bers of the Club took part dn the war, and we
regret to learn that nineteen made the supreme
sacrifice. It is from those members who joined
the forces that most of tire literary matter is
contributed, about such places as Suez. Ruhlefoen,
France and Manchuria. Notes on the various cluibs,
the appointments of old students, The School of
Horticulture, the debating society and other
" domestic " matters are of especial interest to
the ever lengthening list oi old members who are
scattered in all parts of the world.

Sugar Beet Industry in England. — Much in-
terest is being taken in the cultivation of Sugar
Beet and the possibilities of the establishment
of a Beet sugar industry in England as a result
of the high price of sugar, the adverse rate of
exchange and the insistent demand for increased
production of essential food-stuffs. As already
announced, a Beet sugar factory is to be
erected on the Kelham Estate in Nottingham-
shire, but there is little likelihood of the fac-
tory being completed this year. The Govern-
ment is financially interested in this enterprise
and has agreed to take up an equal number-
of shares as the public, up to a maximum,
value of £250,000, in the company (" Home-
Grown Sugar, Limited "), which has been
formed to control the enterprise. The
Treasury has a financial representative on the
directorate of the Company. The nominal
capital is to be £1.000,000:' £500,000 will be
issued, and shares to the value of £250,000
have been subscribed by the general public.
Communications with regard to the scheme
should be addressed to the Secretary. Home-
Grown Sugar. Limited, 15, Victoria Street,
London, S.W.I.

Horticultural Exhibition at Antwerp. — A short
lime ago the Ministry of Agriculture approached
the Chamber of Horticulture with a view to-
making arrangements for a prominent display of
British horticultural products at the great
Antwerp Exhibition which is to be held in the
Pare des Rossignols, from May 1 to October 21.
The Chamber appoint id an Exhibition's Com-
mitter to deal with tin- matter, particularly in
connection with a series of horticultural exhibi-
tions which will he a prominent feature of the
Antwerp fetes. The exhibition "ill be opened
un May' 1 by the King of the Belgians, and on
that occasion there will lie an international horti-
cultural display continuing over nine days and.
at present, effort is being concentrated upon this
initial event. In the centre of the exhibition's
grounds a large floral hall lias been erected and
1 In- whole "i the central spa... lias been allocated
to British horticultural exhibits. For the first
exhibition, Roses. Carnations, Orchids and Al-
pines are particularly desired, also fruit and
vegetables, and contributions "f these have been
promised by Messrs. Geo. Monro, Ltd.. W. E.

200

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[April 24, 1920.

Wallace and Son, Stuart H. Low and Co.. W. H.
Page, Milton Hutchings, Alex. Dickson and
Sons, E. Stevens, 0, Engelmann, T. J. Poupart,
and the Guernsey Gi'owers' Association. Fur-
ther offers are reaching the offices of the Cham-
her of Horticulture daily, and the Exhibition's
Committee hope that those who are willing ru
exhibit and uphold the prestige of British horti-
culture will communicate with the Chamber, 18,
Bedford Square, W.C.I, intimating their desire
to do so. at the earliest possible moment. The
Exhibition's Committee is making all arrange-
ments for the transport of the exhibits and their
return, if necessary, to the. London depot, so
that no costs will fall upon the exhibitors other
than that of delivering their exhibits at the
London depot. Mr. Geo. Monro, Jim., of Messrs.
Geo. Monro, Ltd., has very kin-lly consented 1o
receive the exhibits at 4, Tavistock Street, Covent
Garden, during Thursday, April 29, and the
horticultural section of the Antwerp Exhibit/,,,,
is generously providing the Committee with the
necessary Palms, Ferns, staging and all requisite
labour in connection with the preliminary ar-
rangements, ready for the staging of the exhibits
by the British Committee, the members of which
are Messrs. Geo. Monro, Junr., J. S. Brunton,
C. H. Curtis, Robert H. Page, W. E. Wallace.
J. H. Jolis, and Laurence Cook. The British
Florists' Federation and the Horticultural Trades
Association are co-operating with the Chamber of
Horticulture and representatives of these bodies
will, after this exhibition, proceed to Ghent to
attend the International Horticultural Commer
cial Conference, over which Mr. Arthur de Smet
will preside.

An American Orchid Association.- -On pige
18? we referred to the proposal of American
Orchid growers to form n National Oi hid
Society for America, The Association was
formally inaugurated .it a meeting heid in tlle
Horticultural Hall. Boston, on March 25. Mr.
"Roland was elected temporary chairman, Mr.
Craig, temporary secretary, and Mr. Loveless,
temporary treasurer. The chairman appointed a
committee of three to nominate a committee of
iifteen to form i]ie executive committee. ,\-
many of those named on the executhe committee
were not present, it was decided not to issue
the list until acceptances had been received.
This committee of fifteen, together with the
officers will nenstibute the management. About
thirty of those present enrolled as charter mem-
bers of the organisation.

New Par* and Public Space for Birmingham.
—Birnui.giia.nl has recently added two large
areas to the public parks and pleasure resorts of
the city. On Wednesday, March 24, an area of
land totalling 76 acres, 1 rood, 33 poles, known
as Pype Haves park, was dedicated to the public-
use, and on .March 27. the Bight Hon. the Lo-d
Mayor, Aldernun W. A. Cadbury. formally
opened the extensive area known as Colt n Jf.il
and Woods, Lickey Hills, which was purchased
by the Corporation in February last for .CW^O
Pype Hayes Part is siluated'in Chester Road^
Lrdmgton, midway between Castle BTomwich
and (heater Road railway station, and almost
wholly within the c't.\ boundary. The mansion
was for many generations the home of the Bagot
family. The hali was built by Sir Harvey Bagot
—an orficer in the Army of Charles I., and was
later occupied by Lis son, v/hc acted as Governor
of Lichfield during the siege of that city, and
was killed on the field of Naseiby. In 1919 the
then Lcrd Mayor— Alderman Sir David Brooks,
on behalf of the cenvnittte, undertook negotia-
tions with the estate agents acting for' the
vendors— Bagot's trustees— with a view to the
acquisition of this property, with the result the
Corporation rmrchasej the whole of the estate,
including the Hall, Lodge, Farm buildings, and
two cottages, at a cost of £10.000, including
lumber. The acquisition of this property will
enable the Parts Committee to provide Football
and Cnokei Pitches, Tennis Courts and Bowl-
ing Greens, which wid, to a reasonable extent,
Teplace the Castle Bromwich Playing Fields for
that area; the several outbuildings will hie
utilised for the purposes of tea rooms, dressing
rooms, etc. The Cofton Hill estate includes

hills known as Liickey Warren, Crfton Hill, and

Pinriold's Wi

also a strip or land 42 feet wide

from a poim opposite the Barnt Green Railway
Station to Fiery Hill Road, which will, in future,
form a road for more convenient access to the
hills. Tlie buildings that were erected by
H.M. Government at the end oi Warren Lane
for a gun-testing station will be utilised for
additional refreshment accommodation. A further
valuable addition, 128 acres on extent, including
the old ''Rose and Grown," was presented to the
Corporation by Messrs. Edward Cadbury and
'"Org,- Cadbury, junr.. in March, 1920, and the
Common Goou li ust. It is hoped that this may
-.r opened to the public at an early date.

Honour for a Gardener. — We learn with very-
great pleasure that Mr. Francis Edward Hare,
gardener to J. P. Dugdale, Esq., K.C., Blyth
Hall, Ooleshill, Warwickshire, has been made
a Member of the Order of the British Empire,
for distinguished services rendered under the
Red Cross during the past ten years. He joined
the Red Cross movement in 1909, and was ap-
pointed organising secretary for the Colesliill
district. Not only did he assist neighbouring
divisions by lectures and demonstrations, but

Mil. F. E. HARE, M.B.E.

be raised a large amount of money for the Red
Cross Society. In 1913 Mr. Hare was appointed
to the command of the V.A.D. , Warwick,
No. 17, and on the outbreak of war he organ-
ised four auxiliary hospitals in the division, and
was placed in command of the Guards' Hospital,
Colesliill. which he managed with great success.
Mr. Hare holds most of the honours and certifi-
cates obtainable from the Red Cross Society;
he has won the R.H.S. Gold Medal and First -
( lass Certificate in Horticulture, and has been
in charge of the Blyth Hall garden for thirteen
years.

Ex Service Men at Wisley. — Mr. ¥. J. Chit-
tenden, Director of the R.H.S. Gardens, Wisley.
points out that our note on p. 187 suggests that
the Government is paying the cost oi training
the ex-Service men at Wisley, whereas the Royal
Horticultural Society is undertaking the whole
cost of training these men, but not their main-
tenance.

Allotments. — Sir Daniel Hall, chief scientific
adviser to the Ministry of Agriculture, in the
second of the Chad-wick lectures given at the
Royal Sanitary Institute on the 20th inst, dealt
with gardens and allotments. It was estimated,
he said, that in 1918. at least 1,400,000 allot-
ments were being cultivated in the country, while
returns which had not yet been completely
tabulated seemed to indicate that the number to-
day was about a million. Of the 141,000 acres
included in the returns, more than 86,000 acres
were still provided by private owners and less
than half of the land by public authorities. He
stated that the ordinary 10-rod allotment should
yield produce -which if purchased in the ordinary
rc-tail market would cost about £9. Something
like £3 must be deducted for the cost of land,
manure, seed, and tools. There thus remained a
substantial economic contribution to the house-
hold -budget and a marked saving in the national
food bill.

Weed Killer. — The poisonous properties of
weed killers, the basis of which is usually
arsenic, was exemplified by a case of poisoiiing
in the Haslemere district, where some sixty
persons were seized with severe vomiting and
internal pains after drinking tea. It was found
that a barrel of moist sugar had become con-
taminated in transit with weed killer, which had
escaped from a tin. Those who employ weed
Killer in gardens cannot be too careful in storing
it in a place beyond the reach of children and
domestic animals.

The "Gardeners' Chronicle' Seventy-Five
Years Ago. — Pelargoniums. — It may interest the
amateur to know how difficult it is to obtain
a really fine seedling Pelargonium. Edmund
Foster, Esq., grows annually about 2,000; Rev.
J. Garth, several hundreds ; Captain Thurtle,
about 1,000 Mr. Lynne, many hundreds ; Mr.
Beck, as many ; Mr. Cock, 200 ; and Messrs.
Catleugh and Gaines, several hundreds each ;
besides many more private growers whose num-
bers I am not acquainted, with. And it is a
remarkable thing that, with but few exceptions,
the character of the flowers of each raiser is so
different that the experienced eye is able at
once to distinguish them. Another singular
circumstance is that some of the finest and most
desirable varieties have never been the parents
of anything equal to themselves. I have re-
peatedly tried lo obtain something fine from
Sylph, Matilda, Erectum, and Queen of the
Fairies, and have never succeeded. Sylph burns
upon the edge of the spot; Matilda wants greater
breadth in the same point ; Erectum is too
sniall ; and Queen of the Fairies is always
cramped, wants expansion, and is seen so in
every collection. Yet, with all their faults,
some, if not all, of these are to be found at
every exhibition, and this is, after all, the
greatest test of the value of a flower. When
true, what finer flower is there than Favourite?
but it sports to such a degree that no exhibitor
can afford to risk its growth. Veritas, Gard.
Chron., A/nil 26. 1845.

Publications Rec3ived: — Journal of the
Department of . Igricnlture. Director of Agriculture
Melbourne, Australia, 3d. Agricultural Gazette
of Ncic South Wales. Wm. Applegate Gullick.
Government Printer, Sydney,, ( d. Tropical
Fowl Mile in the United Slates. H. P. Wood,
United States Department of Agriculture,
Washington D.C. Broad Bean Weevil. Roy. E.
Campbell. United States Department of Agri-
culture, Washington 1D.C. The Fowl Tick.
F. C. Bishop. United States Department of
Agriculture. Annual Report, National Auricula
and Primula Society. Hon. Secretary, J.
Parsons, The Nook, Woodley, Reading.
Ths Service Handbook, by Capt. H." H. C. Baird,
11, Regent Street, London, S.W.I. Is.
net. Improvement of grass-land. Ministry
of Agriculture and Fisheries, 3, St. James's
Square, London, S.W.I. Food of the People.
National Farmers' Union, 45, Bedford Square,
London, W.C.I., 2d. Sweet Peas and Antirr-
hinums. William Cuthbertson, James Clarke
and Co., 13, Fleet Street, London, E.C., 2s. 3d.
and 3s. Revista de Agricultura. Secretaria de

E. de Agricultura ]E Inmigracion, Santo
Domingo. R. D. Sutton's Farmers' Yearbook.
Sutton & Sons, Reading. Journal of the
Jlo'ia I Society of Arts. G. Bell & Sons, Ltd.,
York House, Portugal Street, W.C.2.
Transactions of ike Hoijal Scottish
Arboricullural Sociey. Douglas and Foulis,
Castle Street, Edinburgh, 3s. net. New Zealand
Plants and Their Story. L. Cockayne, Marcus

F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington,
New Zealand. Price 7s. 6d. and 5s. Pigs and
Piggeries. Union of South Africa Department
of Agriculture, Librarian, Department of
Agriculture, Pretoria, South Africa. Price 3d.
Journal of the Board of Agriculture of British
Guiana. Vol. XIII. "The Daily Chronicle,
Limited," Georgetown. Price Id. Rejyort of
the Agricultural Department, St. Lucia. Imperial
Department of Agriculture for the West Indies.
Price 9d. European Frit Fly in North America.
J. M. Aldrich, Government Printing Office,
Washington.

Amu. 24, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

201

THE LETTUCE.

(Concluded from p. 193.)

Of lighter coloured, crisp Lettuces, Drumhead,
formerly known as Capuchin, is too well known
to need description. It is essentially an allot-
ment holders' variety. Denver Market is of a
still lighter shade, but produces much firmer
hearts and is very slow "to run to seed. It did
not secure an award, although Harbinger
Forcing gained the H.C.

Giant Bossin, known also as The Favourite,
and Golden Giant Bossin, may be strongly
recommended to those in the South who desire
a large, solid, crisp and slightly hitter variety.
Next in order we have the smooth heading or
buttery texture, a very numerous class contain-
ing many of the most popular varieties at
present in cultivation.

Early Paris Market and Georges head the
list with Awards ef Merit ; both socrts are of
medium size and of medium green colour, tinged
with red, somewhat in the style of the old
Grand Admiral, but rather earlier. May King,
H.C. (a German name for the French Heine de
Mai) and Tender and True ( Harr and Sons)
(A.M.) are practically identical. (The name
Tender and True had previously been applied by
Messrs. Hurst and Sons to a Lettuce of the
Simpson type.)

Trocadero or Big Boston is a larger, later and
hardier variety of the same general type, and is
especially valuable for market work.

Of the plain green varieties, Sans Rivale is
interesting and reliable for all purposes, but
Market Favourite (A.M.) is undoubtedly the best
of this type. Chavigne, which failed to secure
an award, is nevertheless a most desirable
variety, especially for a small garden. New
Summer is also passed over in the awards, but
for size, appearance, and quality, it is hard to
beat It is so late in running up that it should
be named "The Sluggard."

All the foregoing sorts have white seed. In
turning our attention to the black seeded section
we are dealing with a class not quite so
numerous, but containing some of the most
popular varieties of tho day. All the Year
Round (H.C.) deserves the first place, for it is a
veritable "fail-me-never," suitable for ihe table
of prince or peasant. Like all black-seeded
varieties, it is liable to vary slightly under
different conditions ; efforts have been made to
perpetuate some of these variations, but witn
very indifferent success. Six at least of thes-
were included in the trials, and some of them
gained awards.

The original variety was introduced into this
country from Holland in 1862, under the name
of Beck s I lard v White Dutch. Richard Dean
soon afterwards gave it its present much more
attractive and appropriate name.

Two distinct Lettuces were sent in under the
name of Continuity, but those who have once
grown the very dark type sent out by Messrs.
Daniels will not care for the lighter coloured
form, which runs to seed much more quickly
and is of very indifferent quality. It is probably
a poor-coloured sport from All the Year Round.

Of the "Tern Thumb " type, only Commodore
Nutt secured an award; the other offspring of
the Laitue Gotte are serviceable for forcing and
intensive culture, but are too small for general
use.

The list of varieties with vellow »eed is a very
short one, but the Yellow-seeded Butter (see
Fig 89) justly gained an Award of Merit. It is
a plain green variety, of medium size com-
pact, with firm .heart, of good quality, arid .slow
to run. A much Larger growing variety, which
was not included in the trials, is the Laitue
Montlucon. better known, in Britain as Sutton's
Giant. It is of a dull green colour, spotted
ireely with brown, and grows to an enormous
size. Far very hoi climates it has no equal
About 1912. in the -grounds of a well-known
trench grower, some plants produced black
feeds and others white seeds. The first year the

black seed produced a very mixed lot, identical
in form with the parent variety, but of three
different colours. Further tests gave the game
results, so the culture was discontinued; the
white-seeded sport produced plants of a. rather
more compact habit, and a paler and more
pleasing •colour, and has been perpetuated.

A few remarks on the yellow-leaved section
will bring my review of the Cabbage varieties

Fig. 88. — carbace lettuce California cream.

to a close. Buttercup, Golden Gem, Golden
Ball, Golden Queen and Lemon Queen all so
much resemble the Laitue Gotte Doree, or
Laitue Citron, as to be practically indistinguish-
able therefrom. They are rather small, with
firm hearts of fair quality, bitter and tender.
They must bo used immediately they are ready,
otherwise they soon assume a very wilted
appearance.

Cos Lettuces are not quite so extensively grown
as the Cabbage varieties, and the list is not so
lengthy or bewildering.

Mr. Chittenden has divided them into two
sections, viz., the Cos proper and the semi-Cos.
Plants of the latter almost bury themselves in
the ground, hence they are known in France as

'/P^ti*

Fig. 89. — cabbage lettuce yellow-seeded

BUTTER.

Ground Cos, or Pomme en terre. A white-seeded
variety named Winter Density gained the
Award of Merit, and thoroughly deserved it.
For summer use the Laitue Ro'maine Succine,
or Little Gem Cos, a rather larger plant of tho
some type, cannot be too strongly recommended.
The Cos Lettuces proper are easily divided into
summer and winter types: the former is the
section most generally 'cultivated. Of the white-
seeded varieties the old, narrow-leaved, sell-
folding London White Cos, which was brought

to such perfection by Alex. Dancer, of Fulliam,
has now practically disappeared. Its place is
being taken by Lobjodt's Green Cos (H.C),
which may be grown quite easily under bell
glasses or in frames. This is a French variety,
of a greyish-green colour, and is well adapted
both for private and market gardens. The
synonyms are legion.

What are termed White Cos Lettuces are
mostly of varying shades of pale green, differing
very little from each other. Trianon is large
and early ; Alexandra (H.C.) and Beauty of
Versailles (Award of Merit) are slightly darker
main-crop varieties; St. Albans, All Heart and
Chesnay Cos bring up the rear ; the old Paris
White is most probably the parent of them all.

The principal black -needed Cos Lettuce-; are
Egyptian Hark Green, Pans Green and Balloon
(Award of Merit), the last under uie or other of
its many names is perhaos tlie largest Lettuce
in cultivation. It is pleasing in colour and
quality, and veiy slow to run to seed.

The Brown Bath Cos and the Red Winter Cos,
together with the Winter Cabbage varieties,
need to be dealt with in a separate article.

In a necessarily brief article it is practically
impossible to deal with each variety individually,
and many meritorious Lettuces have passed un-
noticed. Some of these owe their existence to
local conditions, some give better results in one
district than another, and many owe their
existence to the practice of renaming, which is
often done to call special attention to the merits
of certain varieties the culture of which it was
desired to stimulate. J>.

FRUIT REGISTER.

APPLE ALFRISTOX.

I was greatly interested in Mr. W. Crump's
reply to my criticism of the Award of Merit
recently given to Alfriston Apple (see p.
186). I never condemned age, but age

without merit is intolerable. I repeat that
Alfriston is a cumberer of the ground — as we
know and value Apples to-day — and I cannot
imagine any experienced market grower devoting
space to such a variety .is the one under dis-
cussion. It is well, perhaps, to refer Mr. Crump
to the National Apple and Pear Conference held
at Chiswiok in 1888, under the auspices of the
Royal Horticultural Society. I have chosen this
conference as on example because I take it to
be the greatest of all the Apple conferences -.hat
have yet been held in this country, and the
report of it is probably the most exhaustive that
has ever been published. In that connection
Vol. X. of the Journal of the Royal Horticul-
tural Society contains selections and notes from
practically every fruit grower of any standing
in Great Britain. Alfriston, at that time, must
have been over forty years in commerce, and Uie
reference to the selections of trade and other
growers as reported in the Journal, shows
exactly how little this particular sort was appre-
ciated in those days. It is, in fact, seen in its
proper perspective, and to-day it would fare
e\en worse if a plebiscite were taken of ex-
perienced fruit growers. Under tin heading
" Worcestershire :' in that report, I find a return
from Mr. William Crump, Madresfield Gardens,
Malvern. He states that about 160 kinds of
Apples are grown, and in his selection of twenty-
four varieties most suitable for culture in his
district, named in orda1 of succession, no men
tion is made of Alfriston. Again, in the same
report, none of his colleagues in the sairw county
returns Alfriston as a desirable variety. At the
1883 Conference it also finds no place in the selec
tion of suitable sorts made at that lime by three
of the loading growers in Worcostershi «. i'nc
old opinions are thoroughly sound and time Iris
confirmed them I often turn over the list ,i
Apples c, •■tili.-atcc! by the Hoy il Horticulttir,, I
Society, .niil as I do so I wonder why some of
ihes.'vards were given, it is an illuminating ex
perienee, and it illustrates the necessity of a
thorough Iriil of Apples before one can assess
their merits. \, rthcrn Fruit Grower

202

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[April 24, 1920.

The Week's Work.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

Bv John Coutts, Foreman. Royal Botanic Gardens.
Kew.

Winter -Flowering Plants.— Cuttings of it he
beautiful, winter-flowering Thyrsacanthus ruti-
lans should now be inserted; young shoots will
root readily in a warm propagating case. This
month is ah important one as regards the propa-
gation of many winter-flowering plants including
Eranthemum, Plumbago rosea and its variety
superba, Jacobinias, notably J. chrysostephana
and J. coccinea, Tlie Erantheinum and Plumbago
are rather difficult subjects to cultivate: strong
growths are essential to successful flowering,
hence the plants should not be stopped more
than once. I find it best to secure cuttings with
two growths, cutting them at the internodes, as
they root readily from internodal cuttings, and
then grow them on without stopping; _ large
specimens may be produced by growing three
plants in a pot. Other subjects that should be
propagated during the present month are
Erlangea tomentosa, Peristrophe speciosa and
Lindenbergia grandiflora, April is, perhaps, the
best month in many respects for the propagation
of all sorts of stove plants. Most of them will
root readily now from yonng, fresh growth, and
the plants' have all the season wherein to
make good specimens before the winter.

Keinwardtia (Linum) trigyna and R. tetra-
gyna. These are two useful yellow-flowering
plants for winter. They are best propagated
towards the end of April, from cuttings made
of strong shoots, which root readily in a close
case with slight bottom heat. The plants should
be pinchod frequently to make bushy spftrimens,
and potted on as t/hey require it. Well-grown
plants should be flow~-ed . in six-inch pots.
These Rein vardtias are easily grown in a cool
house, or in frames, but are very subject to
attacks of red spider, which must be prevented
by a frequent and vigorous use of the syringe.

Humea elegans. — Well-grown plants of Humea
should new he ready for their final shift into
ten-inch pits; this is the most critical stage iri
the cultivation of this plant," and great care
should be exewdsed-.in repotting, and in water-
ing, until the roots are established in the fresh
soil.

Balsam.— Seeds of Balsams should now be
sown. In their earlier stages Balsams require
very prompt attention, for if allowed to become
drawn through crowding they might as well be
thrown away.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By H. Wheeieh. Onrdener to M« JenneB, Wenvoe
Castle, near Cardiff.

Runner Beans.— No vegetable more repays
better for generous treatment, in increased pro-
duction and quality, than the Runner Bean.
To have pods early in July, the seeds should now
be germinated in"a temperature of 50°. placing
them closelv together in boxes containing one
inch of soil and lightly covering them. The
seedlings will soon appear and the strongest
should be selected and potted singly in rive-
inch pots. The plants should be grown in the
same temperature until the shoots are three
inches high, when they should be removed to
a warm frame where the lights may be removed
on fine days, but protection should be given on
cold nights. When the shoot is nine inches high,
pinch out the top to obtain two growths arising
from near the seed-leaves. These will provide
the main shoots and all future leads and laterals
should be removed as they appear. Plants
receiving this treatment require plenty of room ;
and each row should consist of double lines
eighteen inches apart, with a distance of two
feet three inches between each plant, allow-
ing seven feet between the next double row. Prize-

winner and Exhibition are two good varieties.
The ground the rows are to occupy should be
prepared by taking out a deep trench and
thoroughly incorporating well-decayed manure
and a sprinkling of bone-meal with the soil
when refilling the trench.

Onions.— After careful hardening, Onions that
were sown early in the year, are ready for
transplanting. The soil which has previously
been prepared for them should be raked for a
final time and made firm and level. The seedlings
intended to form the main crop should be planted
four inches apart; and varieties such as Crimson
and Silver Globe, nine inches apart in the rows,
a distance of fifteen inches 'being allowed
between the rows. When removing plants from
frames or boxes, it is more important to have
the roots intact than to have the soil adhering
to them. In planting, use a large trowel,
pushing it straight down ; and then draw the
handle forward. This will leave a cavity large
enough to allow the roots heing shaken down
perpendicularly ; and on removing the trowel the
soil may be firmly pressed up to the plant with
the hand. Large varieties intended for ex-
hibition should be grown in rows made six-
teen inches apart with a distance of fourteen
inches between the plants in the rows After
every six rows leave a space of two feet to permit
of hoeing and weeding without risk of injury
to the top growth. Plant from boxes as ad-
vised above ; and for those in pots, make a hole
just large enough to take the ball of soil, and
plant firmly. Remove all stakes and ties at
this time, otherwise considerable damage to the
top growth will be caused by the wind. Water
the plants as each row is completed, -and a week
after planting exhibition Onions, use nitrate of
soda in solution at the rate oif half an ounce to
the gallon of water and , apply this fertiliser on
two other occasions at ten days' interval.

Dutch Hoeing. — Considerable benefit to all
crops is derived by the frequent use of the Dutch
Hoe and the ground should be stirred with this
tool immediately the seedlings are forward
enough to denote the position of the rows.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By T. Pateman, Gardener to C. A. Cain, Esq., J P.,
The Node.- Codicote, Welwyn. Hertfordshire.
Black Fly.— Cherries are subject to this pest,
and the trees should be carefully watched for
its appearance, which is indicated by the
curling of the leaves. Should the trees

be in bloom when black fly is notice-
able. Tobacco powder may be used, dust-
ing the oflected parts several .limes until the
insects have been destroyed. After the fruits
have set, the tree, may Ik- syringed with a well-
prepared nicotine wash. In cases "I severe
infestations the nicotine wash is best
applied when the foliage is dry- The following
day the trees should be well syringed with clear,
tepid water.

Gooseberries. — Many of the shoots in the
centres of Gooseberry bushes should be
pinched or disbudded, to leave ample space for
gathering the frui* 5. Keep a close watch for
caterpillars, and if there is any doubt about
this pest, spray the bushes with Quassia extract,
or some other suitable insecticide. The bushes
ehould be syringed the following day with clear
water. Wrute\er specific is used, the berries
should not be used for cooking for several days
after its application.

General Remarks. — At the time u' writing
the weather iias been unfavourable for the
spraying of fruit trees and where the work has
been delayed from ibis cause the trees shonld be
sprayed immediately the blossom has fallen and
the fruit set. Aphides are amongst the worst
pests that attack Apple trees and should be
combated vigorously. If allowed to spread un-
checked, the post will not only militate against
the swelling of this season's fruit, but may so
affect the tree ^s to (;poil the crop the following
season. This pest should never be allowed to
protect itself in curling leaves, as it is then
verv difficult to eradicate.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By T. W. Beiscoe, Gardener to W. R. Lisaoht, Esq..
Castieford, Chepstow.

Cattleya and Allied Genera. — Cattleya
and the allied genera, Laelia and
Brassavola, have given us, by crossing, Laelio-
Cattleya, Brasso-Laelio, Brasso-Cattleya, and
Brasso-Catlaelia. Collectively they probably
constitute the most important group of Orchids
under cultivation, and in a representative collec-
tion plants are in flower all the year. In view
of their parentage, season of flowering, and the
period in which they make their growth, a few
of the plants require repotting at intervals
during the whole year. Even in winter, I should
never hesitate to repot an Orchid of the above
group if it needed attention. A house or
division is best set apart for Cattleya and its
allies, in fact, in some collections, several houses
are devoted to these delightful plants. A house
of the span roofed type is best, and it should
contain sufficient hot-water pipes to maintain the
requisite temperature without having to keep
them excessively hot. As a general rule the
night temperature should fluctuate between 55°
and 60°, with a rise of 5° or so by mid-day.
During the summer a higher temperature will
cause no harm to the plants. Plenty of light
is necessary to build up stout pseudo-bulbs of
firm texture capable of producing flower spikes
of good quality. Although light is so essential,
full exposure to the rays of the sun is not
desirable, and the blinds should be lowered
before the leaves get too warm, and they should
be drawn up again directly it can be done with
safety. Such work will vary with different
localities; plants growing in the open country
will need more shade than those in gardens
near smoky towns. The house should be pro-
vided with both top and bottom ventilators, the
latter on both sides, and in line with the hot
water pipes. Such an arrangement will permit
the lower ventilators to be open more or less
throughout the year, except in frosty weather
or when strong, drying winds are blowing. Air
should be admitted through the top ventilators
much more sparingly, and always on the lee-
ward side of the house. The atmosphere should
be kept moist by sprinkling water over the
floors and stages, but the season, and condition
of the plants must be considered in this respect.
The greatest amount of atmospheric moisture is
required during the summer and when the
plants are making their growth. A difference of
.■pinion exists regarding the compost, hut for
general purposes, Osnvnnda, or Al fibre, cut into
moderately tine portions is to be recommended.
Good quality peat, if obtainable, is not to be
despised, if mixed with a small portion of
chopped Sphagnum-moss and finely crushed
crocks. Choose clean pots and fill them one-
third of their depth with drainage material.
The plants should be repotted when roots
develop from the base of the new growth and
the operation should be performed before they
grow very long. Remove all decayed soil, dead
roots, and useless back pseudo-bulbs ; ' three
pseudo-bulbs behind each lead or growing point
are ample. Make the compost fairly firm, and
arrange it level with the rim of the receptacle.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By P. Jordan. Gardener to Lient.-Ool. Spender Oiat,
M.P., Ford Manor, Lingfleld. 8urrey.
Successional Vineries. — Where the vines are in
various stages of growth, let every cultural
operation be pel-formed at the proper time.
When disbudding is completed, the shoots grow-
apace and in a few days are fit for divesting of
their superfluous bunches, stopping and tying.
It is better to draw the shoots down by degrees
than to attempt tying them in their permanent
positions at one operation, for they are easily
broken, and those of strong-growing, late varie-
ties easily pulled out. Thinning of the bunches
must be attended to. also the removal of all
superfluous bunches if not before, certainly
immediately after the berries are set.
Use the scissors early and endeavour to get
rid of all small, stoneless berries at the first

April 24, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

203

operation. Late vines, which are earlier than
usual, may be gently forced with fire-heat. The
temperature may be 55° on cold nights, and
65° to 70° by day, and 75° to 80° on closing the
vinery with sun heat and moisture. As soon as
the bunches are prominent, a rise of 5° may be
allowed at night, with a further rise, to 65° when
the vines are in flower. A constant circulation
of moderately dry, warm air is essential to the
berries setting and the temperature during the
flowering stage may range from 65° to 68° with
10° or 15° higher by day when the sun is bright.
In the case of all kinds of Grapes, it is wise to
pollinate the flowers; Muscats and other shy-
setting varieties should always ibe given this
attention. In vineries where the vines are in
flower, sufficient fire heat should be used to raise
the temperature to the above figures with a free
circulation of air. Damp the floors daily in
favourable weather, as the first attacks of red
spider are often traced to neglect in this matter
at this stage. After the bunches are set, give
the vines one good syringing with tepid, soft
water, and gradually allow the temperature to
fall a few degrees on cold nights. Uive careful
attention to watering the 'border and ven-
tilating the house at this season, as the tender
foliage is easily injured by currents of cold air.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By Sidney Lego, Gardener to the Dowager Ladi
Nunbtjbnholme, Warter Priory, Yorkshire.

Iris Kaempferi. — Afford plantations of Japanese
Iris a top-dressing of well-rotted manure and
lightly fork it in. If division of these Irises is
contemplated, deeply worked, well-enriched
soil, free from lime, should be prepared in
readiness to receive the clumps. Tritonias are
effective bulbous plants which may be grown
between varieties of Iris Kaempferi. They ex-
tend the flowering season after the Irises have
finished flowering and so prolong the effective-
ness of the beds. From the moist soil
favoured by the Iris it is imperative to lift the
Tritonias each autumn, store the bulbs in a cool,
dry place and replant them early in spring.

Magnolia. — Spring is undoubtedly the best
season in which to plant Magnolias. As soon
as growth commences, the planting should, be
done as carefully and expeditiously as possible.
If the roots are bruised at the time of lifting,
they will rot quickly and the loss of the tree
may follow. Protection from drying winds
should ibe afforded newly planted trees, and for
this purpose wattle hurdles will prove useful.
Frequent sprayings with soft water and a pro-
tective shade from the midday sun will prevent
the wood from shrivelling. Hybrid forms of
Magnolia conspioua, such as M. Leniiei and M.
Soulangeana, may be transferred from pots to
the open ground at this season. In cold, ex-
posed northern districts, the plants will not
flower until June and should be given a very
sheltered, favoured position in a sunny aspect.
The seeds of all Magnolia species only retain
their vitality for a short period ; therefore the
seeds, when procurable, should be sown as soon
as they are ripe.

Bocconia cordata. — The sucker-like growths of
the Plume Poppy are now growing quickly and
to obtain the best results they should he
shinned, leaving only a few of the strongest
to each clump. A mulching of well-rotted farm-
yard manure should be applied to the soil at an
early date. Under such treatment the plants
may be expected to attain a height of 12 feet
and will need carefully supporting to prevent
damage from strong winds.

Stakes. — In all but very sheltered localities,
square stakes are preferable far supporting tall
plants. Round, smooth stakes are easijy
loosened and displaced by strong winds, whereas
those cut square remain firm in position For a
considerable period. Standard plants, such as
Heliotrope, may be supported by thin iron stakes
to which a foot is attached, after the manner of
iron fence supports. The stakes should be
painted green.

THE ALPINE GARDEN.

SYNTHYRIS RENIFORMIS.

Among the many interesting alpine plants
on the rock garden of Mr. W. R. Lysaght,
Castleford, Chepstow, is Synthyris renifofmis.
The accompanying photograph (see Fig. 90),
taken by Mrs. Lysaght, shows the freedom with
which the plant flowers. This Alpine is in bloom
at a period when the rock garden is none too
gay. The first flowers opened at the end of
January, and the display continued for several
weeks. The blooms are about i inch in length,
pale violet in colour, and produced in great pro-
fusion, while small plants push up a llarge
number of scapes six inches long. The foliage 'is
also attractive, and its deeply-toothed margins
are shown in the photograph.

S. reniformis is of easy culture, and probably
any position would suit it, but, seeing that it
flowers so early in the year, a shaded spot should
not be selected. Here, at Castleford, it thrives
in a cool, loamy soil, in a situation where it
receives the full rays of the sun for the greater
part of the day.

Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh. It is of the Oxlip
habit, and has a number of pale yellow flowers
on stems nine or ten inches high. It gives a
greater number of blooms than does the Oxlip,
and would, I think, look well in some parts of
the wild garden

Primula leucuphylla is a limestone plant, and
the type occurs in the Caucasus and the Eastern
Carpathian Mountains. The Edinburgh plant
seems to be a better variety than the one in
my garden, and it is possible that it may be
the variety P. leucophylla Ruprechtii. It is
certainly not the other form recorded — P. leuco-
phylla longipes, which is a poorer plant in
respect of flowers.

SYMPHYTUM OANESCENS.

An eminent horticultural writer has declared
that no Comfrey is in place in the rock garden ;
but surely this is rather a sweeping assertion
to make. At least, this is what one considers
after seeing Symphytum canescens in bloom in
April in the grand rock garden of the Royal
Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh. The size of the
garden and its bold masses of stone render
many plants suitable there which would be out

SYNTHYRIS RENIFORMIS; FLOWERS PALE VIOLET.

This Scrophulariad is a native of North-West
America, and was introduced about 1885, yet
it is rarely seen in gardens, and I fail to find it
listed in many catalogues. T. W. Briscoe,
Castleford Gardens, Chepstow.

GALANTHUS NIVALIS PERFECTION.

This Snowdrop was sent me a number of
years ago by the late Mr. James Allen. It is
a variety of G. nivalis with large and good
flowers, but its distinguishing feature — the one,
probably, which gave rise to the name of
"Perfection," is the grace of the poise of the
flower on the long pedicels, the blooms givdng
a most graceful effect as they sway with almost
every bree/.e. There are, I consider, more
shapely flowers among the selected seedlings of
Galanthus nivalis, but those of G. Perfection
are large and beautiful enough to please, while
the distinguishing feature alluded to renders
the whole effect of the plant particularly pleas-
ing. It is, by the way, dwarfer than some off
the other varieties of G. nivalis, although taller
and more robust than the ordinary form.

PRIMULA LEUCOPHYLLA.
P. leucorhylla is not so fine a garden plant
us several other hardy Primulas, but it is
interesting to the specialist. I have grown the
plant in my garden for a few years, and I
saw a good specimen recently in the Royal

of place in smaller gardens. However, S. canes-
cens can stand on its own merits, and a little
group was quite pleasing in these botanic gar-
dens. The plant grows about a foot high and has
many pretty, drooping, yellow flowers of wax-
like appearance in good bunches. The foliage
is a trifle coarse, as is the manner of most
Comfreys, but the general appearance of this
Symphytum is so good that it is worth culti-
vating, especially in view of its early flowering.
It has been aptly likened to the Golden Drop,
Onosma taurica, but the individual flowers are
shorter. .?. Arnott.

POLYGALA VAYREDAE.

This dwarf species is a native of Catalonia,
in Spain, and I first noted it in 1905, which is
given as the year of its introduction. The
plant is only three or four inches high, sub-
shrubby and evergreen, so that it is closely
related to P. Chamaebuxus. The leaves are
narrower and linear, while the flowers are of
a deep purple or reddish purple, with a small
yellow keel. It is, therefore, quite distinct from
the better known species, and well worth culti-
vation in pots by those who grow collections
of alpine plants. Growth is rather slow, and
pot culture would ensure that the plan! does not.
get overgrown by more rampant neighbours.
The species was exhibit. I at the meeting of the
Royal Horticultural Society on the 13th inst.
J. *'.

204

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[April 24, 1920.

ED i TORI A L NO TIGE.

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PUBLISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, W.C.

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

Special Notice to Correspondents— The Editors
do not undertake to pay for any contributions or
illustrations, or to return unused communication*
or illustrations unless by special arrangement. The
Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any
opinions expressed by their correspondents.

Mr. REGINALD FARRER'S SECOND
EXPLORATION IN ASIA.*

17. — The Ridge.

IMMEDIATELY above the camp, a wild
water-gully tears its way starkly down
between dark baulks of precipice from
the ridge overhead, and fades away at last below
in a tumble of boulders and gravel that testifies
to the fury of last year's rains. It ■was by this
stem stair that we determined to attack the
arete, and seldom have I confronted a steeper
task, or more disreputably rotten rock. Every-
thing one touched came away in one's hand ;
everything on which one attempted to tread
gave way beneath one's feet, and crashed rever-
berating downwards in a shattering avalanche of
stone towards the camp below. The first
treasure was a Gaultheria, creeping quite pros-
trate on the mossy silt above the stream-course.
Its flower I do not know, but the fruit, Iby itself,
surpasses many a flower, for the calyx swells to
the size of a large marble, and develops to a five
lobed "blossom " of the most glorious, bloomy
lapis lazuli blue, with a waxy white inside, in the
middle of which., like a stigma, sits the pyroloid
capsule. This is not a common plant, hut it loves
mossy boulders in the zone of the high Alpine
woodland, and has a counterpart, too, in an erect
growing little cousin, with fine bronze-purple
foliage, which often covers big stretches on the
open Alp, on sandy slopes, and has flesh fruits
of pure, snow white, which make a fine effect
when tumbled about in a heap with the azure
balls of the other

Above the region of this 'begin the cliffs, and
on them, also, the advance guard of the high
Alpine flora. The herald of these is a very
lovely and dainty little Cremanthodium (see
Fig. 91), with pure white flowers, touched ou
the reverse with rose, that pass, as they fade,
io deeper and deeper tones of dull crimson,
depending more and more bell-like on their
stems as they do so. This plant loves damp,
cool rocks, ledges and chinks, and on the high-
est elevations abounds all over the moister, finer
lawns of the Alp. Quite different is its successor,
which I saw from afar as i toiled up out of
the perilous stone-slide of the gully, into the
equally steep grassy dell that climbed above it.
Here there were already all the Hpawshi plants,
even to the pink Anemone. But I could heed
none of these; for, high ahead of me, hung
certain moony globes of whiteness, hovering
singly over tile long grass from which their stems
emerged. For one wild leap of optimism, I fore-
saw a new, one-flowered, snowy Poppy of the
Primulina group; then, in an equally wild re-
action of pessimism, only some pallid Garlic.
Buit it proved, when I got there, panting, nieither
so good as my hope, nor so bad as my fear. It
was a white Cremanthodium, of noble port and
aspect, 'with globular-looking pendulous flowers,

• The previous artioleB by Mr. Fnrrer were published
io our issues for June 21. June 28, July 12. August 9,
Aug-ust 23. September 6. September 27, Ootober 18.
November 1. November 22. December 6. 1919. Janu;ir>
3, January 17, February 7, February 28, and March 20.

that, indeed, from afar, made no such bad
mimicry of a Meconopsis, but that these also die
off to a crimson, claret colour. Its fifteen inches
of unadorned stature, unfit it, perhaps, for the
choicest corners of the rock-garden, but in others
it will make a fine effect. And I have a further
hope ; for tliere are many of these upland
beauties here, tall and stalwart, but too large
for association with Priimila Allionii, which
should look as lush and lovely at home as out
here, if only their owners will plant them out
all together, rather sparsely, in a rich, sunny
slope, to reproduce the same gorgeous hayfields
that are here combined with the Cremanthodium,
the Polygonum, the golden Anemone, the Red
Lily and a whole host of handsome etceteras.

One candidate for these hypothetic hayfields
gave me another acute pang of disappointment,
as soon as I had readjusted my views about the
Cremanthodium, for now, through the glasses,
I espied, far above me, a large Citron-yeliow
Primula of the Nivalis group, in a dell of the
grass. Up towards it I plunged, scouting all
notion of its being the same as the P. " Smith-
iana," we had already 'found on Hpawshi Bum.
Yet no other did it prove to be ; not a Nivalid
at all, 'but a sikkimensis. My only consolation
was that it seemed here to be both larger and
paler and finer than anything I could manage to

• *X

.;:m

>&

Fig

91. MR. FAKUER's EXPLORATION : A WHITE-

FLOWEUED CREMANTHODnjM SP.

remember of its previous appearances; and it
makes a noble consrast with the dark sapphire-
blue Iris with which it here shares the Alpine
marsh'es and moister folds of the open fell.
Neither, however, ascends to the actual ridge,
where the gales sweep fiercely to and fro, across
the slopes of .short, springy lawn, cushioned with
a tiny golden Potentiila, that grows in ferny
hassocks closle over the grass and along the rims
of (boulders. Up here, too, Rhododendrons are
also to seek ; none climb so high, except the
dwarf Alpine species, and of these almost all
flower is over. But the rosy Chamaecistoid one
is now doing its best to provide substitutes, lor,
on many of the young shoots the terminal leaves
turn so floral as to give startling proof that
every flower is indeed but promoted foliage after
all. Here, quite a number of sprays end in a
sham " flower," large, and trumpet shaped,
fleshy textured, and of vivid scarlet, yet a mere
prodigy, built out of transmogrified leaves,
though often an apparently perfect bloom in all
detail, and sometimes even a hose-in-hose one
with a conspicuously developed " calyx " 1
notice attempts at such developments in several
of the high Alpine Rhododendrons of this region ;
yet in no other is there such perfect achievement,
while even in this, all gradations of the change

may be observed, from mere scarlet leaves, and
swollen fleshy abolitions, up to the complete
illusory splendour of the " flower."

Primulas are nearly over up here, and so are
the early Gentians, while the later ones are not
yet out by the beginning of August. Of the
earlier, the most striking is a member of the big
purpurea group. This, like purpurea and
punctata and their kind, is dotted over the open
Alp, in clumps of foUage, like theirs, so closely
resembling Veratrum, that here also I was at
first deceived into believing that only a
Veratrum was before me, for the flower-spikei
are not numerous for the number of plants.
They are a foot, or eighteen inches high, dispJa'.
ing from eiSch axil two or three very large
flowers of a clear, pale, straw-yellow ; big pen-
dent trumpets, so deeply cloven as to look as if
they had five true petals. Quite dissimilar from
this is the other Gentian that decorates these
high Alps in August. As 1 saw this on tne
frontier ridge, I did not think much of it. It
occurred only in single specimens, with one or
two flowers, like a feeble, screwed up acaulis
that never seemed to open. Perking up here
and there on turfy stony places, it made no
effect, and had a very annual appearance. But
one day I happened on a little marshy, stony dip
m the high Alps, which completely changed my
views, for it was crammed full of the Gentian,
growing densely in such wide masses as to be
obviously perennial; and, though not a flower
,,f all those thousands was open, so 'brilliant was
the blue of their assembled tubes that the marsh
was as solid a sheet of azure as if it had been
filled with G. verna or G. acaulis at their best.
As it ripens, of course, the enveloping throat
fades dull; but this Gentian does not seed, like
so many of my finds in China, in that irritating
" up-and-out " style, of a sudden gaping at the
tip of the capsule. On the contrary, it makes
a decent normal tri-valved capsule, after the
good old fashion of our European Gentians ; and,
as the pod matures, it develops a definite little
footstalk of its own, inside the withered, baggy
sheath that was once the flower. Itrginald
Farrer.

TREES AND SHRUBS.

RHAPHITHAMNUS CYANOCARPUS.

In common with many other subjects, Ibis
evergreen shrub is flowering earlier than usuai,
and also more freely than I have seen it before;
due, no doubt, to last season's perfect summer.

This shrub is somewhat rare in gardens. The
general appearance of a bush with its small,
neat, closely-set, rich green leaves, colouring at
the tips of the growths, nearly akin to the
flowers, merits its inclusion in any collection
where there is a chance of its success. The
bluish-lilac flowers, closely set amongst the rich
green foliage, give a shade of colouring that
is rare amongst early-flowering, or, for that
matter, any shrub. During the period of blos-
soming, from the opening stages of the dark
blue buds to the paler and fully opened, small,
tubular flowers, the plant is very attractive,
and also later when carrying its roundish-berried
fruits.

Here the bush seems to succeed in shade as
well as in the open, where it is planted as a
lawn specimen, and is thoroughly hardy.

SOPHORA TETRAPTERA.

Whether last season's remarkable summer is
the cause, or that the young tree in question
has .tttained its majority, I do not know, but
lor ili.' first time it is carrying a profusion of
flowers and creating a. fine display.

This particular specimen grows as an isolated
lawn plant, and being of standard shape, the
flowers show to additional advantage. They

April 24, 1920. j

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

205

hang in clusters of five or seven blooms in each
and are of a rich canary-yellow colour, each
flower being about two inches long. This plant
is also known as Edwardsia inicrophylla ; it is
to my mind a much more desirable subject than
E. grandifiora, the weeping growths and grace-
ful foliage with the smaill pinnate leaves borne
the year round giving it a decorative effect .

Wind is its greatest enemy, and for that
reason it is best planted in a sheltered but open
spot. E. B. Fota.

KURUME AZALEAS.
(Concluded from p. 195.)

Messrs. Wilson and Suzuki visited all the
principal gardens and spent several liours in that
of Mr. Kijn'u Akashi, who for more than forty
years has assiduously devoted himself to the
development of these Azaleas, and has raised
from seeds and perpetuated by cuttings nearly
all the forms in cultivation. In his garden
is the finest of all collections, and the loving
pride with which this grand old gardener pointed
out the particular merits of this or that pet can
be appreciated only by those whose lives have
been passed in close companionship with plants.
In this garden Messrs. Wilson and Suzuki made
a selection of forty-three of the 'best sorts ; and
later this was increased to fifty-two kinds.

On April 24, 1919, this collection was
unpacked at the Arnold Arboretum and
all the plants found to be alive, and, consider-
ing the length of their journey, in good condi-
tion. For this thanks are due to the skilful
packers of the Yokohama Nursery Company, to
whom the task was entrusted. Making the
selection was much easier than persuading Mr.
Akashi to part with his plants, though, with
true old-time Japanese politeness, he offered any
or all that he had. He loved his plants, and
one fully understands his sadness when the time
to part with them actually came.

Mr. Akashi kindly furnished Mr. Wilson with
details of the history of these Azaleas so far
as is known. They were originated by a Japanese
gentleman named Motozo Sakamoto, who
lived in the city of Kurume about one hundred
years ago. The parents came from sacred
Kirishima-yama (a volcanic mountain in Soutli
Kyushu, still active), but whether brought from
there by Mr. Sakamoto or given to him by som.9
pilgrim is uncertain. At any rate, Sakamoto
cultivated several varieties and raised and selec-
ted seedlings, including one he named " Azuma-
kagami," from which it is claimed have descen-
ded all the pink-coloured forms. After his
death, Sakamoto's collection passed into the
hands of Mr. K. Akashi. The original plant of
" Azuma-kagami " is stilj healthy. Mr. Wilson
photographed it, but failed to purchase it,
though he tried hard to do so. Mr. Akashi
showed a gold medal awarded to him for the
exhibit of thirty plants in a dozen kinds of
Kurume Azaleas at the Panama-Pacific Expo-
sition, San Francisco, in 1915. The plants
were afterwards sold, and Mr. Akashi's pride
in the gold medal seemed a little saddened when
lie thought of the loss of those thirty plants.

It was determined next to visit Mt. Kirishima,
the place tradition says the parents came from.
Mr. Wilson had visited this mountain early in
March, 1914, and remembered that an Azalea
grew there, for he had gathered leafless speci-
mens.^ A night was spent near the base of
Mt. Kirishima, and starting early next morning
an altitude of 1,000 metres where" forest abruptly
give place to grassland was soon reached ; above
this the mountain slopes were dotted with blos-
soming Azalea bushes in great number.

Of these beautiful plants, Mr. Wilson
wrote: "They grow in volcanic soil on
wind swept grassy slopes and among rocks. In
size the bushes are from nearly prostrate to a
yard liigh, and hardly two had flowers of the
same shade of colour. We gathered specimens
of forms with pink, salmon, mauve to rich
magenta-coloured flowers ; at a little higher alti-
tude red-flowered forms, and among these was
an occasional white one. Much variation is
found in the size and shape of the flowers and
leaves; the anthers also vary in colour. With
the variety of forms on the mountain we could
accept as true the story of the origin of the
Kurume Azaleas, as given by Mr. K. Akashi

and reiterated by others, for seedlings raised
from a species with such multi-coloured flowers
could easily give rise to all the colours in the
garden forms of this group, as it is known to-
day."

On the return journey the nursery district
round Osaka, where are grown most of the
plants exported from Japan, was visited. The
growers there are now taking up these Kurume
Azaleas, but the variety is limited, the plants
indifferently grown and the names usually
changed. Fitly enough it is in the town from
whence they derive their names that drey have
been developed to their present-day perfection,
and so high is the standard of beauty that it is
difficult to imagine how it can be improved
upon. As to their suitability for outdoor gar-

and has made itself at home in loam of a
character not usually considered suitable for the
genus.

This particular specimen is not so leafy as
many, but it is a floriferous little plant,
and there is a good deal to be said for a dwarf
Rhododendron that will grow 2£ feet in six years
under such conditions, and flower so bravely at
a time when Nature is not usually in her most
genial mood.

The petals of the flowers of R. moupinense are
thick and waxy, approaching those of a
Camellia in substance, but none the less, a
shower of sleet or cold rain will soon reduce
them to pulp. What more easy than to arrange
a sheet of window glass about a couple of feet
square over an isolated plant such as that

Fig.

RHODODENDRON MOUPINENSE : FLOWERS WHITE, SUFFUSED WITH ROSE-PINK

dens, theip is every reason to believe that they
will thrive wherever Azalea amoena has proved
perfectly hardy in the open.

RHODODENDRON MOUPINENSE.

Many years have passed since this species
first made its debut at Vincent Square under
the aegis of Miss Willmott, who had raised
plants from seed received from Mr. E. H. Wilson
in the course of his second expedition to Western
China. At that time it took the form of a
bushy little shrub no more than the span of a
hand in height, with a few white flowers, and
the ultimate possibilities of the species were
not then realised. Nor, for the matter of that,
are they fully known yet, for plants six to seven
years old have added three or four inches to
their stature every year and may ultimately out-
grow the wild plants Wilson came across on
Mount Omei in 1908. He found the species grew
as much as four feet high and was often epiphytic
on evergreen Oaks.

The Abbe David, who originally discovered
this Rhododendron in Moupin towards the end "I
last century, observed the semi-epiphytic
character of the species and noticed that it
sometimes grew on the decayed trunks of trees.
That it is not a, true epiphyte and will grow
under diverse conditions is obvious from tl"'
illustration of a specimen (see Fig. 92) that
commenced life seven years ago as a liny seedling

figured in the photograph, and this done, one
may enjoy the flowers for several weeks.

R. moupinense blooms at a time of year when,
in normal circumstances, there are no winged
insects in the air, and those interested in the
minutiae of plant life may wonder how, in
the absence of bees and moths, fructification can
be effected in the case of a flower in which the
stigma protrudes quite half an inch from the
anthers. In point of fact, examination showed
that hi the case of the plant illustrated, pollen
had reached the stigma of two flowers only, and
this was probably due to the unconscious effort
of a friendly robin brushing past the petals.

As is the case in many Chinese Rhododendrons
there are colour variations in the flowers of
R. moupinense. In David's type specimen the
petals are white, spotted with purple, in others
they are white without a trace of colour, while
in others, again, the white ground of the petals
is strongly suffused with deep rose-pink. The
latter is a most desirable form and is the one
shown in the photograph.

Unlike several of the Western Chinese species
H. moupinense does nut take kindly !<■ chalk
though it will tolerate a moderate percentage
in i lie ground. Bui this is perhaps no more than
mi,' would expect with the particular species.
Iii the writer's oxperience it -lands (he sun
hitter than a. good many of the Chinese Rho
dodendrons, and is altogether hardy. .1. ffn i

206

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[ApB.il 24, 1920.

THE MARKET FRUIT GARDEN.

Dead Wood in Plums.

The early season has facilitated the carrying
out of the Silver-leaf Order. The compulsory
cutting out of dead wood was not begun until
March and by then the trees were either in bud
or full bloom, and it was easy to distinguish the
dead branches and shoots. This is much more
difficult whilst the trees are completely
dormant. A surprising amount of this dead stuff
was removed from some of the older trees, and
they look all the better in consequence. This
is almost all the pruning that old Plum trees
require, but few would suspect the amount of
dead wood in trees that appear to be in good
order until it is actually looked for.

Deessinc Wounds on Trees

Various dressings are used by different growers
for wounds on fruit trees, the most common
being gas tar, Stockholm tar, copper sulphate
solution, and paint made from white lead and
linseed oil. My pruners are always provided
with a pot of Stockholm tar with which large
wounds made by sawing off branches or other-
wise are painted. A lot of tar is used when
pruning badly -cankered Apple trees, the "diseased
spots beh.t; cleansed with the knife and then
tarred. One feels that freshly-made wounds
ought to be covered with some protective dress-
ing to prevent infection by fungous diseases, but
T am not at all sure that Stockholm tar is
effective. Messrs. Brooks and Bailey, in their
well-known Silver-le*i investigations, successfully
inoculated Plum trees with the fungus Stereum
purpureum through dressings of gas tar and
Stockholm tar that had been applied two or
three months before. The stems of the trees were
sawn through and the cut surface painted with
tar Two or three months later spores of the
fungus were caused to fall on the tarred surface,
under the protection of a glass tube, and the
result was the appearance of Silver-leaf disease
on branches arising a few inches below the point
of inoculation. Apparently, therefore, a
dressing of tar, after a few weeks exposure to
the weather, does not afford complete protection
against inoculation by the fungus causing Silver-
leaf. This makes one doubt whether it is pro-
tective against other fungi, such as canker and
brown rot. Canker wounds, pared clean with
the knife, generally heal over nicely after
tarring, but then so they do, as a rule, if not
tarred. In bad cases the canker often extends
after treatment whether the wound is tarred or
not, but this, of course, is from mycelium already
in the wood, and does not mean reinfestation
from outside.

A simple solution of copper sulphate is highly
recommended for painting wounds by same
growers. This, no doubt, protects the wound far
a time, as there is no ibetter fungicide, but the
chemical, being soluble, must wash off before
long.

On a small scale I am trying a dressing recom-
mended by one of the correspondents of the
Ministry of Agriculture for use against American
blight. For this purpose it is excellent, and,
as it contains sulphur, it should serve as a
fungicide in addition. The ingredients are
three parts, by weight, of flowers of sulphur and
37 parts, by weight, of vegetable oil. These are
mixed and heated cautiously to about boiling
point. The solution so obtained is diluted ten-
fold with oil before use. This dressing penetrates
and covers well, and its oily nature should make
it lasting. Unfortunately, all vegetable oils arc
very expensive now.

Black Currant Bud Mite

Some Black Currants of the variety Seabrook's
Black, planted four years ago, already have a
sprinkling of big buds on them. In the eastern
counties this variety apparently enjoys almost
complete immunity "from bud m'ite. and, on the
strength of this reputation, it has been planted
very largely in other parts of the country in
recent years. It is to be feared that it will not
retain its good character for long. From one
district comes the report that it is quite as
badly affected as Boskoop Giant. Market
Grower.

FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS ON THE
EELWORM DISEASE OF NARCISSUS.

In the spring of 1917 I delivered a lecture
on the Narcissus disease, and although at that
time the investigation was still in its infancy,
it was definitely shown that eelworm was the
cause of tn© disease which has been giving
growers great concern during the past few years.
Since 1917, two papers have been published by
me in the R.H.S. Journal on the treatment of
the disease, and occasional notes have appeared
in the Horticultural Press.

On taking up the investigation of Narcissus
disease in 1918, I was amazed to find that eel-
worm infestation had reached such enormous

Fig 93. — eeiworjls is v quiescent *iage

\* 144), in which condition they retain their

vitality for at least two years.

proportions1, and I was inclined to believe that
the dangerous character of the disease had been
greatly underestimated iby growers. Affected
bulbs were receiving careless treatment, clean
land was being infected, and stocks hitherto
free ifrom eelworm were becoming diseased
because growers did not realise the seriousness
of the matter, consequently, not only were the
majority of stocks infected, but land was ren-
dered unfit for the cultivation of Narcissi.

It is essential that growers interested in
the bulb industry should be able to recognise
the Narcissus disease, to enable them . to take
correct measures at the right time and in the
proper manner. If the disease is allowed to gu

y

Fig. 94.— head of an adult eelworm (x 350),

mo. wing the needle point (withdrawn) bv

which it pierces the plant tissues.

unrecognised and disregarded this negligence
constitutes a direct danger to the industry.
Some growers are of opinion that the one and
only trouble of the Narcissus is eelworm, and
therefore it is not surprising to hear it stated
that the bulbs can grow out of the disease. In
such cases I (feel certain that if the bulbs had
righted themselves, then these bulbs were not

* Lecture by Mr. J. K Ramsbottom. delivered' before
the Royal Horticultural Society and Horticultural Club
April 13, 1920.

affected with eelworm. Thus it will be seen that
another danger arises, for if the trouble is mis-
diagnosed and the so-called eelworm disease does
not prove very destructive, the dangerous
character of true eelworm disease is not real-
ised.

The best time to examine stocks of bulbs for
the presence or absence of the disease is during
the growing period. In a badly diseased stock the
symptoms of the disease will be noticed an many
stages of development. There will be plants
which look .perfectly healthy with regard to the
quantity of foliage made, but close examination
will generally show that such plants are
diseased, the disease appearing in the form of
small, pale coloured, swollen areas, which stand
out in contrast to tile deeper green of the rest
of the leaf.

Pale spots which are not due to eelworm some-
times occur on Narcissus foliage, and the best
test is to draw the leaf between the thumb and
. finger. If a decided swelling is felt, then the
leaf is affected with eelworm ; if there is no
swelling, then the spot has been produced by
causes other than eelworm. On carefully
examining the swollen area, it will be seen that
the swelling is beneath the skin of the leaf, and
when the spot is out across, the internal tissue
of the leaf is found to be brown, indicating the
position of dead plant cells. When scrapings of
these swollen areas are examined under the mic:o.
scope, eelworms (sometimes very few in number)
will be found ;see Figs. 93 and 941, together
with a large number of eelworm eggs. The
disease shows up very markedly in the
foliage of broad-leaved varieties, such
as Emperor and Victoria, but in the
case of N. poeticus varieties and hybrids
the swellings, although present, are not so pro-
nounced. Sometimes the swelling occurs away
from the edges of the leaf ; at other times it
appears on the edge.

When making observations in the field, a
diseased stock which has been planted one or
more years may be found to contain a number
of plants which have produced plenty of foliage,
but growth is quite abnormal. The leaves are
yellow and sickly; they twist and have ragged
edges, and are deficient in cell sap and spongy
in texture. The swollen areas are also to be
found, but, owing to the yellowness of the
leaves, they are not so readily observed as in
the case of a plant which is only slightly
affected, and in many cases the swollen areas
become very irregular in shape. Some bulbs
may have refused to grow at all and entirely
decayed away. Thus we may find three types :
1st, those which show an occasional spot; 2nd,
those which produfcte twisted and contorted
Foliage (see Fig. 95); 3rd, those which have pro-
duced no foliage at all.

Another symptom, although it cannot always
be attributed to eelworm, is the production of
stunted and late flowers. Where bulbs are found
throwing flowers a few days later than the bulk
it is always advisable to examine them. In some
cases it may 'be found to be due to deficient root
action or other causes ; it may be found also to
be due to eelworm.

When a stock of diseased bulbs has been left
in the ground for two or more years the disease
occurs in more or less circular patches. If one
of these patches is examined it is usual to find
that no foliage has been produced in the centre
of the infected area, and, working from the
centre outwards^, bulbs producing the contorted
and twisted foliage will be found ; while, just
outside the circle, bulbs will be producing plenty
of strong foliage, but spotted with swollen areas.
This is readily explained. A diseased btdb was
planted, the eelworm escaped from the bulb on
its decay and infected the neighboring plants,
producing spoiled plants: next year the spotted
plants produced twisted foliage or no foliage at
all. while increasing numbers of eelworms were
liberated and affected healthy bulbs, so that the
diseased patches became greater in extent the
longer the bulbs were left undisturbed.

Turning to the symptoms of the disease m the
bulbs, one of the outstanding characteristics of
the disease is that, although the bulbs may be
badly diseased and produce contorted foliage,
there is always an abundant production of roots.

April 24, 1920.1

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

207

If bulbs showing a. trace of disease in the foliage
are lifted in spring, they will be quite white
inside, whereas when the bulbs of plants show-
ing the disease in a, more advanced stage are
cut open, the tissue is discoloured (see Fig. 96).
is very difficult to describe the symptoms in
the bulb, because other diseases may cause the
fleshy scale leaves to turn brown. So much
depends upon the degree of infection.

In slightly diseased bulbs it is possible to
trace the disease from the " nose " downwards.
When the bulb is transversely cut, the diseased,
fleshy scale leaves have a brown colour and the
texture of the scale leaf is dry and spongy where
the eelworm is working. With other diseases
causing a brown, fleshy scale leaf, the colour is
usually much darker than in the case of eelworm
disease, and the dead tissue is usually wet.
When a bulb is badly diseased, the base separates
from the fleshy scale leaves, and it is not un-
common to find swarms of eelworms hanging from
the rupture, like a tuft of cotton wool In other
cases the embryo growth of the bulb is affected
(i.e., that portion of the bulb which is to produce
the foliage and flower the next spring), in such
cases, if any foliage is produced at all, it will
be malformed. Thus it requires a very
practised eye to discern by merely cutting open
a bulb whether it is affected with eelworm, and
personally, after spending the best part of four
years on this work, I never diagnose the trouble
until I have taken scrapings and examined them
under the microscope. Therefore I am inclined
to place more stress on the symptoms of the
disease during growth than on symptoms during
the dormant stages of the bulbs.

With regard to the diseased patch in the
field ; lifting time arrives and the bulbs are
sorted ready for planting. It is quite impos-
sible, -without cutting open the bulb, and by
so doing destroying it, to distinguish a healthy
bulb from one which is slightly affected, and
no matter how diligently the sorting is done,
it is certain that quite a number of diseased
bulbs will escape notice. These slightly in-
fected bulbs are distributed over a large area
[i.e., instead of having the disease confined to
one spot as it was before lifting, it is now
distributed over a large area) and it has
happened within my knowledge, that aifter these
bulbs have been left in the ground two years
the disease has reached such proportions that
all of them have been rendered absolutely worth-
less. This is not mere theory ; it has been
the bitter experience of some of the biggest bulb
growers in this country.

The question now arises as to what can be
done to prevent the disease from spreading. We
know that the disease is due to eelworm and we
know that eelworms are not confined to the
bulbs only, but are present in the soil. Every
care should be. taken to keep a diseased stock
isolated, as infected soil may be easily trans-
ported by means of implements, horses and the
boots of the workers. In Holland men are
employed on every bulb farm to examine
the plants carefully. All bulbs showing
symptoms of the disease are marked with a
stick and these men are immediately followed
by " eradicators," who remove the marked plants
with an instrument specially designed for the
purpose. This instrument, called the " Koker,"
consists of a circular zinc cylinder about 5 inches
in diameter and about 2 feet in length. It is
thrust into the soil and the surrounding earth
together with the diseased bulb is removed.
Some growers take out about a cubic foot of
soil and sacrifice the healthy bulbs enclosed in
that area. The wide planting system which the
Dutchmen employ and the textare of their soil
make this elimination of the diseased bulbs a
simple matter, and much good results from the
work, for not only are bulbs removed while
only lightly affected, but the removal of the
soil reduces the spread of infection

I do not think, however, that the method ran
be relied upon to entirely eradicate the disease
from the field ; much depends on how carefully
tin- work is done, but it is a method which is
very useful in keeping the disease within
bounds in a stock which shows a trace of disease.
Unfortunately, the greater density of the Lin-
colnshire soils prohibits the use of lb,.

" Koker," but an attempt is being made to
find a siuitable instrument for the purpose.

It appeared to me in 1916 that the only way
to fight the disease was to find some practical
means of killing the eelworms in the bulbs and
so eliminate their power of infecting healthy
bulbs. Soaking the bulbs in cold solutions of
chemicals for one, two, three and four days
proved useless, sijmply because the solution
never gained entrance to the interior of a bulb.
Gaseous disinfection was also attempted, -but
with equally unsuccessful results. By placing
slides of eelworms on a thermal stage and
examining them under a microscope it was
found that the pests could not withstand a high
temperature, consequently soaking bulbs in
water at temperatures varying from 110° to
120° for different lengths of time was tried.

In the .spring if 1917 it was found that bulbs
which were treated at a temperature of 120° F.
were killed and those which were treated al
a temperature of 110° F. had suffered very
little: no live eelworms were seen in
bulbs which were submerged in the hot
water for four hours. In bulbs which had
been treated for two hours in water at 110°
a few live eelworms were found, although the

FLORISTS' FLOWERS.

Fig. 95.— daffodil bflb badly infested with
f.f.t.worm, anlt showing contorted fot.iage.

great proportion of them had been killed. I
had no information regarding what ;i three-
hour treatment would do. I took the informa-
tion to two of the Spalding growers. Mr. Geo.
Monro, Junr., and Messrs. .1. T. White and
Sons — two glowers who had done much to
further the investigation — and they resolved at
much cost to place the treatment on a com-
mercial basis. An apparatus was designed arid
completed in November and soaking operations
commenced immediately ; a four-hour treatment
in water at 110° was adopted. I took advan-
tage of this opportunity to treat four lots of
500 bulbs each from a very badly diseased stock
showing 95 per cent, infection, and these were
treated for 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours respectively.
These builbs were transferred to Wisley.

The following year it appeared as though the
bulbs treated for four hours had been badly
damaged. The treated bulbs at Spalding occu-
pied about 6 acres of ground and there was
hardly a blade of foliage to be seen. The treat-
ment seemed l" be tl dismal failure. The growers
1. H the bulbs iii the ground for another year,
as they wen- found to be quite hard, although
they bad not produced roots. Next year (1919)
these bulbs grew healthy and strong.
(To hr concluded. )

VERBENAS.

The number of people who can recall the days
when the Verbena held the chief place in the
flower ga.rden must now be few. Like nearly
every popular flower, its period of popularity-
had its limits a.nd extended from the early
'forties to the 'eighties of last century, when,
if any were to be found who gave no place for
Verbenas in his garden, he would have been
regarded in much the same manner as Dick
Swiveller did the Marchioness when she
admitted her ignorance of the taste of beer. The
earliest known species worth growing is
V. Aubletia, the Rose Vervain, but it was not
until the advent of the South American species
that the Verbena was worth, and obtained, prac-
tical attention. The first of these of gardening
value was V. Melindres (Gillies) figured in
/Int. Mag., tab. 3333, as V. chamaedrifolia
(Hooker), and at the same time V. pulchella
was introduced, a species that varied from seed
and which produced a white variety at Coul in
Ross-shire in 1834. It long continued to be
grown as a bedding plant.

V. ven'osa, which is hardy in many parts
of Great Britain, came next in 1833,
and the year following, V. Tweediana flowered
at Glasnevin, where it was grown in a stove-
house. This species was figured in Bot. Mag.,
tab. 3541, and there is also a fine plate of it in
the Magazine of Botany. I imagine that it is
from these, with the exception of V. venosa,
that garden sorts were raised. It is recorded
that Mr Wills, when gardener at Huntroyde,
raised thousands of seedlings from V. venosa
crossed with others, but none of these ever
proved of value. Many varieties were imported
annually from the Continent, and in the Verbena
period, Scott of Merriot had no fewer than
300 French and British sorts.

In my recollection, the best varieties for
bedding, which were distinct from the pure
florists' kinds, were Defiance, raised by Robin-
son, a private gardener at Thames Bank,
Pimlico, and distributed by Charles Turner,
in April, 1848. at 7s 6d per plant, the usual
price being 5s. for novelties. Subsequent
history of Defiance has proved the anticipation
of its introducer to have been correct, for in its
colour it has never been surpassed. Purple
King, the best of that colour, was raised by
Scobie. of lb, Hand House, and sent out by
Dobson of Isleworth in 1853; Brillante d'e
Vaise before 1856: Ariosto at the same date, and
Mrs. Halford, the best white, in 1856. Crimson
King was ^rjown extensively rai It he eariv
'seventias. Miss Willniott is the most popular
variety that has appeared since, and now is
almost always grown from seed, as indeed are
Verbenas of all colours, where grown at all.

There is no more difficulty in producing a
stock of these Verbenas from "seed than of any
other easily-growm plant. Some establish them
in pots, but I favour box culture. With V.
venosa, a different treatment is needed where
propagation by the stolons is not carried out
Seeds will sometimes not germinate for twelve

months after sowing, and they are always h

in germinating. My own plan is to steep the
seeds in warm water for two days previous to
sowing, and never to allow the soil in which
they are sown to become the least dry By
this means I have never found them to fail,
nor to be too late to plant out with other
bidders. V. venosa is lust planted in broad
masses to obtain its wonderful colour effect. A
simple Inn pretty edging, where an edging for
Verbenas is desired, is one of mauve dwarf Ager
a turn. This year Matricaria eximia "Golden
Ball" is to be used here. It also associates well
with other plants, ami 1 have had it thus
(lodetia Schaniinii rl. pi., with a very bvoad ' !■:-
ing of Saponaria calajbrica, which tfaS particu-
larly striking Donald Beaton, who, by the way,
tried to cross it with other kinds Ions before Mr.
Wills' experiments, planted n verj thickly
among variegated scarlet Pelargoniums. Hods
of these were called ".shot silk beds" It is

208

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[April 24, 1920.

remarkably fine too, mixed with the old Mangles'
Variegated Pelargonium.

Various reasons have been advanced for the
loss of popularity by Verbenas. They may iiave
been over-propagated, but doubtless the
bedding Viola, the Begonia, Nemesia, and
others, had a great effect in shouldering
them aside. Surely it would be worth

while to resuscitate Verbenas in named
varieties, and probably those noted above are
still to be bad

One cause of failure with many glowers
was too late propagation in autumn and using
artificial heat to induce root formation. Ver-
benas root so readily that I knew a very-
successful grower oi many thousands annually,
who rooted stuck for keeping over -winter out
ot doors. But the plants were established toy
the beginning of August. Then it must be
remembered that the Verbena, is all but hardy
and should not be housed— though protected —

HOME CORRESPONDEICE.

[The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for
the opinions expressed by correspondents.]

English versus Scottish Gardeners.— I have
been very much interested in Mr. F. C. King's
article (see p 172), re English i"rgus Scottish
Gardeners. I have served under both, and I
cculd not reg-ird one class as better than the
other. All gardeners have their own speci.il
methods of cultivating fruit, flowers and vege-
tables, therefore the merit of one class as com-
pared with another is largely a matter of opinion.
I quite agree with Mr. King's idea of varying a
lad's work and giving iiim a little job to do by
himself; he will naturally try to do right, and
if he fails the opportunity arises to explain and
show him how it should be done. A little en-
couragement goes a long way. If 'head gardeners
took a little more interest in their young men,
and imparted a little more of their know-

Fir.. 96.— A narcissus bulb showing (a) point of inoculation by eelworm in flower-stalk

AND (b) INVASION OF THE BASAL PLATE BY EELWOR5IS. D HEALTHY BULB.

(By courtesy of the ltoyal Horticultural Society!.

before the middle of November, and as it is
important to get cuttings early in the year,
slight warmth must be employed towards the
end of January. The lew weeks in winter is
therefore the only period there ought to -be
any danger of the stock deteriorating, aphis and
mildew being the two fatal enemies to fear. The
cuttings root so readily in spring that scarce
sorts, split up so as to have an eye and a leaf,
will even root in an ordinary propagating pit
or frame hot-bed in little more than a week.
Hardening off used to be responsible also for
much debility in the stock for summer planting.
This was due largely to growing the young
plants in too much heat and also, perhaps, t.i
starvation, for Verbenas undoubtedly need a
fairly rich soil and no stint of water at the
roots. R. P. Brotheratnn.

ledge to their assistants, I feel sure that a
better feeling would 'be created. If they
were given more encouragement they would
take a greater interest in their work and still
give "the head" the respect due to him. By
learning to obey one learns how to command.

William McComhie, Osgodby Hall Gardens.

Selby.

Rhododendron Edgeworthii. — This Himalayan
Rhododendron forms a rather loose-growing
shrub with prominently veined leaves, which are
more or less hairy on the upper surface and
c|uite woolly beneath. The flowers, borne a few
together in loose heads, are about three inches
in diameter, white, with a central blotch of
yellow, and deliriously fragrant. The fragrance
of R. Edgeworthii has led to its use by the

hybridist in the production of new greenhouse
varieties; it is a tender species and cannot be
grown out of doors, except in especially
favoured localities in the south-west of England
and Ireland. The earliest hybrid from it was, I
believe, Princess Alice, the result of crossing
R. Edgeworthii with R. ciliatum. This latter is
also a native of the Himalayas and hardier than
R. Edgeworthii. but as it flowers early in the
year the blossoms, if unprotected, are liable
to be injured by frost. Other hybrids of R.
Edgeworthii, all of which possess its fragrance,
are 11. Forsterianum, a particularly fine plant
whose other parent is the Moulmein R. Veitohii ;
a. (I ri. sesterianum, between R. ciliatum and
11. Edgeworthii. Some years ago the late Mr.
Isaac Oavies. of Ormskirk. raised a number nt
valuable hybrids between R. Edgeworthii and R.
muiltiflorum (R. ciliatum > R. virgatnm). includ-
ing Countess of Derby, Countess of Sefton,
Duchess of Sutherland 'and Mrs. .lames Shawe.
In all of them the flowers are nearly while and
highly fragrant. II".

Datura sanguinea. — This plant belongs to thp
section Brugmansia of the genus, and is charac-
terised by the shrubby or arborescent habit of
the species. I have just been reminded of the
handsome and subtropical appearance of the
above plant by receiving specimens from Corn
wall, where it is grown in a private conserva-
tory, and blooms all the year round, as a re-
sult evidently of the mild climate. In green-
houses it is usually treated as a deciduous plant,
though naturally evergreen, and is often rut
hard back after flowering. In the conservatory
in question it is both evergreen and perpetual-
flowering. At present the small tree bears hun-
dreds of flowers, with buds in all stages of de-
velopment upon the growing shoots. Originally
in a pot, it grew through the bottom, after
which the pot was broken away and the plant
left to grow where it stood. It has now attained
a height of 14 feet, with a t onsiderable spread.
The funnel shaped flowers are eight to nine inches
long, though described as seven inches, and the
tree four to eight feet high in tin's, country. The
long tube is orange, while the limb of the corolla
is blood-red. or bright crimson, at its best. A
plaint of this character is capable of producing
splendid effects, when planted out in a cool
conservatory, and requires far less attention and
feeding than when grown in pots. The spef-ies
is figured in Sweet's British Flower Garden,
II., 272, as Brugmansia sanguinea, J. F.

The late Mr. W. J. Tutcher.-The late Mr.
W. J. Tutcher, Superintendent, Botanic Gardens,
Hong Kong, began his gardening caireer with
his father at Kingsweston, after a sound educa-
tion at a Bristol city school. From the first he
showed a keen and intelligent interest, in his
work, nnd his motto : " What is worth doing is
worth doing well," was earned out in his atten-
tion to every detail. From Kingsweston he
went to Ash ton Court, under Mr. Bethel, and
'hence to Messrs. Jas. Veitch and Sons' nur-
series, and on to Kew Gardens, where he became
deputy foreman of the Orchid department.
From' Kew he went out to Hong Kong as
deputy superintendent, and after a few years he
became superintendent of the Botanic Gardens.
While in the East he did not forget his native
land. He sent accounts of Orchids, Roses, etc..
to the horticultural Press, and the last, I well
recollect, was on the Phaius grandifohus. as it
is grown at Hong Kohl, in the Hard. Chron. of
January 21, 1919. Mr. rutcher made a great
name for himself in Hong Kong, and I desire to
pay my tribute to his merits, to his tenacity of
purpose, and to his high ideals. Such men as
he are an honour to the name of Kew and a
credit to British horticulture. ./. Prince.

Freesia Names and the R..H S. Floral Com-
mittee.—With reference to your remarks on
Coloured Freesias on p. 164. may I say that
Buttercup is a weH-known variety. It has
appeared in Van Ttibergen's list since 1914. It
seems to me to need explanation why the
members of iV Floral Committee took upon
ili.in-.eKes to say that ihe variety Mr. Halrymple
sent up for an award under the name of Butter-
cup was not Buttercup. Robinetta, which I

Aibil 24, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

209

think v, as put in commerce n year before But-
tercup, was evidently taken by the Floral Com-
mittee as having been raised by Mr. Dalrymple.
It is too bad of the Committee to jump to con-
clusions and, unintentionally, I allow, make
people who know the circumstances think that
-the gentleman who submitted them for Award
might be wishful to claim them as his own
raising. I advocated a reform of the Floral
Committee at the annual general meeting. I
little thought that a case, which clearly is " one
.for me,'1 w-ould occur so soon. Joseph Jacob.

Bog Irises. — The heautiful Water-Irises of the
East are often planted in the ordinary herbaceous
border ;. but to see them in perfection they should
be grown on the edge of a pond, or in some
position where their lower roots are never dry.
Failina tile possession of such a spot hi the garden,
they may be well grown in a wooden tub, or
half-barrel about 21 feet deep, which ian either
stand at some prominent spot on a terrace, or at
the corner of the lawn; or the tub may be sunk
near the base of a bank or rock-border with
good effect. It must be well supplied with water
in dry summer weather up to the half of its
depth or more, but in winter it will not need
more water than the rain supplies. The grand
flowers of the popular I. Kaempferi will
then make a fine bouquet in July, when well
established, in variois shades of violet, crimson-
purple, and royal blue, as well as in pure white
with golden blotches — perhaps the loveliest of
all. The members of another group of bog Irises
are natives of Eastern China and Siberia, where
they form rich carpets uf colour on either side of
the soil raised above the moist cuttings on
■each side of the great railway. The in-
dividual blossoms of these Irises are not very
large, but they form a pyramid of bloom 5 ft.
in height, and the spikes contain a large number
■ of flowers in various tints of blue, or white, most
effective when well grown in a tub or by the
water-side. One of the best is I. siberica Snow
Queen, ivory white; I. Bleu Ooeleste, pale iblue;
and I. orientalis Blue King. In contrast with the
violet and blue varieties, Iris ochroleuoa Queen
Victoria in two shades of yellow is excellent, and
our native Yellow Flag, Iris Pseudacoris, is also
handsome and effective ; whilst Iris Monnieri is
yellow, although its nybrid Monspur Cambridge
Blue, and Dorothy Foster, Premier, and Juno
are m various shades of violet and blue ; all being
worthy of a place in a collection of these plants.
They fill a large tub with roots in three or four
[years, when they may be divided and replanted,
placing three clumps in each tub, or one only
in a smaller receptacle. They are quite hardy,
only requiring good garden soil and abundance
of water to do well, planting them either in
spring or autumn. Even in a city, or on a roof-
gfirden, they can be grown in tubs surrounded
with virgin-cork or pot plants, and for the
decoration of a verandah or a balcony thev are
unique. 7. L. Bichmond.

The Adjectival Form of the Word " Fungus."
— 'the reviews of Hiley's recent book on The
Diseases of the Larch bring out prominently
the want of uniformity in the use of the ad-
jectival form of the word "fungus." The
author uses " fungal " in the title of the book,
fungous " is commonly employed ; for
• example, by the writer- of the review of this
work in your issue of April 10. " Fungoid "
is also in use. The last would seem to be ruled
out. as the " oid " affix signifies, I believe.
" resembling." A fungoid growth would then
be one resembling that produced by, but not one
really arising from, a fungus. The word has
on this assumption a meaning all its own, and
should not be used to denote diseases caused
by fungi. Of the two alternatives left I have
a predilection for " fungous," on euphonious
grounds, but then it is identical in sound with
the noun. As " fungal " corresponds with
'' algal," which apparently is the only ad-
jectival form in use for the algae, it would seem
preferable on this account. The writer is in
no ]x>sition whatever to speak authoritatively
•on this matter, but deems it desirable to have
the form of adjective applicable to fungi defi-
nitely fixed — at any rate for scientific and
'horticultural purposes. ,7. P.. Carlisle.

SOCIETIES.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.

April 13. — The following groups were ex-
hibited at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural
Society on the 13th inst.

A large bank of hybrid Rhododendrons, raised
from R. Duncaster x R. Aucklandii superbum,
was shown by F. H. Lowinskv, Esq., Surming-
dale, (gr. Mr. G. Dribble). This group was the
most imposing in the hall, and was awarded a
Gold Medal. The Floral Committee gave
Awards of Merit to four of the best varieties,
and these are described on p. 196.

Carnations of splendid quality were shown uy
Messrs. All wood Bros. (Silver Flora Medal),
Mr C. Engelmann (Silver Grenfell Medal), and
Messrs. Stuart Low and Co. (Silver Banksian
MedaB.

Messrs. H. B. May and Sons interspersed their
customary collection of indoor Ferns with goodly
groups of large-flowered Calceolarias, Cinerarias
and other flowering plants (Silver Banksian
Medal).

Roses formed an attractive feature of the show.
and these were contributed by Messrs. B. R.
Cant and Sons, who included masses of Golden
Ophelia and Hon. Mrs. R. C. Grosvenor (Silver
Flora Medal) ; and Mr. E. J. Hicks, whose pro-
minent varieties were Climbing Lady Hillingdon,
.Mr. Elrisha Hicks and Joanna Bridge (Silver
Banksian Medal).

Messrs. Sweet and Son staged a group of their
double-flowered Cytisus racemosus, particularly
well flowered. — Messrs. R. and G. Cuthbert
staged Azalea mollis of gorgeous colouring (Silver
Flora Medal). — Pyruses and Primuses in great
variety were staged by Messrs. J. Cheal and
Sons. Pyrus Lady Northcliffe, an immensely
improved Pyrus floribunda was particularly
effective (Silver Flora Medal).

A large collection of hardy border flowers, m
which various Crown Imperials were prominent,
was shown by Mr. G. W. Miller (Silver Flora
Medal).

Many Rhododendrons from Falmouth and fine
sprays of Erica mediterranea were contributed
by Messrs. R. Gill and Sons. Rhododendron
Nuttalli was awarded a Cultural Certificate
(Silver Grenfell Medal). — Mr. L. R. Russell
showed several greenhouse Rhododendrons, with
splendid half-standards of Azalea indica varieties
(Silver Grenfell Medal).

A choice collection of Auriculas was exhibited
by Mr. James Douglas (Silver Grenfell Medal),
while Mr. G. Reuthe contributed a collection of
new and rare plants, including half-hardy Rhode
dendrons (Silver Grenfell Medal).

Messrs. W. Cutbush and Sons arranged an
attractive group of Polyantha Roses (Silver
Banksian Medal). — Viscount Astor (gr. Mr. W.
Carom) sent three baskets of excellent Celsia
cretica (Silver Banksian Medal).

Bronze Flora Medals were awarded to Messrs.
Bowell and Skarratt, and Messrs. R. Tucker
and Sons, for alpines and to Messrs. Reams-
bottom ant Co. for splendid St. Brigid
Anemones. — A Bronze Banksian Medal was
awarded to the Misses Hopkins for an alpine
garden. — Messrs. G. Bunyard and Co. showed
the interesting Bilbergia nutans and dwarf
Irises.

READING AND DISTRICT GARDENERS

At the recent fortnightly meeting held in
the Recreation Club Room," Abbey Ball, Mr.
A. J. Cobb, the new superintendent of the
Horticultural Department of the University
College, Reading, gave a most interesting and
practical lecture on " The Formation of New
and the Improvement of Old Shrubberies." The
lecturer claimed for flowering trees and shrubs
that they provided some of the most beautiful
features in British gardens. He had already
noted with pleasure that many beautiful flower
ing tires grew well in the 'Reading district.
showing that the locality was very suitable for
ili. 'in. The lecturer gave clear cultural direc-
tions as to the laying out of shrubberies and
advised combinations for spring and summer

flowering and also for securing the loveliest
autumn tints. At the close of the discussion a
hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr.
Cobb* for his lecture and the suggestions he
made.

Mr. H. Goodger, Stoneham House Gardens,
Calcot, was awarded a First-Class Certificate
for a collection of fifteen dishes of Apples, the
fruits being of splendid colour and in ex-
cellent condition for so late in the season. Mr.
G. Tovey, Leighton Park Gardens, received an
Award of Merit for a group of Cineraria stellata

In terminating the winter session, the members
held a " Floral Table" competition and the
result was as (follows; — First prize, Mr. H.
Goodger, The Gardens, Stoneham House,
Calcot ; Second prize, Mr. J. Winn, The Gar-
dens. Hammonds, Checkendon ; Third equal
prizes, Mr. T. Martin, The Gardens, 44,
Craven Road, and Mr. E. Blackwell, The
Gardens, Foxhill. It being " Hospital Night,"
a beautiful display of cut flowers was made,
contributed by Messrs. F. Alexander, E. J.
Dore, A. H. Fulker, E. R. Janes, C.
Moulton, F. Townsend, A. Webb, and J.
Wynn. The flowers were sent to the Royal
Berkshire Hospital, and a collection enabled the
Association to send a sum of £2 12s. Od. to this
worthy Institution. In a competition <for three
dishes of Salads, Mr J. Wynn was awarded
the First Prize. Mr. W. Sharpe, The Gar-
dens. Sidmouth Grange, staged a basket of
Blenheim Pippin Apples, the fruits being of
splendid colour and in excellent condition.

UNITED HORTICULTURAL BENEFIT AND
PROVIDENT.

The monthly meeting of this Society was held
in the Royal Horticultural Society's Hall on
Monday, April 12. Mr. Chas. H. Curtis was in
the chair. Four new members were elected.
Four members withdrew double the amount of
their interest, amounting to £16 13s. 6d., and
one member over 70 years of age withdrew £10
from his deposit account. The death certificates
of four deceased members were received and the
sum of £227 lis. 5d. was passed for payment to
their respective nominees ; this sum included
£152 5s. 3d. which was standing to the credit
of one late member.

The sick-pay for the month on the Ordinary
side amounted to £57 8s. 4d., and on the State
Section to £34 ; and maternity benefits came to
£7 10s.

Copies of the annual report and balance sheet
may be obtained from the Secretary. Mr. A. C.
Hill. 35. Alexandra Road, West Kensington
Park, W.

TRADE NOTES.

Messrs. Bull's Plant Food Co., the weU-
known Chelsea firm, lias removed to larger
works at Lewisham, in order to accommodate
their expanding business. The firm was for-
merly known as W. Bull and Sons, and was for
very many years engaged in the raising and
importation of Orchids at the King's Road pre-
mises. The last of the glass houses there have
just been disposed of.

A meeting of the Agricultural Wages Board.
after considering objections to the proposal to
increase the minimum rates of wages for male
agricultural workers of 21 vears of age and over
throughout England and Wales, made certain
amendments, and the proposal was confirmed as
an Order, to come into operation on Monday,
April 19. The general effect of the Order i
that in areas where the ordinary minimum rate
has been 36s. 6d., 37s., 37s. 6d. or 38s., it will
now bo 42s., and in areas where the minimum
rate has been higher than 38s. it will lie raised
by 4s. in each case. The Board also resolved
to give notice of a proposal to increase the
minimum and overtime rates for male workers
under the age. of 21 years throughout the
country, the proposed increases in the weekly
minimum rates varying generally in the ease

210

TEE GARDENERS CHRONICLE.

[April 24, 1920.

of workers aged 20 to 21 from 3s. 6d. to 6s.,
according to the area ; for workers aged 19 to
20, from 3s. to 4s. ; and for workers aged 18 to
19, from 2s. 6d. to 3s. 6d., with proportionate in-
creases for workers under the age of 18. It also
decided to give notice of proposal to increase
the minimum rates for female workers of all
ages.

The Chamber of Horticulture has removed
from 11, Adam Street, Adelphi, and has entered
into occupation of its commodious offices at 18,
Bedford Square, W.C.I. As Mr. E. Wynne has
resigned his position as Secretary of the Chamber
all communications should be sent to " The Sec-
retary, Chamber of Agriculture," at this new
address. The Chamber arranged ;i meet-
ing at the House of Commons on Thursday,
April 15, for the purpose of establishing a
General Parliamentary Committee to promote
the interests of British horticulture. At this
meeting it was arranged that growers and others
interested in commercial horticulture should
write to the Member or Members of their con-
stituency, requesting him or them to get into
touch with Mr. Rupert Gwynne, M.P., with a
view to joining this, 'committee, which will confer
with the Parliamentary Committee of the
Chamber on May 13. The great point for the
moment is tc arvu.se the interest of Members of
Parliament on the important suibj3ct of British
Horticulture.

©bltuarp.

Sir Edmund Giles Loder, Bart. — British horti-
culture has sustained a severe loss in the death
of Sir Edmund Loder, Bart., which occurred
at his home at Leonards! ee, Horsham, on the
14th inst. , from heart failure following a short
illness. Sir Edmund had returned from Scot-
land about a fortnight previously, where he
had been fishing. We understand that whilst
in the north he caught a chill, and complica-
tions followed which terminated fatally. He
was born in August, 1849, and was the eldest
of seven sons of the late Sir Robert Loder,
Bart. He succeeded to the baronetcy in 1888.
His great interest in gardening lis well known to
all readers of this journal, and his gardens at
Leonardslee were amongst the most famous in
the country. Both the soil and the situation
at Leonardslee are very favourable for most
plants, and Sir Edmund had a very catholic
taste for all manner of hardy species, but he
was specially interested in Rhododendrons,
Conifers and Alpines. Has collection of Rhodo
dendrons was one of the most extensive in the
country, being second only in extent, pirobably,
to that :it Caeihays. Of late years he made a
hobby of raising Rhododendrons of the Hima-
layan type, and his variety. Loderi, obtained by
crossing R. GrifSthianum' with R. Fortunei, is
the finest white flowered hybrid in existence —
at any rate in regard to the size of the flowers,
seme of which approach seven inches in dia-
meter. The Rhododendrons and Azaleas at
Leonairdslee in May provide one of the most
wonderful exhibitions of colour and fragrance
to be seen in any garden in the British Isles ;
it is sad to reflect that the planter has passed to
his rest just as the flowers are approaching
the zenith of their glory. To his interest in
Conifers our columns last year bore ample evi-
dence. In the issues for May 10, 17 and 24,
3919, we published a list, from his pen, of
those that were growing in the open «t
Leonardslee, and from this list it may be seen
that the Leonardslee pinetum is practically com-
plete, so far as Conifers capable of cultivation
in the open air in Sussex are concerned. The
collection of Junipers at Leonardslee— in these
days a neglected group— is par ticul airly good.
His keenness for detail and close observation
was remarkable. When not in the garden he
was always studying some problem in scientific
work, and he was the possessor of a fine library,
(•ontaining an almost, complete collection of
works of reference on the subjects which he
made his special study. In bis younger days

he took a keen interest in Alpines, and the rock
gardens at Leonardslee contain a remarkable col-
lection of rare and choice plants. Many semi-
tender subjects, such as Camellias and Palms,
are acclimatised in favourable parts of the
grounds — a number of these having been for-
merly in the grounds at the Crystal Palace,
Sydenham Sir Edmund was also greatly inter-
ested in fruit-growing, and 'his .varieties of
fruits was a very extensive one. At one time
he grew Narcissi very extensively, and in the
days when the variety King Alfred was com-
paratively new, he had one of the finest batches
of this noble Daffodil, specimens of which grew
as high, as 3 ft. 4 ins. Sir Edmund was a
keen zoologist, a great sportsman and hunter,
and a famous rifle shot, as the large number
of trophies — heads, horns and skins at Leonards-
lee— bear witness. In the grounds were accli-
matised various foreign animals and birds,
notably beavers, kangaroos, deer and emus.
He married, in 1876, Marian, youngest daughter
of William Egerton Hubbard, of Leonardslee,
who survives him. His only son, Robert Eger-
ton Loder, fborn in 1887, married, in 1913,
Muriel Rolls Hoare, only daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Rolls Hoare, of West Grinstead Park,
Horsham. He served as captain with the 4th
Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment in the war,
was wounded at Gaza and died on March 29,
1917, leaving one son, Giles Rolls Loder, the
heir to the baronetcy, who was born in 1914.
The funeral took place at Holy Trinity, Lower
Beeding, on the 19th inst. The coffin was
borne from Leonardslee on a farm wagon drawn
by four horses, each with a driver, and eight
employees were the bearers. The officiating
clergymen were the vicars of Lower Beeding,
Henfield and Bolney.

Joan Snell — Tito sudden ind imtamely death
of Mr. Jj'lm SneJ! leaves -i gap in the ranks of
horticultural and agricultural experimentalists
which will I.e difficult to fill. On many oo-wsions
cur columns have testified to the splendid work
Mr. Snell has dene at Oi'inskirk in oonncc*ion
with the trials of Potatos annualiy held there,
zTud of which he had charge as an inspector
under the Ministry of Agriculture. Testing
varieties of Potatos for immunity to wart
disMce wo, thij business which brought the
Ormskirk L'.ials and Mr. Snell so prominently
before the public. For ten years he paid the
closest acter.lirn to this work, to the great
advantage of the country. So highly waf, he
esteemed and so greatly was his work admired
and appreciated, .that agriculturists from
America and many European countries visited
the Ormskirk Potato Trials for the purp-jse of
gaining first-hand information from the greatest
expert on tho subject of disease resistance. Mr.
Snell died at Freston on Tuesday, April 20, just
a week after his marriage.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Cedrus atlantica glauca : G. F. There is no
trace of disease on your fhoots of Cedrus
atlantica, and we are of the opinion that the
trouble is solely due to climatic changes. Ex-
cessive wet, or a period of dry weather,
especially in the spring, will • ause the growths
to sheil a. great many leaves, but the trees, soon
recover. From die appearance of the shoots
we should say your trees will break into new
growth satisfactorily and appear as healthy as
ever in a couple of months' time.

Grubs for Identification. W. H. C. The
grubs are those of a Carabid Beetle. It is
impossib:e to tell, without breeding them, to
which genus they belong. They suggest Ptero-
stichus n.iger The Cairabidae, or Ground
Beetles, are carnivorous in habit both in the
larval and adult stages, feeding on earthworms,
slujis and other insect larvae. Only in the rarest
cases have any been reported as damaging
plants. They may be regarded as friends to
the gardener.

Names of Piants: L. M. 11". 1. Exochorda
grandiflora ; 2. Spiraea arguta : 5, S. prunifolia
var. More pleuo ; 4, Primus subhirtella ; 5,

Cupressus pisifera. var. squarrosa ; 6, Orriitho-
galum arvense ; 7, too withered for identifica-
tion ; 3, C.-yntomeria japonica vair. elegans. —
L. C. Sj armannia aii'itana.

Names oh Fruits: T. ft.. J. Round Whrer
Nonsuch. — /. W. J. Small's Admirable. —
T. W. E. 1, Beauty of Kent; 2, Winter
Strawberry ; 3, Annie Elizabeth ; 5, Scariat
Nonpareil ; 6, not recognised ; 7, American
Mother; 8, Stirling Castle.

Peach Leaves Curling and Turning Red .-
J. W. I. In the absence of specimens, it is
difficult to determine the cause of the curling
and colouring in the Peach leaves, but the
description given in first letter, leaves little
room to doubt but that the malformation is
due to the presence of a fungus named
Exoascus deformans. This -disease is always
most in evidence when there is a sudden fall
in temperature and especially when cold winds
prevail, but it is checked by an increase of
temperature. The affected leaves should be
removed and burnt. Spraying the trees with
Burgundy mixture just before the leaf buds
burst is a preventive measure that has proved
eminently satisfactory ; the mixture is 'ren-
dered more eflective~~if j pint of milk is added
to every three gallons, as this addition in-
creases its adhesiveness.

Picea Roots Diseased : ft. D. T. A careful
examination of the roots has revealed the
presence of the mycelium of some fungus
which is not determinable at this stage. It is
probable that the roots of your Piceas have
entered sour clayey soil and have died there-
in ; the fungus may be a consequence of the
conditions prevailing and not the cause of the
trouble.

Rhododendrons. G. II. \\"e regret we can-
not undertake to name varieties of Rhododen-
drons or other florists' flowers, as we have no
means of comparing them

Richardias (Arums) Diseased : J . B. H. The
Richardia (Arum Lily) plants submitted are
attacked by the disease known as Soft Calla
Rot. The cause of the disease is a Bacteria
called Bacillus aroideae. This organism
occupies the intercellular space in the host and
dissolves the layers that connect the cells,,
causing the affected tissue to break down into
a soft slimy mass. No cure has yet been dis-
covered, but the disease may be prevented by
a careful selection of the corm's and by
changing the soil in the beds every third or
fourth year.

Standard of Wages in Gardens. E. S. 0.
The standard of wages drawn up by the
National Union of Horticultural Workers are
the wages that body recommends for gardeners
generally, but they are not official in the same
sense as those of the Agricultural Wages
Board.

Union Jack Flower Bed : //. ,S'. You cannot
do better than use the plants you suggest, as
they all remain bright during wet weather,
whereas Pelargoniums do not flower well anil
produce too much foliage in wet, sunless
weather. A good white Lobelia might be used
instead of the Alyssum, but, on the whole, the
Alyssum is the more dependable subject for
your purpose.

Violets Diseased: M. A. The trouble is due
to an attack of a species of botrytis, a fungus
which is encouraged by a close atmosphere
and excessively moist conditions. All the
diseased foliage should be removed and burnt
and the plant? sprayed with dilute Burgundy
mixture or a solution of sulphile of
potassium. When the plants are eventually
removed from the frames they should be burnt
and Violets should not be planted again in the
same soil. A new stock of young plants
should be obtained from a source entirely free
from infection.

Communications Received .— C. M. C— S. M.— S. S-.
—A. P. ».— J. P.— T. B.— F. B. R.-E. M.— A. W. A.
— W. P.— J. 0. B — R. I. L— J. B.— A. H.— W C —
-B. II.— 0. F, P,

May 1, 1920.]

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

211

THE

No. 1740.— SATURDAY, MAY 1, 1920.

CONTENTS:

Aberdeen, new Pro-
fessor of Botany at . .
Apples, late, low prices

for
Birmingham, Potato

exhibition at
Books, notices of —

Everybody's Book of
Garden Annuals . .

SweetPeas and Antir-
rhinums

Twentieth Century
Potatos
Cestrums, hybrid
Chrysanthemum, a late

flowering
Cider industry
Cultural memoranda —

Violets, the cultiva-
tion of double,
Daffodil day at Terre-

gles

Florists' flowers —

Carnations, perpetual-
flowering, in the
open
" Gardoners' Chronicle"

seventy-five years ago
Hawaii, A lgaroba tree in
Land settlement
Lobelia tenuior

Ministry of Agriculture,
work of the

Narcissus, further in-
vestigations on the
eelworm disease of . .

Obituary —
Snell, John . .

Rain and fruit prospects

Rhododendron Edge-
worthii

Riviera, the Palms of
the

Roses, pruning, in a mild
spring

Royal Botanic Gardens

Science and fruit grow-
ing

Smallholders and rabbit
breeding

Societies —
Royal Horticultural

Sparrows and fruit buds

Trinidad Botanical Gar-
dens, centenary of . .

V egetables —
Cabbages

Vines, the spring plant-
ing of

War graves

"Week's work, the 214,

Wilson's, Mr. E. H.
fresh exploration, . .

222
220

220

216

216
211

211

212

221

220

212

219

219
211
215

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Chrysanthemum Autocrat . . . . . . 215, 217

Narcissus Golden Spur, forced bulbs of, showiDg

effects of hot-water treatment for the destruction . .

of eelwonns . . .. .. .. .. 218,219

Thlaspi rotundifolium . . . . . . . . . . 213

Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week
deduced from observations during1 the last fifty
years at Greenwich, 48.77°.

Actual Temperature: —

Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street,
Covent Garden, London, Wednesday, April 28,
10 a.m. : Bar. 29.5, temp. 51°. Weather — Dull.

Horticulturists, no less than
The Work of agriculturists, will find much
the Ministry of matter of interest in the
Agriculture, survey of the work of the
Ministry of Agriculture
contained in Sir A. Griffith-Boscawen's
speech on the Agricultural Vote in the
House of Commons on April 23. To those
who see salvation only in economy and who
cannot distinguish between productive and
unproductive expenditure, the Ministry's
estimate of .£4,500,000, as compared with the
half a million expended by the Department
in the year before the war, must appear for-
midable ; but anyone who knows the facts
anj who is anxious to see home resources
of food production developed to the utmost
will recognise that the increase is not out of
pro-portion to the enlarged and intensified
activities now undertaken by the Ministry.
First among these activities is the establish-
ment of Small Holdings for ex-service men,
which includes the provision of land and of
buildings and the equipment of the holdings.
In view of a'i the difficulties it will, we
think, be conceded that to have provided
already some 6,000 holdings is an achieve-
ment of which the Ministry have a right to be
proud. Apparently, the total number of
holdings which are required is somewhere
between 20,000 and 30,000, and if, as is to
be expected, progress in the coming years
becomes more rapid, the whole number
should be supplied by 1922. Nor are the
Ministry neglecting the interests of the
Allotment Holder. It was evident during
the war that whereas the large majority of

public bodies were only too anxious to pro-
vide Allotment land, a small minority were
obstructive. The powers possessed by the
Ministry are generally sufficient to overcome
such ob»structiveness, and it is satisfactory
to know that the Ministry intend to exercise
its powers vigorously. Not the least in-
teresting of the announcements made by Sir
A. Grifuth-Boscawen was that the Ministry
have established a Plant Disease Control De-
partment. In Mr. Fryer and Mr. Cotton
the Ministry have experts who command the
confidence of agriculturists and horticul-
turists, and in giving them and their col-
leagues a freer hand than has been the case
in the past, the Ministry have undoubtedly
taken a stejp in the right direction. The
headquarters staff will no doulbt act in o'ose
co-operation with the Advisory Officers in
Plant Diseases attached to the chief agricul-
tural stations, and if this be done it should
not be long before this country has what it
so badlv needs — namely, first-class phyto-
pathological service not only for research
purposes, but also for the control of plant
pests. Speaking not without experience
and with a full recognition of the high
abilities of the non-technical civil servant, we
are convinced that the only way in which
so highly technical an industry as agriculture
can be promoted is by securing the services
of experts "with administrative capacity a9
well as technical knowledge, and in putting
them in charge of the conduct of affairs.
This polio,.- which is being followed by the
Ministry has already produced good results,
and will, we are assured, make the Ministry
what it ought to be— agriculture's and
horticulture's guide, philosopher and best
friend ; for the expert is in touch with prac-
tical affairs and practical men. The admini-
strator pure and simple has no friends ; his
life is lived remote, unfriendly, alone, and
his high abilities fail to drive because the
clutch is always out. In conclusion, we
may express the hope that the reconstituted
Horticultural Advisory Council will be called
into frequent conference with those respon-
sible for horticulture, as by this means only
may close contact be maintained between
the industry and the administration.

Royal Botanic Gardens. — According to Tlie
Times, a new scheme, estimated to cost about
£50,000, has, been proposed by Mr George
Dance, a member of the Council, to remodel the
grounds of the Royal Botanic Society, Regent's
Park, and to place the Society on a sound finan-
cial footling. The main idea of the scheme is to
provide means for professional men. and those
living in the district to obtain recreation in the
gardens, winch are about 30 acres in extent.
The greenhouses in the grounds, in various
stages of decay, would be rebuilt on a lajrger
scale. It is proposed to raise the £50,000 re-
quired for the scheme by the issue of debentures,
the interest on which would be paid out of the
fees for participation in the games. The balance
would be available for encouraging and develop-
ing horticultural science.

War Graves. — Sir Thomas Mackenzie, High
Commissioner for New Zealand, who recently
teturiied from a visit of inspection to the British
war cemeteries in France and Belgium, has ex-
pressed his satisfaction with the progress of the
work of arranging and planting the final resting-
places of our fallen men. Everywhere, said Sir
Thomas, ho waa much impressed with the many
signs of the care which, was being lavished,
under the direction of General "Ware and
Colonel 'Joodhnd, to make the cemeteries
worthy of the brave men whose remains were
enshrined in them. Masses of flowers wens to lie
seen; Daffodils, Auriculas and Wallflowers, and
Rose bushes had been planted in profusion.
Many thousands of roots, bulbs, plants, and
shrubs had been sent bv the Botanical Gardens

at Kew, and every completed cemetery had its.
permanent stiff- -generally of five or six men
working under a stalled gardener. Up to the
present 800 grounds had been handed over by
the War Department to the Commission, and it
was expected that within the next six months
the full total of upwards of 2,000 cemeteries
would pass into the care of the Commission.
Some of them would contain as many as 15,000
graves.

Land Settlement. — In a written reply to-
Captain Coote, Sir Arthur Boscawen gave the
following particulars of progress made in Eng-
land and Wales tinder the Land Se'.'-lement
Facilities Act, 1919 : — Men actually settled
(civilians and ex-Service men), 5,794 on 79,631
acres. Acreage acquired, or agreed to be
acquired by county councils with the Ministry's
approval, 137,590 ; average cost per acre>
£41 4s. ; applications outstanding : approved
and .'■■waiting land, 20,060 ; waiting interview
and standing over, 10,890 ; loans guaranteed (to
Deceanber 31, 1919). 10 for a total of ill. 575.
In addition the Ministry has acquired 28,294
acres for farm settlements. Out of a total of
1.891 applicants, 697 have been approved, and of
these 511 men are already settled. Forty eight
applicants are awaiting interview.

Aberdeen's New Professor of Botany. — Aber-
deen University recently gave a warm welcome
to Professor Craib, the new occupant of the
Chair of Botany, in succession to the late Pro-
fessor Trail. Sir George Adam Smith, Prin-
cipal of the University, presided, and introduced
the new professor. After a warm tribute to the
long and valuable services rendered by the late
Dr. Trail to the University, Sir George said
there had now been appointed as his successor
one who, like Dr. Trail, was a graduate of the
University, and who added to his studio- •
research at home considerable experience in
botany in tropical regions. Professor Craib,
who received a great ovation, said he would
like to associate himself with the Principal's
remarks with regard to the late Professor Trail,
for whose .memory he cherished the warmest re-
gard. The subject chosen by Prof. Craib for
his inaugural lecture was " The Moisture Move-
ment in the Trunk of Deciduous Trees."

" Daffodil Day " at Terregles. — Mr. C. E.
Galbraith of Terregles, Dumfries, kindly held a
" Daffodil Day," at Terregles recently on behalf
of charitable objects. Large numbers of people
visited the grounds, and a handsome sum was
realised for admission ; for Daffodils sold ; and
teas. The public interest taken in the event
was heightened by the fact that Terregles was
recently bought by the Board of Agriculture for
Scotland for various developments in connection
with the activities of that Board, and the
occasion gave an excellent opportunity of view-
ing the place. Mr. Galbraith has purchased
Kirkmichael, Dumfriesshire, but it is to be hoped
that the Board of Agriculture will maintain
the magnificent gardens in connection with their
hortioultural training scheme. The .gardens
have long been noted as being among the fines!
in the south-west of Scotland.

Science and Fruit Growing. — Under the title
of "Science and Fruit Growing," Professor
Keeble reviews, in the current number of the
Edinburgh Review, the investigations carried
out by the Duke of Bedford and Mr. Spencer
Pickering during the past 25 years at the
Woburn Experimental Fruit Farm, and at the
same time enters into a careful consideration
of the prospects which attend the fruit growing
industry in this country. In connection with
the latter subject, attention is drawn to the de
crease in the acreage under fruit which lias
taken place during the past few years. Tins
decrease, according In the returns published by
the Ministry 01 Agriculture, amounted between
the years 1913 and 1919 to 11,231 acres of "top
fruit'"' and 18,139 acres of soft fruit— the largest
reduction being that of the Strawberry acreage
(8,422). These facts, together with the large
and probably permanent increase in the con-
sumption of jam, make if probable that the
acreage under soft Bruits is likely to undergo a
considerable extension in tho near future. In

212

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[May 1, 1920.

the case of Apples, there would appear also to
be room for an extension of acreage but, as
growers know only too well, this fruit has to
meet serious competition from imported fruit ;
although, according to the extracts contained in
this review, there are consumed at the present
time four or five home-grown Apples for every
imported Apple. Prof. Keeble gives high
praise to the pioneer work carried on at the
Woburn Experimental Fruit Farm and believes
that those researches and others in progress at
Long Ashton and East Mailing are already
bearing, and will continue to bear, good fruit.

Conclusion of the Horticultural War Relief
Fund. — The Executive Committee of the R.H.S.
War Relief Fund met a few days ago under the
presidency of Lady Northcote, at her house in
St. James' Place, to give an account of its
stewardship. Among those present were Lord
Lambourne (President), Miss Balfour, Sir Harry
J. Veitoh (Hon, Treasurer), Mr. F. J. Haiibury
(Chairman), Lady Margaret Boscawen, Mas.
Henshaw, Mr. H. M. Collinson, Mr. Reginald
Cory, Sir Albert Rollitt, Mrs. Brodie of Brodie,
Lady Dynevor, Lady Margaret Macrae, Lady
Jersey, Lady St. Cyres, and Mr. C. Hentschel,
the Secretary. Mr. Hentschel reported that
about 50,000 fruit trees, 48,000 tools, and
400,000 packets of seeds were distributed under
the aegis of the French Red Cross. In addition,
Belgium received £5.500 for the manufacture
of paillassons, while Serbia and Roumania were
given great assistance. Sir Harry J. Veitch
stated that the total sum collected amounted to
£213,000, of which £21,000 was raised during
the past fifteen months. All the money was
being disbursed with the exception of a small
sum retained to enable the Committee to re-
place fruit trees whidh were dead on arrival.
Lady Northcote paid tribute to the devotion and
energy of those who had helped to make the
fund a success and enabled the Committee to
Accomplish so much in such a good cause. She
specially mentioned Miss Balfour, Mrs. Lowither,
Sir Harry Veitch and Mr. C. Hentschel, and
said that" they deserved the heartiest thanks of
all concerned in the work. Reference was made
also to the arrangements for distributing the
seeds, tools and trees, carried out by the British
Committee of the French Red Cross, through
Capt. MacDonnell and his staff in Paris. Lady
Northcote stated that over one hundred letters
from the local Mayors in the various districts
assisted, testified in no uncertain fashion to the
great help the fund had been able to render,
and the splendid way in which the distribution
of material had been made. Lord Lambourne,
on behalf of the Royal Horticultural Society,
thanked Lady Northcote for her work, and said
the Committee desired to express not only ad-
miration, hut gratitude for the zeal and
enthusiasm she had shown as the Lady President
of the Fund.

Small Holders and Rabbit Breeding. — With the
object of stimulating the production of hutch
raboits for table purposes, and for fur bearing,
the Ministry of Agriculture are circularising
certain of the county authorities, suggesting that
the conditions are now favourable for the
encouragement of this industry among small-
holders and others suitably situated in respect to
supplies of surplus vegetable material and other
feeding stuffs. The counties approached*at pre-
sent include Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex,
Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk. It is proposed that
arrangements shall be made for pioneer courses
of lectures in suitable districts to be giyen by
an expert approved by the Ministry, who will be
■prepared to recognise expenditure on an arranged
scale as eligible for aid under the grant
regulations. In 1913 over 2,000 tons of tame
rabbits, valued at £1^0,400, were imported into
the United Kingdom from Belgium, France, and
the Netherlands ; in addition to 24,000 tons,
valued at £656,000, from Australia, New Zea-
land, and other countries. Last year's Board
of Trade returns show the total disappearance
of the imports from the Continent, and the re-
duction of approximately half the other sup-
plies. There is every reason to believe that
efforts will be made in the near future to regain
the lost trade, unless home producers can supply

the demand. On the fur side of the subject it
is worthy of note that the difficulty of disposing
of the pelts of suitable breeds at remunerative
prices, hitherto experienced by small breeders
in this country, bids fair to be overcome under
a co-operative scheme put forward by the Fur
Board of the Beveren Rabbit Club. This
scheme provides for the payment of a fixed sum
for the pelts of rabbits of the Beveren and
Havana breeds, and the sharing of profits among
the members after allocating a certain propor-
tion to the management and other expenses.
The dressing of the pelts is also to be under-
taken on behalf of the members. The skins of
these breeds, as also of the chinchilla, are ex-
ceptionally handsome, and remarkably high
prices are reported to have been paid for made-
up articles.

High Price for an 18th Century Leaden Figure.
— The sum of 120 guineas was recently realised
at Christie's for an eighteenth-century leaden
figure of Pomona. Such ornaments were at one
time common in gardens, but they are now
eagerly sought by collectors and used for
other purposes.

Mr. E. H. Wilsons New Exploration Tour.—
We learn that Mr. E. H. Wilson, assistant direc-
tor of the Arnold Arboretum, is preparing for a
lengthy journey for the purpose of discovering
new plants suitable for cultivation in America.
He will leave Boston in July and visit India,
Ceylon. Australia, and New Zealand, among
other countries, and his tour will occupy about
two years. Mr. Wilson has almost completed
the work of cataloguing the specimens he brought
from Korea and Formosa, and consequently is
free for this further trip, in which we hope he
will add to his fame as a plant collector.

Sad Death of a Gardener. — The body of
William Holmes, landscape gardener, of Letch-
worth, who served in Mesopotamia, has been
found in the river at Derby, but there is no know-
ledge as to the cause of the accident. Mr.
Holmes was the eldest son of William Holmes,
for many years Secretary of the National
Chrysanthemum Society, and grandson of
Wdldiam Holmes, of the" old Frampton Park"
Nursery, Hackney, who was one of the founders
of tne Stoke Newington Chrysanthemum Society,
which subsequently developed into the National
Chrysanthemum Society.

Centenary of the Trinidad Botanic Gardens.—
Tiie Royal Botanic Gardens, Trinidad, have com-
pleted a century of uninterrupted work and is
thus one of the very few tropical gardens of the
Empire which has had a continuous existence of
one hundred years. To mark the centenary a
historical sketch of the gardens is in course oi
preparation and will be published during 1920
in one or two numbers of the Bulletin of the
Trinidad and Tobago Department of Agricul-
ture*

Reopening of the Crystal Palace to the
Public. — The Crystal Palace will be opened to
the public use on Jime 9, and the opening cere-
mony will be performed by H.M. the King,
whoVill be accompanied by Queen Mary. Gar-
deners are specially interested in this National
building, for apart from the extensive grounds
and gardens, many floral exhibitions have been
held there in the past, notably those of the
National Rose, National Chrysanthemum and
National Dahlia Societies. The Crystal Palace
lias also been utilised by the Royal Horticultural
Society for the holding of exhibitions and some
of its most successful fruit shows have been
held there. It is interesting to learn that special
non-stop trains will run from London to Syden-
ham in less than a quarter of an hour.

Potato Exhibition at Birmingham.— The
National Potato Society of Great Britain
and Lelaiid will hold an exhibition of
Potatos in the Bingley Hall Birmingham,
on Tuesday, Wednesdav and Thursday,
November 9, 10, 11, 1920. The schedule
includes fifty-two classes, the majority of
which are open, but there are special divisions
for farmers and market-growers, allotment
holders and amateur gardeners. Many of the

prizes are offered by trade firms, and substantial
monetary prizes are offered by Messrs. Sutton
and Sons, Messrs. E. Webb and Sons, Ltd.,
Messrs Dobbie and Co., Messrs. Randall Bros.,
and Parsons, Ltd., and Bees, Ltd. The most
valuable prizes are in Messrs. Bees, classes 44 and
45, for 3 dishes, distinct, of non-immune varieties
and 3 dishes, distinct of immune varieties, the
prizes being £5, £3, £2, £1 and 10s. in each
case; the exhibitors in these two classes are
restricted to those who limit their gardening
to growing produce for home consumption. Two
Silver Cups of the value of ten guineas each, are
offered by Messrs. Dennis and Sons, Ltd., Kir-
ton, in two classes for 1 cwt. sample bags
of ware Potatos respectively, as usually dressed
for market on a If inch riddle. The Organising
Secretary is Mr. W. H. Morter, Parks depart-
ment, Council House, Birmingham.

The Algaroba Tree in Hawaii— The original
Algaroba tree (Prosopis julifiora), a tree of his-
toric interest, which was planted in December,
1828, in the Mission grounds in Honolulu, was
removed on October 23, 1919, to the sorrow,
says an article in the Hawiian Forester and
Agriculturist, of all sympathetic residents in
Honolulu. Perhaps no other trees in the world
has been responsible for greater benefits to the
land of its adoption than this original Algaroba,
lor from it, by the assistance of five stock, there
have been established on the lee shores through-
out the Hawiian Islands, forests which now cover
approximately 90,000 acres of what used to be
barren lands, but which now produce an annual
crop of about 30,000 tons of excellent fuel. Be-
sides this, the trees produce an enormous yield
of Beans, which furnish a valuable fattening
food for stock after the long dry summer has
exhausted the siupply of grass. In addition, the
flowers of these forests afford food for bees in
numerous apiaries, producing honey to the value
of more than £33,000. On account of the
economic position which it holds in the islands'
flora the Algaroba tree may be considered to-day
as the most valuable tree in Hawaii.

" The Gardeners' Chronicle " Seventy-five
Years Ago : Effects of the winter in Devon.
For nearly half a century the south of Devon
has not been visited with such intense codd
as occurred during the early part of the month
of March. Being absent from home, the_ exact
degree was not tested in imy garden, but it was
sufficiently severe to freeze the neighbouring
estuaries ; and consequently the injury to our
tender plants has been great. Among the shrubs
in my own grounds that are either entirely des-
troyed or killed to the ground are three splendid
specimens of Acacia dealbata, melanoxyloh, and
a broad leaved "variety of verticillata, which
never had a leat injured "before, though wholly un-
protected ; they were planted, but not trained,
against east or south walls, and the former was
more than 30 feet in height, and in the month of
April literally a mass of blossom. Many other
species of smaller size have likewise perished,
as have Leptospermtum grandinorum, Comarosta-
phyhs arbutoides, Arbutus canariensis, three
tender species of Cytisus, Corraea virens, and
Hydrangea japonica. Tile following having sur-
vived such a season, may, I think, be classed
among those shrubs that are actualy acclima-
tised "in this district, though a few of them
have had the foliage slightly injured :— Arbutus
tomentosa, Ceanothus thyrsiflorus, Magnolia Har-
wicus (?), Tasmannia aromatica, Eucalyptus
alpina, Corraea rufa, Viburnum odoratissimum,
Poinciana Gilliesii, Grevillea sulphurea, and
rosmarinifoliia, Fabiana imbricata, Ozothamnus
multiflorus, and the beautiful Japan lilies. Rhodo-
dendron Rollissonii, zeylanicum, arboreum album,
a. roseum, and a. Roylii : cinnamoneum, campan-
ulatum and campanulatum roseum have stood
well : and all the hybrids from arboreum and a.
album are uninjured both in foliage and flower-
buds ; but the hybrids from cinnamoneum have
suffered a little; Rhododendron Smithii aureum
has lost its leaves, and Azalea indica phoenicea
is much hurt. My Lemons, Oranges, Citrons
and Shaddocks under a frame of reed are more
injured than I ever remember them to have
been, but those under a fraime of wood have
received no damage. A Devonian. Gard.
Chron., May 3, 1845.

May 1. 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

213

ORCHID NOTES AND 6LEANIN6S.

ODONfrOGLOSSUM HAROLD VAR.
MASTER DICK.

The first flower of this finely-coloured cross
between Odm Jasper (ama'bile X crispum) and
Odm. eximium (ardentissimum X crispum) is
sent by Dr. Miguel Lacrozo, Bryndilr, Roe-
hampton. With Odm. crispum in every stage
of its development, the hybrid derives from
that species fine form and size, but it has
a dark, almost self-coloured flower, although
none of its ancestors had that character, not an
uncommon feature where Odm. crispum pre-
dominates in a complex hybrid. The sepals and
petals aire claret-purple, with darker nebulous
patches in tlie centre and slight white tint, on the
margins. The lip, which shows much of the Odm.
Pescatorei in Odun. ardentissimum, has claret
base and white front, and the column, wliich is
the least variable of all the parts, is still that
of Odm. orispum, white with purple tint on the
basal half.
DEXDROBICM BASSETTII DEAXLANDS
VARIETY.

Flowers of great beauty and varying tints
of this handsome cross between D. Rolfeae
(noodle X primulinum) and D. melanodisous
Saltern (Findlayanum X Ainsworthii splendid-
issimum) are sent by Mr. C. F. Waters, Dean-
lands, Balcombe, who considers his form of D.
Bassettii the best. The flowers, which are large
and of tine shape, show much of the characters of
D. melanodiscus. They have a white ground,
tinged in varying degree with rose-pink, the
well-rounded lip having a dark disc. The cross
was originally shown by Mr. Salter, from Mrs.
Haywood's gardens at Woodhatch, Reigate. in
1914, and has since that time appeared under
various names in gardens.

ODOXTOGLOSSUM MRS. HARRY
WORSLEY.

Mb. J. Evans, of Colwyn Bay, sends a flower
of a noble new Odontoglossum raised between
0. amabile and 0. Hallii var. King Edward
VII. The hybrid appears to be the largest and
best yellow ground Odontoglossum which has
flowered up to the present time. The ground
colour of the sepals and petals is lemon-yellow,
slightly tinged with rose from the blotching on
the reverse side, and densely and uniformly
blotched with dark red. The broad lip is bright
chrome-yellow, with a band of ruby-red in
front of the yellow crest, which has numerous
radiating red lines on each side. The column
is yellow, with a few red markings. In its
class it is not easy to conceive a more showy
Odontoglossum.

NEW HYBRIDS.

Several very pretty hybrids, which should
be recorded, were showu by R. G. Thwaites,
Esq., Streatham Hill, at the meeting of the

Royal Horticultural Society on April 13, and
of which much may he expected when fully
developed.

Sophro-Laelio-Cattleya Lowellii, a hybrid
between S.-C. Mrs. Francis Wellesley and G.
Lawrenceana, is of a rioh purple, the tint
being darker on the tips of the petals and the
lip.. Odontioda Violetta (Oda. IThwaitasii X
Odm. percultum) has pretty, bronzy-red flowers
with lilac tips.

Odontioda Pierette (Cbchlioda Xoezliana X
Odm. Clytie) has neatly-formed red flowers
with yellow markings.

Odontoglossum Clotilde, raised between Odm.
Clytie (Edwardii X Pescatorei) and Odm.
eximium (ardentissimum x crispum) has White
flowers of fine shape, blotched with scarlet. Tile

THE ALPINE GARDEN.

THLASPI ROTUNDIFOLIUM.

This charming little Crucifer has been given
various names, including Iberis rotundifolia,
Iberidella rotundifolia, Noccaea rotundifolia and
Hutch ins ia corymbosa. It is a variable plant
with a wide distribution over the mountains of
central Europe, and grows at elevations up to
13,000 ft. on the Matterhorn. The plant
illustrated in Fig. 97 was met with above the
Pdffieberg on the way to the Gomer Grat. It
was growing in the debris of a stony waste
through which water from the melting snow per-
colated. In every crevice between stones might

Fig. 97. — thlaspi rotundifolium ; flowers rosy-lilac.

hybrid has a fine lineage and should display
great merit when fully matured.

SEEDLING CYMB1D1UMS.

Few Orchids are more easily raised from
seeds than Cymfoidiiums ; the seed should be
sown directly tit is ripe around the bajse of
plants that do not need root disturbance. The
seedlings should be pricked off and grown on
without a check until they reach the flowering
stage. Seedlings already growing singly in pots
should be placed in larger receptacles as soon
as they need more root space. Loam should
not be used in the compost, -which for small
seedlings, should be cut into fine portions.
T. B.

NEW HYBRIDS.

(Continued from April 3, p. 169.)

Name.

Brasso- Laelio-Cattleya Alcides
Brasiso-Laelio-Cattleya Cissie
Braeeo-Laelio-Cattleya Jupiter

Cymbidium Ariel

Cymbidium Dove

Cypripedium Seraphina var. Mareell

Laelio-Cattleya Cairo

Laelio-Cattleya Ceoidom

Laelio-Cattleya Cremona

Laelio-Cattleya Gerda . ...

Laelio-Cattleya Gretal

Laelio-Cattleya Gretna

Laelio-Cattleva Hildom ... . .

Laelio-Cattleya H. T. Pitt ...

Odontioda Clottio

Odontioda .Toioeyi

Odontioda Violetta

Odontioda Leon Perrin

Odontocidium Epiphorum

Odontog-IosBum Everest

Odontoirlossum Gloriana
Odontoglossuin Harold var. Master

Dick

Odontog-lossum .Taspworth
Sophro-Laelio-Cattleya Brilliant

Sophro-Laelio-Cattleyc Royalist
Sophro-Cattleya Lowelli "

Parentage.

B.-L.-C. Veitchii x L.-C. Walter Gott

L.-C. Myra x B.-C. Mrs. J. Leemann

B.-L.-C. Veitchii x C. armainvillierense

eburneo Lowianum x Ballianum

erythrostylum x Holfordianum

Oflsulstonii x Beeckmannii

0. Schroderae x L.-O. Ganymede

0. Ceoilia var. Louis Chaton x L.-C.

Dominiana

L.-C. Ophir x C. Suzanne Hye de Crom
L.-C. Trimyra x 0. Brenda

Dominiana x Lustre

C. Portia x L.-C. Baroness Souroder ...

Hilda x Dominiana

L.-O. Bella x O. Enid

Bradshawiae x Coronation ...

Odm. Promerens x Oda. Coronation

Oda. Thwaitesii x Odm. peroultum

Oda. Banderae x Odm. eximium

Odm. Epionsta x Onoidium corvnopliorum ...
Princess Mary x Mirabeau Mastiff
Jasper x crispum Raymond Crawslmy ...
Jasper x eximium

Jasper x Airoworth

S.-L.-C. Metvlili-yflora vivicans x C. Empress

Frederick

S.-C. Atreus ploriosa x L.-O. Geo! Woodhnms
8.-0. Mrs. F. Wellesley x C. Lawrcnc. ami

Exhibitor.

Flory and Black.

J. and A. McBean.

Hassall and Co.

G. Hamilton Smith. Est|.

Sanders.

Rev. J. Crombleholme.

J. and A. McBean.

F. J. Hanbury, Esq.

Flory and Black.
J. and A. McBean.
.T. and A. McBean.
J. and A. McBean.
F. J. Hanbury, Esq.
H. T. Pitt, Esq.
Armstrong and Brown.
J. J. Joicey. Esq.
R. G. Thwaites, Esq.
Flory and Black.
Charlesworth and Co.
J. and A. McBean.
Or. M. Lacroze.
Dr. M. LaoroM.

0. J. Lucas, Esq.
S. Low and Co.

Armstrong- and Brown.
H. G. Thwaites, Esq.

be seen the rich lavender flowers in compact
tufts above the tiny, rounded, fleshy leaves- In
this country Thlaspi rotundifolium may be cul-
tivated in moraine conditions in gritty soil with
ample drainage and plenty of moisture when
growing actively. In such places self-sown seed-
lings appear around the old plants, forming
compact tufts two or three metres across ,
covered in April and May with numerous Jieada
of rosy lilac, fragrant flowers.

Thlaspi limosellaefolium, a closely allied
species from the Maritime Alps, differs only in
its more elongated, narrower leaves. It flourishes
in the same conditions as suit T. rotundifolium,
and on the whole is the more easy to establish
of the two. Another closely allied plant, T.
cepeae folium, bas similar heads of rosy lilac
flowers, but the small leaves have a few blunt
teeth on the margin, W. I.

DALIBAKDA REPENS.

Thts Dalibarda does not occupy a place in the
front rank of rook plants, but it has its value,
especially where a low -growing plant with while
flowers js desired for covering a cool ban!;,
terrace, or ledge in the rock garden in soil which
is rather light in its nature. It likes ■shade and
grows naturally in the woodlands of tlie
northern United States, and as far north as
Xova Scotia.

The species is generally hardy in this country,
but fails occasionally through being planted in
too sunny a situation. The plant has a low-
habit, Violet-like leaves and small white flowers,
It is the only member of the genus, and bears
the name of 'M. T. F. DftUborrt, a botanist of
France, who lived in the 18th century. Tt bus
also been called "Rubus Dalibarda, and. from it*
resemblance in foliage to the Violet, Dalibarda
violaeoides. Propagation is effected by means
of division in spring. Tlie plan! flowers from
Tune to SeptemlHT. c Arnott.

214

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[May, 1, 1920.

The Week's Work.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By John Cotjtts, Foreman, Royal Botanio Gardens,
Kew.

Tecoma Sraithii. — This plant has beautiful
yellow flowers flushed with scarlet, and is
worthy of more general cultivation. The flowers
appear in late autumn and early winter, when
bright coloured subjects are specially appre-
ciated. Cuttings root readily, and should be
inserted towards the end of April or the
beginning of May ; in the immediate neigh-
bourhood of London they should be rooted at
least a month earlier in order that the plants
may be in flower before the time of fogs, as
these cause the flower ibuds to drop. Strike the
cuttings in a close case in an intermediate
temperature. When rooted, they should be
potted on as required, until they are in six-
inch pots in which they will flower. The plants
should be grown in a cold house, and, tow aids
the end of summer, may with advantage be
stood out-doors for a month or six weeks, to
favour the ripening of the wood. Where large
inflorescences are required, the plants should
be grown to single stems ; in any case they
should oniy be pinched once, and two strong
shcols allowed to develop. When the flower-
buds show, all lateral growths should be rubbed
out : this is most important, for if they are not
removed the flowers fail to develop.

Agapetes buxifolia and A. macrantha.— These
two beautiful greenhouse plants belong to the
natural order Vacciniaceae. A. buxifolia pro-
duces its red, tubular flowers in great profusion,
and makes a pretty, compact subject in pots, but
loth species aTe seen at their best when planted
out in a bed or border in the greenhouse or con-
servatory : they need a peaty compost and
ample drainage. Cuttings of A. buxifolia root
easily at any time in fine, sandy peat. A. mac-
rantha has larger flowers, beautifully chequered
red and white ; this species is not so readily
propagated as the other from cuttings, which
form a mass of callus, thus preventing the
development of roots ; if this callus growth is
pared off it generally results in the cuttings
rooting. Fortunately, the plant is easily pro-
legated by grafting on young plants of Caven-
dishia acuminata.

Fentapterygium serpens. — This is another fine
indoor plant, belonging to the same natural
oidor as Agapetes; it is very beautiful, with
its long, graceful shoots, wreathed on their
under sides with tubular red flowers with
darker V-shaped markings. It is attractive
either as a pot specimen or planted out in a
shallow bed in the conservatory. Tnis plant
has a large, tuberous-like root-stock, and as in
its natural state it is more or less an epiphyte,
it requires ample dr:iinage and a free, open com-
post of sandy peat mixed with a little light,
sandy loam. It is ea-,iiy rooted from cuttings,
inserted in pots of sandy peat, and placed under
a bell glass.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By T. Pateman, Gardener to 0. A. Cain. Esq.. J. P.,
The Node, Codioote, Welwyn, Hertfordshire.
Fruit Trees on Walls — The failure of fruit
trees on walls is sometimes due to drought at the
roots; those trained against south walls or grow-
ing in soil of a light nature are very liable to
suffer from this cause. Where the walls have
extra wide copings or where boards are used at
the top of the wall to protect fruit blossom, the
soil close up to the wall remains quite dry, as the
rains cannot reach it. It is therefore advisable
to examine all fruit borders occasionally, and,
when necessary, give the soil a thorough water-
ing. The present is a suitable time to make an
examination, for, although much rain fell in
April, the winter was exceptionally dry. A light
mulching of short manure should "be placed over

the roots of all fruit trees that give promise of
good crops of fruit. Where the drainings of
stables or manure heaps can be obtained it
should be used for feeding the roots, diluting it
to a suitable strength. As a rule, it may be
given mixed with an equal quantity of
water. Where liquid manure of this nature
is not obtainable and the borders are not in a
rich condition, a little concentrated fertiliser
suitable for fruit trees should be applied.
Where trees are treated in this way and the roots
kept moist, red spider and other insect pests
rarely give much trouble.

Hoeing. — The hoe should be used frequently
amongst all kinds of fruit trees, and especially
after heavy rains. This operation will not only
destroy many weeds( the soil will be loosened
and thus better aerated, and a great deal of the
moisture prevented from evaporating during hot
dry weather. Raspberries and Strawberrres
should be hand weeded at this season.

Late Apples. — Apples have, on the whole, kept
in good condition this season. Newton Wonder,
in my estimation, is one of the best keepers, and
should be grown more extensively. The tree is
free growing, with erect branches', and an excel-
lent cropper. When on a visit to King's Xewton,
wlhere this Apple was raised, at the village inn,
I was given permission to see the original tree.
It was then well laden with fruit of excellent
quality, and the growth was very robust and
clean. Other cooking varieties that have kept
well are Alfriston, Edward VLT. and Bramley's
Seedling. Hormead's Pearmain should be grown
more extensively as a late dessert variety. The
flesh is crisp, juicy and of pleasant flavour, but
the fruits have a tendency to grow too large for
dessert purposes. Cox's Orange Pippin kept well
into April. This Apple is often gathered too
early; it will not keep in good condition when
harvested too soon. Encore is another good
keeping variety, and I still have fruits in ex-
cellent condition. The tree is a strong, erect
grower, and the fruits cook well.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By H. Wheeleb, Gardener to Mrs. Jenneb, Wenvoe
Castle, near Cardiff.

Mushrooms. — Drring the summer and early
autumn, Mushrooms may be grown in a shed
on hot-bed material, or in a cool position adjoin-
ing a wall in the open. The minimum size of the
bed should be 4 feet in length, 3 feet in width
with a depth of fifteen inches at the back and
one foot in the front ; the width may be in-
creased to four feet and the length extended,
where the quantity of fermenting material avail-
able will permit of this being done. Strawy-
horse manure is best for the purpose and should
be collected frequently, removing the longest of
the litter. It should be spread thinly on the
floor of an open shed and turned every other
day, placing the dung on the outside' of the
heap in the middle. The heap should be turned
until fermentation has reduced the whole to a
dark colour, and it is in a sufficiently moist state
to slightly bind when squeezed in the hand.
In making the bed, the manure should be trodden
firmly. Spawning should not take place until
the temperature of the bed declines to 90°, at
which time pieces of spawn about 2 inches square
should be inserted 2 inches below the surface,
at a distance of 9 inches apart each way. Cover
the manure with two inches of sifted loam, and
make it firm by beating with the back of a
spade. Finally cover the bed with clean straw
to maintain an even temperature. Mushrooms
should appear in six to eight weeks from the date
of spawning.

Marrows. — Marrow plants required for sum-
mer cropping should be raised from seed placed
singly in 3-inch pots and germinated in a warm
house. As soon as the first rough leaves form,
harden the plants in a cold frame.

Turnips.— Early Milan and Snowball are good
varieties of Turnips and a sowing of these sorts
should be made in the open. Sow thinly in
drills made fifteen inches apart.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By T. W. Bbiscoe, Gardener to W. R. Lisaobt, Esq.,
Oastleford, Chepstow.

Disa. — Although this is not the proper season
to repot these Orchids, small examples that have
filled their receptacles with roots may be placed
in pots two sizes larger. A suitable rooting-
medium consists of good fibrous peat and loam
in equal parts with a sprinkling of crushed crocks
and chopped Sphagnum-moss added. The plants
that are not disturbed will need watering more
frequently than hitherto, and should toe sprayed
lightly overhead in bright weather, but spraying
should be done sufficiently early in the day for
the foliage to dry before sunset. The top ven-
tilator immediately over the plants should be
open more or less both night and day. Thrips
must be watched for and directly any are seen
the plants should either be sprayed with or
dipped in XI All liquid insecticide.

Anguloa. — Many of the Anguloas are sending
up their flower spikes and after the scapes are
removed the plants may be repotted; specimens
not flowering may be dealt with at once. The
introduction of the superb A. Cliftonii gave
renewed interest in the genus, but it is sur-
prising that no hybrid from it has as yet
appeared. Other desirable species are A.
Clowesii, A. ebumea, A. Rucken, with its
variety sanguinea, and A. uniflora. All are
worth growing, judged from the decorative
standpoint. Anguloas are strong-rooting plants,
and enjoy a somewhat retentive compost, there-
fore fibrous loam may be added to the usual
mixture of Osmunda fibre and Sphagnum-moss.
One-third fill the pots with broken potsherds
for drainage, and place a thin layer of loam
fibre over the crocks. Reduce the ball of soil,
cut away dead roots, and remove any back
pseudo-bulbs that are not necessary for the
future welfare of the plant. Make the soil
firm, and leave sufficient space for watering.
The plants will thrive in a shady corner of
the intermediate division, or at the warmer end
of the cool house. For a few weeks water the
roots sparingly, and take care that moisture
does not accumulate in the young shoots, or
they may decay at their bases. When the re-
ceptacles are filled with roots generous sup
plies of moisture may be given until the pseudo-
bulbs are fully matured. At that stage the
plants should be rested, and given only suffi-
cient water to prevent shrivelling of the pseudo-
bulbs. During the growing period the foliage,
and especially the undersides of the leaves,
should be examined at intervals for the presence
of red spider; if the pest is detected, .sponge
the leaves witli a weak insecticide.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By F. Jordan. Gardener to Lieut. -Ool. Spendeb Clai,
M.P., Ford Manor, Lingfield, Surrey.

Cucumbers. — After this date, the amount of
fire-heat may be reduced to a minimum, and the
house closed early in the afternoon, with sun-
heat and plenty of moisture. After fire-heat
is reduced, guard against excessive moisture on
dull days, otherwise mildew will appear on the
plants, and this disease spreads very rapidly.
Let the roots have a brisk bottom heat, and
give them copious supplies of water warmed to
a temperature of 85° to 90°. Apply top-
dressings, and use liquid manure liberally. Crop
the plants lightly and give them plenty of ven-
tilation, but prevent cold draughts. Attend
carefully to the stopping and tying of the shoots.
Liberal syringing is the best means of keeping
down attacks of red spider, which sometimes
becomes troublesome to this crop. Examine
Cucumbers in frames on two or three occasions
weekly ; pinch laterals at the first joint beyond
the fruit to keep the beds evenly covered with
foliage. Soft water at a temperature of 80° to
90° is best for general use, and may be sub-
stituted occasionally by weak liquid manure and
soot water. Root feedmg is not often necessary
in the early stages, and when liquid stimulants
are used, the foliage should be washed with
clear water afterwards.

May I, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

215

Pot Vines. — One-year-old pot vines which were
cut back when dormant, and later shaken out
of their receptacles and potted in 11 or 12-inch
pots, should be making rapid growth. Very
little water will be needed until the new roots
are established in the soil, but when
they have reached the sides of the
pots they may be given warm, diluted
liquid manure, soot water and guano water,
increasing the strength as the vines advance
in growth. At other times, tepid water
may be given and used freely to damp the walls
and other hare spaces. It may also be syringed
on the vines when the house is closed in the
afternoons of bright days. As growth develops,
pinch each lateral at the first joint, but take
great care not to injure the principal leaves.
When the canes are 8 or 9 feet in length, stop
them, to cause the lower buds to swell.

Yearling Vines.— Single eyes which were
rooted in pots or squares of turf as recommended
in the calendar for February 7, should be ready
for transferring to 7 or 8-inch pots. It will not
be wise to repot the plants before they are
ready, as any check from declining heat at this
critical stage would react severely on their
growth. A night temperature ranging from
63° to 68°, and a day temperature of 70° to
85°, according to the weather, will be suitable.
Admit a little air early in the day, increasing
the amount as the sun gains power. Close the
vinery' early with plenty of atmospheric mois-
ture, and, in the evening, admit a little air and
allow the ventilators to remain open a trifle
during the might. Use a compost consisting of
rich, fairly rough loam, bone-meal, charcoal and
old lime-rubble. Do not add animal manure to
the soil. The pots and crocks should be clean
and dry ; the soil also should be fairly dry, as
firm potting is necessary, and if the compost is
mixed a fortnight in advance, so much the
better.

CULTURAL MEMORANDA.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By Sidney Lego, Gardener to the Dowager Ladi
Nunbobnholme. Warter Priory, Yorkshire.

Bees. — 'Honey Bees are often a source of
attraction to young visitors to flower gardens.
On rising ground, and some little distance from
the main pathway, a sowing of Llannanthes
Douglassii may be made to serve, when in
flower, to attract bees and butterflies. Amongst
other hardy annuals which produce much nectar,
are the many varieties of Phacelia. Seeds may
be sown at the present time and at intervals,
for some time to come.

Roses — Roses of all sections are growing
freely, and from now onwards keen and constant
attention must be given to combating the
numerous enemies of the plants. Should sharp
frosts occur during the next few weeks, tho-
roughly spray the frozen foliage with cold soft
water before the direct rays of the sun reach
the plants, to prevent sudden thawing of the
leaves. Every few days the Rose maggot and
other leaf-rolling pests should be diligently
searched for and destroyed by pressing them
between the thumb and finger. Froth, deposited
in the axils of the leaves by the frog-hopper,
may be removed, together with the insect, toy
means of a small brush, and placed in a recep-
tacle containing salt and water. Should small
holes be noticed in the ripe stems of the plants,
they will probably have been caused by the pith-
boring grub. Thrust a piece of wire sharply
down the hole to destroy the pest, afterwards
closing the entrance with putty. Aphides and
thrips may be kept in check by spraying the
plants with diluted Quassia extract and a nico-
tine specific respectively, but do not spray when
the direct rays of the sun reach the plants. Early
attention in supplying moisture to or conserving
it about the roots in dry weather, by watering or
mulching, is the best preventive of attacks by
red spider. A short time previous to the plants
blooming, and again immediately after the first
flowers have faded, it is advisable to spray the
plants with a solution of potassium sulphide as a
precaution against fungous pests — especially mil-
dew. If mildew has already appeared, add a
little soft soap to the specific to cause it to
adhere to the foliage.

THE CULTIVATION OF DOUBLE VIOLETS.

No difficulty should he experienced in having
a good supply of first-class Violets from the com-
mencement oi October until early May, or even
later.

If stock as scarce, runners should be detached
from the plants when they are lifted in the
autumn, and dibbled into boxes filled with light,
sandy compost and placed in a cold frame ;
these cuttings will make good plants for aug-
menting the supply of young stock in the spring.

Where stocks are plentiful and the plants have
been growing in unheated pits during the winter,
plenty of young plants will be available from
the end of April and onwards by dividing the
old crowns and selecting from them the cleanest
growths with roots attached. They should be
planted on a border imder a north wall, or, fail-
ing that, any sheltered ground that is not too
heavy and is in good condition.

Many growers make the mistake of planting

At the end of August make preparations for
transferring the plants to their winter quarters.
Unheated brick pits are ideal structures for this
purpose, and a very maid hot-bed of stable
manure and leaves (if available) should be used
to give the plants a good start. The pits should
then be filled to within six inches of the roof
glass with the following compost : — To every
part of loan: add a third part of leaf-mould
(preferably Oak or Beech), a fifth part of wood
ash, and gritty material.

It is an excellent plan to collect all the turf
edgings when the sides of lawns are trimmed in
April, sprinkle each layer with "Vaporite" to
kill injurious ground insects, End t se the
material for growing Violets.

After making the soil firm, remove all runners
and flowers from the plants and set the runners
six inches apart each way. Water them freely
by means of a coarse rose on the water can, and
r.llow the lights to remain off the frames for a
fortnight, or, if the weather continues warm,
until the end of September.

After the lights are placed in position, abund-

FlG. 98. — CHRYSANTHEMUM AUTOCRAT, AS GROWN FOR MARKET BY MR. H. A. DE GRAAFF.

(See p. 217).

Violets out-of-doors too early ; nothing is gained
by this system.

On one occasion I deferred planting until June
and gathered flowers which won premier honours
on the show bench, from the plants in frame?,
before the end of October.

Preparation of the ground is an all -important
detail ; the soil should be well trenched the
previous autumn and a liberal quantity of stable
manure, wood ash and lime nibble incorporated
with it. During the growing reason copious
supplies of weak manure water, in which a bag
of soot has been placed, will greatly assist the
plants to form strong crowns, whole daily spray-
ing with the hose or syringe should never he
neglected, or red spider will spread rapidly. A
distance of one foot between the tows and the
same space between the plants will suffice, while
the constant use of the flat hoe is imperative to
destroy weeds and keep the surface soil loose.

The importance of keeping the plants to single
crowns throughout the summer cannot be too
strongly emphasised, and the grower will be
amply rewarded during the winter by an in-
crease in the size and quantity of the flowers.

anice of air should be admitted on all favour-
able occasiuns, and the golden rule to be
observed in ventilating tis to remember that
whilst Violets greatly resent cold draughts, they
equally dislike coddling.

Water should be given sparingly until the mild,
sunny days of early spiring, when frequent appli-
cations of weak, liquid manure will greatly in-
crease the supply of flowers.

Attention should regularly be given to the
removal of decayed leaves, and the soil should be
stirred with a pointed stick after receiving a
light, top-dressing of wood ash.

Protection should be given from frost*. Plants
that produce the largest and best coloured
flowers should be marked for propagating pur-
poses.

The following are the best doable varieties:
Marie Louise, deep blue with white eyej Mrs.
Arthur, deep blue; Comte de Brazza (syn.
Swanley White), pUW white; Lady Hume Damp
bell and Mrs. d'Arcy. lavender ; Mrs. J. J.
Aster, rosy violet. David Whit?, Theydon
Place Gardens, Wiping.

216

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

iMay i, mo.

LDIiORiAL NOTICE.

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Garden, W C

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

Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editors
do not undertake to pay for any contributions or
illustrations, or to return unused communications
or illustrations unless by special arrangement. The
Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any
opinions expressed by their correspondents.

I PRUNING ROSES IN A MILD
SPRING.

THE precocity of the season, caused by the
pleasant, but unusual mildness of the
winter and spring of 1920, has led many
amateur Rose growers to entertain doubts as to
(lie best method of treating their Roses at
pruning time.

The amount, of new growth for the time of
the year has been quite extraordinary, only this
afternoon (middle of April) I measured a new
shoot between 7 and 8 inches in length. The
greater numbers of these new shoots, of course,
are flowerless, 'but in some cases there are buds
apparently well shaped and of such a size that,
had one seen them later in the season, one
might expect the flower in about three weeks'
time.

Little difficulty will have occurred aa to
pruning and trimming in the case of the
Wichuraianas and other rambling Roses. These
were generally dealt with in the autumn before
the mildness of the season produced any effect,
but those who deferred the operations of prun-
ing, training and thinning to February, or later,
will have had to take special care in handling
last year's growths, or they may have knocked
off many of the secondary growths which pro-
duce the flowers of the coming summer. Even
so, however, no great harm will have occurred.

Some years ago I remember seeing in Sep-
tember a group of pillars of Dorothy Perkins in
a low-lying garden near water, apparently in
full flower as we see them in summer, and I
was told that the early shoots had 'been destroyed
by a late frost, which, had caused the buds at
the base of the flowering shoots to push afresh
and give a late crop of bloom.

The Eugosa Roses which are pruned in Feb-
ruary presented no difficulty ; I merely cut
them a bud or two lower than usual and took
out rather more of the old wood. The hybrid
perpetuals also were pruned much as usual ; their
upright habit causes the new growth to appear
at the top of the strong shoots, far above the
point at which they are normally reduced.
The 'iifficulty seemed to arise when I came to
the H.T.'s and Teas, which are not generally
treated until the end of March and early April,
and some of us, partly perhaps out of curiosity
to see what would happen, have this year de-
ferred the pruning of these Roses even later
than usual.

There can, I think, be little doubt how it is
best to proceed. The rule that each shoot should
be pruned to a dormant bud should be observed,
perhaps with even greater care than in a normal
year. With the H.T.'s grown as dwarfs this
has generally been fairly easy, but with the
dwarf Teas lit has sometimes involved shortening
the plants to the ground level.

The case of standard Teas and H.T.'s has
presented a rather more serious problem. Where

standards are grow.a for garden decoration and
not merely to produce exhibition blooms, the art
of the primer is largely directed to forming a
well-balanced head To attain this not merely
must the shape of the tree after pruning he con-
sidered, but also the character of the branches
that are left.

If one is fortunate enough to find a tree with
several strong, well-ripened growths of the
pievious year fairly well placed to secure the
desired symmetry of the head, these may be
relied upon, removing the older growths. But
this seldom happens with a standard some years
old, wnich has already made a large head.
Here we may have to rely to a great extent on
branches that have been cut back for several
years, and whore there ire good, new growths
from the head, which we particularly wish to
retain, the tree has a provoking habit of making
them all on one side. Now it is well to remem-
ber that the growth which is likely to result
from these two classes of shoots will differ in
cnaracter and will probably be more vigorous
when proceeding from the young shoots than
from branches cut back for several successive
vears If, then, a standard such as I have sup-
posed is found, ihere are several things to be
considered in pruning it. First, if we reduce
the branches to a perfect .-ymmetry, one of two
things will happen, either the young branches
will shoot vigorously from th*ir tops and we
shall have a tree with much more vigorous
growth on one side than the other, while when
we come to prune in the following year we shall
find that the young shoots we left long to balance
the cut-back stems have been left with an un-
desirable length of barren wood without buds
on them, or if we have reduced the new growths
to a length sufficiently short to prevent this, we
shall have had to reduce the cut-back stems to
a point beyond the previous year's growth,
which has made them slow in starting growth
or perhaps produced inferior growth, or some-
times none at all. Parenthetic >Jly, I would add
that if it can he avoided the outward pointing
bud to which the pruning is carried should not,
be older than the growth of the previous year,
and if the previous year's growth is reduced to
the bud at its extreme base, this will usually be
slower in starting than one a trifle higher.

The conclusion to he reached, therefore, is
that strong, young shoots of the previous year
should be reduced somewhat auore than perfect
tymmetry immediately after pruning requires.
At the same time older growths in their imme-
diate neighbourhood should be freely sacrificed
so as to give the growths from the younger
shoots perfect freedom to develop.

Next, it is important to do everything we can
to provide for ih© development of young shoots
from as near the base of the head as possible.
With this object we should try every year to
reduce the cutback branches. If the cut-back
branch has made two good shoots, one at the
extremity and one a little further back, then
cut away the branch to the second shoot.

Again, avoid overcrowding the head, and
when opportunity offers out out an old stem
to the base, to make room for younger ones.

It is no bad plan after pruning a row of
standards, to go over them again after an in-
terval of about a week, noticing the buds that
are pushing out, and to revise the pruning
accordingly.

To Teturn to (he special difficulties of this
year. In the case of a few standards, and par-
ticularly in that of the Teas, it will sometimes
be found that there is no dormant bud to cut

to without reducing the size of the head to an
undesirable extent. The procedure hi such cases
must depend on the extent to which the last bud
to be retained has developed. If the bud has
only just broken, it may perhaps be left. If,
however it has grown out some inches, I think
it better to ?ut it Ijack nearly to its base with a
sharp kni'e. Buds that start too early are often
barren, or at best, produce malformed flowers.
Two shoots will probably start from the base of
the cut shoot, and when these are observed that
which is best placed may be retained and the
other rubbed out.

A question that many are asking is whether
the mild spring will prodo.ee an unusually early
summer flowering. With regard to the Rose
species and the summer flowering varieties
which receive little pruning, I mink the answer
is almost certainly yes. The garden Roses, how-
ever, or a perpetual character-, which receive
rather severe pruning, will in all probability be
more affected by the weather experienced in
May and June than by anything that has yet
occurred. White Hose.

THE PALMS OF THE RIVIERA.

The Riviera is usually considered to be the
point farthest from the tropical zone where
Palms are indigenous, and the one species found
here is the well-known Chamaerops humilis,
tut it has been exterminated as a wild plant on
this northernmost limit of its habitat. Still, if
no wild Palms are now to be found on the
Riviera, the cultivated species are numerous.
Indeed, 'probably in no part of the globe, not
even excepting tropical countiies, are so many
Palms to ibe found in gardens.

It must be remembered that, apart from a few
Date Palms which have existed for centuries, all
the Palms here are comparatively young, the
oldest hiving been planted only about hajfa-
centnry ago, and the great majority much later.
The Date Palm, Phoenix dactylifera, is slow-
growing, but many of the species introduced at
a comparatively recent date are of much quicker
giowth and have reached almost as great a
height as the old Date Palms

Palms are beautif'il at all times, die foliage
undergoing no apparent change. At limes and
a» seasons, varying according to the, species,
flowers are produced, and though the individual
flowers are insignih.'ant, their agglomeration in
very great numbers is often most graceful and
heightens the ornamental value of the plants,
especially as the yellowish-white colour con-
trasts agreeably with the foliage. When the
flowers are followed by the fruits, often pro-
duced in enormous numbers and sometimes of
striking colour, then the ornamental effect of
the Palms is further enhanced.

A Palm constitutes a perfect ornament, and
as it does not 'branch, it occupies little space.
It is therefore quite understandable that
on the Riviera, even along the principal
thoroughfares where the land is very high-priced
said the buildings crowded so as to leave only
a few square metres free for a little garden in
front, Palms are preferred for planting, and
as they rarely produce much shade it is possible
tu grow Roses and flowering bulbs under them.
South California, although about ten degrees
nearer the Equator than the Riviera, has a
climate almost identical, and any plant succeed-
ing here succeeds there. The same may be said
of South Africa, especially the Cape, most parts
of extra-tropical Australia, Chili, Argentina and,
of course, the Mediterranean region in general.
Any notes I may send about Palms apply not
only to the Riviera, but also to the other
countries named, of which some are a little
wanner, others a little cooler, but I hope to give
slso the minimum temperature which the dif-
ferent Palm species have resisted. A. Robertson
Proschowsky, Jardin d'AcclimoUation, Nice.

May 1, lthJO.j

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

21?

FLORISTS' FLOWERS.

PERPETUAL FLOWERING CARNATIONS
IN THE OPEN.

These Carnations are practically hardy, and
there is no doubt that in so far as private
growers are concerned the plants benefit from
being grown for a reasonable period in the
open. Compared with trade growers, many gar-
deners labour under difficult conditions. Small
houses are commonly employed, and the atmos-
pheric conditions prevailing in them are much
too artificial ; consequently the plants are
denied the same free circulation of air and the
natural earthy surroundings that prevail in the
larger, lofty structures of the specialists. More-
over, many in the neighbourhood of towns have
to contend with a deleterious atmosphere, with
all its disadvantages in winter. However, apart
from this, careful observation seems to point
to the necessity for growing a certain number
\>i plants for a period under natural conditions,
in order to keep them in full vigour and to
obtain healthy, short-jointed cuttings.

It is worth while to emphasise the value
of Perpetual -flowering Carnations in the open.
This is by no means a new use they are
being advocated for, yet there is considerable
hesitation in many parts in putting them to the
test. A few years ago much was said of their
bedding qualities, but many overlooked the
chief thing necessary to obtain success, which
is to plant good specimens. A bed of spring-
rooted plants is always lacking in effect. The
flowers are not plentiful enough to make it
attractive. Nothing less than stronjg, bushy
plants, well established in 48-sized pots, give
satisfaction. The very large-flowered kinds
are nbt the best for districts away from the
south. Various methods of raising the plants
suggest themselves. Cuttings rooted from April
to June and grown in cool conditions make ideal
specimens for the spring following, as by regu-
lar attention to stopping they may be kept
dwarf and bushy. Another method requiring
rather longer time but much less trouble is to
root the cuttings about 18 months before they
are required, in a cold frame. Here they may
pass the winter, to be planted out early in
spring, lifted and potted in the autumn, and
wintered in a cold house until planting tinv?.
Still another way is that of cutting the plants
that have been blooming for about a year well
back in January. By keeping the old stock
plants rather close but on the dry sidt3 and
spraying them overhead occasionally they souii
break, and by the time the weather is favourable
they will be in splendid condition for planting.

In any case, specimens already showiing for
flower and bushy in habit are essential. It is
an advantage if the bed or border can be made
ready to receive the plants sometime in April
or early in May. Seeing that stagnant moisture
and wireworms are the two main evils that prove
fatal to the plants in the open, a well-drained
soil and the destruction of this pest are of first
importance. Most soils benefit also from a
liberal addition of wood ash and old lime rubble;
in the case of very heavy soils it may even be
advisable to remove a portion and substitute
a good open compost of a similar nature to that
employed for pot plants. Manures that give
humus should be used sparingly, even on light
soils, as the necessary stimulating plant fond
is best supplied in the form of a concentrated
fertiliser, and bonemeal.

Carnations do best in firm soil, and. when
planting, the roots should be loosened a little
from the bottom of the ball, and the soil subt-e
quently worked well round it, care being taSen
not to bury the stem deeper than it has been
in the pot. Labour is saved if siutabie wire
supports are fixed at once.

Summer treatment is largely a matter of water-
ing in dry weather, with the careful use of the
hoe and an occasional dressing of some suitable
fertiliser. Aphides and thrps are the most
troublesome insect pests, but a timely spray-
ing with a nicotine insecticide will keep them
in check.

For bedding out it is evident that we need
more varieties with the dwarf and free-flowering

habit of the old scarlet Britannia. Excepting
t ai'ola and its sports most of the popular varieties
may be put out with equal success, in favoured
districts; otherwise preference should be given
to the smaller-flowered sorts.

I have already referred to planting out for the
summei cuttings rooted in the autumn in cold
frames, the bulk of which may be secured from
those doing service in the flower beds. It will
also be found an advantage to plant a batch
of spring-rooted plants out of doors. Apart from
tfye saving of labour, which io considerable, the
plants benefit from the full exposure. Red
spider is seldom troublesome, growth is re-
markably dwarf and yet free, and the plants may
be lifted in September without causing them any
apparent injury. Equal benefit is derived by
plants growing in pots when they are put in
the open for most of the summer. The only
protection necessary is from heavy rains. In
very sunny localities it is advisable to plunge
the pots in ashes to keep the roots cool. F. T .

future, and it will no doubt be possible to have
fine blooms of it almost all the year round. So
far I have had them as early as August, and
there will be no trouble in cutting good
blooms at the end of May. I also think it
possible to produce two crops from the same
plant during twelve months. Of course, certain
people will consider that Chrysanthemums are
out of season at this time of year and it would
not pay to grow them as the public do not want
them. On the contrary, although one of my
salesmen passed this remark two months ago,
since then he has on several occasions ordered,
by telegram, extra special Autocrat blooms for
his customera, and the prices so far have been
remunerative.

The aim of this note is not to teach
Chrysanthemum growers their business, but
rather to induce them to experiment for the
purpose of discovering the possibilities of this
and perchance some other valuable variety.

The plants illustrated in Fig. 99 had no special

Fig.

-CHRYSANTHEMUM AUTOCRAT, A LATE WHITE-FLOWERING VARIETY.

Photograph taken on March 29, 1920.

A LATE-FLOWERING CHRYSANTHEMUM.

It may interest readers of The Gardener*'
Chronicle if I relate my experience with the
beautiful Chrysanthemum named Autocrat, also
known as Enfield White, or Cheshunt White.

Long before and ever since Christmas of 1919
I have. been sending consignments of flowers of
this variety to Covent Garden Market. The
remarkable fact is that I am still sending fine
blooms, and forwarded very large consignments
during Easter week. Indeed, we shall continue
cutting good bloom for some time to come. The
flowers are of first-class quality, and they cer-
tainly have gained the admiration of all who
have seen them. I have enquired at Covent
Garden Market whether similar Chrysanthemum
blooms have been sent in previous seasons at
this time of the year, and I am told by some
salesmen that during their lifelong experience
at the market they have never seen anything to
equal them. Sometimes a few bunched sprays
of poor blooms are sent from an almost finished
crop. Never, however, has anyone previously
seen a house full of Chrysanthemums flowering
fresh and strong at Easter, looking as though
it were autumn (see Fig. 98).

1 believe this Chrysanthemum has a wonderful

treatment. I shall certainly make it my business
to treat Autocrat in the coming season with
extra care, and see what next season will bring
forth. H. A. de Graaff, Hampton.

LOBELIA TENUIOR.

litis Lobelia is a splendid, blue-flowering sub-
ject for the conseivato.-y during the summer and
autumn, and a sowing sihould be made now.
The plants from an earlier sowing are
ready for transferring to the pots in which they
will flower. Well grown examples require
6-inch pots As it is a slender-growing plant,
the best results are obtained by growling three
or four plants in a single pot. In common with
most pot-grown annuals, this Lobelia requires
careful cultivation.

Annuals in pots require timely attention
as regards staking; slender shoots of Hazel, or
the longer prunings of Apples and Pears, are
best for this purpose, as their natural colour is
less obtrusive Uian the usual green painted
stakes. The neat and artistic staking of plants
is by no means easy, and is deserving of more
care and attention than is usually given to it.
Foreman.

218

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Mat 1, 1920.

FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS ON THE
EELWORM DISEASE OF NARCISSUS.*

(Concluded from p. 207.)
Last year (1919) the treatment was com
menced early, for I was convinced that damage
occurred if root action had commenced. The
bulk of soaking was completed by the end of
September and no bad effects 'have resulted from
the treatment. Where the treatment was given
after September, the bulbs did not grow with
the same freedom as those treated earlier in the

on behalf of the Dutch Government, has experi-
mented more with the application of hot air
than with hot water. I visited Holland last May,
but found the work had not yet been placed
on a commercial basis, and until that time
arrives, we cannot compare the two treatments.
Having treated the bulbs, the utmost care
should he taken to plant them in ground which
has not previously carried a diseased crop of
Narcissi. I know of no commercial method of
rendering infected soil clean. Steam sterilisa-
tion may prove to be effective, but the expense
attached to the process would be too great.
Disinfection of soil by such chemicals as carbon

Fig. 100. — forced narcissus golden spur : the

EELW

season. Last year nearly 200 tons of 'bulbs, repre-
senting a total of about 6 million were treated
at Spalding. I think growers will agree that the
results are highly satisfactory. I do not lay
claim to have killed every eelworm and the
countless number of eggs contained in 200 tons
of badly diseased bulbs, but I have walked
through the stocks of treated bulbs and exam-
ined many beds, and can find no trace of disease

I do not propose to describe in detail the
apparatus at Spalding. The principle is that of
circulating water through a boiler to a supply
tank and from there to two soaking tanks and
back again through the boiler. The apparatus
is capable of taking 8 cwts. of bulbs at a time.
Thermometers registering the heat are inserted
in the flow and return pipes and there are also
two wall thermographs, which serve as a check
on tile work, recording the temperatures.

Last year lots of 300 bulbs were treated at a
temperature of 110° F. for 1, 2 and 3 hours, to
see what effect the treatment had on bulbs which
were to 'be used for forcing. Golden Spur was
the variety employed. I was alarmed to find
the damage done to the flower in the bulbs
treated for three hours. Records show that these
bulbs were treated early, and I believe the flower
bud had not sufficiently advanced to withstand
the treatment. Bulbs of different varieties—
Emperor, Empress, Sir Watkin and ornatus,
treated later, produced marketable flowers when
forced and were not injured in any way. Out of
doors the flowers came practically normal, al-
though in some cases the edges of the perianth
segments were imperfect, but by no means unfit
for market. Thus it has been found that by
soaking the infected bulbs for three hours ill
water at a temperature of 110° F., the eelworms
are killed, and if the treatment is carried out
throughout July, August and September, the
bulbs suffer no harm. It is aiso advisable not
to commence the treatment too early, but to
wait until the bulbs have ripened (about three
weeks after lifting time).

The cost of the hot-water treatment, inclusive
of labour, is estimated at about £1 per ton.
Not only are the eelworms killed by this hot-
water treatment, but the grabs of the larger
and lesser Narcissus files are also destroyed.

Dr. Slogteren, wlio is investigating the disease

* Lecture by Mr. J. K. Ramsbottom, delivered before
the Royal Horticultural Society and Horticultural Club
April 13, 1020.

STOCK SHOWED 95 PER CENT. INFECTION WITH
ORM.

bi-sulphide, toluene, naphthalene, mercuric-bi-
chloride and formaldehyde. I have proved to
be entirely useless. The best course is to
starve the eelworm out of the ground by grow-
ing crops that are immune to attack. Eel-
worm has been recorded on many crops, but
in nearly every case I have not been able to get
the eelworm affecting Narcissi to attack these
crops. The Onion was the exception, the crop
being absolutely destroyed when sown upon land
infected with Narcissus disease. How long
the eelworm can remain active in the soil I am
not prepared to say, but I think that infected

bulbs early (particularly if the stock is a costly
one) and when they have dried off, soak them
in water at a fixed temperature of 110° for
three hours. Do not carry the work of soaking
beyond the end of September. If the bulbs are
required foT forcing, I think it would be safer to
treat them for two hours at 110° and so eliminate
the danger of damaging the flowers. This two-
hour treatment does not free the bulbs entirely
from eelworm and if the bulbs are again required
for planting they must first undergo the full
treatment. I ought also to point out that the
apparatus used should be capable of doing
the work efficiently. A tank with a gas
ring underneath it may result in more harm
than good, as it is next to impossible to keep
the water at a fixed temperature. Even the
temperature of water in the tank varies greatly.
Where tons of 'bulbs have to 'be treated, the
apparatus becomes very costly and is work for
a heating expert.

(c) If Narcissus disease is present on the
farm see that infected soil is not carried about
and keep the infected ground isolated. For at
least five years grow upon the infected ground
crops which are immune to the eelworm Which
affects Narcissi.

(d) Having treated the bulbs, see that they
are planted on ground which has not carried a
diseased crop of Narcissi, and as far away as
possible from land which has carried diseased
stock. Do not contaminate the bulbs during the
interval between treatment and planting.

(e) Be ever on the look out for trouble. It
should not be taken for granted that because
a stock is healthy one year, it will be healthy
the next.

The time may not be far distant when the
purchaser will demand from the grower an
absolute guarantee that the bulbs supplied are
free from eelworm. I am certain that it is
posisible to tell whether diseased bulbs have
been supplied or whether the bulbs have con-
tracted the disease since leaving the growers'
hands.

I am quite confident that if growers take
the advice which has been offered them
they will be in a position to guarantee their
bulbs to be free from disease. It is a debatable
question as to whether rigid control ought to
lie brought into force, but I feel certain that
the bulb industry of this country has a greater
future before it than ever it had and con-

*2*\ %«L*J*

%u

■mM

Fig. 101. — NARCISSUS FROM same stock as in fig. 100, BUT treated FOP. ONE HOUR IN WATER
AT A ■ TEMPERATURE OF 110°. THESE BULBS SHOWED 65 PER CENT. OF EELWORM INFECTION AFTER

BEING FORCED.

ground should not be utilised for Narcissi for at
least five years, possibly longer.

Li conclusion, I know that I have left much
unsaid, but I have given the main points of the
work without too much detail.

To summarise : —

(1) Make certain how to recognise the disease
and do not confound it with other troulbles
which are not half so serious as the eelworm
disease.

(2) Examine all your bulbs, and if a diseased
stock is found, then (a) carefully remove all
plants showing signs of infection, (b) Lift the

sequently it behoves every grower to keep his
stocks in a high state of perfection and free
from disease. The hot-water system is an easy
and effectual method of rendering Narcissus
bulbs free from the disastrous attacks of eel-
worm, but the precautions I have given in treat-
ing the bulbs must be rigorously 6bserved,
especially as regards the correct degree of tem-
perature of the water in the whole of the
vessel. For this reason it may he necessary to
employ a special apparatus, such as that em-
ployed in the treatment of the bulbs at Spald-
ing.

% Mat 1, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

219

VEGETABLES.

CABBAGES.

If Darwin in -writing his Origin of Species,
had required an additional instance of the extra-
ordinary capacity for variation of any recog-
nised species, he could scarcely have chosen a
more typical example than the Cabbage, which,
under various forms, is perhaps the most pro-
minent and certainly one of the most indispen-
sable crops of kitchen gardens and allotments.

In referring to the "greens," as they are

selection seems to have been in favour of heads
having particularly white centres, while the
French varieties have a tendency to red in the
outer leaves. Probably soil has much to do
with this colouration, for further north, in
the Netherlands, the all-red Cabbage was
developed. In the South of Europe, a type
having crinkled instead of smooth and glossy
leaves gave us the familiar Savoy, so named
from the district whence it was first brought
to this country.

Of the varieties which, instead of forming one
large mass of leaves, send up a tall stem and

flower buds. These, again, are divided into
purple and green sorts, and lead us naturally
to the most remarkable development of all,
the production of a large head of closely-packed
flower-buds.

Gardeners often argue as to the difference
between white Broccoli and Cauliflowere, ana
do not seem to agree upon the point. As
they obviously sprang from the same source,
it seems impossible to find a clear definition,
although it may well be that the Cauliflower,
which is not so hardy as the Broccoli, was pro-
duced independently. This section, most highly
esteemed of all the Cabbage group, seems to
have come to Europe from the Island of Cyprus.
Seventeenth century English gardeners con-
sidered that only seed procured direct from the
Mediterranean region would produce th,e true
large-headed " Kale-flower.'' We have changed
all that, and V ditch's Autumn Giant will pro-
duce heads a couple of feet in diameter, a size
that would certainly astonish the Cypriote who
first took to munching selected fat buds of the
" Cole-flower." Herbert Mace.

Fig. 102.— narcissus golden spur; same stock as in fig. 100, forced after the bulbs had

BEEN TREATED FOR TWO HOURS IN WATER AT A TEMPERATURE OF 110°. FLOWERS AND FOLIAGE

OF EELWORM INFECTION REMA'NED. (See p. 218.)

GOOD ; BUT ABOUT 1 PER CENT.

generally classed by the cook, the gardener
usually calls them the Brassica " family," but
as a matter of fact, they belong, not to one
family, nor, indeed, one genus, but one species
only. That species, Brassica oleracea, — Cabbage,
Colewort, Collet or Kale, as it is variously
named — is still found wild on various parts of
the Britisfh coast, and is sometimes used as a
cooked vegetable in places where it grows
freely. It is a Cruciferous plant whose appear-
ance may readily be recognised by those familiar
with undersized Cabbages which have "bolted1'
and flowered.

Bearing in mind this simple, wild plant, with
its loose spike of bright yellow flowers, it is
amazing to think of the strange developments
which it has undergone under cultivation. Every
part, of the plant has been modified, sometimes
in one direction, sometimes another. Four main
lines have been followed — (1» the development of
an enormous number of large, closely-packed
leaves in one head as in the Cabbage and Savoy :

(2) a development of stem and lateral shoots as in
Brussels Sprouts and the Sprouting Broccoli :

(3) a great increase in the size and number of
haves, as in the familiar Borecole or Kale,
and (4) the extraordinary agglomeration of
flower buds into a fleshy mass, as in the Cauli-
flowter and Broccoli.

If not the most highly esteemed vegetable for
culinary purposes, the Cabbage unquestionably
takes pride of place in regard to the e.xten-
siveness of its cultivation, and apparently it was
in this direction that the original Colewort, which
attracted the gastronomic attention of primitive
man. first started on its highly-specialised career.
The Gauls, indeed, must have grown it, or
found it growing in this form, for it is distinctly
referred to by them as Chou capu. The former
name is retained by the French not only for the
Cabbage, Chou cabuSj but for all the other
types, for example CJwu-fle.ur, the C-aulii flower.
Us development seems to have been carried on
simultaneously in moat of the Northern
European countries, and at the present time all
the innumerable varieties maybe classed in groups
Springing fnun a. few distinctive forms pr>. lined
in different countries. The typically British
Cabbage seems to be that represented to-day
by the variety Enfield Market. In Portugal, the

side-shoots, the Brussels Sprout is perhaps the
best known. It also has blistered leaves of the
Savoy type, and its peculiarity is that the ten-
dency to compact folding of the leaves into a
ball is brought out in the numerous sprouts
which form in the axils of the leaves. This
variety, as its name indicates, is of Belgian
origin, and is mentioned in market records of
that country as far back as the thirteenth
century.

Perhaps there are more variations of this tall
sprouting form than any other, for we have
the Tree Cabbage, which in the Channel Islands

THE SPRING PLANTING OF VNES.

Those who have facilities for propagating,
raise vines to have them in readiness for planting
during the present month, or as late as the
middle of June. May. however, is the l>e-l
month for planting vines, as genial weather
which usually fallows is favourable to the vines
making rapid growth and also tor ripening tin-
wood. Do not grow young vines in very small
pots; those of 7 or 8 inches in duameter are the
most suitable size. Another method is to insert
the eyes in squares of turf, and later place them
in boxes of a convenient size, for planting. The
border should be made in advance to allow the
materials to become thoroughly warmed ; the
sun will soon warm the surface, and, with a
lining of fresh Oak leaves, the soil will lie
warmed to a good depth. In these conditions,
with a, moist, genial atmosphere in the house,
the young, green "vines will make rapid and
healthy growth. Do not plant the vines deeply,
but place warm compost firmly round their
roots, and wafer them with soft, tepid water to
settle the soil. Although shade is hardly needed,
a slight covering may be necessary for a few
days in very bright weather. Keep the house
fairly close until the roots have grown in the
fresh soil, and the shoots are developing freely.

FlG. 103. — FORCED NARCISSUS GOLDEN SPUR, SAME STOCK AS IN FIG. 100; BULBS TREATED FOR THREE
HOURS IN WATER AT A TEMPERATURE OP 110°. GROWTH VIGOROUS AND BULBS FREE FROM LEI,

WORM INFECTION. [Srr p. 218.)

grows to a height of ten feet or more and pro-
duces an enormous quantity of side-shoots ; the
Flanders Kale, which is like the Tree Cabbage,
but. as in tin dwarf form, has the local purple
colour; and Scotch Kale, with deep green, in-
tensely curled leaves.

hi the section known as Broccoli, there is a.
bewildering variety. Some are cultivated
mainly for the side-shoots thrown out in the
spring, and instead of forming miniature
heads [ike I he Brussels Sprout, produce tender

but guard against the temperature exceeding 855
to 90°. The distance lor planting should depend
on the length ..I rafter and the future method
,,i training; a distance iparl of from 4 feet t^
6 feet or more is suitable for vines to be grown
on the extension system. The planting o! super-
numerary vim's £or fruiting a year after planting

is not to be recon nded, as it requires a very

strong resolution to remove them in time, and
if this is not done. Ii.nin results to the legitimate
vines. J.

220

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[May 1. 1920,

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

Twentieth Century Potatos.
The title of Mr. J. Eraser's hook* is not
altogether a happy one, as it suggests that
reference is made only to modern Potatos,
whereas certain of the varieties carefully de-
scribed by the author have been in cultivation
upwards of thirty years, and some for over half
a century. Some 817 varieties are described
in the 72 pages of the book, and in almost
every instance the description includes the name
of the raiser and introducer, date of introduc-
tion, the shape and colour of the tubers, colour
of flowers, and reference to quality, habit of
growth and cropping capacity. Resistance to
Potato disease and immunity to wart disease
are recorded, and the relative ea.rliness or late-
ness of the variety is set forth by means of
figures in every instance. The book is a record
of painstaking work, conducted over a long
period of years; it is interesting and useful,
but its usefulness would 'be increased if, at the
end, lists of varieties classified according to
shape, colour, earliness, and immunity to
disease, were inserted in future editions.
Annual Flowers. t
This is one of a series of nature books in
course of publication hy Holden and Harding-
ham, Ltd. of the dimensions of an ordinary
pocket book. The work treats of the commoner
sorts of annual and biennial flowers for the
decoration of the garden and for the production
of flowers for cutting. The remarks on cultiva-
tion are generally to the point though meagre in
detail, and some of these details scarcely agree
with the 7>ractice of gardeners, e.g., sowing
Lobelia in autumn, Gilia coronopifolia in Janu-
ary to be planted cut in May, and Canary Creeper
in heat. Some of the commoner perennials are
also noted as being subject to annual or bi-
ennial treatment, but such sterling plants as
Dahlias, Hollyhocks, Pansies, Verbenas, Cannas,
Begonias, Gourds and Salvia splendens, to men-
tion a few amenable to that culture, are strangely
overlooked. In the list of Sweet Peas we jostle
against Blanche Burpee and other venerable
iadies of last century, whose names we had not
seen for a very long time

A Sweet Pea Book.*

A Second edition has been issued of Mr.
W. Cuthbertson's essay on -Sweet Peas and
Snapdragons, first published in 1915. It is
practically identical with the first edition,
but the list of varieties has been brought
up to date. Some of the old sorts are
still there, however, e.g., John Ingman, of
ugly magenta tint; Nora Unwin, and Edrom
Beauty, still a fine variety. Those who believe
that varieties die out need not be surprised to
find these and other old kinds included, because
the author assures us that varieties are con-
tinually being renewed and frequently improved
by the Sweet Pea specialist. He tells us. too, how
to get the lovely Audrey Crier true by crossing
Princess Victoria and Edrom Beauty. Tom
Jones, Warrior, Mrs. A. Hitchcock, Constance
Hmton (loveliest of whites). Royal Purple,
beloved of ladies, and other newer sorts are also
noted as those to be grown either for exhibition
or home use. The essay is one of the briefest
of the many books on this ever-cha.i-ming flower,
but it is also one of the best.

The part of the book devoted to the Antir-
rhinum is briefer still. but. adequate
from a cultural point of view. My experience
differs from the author's as to the" time to re-
move spikes. Mr. Cuth'bertson says when
flowered out, hut that would mean here a
cessation of flowering on the part of the plants,
and I find it essential to remove before that
stage is reached. But seasons have much to do
with the uninterrupted flowering of this plant
which has 'become a feature in almost everv
garden. B. P. B.

• Twentieth Century Potatos. By .T. Fraser T? T *
i Everybody's Book of Garden Annuals n„ w„ i

2s? asns £*• *»*»■ HX-na^n1;:

Kr-eond edition, price ft. 3d. and C""

[The Editor* do not hold themselves responsible for
the opinions expressed by correspondents.]

Rain and Fruit Prospects. — Since November,
1919, very wet, mild weather has been experi-
enced among these Welsh hills. Everything
hardy is very forward, but outdoor work is
sadly behind and in many7 gardens and allotments
digging has not commenced, and we are in the
last part of April. Peal's have set well, and all
small fruits look promising. Gooseberries
should be a good crop ; Apples are coming
into bloom and the first Strawberry flowers are
opening on a south border. We have, however,
had two dry days and I hope dry weather will
continue. The growth of Sharpe's Express
Potato A/aS well up in the raw two weeks ago.
Three inches of rain fell last week — a record '
J . P., Aberdare, April 18.

Sparrows and Fruit Buds. — I am sorry I did
not read Mr. Teatherton's letter in reference to
my remarks that sparrows destroy the fruit buds
of Currant and Gooseberry, and I must thank
Mr. Tomalin for calling my attention to it.
That anybody with any pretence to observation
should deny this astonishes me, for I have had
ocular proof of it for over fifty years. If Mr.
Teatherton has sparrows in his garden he will
find that they pick out the fruit buds of Currant
and Gooseberry. I may add that I have studied
the habits of birds for over fifty years and am
fairly well known in the ornithological world as
>>n outdoor observer. F. Bnyes, Norwood,
Beverley.

Onion Fly.— The Onion Fly (Phorbia cepa-
ruim) may 'be combated by 'hoeing the ground
frequently during its resting period and by burn-
ing all infected bulb.i. Strew lime and soot in
1 ict ween the rows of seedlings, and spray them
with petroleum emulsion earlv in the spring. I
have tried these methods with satisfactory re-
sults. 0. M. Cormich

Prices for Late Apples. — I am not surprised
to see Market Grower complain that stored
Apples did not pay this season. My experience
is the same, and it is common with growers. In
this neighbourhood — South Hants — Bramley's
Seedling sold for lis per bushel in November.
During the middle of February 8s. per bushel
was the market price. The shortage of sugar
and its increase in price doubtless had much
to do with the low prices for Apples. The low
general prices obtaining about that time and a
little later were attributed by some to inferior
grading ; such a suggestion to a practical man
savours of the ridiculous. Men of my acquaint-
ance, who realised these low prices as well as
myself, know their business, as market men ;
such suggestions can only have been made by
those ignorant of the subject. Recently the
market price for Dumelow's Seedling (Welling-
ton) was 19s. 6d. per bushel. In this neigh-
bourhood this Apple has kept better than any
other kitchen variety. Bramley's Seedling and
Newton Wonder deteriorated quite suddenly,
which, I am told, was the common experience
in certain neighbourhoods. E. M .

Hybrid Oestrums. — By the kindness and cour-
tesy of Sir David Pra'in, Director at Kew, a
specimen of Oestrum, placed in my hands. Shaft
came from San Remo, has been identified as a
hybrid between C. fasciculatum and C. Parqui.
There is a specimen of the same plant in the
Kew Herbarium that had come from Mentone.
These specimens seem of interest because there
exists, apparently, on the Riviera, a Cestrum
that has not been dignified with a name, and
there is also the question of its origin. To me
this plant is of much interest in comparison
with a hybrid I have raised, one of
the parents being also C. Parqni. because
the leaves of the San Remo plant are
fairly identical with those of that species,
though the flowers seem to have been less the
result of its influence. The hvbrid of mine to
which I refer was between C. elegans (fern.) and
0. Parqui, the last I made at Cambridge. C
Parqui, which I met with for the first time
many years ago in the Jardin des Plantes, Paris,
as a very hardy plant, coming up from the

ground every year like a hardy Fuchsia and late
in the summer bearing large heads of rather
dull, yellow flowers in profusion. My object was
to get the bright colour of its greenhouse rela-
tive upon a similarly hardy plant for outdoor
culture, but it cannot be said that the plants
I saw flower gave much promise to this end.
They were of interest, however, because of the
almost absolute domination of the male parent,
the only evident difference being found in the
flowers, which still bore strong evidence of C.
Parqui. The domination of the male parent
could hardly be more complete. A special
object I had in view, supposing the plants were
fertile, was to raise seedlings from them to study
on Mendelian lines. Mendelism, if one may so
term it, is shown only by the crossing Of closely
allied forms of the same species. Why is it
not shown in the case of hybrids between more
distantly related plants? The relation or dif
ference has never, I believe, been discussed,
and fertile hybrids have hardly, perhaps, been
raised to a sufficient extent with the special
view of observation. B. Irwin Lynch.

Rhododendron Edgeworthii. — In the notice of
this fine species (see page 208). II'. states that
" it cannot be grown out of doors, except in
especially favoured localities in the south-west
of England and Ireland." This limitation
should be extended probably to the whole of
the west coast of England and Scotland where-
ever shelter from outting winds can be secured.
Here we train it against a wall, which suits
its straggling habit of growth. We have two
bushes about seven feet high, which, without
any other protection, flower profusely in May.
We have also a young plant established as an
epiphyte or saprophyte on the decayed cleft of
au old Beech, Mr. McDouall, of Logan, has
succeeded in the same manner, which accords
with the natural tendency of the species to grow
in such a position. R. bullatum, the Chinese
counterpart of R. Edgeworthii, is reputed to be
hardier ; but the severe frost of November, 1919,
was fatal to the only specimen — a small one —
which we had in the open border without pro-
tection. Herbert Maxwell, Monreith.

The Education of Young Gardeners (see p.
145). — It is surprising that the past system — or
lack of system — of horticultural training has
produced a gardener carefully trained to his
craft, who, generally speaking, understands the
nature of soils, the general effects of climate
and temperature upon vegetation, and not only
the names but the natures of many kinds of
plants ; whilst careful study has enabled him
to obtain valuable knowledge of his' calling.
The young gardener is an individual "with mental
;is well as physical forces, ideas as well as amis
to work with. The very first step in his educa-
tion is to increase that individuality. When
we consider that the choice of a gardening
career by many lads is determined by exterior
circumstances, environment or accident, rather
than by any particular impulse upon their part,
can we wonder that this progressive profession
has little charm for them and means in the end
little more than a "blind alley." Such lads
fulfil the obligations of duty, yet without pos-
sessing that zeal, energy or observing power
which tends to success. All depends upon those
under whom the youth is trained. A little tact
and correct appreciation on their part, instead
of the too-often assumed assurance that there
is no ground for hope in their proteges, seldom
fails to elicit a spark of dormant talent. I con-
tend that many a lad's lack of interest in his
work is not entirely due to indolence of dis-
position, nor dull, impenetrable stupidity, but
to lack of consideration and tact on the part
of his superiors. The first essentials to produce
efficient work are good feeling and mutual
understanding. By showing cheerfulness and
enthusiasm, the head gardener usually creates
in the youths under him confidence, ambition
and concentration. There is a magnetic influ-
ence in strength of cliaracter which youth
admires and often aspires to achieve. This
causes thought and observation, and self-in-
struction generally follows. L. W. Young, 47.
Tredegar Road, 'Hartford Heath : late Waiter
Priori/ Hardens. York.

May 1, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

221

[SOCIETIES.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

April 27. — Spring flowering shrubs, Roses,
Tulips, Orchids and Auriculas provided the
principal attractions at the Royal Horticultural
Hall, on the above date. Exhibits were
numerous and good and the visitors so many
that there was a crush throughout the after-
noon. Novelties were not of outstanding im-
portance.

Floral Committee.

Present : Messrs. Henry B. May (in the
chair), W. J. Bean, S. Morris. John Green,
John Heal, W. Howe, A. Ireland, J. W.
Blakey, C. R. Fielder', John Dickson, Ghas.
Dixon, A. J. Jaokman, E. F. Hazelton, W. P.
Thomson, E. H. Jenkins, R. W. Wallace, R.
Cory, ArthTir Turner, J. F. McLeod, J. Jen-
nings, J. W. Barr, F. Page Roberts, G. W.
Leak, George Paul, W. B. Dykes, G. Williams,
Clarence Elliott, H. Cowlev "and W. B. Gran-
field.

Awards of Merit.

Iris Yellowhammer. — A pretty, tall, free-
flowering, seedling Iris, of a pleasing shade
■of soft yellow, shown by Mr. W. R. Dykes. The
falls are reticulated at the base with greenish-
yellow and the beard is orange gold. The
•standards are broad, about three inches tall,
and they overlap. The variety is one of the
earliest flowering of the tall, bearded Irises.

Carnation Renown. — A pale-pink perpetual ■
flowering Carnation of excellent form and sub
•stance. The calyx is entire and the petals
of good substance, roundish in shape and with
nearly entire margins. Fragrance is an addi-
tional charm to this fine novelty. Shown by
Messrs. Win. Cutbush and Son.

Anemone St. Bavo. — This is a handsome
strain of Anemone of the A. fulgens type, but
showing a considerable variety of colours. The
form and poise of the flowers are distinctly
those of A. fulgens, and those who love this
brilliant Windflower will greatly appreciate
the wider range of colour now provided by the
St. Bavo istrain. The tones included "rose,
scarlet, red, pink, rosy-lilac, salmon and mag-
enta. Shown by Mr. C. G. Van Tubergen,
■Jnr., Haarlem.

Freesia Apogee. — This is a striking new
Freesia with large blooms of a lovely shade of
yellow. In form and size it is the best of the
yellow group, though, perhaps, not the deepest
in colour. The lower segments are blotched
with orange, which tone is reflected in the
throat generally. Shown by Mr. C. G. van
Tubergen, Jnr., Haarlem.

Groups,

Messrs. AllwooD Brothers displayed per-
petual-flowering Carnations in splendid style and
in large numbers; they showed their own varie-
ties, and among these Wivelsfield White,
Wivelsfield Claret and Jessie Allwood stood
out prominently (Silver-gilt Flora Medal).— i
Messrs. Wm. Cutbush and Son filled a large
space with dwarf and standard Roses and flower-
ing shrubs; their dwarf Rose, Mrs. W. Cut-
bush, was the leading feature of the group
(Silver-gilt Banksian Medal).

Mr. Keith Luxford and Mr. C. Engelmann
were extensive exhibitors of perpetual-flowering
Carnations, and were awarded a Silver Flora
and a Silver Grenfell Medal respectively. —
Mr. G. W. MttLER contributed spring flowers,
and made an effective display with Polyanthuses
(Silver Banksian Medal).— Violas in great
variety, set up in small pans, were shown by
Messrs. Carter, Page and Co. (Bronze Bank-
sian Medal).

Messrs. R. Wallace and Co.'s group con-
sisted of standard Cytisus in variety and Azaleas
arranged over various alpines (Silver Flora
Medal). — Messrs. Bowell and Skarratt had
a fine group of Gentians in their collection of
alpine flowers, the latter including Bowles'
Black Viola (Bronze Banksian Medal). — Messrs.
B. Ladhams showed Cardamine pratense
lilacina and the dwarf yellow Cheiranthus Little
Gem.

Messrs. Stuart Low and Co. were exhibitors
of perpetual-flowering Carnations and showed
Red Beacon and Mrs. E. Douty in good form
(Silver Banksian Medal). — Primula Forrestii,
Ramondias and Clematis were the features of
Messrs. Piper's group (Bronze Flora Medal). —
Mr. Clarence Elliott had a grand display of
Gentians, backed by Tiarellas and dwarf Pines.
— Mr. W. Wells, Jnr., exhibited Geum Bonsii,
and Messrs. Bakers showed Ranunculus
montanum and other alpine flowers (Bronze
Banksian Medal).

Mollis Azaleas, freely-flowered and bright,
were used by Messrs. J. Peed and Son to fill
one corner of the hall. Azalea Favour te, rich
red, was finely shown (Bronze Flora Medal). —
Rhododendron' fragrantissimum R. Dalhousiae
Victorianum were shown, with Maples and
Wistarias, by Mr. L. R. Russell. In another
group Mr. Russell showed stove plants, includ-
ing a brilliant-flowered, but runnamed, Gesnera
(Silver Grenfell Medal).

Mr. M. Yorke exhibited tig flowering
branches of Erica arborea, E. a. alpina, E.
codonodes, E. australis and numerous Trilliums
(Silver Grenfell Medal).— Mr. G. Reuthe's
Rhododendrons were very bright and attractive,
and in his group were noted Menziesia multi-
flora major, and a lovely little plant of Daphne
rupestris grandiflora (Silver Grenfell Medal). —
Mr. C. van Tubergen's Freesias were delight-
ful; he had Buttercup, Success, Gold Coin and
Apogee, ail yellow sorts,, and La Charmant, a
pink and yellow variety (Bronze Banksian
Medal).

St. Brigid Anemones were shown by Messrs.
Reamsbottom and Co. (Bronze Banksian
Medal).— Mr. Prichard contributed alpine
plants (Bronze Banksian Medal), and Messrs.
Waterer, Sons and Crisp exhibited hardy
flowers in variety (Bronze Flora Medal) ; while
Messrs. Tucker and Co. showed a very bright
collection of low-growing plants suitable for the
rock garden (Silver Banksian Medal).

Orchid Committee.

Present : Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart, (in the
chair), Sir Harry J. Veitch, Messrs. Jas.
O'Brien (lion, secretary), W. Bolton, C. J.
Lucas, R. Brooman White, Gurney Wilson,
Arthur Dye, Walter Cobb, J. E. Shill, W. H.
Hatcher, J. Charlesworth, A. McBean, E. R.
Ashton, Fred K. Sander, R. E. Rolfe, Pantia
Ralli and Stuart H. Low.

AWARDS.
Award of Merit.

Brasso-Laelio-C'attleya Joan var. Excelsior
(0. Octave Doin X B.-L. Mary Gratrix), irom
Messrs. Charlesworth and Co., Haywards
Heath. A noble, clear yellow hybrid, but
scarcely equal to the original flowered by the
firm., and which, it is said, realised 2o0
guineas.

Odontoglossum Advla (eximium X Doris),
from Pantia Ralli, Esq., Ashtead Park (Orchid
grower Mr. Fames). A superb flower of per-
fect shape, reddish-purple, with .blush-white
margins and tip. The front of the lip is white.

. Catthya Tityus Fasey's variety (Enid X
Octave Doin), from W. R. Fasey, Esq., Holly
Bush Hill, Snaresbrook. The fourth of this
very showy cross to receive an Award, and the
best. The flowers, of perfect shape, are rose
coloured, with purplish-crimson front to the lip.

Odontoglossum Bonaparte (Aglaon x per-
cultum), from W. R. Fasey, Esq. (Orchid
grower Mr. Seymour). Flower large and of
perfect form, white, showily blotched with
purplish crimson.

Odontoglossum Fabia Frant Court variety
(eximium X Aglaon), from B. H. Smith, Esq.,
Frant Court). A diarming Odontoglossum,
white, with clusters of claret blotches around
which are rose-purple rays.

Odontoglossum Diamond (King Arthur X
rxiniiitni). from Messrs. J. and A. McBean,
Cooksbridge. One of the best of the deeply
coloured hybrids, perfect in form and richly
blotched with dark mauve.

Odontioda Decia (Oda. Charlesworthii x
Odm. Mars), from Messrs. Armstrong and
Brown, Tunbridge Wells. A fine extension in

the dark-coloured Odontiodas, the flowers being
large, of fine form and deep claret in colour with
a gold shade.

Groups.

Messrs. Charlesworth and Co., Haywards
Heath, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for
a fine group of excellently-well-grown Orchids,
in which their superb forms of Miltonia Charles-
worthii, M. Lyoth and others of their raising
were very effective. With them were showy
Odontoglossums of bright colours, but probably
the most admired were their fine, white, lemon-
yellow spotted forms of 0. crispum xanthotes,
and their home-raised, typical, white 0. crispum,
which are still the most favourite Odontoglos-
sums. Richly coloured Odontoglossums and
Odontiodas and a. general representative selection
of Orchids of the season made up the group.

H. T. Pitt, Esq., Rosslyn, Stamford Hill (gr.
Mr. Thurgood), secured a Silver Flora Medal
for a choice group of good hybrids and some
rare species. Miltonia vexillaria Menioria
G. D. Owen and the rose-coloured Cynorchis
kewensis were noted in the group.

Messrs. J. and A. McBean. Cooksbridge, were
awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a very well-
arranged exhibit of Odontiodas, Odontoglossums
and other hybrids.

Messrs. Sanders, St. Albans, were awarded
a Silver Banksian Medal for a number of showy
hybrids, and rare species, including Coelogyne
pandurata.

Messrs. Armstrong and Brown, Orchid-
hurst, Tunbridge Wells, were awarded a Silver
Banksian Medal for a selection of excellent
hybrids, including Odontioda Zampa Orchid-
hurst, variety (Coronation x Cooksoniae), a
grand improvement on Oda, Coronation and fine
in form and colour and Oda. Corojasp (Oda.
Coronation x Odm. Jasper), rich purplish-red,
with white transverse markings.

Mr. Harry Dixon, Spencer Park, Wands-
worth Common, was awarded a Silver Banksian
Medal for a pretty group which contained ex-
cellent Odontoglossums and Odontiodas. A very
interesting specimen in this exhibit was a very-
fine plant of Vanda Parishii Marriottiana, with
a fine spike of wax-like, rose flowers.

Messrs. Flory and Black were awarded a
Silver Banksian Medal for a group in which
good hybrid Odontoglossums were pronnnent.

Other Exhibits.

Baron Bruno Schroder, The Dell, Englefield
Green (gr. Mr. J. E. Shill), showed fine cut
spikes of the very handsome Odontoglossum
crispum Leonard Perfect, and 0. c. apiatum from
the original specimen bought by the late Baron
Schroder at what was then thought a record
price.

Messrs. Stuart Low and Co., Bush Hill Park
and Jarvisbrook, Sussex, showed the pretty
LaeMo-Cattleya Ferschro (L.-C. Feroma X
Schroderae), a pretty hybrid, formed like L.
Schroderae, but tinged with primrose yellow.

B H. Smith, Esq., Frant Court, Sussex,
showed Odontoglossum crispum Frant • Court
variety a clear white flower of fine form.

C J Lucas, Esq., Warnham Court, showed
Odontoglossum Thetis (Solon x The Czar), of
fine shape and rich colour.

Dr Miguel Lacroze showed a very fine form
of Brasso-Cattleya Cliftonii magnifica and other
hybrids; also Sophro-Laelio-Cattleya Entre Rios
(S-L.-C, Marathon X L.-C. St. Gothard), a
very promising hybrid; and Odontoglossum
Fanstina (Dora X eximium), of good form and
pleasingly marked.

G W Bird, Esq., The Manor House, West
Wickharn (gr. Mr. Redden), showed two well
grown Odontiodas.

Narcissus and Tulip Committee.

/',-, ., ,,t ■ Mr K. A. Bowles |in the chair). Miss
Willmott, Messrs. W. R. Dykes, G. W. Leak,
1> 1!, Barr. J. Jacob, W. B. Oanfield, O.
Churcher, W. F. M. Copeland, W. Poupart,
...i,l Charles H. Curtis (Hon. Sec.).

As a result of the recent cold weather. Tulips
were not a great feature on this date. There

222

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[May 1, 1920.

■Was, however, one very fine display of Darwin
varieties, and a couple of novelties.

Awards of Merit.

Tulip Advance.— A wonderful Tulip, with
flowers of the largest size, good form and fine
substance. It is a seedling from T. Gesnenana.
The colour is clear scarlet, with a blue base,
but the outer segments are marked on the out-
side with pink, which shades to dull white, and
this detracts somewhat from the brilliance of
the blooms. However, it is a grand Tulip.
Shown by Mr. C. G. van Tubergen, Jnr.,
Haarlem, Holland.

Tulip Firenze.—A charming Tulip belonging
to the strangulata group. It has pointed flowers
of medium size and good substance, and the
colour is clear, soft orange. This is one of the
Tulips of Florence, where it is known as Tulipa
Buonarotiana, though this, apparently, is not
a correct name. Mr. Bowles has grown the
plant at Myddleton House, and among his
friends it has come to be known as Bowles'
Orange. It. has now been exhibited and duly
named. Shown by Mr. W. B. Dykes, Godal-
ming.

Groups.

One of the finest groups of Darwin and Cot-
tage Tulips ever seen in the hall was exhibited
on this occasion by Messrs. Dobbie and Co.
Their flowers were well grown and admirably
staged in stands of varying height. The group
occupied the whole of the space between_ the
entrance and the east annexe. Notable varieties
shown were The Giant, Edmee, Erguste, White
Swan, Psyche, Faust, Bouton d'Or, Dora and
Clara Butt (Gold Medal).

Messrs. G. Bunyard and Co. contributed a
group of Tulips and Irises. The former were
in excellent condition, and the blooms of Psyche
and Clara Butt very fine (Silver Banksia-i
Medal).

Messrs. Barr and Sons showed a group of
Darwdn and Cottage Tulips, in whidh most of
the popular sorts were represented ; the flowers
were young and somewhat small, hut very fresh
and bright (Silver Flora Medal)

Mr. A. Kobinson, Bawtry, showed Daffodils,
and the group was a surprise to most visitors
owing to the fact that most Daffodils are over
in the south. Mr. Robinson had good specimens
of Lolah, Pedestal, Molly Bawn, Queen of
Hearts, Croesus and King Alfred.

Fruit and Vegetable Committee.

Present: Messrs. J. Cheal (in the chair),
G. F. Tinley, G. Berry, Owen Thomas, E. A.
Bunyard, P. C. M. Veitch, H. Markham, S. B.
Dicks, J. G. Weston, W. H. Divers, W.
Wilks, A. H. Pearson. A. Bullock, J. S. Kelly.
W. Bates, Ed. Harris and E. Beckett.

The only exhibit was a collection of vege-
tables staged by Messrs. Sutton and Sons, for
which a Silver Banksian Medal was awarded.
This excellent collection was of a similar char-
acter, and of the same fine quality, as this
firm's exhibit at the last meeting. On this
occasion the chief kinds were Market Cucum-
bers; Potatos, Epicure, Duke of York, Ninety-
fold and May Queen ; Lettuces, Matchless and
Early Paris; Mushrooms, Radishes, Cress and
Mustard.

pressed iboldly, enjoyed themselves in his society
and found themselves filled with a strong and
warm affection for one who dealt so justly and
unsparingly with them and with everyone else.
For they could not but fail to discover that
John Sn'ell was brusque of speech, not because
he loved them less, 'but because he loved truth
more. He was an enthusiast and had the minor
defects and major merits of that rare class of
men. He was happy in his work, and no man
could have made a greater success of the Ornis-
kirk Trials than did John Snell. Untiring m
his work, he possessed an unrivalled knowledge
of Potato varieties, and he must have been a
dull person who did not derive keen enjoyment
and much information from the annual pilgrim-
age to the trials at Ormskirk. There John
Snell reigned, throned in the affection of the
Lancashire growers, and no matter who the dis-
tinguished person who presided at the Confer-
ence, John Snell was the "star," and the con-
ference revolved about him like satellites about
a sun. Impetuous and dogmatic he was — for he
preserved always the temperament of youth —
but these traits were not blemishes except in the
cold eyes of the sedately wise. They were
endearments which make us like less perfect
tilings and men more than those of finished
perfectness. His loss is a severe (blow to the
great industry of Potato growing. It will be
deplored by large numbers of horticulturists all
over the country; for no man ever went out
apparently to make so many enemies and found
so many friends. F. K.

**£ Owinq to pressure upon our space, ws
are compelled to hold over our reports of the
Hose and Auricula Shows. — Eds.

©bftnarp.

THE LATE MR. JOHN SNELL.
Appreciations.
One of the most foolish of aphorisms is that
no man is indispensable; the opposite is the
truth — all men of capacity and character are in-
dispensable. Of such men John Snell was one.
Sturdy, with piercing blue eyes, direct and
abrupt of speech, he attracted the more by re-
pelling at a first meeting. To those who live
by soft civilities, John Snell had nothing to
give, but those who love the naked truth, ex-

May I add a word of appreciation to what has
already appeared concerning the late Mr. John
Snell and his work. As I stood by the side of
his open grave in the remote churchyard of his
native village of St. Cleer, on the edge of the
Cornish moors, last Friday, the first bright day
of this dull month. I could not tut think
of his work and how he did it. The h.story of
wart disease in England has been written else-
where and many have taken a part in the
making of it, but the Ormskirk trials have been
the most continuous and extensive contributions
thereto, and they have proved conclusively that
resistance to wart disease is a varietal charac-
teristic in Potatos 'as constant as flower colour,
and in doing that they have ensured the con-
tinuance of the cultivation of a crop that has not
even yet reached to its full importance. At the
early age of 42 he lays down his work, leaving
the ' prospect bright where, but for that work,
it had been gloomy : leaving the farmer,
the gardener, the cottager, and the allot-
ment-holder secure of a crop that was apparently
threatened by extinction through the attacks of
a malignant' and incurable disease, and the
statesman with the power of furthering the pro-
duction of fuel in almost unlimited quantities
within ->ur own shores if he will but seize it.
Not only in carrying out these trials, but also in
bringing their results before the people at large
and before the farmers and Potato-growers in
particular, by exhibitions, conferences and lec-
tures did he do most valuable work. In his brief
life he accomplished what many wfcc have
readied old age might look back upon with
pride. He possessed great tenacity of purpose,
and did not lightly yield up an opinion once
formed ; he had the courage of his convictions
and energy to translate them into speech and
action; he would carry on when he thought his
action right, in spite of opposition and attack
with greater vigour for discouragement ; when
he believed it necessary he did not hesitate to
hit hard, but his sense of humour and his wit
took the sting out of most of his hard sayings.
The Ormskirk trials will not be the same with-
out his capable guidance, and there and else-
where he will be sorely missed. Fred J. Chit-
tenden.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Apples Rotting at the Core. JE. B. B : So>
far as we can gather the rotting is merely a
natural decay which sets in sooner or later in
stored Apples, and is caused 'by no particular
disease. Some varieties of Apples first show
this natural decay round the eye or near the
stalk, whilst others commence to decay in the
centre.

Destruction of Rats : F. G. The Ministry of
Agriculture has given the following recipes
for the making of baits for the destruction of
rats: — (1) Barium carbonate, 6ozs. ; meal,
16 ozs. ; dripping, 4 ozs. ; salt, \ oz. This
makes 1,000 baits of 6 grains each [i.e., pieces
as large as a hazel nut). (2) Barium carbon-
ate, 4 ozs. ; biscuit meal or plain meal, 4 ozs. ;
oil of Aniseed, 5 drops. Mix with fat to a
paste, and lay out in pieces the size of a
hazel nut, in places where rats are known to
be present. (3) Tallow, 50 per cent. ; barium
carbonate (Ba CO?,), 50 per cent. Mix
to a thick paste with dripping and spread on
cubes of bread the size of dice. (4) Squills,,
red, powdered, 20 per cent. ; bread, 30 per
cent. ; fat, 30 per cent. ; syrup, 20 per cent. ;
Aniseed, 6 drops. Crumble the bread, mix
ingredients to a paste and apply as in Nos.
1 and 2.

Figs Ripening Unsatisfactorily: F. T. B.
Fig trees, whether under glass or out of doors,
should have their roots confined within a fairly
limited area. When the roots are free to
raimble at will, the trees are inclined to make
gross growth, which fails to ripen satisfac-
torily and consequently does not bring the
fruits to such perfection as in the case of trees
with a limited root run.

Names of Plants. B. B. B. : We regret we
cannot undertake to name varieties of florists''
flowers. W. W. F.— Serapias cordigera.

Peach and Pear Leaves Diseased : T . J. B.
The trouble appears to be due to the fungus
Exoascus deformans. Spray the trees with
Burgundy mixture or Bordeaux mixture be-
fore the buds begin to swell in the spring
(middle February — beginning of March) and
again a few days later. A suitable Burgundy
mixture is made from copper sulphate 2ilbs.,
sodium carbonate 2\ lbs., water 12 gals.
Nothing can be done this year beyond re-
moval of the dead shoots and badly diseased
leaves. The Pear leaves were too shrivelled
to determine the cause of their injury.

Sweet Peas Under Glass : IF. C. The seeds
should be sown in boxes or pots in the first
week in October. The seedlings should be
grown in cold frames and should be planted
in tne border where they are to bloom, in
January, in good, turfy loam. They may 'be
trained to thm Hazel rods or 5-inch mesh
wire netting. Mulch and feed the roots with
manure-water when the flowers appear.
Hawlmark Pink, Barbara (salmon), R. F.
Felton (lavender), King Mauve, Mascott's
White and Thos. Stevenson (orange) are six
of the best sorts for your purpose.

Vine Leaves Mildewed. J. B : The leaves are-
very weak and have been attacked by mil-
dew ; from your statement that the vines are
dripping with moisture every morning, it .»
evident that the atmosphere is kept too damp,
a condition that is favourable to this disease.
Fire heat in conjunction with early ventila-
tion and possibly a little ventilation all night,
will have the effect of lowering the excessive
amount of moisture, which apparently is most
in evidence when the temperature is lowest. In
conjunction with improved atmospheric con-
ditions, flowers of sulphur should be distri-
buted upon the affected parts by means of
small bellows such as are supplied by sundries-
men. Another remedy is to spray the foliage
with a solution of sulphide of potassium, at
the rate of £ oz. of sulphide to one gallon of
water.

A Tenant's Plants : /. B. You are at liberty
to remove the consumahle crops but, unless
you have an agreement to the contrary, you
cannot disturb the fruit trees, Roses and other
permanent plants.

Communications Received. — C. R".— J. H. M. F.~
W. M. O.—W. R..— W. W.— A. G. H.— O. S-— K. S. H.
— E. M.— J. 0. B.— J. H.— T. C— H. P.— E. H. J —
0. E. P.— H. I.— J. O.—W. J. B.

May 8, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

223

THE

(faatbtnttz Chrnnirle

No. mi.— SATURDAY, MAY 8. 1920.

CONTENTS,

Aotus gracillima .... 232

Apple Alfriston 232

Begonias from Novem-
ber to March 230

Black Currant, the .... 223

Books, notices of —
The Calendar of Gar-
den Operations . . 230

Chadwick lectures, the 224

Enliain village centre for
disabled men 232

Foreign correspondence —
Columneas 230

Freesia names and the
K.H.S. Floral Com-
mittee 232

Fungus, adjectival form
of the word 232

"Gardeners' Chronicle"
seven ty-five years ago 224

Holland, garden produce
under glass in .... 224

Inlaw Bum, plant col-
lecting on 228

Irises, notes on 225

National Rose Society's
provincial show . . 223

Obituary —

McKenzie, William ..

Moorman, J, W

Sharp, W

Plants, new or note-
worthy—

Rhododendron Fraseri
Pyrus ltoribunda ....
Royal Academy, floral

pictures at the ....
Schneider, Georges, pro-
posed monument to

the late

Superfluous wood in

fruit and other tires
Shakespeare's garden . .
Societies —

Antwerp Floral Ex-
hibition

Manchester and North
of England Orchid

.National Auricula and
Primula

National Rose ....

Surbiton and District
Chrysanthemum . .
Week's work, the, . 226
Wislev

234
234
234

223
224

233
234

234
232

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Iris Yeliowhammer . . . . . . 22.)

.Moorman, J. YV., portrait of the late .. .. 234

Narcissus Firetail .. .. ■- ■ ■• 227

Pyrus floribunda 229

Hose Rev. F. Page Roberts . . 233

Saxifraga ligulata flowering on the rockery at VVisley 231

Average Meax Temperature for the ensuing- week
deduced from observations during the last fifty
years at Greenwich, 50.01°.

Actual Temperature: —

Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street,
Covent Garden. London, Wednesday May 5,
10 a.m. : Far. 30.5, temp. 56°. Weather — Dull.

The Black
Currant.

Anyone who aspires to im-
prove existing races of fruit-
bearing plants hits two
courses open to him. He
may either try the " hit-or-miss " method
.mil l>\ cross-breeding promising varieties or
by selection from any existing varieties en-
deavour to raise a new and better variety ; or
he mav adopt the laborious course of sur-
veving experimentally existing varieties in
order to determine, in the first place, which,
if anv, of them is suitable for a given type
of climate and soil. If, however, the latter
course be chosen the experimenter finds him-
self immediately confronted with the diffi-
culty that the nomenclature of the varieties
is in a state of confusion. The names in
common use are by no means absolutely
trustworthy, mid not infrequently one name
is ascribed to several distinct varieties or one
and the same variety bears more than one
name. This has proved to be the experience
of Mr. R. G. Hatlon and his colleagues who
have been engaged during the past few years
in .in investigation of the Black Currant with
a view to its improvement. Il is necessary,
therefore, as Mr. Hatton points out in an
account* of preliminary work in testing and
classifying varieties "f Black Currant, to

• Black Currant varieties
hv Ronald G. Hatton,
Pomology. Vol. 1, No. 2.

\ methorl of olassifloati a,
MA. The Journal "/'

introduce order in the chaos of nomenclature
before proceeding to the work of breeding.

How necessary this preliminary work is
may be judged from the f.act that when the
collection was being formed at the East
Mailing Experimental Station, not infre-
quently two or three distinct varieties were
received under a single name and one and
the same variety under such distinct names as
Boskoop Giant, Victoria and French !

At first sight it is difficult to understand
how this confusion of nomenclature could
have arisen, for in the case of the Black
Currant all varieties are derived from one
species, Ribes nigrum. A probable explana-
tion is that until recent years and not until
the value of the Black Currant as a jam fruit
was discovered, this fruit was held in but
little esteem. As a consequence the older
writers were at slight pains to describe
varieties or even to record the date and
manner of origin of novelties. Another rea-
son lies doubtless in the fact that varieties
which may be of considerable economic im-
portance may differ but slightly from one
another in readily recognisable botanical
characters. The .great importance of ter-
minological exactitude in the diagnosis of
varieties is strikingly illustrated by Mr.
Hatton's tests of the cropping qualities of
known varieties of Black Currants at East
Mailing, where the soil is rather too light
to suit this plant. Of the varieties tried, one,
and one only, cropped uniformly well, and its
yield exceeded that of anv other variety by
i lb. per bush per year. To have established
a plantation before this information had been
obtained would clearly have meant the risk
of considerable financial loss; for it would
have been by no means certain that the
variety in question — the true Baldwin
would have been chosen for planting.

Hence it is evidently of the first importance
to all concerned with the breeding or grow-
ing of this fruit that there should be pro-
duced an authoritative description of the
recognisable characters of existing varieties
of Black Currant in order that the breeder
may have a sure basis for his work, and the
grower may know which to grow and what
he is growing.

Since little information as to the characters
of varieties is to be obtained from past
writers, reliance has to be placed on careful
observations and descriptions made afresh.

A first instalment of such observations
and descriptions is given by Mr. Hatton in
the Journal of Pomology. From an exami-
nation of the comprehensive collections made
at East Mailing, il appears possible to sepa-
rate Black Currant varieties into four groups.

In the literature of Black Currants refer-
ence is not infrequently made to " old red
bud " and " old green bud " varieties, and
this character of bud colour is found to offer
a convenient basis for classification. Accord-
ingly Mr. Hatton classifies varieties into
" Red Bud Type and Whitish (the old green)
Bud Types."

Each of these divisions may be further
divided into two groups, thus : —
Red llml Types —

Group I., e.g. French Black — Merveille de
la Gironde.

Grorn U.. c.c, Boskoop Gianl
Whitish Bud Types

Gump III., e.g., Goliath (Victoria Group).

Group IV., e.g., Baldwin.

A certain number of varieties, such as
Carter's Champion and l.axton's Blacksmith,
are for the present placed among unclassified
varieties.

The chief, and apparently most constant,

difference between Group I. French
Group II. Boskoop Giant are : —

Group 1. Fre, ch.

and

Group II. Boskoop
Giant.

Bushes

lar

compact

Racemes
Peduncle
Flowers
Calyx tube
Sepals

Leal'

Angle of leal to
petioles

much branched
medium
conical
pointed
uud scales very

tight
late incoming into

leal

. medium length ...

6— 10
. pa e yellow green
. ungcQ pink

medium to larger

spreading
scantily blanched
large
broad
blunt

compact

lobes acute

, gradual obluse ..
bend
medium to small
mid

tough ,
very acid

early

otten single
long

12 — 19
bronze green
purple in bud,
reddish when open
obtuse

almost at right-
angles
very large
earliest
tender
fairly sweet

Fruit
Season
Skin
Flavour

A full table of distinguishing characters of
varieties of groups i and 2 is to be found on
p. So of the Journal of Pomology.

The chief varieties of Group I. (French)
are : — Ogden's Black, Black Grape, Lee's
Prolific, Black Naples, North Holland Black,
Seabrook's Black, Mammoth Westwick
Resister. Siberian and Dutch Black (?=
French Black)

Group II. Boskoop includes : — Boskoop
Giant— Hoogendyk's Seedling, Prince of
Wales amd Black Bunch.

Mr. Hatton's article, which should be read
by all growers of Black Currants, is to be
supplemented by others dealing with the re-
maining groups.

Surbiton and District Chrysanthemum
Society's Show. 1920. -The tradesmen of
Kingston have presented this Society with a hand-
some bowl, valued 25 guineas, which will be
offered in an open class for 18 Japanese blooms,
in six varieties, to be shown in six va.ses, at
the Society's annual exhibition, on November 3.
The Secretary, Mr. T. Smith, Coombe Court
Gardens, Kingston Hill, informs us that the
schedule has been published, and he will be
pieased to send a copy to anyone interested.

The National Rose Society's Provincial Show.
—The National Rose Society will hold an exhi-
bition in Roundhav Park, Leeds, on Tuesday
and Wednesday. July 13 and 14, in com unction
with the annual show of the Roundhav and
District Horticultural Society. The schedule
of the Rose Society includes 34 classes, of which
sixteen are open to all. The Cory Cup is offered
for a new seedling climbing Rose raised by a
British grower. Exhibits in this class are eli-
gible for the award of a Gold Medal or Certi-
ficate of Merit of the N.R.S. The principal class
is for 36 blooms, distinct, in which a trophy
and £2 are offered as the first prize. Two of
the NES's Silver Medals will be awarded
for the best Rose exhibited by nurserymen
and amateurs respectively. The schedule of the
Roundhav Horticultural Society includes classes
for flowers, fruits and vegetables. 1 he cniet
class is for a display of plants and nowors
other than Roses, fur which prizes of £10,
£5 £3 and £2 are offered. Substantial mouej
prizes are also uttered fur 24 blooms of Roses
distinct, 12 bunches of Sivri Peas, distinct,
and 12 vases of Carnations, distinct. Hie Hon.
Secretaries arc Mr. .1. E. Fryer 17 Roma"

Place, H Hen. Leeds, and Mr. B. A. Wild,

Canal Gardens. Huiindli in. Leeds.

Monument to the late M. Georges Schneider.
-Friends of the late M Geoi ;es Schneider,
president and founder of the So iete Fran
a' Horticulture de Londres, whose death was re-
corded in our issue of January 6, 191'. !'■ «.
are forming a committee to cohecl funds for
the erection of a suitable monument on M.
Schneider's grave at Barnes, Surrey. Monsieur
\ Truff.mt is taking an active pail in tie-
tribute to bis former comrade, and the members
of the Committee include also M. Abel Chatc-

224

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[May 8, 1920.

nay, M. Louis Gentil, and M. Alfred Noniblot.
Subscriptions are being received by Monsieur
Emile Thiebaut, 30, Place de la Madeleine,
Paris, and the fund will be closed at the end of
June. Probably a number of Monsieur
Schneider's friends, both in England and in
France, will he glad of this opportunity to place
on record their esteem for one who did so much
to befriend young gardeners, and to make
pleasant the student-days of his young com-
patriots.

Superfluous Wood in Fruit and other Trees. —
The Remedy.* — Mr. C. Martin, County Horticul-
tural Instructor, Isle of Wight, recommends in a
pamphlet bearing the above title, the throttling
of trees by means of wire bands to induce fruit-
fulness. He urges in support of his recommenda-
tion that healthy, vigorously growing trees, diffi-
cult to bring into a condition of fruitfulness, may
be rendered fruitful by the regulated constriction
of their stems, and that the desired result is
obtained by the effect of the constriction on
checking root growth and inducing the formation
of fibrous roots. Needless to say, only expert
merit can demonstrate the practicability of the
method, which, of 'course, has been in use for
centuries as a means of checking local growth
and inducing the formation of large fruit. The
effect of constriction of the stem should un-
doubtedly tend to reduce root development, for
the elaborated sap which finds it way from the
leaves through the bast to the roots would tend
to be checked in its downward flow and the roots
in consequence would be partially starved.

The Use of Fertilisers in Counteracting Ad-
verse Climate.— The Journal of the Ministry of
Agriculture, Vol. 26, No. 11, February, 1920.
draws attention to the value of artificial manures
in mitigating adverse effects of climate on crops.
Thus in districts with light soils where drought
is to be feared, the use of potash manures, by
causing a prolongation of vegetative growth,
enables a plant to stand up better against the
drought. Phosphatic manures, on the other
hand, effect the more rapid maturing of crops,
and hence are specially useful in districts where
heavy rainfall is to be anticipated.

Garden Produce Under Glass in Holland.—
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has
received, from His Majesty's Consul-General at
Rotterdam, the following information concerning
garden produce under glass in Holland. The
exceptionally fine spring weather, together with
the large amount of sunshine, has caused the
early development of all crops. The condition
of Strawberries is stated to be very good in the
Westland and Rhine districts and in South
Holland, while reports from other parts of the
country are favourable. The prospects of the
Tomato crop a.re increasinglv good, and the
same may be said of Cucumbers, especially of
those grown in the < Westland District. Carrots
are very good at Hoogezand, Gouda and
Nymegen, and in the Rhine and Wtestland
areas ; less good in the Western part of Fries-
land. The report on Cauliflowers and Lettuces
is generally encouraging.

Prizes at the National Potato Show.— The
value of the 1st prizes offered iby Messrs.
Bees, Ltd., in Classes 44 and 45 at the National
Potato Show. Birmingham, on November 9, 10
and 11, is £10 in each case, and not £5 as
stated on p. 212. Other prizes of £5, £3, £2
and £1 are offered in these classes, competition
in which is restricted to bona fide allotment
holders and amateur gardeners

The Chadwick Lectures— In tho second of his
Chadwick Lectures, delivered at the Royal Sani-
tary Institute, Westminster, Sir Daniel Hall dis-
cussed the practical working of allotments. He
opened with a brief history of this branch of
land cultivation, which goes back to a very early
date. Statutes of the time of Henry HI. seem
to indicate that wherever changes in land occu-
pation tended to make labourers landless,
measures were afterwards taken to assist them
to obtain control over a small portion of culti-
vated ground. The gross effect, however, was
never great, and it is estimated that in the early

* Published by the author. 3s.

years of last century less than a thousand rural
allotments existed in the County of Oxford.
During last century the movement spread
steadily, stimulated for a time by the wages
agitation of the seventies, out beneath the ad-
vancing wave of agricultural depression the effort
died away. The (lecturer distinguished between
two classes of allotments : the comparatively
small, really a detached garden, worked by the
wage-earner in towns and villages, and the larger
parcel of land by which the rural labourer has
attempted to eke out his indifferent earnings.
In the last return of land occupied under the
Small Holdings and Allotments Act, the average
size of the holdings was one-sixth of an acre.
During the war, on the contrary, the 253,000
allotments created worked out at exactly 15 to
the acre, or a little over 10 rods. The history of
small allotments is difficult to trace, but they cer-
tainly took their origin in the 19th century, with
the development of the industrial system and the
growth of towns. Practically all were provided
by private enterprise between 1830 and 1840. It
was not until 1887 that public authorities ob-
tained powers enabling them to acquire land and
let it in allotments. The Small Holdings and
Allotments Act of 1908 constituted the Board of
Agriculture the central authority for all such
allotments. The greatest extension came during
the war, after the threat of scarcity had been
fully realised in 1916. While it is difficult to
estimate exactly the total number of allotments
in the country, the estimated figure for 1918
was 1,400,000 allotments in being. The number
to-day has been put as high as 1| million, but
official returns, not yet completely tabulated,
would indicate a number more closely approach-
ing a million.

The Eoyal Academy.— Perhaps the most
favoured flower chosen by artists as the subject
for a still life study is the Anemone, and these
Iblooms are exhibited in their abundance at the
Royal Academy this year. Their many colours
of rose and purple lend themselves to most
effective grouping. Among some of the studies
Elizabeth Hancock portrays them lying care-
lessly on a polished table in company with a
blue vase. In a smaller study near, the flowers
are shown in a bronze vase, and have a pleasing
effect. We see them again with Ranunculus
and other spring flowers in an old jug. and the
small, pink, double Anemone looks very dainty
grouped with catkins in a blue pottery vase.
In the water-colour room there is a fresh, bright
study of the same flowers in a white vase, with
a gaily coloured cloth on a polished table. One
of the most striking of the flower studies is an
oil painting by Anna Airy, called "Roses
Triumphant." The subject is" a group of white
blooms in a long-stemmed vessel, standing out
dazzlingly white from the dark curtain as back-
ground. Another strong picture is by H.
Dayis-Richter, portraying a mass of pink and
white Hydrangeas, and in the foreground, a
bowl of Water-lilies. His other painting is of
an interior — very sunny — with a bowl of Asters
in the foreground. H. d'Arcy Hart contributes
a glowing bunch of Zinnias in a blue bowl, also
a further group of Delphiniums and Carnations.
We see Carnations again in No. 458, pale pink
against a background of chintz, making a
pleasing addition to an old-world room. Near
by is the Mary Allwood Carnation in a green
and brown pottery vase. The jug of flowers by
Violet Wilson shows a strong scheme of
Geraniums, Fuchsias, Delphiniums and Iris; and
Ida Mostyn gives us also a mixed study, this
time in orange, blue, etc., and staged on a
striped cloth. Ethel Wright exhibits a pleasing
work of garden flowers in one picture, and a
laTge bunch of Paeonies in a blue vase in her
other, both very strong works. Smaller studies
are "Christmas Roses," by A. F. W. Hay ward,
a bowl of red and orange Begonias, Rambler
Roses and Daisies ; a clean study of Apple
blossom in a blue Japanese vase ; some Cape
Gooseberries ; Sweet Peas in a piece of blue
pottery ; mixed Delphiniums in a glass jar. and
red Pelargoniums in a white jar. There are
two autumn studies that are noteworthy, a fine
mass of fruit lying on a table, the Pomegranates
being particularly real, and the other a group
of Chrysanthemums with Pumpkins and baskets

of fruit. The choicest garden scenes are contri.
buted by J. Farquharson, R.A., and Lilian
Stannard. The former artist shows

"A Corner of the Garden," a delicious
glimpse with arches of Roses and her-
baceous border of blue Delphiniums and
Canterbury Bells, also "A Scotch Garden,"
with arches of Roses, a sundial in the midst of
a Pelargonium bed, and foreground of yellow
and white Poppies. The studies by Lilian
Stannard are in the water-colour room, and
show, firstly a charming view with mixed
herbaceous borders flanking a grass walk, backed
by a high Yew hedge. Secondly, one with
flowers of a quieter hue, all tones of lilac,
Michaelmas Daisies with stone-flagged path,
leading to an entrancing summer-house; and,
thirdly, a delightful peep into a garden in
June," with pergola of Dorothy Perkins Rambler
Rose, Lilies, Delphiniums, Violas and Cam-
panulas on either side of a wide grass path. A
water-colour by another artist is of Delphiniums
against two large Cypress trees, and a soothing
sketch of Lilies and" Lavender, with downs as a
■background, is exhibited by M. Aumonier.
Frances Drummond shows careful work in her
Lilies against a grey garden wall, as also does
Ernest Haslehurst in his water-colour of "A
Devon Cottage." Just two other garden
pictures show" us a nurse in a wilderness of
Hollyhocks and Roses, and a larger painting
depicts a sunny stone-flagged garden, with tubs
of flowers, and three charming ladies.

"The Gardeners' Chronicle " Seventy-
five Years Ago.— Plant Watering. It may be
superfluous to state that plants either suffer
from too much or too little water, but it is not
so to show that this is frequently the case in
the same pot at the same time; tnat is an evil
far more extensive in a general collection of
plants than may be supposed, and a point op-
posed to good cultivation earnestly demanding
our attention. When the surface-soil in the
pots becomes dry, a careless hand at once adds
a fresh supply, without ascertaining whether the
soil, in which the roots are, at all require it,
and again on the other hand, the top soil fre-
quently appears perfectly wet, while the bottom
of the ball is as dry as dust. This is a most
calamitous circumstance, and one of common
occurrence, especially amongst newly-potted
plants. When a plant is just potted, it should
have a sufficient supply to penetrate every part
of the ball, and then remain until another
supply is positively required, that is, till the
ball has parted with the greater portion of its
moisture and the plant is on the point of
flagging, the interstices being all filled with an-
as it should be. This air, again, requires to be
driven out by a fresh supply of water, thus
keeping up a vigorous and healthy action by
continual interchanges of air and water, but at
the same time never allowing either of them to
remain long enough to affect the health of the
plant. Watering by "driblets" is the worst
of all watering; it keeps the surface of the
soil in a puddle, but never reaches the roots;
the eye is thus deceived and the plant is often
dead before the cause is discovered. When a
plant does not part with its moisture freely,
like its neighbours, but remains in a wet state,
it should be immediately inspected ; for should
a plant remain subject daily to the application
of driblets of water for any time, death must of
necessitv ensue.— Duro, Gard. Chron., May
10th, 1845.

Publications Received.— The Nursery Manual.
America. L. H. Bailey. Macmillan and
Co., Ltd., London. Price 13s. nett. _ Roses,
their History, Development and Cultivation.
J. H. Pemberton. Messrs. Longmans, Green
and Co. 39, Paternoster Row, London, E.C.4.
New Ed. Price 15s. Palms of the Philippine
Islands. 0. Beccari. Bureau of Science, Philip-
pine Government, Manila, Philippine Islands.
Temperature relations of certain Potato-Rot
and Wilt-Producing Fungi. By H. A. Edson
and M. Shapovalov. Government Printing
Office. Washington. Growth of Green Crops
on Arable Land for Dairy Cows. The Univer-
sity College of North Wales, Bangor. Copies
may be obtained free of charge on application
to The Principal.

MvY 8, 132V

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

225

NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS.

RHODODENDRON FRASERI.
A few -weeks ago a plant was received at
Kew from Mr.' G. Fraser, nurseryman, Welu-
cheit, Canada, which he described as a hybrid
that he had raised from Rhodora canadensis
and Azalea mollis. The plant is now in flower,
and it shows characters which bear out Mr.
Fraser's description. I believe this is
the nrst hybrid with the Rhodora that has been
recorded. It may well, therefore, bear the name
of the raiser. Both parents are now included
in Rhododendron. As a garden plant, earliness
of flowering inherited from the Rhodora should
give this hybrid some value, and as both
parents are good forcers, it ought to he useful
in that way too. The plant has rather wiry,
twiggy growth, smooth ibark, and is
deciduous. The new leaves, which come with
the flowers, are about an inch long, ovate, short
petioled, hairy on both sides, and borne on
shoots about three inches long. The flowers
develop in terminal umibels, three to six in each,
and have hairy green pedicels an inch long ;
calyx minute ; petals in two series, three above,
two below, united at the base, forming a tube
i in. long, the limlb about two inches across,
bright, rosy mauve ; stamens ten, short ; style
as long as the corolla, curved. There are many
Rhododendrons of the same stamp among the
evergreen Chinese species, but the Japanese R.
rhombicum is most like it in the shape and
colour of its flowers and in its deciduous habit ;
the leaves are, however, quite different. I can
imagine R. Fraseri becoming a favourite garden
shrub on account of its hardiness and earliness
of flowering. TT. II'.

NOTES ON IRISES.

HYBRIDISING BEARDED IRIS.
The results which Mi'. R. S. Sturtevant gives
of his Iris plicata crossings (p. 184) are an
interesting and valuable addition to our know-
ledge of Iris genetics. Breeders are apt to
follow some preconceived ideal, and all
my plicatas have been derived from one
original phenotype, Mme. Chereau, which
I chose because it was the only plicata. at
that time with height and good habit. If any
other strain of plicata has came into my seed-
lings through crossings with varieties carrying
pjicata, it is most probable that it has always
been the same genotype that has been brought
in except, possibly, in the cases of Camelot and
Dimity. Mr. Sturtevant's results cover a wider
range of unions, and though at first sight they
do not seem to be in accord with mine, yet
after careful study I think there is not only no
need to suggest error, either in his results or
my own, hut that they will enable us to give,
tentatively, the actual factorial composition of
the plicata type.

The cross of Mme. Chereau x Jean d'Arc,
giving no plicatas, which seems so incom-
patible with the clear conclusion from my cross-
ings that the plicata type is recessive, provides
the clue. Evidently there is more than one
genetic type of plicata, and the results suggest
that we have here a situation similar to that
worked out by Bateson and Punnett in
their classical experiment with the two
genotypio varieties of Emily Henderson
Sweet Pea. Apparently a similar series
of factors C. R. and B. are involved, which
is to be expected, since it is so commonly found
in the simple authocyanin coloured flowers. In
addition, one may for the {present suppose a
factor M (a "marginal" or plicata-pattern
factor) ; though eventually, no douht,
M. will he found to represent some-
thing more complex than a. single factor.
If the Emily Henderson Sweet Pea ex-
nmple were followed exactly the two different
plicata genotypes would have the factorial] com-
nnsition ocRRMM and CCrrMM, but taking
all the results into consideration, and especially
the fact that mire whites do not come, or only
very rarely, in the Fs generation of plicata
crosses, it. appears more likely that they should
be. Comte de St. Clair (and Mme. Chereau) =

CCRRbbMM (the R. plicata type) ; Jean d'Arc
= COrrBBMM (the B. plicata type).

Then only one assumption is needed to bring
all Mr. Sturtevant's and my results into har-
mony— that the presence of the factor M., in
single or double dose, will always give a plicata
unless both R. and B. are also present in the
same zygote. It is a very reasonable assumption,
as a similar interaction of factors has been
found in other oases. Since every gamete of
the R. pilioata type will contain R. and every
gamete of the B. plicata type will contain B., it
follows that none of the seedlings (zygotes) of
the cross of Mme. Chereau x Jean d'Arc will be
plicatas, since all will contain both R. and B.
In fact they will behave like the F, generation
of the cross of the two types of Emily Hender-

(2) x E. 205 (a), agree with Mendelian
expectation of the result of inter-crossing
of Orifiamme and other varieties carry-
ing plicata, hut of varying factorial composition.
The result of Oriflamme X self (if its factors
are as suggested above) would be 3. plicatas to
13 non-plicatas (one of which might be a white).
But the actual composition of such varieties
must often, he much more complex than that
suggested for Oriflamme, since they may also
contain amoena or variegata factors, and this

would tend to reduce the proportion of ex-
pected plicatas.

One objection may he made to this scheme,
viz., that C and B without R, in the Jean d'Arc

type, give a coloured (though only a partially
coloured) flower, whereas in Sweet Peas, C ana

Fig.

104. — IRIS YELLOWHAMMBR ;
R.H.S. Award of Merit,

son Sweet Pea and revert to an original type
owing to the reunion of two (complementary)
colour factors.

Mr. Sturtevant's results show, I think, that
Oriflamme must be carrying plicata, so, if we
assume that it is also heterozygous for B, we
may represent its factorial composition as
CCRRBbMm. Then the cross of Oriflamme
X Comte de St. Clair or Mme. Chereau (the
R. type plicata) will give plicatas and non-
plicatas in equal numbers. (In Mr. Sturtevant's
cross, the seedlings were all plicatas, but with
only 4 flowering, we may take it that this is the
result indicated, since so many of my crosses
have given the one-half Mendelian ratio ) Ori-
flanwne x Jean D'Arc (the B type plicata) will
^ive all non-plicatas, as obtained.

Lastly the result of 2 plicatas out of 36
seedlings from the cross of Anne Leslie X
Aroheveque, or my result of 2 plicatas out of 18
seedlings From the cross of two non plicatas C7b

AN EARLY-FLOWERING VARIETY.
April 27 (see p. 321).

B give no colour unless R also is present. But
I suggest that the marginal factor M contains
a partial (a " marginal ") R and so enables the
flower to have coloured margins. This could
hardly be so if the plicata factor M was an in-
hibitor, but it is almost certainly not, or we
shoidd have clear evidence of dominance.

This scheme is but an attempt to co-ordinate
the results at present obtained, and will no
doubt require modification or even recasting
when sufficient records are accumulated to make
a closer and fuller analysis possible. .Meanwhile,
we gain a clue to the means of getting a pine,
white "plicata" andean understand now why
it never appears from the intercrossing of only
one type of plicata. I think also that Ibis
scheme may throw some light on the relation-
ship (which' Mr. Sturtevant. remarks on) between
certain types of intensely coloured pallidas and
plicata, and between certain " red " pallidas
and plicata. A. J. fflilS,

226

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

fMAY 8, 192G.

The Week's Work.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By T W. Bkibcoe. Gardener to W. R. Lisaoht, Esq.,
Oastleford, Chepstow.

Lycaste. — This genus contains several showy
Orchids, and few plants are more popular than
L. Skinneri and its numerous well-marked varie-
ties. L. Balliae, L. Gratrixae, L. macrophyiU,
L. cruenta and L. aromatica all require the
same treatment. The present is a suitable time
to examine the plants to ascertain if any need
fresh soil. Plants that are not pot-bound, and
growing in sweet compost, need not be disturbed
this season. A mixture of fibrous loam and
partly-decayed Oak or Beech leaves, with a
modeVate sprinkling of crushed crocks or coarse
sand, forms a suitable rooting medium. After
the soil has been pressed well between the
roots and brought up to within an inch of
the rim of the pot. it should be surfaced with
chopped Sphagnum-moss. Eycastes may be
grown with Anguloas, and given similar treat-
ment in regard to watering. Scale insects are
sometimes troublesome, and the pseudo-bulbs
should be examined for this pest when the
plants are repotted.

Lycaste Dyeriana.— This species is the most
remarkable member of the genus, and the
growths hang downward in a similar manner to
those of the well-known Cattleya citrina. It
should be grown on a small pan or raft in
Osmunda-fibre and Sphagnum-moss, and the pan
suspended about two feet from the roof glass
of the intermediate house. The plant is not so
vigorous growing as other Lycastes, and needs
careful watering throughout the year.

Phaio-calanthe.— Of all the bigeneric hybrids
Phaio-calanthe may be regarded as the greatest
failure, for well-grown examples are but rarely
seen. 'Annual repotting is recommended, and
it should be done directly the new growths
develop roots from the base. Most of the old
compost should be removed and replaced with a
mixture of fibrous loam, peat, and partly-
decayed leaves. The plants may be grown in
the Cattleya division. When the roots have
taken possession of the fresh compost afford
them water liberally until growth is finished.
These plants do not need such a decided rest
as Calanthes, yet, being semi-deciduous, they
do not require so much water as Pharos during
the winter. No doubt it is _ during the season
of rest, that deterioration begins.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By Jotin Coctts, Foreman, Royal Botnnio Gardens,
Kew.

Propagation.— Now is a suitable time to pro-
pagate many greenhouse Ericas, EpacrU, and
certain other hard-wooded greenhouse subjects
as they root readily from young, twiggy growths
sufficiently firm to prevent damping. Small cut-
tings should he used, :md great care taken in
preparing than for if the bark is torn off they
are certain To damp. They should be inserted
in pots filled with fine, sandy peat, made very
firm, and placed under a propagating glass in a
cool house ; the glass should be wiped dry
inside each morning.

Eustoma (Lisianthus) Russellianum — This
plant is sometimes described as an annual, but
it should be cultivated as a biennial. In common
with many other plants belonging to the
Gentianeae it is a very difficult subject to grow
successfully, hut is so beautiful that it is worth
all the trouble that the cultivator can give it.
The seed, which is very fine, may be sown any-
time during the present month on the surface of
the soil, and the pot should be covered with a
piece of glass, after the manner of raising
Begonias. Raise the seedlings in a house having
an intermediate temperature, and grow them in

their younger stages in a temperature of
some 50°. In their first season endeavour to have
the plants with strong rosettes of leaves, with-
out making any attempt to induce premature
flowering. The young plants are best wintered in
a warm greenhouse temperature, and they may
be repotted the following spring when growth
becomes active. The compost should consist of
light, mellow peat and leaf-mould in equal pro-
portions, with the addition of coarse silver sand
and charcoal. The pots should he freely drained.
The frequent failure of this plant is, no doubt,
due to growing it in an excessively high
temperature, the hot, dry atmosphere rendering
it very liable to attacks by thrip; mildew, also, is
at times troublesome, but both pests are generally
the result of wrong cultural treatment.

Crinum Fowellii. — This handsome Crinum and
its variety album, also C. Moorei, although
hardy in the south at the base of warm walls,
are excellent subjects for growing in large pots
or tubs for conservatory decoration. They are
generally stored for the winter in a dry, frost
proof shed. If not already done, examine the
plants forthwith to see if repotting or top-
dressing is necessary.

Agapanthus. — This exotic plant requires the
same treatment as Crinums, and, being a strong-
rooting subject, requires plenty of feeding in the
form of dilute liquid manure and soot-water.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By H. Wheeleb, Gardener to Mrs. Jenneb, Wenvoe
Castle, near Cardiff.

Leeks The earliest sown Leeks are ready

for planting. A wide trench should be made
as for Celery, and a good dressing of decayed
manure dug into the bottom spit below where
the roots will be planted. Plant deeply and at
a space of 15 inches apart each way. Leeks
intended for exhibition should be grown in
narrow trenches ; manure should be placed in
the bottom as before and covered with soil,
but plenty of space should be left to allow of
watering. Make the soil firm as the work pro-
ceeds, and plant in single rows at 15 inches
apart in the rows. Blanching should be com-
menced as soon as the plants become estab-
lished by placing cardboard collars or three-
inch drain pipes about six inches in height
around them. Any Leeks of last year's crop
still in the ground should 'be lifted and stored at
the foot of a north wall.

Seakale. — Plants that have not been forced
should have their crowns removed with a sharp
knife, or they will expend much of their
energy in producing flowers. 'The subsequent
growths should be thinned to a single crown.

Herbs — The present is a suitable time to
form new beds of Mint. Cuttings from young
growths made about four inches long and
severed at a joint may be inserted in sand
in the open. The cuttings will soon form roots
and send out numerous shoots. A few strong,
deep boxes should be prepared and cuttings
inserted in them to provide plants for forcing
next winter. Herbs intended to be raised from
seed should now be sown in a sunny position
in soil that is not of a rich nature.

Peas. — The staking of Peas should be done
early and before there is any danger of the
haulm falling over. The plants should be
slightly earthed up by drawing soil towards the
rows. Insert the stakes firmly in such a manner
that they will be the same width apart at the
top as at the base. A few of the smaller twigs
should be pushed in the centres of the rows to
ensure the even distribution of the growths when
they commence to climb.

Vegetable Marrows The flowers on Marrows

growing in frames should be pollinated and the
growths stopped and regulated. Marrow plants
required for summer cropping should be raised
from seed placed singly in three-inch pots and
germinated in a warm house. As soon as the
first rough leaves form, harden the plants in
a cold frame,

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By T. Pateman, Gardener to C. A. Cain. Esq., J. P.,
The Node, Codioote, Welwyo, Hertfordshire.
Early Strawberries. — Strawberries growing on
warm sunny borders are developing their fruit
trusses, and the flowers are on the point of ex-
panding. As the danger from frost is not yet
past, it will be advisable to have some light pro-
tective material in readiness. Small evergreen
boughs placed over each plant will serve to ward
off much frost.

Leaf Spot on Apples Leaf spot on Apples

is caused by a fungus, and if allowed to spread
unchecked causes the foliage to drop pre-
maturely. This disease is very detrimental to
the well-being of the tree; it results in badly
matured wood and arrested growth of buds.
Trees of the following varieties in these gar-
dens were badly attacked by this disease two
years ago : — Cox's Orange Pippin, St. Everard,
Lord Hindlip, Bismarck, Emperor Alexander,
and Warner's King. The trees lost much of
their foliage, and the fruits were very dis-
figured. The treatment consists in spraying the
trees with Bordeaux Mixture at half strength,
repeating the spraying at intervals of ten days
or so. One or two sprayings are not. sufficient
to stamp out this disease; it must be com-
bated with perseverance, and the spraying
should extend over the period of six or seven
weeks, commencing immediately the trees have
passed out of flower.

Infertility of Apples. — The failure of the
Apple crop may be due to one of several causes,
such as spring frosts destroying the bloom and
unripened wood failing to form fruit buds; but
it is often due to infertility. Certain varieties
will not set fruit satisfactorily with their own
pollen, and it is necessary to plant other sorts
in their neighbourhood. Stirling Castle and
Lane's Prince Albert are good pollen bearers,
and should be planted near shy setting varieties.

Thinning of Peaches and Nectarines. — Where
these fruits have set freely, the surplus ones
may be removed. In thinning the fruits, first
remove those that are badly placed and those
of small size. Defer the final thinning until
it can be determined that plenty will develop
to form a satisfactory crop. As a general rule,
allow each Peach fruit one square foot of sur-
face, and in the case of- Nectarines one fruit
to every nine inches.

Training When nailing or tying in the young

growths of fruit trees, take into consideration
the future welfare of the tree. Avoid over-
crowding of the young wood, or it will fail
to ripen sufficiently to crop next season. Train
only sufficient of the shoots to furnish the
whole of the space available with young wood
for bearing fruit next year.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By Sidnji Leqo, Gardener to the Dowager Lidi
Nunbcbkholmb, Warter Priory, Yorkshire.

Exhibition Roses — The thinning of the young
shoots should be carefully continued in the case
of plants required to furnish blooms for ex-
hibiting, leaving from three to six healthy
growths, according to the vigour of each indi-
vidual plant, The uppermost buds, usually pro-
duce growths which give the finest flowers. As
the season advances, remove all buds other than
the central one from each truss. Extra strong
growths arising from the base of the plant
should be stopped when 8 to 12 inches high,
(lav's Fertiliser may be applied to the soil at
the present time and lightly worked in with
a hand-fork. When applying stimulants of
any kind the soil should not be excessively dry.

Hex.— No better time than the present can
be chosen for transplanting Hollies. The ground
the plants are intended to occupy should be
thoroughly prepared by breaking up the lower
soil. Immediately after the planting afford the
roots a copious watering and apply a heavy
mulching of suitable material to conserve the
soil moisture. A good spraying with clear water
during fine evenings, will greatly benefit trans-

May 8, 1020.1

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

227

planted Hollies. The superiority of Hollies
grown on their own roots cannot be too strongly
emphasised. Young, own-root plants, of from
3 to 4 feet high, quickly make headway, and
are in every respect superior to grafted plants.

The Iris Garden -A very light dressing of

cocoanut fibre or similar material may be placed
on the ground between varieties of Iris to prevent
the flowers being bespattered by soil during
heavy rains. Note should be made of
exhausted beds, and sulphate of lime may
be ordered in readiness to mix with the soil
at the time of transplanting the clumps. Plant-
ing should take place immediately after the
flowering season is over. Generally speaking,
moisture-loving Iris object to lime in any form,
and varieties of I. spuria and I. longipetala
do not require lime.

Gerbera Hybrid forms of Gerbera Jamesonii

growing in six inch pots, in a cool pit, should
be given an abundance of both light and air
with a view to planting them in a sunny posi-
tion in the border three weeks hence. They
will grow and flower well in a free, gritty
soil. If space is allowed at planting time, the
Gerbera may be interplanted with D'moriii"-
teca aurantiaca, seeds of which may be sown
in boxes at the present time.

NARCISSUS FIRETAIL.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By F. Jordan. Gnrdeoer to Li«?ut.-0ol. Spendke Olai,
M.P., Ford Manor, Lingfleld, Surrey.
Melons. — An economical method of growing
Melons after this date is to collect a quantity of
leaves and add from one-third to one-half of
stable litter, turning and mixing the materials
thoroughly during the time they are .fermenting.
The making of a hotbed that will retain warmth
for some considerable time requires experience.
The chief thing is to use just the requisite
amount of pressure in 'building the bed that
will give it the necessary firmness, but not more.
It is also important that the plants should be
strong and healthy; at a later date the seeds
may he sown in the beds direct, but at this
early season they should be germinated in small
pots. One plant to each small light is sufficient ;
two plants may be <used 'when the light measures
6 feet by 4 feet. The best soil is good loam
rather heavy than light, as the firmer the
growth is the earlier the plants will fruit, and
the latter will set better than when growth is
soft. Melons should be grown in full exposure
to sunshine; cold water should never he used
to damp either the foliage or the beds, and
damping should only be done early in the
afternoon of bright, warm days. A little ven-
tilation early in the day will cause the foliage
to harden and strengthen the plants generally
against attacks of red spider. A fresh, buoyant
atmosphere is necessary to obtain the best results
with Melons in frames.

Peaches. —The fruits in the earliest Peach
house will soon be ripe, and when they are
gathered the trees should be syringed at close of
day to keep the foliage clean and healtny.
Give the borders a thorough soaking of water
and do not allow the atmosphere to become
very dry, a condition which many erroneously
consider conducive to the ripening of the
wood. Keep the ventilators wide open, both day
and night, and by the end of the present month
lights that are removable may be taken off
the roof entirely.

Later Peach Houses.— The trees in late houses
should receive regular attention in disbudding
and tying of the shoots and thinning the fruits.
Remove all shoots which arp not required for
bearing or furnishing the space, to allow the sun
and air to enter freely and assist in ripening
the wood. Give liquid manure and other stimu-
lants to trees swelling their fruit, esp^ially
old trees; where the drainage of the border
is perfect and the trees healthy, there is no
danger of over-watering. Thoroughly syringe
the trees night and morning with soft water,
and fumigate the houses directly green fly >s
detected.

Modern pi-ogress in the Narcissus has given
us many beautiful varieties, in w*hich the corona,
or crown, carries rich colouring of orange and
orange-red shades, some even approaching an
Apricot tint. The variety Firetail, illustrated in
Fig. 105, has a beautiful red crown which is
thrown into relief against the (rich, sulphur-
yedlow of the segments, which are broad and
overlapping.

SHAKESPEARE'S GARDEN.

The note on p. 188 reminds me that this is
not the first time an attempt has been made to
gather together an assemblage of plants and
flowers representative of those mentioned by
our great national poet. There was at one time,
if there is not actually at present, a Shakespeare
garden in Waterlow Park, and the mention of
it in the English Press was sufficient to cause
some curiosity on the other side of the Channel,
for I remember I was commissioned by the editor
of a well-known French horticultural journal to
report upon it. Unfortunately it was too late

tion only reminds me of many others in which
some historical knowledge will be required to
prevent error : —
"There with fantastic garlands did she come

Of Crowflowers, Nettles, Daisies and Long
Purples,

That liberal shepherds give a grosser name,

But our cold maids do Dead Men's Fingers
call them."

To particularise, for instance, Pansies are
mentioned. What kind of Pansy is it proposed
to plant in this new Shakespeare garden ? Are
Pansies to-day anything like those that grew in
the great poet's day ? Do some of the donors
imagine that any of their twentieth century
specimens will in any way illustrate those grown
in the sixteenth-seventeenth centuries, even
if the authorities put the so-called botanical
name, Viola tricolor, upon the labels, as 1
have seen done elsewhere ? At any rate the
responsible authorities must be expected to know
that such is not the fact. I cannot help think-
ing that a great deal of the material so liberally
contributed during the past three months will
require a very severe overhauling before the
end of the year.

As to archaic names, or the use of names

Fig. 105.— narcissus firetail, r.h.s. award of merit, april 13, 1920.
sulphur-yellow variety with red crown.

A HANDSOME

in the year to see the garden at its best, and
so I was unable to examine many of those
plants in flower which purported to be men-
tioned in the poet's works.

It is satisfactory to know that in response to
the appeal of the guardians of Shakespeare's
birthplace, much material for planting the
garden has been forthcoming. But are

the recipients as well as the donors per-
fectly satisfied that these contributions really
represent the flowers of Shakespeare's time? It
is quite true that they may bear the names of
those he refers to, hut if the plants are not
the same as those that "were grown in Eliza-
bethan gardens the value of such a collection will
be illusory, and will not convey to the visitor,
or the zealous student of Shakespeare any proper
idea of the flowers known and grown in Shake
speare's day.

Of course it may be assumed that those in
charge, of this interesting historical and literary
flpricultural undertaking will be able to over-
come all difficulties in the way of identifying
flowers that bore names not in use with us
twentieth century flower gardeners— one quota-

differing from those existing to-day, a super-
ficial glance at a list of Elizabethan plant names
gives much food for reflection.

I stood side by side with a young infantry
soldier and his lady friend in the Rotunda at
Woolwich ; they w,^re examining with some
amount of curiosity the section of a shrapnel
shell, the bullets of which were packed as
closely as berries in a bunch of Grapes. "That,"
said the young soldier, "is what they tall grape -
shot." As an old Artillery Volunteer 1 walked
away and smiled. So it will be with some of
the occupants of this new Shakespeare garden,
unless considerable supervision is exercised
Fancy the budding amateur florist, the uninitia
ted tourist or the man in the street gazing upon
some very fine specimens of modern garden
Pansies — say, for instance, some of the Odier,
Trimardeau, or Sutton's Mammoth strain, and
thinking they were replicas of the flowers con
temporary with the great poet ol Stratford-on
Avon !

Well might Ophelia say—

" And there is Pansies, that's for thoughts."

('. U. P.

22g

TUE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[May 8, 1920.

EDITORIAL NOTICE,

ADVERTISEMENTS should be Bent to the
PUBLISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent
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Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by
tending to the Editors early intelligence of local
events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of
any matters which it it desirable to bring under
the notice of horticulturists.

Special Notice to Correspondents .—The Editors
do not undertake to pay for any contributions or
illustrations, or to return unused communications
or illustrations unless by special arrangement. The
Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any
opinions expressed by their correspondents.

PLANT COLLECTING ON
IMAW BUM.— II.*

WE now find ourselves wading knee deep
through scrub and dwarf Rhododendron,
clamibering over boulders, and finally
climbing cautiously along razor-backed ridges.

Many Rhododendrons are in flower, but they
are irregular and cautious in this respect ; we do
not find in the Alpine belt that blaze of colour
we are accustomed to see at 9,000 feet, when
nearly all the tree Rhododendrons floweT simul-
taneously. On the other hand, we are almost
certain to find some species in flower from May
till October.

Amongst those to which I might draw par-
ticular attention are the following : — .(i.) A
dwarf shrub of two ifeet, rather bushy ; flowers
lemon-yellow with brick-red stamens ; trusses
corymbose, 5-8 flowered. I know of no familiar
type with which to compare it. Seeds of this
species germinated at Mr. A. K. Bulley's Sea-
land garden in February of this year, (ii.) A
diffuse, wiry, undershrub, crowded with purple
flowers. It resembles R. intrioatum. This
species also has germinated at Sealand. (iii.)
Two, or perhaps three species of the campylogy-
num type. One has vinous red, bell-shaped
flowers, borne horizontally on long, erect stalks,
in pairs. Another has very similar flowers, but
they seem to be always single instead of in pairs
so that this may be a different species in spite
of external resemblance. Both have the small
leaves brilliantly silvered beneath. A third
species has flowers of a glorious flesh pink; it
is not nearly so common as the other two, and
is very similar to them when in fruit. A packet
of seed sent to England may contain all three
species; anyhow, the seeds have germinated at
Sealand, and I live in hopes, for all three would
be real acquisitions to the rock garden. (iv.)
A species with delicate shell pink flowers, very
small, not obviously Rhododendron like, borne in
short spikes. This also is a heather-like under-
shrub. Though fairly common, it was much
scattered amongst other species, never form-
ing extensive colonies as do the campylogynum
types mentioned albove. Unlike the latter how-
ever, it set extremely little seed ; it was rare to
find more than one ripe capsule on a truss,
the others having aborted Quite often the
whole truss aborted, and many a plant yielded
no seed at all. The little seed I did get was
all collected during two days of violent snow-
storms and bitter wind, with numb fingers. But
one good seed is better than a thousand had
ones— this little has germinated at Sealand.
I have some recollection of a very similar species
from Yunnan or Szechuan, but I cannot put a
name to it. (v.) A creeping species with
minute leaves and thin, wiry stems closely
hugging the granite rocks. This plant would
probably be overlooked were it not for the

• The previous article appeared in Gard. Chron.,
April 3, 1920, p. 168.

erect flowering stems bearing large, widely
open, rosy-purple flowers. The corolla is almost
flat and salver shaped, speckled at the base with
darker purple. Altogether it is a most striking
species, something like R. oresbium, from Yun-
nan. This species, too, set very little seed, quite
two-thirds of the capsules aborting. However,
what I did secure was good, for it has ger-
minated at Sealand.

Two rather larger Rhododendrons, forming
tangled thickets up to two feet deep, and grow-
ing socially, are worthy of notice.

One of these, R. euchroum, is one of the
first Alpine species met with when climbing the
sr.urs of Imaw Bum. As "con as one meets
with R. euchroum, one feels that one is within
a few hours' climb of the Alpine belt. In the
valleys it comes down even lower, lining the
streams, backed by dense thickets of Bamboo,
below 10,000 feet. As it is found right up to
the summit of Imaw Bum, it lias a range of
over 3,000 feet, which for an Alpine species is
considerable. The higher one goes, the more
restricted 'becomes the attitudinal range of
species as a rule.

R. euchroum has trumpet-shaped flowers of
flaming orange or 'brick red, and leaves which
may be either rufus, or silver beneath. The
latter appears to be restricted to higher altitudes,
and may be a distinct variety. This species, too,
has germinated at Sealand. The second species
has crimson flowers, which however, in shape
and character of truss, otherwise resemble those
of R. euchroum. The leaves, however, are
rather different, being concentrated in distinct
rosettes at the ends of the twigs, and lacking
the rufus or silvery covering beneath. The thin,
red buds, protected by soft, fleshy looking scales,
with the tips turned back, are also peculiar.

Unlike R. euchroum, which is a splendid
seeder, this species set very little seed on Imaw
Bum. But here the Teason for this was mani-
fest. Two out of three capsules harboured a
small caterpillar snugly curled up inside feeding
on the seeds. Yet such seed as was secured was
good, and has germinated at Sealand.

I may remark here that the species of Rhodo-
dendron enumerated are by no means equally
common, nor equally distributed, on the slopes
of Imaw Bum. Although any of the species
might be found on either flank, north-east, or
south-west, in suitable localities ; yet, on the
whole; the species covering the protected north-
east flank were quite different from those covering
the exposed south-west flank, whence came the
rain and snow and biting winds.

To the protected slope were chiefly confined
those species enumerated under (iii.), (v.), and R
euchroum. To the exposed slope, those
enumerated under (i.), (ii.), (iv.), and the
crimson-flowered euchroum, as it may be called.
Similarly, while the campylogynum species, R
euchroum, and the yellow-flowered dwarf, are
extremely common on Imaw Bum, making up
the bulk of the Rhododendron carpet ; the in-
tricatum species (ii.), number (iv.), and the
crimson euchroum are much less common;
while (v.) is rare. Still rarer is another creep-
ing species, with larger glossy leaves, of which
I failed to find a single flowering or fruiting
specimen, though I found some old capsules.

Some of the north-east frontier Rhododendrons
seem to have a peculiar habit of bursting into
flower whenever a spell of fine weather breaks
the monotony of almost everlasting rain. Thus
the intricatum species I found in flower first
in June, and again in October. R. agapetum
was in full bloom in May, 'but it was also in
full bloom in August. This latter, however.

is not an Alpine species, but a tree of the
temperate rain forest.

To continue with the Alpine species, one of
the commonest of all is a thin bushy shrub up
to six feet high. Though it extends well into
the Alpine belt, it also glows lower down
amongst boulders in the stream beds, or mixed
up with dwarf Bamboo at the tree limit. Often
it grows socially ; but in the Alpine region it
is confined to the protected northern and eastern
slopes. The flowers are straw yellow, dabbled
at the base with rather sickly, yellowish-green
spots. They are not particularly attractive,
coming out in May or June before the leaves
appear. This species also sets abundant good
seed, which has germinated at Sealand.

Two other Alpine species, neither of them
dwarfs, call for notice. They have the rather
rounded, smooth leaves, silvered beneath, of R.
Wardii and the same curved capsules. One has
yellow flowers, and leaves covered with a
glaucous bloom. It is a small, bushy shrub,
not above two feet high on the screes, where
it forms dense tangles, growing socially. But
down in the Alpine valleys, where it occurs as
low as 10,000 feet in the Conifer forest, lining
the streams, it is a shrub 10 ft. high. The other
has flowers which seem to vary in colour, and
latter, curved capsules. The leaves have no
bloom. It does not occur on the exposed screes,
but is common amongst the Bamboos at the
tree limit, and on high ridges amongst the last
straggling Fir trees.

There are several species of Rhododendron of
which I found only a single plant on Imaw Bum.
Unfortunately, they were generally not in flower.
To go back for a moment to the very dwarf
species, especially those of the campylogynum
type, perhaps the most remarkable thing about
them is that in spite of their minuteness, no
one could ever mistake them for anything but
Rhododendrons. They have all the character-
istics in miniature.

It may he remarked here that the big tree
Rhododendrons are all found in the middle
forest belt — the temperate rain forest. Below
that, in the Indo-Malayan forests, from 2,000 to
5,000 feet above sea level, although Rhododen-
drons are not rare, they are all shrubs, some-
times up to fifteen or eighteen feet high, but
not bigger. Above the temperate rain forest, in
the Conifer forest, say from 10,000 feet up, there
are no tree Rhododendrons. Even a Nuttalli
species, common on the Bum, which ranges up
to over 12,000 feet, becomes dwarfed and gnarled
above 10,000 feet. In the Alpine belt there are
of course, the creeping species and small bushes
already described.

There is a curious feature about the Nuttalli
Rhododendron, which grows commonly on the
steep, granite ridges leading up to Imaw. Here
it is social, forming a sort of elfin wood on the
precipitous slopes of the ridge, interspersed with
Abies. It never grows erect on these steep
slopes, as Abies does. In general, the Rhodo-
dendron makes an angle of about 45° with the
slope, which itself averages 45°. Often the
trunks are ascending, though rarely, even
at the ends of the branches, becoming erect;
sometimes they grow out horizontally for
several feet, and may even remain so throughout
their length. FTom their smooth trunks depend
filmy ferns, hut, unlike Abies, which is covered
with moss supporting Utricularia, they hold very
little moss growth.

Two possible explanations of this peculiarity
suggest themselves — (i.) That they are shallow-
rooted, so that the weight of the tree pulls
them down out of the perpendicular as the earth

May 8, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

229

slips on the steep slope. Jt is certain that the
soil is not deep towards the summit of the ridge ;
the bare rock crops out everywhere. On the
other hand, these trees do not simply lean over,
they do actually grow out horizontally. (ii)
That the weight of the large leaves and heavy
blossom on young trees pulls them down, and
only as they grow older and stronger are they
able to hold up their heads. But, again, there
is the same objection — the trees do not merely
lean over. Besides, they do not bear blossoms
when they are young. Snow, however, might
have the effect of weighting them down.

If the explanation is not mechanical, the fact
is contrary to the accepted belief in nega-
tive geotropism.

It must not be supposed that Rhododendron
is the only shrub that finds a place in the alpine
zone of Imaw Bum. Quite a number of shrubs,
especially on the protected side, huddle theni-

which ascends higher than any other conifer,
since it is able to squeeze itself into the most
exclusive retreats#

After the Rhododendrons, however, it is the
alpine flowers which attract attention. These
I will describe in a subsequent article. F.
Kingdon Ward.
I _^_ .

SPECIMEN TREES.

PYRUS FLORIBUNDA.

It is nearly sixty years since this fine orna-
mental Crab was introduced from Japan. For
many years after its introduction this plant and
Pyrus spectahilis were without rivals among
flowering Crabs, and, although newer varieties
such as P. Scheideckeri and P. EJeyi may equal

shape, varying from 1£ inch to 4£ inches long.
The flowers develop in clusters of about half a
dozen, ea-ch blossom 1 to lj inch wide, rosy red
in the bud stage, pale pink when open. Of their
profusion the illustration gives ample evidence.
Pyrus floribtuida is usually at its best towards
the end of April. This year it was in full flower
three weeks before its proper time, and its
beauty was greatly marred by strong winds,
beating rains, and slight frosts. The tree is
obtainable from most nurserymen, with whom it
goes commonly by the name of "Pyrus Mains
floribunda." In the interests of correctness and
uniformity it may be mentioned that in this asso-
ciation of names "Malus " is wrong, used as a
specific term, for the tree under notice has no
close relationship with t'he true Pyrus M alus,
which is the common English Crab or Apple. Tt
is, nevertheless, quite correct to call it "Malus
floribunda," thus making Malus the generic

Fig. 106. — pyrus floribunda : showing the usefulne;

selves against friendly cliffs, or crouch amongst
the boulders. There 'is Spiraea Wardii, for in-
stance, a wiry, somewhat ragged shrublet, not
above two feet high, with small white flowers.
It occurs on the boulder screes, chiefly on ex-
posed slopes. Potent ilia frutioosa, with cream
or lemon-yellow flowers, is found here too.
It forms small, compact bushes which
try to hide themselves from view altogether;
though it also faces the driving rain. Two
species of Pyrus are worth noticing. They are
confined to more sheltered situations on the
north d'ace. One has pink flowers, scarcely
scented, and dark green leaves, highly polished,
so that on the rare sunny days in summer they
phimmer like burnished silver. The other has
sw^tly-sceiiled, cream-coloured flowers. B< il h
fiav.e white berries. Sometimes the two species
are found growing together. A small Cherry,
wijth Wihit© flowers, is scattered amongst the big
boulders which strew some of the slopes. The
fruit contains a very large rugose seed , sur-
rounded by a very thin flesh. Needless to say,
it is quite inedible. There is also a Juniper,

or surpass it in colour and size of blossom, it
remains one of the very best, not only of orna-
mental flowering Apples, but of all flowering
trees. As a lawn tree of small or medium size
it is unsurpassed. The beauty and graceful form
of the plant are well snown in the specimen illus-
trated in Fig. 106, which is growing near the
Water-Lily house at Kew. The tree will, in
good soil, attain to a height of 20 to 30 feet, or
even more, retaining its bushy, rounded form.
It is perfectly hardy and grows well in any soil
of good, or even moderate quality. Where the
ground is poor, an occasional mulching of stable
manure is a great help to growth.

The Crab has long been cultivated in Japan,
and it would appear to be not a true species,
but a variety of hybrid origin. A Continent il
botanist has suggested P. Toringo and P. baccaia
as its parents. The former seems Very likely,
as occasional leaves on strong, virgin shoots re-
semble those of P. Toringo in having a threo-
lobed or five-lobed shape. On flowering twigs
all the leaves are ovate, and on strong growths
of the current year they are also mostly of that

name, for recent botanical opinion tends to divide
up Pyrus as conceived by Bent ham and Hooker
into several genera, of winch Malus is one.

There is a beautiful form named atrosan-
guinea. I first saw this fine variety in Mr
Anthony Waterer's nursery at Knap Hill, about
thirty years ago. Its flowers are of a deeper,
richer, rose shade than those of the common
form. When out of bloom it may usually be dis
tinguished by the shining upper surface of the
leaves. In ordinary flora bunda this is rather
dull. The Crabs generally constitute one of the
most ornamental sections of small, flowering
trees, and many of them are attractive also when
in fruit. They are hardy ; Pyrus baocata is
hardier even Hum the Common Apple, and their
cultivation very simple. These floriferous trees
are very ornamental in the background of shrub-
beries, and they are Splendid OS isolated speci-
mens on lawns or the ornamental grass-land hi
parks and paddocks, Thej have another value
in gardens, for they may be forced and used as
pot plants for the decoration of large glass-houses
in late winter and early spring. W. J. B.

230

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[May 8, 1920.

BEGONIAS FROM NOVEMBER TO
MARCH.

In this article I propose to outline my method
of maintaining a succession of lovely and useful
Begonias in flower from November to March.

After many trials of various species and varieties,
I have retained for the purpose only four kinds.
These are Begonia Gloire de Lorraine, and the
variety amabilis, B. John Heal and B. Gloire
de Sceaux.

The propagation and culture of these kinds
differs only in detail and may 'be carried out
by anyone having a stove where a temperature
of not less than 65° can be maintained. Cut-
tings of B. Gloire de Lorraine and its variety
amabilis are available by the month of [April.
Only those proceeding from the root-
stalks should be used. The cuttings may be in-
serted in thumb pots, but I have found greater
success in the use of ordinary cutting 'boxes,
about 6 inches in depth. These should, be well
drained and half filled with fine sand
and sifted leaf-mould in equal quantities, with
a layer of silver sand on the top. Insert the
cuttings firmly, give the soil a good watering
and cover the box with a sheet of glass ; afford
shade from 'bright sunshine. This method has
been found to produce excellent results, and a
fine root system which is little damaged if in-
telligently handled when placing the young
plants in 3-inch pots at the first potting.

The compost for the first potting may be
composed of one part loam, two parts " flaky "
leaf-mould and sand. I am convinced that "the
period between this and subsequent pottings is
the critical stage in the cultivation of these
Begonias.

Before experience taught me other methods
I followed the general practice of providing
an elevated stage for the young plants in the
stove, watering, shading, and spraying in the
usual iway. The results were far from satisfac-
tory. The young plants did not grow freely,
and consequently were easy victims to rust and
thrip. To those who have sufficient room in a
propagating case I would recommend placing
the young plants therein for a time, giving
them care in watering. Failing these facilities
here, a box 15 inohes deep and of a length suit-
able to requirements was made. Herein the
young plants are bedded to the depths of the
pots in Sphagnum-moss. Sheets of glass are laid
over the box, which is made so as to incline the
glass a little, and this allows moisture to drain
off easily at the sides and prevent "drip,"
which is so harmful to the foliage of Begonias.
In these conditions the plants grow strongly
and make branched specimens bv the time larger
pots become necessary.

Anticipating this repotting by a day or two
the glass should Ibe removed from the 'box to
allow the occupants to become accustomed to the
less congenial atmosphere of the stove. For this
potting 6-inch pots are used with special atten-
tion to the drainage. The potting soil we use
is not a complex " mixture," and consists
simply of loam, two parts— the best procurable
—the soil sifted out and the fibre retained; leaf-
soil or mould of Oak or Beech from the pre-
vious years' " fall," in a flaky condition, and
clean sharp sand. This compost, .while retain-
ing moisture, never becomes sodden like other
mixtures I have used. Potting is best done
loosely ; just sufficient pressure is needed to en-
sure that no spaces exist between the ball of the
plant and the sides of the pot. The parts of the
stove exposed to the strongest rays of the sun
will have been lightly shaded by this period
Hence, if the atmosphere of the house is kept
warm and fully charged with moist tire, the
newly-potted Begonias will soon make good
growth.

Watering must never 'be done carelessly, and
special attention is required at this stage.
While it is necessary to keep the whole hall
of soil moist, it must never become wet. It
were better to let the plants depend mainly, for
a time on the moisture of the atmosphere. In
due season an increase in the amount of water
afforded, in proportion as growth advances, will
become necessary.

Six-inch pots are the largest used for these
Begonias, and grand specimens for use in ithe
house or for conservatory decoration can be grown
in receptacles of this size

Of the winter flowering Begonias, B. John
Heal is the variety mostly grown here. The
large, single flower's, of a brilliant rose-carmine
colour, are profusely borne on large or small
plants. So accommodating is this variety that
a good stock is easily raised. In propagation
and cultivation the conditions as previously
stated for Begonia Gloire de Lorraine are
adopted and the results encourage me to con-
tinue them. Propagation may also be effected
from axillary shoots which are freely produced
if the plants have been properly rested after
flowering. Drying off is bad practice. Plants
that have been properly cared for during the
resting period commence growth freely and give
abundance of early cuttings. After two or three
years' growth tubers are formed, which may be
treated very much in the same manner as tW?
of the summer-flowering Begonias.

Begonia Gloire de Sceaux, the last to flower,
is most satisfactory during the month of March
Words fail to express the wonderful combination
of flower and foliage that gives a unique beauty
to tins Begonia. It is more adaptive than must
of the other kinds, but is well suited if similarly
treated. Cuttings from stock plants are plenti
ful towards the end of May and onwards. This
Begonia needs more pot-room than the others
mentioned. Thrips must be combated at all
seasons, and cooler conditions should be pro-
vided during the flowering season of all varieties.

Begonia Gloire de Lorraine commences flower
ing in November and continues until the end of
December. This is followed by the winter
flowering B. John Heal, which ds at its best
by Christmas and is passing fair even at the
end of January. By this time, B. Gloire de
Lorraine var. amabilis is in grand form and
retains its loveliness until Gloire de Sceaux com-
pletes a sequence of much beauty and great
u-etulness. Deanslon, Perthshire.

FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE.

COLUMNEAS.

To the species and hybrids of Columnea
mentioned in the note by Foreman (see p. 193),
I beg to make a few additions, including possibly
the finest of all, C. gloriosa superba, which does
not seem to be so well known nor generally
grown as its great beauty and value as a
hanging basket plant warrants. In the R< oue
HorticoU for 1-19, p. 9CW, was published ti
coloured plate of this comparatively new
plant, native of Costa Rica. Its slender stems
depend and bear small but thick purplish.
velvety and opposite leaves. These stems may
reach two feet in length, carry large flowers of
the fiercest red colour, with doane-shapi I
upper divisions; these grow upright and expand
one after another all through the summer and
sometimes in winter, so long as the plant keeps
growing. From this plant and a hybrid raised
in Messrs. de Vdmorin's nurseries at Verrieres,
and named C. vedrariensis, a second hybrid has
been raised, but not described yet. which shows
a very great improvement upon its last named
parent and the other upright growing kinds.
It has partly retained the foliage characters of
('. gloriosa, especially in the dark red tint. The
large flowers are of a deeper red and only
slightly streaked with yellow. Whitish fruits,
the size of a small cherry, have set both on
C. gloriosa and its hybrid."

C. vedrariensis is a hybrid between C.
Schiedeana and C roagnifioa ; the flowers are
similar in size to those of this latter species,
more brilliant red, but more striped with yellow
than are those of C. Schiedeana.

The plant *s almost as strong growing
and floriferous as C. .Sahiedean'a. It is a
good plant for the gTeenhouse, flowering from
March to May, according to the temperature
given. C. vedrariensis has been described and
figured in the Sevue HorticoU, 16th October,
1918. p. 168.

C. Banksii, the hybrid raised by Mr. I. Lynch,
late curator of the Cambridge Botanic Gardens,
has not produced a single flower during _ the
many years since it was presented to Verrieres
by its raiser, iv. Mottet.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

Garden Operations.*

Many years have passed since Joseph Paxton
published (in 1842) his Calendar of Garden
Operations and generations of gardener's have
been guided along sound lines and prospered in
their handiwork by following its teachings. It
has always been a matter for regret that means
were not found to republish it during the war,
for it was out of print just about the tune the war
began. If it could have been procured, even in
its" pre-war form, a multitude of new gardeners
would have been benefited and those who were
called upon to advise concerning the choice oi a
cheap and reliable book would have then been set
no difficult task, for there was none cheaper than
this in those days, nor any more reliable.

True, it contained notes and directions upon
the cultivation of many plants which could not
receive attention in the strenuous struggle to
raise more and still more food— a struggle
which must not end even yet — and it may have
been this that caused the publishers to hold
their hand for the time — but it also contained
full and clear directions for the growing of all
the vegetable crops, directions that would have
come as a boon and blessing to thousands of
novices up and down the land, and Which
would have helped to clarify and crystallise the
teaching of many of their leaders.

The coming of this new edition has been
too long delayed, but its appearance now in a
new form and with a revised text will 'be none
the less welcome. Like everything else, its
price is increased, but it is still cheap. In-
stead of stiff paper, it has linen covers, and
the paper on which it is printed is a little
smoother, and therefore takes the illustrations a
little better than did that of the old edition,
and the book is a little thicker ; the shape is
handy, the print good, and the general get-up
excellent.

It contains a calendar of doings in the gar-
den for every month, arranged to fit average
conditions and dealing with all the vegetable
crops, hardy flower's, both herbaceous and
shrubby, common greenhouse and conservatory
flowers, as well as fruits of all kinds, and there
are in addition chapters upon special subjects
such as allotment holders' shows, potatos, plants
for special purposes, successional cropping, and
so on. Special attention has, the introduction
tells us, been devoted to the chapters on insect
friends and foes and fungus diseases of plants,
which are all treated in a way designed to
assist in dealing with any attack with which tire
gardener may have to contend.

All is so good that it is difficult for the reader
to find anything to criticise adversely, even
though he be a reviewer whose clear duty it is
to search out faults as well as virtues. Perhaps
it is not altogether just to criticise 'because we
do not think enough has been made of the culti-
vation of annuals in pots for greenhouse decora-
tion: not altogether just, for this phase of gar-
dening has not yet come into its own. It will
be discouraged by the cost and difficulty of
obtaining fuel, and we commend it to the care-
ful attention of all possessors of frames and
greenhouses, whether heated or not : later on
it will commend itself. Further, we should like
to have seen a little more note taken in the
Calendar itself of the saving of crops in July,
to the value of which attention has been directed
in other parts of the book.

We lay the book down with the assurance
that the revisions made have enhanced its value,
and the certainty that its long career of use-
fulness will ibe given a new lease of life 'by the
publication of the 1920 edition. F. C.

* The Calendar of Garden Operations, by members
of the Staff of The Gardeners' Chronicle. New and
i-olarged edition. 174 pp., 8vo. {O'ard. Chron., Lou-
don, 1920.) 2s. net, art linen.

jf May 8, 1020.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

231

WISLEY.

When the late Mr. George Ferguson Wilson
selected the sixty acres of land in the midst of
the wild and rugged scenery of Wisley Common
for the express" purpose of forming a gar-den
with as wild and natural a character as it was
possible to make, he could little have dreamed
that it would form the nucleus of one of the
world's greatest gan'dens — for such, in truth,
Wisley now is.

By passing into the possession of the Royal
Horticultural Society, it was bound to become
important in the horticultural world ; but few
in 1903 would have dreamed that in such a
relatively short period these gardens would
come to' rival the old Chiswidk gardens at their
best. Many of us remember Chiswick only in
its later and less glorious period ; but in its
zenith it was the centre of horticultural
activities in Great Britain, and received the
discoveries of some of the most successful plant-
collectors that have left these shores, notably
Robert Fortune, David Douglas, Don, Damper
Parks, Hartweg and Forbes.

The. newer gardens are not less fortunate, for
a great wealth of promising garden plants, re-
presenting the results obtained by modern plant
collectors, including Mr. Reginald Farrer and
Mr. George Forrest, aire being carefully raised
at Wisley, with a view to distribution to
FelloW gardens, as in the case of the older
introductions. It is probaDle that few of our
readers have had the opportunity of visiting
Wisley during the period of the war and alter,
and it was with the special object of seeing
what) advance had been made, and the present
condition of the gardens, that we paid a. visit
in the latter end of April. The first impression
is one. of satisfaction at the high state of culti-
vation that these, gardens present. Even the
most exacting skilled gardener could not but
express approval of the condition of the plants
and crops, raid the way in which things are
managed eenerallv. Beautiful plants are
always an object of delight to the lover oi
nature, and when to this are added an environ-
ment that is in complete harmony with them
and the very be=t possible results in the plants
themselves, there is little left for criticism.

It seems natural for" almost everyone who
visits Wisley to go first to see the rock-garden ;
and as the 'rock garden is situated in some of
the most delightful scenery of the whole
gardens, visitors find ample to repay them for
their pilgrimage (for the journey to Wisley is by
no means an easy one, and although some com-
plain of its inaccessibility, its remoteness is one
of its charms). Spring is, of course, the time
for rock-gardens, and the Wisley rockery is now
so full of interesting and rare plants in flower
that we can only refer to a few subjects that ap-
pealed to us. We may here remark that the little
Alpine house at the summit of the rockery
should not be missed, for it is filled with floral
gems, all luxuriating in the most happy manner,
and showing how wide the range of subjects is
for those who take up the cultivation of this
form of gardening. At several points of vantage
on the rookery the rich orange flowers of
Cheiranthus Allionii arrest attention, and the
great mas:es of Saxifragas such as IbathoniensJs,
sanguinea superba (a finer and deeper shade
than the former) and Wenlock Best of All, with
flowers as lai-.ge as a shilling, of a beautiful pale
pink shade, -certainly worthy of its name; Viola
gracilis Mrs. Bowles, with flowers of a pleasing
shade ot Plum purple; Iberia gibraltai ■:• a.
which forms huge posies of pale, satiny-mauve
flowers; Phlox subulata; all manner of
coloured Primulas, and a whole host, of similar
beautiful things give sheets of striking colour.
There are rare gems in the alpine house also
and in pockets and nooks of the rockery, such
as delight the specialist, and of these we have
only space to enumerate a few. including
Meconopsis Prattii, a blue species something like
rudis. but with a looser flower-spike; M.
integrifolia, Asperula suberosa, Haberlea
Ferdinandi-Cobu.rgii, with flowers like those of
a regular Ramondia. ; Corruus canadensis, Anemone
nemorosa Allenii, a pale lavender-flowered form ;

Lewisia Howellii, the flowers prettily striped
with carmine; Trifolium uniflorum, the upright
single flowers having a white base; Thalietrum
anemonoides, having white Clematis-like flowers
op. long shoots, surrounded by a whorl of leaves ;
Ranunculus aconitifolium ; and Sedum spathuli-
folium, the lower leaves of which are brick-red
and the upper ones greyish, making a fine con-
trast, and appearing at a distance like a bed of
red flowers close to the ground. The Saxifraga
illustrated in Fig. 107 is S. ligulata, often called
Stracheyi, and was in flower in February, when
it formed a very imposing object.

The pools at the base of the rockery are very
charming with hardy Primulas in flower, the
unfolding fronds of Osmunda and other Ferns.
and Aponogeton distaehyum in full flower in the
water. The Rhododendron garden was just
becoming interesting, and already at the time of
our visit, R. kewensis was in its full glory. In
the little clearance where the Lilies are planted,
L. giganteuni was sending up shoots which, by
their appearance, promised to eclipse those ot
any former years in stature. In one of the
little bays of the Rhododendron garden the

season, but much spoiled by the incessant rain
of April. Its close companion, a beautiful tree
of Pyrus floribunda, was, however, in its full
■ beauty, and it could not be surpassed as an
ornamental flowering tree. Of the Ber-
berises. we have only space to refer to one —
the beautiful B. Bergm.innii, variety acanthi-
folia — the new leaves oil which are of a
delightful bronzy tint, like that of the young
Oak, and are thrown into strong relief by the
dark green of the older foliage. The Paeony
garden has been planted afresh for the poirpose
of conducting a trial of varieties, and the Gen-
tian border near by formed a long ribbon of
the richest blue — though we do not think the
plants are quite so fine as we have seen them
on some previous occasions.

The glasshouses call for a short notice, though
one or two of them are filled with new Chinese
plants ; but before we enter, reference must be
made to a magnificent patch of Daphne Cneorum
on the low containing rock-wall near the path.
This plant was luckily placed, more or less by
chance, in the position it now occupies, and it
has grown so well and flowered so profusely

Fm. 107.

>'H w;.v LIOri.ATA

ground was carpeted with Arisarum probo-
scideum, and, as the leaves were pushed aside,
great profusion of flowers, with the curious tail
and brown pouch which are responsible for the
common name of "Mouse flower," were
observed. Before we leave this part of the
grounds, reference should be made to the fine
plants of Enkianthuis campanulatus, the best of
tile genus, and producing loose racemes of
flowers, which are bell-shaped, and of a creamy-
yellow ground-colour, streaked with red. and
tipped with the same colour at the apex of the
lobes. We refer to this plant because we con-
eider it very suitable for decorative purposes
when cut, as the blooms and leaves are both
attractive and last a long time fresh; the plant
is, moreover, of quick growth. Near this plant,
a great patch, of Oaultheriu procumbens, form-
ing a carpet, was covered with the pretty
scarlet berries. Just beyond the Rhododendron
gaiden is the new ground known as the "seven-
ai II'," which is being laid out with broad
shrubbery borders, in which the newer introduc-
tions from China, are being planted. A large
pi mmI has been formed in this part of the gardens,
and will be planted with Nymphaeas and other
aquatics, which do sc well in this favoured spot.
The path leading to the Berberia garden and
the Paeony quarters is by (he fine old
Cherry, Which was as floriferous as ever tins

IN THE ROOK GARDEN AT WISLEY IN FEBRUARY.

that we doubt ill a better example has been
seen before in any garden. Of the new plants
in the greenhouses, the more promising were
Primula werringtonensis, of the otbeonieu type,
with bright rose flowers which become paler
with age; this species has great promise as an
indoor plant; P. Wardii, one of Forrest's in-
troductions with a capitate head of rosy-mauve
fragrant blooms, about | inch across, and the
scape some fifteen inches tall; P. seoundiflora,
P. Loezii, somewhat like Frondosa in flower,
but producing stolons which root readily, and
in this way the plant spreads; a fine form of
P. Fom-stii, the stnmgly-scemed blossoms being
a rich yellow shade; P. helodoxa, a tall spike,
bearing up to rive whorls of primrose to butter
cup-yellow blooms; Aster likiangeflsis, a verj
dwarf plant, but bearing a flower two inches
across ot .i lavender blue shadr and a central
golden cushion ; Meconopsis rudis, one of the
blue-flowered species, hut the colour is rather
washy indoors; and Primula, pulibella, a rather
difficult but charming plant with lavender blue
flowers, sel off with a yellow eye.

The fruit and vegetable quarters are as in-
teresting as the more decorative parts. Various
trials of vegetables are being conducted, and
the plants are already making excellent growth.
They include a trial of thirty ..in- stocks of
summer Spinach of the round-seeded type : 120

232

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Mat, 8 1920.

stocks of first-early Peas; 127 stocks of Broccoli;
76 stocks of second-early Potatos; and, in the
fruit quarters. 89 stocks of Strawberries. It
is an excellent plan at Wisley to cultivate
selections from previous trials of vegetables,
as this enables the visitor to make easy com-
parison when the inferior ones have been
eliminated. Thus, there was a bed of Leeks,
all magnificent plants, in which Dobbie's In-
ternational, Pmetaker, and Royal Favourite,
appeared conspicuous. The same was done with
Kales, and of these we were much impressed
with New Sprouting and Hearting, the latter,
with large, Parslev-like leaves, and forming a
distinct heart. It was interesting, too, to
notice that of the early Cabbages, Harbinger
was far and away the earliest to heart, and
splendid heads had been readv for cutting two
weeks previous to our visit. April was also
good, and this variety is of a darker colour,
which some may prefer. Flower of Spring
proved the .best* of the bigger type, but was
distinctly later than those mentioned.

At the end of the vegetable garden, near the
main walk, a series of beds has been planted
with bearded Irises, for the express purpose of
classification. As this Iris plantation is of con-
siderable width, it should prove a fine feature
when the plants are established. On the top of
the hill, the fruit plantation provided a most
gorgeous spectacle, for almost every tree was a
mass of blossom. This, we believe, is the fine
plantation which yielded so freely in 1918, when
Apples were so scarce generally; and, judging
by the promise this year, there should be a
record crop. The trees themselves were the
picture of health, and spraying had just been
completed for the Codlin Moth, as it is the prac-
tice at Wisley to spray before, rather than
after, the flowers are expanded.

Never before have we seen so many Lady-
birds as there were amongst these trees, and it
was interesting to see that they were clustering
about the grease bands, presumably feeding on
the insects which had been trapped on them.

Among other things of .general interest, at
Wisley, the trials conducted by Mt. G. F. Wil-
son on the Onion Fly are being continued, and a
triad of washes against Rose Mildew nas been
carried out. The planting of the Pinetum has
also been continued. A large plot of additional
land has been purchased close to the gardens,
but as it is at present chiefly occupied toy
farmers, to whom it is leased, it cannot at pre-
sent be incorporated into the Society's land.
It will, however, be taken over gradually, and
should prove very useful.

Much still remains to be done at Wisley.
but considering the short space of time during
which the Society has been in possession, it
is remarkable how' much has been accomplished.
There is no doubt whatever of the value of the
work being done under Mr. Chittenden's skilful
guidance, and gardeners all over the country
are under a lasting debt of gratitude to the
R.H.S and to Mr. Wright and the staff at
Wisley for providing and maintaining such a
beautiful and useful garden.

HOME CORRESPONDEICE.

[The Editor* do not hold themselves responsible for
the opinions expressed by correspondents.']

Adjectival Form of the Word " Fungus."—
.7. /'. raises an interesting point on p. 209.
Four adjectival .forms are in use : " fungoid,"
" fungous," " fungal," and " fungus." J . P.
paints out the error arising .from the use of
" fungoid "j " fungous " is almost equally
object ionable, for it means, according to the
dictionary. " consisting of or growing like a
fungus." Fungal, like algal, is usually used to
mean " belonging to a fungus," as ' " fungal
hyphae." " Fungus disease " can scarcely mean
anything but "a disease produced by a fungus,"
unless it be " a disease of a fungus," and
rarely nndeed would the context fail to keep
that meaning clear. Why not then retain the
form ' fungus disease," which has long been
in use and is well understood? F. J. C.

Freeslas and the R.H.S. Floral Committee
(see p. 208).— It seems odd that the Rev. J.

Jacob should charge the above named Com-
mittee with " jumping to conclusions," and do
the very thing himself. He writes that
Robinetta "was evidently taken by the Floral
Committee as having been raised by Mr.
Dalrymple." What proof has he of this? As a
matter of fact the Floral Committee did nothing
of the sort. The Committee's concern on all
novelties which come before it i9 the merit
of the subject, not who the raiser is. And I
venture to say that, on the occasion in question,
it did not depart from its course. On a baseless
assumption, therefore, Mr. Jacob considers he
has a case for reform, thought it must tumble
to pieces as all things without foundation do.
As to " reform." isn't it enough that the
Floral Committee is "reformed" annually?
F. H. Jenkins.

What seems to the Rev. J. Jacob

to have happened at the Floral Com-
mittee when Mr. Dalrymple's Yellow Freesia
was put on the table did not happen. The
yellow variety was picked out from among
others and received an Award of Merit. When
the name was mentioned, someone 6aid there is
already a Freesia named " Buttercup." No one
said: "this is Van Tubergen's 'Buttercup,'"
presumably because no member present knew
enough about Freesias to be certain. The
chairman then ruled, and I hold rightly, that
the award would stand, but a new name must
be given. I think there is a very great deal to
be said for many of Mr. Jacob's points which
he raised at the annual meeting of the R.H.S ,
and some day, when I am back at normal. I hope
to say them. TF. Cuthbertson.

Apple Alfriston.— No date is known when this
Apple was raised near Uckfield, Sussex, but it
is nevertheless one of the good old sorts, pro-
bably one of the most regular croppers we have.
During March and April the fruits are especially
good and certainly excellent for cooking, iii
appearance the fruit does not, perhaps, rank
with Crimson Brantley, for example, but I am
not sure that the highly coloured varieties are
the best cookers. B. M.

Aotus gracillima. — One of the most graceful of
all New Holland or hard-wooded plants is Aotus
gracillima, and withal not a difficult subject to
grow well. At the present time plants of this
class are not in favour, but the vagaries of
fashion are so pronounced that they may regain
their old-time popularity. Aotus gracillima,
which was introduced in 1844, belongs to an
order' freely represented among Australian trees
and shrubs, namely Leguminosae. If cut back
hard immediately after flowering it pushes out
long slender shoots, clothed with small, linear
leaves. These shoots arch over in a very grace-
ful manner, and are in spring furnished through-
out the greater part of their length with brightly
coloured blossoms, the keel being of a brownish
crimson colour, and the rest of the flower yellow.
This species requires much the same treatment
as Cape Heaths and other hard-wooded plants,
that is to say, it needs a compost mainly con-
sisting of peat and sand, effective drainage,
firm potting and careful watering afterwards!
IT. T.

Enham Village Centre for Disabled Men.—
You have kindly noted from time to time the
establishment and progress of the above under-
taking. It is now in full working order, and
there are 150 men in residence. Vv'e are making
horticultural training one of the chief industries,
and the men are making good progress. Another
field is required for extending the cultivation for
market, to give the men proper experience in
marketing. We receive capitation grants from
the Ministry of Pensions towards the current
expenses of the men, but we have to find inde-
pendently the capital required, and the Council
will be grateful for donations from horticul-
turists interested m the curative treatment and
training of disabled ex-Service men towards
the amount of £250 needed at once for
this purpose. Contributions will be thank
fully received, either by the Secretary,
Captain Hollis, 51, Lincoln's Inn Fields,
or by myself, Joseph Cheal, Chairman of Hor-
ticultural Committee, Cro'vU^:

SOCIETIES.

NATIONAL ROSE.

April 27. — The spring show of the above
Society, which was held at Vincent Square in
conjunction with the R.H.S. fortnightly meet-
ing, was responsible for many exhibits of especi-
ally fine Roses and, in spite of the inclement
weather, induced many enthusiasts to attend.

As was only to be expected, groups of Roses
were not very numerous, but sufficient were
staged to illustrate the great skill of our
growers, for all the plants were clean and
healthy, and even profusely flowered, while the
majority of the cut blooms were excellent. The
same praise cannot be extended to the decora-
tive classes, which, generally, were of only
average merit.

New Roses.

To the new seedling Roses submitted for
judgment the Council awarded one Gold Medal
and three Certificates of Merit. All of these
novelties were more meritorious than on some
previous occasions, and were characterised by
good habit and clean foliage.

Gold Medal.
Rev. F. Page-Roberts (see Fig. 108).— A
beautiful H.T., recommended for exhibi-
tion and for garden decoration. It is a
full bloom, with much of the Marechal
Kiel form, good both in bud and fully
expanded. The ye'low colour varies from a
good clear shade to deep orange, flushed with
apricot, and is nearly always light at the tips.
The blooms are pleasantly fragrant. Shown
by Messrs. B. R. Cant and Sons.

Ceetificate or Merit.

Padre.— A brilliant H.T. Rose of good shape
as buds, though it appears that the blooms will
be loose when mature. The colour is cherry
cerise, with a suggestion of magenta. Shown
by Messrs. B. R. Cant and Sons.

Mrs. Curnock Sawday. — A dwarf H.T., re-
commended for garden and under glass. A
well-shaped bloom of blush-pink colour and
pleasant perfume. The foliage is clean and the
blooms are borne on long, stout stems. Shown
by Mr. Elisha J. Hicks.

Constance Casson. — This H.T. may be de-
scribed as a much glorified Gorgeous, which
variety it resembles, though the petals have
much more substance and are tinted with old
gold. It is a very attractive bloom. Shown
by Messrs. B. R. Cant and Sons.
Open Classes.

The 1st prize for a group of pot Roses and cut
blooms was won by Mr. Elisha J. Hicks, who
made a fresh and attractive display, principally
of pot plants. The standards of Mrs. Elisha
Hicks and Mrs. Geo. Norwood (H.T.'s). and
Orleans, Ellen Poulsen and Mrs. Cutbush, of
the polyantha varieties, were particularly good.
Of the' cut blooms, a central stand of Mrs.
Elisha Hicks was splendid and served to draw
attention to smaller, but equally good, vases of
such as Mme. Edouard Herriot, Climbing Hi]
lingdon and Chas. E. Shea.

In the class for a group on staging Messrs.

B. R. Cant and Sons were placed first. Their
blooms of Co vent Garden, Emily Gray, Snow
Queen, Golden Ophelia, Esmee, Padre and Con-
stance Casson were especially fine. 2nd, Mr.
Geo. Prince, whose attractive arrangement in-
cluded a plant of the curious little Rosa Wat-
soniana, with cut blooms of Paul's Scarlet
Climber. Harrisonii. American Pillar, Cupid and

C. V. Haworth.

Mr. E. J. Hick? was awarded 1st prize
for six Pillar Roses, which included three of his
own seedlings. Star of Hurst and Belle of
Hurst are single white varieties of good size,
white Queen of Hurst is a splendid double.
All will have prominent places in gardens m
the future. Mr. Hicks was also awarded 1st
prize for 25 dwarf polvantha Roses, which in-
cluded solendid plants of Ellen Poulsen and
Mrs. Cutbush.

Messrs B R. Cant and Sons found no com-
petition in the class for 24 blooms of exhibition
Roses, and were awarded 1st priz<s for a most

May 8, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

233

creditable collection, which was characterised by
size and quality. The very best varieties were
Snow Queen, Constance, Casson, Sallie, Covent
Garden, Mrs. John Laing, Phoebe, W. R.
Smith, Lyon Rose and Capt. Hayward.

With a slightly inferior collection, Mr. E. J.
Hicks was awarded 1st prize for 18 blooms,
among which he had fine examples of Caroline
Testout, Candeur Lyonnaise and Frau Karl
Druschki.

Mr. A. T. Goodwin showed a dozen splendid,
richly-coloured blooms of Marechal Niel. The
best 12 blooms of any variety other than
Marechal Niell was of Constance Casson, by
Messrs. B. R. Cant and Sons; 2nd, Mr.
Elisha J. Hicks, with very creditable blooms
of Mrs. Elisha Hicks.

The only exhibit of three baskets of cut
Roses was by Mr. Elisha J. Hicks, who was
awarded the 1st prize for decorative examples of
Lady Hillingdon, Mme. Edouard Herriot and
Mrs. George Roupell.

Mr. Hicks was the only exhibitor of six new
Roses put into commerce since 1916, and was
awarded 1st prize for good blooms of Chas. E.
Shea, The Queen Alexandra. Alex Ernstil, Mrs.
Dunlop Best, Mrs. Elisha Hicks and Raymond.

Amateurs' Classes.

Mr. G. A. Hammond, Burgess Hill, had a
dozen splendid blooms well-deserving the 1st
prize awarded him. The very best were Wil-
liam Shean, Mrs. Geo. Shawver and Mrs. Foley
Hobbs.

There were two awards for six blooms, and
Mr. H. L. Wettern, Oxted, was easily first
with splendid blooms of such as Madame A.
Chatenay, Mrs. E. Mawley and William Shean.

Mr. Hammond had good blooms of Will-am
Shean and was awarded 1st prize in the class
for six blooms of any variety. — Mr. Wettern
was also first with a praiseworthy basket of cut
Roses.

The only group of cut Roses was by Mr. G. A.
Hammond, who had a verv fresh and clean
collection and received the 1st prize.

Decorative Classes.

In the Nurserymen's Section there were only
two dinner table decorations, and these were
of fairly even merit. The 1st prize was awarded
to Mrs. A. Bide, while Mr. E. J. Hicks was
second.
^ In the Ladies' Amateur Section there were
six tables, and here the awards were the sub-
ject of considerable criticism by the visitors,
who rightly preferred the lower-placed arrange-
ments, which were certainly more graceful and
attractive. The 1st prize was awarded to Mrs.
Coulston Hale, Warminster ; 2nd, Mrs. Barton,
Colchester; 3rd, Mrs. Courtney Page. Enfield

Mrs. Coulston Hale had a graceful vase of
cut Roses, and received the 1st prize; while
Mrs. Courtney Page was 2nd with a more re-
strained vase of fine blooms of Melody.

A splendidly-arranged bowl of Joanna Bridge
won 1st prize for Mr. Elisha J. Hicks ; 2nd.
Mrs. A. Bidb

The best bowl was by Mrs. F. Charlton,
who used blooms of Chas. E. Shea to advantage;
2nd. Mrs. Courtney Page; 3rd, Mrs. Coulston
Hale.

NATIONAL AURICULA AND PRIMULA.

April 27. — The annual show of the Southern
Section of the above Society was held at Vin-
cent Square on this date in conjunction with the
R.H.S. fortnightly meeting. In this unusual
season the date was too late for southern
growers. Consequently the show was a small
one, though there was some particularly at-
tractive plants to be seen.

As usual, Mr. James Douglas was the most
prominent trade exhibitor. He contributed a
splendid non-competitive collection of Alpine
Auriculas, which included many beautiful forms
of this very attractive type of" the plant. His
first-prize collection of 12 " dissimilar " Auri-
culas included Gordon Douglas (the premier
white-edged variety), Wm. Smith, Druid. Gleam
and several especially well-marked seedlings.

Mr. Douglas was also first for twelve and six
Alpine Auriculas, respectively, both exhibits in-

cluding magnificent plants of Prince of Tyre;
while Kaffir, Majesty and Golden Dustman were
also splendidly represented. — Mr. J. T. Bennett-
Poe, who was second in the class for six Alpine
Auriculas, was awarded the James Douglas
Memorial Cup.

Mrs. Groves, Brondesbury, was first with
four Alpines in Class 14 and six Alpines in Class
18, which is for amateurs who grow their plants
unaided. She had excellent plants of Gertrude
and Unexpected.

The single-plant and seedling classes were not
well represented. First prizes were won by
Mr. H. A. Soames and Mr. H. S. Bartleet.

Mr. Geo. Miller was awarded the first prizes
for Polyanthuses and Primroses, which he
showed in very good condition, and he also had
an attractive collection of species and varieties
of Auricula and Primula.

growers promised to help, an exhibitions' com-
mittee was formed with Mr. Brunton
as Chairman, and Mr. Jolis was appointed
showman. The latter gentleman made a
preliminary trip to Antwerp, and when
he was able to report what space the
British exhibits might occupy, and the amount
of labour, stands and etceteras, local authorities
were prepared to provide, organisation pro-
ceeded rapidly. Greatly daring, the Committee
agreed to fill the whole of the central space of
the new Floral Hall at the Antwerp exhibition,
and the Belgian authorities promised to give
every facility for transporting the exhibits from
Dover. One large railway van load of
accessories was taken over on Thursday, April
29, but the flowers and most of the plants were
taken over on April 30, accompanied by the
majority of the British party, under the guid-

Fig. 108. — h. t. rose rev. i

ANTWERP FLORAL EXHIBITION
At the first of the floral exhibitions held in
connection with the Antwerp Fetes British
horticulture made a splendid effort, the Cham-
ber of Horticulture achieved a great success,
and British Carnation and Rose growers covered
themselves with glory. It is worthy of men-
tion that the Ministry of Agriculture invited
the Chamber of Horticulture to take a prac-
tical interest in the flower exhibitions at
Antwerp, and particularly in the opening func-
tion on May 2. The Chamber invited its
federated associations and members to assist.
The response was not very encouraging, but
eventually a few traders and Covent Garden

PAGE ROBERTS.

p. 232.)

ance of Mr. Arluison, who acted as courier and
friend generally. The difficulties presented tliem-
selves at Dover and Ostend, not at Antwerp,
but great relief was experienced when it was
found a. few hours later that the employees m
the goods department of the railway intended to
celebrate May Day by ceasing to work ! An
early start was made on May 1 and although
midday was the time appointed for having
everything ready for the consideration of the
jury, one o'clock arrived before tin- display was
completed. The Britishers, including several
ladies, worked splendidly, and though they
finished an hour alitor the time allowed, they
were ahead of several of the Belgian growers,

- 234

THE GARDENERS'* CHRONICLE.

[May 8, 1920.

and, after all, judging did not commence until
about 4 o'clock. Soon after 1 o'clock a com-
mand was received to lunch with the officers
of the Exhibition, and to those who are
acquainted with the lusuai procedure of an
official luncheon on the Continent, we need not
explain why the judging was deferred. M.
Chas. de Mosschere. President of the Committee
of the International Shows, presided and was
supported by the President of the Administra-
tion of the Antwerp Fetes ; M. E. Nagels, Sec-
retary of the horticultural section, and M. Bene
Van Rysselberghe, director of the Antwerp
plantations; Mr. George Monro, Jnr., President
of the British Chamber of Horticulture ; Comte
Oscar Le Grelle, M. H. B. Beemaert, of the
Flandria Company, Ghent; M. Pauwells and
many others, including several Dutch growers.

The British party 'Comprised Mr. Geo. Monro,
Jnr., Mrs. Monro, Mr. and Mrs. Brunton. Mr.
and Mrs. R. H. Page, Mr. Chas. H. Curtis.
Mr. C. Engelmaiin. Mr. W. E. Wallace. Mr.
Willis, Mr. Laurence Cook and Mr. Jolis.

The International Horticultural Exhibition at
Antwerp is, as already suggested, a section of
the Antwerp Fetes on' 1920. arranged in con-
junction with the Seventh Olympiad, the whole
being under the patronage of the King of the
Belgians. There is a permanent horticultural
exhibition, but this is not far advanced. Tem-
porary exhibitions, of which the one under con-
sideration was the first, have been arranged
throughout the year, and the concluding one, in
October, the twenty-second of the series, will be
of Chrysanthemums.

More delightful surroundings for an exhibition
could scarcely be imagined. A part of the
lovely Pare de Rossignols — Nightingale Park-
presented to the City of Antwerp iby Comte
0. Le Grelle, just outside the old ramparts,
has been enclosed for the purpose, and tin-
great floral hall occupies a central position,
quite distinct from other buildings, and is a
lofty and light building, eminently suitable for
the purpose, except that greater" facilities for
ventilation would be an improvement.

A detailed account of the show will be given
in the next issue.

©trttuarp.

MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF ENGLAND

ORCHID.

April 1. — Committee -present: Rev. J.
Croinbleholme (i„ the chair). Messrs. R. Ash-
worth, A. Burns', D. A. Cowan, J. C. Cowan,
A. Coningsby, J. Evans, A. Hanmer, J. Howes,
A. Keeling, D. McLeod, J. Lupton. W. Shackle-
ton, E. W. Thompson, and H. Arthur (Secretary).

Awards.

First-class Certificates.

Odmiioglossum exi7)tiwn ShacHetonii (Luciana

x ardentissimum Robsoniae), a large well-shaped
flower, heavily blotched with brown and with
petals of a purple shade; 0. crispum Troytowji,
a large white flower, very round in shape and
of good substance ; 0. Elfridn rar. magnificvm
(Uro Skinrieri x ardentissimum). the sepals with
large and the petals with small spots ; lip flat ;
' i</i>iiiiyrlti alcahtara-var. rubra (Oda Cooksoniae
X eximiuni). flower of solid maroon colour,
sepals edged white: Odta Chanticleer rar.
superba (C. Noezliana x Odta. Cooksoniae), a
large flower of brilliant light scarlet colour ;
from P. Smith, Esq.

Brasso-Cattleya Cliftonii Gratrix's rar., a
large flower of good even colour and with a
large lip; Lycaste SUnneri Royal Beauty, the
segments are brilliantly coloured : from S.
Gratrix, Esq.

Lycaste fWnneri Cazador, from Mrs. Bruce
and Miss Wrigley.

Awards or Merit.

Gdontoglossum crispum Gladiator, 0. Tityus
(crispo-Harryanum x exiniium), Cattleya Men-
dellii Bridesmaid, Laelio-Cuttltya Joy Sander,
from S. Gratrix, Esq.

Lycaste Skinneri delicatissimum, from Mrs.
Bruce and Miss Wrigley.

Jacob William Moorman. — The sad news
reaches vis of the death, on the 1st inst., of Mr.
J. W. Moorman, for many years superintendent
of Victoria Park, London. Mr. Moorman was
a well-known personality in the horticultural
world and -was a regular attendant at the meet-
ings of the R.H.S., where he assisted in the
deliberations of the Floral Committee, of which
h.3 was a member for several years. He was
born in May, 1849, and commenced his garden-
ing career at Teignmouth. He gained further
experience in such well-known places as Polti-
more Park, Devon ; Poynton Towers. Cheshire ;
Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons' Nurseries, Chelsea ;
and Sulby, Warwick, previous to becoming
head gardener at Coonnbe Bank, Kingston, where
he remained for seventeen years. Subsequentlv
he became associated with the Metropolitan
Gardens Association, and laid out Myatt's Park,
Camberwell, of which he was the first superin-
tendent. In 1888 he was appointed by the
London County Council to the charge of Brock-
well and Dulwich Parks, and five years later

THE LATE J. W. MOORMAN.

u'as transferred to the more important post of
superintendent of Victoria Park. He remained
at the latter place until his retirement in June.
1910. Mr. Moorman was a very .capable gar-
dener and especially interested in the cultivation
of Chrysanthemums, for which he Avon many
awards at exhibitions. For several years he
served on the Committee of the National
Chrysanthemuim Society and for a time acted as
Treasurer. On two occasions Mr. Moorman
gained the highest award — the Gold Medal, of
the R.H.S. for collections of Hyacinths, Tulips,
and other spring flowering bulbs. He also
secured many other high honours at metro-
politan exhibitions, including the shows of the
Royal Botanic Society, those at the Crystal!
Palace and Alexandra Palace. Mr. Moorman
v'.is keenly interested in the horticultural
charities and was a Committee-man of the
Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund up to the time
of his death. He was a frequent and valued
contributor to these pages and in 1909 wrote a
series of articles in the Week's Work on the
management of public parks and gardens.

William McKenzie. — We much regret to an-
nounce the death of Mr. William McKenzie,
late gardener at Glenmuick House, Aberdeen-
shire, at the ripe old age of 87. Entering the
service of the .McKenzie family in 1871. deceased
served under three generations — Sir James
McKenzie. Sir Alan McKenzie, and latterly Sir
Victor McKenzie. When Glenmuick House was
built, in 1371. Mr. McKenzie laid out the fine
gardens and policies there, and also at Brack-
lev, another Highland seat of the McKenzies.
An efficient and skilful gardener. Mr. McKen-
zie was greatly esteemed by his employers, and
the kindly way he was treated by the family
up to the end proved how absolutely he had
gained their confidence. The funeral took
place from Kimberley House, Ballater — not far
from the scene of his life's work — to which lie

retired a few years ago, and was very largely
attended. A typical Highlander, of a most
genial and kindly disposition, and higlily
esteemed by all who came in contact with him,
his memory will long be cherished. Mr. and
Mrs. McKenzie celebrated the diamond jubilee
of their marriage on New Year's Day, 1919.

W. Sharp. — The death is announced of
Mr W. Sharp, for the past 31 years gardener at
Freelands, near Perth. Mr. Sharp was a
specialist in Orchids, of which he raised many
seedlings, the earliest of these being Masdevallia
Curlii, which he raised while gardener at Prior-
wood, near Melrose. He was a well-known
exhibitor at the chief Scottish shows, where his
displays of Orchids invariably held high place
and gained many medals and prizes. Mr.
Sharp was 68 years of age.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Insect for Naming : E. S. C. The insect is
Bombylius major. It belongs to a family of
flies whose larvae are parasitic on other in-
sects, in the case of B. major probably on
wild hees. In the adult stage it is harmless,
seeking its nourishment from flowers. It is
therefore in no way harmful to fruit bushes.

Marechal Niel Rose : G. 11'. T. You should
have shortened the long growths about half
or a little more ; the 'buds near the base would
then have burst into growth. In growing this
Rose under glass it is necessary to have the
plant well established, and this will take three
or four years ; the blooms should be sacri-
ficed until this object has been attained. The
subsequent treatment then consists chiefly in
shortening the young growths to about six
inches, more or less, according to their
strength, and cutting out the weak shoots
entirely. This work should be done at the
end of the growing season. If there is more
than one long growth on your plant, cut one
back to a few inches of the base to induce the
dormant ibuds to break. If there is only one,
the dormant buds may be induced to break
into grow'th by bending down the shoot in a
semi-circle and tying it in position after growth
has commenced. During the resting season
climbing Roses should be grown in a cool
temperature; fire-heat only tends to weaken
the plants.

Name of Plant: L. S. A. Cotoneaster

horizontalis.

Pruning Fotit Trees in Autumn: A. G. To
follow out either of the methods suggested
would eventually lead to failure, as it is
obvious that tree's may be injured by an excess
of frait-'bearing spurs, even more readi.y and
seriously than by an excess of growth The
happy medium is the best course to tol ow,
hence the importance of reducing the number
of either wood shoots or fruit spurs, according
to the health and vigour of the tree. Know-
ledge and judgment are necessary to combine
the two methods, more especially under the
present up-to-date methods of fruit culture,
with more fertile stocks. The condition _ of
the roots has a great bearing on the formation
of an excess of either wood or fruit spurs,
and excess of growth can best be regulated
by root -pruning.

Rhubarb Running to Flower : A'. .1/. X.
Rhubarb, like any other flowering plant, en-
deavours to produce bloom and speds; this is
a natural effort on the part of the plant
to reproduce itself. In ground that is fairlj
heavy and rich the Rhubarb generally makes
strong growth and throws up flower spikes,
but in very poor soil it rarely flowers. More-
over, wlv'n Rhubarb is "pulled" severely,
its ability to flower appears to be reduced
considerably. The flowering growths should
lie cut out as soon as they form.

Communications Received — B. D. J. — J. D. C—

.1. 1).— U. A, — C. s.— It. W. n.— .1. C— E, .7 —

C. W. T— G. H.— S. A. E. — J. G. S.— F. K.—
It. T. G.

Mat 15, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

235

THE

(Sarteiwrs' (Kljrmtttle

No. 1742.— SATURDAY, MAY 15, 1920.

CONTENTS,

Agricultural Botany,

Nursery, Are at a ....

235

National Institute of 235

Orchid notes and

Allotment, produce from

gleanings — ■

a 10 rod 242

Dendrobium Pierardii

Apple Alfriston .... 243

and D. primulinum

239

Apples, double worked 243

Masdevallia coccinea

Bath and West of Eng-

and M. ignea ....

239

land Show 236

Miltonia Bleuana

Books, notices of —

Reine Elisabeth . .

239

lawns and Greens 237

Orphan Fund, Gar-

The Flora of Chep-

deners' Roval ....

236

stow 237

Potato clamps, Black-

Bushy Park, Horse-
chestnuts in 236

leg in

tt8fi

Silver Leaf disease of

VStb

Leaves , propagation

Societies—

Antwerp Floral Ex-

Darfleld Rectory, York-

hibition

244

shire, the garden of

Manchester and North

the Rev. Walter Stone-

of England Orchid

247

house at, in 1640 .. 240

National Auricula and

Food production, in-

Primula

24V

Roval Caledonian Hor-

Forest tree pollen, the

ticultural

235

" flight "of 236

Roval Horticultural

245

Freesias and the R.H.S.

Royal National Tulip

24V

Floral Committee .. 243

Tomatos, artificial

Fritillarias 241

pollination and yield

" Gardeners' Chronicle"

of

236

seventy-five years

Trade notes

24V

ago 236

Trees and shrubs —

Glasgow Parks staff . . 236

Enkianthus campanu-

Hampton Court gardens 243

23V

Horticulture in Austria,

Trochodendron ara-

the present situation

of 242

W7

Zanthoriza apiifolia . .

237

Lancashire Potato trials 235

Week's work, the . . 238

239

ILLUSTR

ATIONS.

Antwerp flower show, views of t

he . . 236, 242, 243 &

244

Dar field Rectorv, plan of the

garden at, in 1640 - -

241

Enkianthus campanulatus, fl

awering sprav of

237

Tulip Firenze

239

Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week

deduced from observations during: the last fifty
years at Greenwich, 51.8°.

Actual Tempera rTTRE : —

Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street,

Covent Garden, London, Wednesday. May 12,

10 a..m. : Bar. 29.7; temp. 67°. Weather— Bright.

Silver Leaf

Disease of

Plums.

Messrs. Brooks and Bailey,
in continuation of their pre.
viously published investiga-
tions, have described recently
the results of their later
researches into Silver Leaf Diseases*. The
most interesting of these results relates to
experiments in injecting antiseptics into trees
attacked by Silver Leaf. Among the anti-
septic substances used were sulphate of iron,
neo-salvarsan, and certain aniline dyes —
eosin, methyl violet, congo red, gentian
violet and methylene blue. The experiments
were necessarily carried out each on a small
number of trees, and at all events in those in
which amiline dyes were used resulted in a
larger proportion of recoveries than have
been observed by the authors to occur
naturally. As Messrs. Brooks and Bailey
observe, their experiments are of more
scientific than practical interest, since a
method of treatment invoking the disturb-
ance and cutting of roots is not suitable of
application to orchards. Nevertheless, it is
to be hoped that the authors will continue
this line of investigation, for it by no means
fo'lows that what now seems impracticable
may yet provide a key 'for the effective treat-
ment of this disease. In the meantime there
remains nothing but to employ ceaseless vigi-
lance and the drastic methods of surgery to
Plum orchards affected by Silver Leaf
disease. We know the nature of the
enemy — Stereum purpureum — and its modes
of attack. Until a cure is discovered there
is nothing for it but to cut out all diseased

• Silver Leaf Disease; ineliuling Observations upon
the Injeotions of Trees with Antiseptics, by F. T.
Brooks, M.A., and M. A. Bailey, M.A. From the
Journal of Agricultural Science, IX, September, 1919,

wood, in the hope cf suppressing the attack
in the tree affected, and of preventing neigh-
bouring trees from being attacked likewise.
How implacable is the advance of the
disease once it has obtained a hold on an
orchard is indicated by the following statisti-
cal record made by Mr. L. Neaverson, in a
Victoria Plum orchard near Wisbech. In
the case of this orchard the spread of Silver
Leaf occurred in spite of attempts to arrest
it by plugging trees with sulphate of iron,
and notwithstanding the fact that the most
severely affected trees were cut down each
winter : —

1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918
No. of trees

standing .. 154 128 108 100 87 73 67 49 40
Healthy trees... 74 78 69 60 50 37 29 23 16
Slightly affected 40 21 18 18 17 20 20 15 17
Badly diseased 40 29 21 22 20 16 18 11 7

It is evident that if the remedial measure of
removing diseased wood is to be effective it
must be carried out in the most meticulous
manner. To leave dead wood either on the
trees or in the orchard is to provide a breed-
ing ground for the fungus, and to ensure
the scattering of countless numbers of sjpores
on the healthy trees. Of these numbers
some fall on wounded surfaces, germinate
penetrate to the living tissues, and
infect them. It would be an interesting and
instructive experiment for the Ministry of
Agriculture to undertake the carrying out
of sanitary preventive measures in one or
two typical orchards, with the object of
demonstrating beyond cavil the possibility of
arresting this disease, which, when left to
run its course, works destruction on all the
more susceptible varieties of Plums. There-
would, we think, be no difficulty in arrang-
ing for one or more orchards to be set
aside for this demonstration, and, if rigor-
ously conducted, it should serve, not only for
the purpose of demonstration, but also to
increase knowledge with respect to the
operations and their timing necessary to
arrest the progress of Silver Leaf.

Lancashire is the second
Lancashire largest Potato - growing

Potato Trials, county in England, with
an average area under this
crop, in the decade, 1910-19, of 45,430 statute
acres. Inasmuch, moreover, as a large
part of the Potato land lies in the scheduled
area south of the Ribble— where only
varieties immune to wart disease may be
planted— it is Of the first importance for Lan-
cashire farmers to know which resistant
varieties are the best and most profitable for
planting in their district.

The Ormskirk trials, designed as they are
for the purpose of testing resistance, and of
necessity carried out under other than field
conditions, require to be supplemented by
field trials and1 hence the Secretary of Agri-
culture of the County Council for the County
'Palatine of _ Lancaster, Mr. T. Milburn, has
organised in the county a comprehensive
scheme of Potato trials under farm conditions
for the purpose of ascertaining which of the
immune varieties are the best croppers and
generally most suitable for profitable farm
cultivation in the county, and, particularly,
which show most resistance to Late Blight
and possess the best cooking qualities.

The varieties included in the trials were : —
Ally, Arran Comrade, Great Scot, Kerr's
Pink, Majestic and Tinwald Perfection.

Scotch seed of all these "varieties was
used, and was planted in tin stations — one
hundredweight of seed (if each variety be-
ing planted under uniform conditions.'

The heaviest crop was given by Ally,
which yielded in 1919 (average of 0 centres)
11 ton iSJcwt. per acre; Kerr's Pink was

second with an average of 1 1 ton 8J cwt. ;
Great Scot next (11 ton and 3 cwt.) and
Majestic fourth (9 ton 9^ cwt.).

In 1919 Late Blight was not prevalent, but
where it occurred, Arran Comrade suffered
most. Majestic, both in 19 18 and 1919, was
disappointing and Tinwald Perfecti'on gave
its best results on black soil — a fact which
growers in Eastern counties should note.

National Institute of Agricultural Botany.—
Mr. Wilfred H. Parker, M.A., has been ap-
pointed Director of the National Institute of
Agricultural Botany. The Institute, including
the Official Seed Testing Station for England
and Wales (the Director of which is Mr. Saiun-
ders. B.Sc), will be housed at Cambridge in a
large building which will be completed by next
summer. .Meanwhile, the temporary office of
the Institute is at 72, Victoria Street, London,
S.W.I.

Koyal Caledonian Horticultural Society. —
The report of the Council of the Royal Cale-
donian Horticultural Society contains the an-
nouncement that the union of the Society with
the Scottish Horticultural Association is again
under consideration, and that it is proposed to
unite the two societies under the charter of the
Royal Caledonian Society. The Council an-
nounces that an aratumn show will be held on
September 8 and 9 of this year.

Increased Food Production.— The lessontaught
by the serious shortage and high price of food
in Ceylon during the war has apparently been
laid to heart by the. authorities, who announce
in The Tropical Agriculturist for March 20
that it is proposed to increase considerably the
area in the island under food crops, and re-
commend that supplies of seed which are
apparently avadable should be saved for plant-
ing purposes. Similarly the Department ot
Agriculture, Federated Malay States, is urging,
in a special bulletin. Food Production, in
Malay, the need" for increased local produc-
tion.

Fire at a Nursery.— A fire occurred at Messrs.
John K. King and Son's premises, Coggeshail,
Essex on the 6th inst. The larger warehouse
and its contents were destroyed, but the other
warehouses were untouched. Messrs. King in-
form us that they will be able to execute
orders as usual.

Exhibition of Country Produce and Handi-
crafts.—A show, organised by the National
Federation of Women's Institutes, will be held
at the Roval Horticultural Hall, Vincent Square,
Westminster, on the 15th. 17th. 18th and 19th
inst Each day continuous lecture demon-
strations will be'held on various farms of home
crafts and rural industries, and the programme
includes plays under the auspices of the British
Drama League ; morris and country dances by
members of the English Folk Danoe Society,
concerts, etc. The Hon. Exhibition Organiser
is Miss Alice Williams, National Federation of
Women's Institutes. 14. Iddesleigh House,
Caxton Street, London, S.W.I.

Black-leg in Potato Clamps.— Messrs. Paine
and Haenseler draw attention" to the import-
ance of constructing Potato clamps properly as
a means of preventing this disease. The symp-
toms of Black-leg disease have been shown to
be produced by artificial inoculations of Potatos
with Bacillus atroseptious, but U remains un-
certain whether it is the sole agent of the
disease. The authors draw attention to a de-
vice for securing ventilation of the clamp which
is frequently used in Germany. Poles are laid
along the ridges after the first layers of straw
have been placed over the Potatos. Other
layers of straw are laid on the |*'lo< and then
the covering of earth is put in position. By
this means air channels running along the whole
length of the clamp are provided. To prevent
rats anil nine from gaining access to the clamp
the open ends of the channels are blocked by
means of galvanised n ire.

* Deoa? in Potfttn Clampa due to ninck-I.oe.

Journal Of UiniUry "I Agriculture, vol. 27, I., April,
192(1

236

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

May 15, 1920.]

Eoyal Gardeners' Orphan Pund.— The annual,
festival dinners of this gardening charity were
discontinued during the period of the war, and
it is to he regretted that the fund suffered in
consequence, for money raised annually at, and
ill consequence of, these festive occasions con-
stitutes a very considerable part of the revenue
of the institution. This year the dinner will be
held as usual, and the d'ate has been fixed for
Wednesday, the 19th inst. It is termed the
Victory Festival Dinner, and will be held in
Prince's Galleries, Piccadilly. The Et. Hon.
Viscountess Astor, M.P., will preside. The
occasion offers an opportunity for all lovers of
gardens to support this excellently-managed and
deserving fund, and small contributions, as well
as larger sums, will be welcomed. We make a
■special appeal to gardeners to contribute, and
thus assist the orphans of those of their fellow
craftsmen who have fallen by the way. The
fund would receive considerably help if head
gardeners, or others specially interested, in-
augurated a collection in their" gardens and dis-
tricts, and we shall be happy to receive and
acknowledge amounts raised in this way.

Artificial Pollination and Yield of Tomatos

From careful tests on the hand pollination of
Tomatos, it is stated* that the artificial pollina-
tion of Tomatos produces a double benefit to the

grown out-of-doors. In the former case the con-
ditions obtaining in the earlier months of the
year are by no means always propitious to the
setting of fruit, and it might prove advantageous
for growers of early Tomatos to make a practice
of hand-pollination. In the oase of Tomatos
grown out-of-doors, setting is often poor in
amount, and here also hand-pollination might
prove useful. In any case, such statements as
those that hand-pollination nearly doubles tine
yield and saves three weeks in the ripening ot'
the crop, however we may be inclined to doubt
their applicability to Tomato crops grown in this
country, deserve to be put to practical test.

The " Flight " of Forest Tree Pollen.— That
the pollen of plants may be carried long dis-
tances (by the wind is well known. Examples
of the actually observed distances are, however,
rare. The Experiment Station Record (1,141,
No. 1), cites a case in which means were taken
on two lightships, situated respectively 18^ and
33 miles from land, to collect air-borne pollen
by exposing sticky plates to the air. Examin-
ation of the plates, after exposure to the air,
showed that there were adhering to each square
inch of the plates exposed on the first light-
ship nearly 4^ million grains of Spruce pollen,
almost as many Birch pollen grains, and about
one-third as many Pine pollen grains ; and on

Fig. 109. — Antwerp flower show

grower. It results in both a larger and an
earlier crop. The Tomato is a plant which is
very easily pollinated by artificial means. Per-
haps the easiest and quickest method is to pull
away the ripe stamens and to use them for
dusting the stigmas with pollen. Very little
practice suffices to give the necessary amount
of skill for the operation, and hence the cost
of the operation need be but low. According to
the experiments to which reference has been
made the difference between the average yields
of pollinated and unpollinated plants was no
less than 3 lb. per plant — a difference which
would represent a value of produce far greater
than the cost of the operation. The further
statement that hand pollination results in the
production of fruit ready to harvest 21 days
before fruit set naturally is extremely difficult
to believe. It may, of course, have been the
case under the conditions of the experiment,
but we doubt very much whether a like result
would be generally obtained. Nevertheless, the
statement is worth noting and testing, particu-
larly with reference to crops under glass grown
for the early market, and also to Tomatos
• Experiment Station Record, X L., 9.

GENERAL VIEW DOW'N THE RIGHT-HAND SIDE OF THE FLORAL

hall. (See p. 244.)

those exposed on the lightship 33 miles from
land about one-half of these quantities.

Glasgow Parks Staff. — By a decision of the
Glasgow Corporation, made a short time ago, Mr.
James Whitton, V.M.H., takes the title of
Director of Parks, his deputy being called
Assistant Director. The chief in charge of each
park is now entitled Curator. It has for a long
time been felt that the designations of these posts
diid not properly correspond with the importance
of the duties, and this was very marked in the
case of the Curators, who were formerly called
Foremen, a name quite unsuitable for those who
were performing responsible and onerous
duties in charge of the individual parks.

Bushy Park Horse-chestnuts.— Although May
2 was the popular "Chestnut Sunday," yet the
world-famous trees were in even greater glory
on the following Sunday. As a rule this un-
official festival falls on the third Sunday in May,
but the early season has affected the Horse-
chestnuts equally with other vegetation. In the
absence of unduly rough winds and serious frosts
the flowering this year has been perfect on the
noble avenue of trees, together with isolated
specimens in the Park, and the Hampton Court

grounds -won unstinted admiration from the
countless thousands of visitors on the two past
Sundays. The Hawthorns, which stud the open
places of Bushy Park, are also in full beauty,
ynd many persons made delighted pilgrimages, to
them after they had feasted their eyes on the
nobler Chestnuts. In connection with the Horse-
chestnut avenue, it may be recalled that the
trees in this famous double avenue and the
Limes wrere planted by King William HI, at a
cost of sixpence apiece, in 1690. Many of the
original trees have died, but a goodly number
remain, and it is these that are responsible for
the present wonderful display. The many young
trees which, from time to time have been
planted in the gaps, naturally flower rather
earlier, and are now beginning to shed their
blooms. The origin of the common name of
Aesculus hippocastanum is the subject of
speculation on the part of the public,
who, encouraged by the fact that it can
be proved by experiment, mostly believe that it
is because the scar left on the twig by the leaf
stalk is in the shape of a horse-shoe. But
Gerrairde, the- old herbalist, remarks that the
tree received its name because " the people in the .
East countries do with the fruit thereof cure
their horses of the cough, shortness of breath,
and such-like diseases."

Bath and West and Southern Counties
Society's Show. — The annual exhibition of this
old-established Societv will be held at Salisbury
on the 20. 21. 22, 24 and 25th inst. As usual
a horticultural section is provided and the
flowers, fruits and vegetables will be arranged
in a special pavilion. Near the forestry pavilion,
demonstrations in tiree-pruning, graftng, spray-
ing and rural wood industries will be given.
The exhibition will open at 9 o'clock on Thurs-
day. May 20, and at eleven o'clock on the same
day the exhibition will be formally inaugurated
by the Mayor of Salisbury, who will attend in
state with his Corporation and representatives
of the Local Executive Committee, and will be
received by the Society's President (the Earl
of Radnor) and the members of the Society's
Council. Tile Show will open on the other days
at the same hour, and will close on Thursday,
Friday, and Saturday at 7. and on Whit-Mon-
day at 8 p.m. On Saturday morning the annual
general meeting of the members of the Society
will be held. The Show will finally close at
6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 25.

" The Gardeners' Chronicle " Seventy-Five
Yeais Ago. — The Heartsease or Pansy. — Har-
mony or proper distribution of colour is a
property on which there appears to me to be
a great diversity of opinion ; but, in all flowers,
I hold it essential that the three bottom petals
should agree in shade, whatever may be the
colour of the upper ones; and, in selfs, it is
necessary that all should assimilate. The re-
verse of this, I am aware, has been for a length
of time allowed, and many flowers have been
sent out as first-rate with the ground-colour
sadly stained, which is as great a defect in
the flower under consideration as a discoloured
bottom to the cup of a Tulip. If the flower
is a self, whether white or yellow, it must be
pure and steadfast in colour ; and the eye large
and wrell-defined. being generally either black or
dark-purple, contrasting as much as possible
with the body colour. When the colour is dark,
whether purple, black, marone, or crimson, the
eye should be either yellow or white, without the
shading off so apparent in some varieties. In
belted flowers, or^those with a margin of colour
encircling the three bottom petals, it ought to be
of a uniform width throughout; and the less the
triangular spot, often seen on the lower one,
is apparent, the better is the flower. Size is
the least essential of the properties to be en-
larged tipon, as there can be no question which
flowrer should take precedence, when the other
points of those in competition are equally
balanced. .In judging a collection of flowers, I
should give to form, four points; substance,
three; distribution, or harmony, two; and size,
one. And it will be necessary that censors
should disqualify any flowers that have been
unfairly dealt with, by cutting or clipping the
edges, pressing etc. — IF., Gard. Chron., May
17th. 1845.

May 15, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

l?,l

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

TREES AND SHRUBS.

The Flora of Chepstow.
Local floras are chiefly interesting to students
who live in the district, and in a measure to
collectors who may be contemplating a visit
to the neighbourhood in the hope of making
additions to their collections. Mr. W. A. Shool-
bred has compiled a very interesting flora,*
embracing a district around Chepstow, extend-
ing north and south for a distance of nine miles,
and eleven to twelve miles east and west. Sit u-
ated as it is in the lower pari of the tidal Wye
valley, with much aboriginal wood on either
bank of the river, with rocky elevations, marshes
and level ground, a rich flora is to be expected.
This expectation is amply verified by the book,
which records 1,006 flowering plants' and vascu-
lar cryptogams, as well as 179 species of mosses.
That is a large number of species, even when
the modern multiplication of Roses, Hieracia.
Rubi and some other species is taken into con-
sideration. The author has had the help of the
leading experts on these difficult genera, so
that the species are, no doubt, correctly identi
fied. The arrangement and the nomenclature
follow those of the 10th edition of The London
Catalogue of British Plants, except where re-
cent research has improved upon it. Neverthe-
less, a few anomalies remain, such as Ulmus
glabra for the Wych Elm, which is the roughest
or the most hairy of the British Elms ; and
Oenothera biennis (aggregata), when the well
authenticated 0. Lamarkiana might have heen
used. The small-flowered O. biennis rarely
occurs outside gardens, whereas the other is
abundant in many places. It is usual
to regard Ulmus campestris and Populus alba as
native British trees, but as they do not repro-
duce themselves by seeds in this country, their
nativity is a moot point. According to reliable
recent evidence only the female of Popuilus alba
is to be seen. Both trees reproduce themselves
by suckers. Rare northern plants in the area are
Pyrola secunda, Saxifraga hypnoides and Rubus
saxatilis. It is surprising that only one form of
Mentha aquatica x arvensis (sativa, L.) is men
tioned, nor any of the numerous varieties of M.
arvensis, especially the rare M. a. parietariae-
folia, which occurs at Symonds Yat, outside the
scope of the flora, though a few other rare
plants from that reach of the river are men-
tioned. Though it is really a hybrid, it has
long been described and recorded as a variety
of M. arvensis, and might by this time shave
been brought down to the Chepstow district
by the River Wye. The species of Melica and
Armeria have been restored to the old names,
thereby removing that anomaly of The London
Catalogue. Galuntlwis nivalis is unreservedly
considered a native. The map accompanying
the flora is a, good one, but is rather heavily
shaded in the wooded regions near the river,
making it difficult to find names of places. The
author has produced a good working flora.

Lawns and Greens. I
A third edition of Mr. T. W. Sanders' useful
work on Lawns an,/ Greens, their Formation
and Management, has been recently issued.
The book deals with tennis and croquet lawns,
bowling and golf greens, cricket grounds, grass
paths, and the general formation and upkeep
of ornamental grass-land. The work commences
with chapters on the preparation of tin. soil,
drainage and levelling, accompanied by useful
diagrams and illustrations. The methods of
forming grassland from seeds and turves are
contrasted, and a. selection of the host grasses
given for the purpose. The subsequent treat-
ment of lawns by rolling, mowing, manuring
and watering are dealt with, and tlhere is a
chapter on pests of grassland and methods of
dealing with them. Those responsible for the
upkeep ol tennis and croquet lawns will ifind the
book very valuable and useful, and especially
the diagrams showing the correct methods of
setting out tennis courts and croquet lawns.

,,*„"'' "'"'■% °f Chepstow, by ,W. A. Shoolbred;

n i . ■ V. ''■■" - '""'l"n: Messrs. Taylor nn.l Franc's
Red Lion Court. Kl.rt Sti t, 1920. IV IOs <;,r

t ton and Greens By T. W. Sanders, London,
V H. and I,. Onllingndge. Priee 3b. CI. „,.t.

ENKIANTHUS CAMPANULATUS.

Or the half a dozen or so species of Enkian-
thus in cultivation, all of them attractive, E.
campanulatus (see Fig. 110) thrives the best
and is the most vigorous. Usually seen with
us as a shrub, it is capable of developing into
a small tree 20 to 30 ft. high. The branches
are produced in tiers, or whorls, in the manner
characteristic of the genus, and the leaves are
clustered at the ends of the twigs, measuring
individually 1 to 2J, inches in length by half
as much wide. The flowers, which expand in
May, are borne in terminal loose racemes 1^-
to 2 inches long, very abundant and very graee-

The typical E. campanulatus comes from
Japan, whence it was introduced to England
by Charles Maries, about 1880. Probably the
variety is from the same country. W. J. B.

ZAXTHORMIZA APIIFOLIA.
This little deciduous shrub cannot by any
means be regarded as showy, yet taken alto-
gether it is very pretty and interesting.
Popularly known as the Yellow Root, from the
colour of its creeping roots, it pushes up erect
stems from 1 to 2 feet in height. The leaves are
pinnate and form a very pleasing feature. They
are of a 'bright and cheerful green colour, and.
as a rule, make their appearance simultaneously
with the 'blossoms, which are borne in drooping
panicles 4 to 5 inches in length. The individual
Sowers aire very small, not more than a quarter

FlG. 110. — FLOWBKTNG SHOOT OF ENKIANTHUS CAMPANll ITCS.

fully pendulous. The bell-shaped corolla is
one-third to half an inch long, five-lobed and of
a dullish creamy yellow veined with red. the
apex of each lobe being tipped with red also.
Although the colouring of the flowers is rather
subdued, their numbers and elegance, joined to
the characteristic form and branching of the
plant, give a very pleasing effect. In autumn,
too, when the leaves change to golden and red
before they fall, the plant becomes ornamental
again.

Tlie plant figured in the Botanical Magazine,
tab. 7,059, as E. campanulatus is not the typical
form, but a rather distinct variety which has
been distinguished as yar. Palitiinii, after Palibin,
a Russian monographer "I the genus. If differs
in having rather smaller flowers almost entirel>
of a rich red. and in some other respects, li

Was long Cultivated in Hie C ibe Wood

nursery, and therefore probably exists in various
collect ions.

ot an inch in diameter, and often less than that.
The colour is a tone of lurid purple. This
Zanthorhiza, which belongs to the Ranum-
culaceae, is a native of n considerable tract 61
country in (lie eastern United States of America.
and is perfectly hardy in England. It was in
troduced so long ago as 1776, but is very rarel)
seen iii gardens. A fairly moist soil ol' an
open nature is suitable for the plant ami the
situation may lie partially shaded. The plant

may be readily increased lo divis after thp

manner <>f a hardy herbaceous perennial • irlj
in the year before 'growth commences. It. '/'.'

TROCHODENDRON AKAUtUDES.
'I'm- reference on p. 107 to the floi
Trochodendron aralioides reminds me that
l his plant is no« flowering at Messrs. Vilmorms
establishment at Verrieres, new Paris Ibis is
only tl"' second time it has flowered, and si
though planted eight yeai i ;o, the plant is not
more than 3 ft. high. S, Mottet.

238

THE GARDENERS' - CHRONICLE.

[Mai- 15, 1920.

The Week's Work.

THE FLOWEE GARDEN.

By Sidnet Legg, Gardener to the Dowager Ladi
Nunbobnholme, Warter Priory, Yorkshire.

Hardy Bamboos — Bamboos may be propa-
gated by division of the clumps, and the work
may be done now. Remove small clumps con-
sisting of two or more culms, with their
rhizomes intact, from the main plant. Care
should be taken not to dislodge any soil which
may adhere to the lifted tufts. The portions
may, if desired, be planted in prepared, per-
manent quarters forthwith, carefully watered,
top-dressed with well-rotted cow manure,
and finally covered with leaves. The edge of
a natural stream is a suitable place for propa-
gating Bamboos and in which to keep a reserve
of young plants. When established, they may
be removed any time from October until the
end of May. After spring planting, spray the
leaves of the plants daily 'with rain water late in
the afternoons for a few weeks and water the
soil as required. To retain the grace and ele-
gance of these fine foliaged plants, do not expose
them to north and easterly winds. The selection
of a suitable background or setting is of the
utmost importance to obtain the best effect.
Many flower gardens might be relieved of a
portion of the common shrubbery, and an in-
teresting feature made by associating such sub-
jects as Pampas Grass and Yuccas with
varieties of Bambusa, or by the grouping oi
Bamboos alone.

Viola Royal Scot This variety of Viola is

one of the hardiest and most consistent of
blue flowering plants and very suitable for
growing on heavy, cold soils. It forms a veri-
table blue carpet from spring until the end
of summer. When broadly massed, and relieved
here and there with a few plants of Centaurea
gymnocarpa, which may be planted out in May,
the effect is charming. Royal Scot is not sub-
ject to mildew ; moreover, if left undisturbed
in the same bed, it will give satisfaction fin a
number of years. An application of bone flour
is of benefit to established beds of Viola, and
may be applied at the present time.

Hedera There is still time to plant varieties

of Ivy from pots, and to cut to the ground
delicate growing kinds planted last " year
to cause stronger growths to develop.
To bring out the fine variegation of certain
varieties, it is advisable to grow the plants
in comparatively poor, somewhat firm soil and
to restrict the root area. The variety madeir-
ensis variegata is very pleasing when adhering
to low rustic work in a sheltered position. Many
beautiful, green-leaved forms are seen to the
best advantage when trained as pyramids in
various parts of the flower garden. During the
first season of planting, attention to watering
in hot weather is essential.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By P. Jordan. Gardener to Lieut. .Clot Sppntieh Olai,
M.P.. Ford Manor. Line^eld. Surrey.
Peaches — Trees in seeond-ea.rlv houses with
fruits approaching ripeness should receive a good
watering, after which no more moisture should
be required at the roots until the fruits are
gathered. Leaves shading the fruits should be
arranged on one side of them to expose the
latter fully to the sun and cause high colour to
develop. Discontinue the use of the syringe when
the fruits are ripening, also lessen the amount
of atmosnheric moisture, gradually increasing
the quantity of air by leaving the top and front
ventilators partially open at night and using a
little warmth in the pipes should the weather
be cold. By these means well-flavoured fruits
are obtained, whereas an excessively moist
atmosphere produces insipid and badly coloured
fruits. Continue to feed the trees occasionally
through the summer and autumn, especially old

specimens which have carried large crops of
fruit.

Figs. — Early pot Fig trees, which have been
surrounded at the base with fermenting leaves,
are throwing out white, fleshy roots, which
should be encouraged to grow by placing turves
around the rims of the pots and filling the
space with well-rotted manure. Do not neglect
the roots within the pots, but let them be well
supplied with warm, diluted liquid manure and
other food. Use the syringe freely until the
fruits commence to ripen, when the amount of
ventilation may be increased and a little fire
heat used. Remove all weak shoots, thin them
where they are crowded, and pinch gross ones ;
by these means, and keeping the temperature of
the house at 65° at night with a little air,
and 75° to 80° on fine days, the fruits
will attain a good size and ripen quickly.
Trained trees require constant attention in
thinning and tying the shoots. Fire heat can-
not yet be dispensed with, but the valves should
be closed early on bright days. Air should be
admitted gradually when the temperature
reaches 70°, but close the house early in the
afternoon, syringing freely to promote plenty
of atmospheric moisture.

Strawberries. — The fruits on the plants com-
prising the latest batch are approaching ripe-
ness. Give the roots plenty of water when
they require it, and admit all the air possible.
It will be a relief to get these plants out of
the houses, because of their liability to infesta-
tion, red spider loose shelves should be re-
moved, and those that are fixed cleansed
thoroughly.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By H. Wheeler. Gardener to Mrs. JenneJi, Weuvoe
Castle, near Cardiff.

Celery. — Celery raised from seed sown early in
February is ready for transplanting in prepared
trenches. Previous to planting, a dressing of
soot and salt, the latter at the rate of 1 oz. to the
square yard, should be thoroughly raked in the
ground. The trenches may accommodate two or
more rows of plants, according to their width,
but a space of 12 to 15 inches each way should
be allowed according to the vigour of the
varieties grown. All suckers should be removed
from the plants at this time, also any foliage
attacked by the Celery-fly. The roots should
be put fairly deep in the soil, which should
be made firm about them and afterwards well
watered. Celery intended for exhibiting should
be planted in shallow trenches containing plenty
of manure. Plant a single line in each trench,
and later wrap brown paper around the stems
lo blanch them : make periodical examinations
for pests, temporarily removing the paper collar
to enable this to be done. Slugs are partial to
Celery and, owing lo the mild winter, are more
numerous than usual. They should be trapped
by placing bran under piece., of boards or slates
placed among the rows. Later seedlings should
be pricked otf before they become crowded in
the seed pans. Transplanting should be done
with but little check to the plants ; on a firm
bottom, place two inches of old Mushroonubed
manure and the same depth of old potting soil
in which to prick out the seedlings at four
inches apart; cover them with a temporary
light.

Salsafy. Chicory and Dandelion— Seed . of
these vegetables may be sown now in rows made
fifteen inches apart. Place a few seeds at in-
tervals of twelve inches in the rows. The
ground for these crops sthould not have been
recently manured. To grow Salsafy of good
cualitv on heavy land, it is necessary to make
deep holes with an iron bar, fill them with
sifted soil, and sow in the manner advised for
other tap-rooted crops.

Maize or Sugar Corn. — The green ears of this
plant provide an agreeable change of vegetable,
and plants should now be raised by placing
the seeds singly in four-inch pots and germinat-
ing them in a warm house. When large enough,
plant the seedlings in well-manured ground,
in rows two feet apart, allowing a space, of
nine inches between the plants in the rows.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By T. Pateman, Gardener to C. A. Cain. Esq., J. P..
The Node, Codioote, Welwyn, Hertfordshire.

Alpine Strawberries. — Plants raised from
seeds sown as previously advised and pricked
out into boxes are growing apace. As soon as
they are well established stand them in a frame
near the glass, and gradually harden them for
planting out of doors.

Newly-Planted Trees.— Fruit trees planted
late in the season need attention as regards
watering, for, although much rain fell last
month, a few days' sun and drying wind would
soon cause heavy soil to crack. Top-dress the
roots with old hot-bed manure containing leaves.
The mulch will assist in retaining the soil mois
ture and allow water that is applied to pene
trate evenly into the soil.

Green Fly. — Aphis has made an early appear-
ance this year, and steps should be taken to
destroy the pest, which checks the swelling of
the fruit considerably and cripples the growth.
Spray the trees with Quassia extract or some
other suitable insecticide.

American Blight or Woolly Aphis.— In
certain districts this pest is a great source of
trouble to Apple growers, especially when it
makes its appearance at the base of the tree and
attacks the roots. In the case of root infestation,
inject bisulphide of carbon about two feet from
the stem, using about 2 oz. to 4 oz., according
to the size of the tree, making about four in-
jections at equal intervals around the stem.
Some of the soil may also be removed and fresh
mould substituted. In cases of slight reinfesta-
tions on the branches, soft soap and sulphur
may be applied with a stiff brush and worked
well into the affected parts.

Silver-Leaf Disease. — Examine all trees for
Silver-leaf, and where the branches are diseased
cut them out and burn them. The cut surface:*
should be trimmed clean by the use of a sharp
knife, and all wounds dressed with knotting oi
tar.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By John t'ot'TTS, Foreman. Royal Botanio Gardens,
Ken.

Climbing Roses Such varieties as Gloire de

Dijon, Lamarque, Cloth of Gold, and Marechal
Niel. should, as they pass out of flower, be
pruned hard. Strong new shoots should be
trained at least one foot apart, allowing them to
grow their full length if the space is available.
This is the only method that will ensure success
with that troublesome variety. Cloth of Gold.
As Roses under glass are generally planted in a
restricted root area they should be fed with
liquid manure on frequent occasions during the
growing season. Tea Roses, whether in pots or
planted out, are more or less perpetual-flowering,
and should be assisted by frequent applications
of liquid manure and other suitable fertilisers.

Gesnera cardinalis. — If seed of this Gesnera is
sown now-and the plants grown on in a tempera-
ture of 55° to 60° this brilliant-flowered subjec'
will bloom during the coming autumn. Tin
plant has a tuberous root-stock, and, if starlet
early in the new year, grows quickly and flowers
during April and May.

Moschosma riparium. — This elegant, white-
flnweied plant is very beautiful for autumn
flowering, and cuttings may now be rooted in an
Intermediate temperature. The plant is easily
grown in a cool house during the summer, and
its successful flowering presents no difficulty in
the pure air of the country ; in the neighbourhood
of London, fogs too frequently cause all the
flowers and buds to drop.

Coleus barbatus This Coleus should be pro-
pagated now, and is best grown in an inter-
mediate temperature. Its pretty pale-blue
flowers make it a useful subject for the decora-
tion of the warm greenhouse during the autaimn,

Leonotis Leonurus. — The scarlet-flowered
Lion's Tail is also very useful for autumn flower-
ing. Plants propagated last month should 'be
potted on as they require it, and should make
large specimens by autumn. They are best

May 15, 19:!0.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

239

stood outdoors during the summer, when strict
attention must be given in \vrateruig and syring-
ing, as this species is very subject to attacks of
red spider.

Strobilanthes isophyllus and S. Dyerianus.—
Cuttings of Strobilanthes isophyllus should
be inserted and rooted in an ordinary propa-
gating case. The pale, lilac-blue flowers are very
attractive in winter. S. Dyerianus is usually
grown for its beautiful coloured foliage, and its
flowers, though pretty, should be pinched off,
for in common with most species of Strobilanthes
flowering tends to kill the plant, or at least
weakens it, making it a difficult matter to obtain
suitable shoots for use as cuttings.

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By T. W. Bmscor. Gardener to W. R. Ltsaght, Esq
OftfltJeford, Chepstow.

Epidendrum vitellinum.— This Epklendrum is
one of the few that may be grown in the cool
house, where its reddish flowers make a pleasing
contrast to those of Masdevallia and Odonto-
glossum. Repotting is best done when growth
begins, using shallow pans filled half their
depth with drainage material. Very little
moisture at the root is needed when the season's
growth is completed. The type blooms during
the autumn months, but the variety majus pro-
duces its flower-scapes throughout the summer.

Laelia Jongheana.— This Laelia continues to
grow for some weeks after flowering, therefore
the roots should be kept moist until the pseudo-
bulbs are developed. Repotting may be done
directly the flowers are removed. Grow the
plants in small pans furnished with wire
handles to suspend them from the roof rafters
of the intermediate house.

Phalaenopsis. — A small division is often set
apart for these showy Orchids, but this is not
necessary, provided a shady, moist corner can
be found for them in the warm house. They
will also do well in a plant stove, but they
should not be exposed to strong sunlight. The
temperature should fluctuate between 70° and
80° during the summer with sun heat,
but in winter a maximum of 60° will suffice,
provided the atmosphere is not heavily charged
with moisture, ano the soil is not kept in a
saturated condition. Shade is necessary during
the spring and summer, but it should not be so
dense as is often recommended, and I have
s'een some very good examples of P. Rimes-
tadiana suspended from the roof raftea* of the
Cattleya division. Ventilation is important, but
air mast not be admitted indiscriminately, or
the plants may be < hilled, or the atmosphere
become too dry. On most days sufficient air
may be admitted through the bottom ventila-
tors, and when the weather is mild the aper-
tures may be left open an inch or two through
out the night. Whenever the top ventilators
are used, care must be taken to prevent cold
currents of air passing over the plants; during
hot weather the ventilators may be raised a
little at night to allow superfluous moisture
to escape, thereby creating a suitable atmos-
phere for healthy growth, and in that oaseblack
spot will rarely appear. The rooting medium
for Phalaenopsis consists of clean, live Sphag-
num-moss, with a little Osmunda or Al fibre
added for such strong-growing kinds as P.
amabilis, P. Sanderiana, P. Rimestadxiana and
P. Schilleriana. Charcoal nodules and crushed
crocks should he incorporated with the mixture.
The present is a suitable time to top-dress or
repot Phalaenopsis, but the latter operation is
only necessary at long intervals unless the plant
becomes unhealthy. Top-dressing should be
done annually; it consists in removing decayed
and sour soil without injury to the roots and
substituting fresh material. The plants are
usually grown in teak-wood baskets or cylinders,
and ample drainage is necessary.

Peristeria elata.— Plants of P. elata are send-
ing mip their flower spikes, and should receive
ample supplies of water at this stage. Re-
potting should be deferred until the scapes are
removed, but specimens not likely to flower can
he dealt with at once. Use a- similar compost
to that recommended for Cymbidiums.

MASDEVALLIA COCCINEA AND M.
IGNEA.

WrLLiAM Bolton, Esq., Wilderspool, Warring-
ton, sends a selection of Masdevallias, including
M. ignea and M. coccinea varieties, the latter
more generally known in gardens as M.
Harryana, and ranging in colour from pale lilac
to bright scarlet and deep purple. Mr. Bolton
remarks that although these beautiful, cool-
house plants are now somewhat neglected, the
display of their brilliant flowers in spring and

shorter and with broader leaves than the type,
is sent, agrees with D. Pierardii latifolium, a
well-known approach to the long-bulbed form
of D. primulinum, both having been frequently
seen in gardens, many years ago, and named
D. cucullatuim.

A plant was shown at Manchester, on April
15, as Dendrobium venustum (primulinum x
Pierardii), and it would be interesting to know
how it compares with this form. In any case,
the name gives an instance of the inadvisability
of giving scientific names to hybrids, as the
name D. venustum was used for a Siamese
species many years ago, and consequently a

FlG. 111. — TULIP FIRENZE : COLOUR CLEAR SOFT ORANGE,
R.H.S. Award of Merit, April 27, 192U (svl* p. 2±2).

summer gives a better return for the care
bestowed on them than probably any other sec-
tion of small-growing Orchids, and their com-
pact growth and bright green leaves render
them very attractive.

Flowers of others of the M. coccinea section,
and M. triangularis were also sent.

Masdevallias retain their old leaves years
longer in gardens than they do in nature", the
tips of the leaves merely decaying and becoming
unsightly instead of falling off. It is better for
the plants, and for their appearance, to remove
all old leaves as soon as they show sign of
decay at the tips.

DENDROBIUM PIERARDII
PRIMULINUM.

AND D.

During the past month several correspon-
dents have sent forms of these two fine old
Dendrobiuins showing great variation, one form,
of which a portion of a pseudo bulb, much

fresh garden name should be selected Eor this
plant.

D. Pierardii was one of the earliest Dendro-
bium introductions, and it is also one of the
widest in distribution in India and other parts.
It formed one of the most beautiful plants in
collections at exhibitions years ago, specimens
having twenty or more slender flower-clad steins
drooping around the basket in which the plant
was usually grown.

MILTONIA BLEUANA REINE ELISABETH.

With reference to this superb Orchid, which
was erroneously entered with the R.H.S. Orchid
Committee as M. Bleu ana Princess Elizabeth, on
February ^4 Last, when iis owner, Monsieur
Firmin Lambeau, of Brussels, was given the
Silver-gilt Lindley Medal and Firsl ('lass Certifi-
cate For I his remark a Iile variety [see <lard.
cfiron.j March 6, p. 117t, we are iniormed thai
(he name given above M. Bleu&na Reine Elisa-
beth— is the correct title.

240

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[May 15, 1920.

L OS TQRiA L N® TSGE .

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the
PUBLISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent
Garden. WC-

Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by
sending to the Editor* early intelligence of local
event* likely to be of interest to our readers, or of
any mutters which it is desirable to bring und< r
the notice of horticulturists.

Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editors
do not undertake to pay for any contributions or
illustrations, or to return unused communications
or illustrations unless by special arrangement. The
Editor* do not hold themselves responsible for any
opinions expressed by their correspondents.

THE GARDEN OF THE REV.

WALTER STONEHOUSE AT

DARFIELD RECTORY, IN

YORKSHIRE. 1640.

THOUGH we possess a general outside know-
ledge of English gardening before the time
of the Canunon wealth, comprehensive de-
tails concerning particular gardens are few, a
natural outcome perhaps of ages in which prac-
tical gardeners would be men who could not
write.

Beyond meagre scraps of information from
account hooks; or such as that Lobel had
obtained seeds of the Sea-kale from Dr. Turner,
presumably for his garden at Hackney, before
1570, or that William Coys, of Stubbers, in
Essex, was the first to flower a Yucca in Eng-
land in 1604, we have only three lists of plants
grown in specified, gardens. First comes the
rare Catalogue of the Trees, Fruits and Plants,
indigenous and exotic, grown by John Gerard
in his garden in Holborn. This catalogue,
enumerating 1,033 species, was printed in 1596,
and again in 1593. It is a work of the utmost
rarity. Gerard no doubt obtained many of his
plants from the garden of his patron, Lord
Burleigh, some probably came From John de
Franqueville, a London merchant, a great lover
of rare plants, from whose care, a.s Parkinson
says, "is sprung the greatest store that is now
flourishing in this kingdom," while the "kitchen
garden wares were imported from Holland,
and fruits from France."

Next there is the list of 117 exotics, chiefly
Virginian, noted by Thomas Johnson as being
cultivated by George Gibbs at Bath, in 1654,
and thirdly, the long-forgotten list of plants
grown by John Tradescant at Lambeth. And
that is all.

It was, therefore, a pleasing surprise to find
among the manuscripts belonging to Magdalen
College two hitherto unknown lists of plants
which were being .grown by Walter Stonehouse
in the garden of his Yorkshire Rectory, in
1640—1644, and also the very valuable addi-
tion of a plan of the beds showing their loca-
tion. It is the most complete English horticul-
tural record of this early period.

Walter Stonehouse is known to botanists as
one of the friends and correspondents of
William How, of St. John's College, Oxford,
the author of Phytologia Britannita. 1650, the
first attempt at a comprehensive Flora of
England. Stonehouse, though he published
nothing himself, was an accomplished scholar
who wrote notes on rare plants seen by him on
his travels in various parts of England and
Wales, and communicated them to How. who
quotes 36 of them in his book. I (may per-
haps also record here that he wrote poems of
eulogy that were prefixed to John Tradescant s
Musaeum Tradescantianum in 1656.

His connection with Magdalen College has
been described by Macray in his Register of
Fellows of the College. Stonehouse was elected
to a Fellowship in 1617, which he resigned in
1629 about the time that he took the degree of

Bachelor of Divinity. After a brief tenure of
a rectory in the diocese of Canterbury, he was
instituted in October, 1631, to the rectory of
Darfield. From Darfield, according to a book
on The Sufferings of the Clergy, Stonehouse
was forcibly ejected by the Parliamentary Com-
missioners and imprisoned. He died in 1655,
aged 58.

Hunter, the historian of that part of York-
shire, knew of Stonehouse as " an early student
in natural history, and one of the first English-
men who made any collection of coins and
medals."

Stone-house's own plans (see ' Fig. 112) of
parts of his garden show that the
rectory grounds comprised a "best gar-
den,'1 measuring 34 yards by 30 yards,
the Saffron Garth, a long, rectangular strip
running north and south for 82 yards, and the
orchard. The plans are clearly drawn to scale
ami are marked with numbers which corre-
sponded to his lists of plants. We have even
his notes of the exact dimensions of the garden
in terms of his own paces, from which we may
infer that he was a man of no great stature.
"2,624 of my usuall paces made an English mile
of 1,056 paces. Geometrically, that is 5,280
feete and 1.760 yards. The garden 15 tunes
half round is a iust nrile ; 16 times is a mile
and 57 yards."

Though we have their orientation, we have
no clue as to how the three parts of his garden
wore disposed, but may conjecture that the
Rectory stood in the angle of the best, garden.
Plums, Peaches. Apricots and a Pomegranate
covered the west and north walls; a vine was
trained against, a wall, possibly of the house.
Several rectangles drawn at 'lie ends of paths
may represent garden ornaments; an arbour or
summer house seems to have stood in the north-
east corner.

The beds in the style of the sixteenth century
may have been the work of an earlier in-
cumbent. They were laid out in live " knots.
perhaps enclosed with tile, stone or Box
edgings, which bordered the " birthrights," as
tlie broader walks were called. According
to the plan the beds in the knot.s were two and
three feet in width, and would, as Parkinson
(1629) recommended, have contained the greater
part of the herbaceous collection.

"The Safforn-garth 9 times round wants 50
yards of a mile;. and 10 times about it is a
mile and 140 yards. The long streight walke
in the Safforn-garth is 82 yards; so that this

g 22 times single, or 11 times double, is a

mile aJid 44 yards."

The name recalls the fact that in the six-
teenth century "Crocus," or Saffron, was per-
haps the most paying crop that it was possible
to raise in a garden. "Our English Honey and
Saffron," wrote Bullein in 1588, "is better than
any that cometh from any strange jr foreign
land."

"A little of ground

brings Saffron a pound,"

and in 1539-40, Doncastcr Saffron was sold at
more than ±11 per pound weight. Saffron Hill
and Saffron Waldsn recall an extinct British
horticultural industry, but Darfield Rectory, as
the present Rector informs me, is noted for a
Crocus border 170 yards long.

Fruit trees of all kinds were trained on the
walls of the Saffron Garth, and of the orchard,
plans of both of which will be figured in the
last part of this article dealing with Stone-
house's fruit trees.

The present Rector of Darfield, the Rev.
A. E. Sorby, informs me that the house has

been greatly enlarged and probably covers the
beds at T and the geometrical beds at S. " The
other four beds, V, W, Y, Z, with the star in
the centre, are still in existence, though not in
the same geometrical position. The Saffron
Garth is, I think, undoubtedly in the walled
garden between the Rectory and the School
Street. The measurements do not agree with
the existing garden, but the shape is the same
and the Saffron Crocus borders are still there.
To the north of the Rectory and of the walled
garden is a large orchard, where the Saffron
Crocus up till lately also flourished and bordered
the paths. . . . Our soil is very light and most
suited to bulbs."

The list of plants in Stonehouse's own hand
was evidently compiled at different times. The
first list, in strict alphabetical older, was com-
pleted on or shortly before the 27th of August,
1640. The names are very clearly written : ten
lines on a page, on alternate lines for additions.
The later entries are therefore readily dis-
tinguishable. They are in blacker ink, and
may with confidence b? referred to the next four
yeais. Probably the greater number of new
plants was added in 1644. Stonehouse esti-
mates that he had 450 perennials in 1640, or
651 at the later date (probably 1644), as rwell
as 215 annuals and biennials raised from seed,
making 866 in all.

Then, no doubt, came the period of his per-
secution, banishment and imprisonment. A
pathetic little note tells us that in 1652 he
again visited ibis garden It is im Latin and
appears to mean that of the 866 plants, "Alas !
but few are there to-day, and I have no hope of
founding a, new colony."

The lists enumerate 14 species from Virginia,
5 from Guinea, and 4 from New England, in-
cluding Juglans, Terrae glandes, "Maiz" and
Pepo. Sir David Pram informs me that he
knows of no earlier record of English garden
plants from this last locality. In my trans-
scription, I have rectified the alphabetical order.
Plant, names in an earlier list are indicated by
daggers (t) and the later accessions by asterisks.
G and T signify that similar plant-names occur
in the earlier Garden Lists of Gerard (1599),
and Tradescant (1634), but it is obvious that
very many more of Stonehouse's plants' must
have been grown in both gardens, only the
. \ Idence of identity, either specific or varietal,
is less complete.

The quotations between square brackets are
Stonehouse's own observations. They do not
occur' in the Garden List, but were printed by
How in his Phytologia Britannica. in 1650.
They state the exact locality from which certain
native plants are likely to have been procured.
One plant, Doronicum Americanum majus, the
Leopard's Bane of America, came from Edward
Morgan, well known in the history of horticul-
ture for having introduced Primula veris
1'nhanthos from great Woolver Wood in War-
wickshire, into his garden at Westminster. He
and Stonehouse had been fellow-members of
Johnson's botanical excursion to North Wales
in 1639. It. T. Gunther, F.L.S.

PT.A NTA li pei;ennes.
Abies Mas maior et minor. G.T.
•Abrotamuni mas. G.T.

• ,. foemina. Chamaccyparissus.G.T.
Absinthium seriphium. T.

• ,, Romannm falso dictu propric
■ (so-called ; more correctly) Galatium, vel

Sardonhmi.

Acanthus sativus. G.T.
fAcinoa Anglica Clusii. [Omitted in second
list. I
Aconituni lycoctonum. Napellus veins.

G I
•Aconituni IVirginianutn. (Erased)] flnre
albido vej fl. luteo Ponticum. G.T.
•Aconituni salutiferum. Authora T.

• „ hyemalc. G.

May 15, 1920.|

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

Ml

Acorns verus. Calamus aroinaticua

offlclnarum. G.T.

Adianthuin adversarioruni.

Aethiopis, vid. in anuuis. (See (index
Annuals.)

Ageratum. T.
*Agrifoliuni foliia aureis et variegatis.

Alcliimilla. (J. [In Wombwell Cow-pas-
tures, and many other places in Yorkeahire.]

Alkekengl fructu rubro. T.

Alsine baccifera. G.

Althaea vulgaris.

* „ frutex.

Ampeloprasaum. G. [Amongst Barley
near Bechentree, betwixt Oxford and
Banbury.]
Amy^dalus. G.T. \

Anagailis lutea. G.

* i) J t tenuifolla m one] II

* ., & foem. fl: luteo.

P** ,, aquatica angustifolia electa : nescio
C" an descripia. (I do not know whether

it is described.)
•Anagailis aquatica rotundifolia.
Androsaemon. G.

Anemone sylvestrja latifolia alba. 3. Matt.
,, ,, vulgaris. G.

* „ ,, fl. coeruleo multiplici.
„ ,, fl. albo multiplici.

,, Chalcedonica maxima versicolor.

coccineo simpl :
coccineo simpl :

purpureo simplici
simp) : purp

sanguineo simpl.

* „ latifolia fl
fundo purp.

•Anemone latifolia
sine fnndo.
Aneinono latifolia f
aaturo.
•Anemone latifolia
dilutiore.
Anemone latifolia fl

* ,, „ „ coccineo pleno
Pa uo maior. T.

Anemone tenuifolia fl. simpl : coeruleo. G.
„ ,, „ pleno coccineo. T.

* ,. ,, „ ,, albo. T.
•Angelica baccifera.

Anthyllis lentifolia, sive Alsine cruciata
marina.
♦Anthyllis leguminosa Hispanica. G.?T.
Apocynum Syriacum Clusii.
Aquilegia vulgaris aliquot varietates.
(Several varieties.) G.T.
♦Aquilegia virginiana.

„ vulg. flore variegato varietates. T.
rosea fl. coeruieo et variegato.
Arabis. G,
*Ar;tehnida I.usitaniea, sou Pisum sub terra

siliqui fex.
•Aracus major Bocticus Boelii.
•Arbor Judae. G.T.

* ,, lethi, ex Guinea.

,, vitae. Thyia Theophrasti. G.T.
Aristolochia saracenica.
Armeriufl latifoliua (1. albo simplici. T.
,, ,, fl. rubro saturo holo-

serico T.
,, „ fl. rubro multiplici.

,, ,, versicolor.

Armoraria praten3is etegans fl : pallido
que duplex, mas, et focmina.
•Armoraria sive Lychnis phimaria, fl. pleuo
' In Nether-wood hall grounds in Dartield
Parish. I
Arum Byzautinum.

* „ raaius veronensis. L'Ob. ?T.
Asarum. G.X.

Asclepias flore albo. G.T.

„ nigro. G.T.
♦Asperula vulgaris et flore coeruleo. G.
Asphodelus major albus ramosus. G.
,, luteuB vulgaris. G.
,, minimus luteus acorifolius palus-
tris.
Aster Italorum.

,, Virginianus fl. albo fruticosus.
Astragalus sylvaticus.
Astrantia nigra. G.

Auricula ursi variorum colorum (of several
colours). G.T.

B.
•Battata Virglniana.
lie! lis minor fl. pleno albo.
it i> >t » rubro.

„ ,, ii t- variegato.

ti .t }, >> prolifero.

* ., Virginiana ramosa.

Ben album toliis luteo cleganta flmbriatis
G.T.
•Ben rubrum vid. Valeriana Dodonaei. G.T.
Hi tonica sylvestris il. albo. G.
Bistorta maior. G.T.
Blattaria fl. purpureo. G.
,, „ coeruleo obsolete.
,, „ ferrugineo.
Bolb.inac. • Viola lunar is et Gracca.
[Lunaria bolbonac. G.i
liorago semper virens. G.T.

* „ minima temper virens: sivc
Symphytum minus fl. Boraginis.

: Brassfca marina inonosnennos. G.
Buxus aurata. T.

* ,, vulgaris.

* „ humlljs,

C.
•Cacalla Americana.
Calamlntha Pulegii odoro.
Caloeolua Sfariao *<'osmosadalus. T.
Calendula Alpina. Doronicum Specie*

0 Pannon Clusii.
Caltha palustris fl. pleno. T.
Campanula Persicifolia fl . coeruleo.
,, ,, ,, albo. G.

,, minor rotundifolia fl. albido.
Campanula Cymbalariac foliis.

Cardainine flore pleno. T.

* „ vulgaris.

* ,, altera flosculis minoribus.

„ impatiens Siis foliis. Vid : Sium
in Annuls. Annua enim est. (See Sium
among the Annuals, for it is an annual.)
•('arum. ii.
Caryopliyllata montana purpurea. G.T.
Caryophyllus flos simplex et plenus var :
colorum (of several colours).
•Caryophyllus montanus minimus. Pumilio

alpinus.
•Caryophyllus mediterraneus.

* ,, flos multiplex var: colorum vof
several colours).

•Caryophyllus montanus purpureus. [Necre
Nottingham between the Town and the
Gallows].

Caryophyllus Holosteus arvensis.

(To be continued.)

garden. There are numerous varieties of this
stately plant which gave Gerarde so gueat de-
light on its introduction, but for simple effect,
the red form is the most useful . It
is of slight value to grow only one or twit ;
it must be planted by the dozen or the
hundred to show its true quality. I am not
sure that it is not a very neglected plant ;
probably the seeming proximity of a fox when-
ever it is found may have led to its being
ostracised, but it is only fair to state that it
does not always smell rank or to so grie-vuus
a degree, and surely its other merits —
its stately habit its beautiful dark stem,
its crown of foliage, its drops of pearl, its
curious habit of raising its fertilised capsules,

A .Vc)t/L *f ftir Catdik *f '2Vrf><

t(>+ o.

A St*

tfr«

(i & J*.<u

i | ';.",■.•.(

■'-

•-i\ ."I

Wf.

Lib Cjs^ J}h c3

.,» T

±

H9
<
ID

Fig. 112.-

MODELL OF MY UARDEN AT DABFIELD, 1640.

FRITILLARIA.

The most striking flower in the garden at
the <'iid of April, malgre Daffodils and
Tulips. was the Crown Imperial. 1 have crown
a large quantity from seed, many of which are
vermeil-hued, and the plants have formed large
(lumps in mixed borders where thej are per
milled to thrive by the courtesy of the herb's
ceous occupants which Bll the spaces later in the
season. Seeds afe produced abundantly here,
and indeed so many seedlings have been raised
thai I had to destroy numbers. Al first, yjears
ago, the seedlings were raised under glass, bui

ultimately 1 f id that the seeds germinated

like those of other Fritillarias in the open

all coml ine to make it an intrinsically valuable

plant.

There are other Fritillarias open at present,
some of no value apart from their refined nabit
of growth, and none probably more desirable
than the white — tlhe purple Fritillarias that
Vlathew Arnold knew on " Thames's hank."
The pure white in particular is a lovely flower.

Then there is the Idaek purple Frit illaria pvi'en
aiea. which, like the Crown Imperial, has two
Faces, the inside of the sepals being even more

engaging than the outward one. All are easv

lo increase from seeds, and the Beedlings are not
so outrageously long in flowering as are those
of Tulips or Daffodils, I!. /'. Brotherston,
I'rr.ittniki /■/.-, Midlothian.

242

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[May 15, 1920.

FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE.

THE PRESENT SITUATION OF HORTICUL-
TURE IN AUSTRIA.

There is no necessity ifor explaining that
horticulture as a whole is badly affected by the
present economic and political situation in this
country. Austria has not only lost a long and
exhaustive war, she has lost much more by
peace. German Austria is reduced to a poor,
small country with few natural resources, and
surrounded by states that are none too friendly
with her. The worst, however, is the fact that
each little "land" within the narrow limits of
the present republic acts in tile most selfish way.

I resided in the U.S.A. during the
war, because I was on an exploring
trip in western China when the war broke
out, and not being able to go ba^k to
Austria, I accepted an invitation from Prof. C. S.
Sargent to go to the Arnold Arboretum at
Jamaica Plain, Mass. Therefore, when I came
back to Vienna, in October, 1919, I, perhaps,
more deeply felt the contrast between the past
and the present than anyone who had remained

he needs for keeping up his establishment, make
it impossible for him to maintain his former
standard and even difficult to grow what is
needed to-day.

Vienna has been famous for its beautiful
gardens, but these are beginning to disappear.
The public, gardens are kept fairly well by the
city, and in this extremely lovely and warm
spring, the private gardens and suburbs look
much finer than they really are. The work of
the landscape-architect is restricted. Where, for-
merly, he planted handsome flowers and shrubs,
there are now growing Lettuce, Cabbage, Pota-
tos and other useful things. The number of war-
gardens is immense. Hundreds of colonies of
what are called " Schreber " gardens have
sprung up, and the Schreber-garden movement
is one of the characteristic features of the time.

The situation of the Horticultural Society is
a rather lucky one. It was in possession of a
valuable piece of ground in one of the best
parts of the city, but it has sold part of it
during the war, and now has some money at
its disposal. But it cannot realise its intention
te build a new home, because no houses at all
can be erected at a time when one brick costs
about 3 crowns. The society has a garden of its

Fig. 113.

-ANTWERP FLOWER SHOW : VIEW DOWN THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE TLORAL HALL. 'WITH
M. NAGEL'S EXHIBIT IN THE BACKGROUND.

during the past five years, and had become used
to the misery.

Vienna has always been the centre of horti-
culture interest in old Austria, it is even more
the centre to it at present. But, what a change!
The beautiful city, once the meeting plaice for
all who went to central and eastern Europe, is
still beautified by gardens Ml of Lilacs,
Forsythias, Irises, and other lovely flowers,
but about all parts famine is lurking, and far
too many pallid-faced children and worn-out
mothers are to be. si en.

The main impression is that everything (1
might say everybody) needs repair. Everybody
is so exhausted by the wiar and its evil conse-
quences as to have lost the energy necessary to
keep up the struggle.

Some of the gardeners, of course, are by no
means badly affected by the present situation.
Many of the market gardeners have become
well-to-do men. They sell their few vegetables at
prices undreamed at any previous time, because
there are a few rich men, too, who can pav for
them. But the people as a whole are not able
to buy Lettuce, Spinach, or Cauliflower at the
present rates. The case of the florist is, to a
certain degree, different. Scarcity of labour and
very high wages, combined with the high cost
of fuel, wood, glass, and every other material

own at Esslingen, about two hours from the
city, in the so-called Marchfield, but at present
it is not much more than a vegetable garden.
It will take some time to transform it again into
a real experimental ground.

The old GartcnzeiPung has been changed to
a. new Zeitschrift fur Obst- und Gartenhaii.
This journal consists of two parts: one devoted
to horticulture, landscape-architectaire and
similar matters, and the other concerned with
fruit-culture and market-gardening. The

former Obsfbau- und Pomologen-Gesellschaft has
been united with the Horticultural Society,
which tries to do its best in helping the re-
construction oli horticulture in its 'broadest
sense in German Austria, Camillo Schneider,
Vienna, April 21, 1920.

PRODUCE FROM A 10-ROD ALLOTMENT.

On page 200 it is slated that. Sir Daniel Hall
gave the average produce of a 10-rod plot as
£9 in the retail market. On the Dulwich Col-
lege estate on the side of a hill facing east, in
company with many other allotment holders, I
have worked a 10-rod allotment since the spring

of 1917. I have kept accurate account of expen-
diture, also the retail value of produce, and find
the plot has yielded very much more financially
than the figure given above. Originally the
ground was pasture for an indefinite number of
years. On breaking it up in February, 1917, I
found the soil to average 7 inches of heavy loam,
resting on yellow clay, which contained a large
proportion of flints. No stable manure or humus
in any form has been added to the soil, princi-
pally from lack of time, and the difficulty of
getting the manure up the hill.

In two successive winters I top-dressed the
whole of the soil with two bushels of
lime, after roughly digging the ground,
and applied superphosphate of lime, sul-
phate of ammonia and fish manure to growing
crops as required. I attribute such success as
I have achieved to roughly digging the ground
early in winter, again at planting time (the
ground being very heavy), the judicious use of
lime and fertilisers, and to keeping the surface
of the soil in an open condition through the
growing season.

I give below a detailed account of the crops
and their money value for the past year, by no
means claiming the best possible results. An
allotment holder in my immediate vicinity grows
vegetables calculated to delight the eye of a pro-
fessional gardener, but at the expense of much
time and manure. As representing the financial
point of view, Cauliflowers were found to take
front rank. Over 100 were cut in six days
during last July. At fourpence each they paid
the rent, £1, for the year, also the seed bill.

The variety was Sutton's White Queen, which
seemed to revel in tropical heat and formed
large, white, firm heads. My residence is half
an hour's tram ride from my plot, and it will
he understood that better results could be
obtained were I living closer, as the work is
done after my business hours.

A YEAR'S PRODUCE.

Crop.

Sown 1919

1919

Potatos

March 8

April 19

Cauliflower ...

—

Mny 31

Savoys ... .-

May 10

July 24

Swedes

liny 9

-

Parsnips

Apiil 5

-

Shallots... .

-

April 5

Turnips

April 8

-

Carrots

Ipvll 23

-

Pnhhaiie
Brussels

- prouti
Drumhead

Cabbage
Autumn
Protecting
Broccoli

Match 8
March 8
May 10
May 10

May 21, 5
May 24
July 7
July 14

Gatherec

1919-1921

Julv 10.

1919
Julv 22,

1919

Jnnunrv

S. 1920

Pebrunn

7. 1920

Decern b<^

20, 1919

June 30,

1919
June 14.

1919
Julv 12.,

1919
Junn 27.

1919
October
18, 1919
Nnvenihci
12. 1919
April 4,
1920

Vi'lue
£ =. d.

4 4

3 6

16

6

8

6

16

6

2 8

1 19

12

1 7

Total out of pocket expenses
Balance

16 14 5

3 18

J. G.

CULTURAL MEMORANDA.

PROPAGATION BY LEAVES.

In the issue of a gardening journal
(defunct now for many years) for October,
18%, the following note occurs : — "Some years
ago I first tried to raise bulbs of a Cape Orni-
lliogalum, by setting a cutting of a le.tf. The
Leaf was cut off just below the surface of the
earth, in an early stage of its growth, before the
(lower-stalk hod begun to rise, and it was put
in the earth near the edge of the pot in which
the mother plant was growing, and so left to its
fate. The leaf continued quite fresh, and on
examination 'whan the bulb was flowering) a
number of young bulbs and radical fibres were
found adhering to it. They appeared to have
been formed by the return of the sap which had
nourished the leaf. Thereupon two or three
leaves more were taken off and placed in like

May 15,11920.1

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

243

situations, but they turned yellow, and died
without producing any bulbs. It appeared to
me then, and it was confirmed by subsequent
experience, that, in order to obtain a satisfactory
result, the leaf must be taken off while the plant
is advancing in growth. I found it easy thus
to multiply some bulbs that did not willingly
produce offsets. I afterwards tried, without
cutting the leaf off, to make an oblique incision
in it Tinder ground, and in some cases just above
ground ; attempting, in fact, to raise bulbs by
layering the leaf. This attempt was also suc-
cessful, and some young .bulbs were formed on
the edge of the cut >aibove ground, as well as
below. I tried cuttings of the stem of some
species of Lilium, and obtained bulbs at the axil
of the leaf, as well as from the scales of the
hulb ; and that practice has been since much
resorted to by gardeners, though I believe it
originated with me. I raised a great number of
bulbs of the little plaint which has been success-
fully called Massmiia, ,ScilIa; and Hyacinthus
corymbosus, by setting a pot full of its leaves,
and placing a bell-glass over them for a short
time. A bulb was obtained with equal facility
from a leaf of a rare species of Eucomis; and
experiments with the leaves of Lachenalias were
generally successful. I apprehend that all
liliaceous bulbs may be thus propagated ; but
the more fleshy the leaf, the more easily Uie
object will be obtained."

I was prompted to experiment in this direction
after reading the above excerpt, and I tried to
root leaves from one side of the newer Daffo-
dils with every success. I also tried leaves from
Lilium regale and was also successful. The
literature upon this particular, and valuable,
method of propagation is not very abundant ,
and the ablest contribution upon the subject will
be found on reference to the eighth "Masters
Lecture," delivered by Professor I. Eayley
Balfour en June 4, 1912, upon "Problems of
Propagation."

It was pointed out in that lecture that the
practice of using leaf-cuttings was more followed
in the past than it :s now ; propagation of
Citron, Lemon, and Laurel by this method being
of great antiquity. Many of us, I think, in our
?eal for pr< tyress, seem to have forgotten that
all our heritase from the past is not bad. One
writer, I forget his name at the moment, stated
that this was a sad rehabilitation of the theory
of total depravity ! Even our too often despised
ancestors, however, discovered some things that
were worth remembering. In these days, ob-
served Professor BaJfour, leaf propagation was
restricted by gardeners to a comparatively small
number of facile forms — such, for example, as
Begonia, Melastomaceae, Gesneraceae and Cras-
sulaceae, where one finds substance and abun-
dant water in the leaf — or. as the Professor de-
scribed them, soft-leaved plants. He stated that.
although limited in use, the method is one which
the gardener should not underestimate. It is
undoubtedly underestimated in modern propa-
gating practice, and is, indeed, almost a lost
art. Look, for example, at the Daffodil. Owing
to the disease caused by eel worm (Tylenchus
devastatrix) many valuable bulbs have been lost.
IJnder those circumstances, how many growers
endeavoured to root leaves in order to preserve
their stocks of choice varieties that "Were affected
with eelworm in the bulb? Few, I fancy, ever
attempted to root leaves of Daffodils, yet they
may be rooted successfully.

I give the experiences of the writer in 1856.
I have proved him to be correct. I quote again
from Professor Balfour, and if one reads both
extracts carefully it will be noticed thaw they
agree in substance, especially so in regard to
the proper time to insert leaves in order to
root them. Professor Balfour said: — "Different
as leaf is from stem, the process by which pro-
pagation takes place is the same. The leaf does
not produce new leaves — it produces shoots
Given the possession of adequacy of active in-
different cells, that is to say. cells not already
impressed with a definite morphological destinv,
and of a sufficiency of food, then in proper run
ditions of moisture, aeration, and temperature,
any leaf may be used as a. cutting. Nor is the
whole leaf necessary — petiole alone, or lamina
alone, or portions even of these may serve."

The old experimenter of 1856 and Professor
Balfour in 1912, draw attention to the proper
stage at which leaves should be dealt with if
they are tc be used for the purpose of propaga
tion, and it will bo observed that what was
demonstrated by a practical worker in 1856 was
confirmed by science fifty-six -years later.

I am glad that the paragraph written three-
quarters of a century ago in Th z Garde tie rs '
Chronicle has been republished and has thus
caused the subject of "Propagation by Leaves "
to be brought up again. The words of the
writer of 1845 still remain true, and "ex-
perience is therefore wanted, and numerous
experiments must be made to determine the
details of suclh. a practice." Professor Balfotur's
lecture — in which, by the way, full acknowledg-
ment and tribute is made to the propagator and
his staff at Edinburgh — should be reprinted and
made accessible to every young worker who must
study the problems of vegetative propagation.
George M , Taylor, Edinburqh.

Since that date several new late varieties have
been introduced, and doubtless have supplanted
Alfriston to a certain extent, but I feel sure
the latter can be found in many private fruit
gardens in the West of England, growing and
fruiting freely as of yore. J. Matjne, El/ham.

Hampton Court Gardens. — The spring flowers
in these famous gardens are now at their best.
Large masses of Wallflowers of various shades
of colour are in full flower ; a fine bed of
Aubrietia Dr. Mules covers some 50 square
yards and is visible for a long distance. Other
varieties of Aubrietia might be tried with ad-
vantage, as Aubrietia is the finest of all our
spring now<ers,- and varieties of many distinct
colours are obtainable. A novel bed is composed
of Cinerarias in various beautiful shades of
colour. The plants are in full flower and set
about 18 in. apart. They are carpeted with white
Violas and single white Arahis. Fortunately,
there has been no frost to injure the Cinerarias.
Daisy Mavourneen, a small double variety of a

FTC. 114. — ANTWERP FLOWER SHOW ; VIEW OF THE COMBINED BRITISH EXHIBIT.

ME CORRESPONDENCE.

[The Editor* do not hold themtelvPs retponeible, fot
the opinions expressed by corregpojidenU.]

Double-worked Apples (see p. 142).— My ex-
perience of the cropping of varieties of Apples
grafted on to other suits is that more fruit is
produced than when the trees are merely grafted
on the ordinary single stock. For in-

stance, James Grieve worked on Benoni
gives large crops of smaller fruit. Cox's Orange
Pippin and Allington Pippin crop enormously
when double-worked on Irish Peach. Norfolk
Beauty on Warner's King gives heavy crops in
alternate years. Blenheim Pippin worked cm
Benoni gives more fruit than when grafted on
to the ordinary stocks. I look upon double-
grafting as much the best way to secure earlj
crops of this Apple as preferred to any other
method of culture. Lord Grosvenor is a good
stock for inducing early fertility. E. M.

Apple Alfriston. — I have known this variety
close upon half a century, and grew it for
many years in Devonshire as a (bush, and
always found it a. reliable cropper. Mv father.
who was lor many yc.u.s outside ft. reman at
Lucombe, Pince and Co.'s Nurseries, Exeter,
though! a great deal of this Apple, and always
recommended it to customers seeking a. good

lii king variety. In the revised edition, by

Thomas Moore, of the Gardenei's' Assistant,
published in 1878, the following synonymous

names are given: -Lord flwydvc's STeWtOn Pip-
pin, Oldaker's New, Shepherd's Pippin, Shep-
herd's Seedling, Baltimore and Newtown Pippin

beautiful rosy-pink colour, and several groups
of Primula malacoides are flowering well. Troi-
lius asiaticus makes a very effective group and
attracts much attention from visitors. Ghent
Azaleas are flowering well, in much variety ol
colour, and show to full advantage when seen
through the dark Yew trees, surrounded by
[resit, green grass. In the small garden are
some large clumps of Iris geniianic.i in full
bloom; this is the best method of planting this
class of Iris for effect; frequent moving
weakens the plant and militates against a full
displaj of flowers. In the pond garden Pan-
sies in various shades of brown, gold and purple
are very conspicuous and pleasing; Camassin
( usiekii is in flower; this plant is quite hardy
and should be more extensively grown in gar-
dens, for the pale-'blue, starry flowers on ball
stems are very effective, especially over a
groundwork of white Viola or double Arahis.
Saxifragia crassifolia flowered abundantly this
spring, and was nearly over on April 29. Many
other early flowers contribute to a charming
floral picture. These famous gardens have com

plclcly regained their pivwai aspect I gir.il

improvements have recently been made by clear
oil1 flic hanks of the cilia's and planting suit
able subjects by the waterside. II". //. Divers,
Westdean, Hook, nr. Rurbiton.

Freesia Buttercup. --T should have finished my
story last week. The sequel is. the Council of

I be 11.11 S. was informed tied the Fr siashown

h\ Mr. Dnlrymple was Van Tubergins Butter

cup. and if ordered the records ,,i the Florfll

Committee t.> be altered accordingly. II'.
( 'itthbertson.

244

THE GARDENERS? CHRONICLE.

[May 15, 1920.

SOCIETIES.

ANTWERP FLORAL EXHIBITION.

(Continued from p. 234.)
During the afternoon of the opening day, Mr.
and Mrs. Geo. Monro, Jnnr., invited Ihe
Britishers to tea at the Grand Hotel, and in the
evening Mr. Monro gave a dinner at the
Restanrant de la Concorde, at which all the
members of the British party were present, and
to which he invited General Cabret, M. L.
Strauss and M. F. Steger, representing the
Burgomaster and City of Antwerp ; M. Edouard
Pecher, president of the Antwerp Fetes ; M.
Albert Grissar (an ardent iover and grower of
Sweet Peas, but best known in England as the
Secretary of the Royal Yacht Club of Belgium) .
end among horticulturists, M. Chas. -de Boss-
chere, M. Emile Nagels, M. Rene van Ryssel-
berghe. Altogether, there were about three
dozen people present at this function, "which, as
Mr. Monro hoped, served to cement anew the
friendship between Belgium and Great Britain.
In th -* speeches made, the Belgian gentlemen
paid high tribute to the assistance Britain had

cellentlv well. The principal entrance to the
hall leads on to a broad platform from which the
exhibition may be viewed as a whole, with its
ground work of greensward and its setting of
giant Palms (see Figs. 109 and 113).

Imagine then the scene which presented itself
to the King of the Belgians when,
at 10 a.m., on May 2, His Majesty opened the
exhibition. The whole of the central area, ex-
cept for a distant bank of Palms, Azaleas, and
Rhododendrons, had been converted into a
delightful garden, exquisite in its blending of
colours, dainty in design and graceful in
arrangements. On this platform the King met
the exhibition officials and received an address
of welcome. To this he replied in a- gracious
:md quietly enthusiastic fashion; he expressed
delight with the way in which Belgian horti-
culture was recovering from the effects of the
war, regret that at such a moment France was
prohibiting the importation of so much Belgian
horticultural produce, and his appreciation of
the generous way in which British horticultur-
ists had shown their sympathy with Belgium,
and the magnificent display they had made on
this opening occasion. Mr. George Monro, Jnr.,
Mrs. Monro, Mr. and Mrs. Brunton, M. Jolis.

rendered Belgium, the sacrifice of life and money
on behalf of the rights and independence of then'
nation, and the hospitality we, as a people, had
shown to the Belgian refugees. On the other
side, the British speakers expressed their grati-
tude to the Belgian nation for its gallant stand
at the outbreak of war,- and their surprise and
pleasure at the wonderful way in which Belgium
is working to recover itself. As Mr. Monro put
it, it was a great thing that Antwerp, at this
period of time, should arrange a great Inter-
national Exhibition and Fete — a sign of the
splendid spirit the Belgian nation is showing.
M. Pocher said that the British were the first
to help Belgium to independence, the first to help
when war broke out, the first to render aid lo
the distressed and, now, the first to show sym
pathy during the process of reconslructii.n 1 y
coming over and making the first, great floral
exhibition a complete success.

As is usual on the Continent, the ground
within the building is laid out so that when
the exhibits are in position, the whole presents
a tasteful garden scene, wherein, obviously,
there is no sign of those straight lines of staging
or tabling, which characterise the majority of
British floral exhibitions. M.M. Hubnut and
W. Van Kuyek have designed the interior
arrangements, a.nd have done their work ex-

THEODORE TAfWEL S EXHIBIT

Mr. Chas. H. Curtis [Gardeners' Chronicle), and
Mr. and Mrs. R. II. Page, were among those
presented to His Majesty, and who accompanied
him during his inspection of the floral exhibi-
tion.

Carnations formed the great, feature of the
British display (see Fig. 114) and these filled
about half a dozen large beds, the flowers being
arranged in tall stands and vases of various sizes
over a ground work of Palms, Ferns and other
foliage plants. The great varieties of these
flowers, their high development, and the light
and artistic manner in which they were dis-
played justly merited all the appreciation they
received. Some idea of the extent of the British
exhibit may be gathered from the statement
that it included about 10,000 Carnation blooms.

Messji-s. Stuart Low and Co., had a fine
exhibit of Carnations in which, among others,
the varieties Mrs. Ives. Red Ensign, Coquette,
British Triumph, Enchantress Supreme, Ivan-
hoe, Winter Glow, Sunbeam, the big pink per-
petual Mahnaison named Miracle, and the new
purple Dorothy Mond, were boldly displayed.
Messrs. Low and Co. were awarded an Ohjet
d'Art for this display.

Mr. C Engelmann filled two large comer
groups close to the platform and was deservedly
awarded a high-class work <»f art for his mag-

nificent display. Mr. Engelmann showed
Carola and its varieties in grand style, together
with a number of new seedlings of great pro-
raise, and bold groupings of Mrs. Raphael,
White Wonder', Coquette, Sunstar, lona, Lady
Northclift'e (superbly grown and shown), Benora,
Enchantress, Enchantress Supreme, Red Ensign,
and many other fine varieties.

Two other large beds were filled with flowers
supplied by Messrs. W. E. Wallace and Son,
Eaton Bray ; Messrs. Allwood Brothers, Hay-
wards Heath; Messrs. Sherwood, Mason,
Page, and other Hampton growers. In these ex-
hibits the varieties Robt. Page, Edward Page,
May Day, Enchantress Supreme, Wivelsfielil
Wonder, Wivelsfield Claret, Mikado, Beacon and
Enchantress were conspicuous, while two large
stands, one at either end of a central bed oi
Heaths and Marguerites, were filled with May
Day and Rose-pink Enchantress respectively.
Messrs. Wallace and Son were awarded a
Gold Medal.

The cut Roses, supplied chiefly by Messrs. E.
Stevens, Ltd., and Messrs. A. Stevens, Ltd.,
■both of Chesbunt, were 'Used to fill huge vases
and artistic baskets, each isolated, with a small
basal grouping of Eerns and Selaginellas. The
chief varieties were Liberty, Richmond, Mdme.
Abel Chatenay, Molly Sharman Crawford and
Mrs. Stevens. They were glorious blooms and
served to uphold the traditional excellence of the
English national flower.

In low groups, in a cool setting of Moss and
Laural le|aves; Tomatos, Cucumbers, Melons,
Figs and a splendid lot of Apples were dis-
played and were ample evidence that British
growers are as clever in the production of fruits
and vegetables as in .flowers. The contributors
to this section were Messrs. Geo. Monro, Ltd.,
Mr. J. S. Pottpart, The Guernsey Growers'
Association, Messrs. ,1ohn Rochford and
Sons, -Mr. D. Ingamells, Messrs. B. Shearne
and Son, and Mr. W. Pinker.

Messrs. Stuart Low and Co. presented a
beautiful group of Orchids and arranged their
plants with great skill on a raised bed, in
association with a small amount of rock work
and ground work of green, fresh moss. Odon-
tiodas, Brasso-Cattleyas, various hybrid Odonfo-
glossums, Laelio-Cattleya G. S. Ball, Cattleya
Mossiae in variety, Onciduim MoBeanianum.
and some Cyipripediums were the chief kinds
displayed in 'a corner group that was a never
failing centre of attraction.

One large bed was filled with Tausendsohiin
and Jessie Roses, in pots, and proved a great
success. In another place, Mr. P. Laud's Heaths
were a conspicuous feature. In addition to the
linns named, Mr. \V'. Pinker, Portsmouth, Messrs.
R. H. Page and Son, Baker Street, Mr. H. G
Mount, and Mr. S. W. Mount, Canterbury, and
Messrs. Anthos and Co. contributed many
flowers and plants which went to make this
garden fair, while The Gardeners' Chronicle,
Ltd., exhibited a 'series of the coloured illustra-
tions that have appeared in these pages; these
were arranged in two groups, placed only a foot
or so above the ground and set about with
green moss. His Majesty King Albert was
greatly interested in them and said that he
greatly admired the practical advice and fine
illustrations published in the British horticul-
tural Press.

The Chamber of Horticulture was awarded a
special work of art for the collective British
display.

Among the Belgian exhibits there were two
of outstanding merit and both received tire
higlH'sl possible awards. One of these was :>
magnificent semicircular group of plants con-
tributed by M. Albert. Kreghnger, Chateau den
Brandt, Antwerp. This exhibit was about
25 yards long and about 12 yards
deep ' at the centre. It was a splendid
effort from one private garden and consisted o1
hold groupings of Cinerarias. Hydrangeas,
Rhododendrons, Calceolarias, Azaleas, and
Astilbes, against a background of fine Palms.
In the central foreground, specimen plants of
Cryptantbus zonatus, Selaginella Watsoniana,
Platycerium alcicorne, and a number of inter-
esting Bromeliads were arranged in a selling
of rock and moss.

£ May 15, 1920.]

h.9 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

245

The other very notable display was made by
M. F. Nagels, Wilryok, Antwerp, who created
a charming garden scene in one corner of the
hall; this was a very large exhibit, with three
tig and rugged Scotch Firs as a background,
with Bamboos and Rhododendrons grouped
beneath them in such a way as to give a
wonderful sense of distance, and to suggest
that if the winding grass paths were followed
they would lead to Alpine gardens, water gar-
dens, ferny dells, and other delights. Small
groups of Japanese Maples and Mollis Azaleas
lent colour to this garden picture, while isolated
plants of Dielytras, Tiarellas, Calthas, Astilbes,
Geums, and eveai big double Daisies occupied
just the positions they were most suited to fill.
In one shady cornel', Lily of the Valley and
Viola corrauta were very happily associated
under Japanese Maples.

Azaleas were fairly well shown by M. F.
Nagels, but taie plants were of moijest size,
and such as find a ready market for general floral
decorations. They were not of the large
exhibition size so generally associated with
Continental spring shows.

M. L. Beeckelaars et Fils, Rue Lamoziniere,
filled one large corner of the hall artistically, and
arranged one of those garden scenes which
generally find a place at such shows as this,
and which add so greatly to the pleasing effect
of the exhibition as a whole. Palms,
Euonymus and Conifers were disposed in groups
to form a backgro'tuid for a scene wherein there
was a rock garden, with dwarf Indian and
Mollis Azaleas, and a cascade of blue
Ageratum — a most artistic item — a garden seat
made out of an old log and Spiraeas in the
lower portions. A work of art was awarded for
this large and pleasing effort.

M. M. Bier and Ankersmit, Melle, near
Ghent, were large exhibitors, and worthily won
a high award for their display. It is not
altogether an easy matter to bring gorgeously-
flowered Azaleas, and even more brilliant
Amthuriums into harmony, but this firm managed
the business well, and associated these plants
with well-grown Araucarias. Phoenix Roebelinii
and Dracaena Doucetii. A conspicuously fine
plant in this easy and effective display was a
big example of Cymbidium Lowianum with
six spikes of flowers.

M. Leon Kerkvoorde, Wetteren, won a Gold
Medal and other awards for Rhododendron
Pink Pearl and Azaleas. The Flandria
Company, Ghent, supplied a very large number
of Bay trees and the huge Palms — Kentia
Belmoriana, K. Forsteriana, Seaforthia elegans,
Chamaerops Fortunei, Rhapis flabelliformis,
Latania borbonica, Arecas, and others — which,
placed at vantage points about the exhibition,
lent to the whole scene an air of elegance, and
gave it a distinct subtropical effect. It was a
cause for general surprise among the British
visitors that the Flandria Company had managed
to keep these fine specimen plants, as well as
many big Acacias and Callistemons, throughout
"the war period. Needless to say the Company
figured prominently in the list of awards.

M. Arthur Brys, Chateau Anvers, contri-
buted a very large and interesting display
reminiscent of pre-war times. In addition to
the setting of Palms, Azaleas, and Rhododen-
drons M. Brys exhibited some excellent
Anthuriums, a few good Amaryllis, and large
■specimens of Phyllotaeniuim Lindenii and"
Saui hezia nobilis.

M. K. van Belleghem, of Loochristy,
contributed splendidly-grown examples of
the popular Rhododendron Pmk Pearl and many
Indian and Mollis Azaleas. NoT only did he
dispose examples in the hall, but he grouped
large numbers out of doors, near the Japanese
•garden, which is not yet complete, although the
water, the bridge, the tea house and the stone
lanterns, with Bamboos, Funkias, Irises, and
Magnolias suggest that in dine course this
'feature will be one of the beauty spots of the
permanent floral exhibition.

M. Theodore Pauwel's fine group of Orchid?,
which is illustrated in Fig. 115. was a notable
contribution to the floral display, and included
well-grown plants of a variety of these beautiful
flowering plants.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.

Scientific Committee.

April 27.— Present ',: Mr. E. A. Bowles,
V.M.H. (in the chair), Messrs. A. Worsley,
J. S. Arkwright, W. Hales, H. J. Page, G.
Wilson, Dr. Voeleker, and F. J. Chittenden
(hon. sec.).

White berried Aucuba. — Mr. Arkwright
showed branches carrying many berries of the
white-fruited form of Aucuba japonica.

Primrose " Evelyn Arkwright." — He also
showed flowers of this fine Primrose, and said
that all the seedlings of it which he has seen, as
well as the original plant, were pin-eyed.

Cheiranthus X . — He also showed flowers of
the hybrid Cheiranthus, which had been before
the Committee on several occasions, and drew
attention to the prevalence of purple buds in this
form, whereas those in some others of similar
ancestry had yellowish or paler buds.

Hybrid Irises. — Mr. Dykes showed a series of
hybrid Irises which he had raised, and briefly
commented upon their peculiarities. In Iris
Alberti the veining stops short upon the falls,
and this character is handed on to its offspring.
When crossed with I. pallida the early-flowering
characteristics of I. Alberti are retained. I
Koroikowi x I. atrofusca gave a fine deep red
purple flower. Seedlings of I. stoloniifera pro-
duced flowers with either a blue or a yellow
beard. He showed also I. stolonifera x I.
lutescens and I. Susiana x yellow lutescens, the
latter distinctly showing the veining charac-
teristic of I. Susiana. I. flavescens is said to be
a garden form of I. variegata, but it has been
confused in gardens with I. imbricata of Lindiey
(which has also a purple form), a very distinct
plant in its spathes, etc. I. Koroikowi x purple
cha.maeiris gave a tall flower spike with flowers
having falls curiously curved under.

Chinese, plants. — Mrs. Du Cane Godman and
Col. Stephenson Clarke both sent flowering
plants of some of the Chinese plants raised from
seeds of Mr. Forrest's collecting; Primulas in
the one case, Meconopsis in the other.

Hybrid Rhododendrons. — Mr. Magor, of St
Tudy, sent hybrid Rhododendrons, three of which
showed inheritance mainly from the pollen
parent's side, viz., Rhododendron?, probably
a natural hybrid between R. chartophyllum
praecox or yunnanense x rubiginosum (Forrest
No. 5,874) ; R. x ambkeys (R. ambiguum x R.
Keysii) ; R. x yuncinn (R. yunnanense x R.
cinnabarinum.) ; and R. x oreocinn (R. oreo-
trephes x R. cinnabarinum). The last three were
raised by the exhibitor.

May 11. — The usual fortnightly meeting was
held on Tuesday last in the Vincent Square
Hall, Westminster. The exhibits -were sulfi-
c.:ent to fill the largo building, and three of the
committees sat in the rooms on the first floor.
The groups of flowers were exceedingly fine and
the interior of the hall was gay with colour;
masses of Tulips and Rhododendrons, collec-
tions of Roses, Carnations, Irises and Orchids,
with a great wealth of Alpines and border
flowers, were the principal subjects. The new
method of arranging the tabling was successful
in producing a better effect, but it did not solve
the problem of crowding by visitors, the at-
tendance being as numerous as on the two pre-
vious occasions. The placing of novelties on a
special table met with general approval.

At the 3 o'clock meeting of the Fellows a.
lecture on "The Use and Relative Value of
Trees in Great Britain " was delivered by Sir
Daniel Morris.

Floral Committee.

/'resent: Messrs. H. R. May (in the chair),
W. J. Bean, G. Reuthe, John Heal, John Green,
S Morris, C. R. Fielder, A. Ireland, Wm.
Howe, H. J. Jones, John Dickson, Chas. Dixon,
Arthur Turner, H. R. Darlington, ('has. E.
Shea, E. F. Hazelton, W. P. Thomson, C. Elliott,
X. Williams, Geo. Paul, Chas. E. Pearson,
R. C. Notcutt, H. Cowley, Jas. Hudson, J. W.
Parr, A. G. Jackman. W. R. Dykes and W. B
Craufield.

Awards of Merit.

Paeony Souvenir de Professor Cornu. — A
hybrid tree Paeony, with flowers of large size,
full petalled and very imposing in appearance.
The general tone is yellow stained with purplish
rose, the centre being the more deeply stained.
Shown by Mrs. Benson, Buckhurst.

Olivia St. Nicholas. — A splendid variety of
this excellent greenhouse plant, having flowers
of large size, coloured orange-red, with a golden
base. The habit is dwarf and compact ; the foliage
is dark green and the spike of seven widely ex-
panded flowers are borne on a short, stout stalk
Shown by the Hon. Robert James, St. Nicholas,
Richmond, Yorkshire (gr. Mr. Benstead).

Primula Aiken Aroon. — A beautiful hybrid
from P. pulverulenta x P. Cockburniana. The
stout scape is mealy and may bear as many as
four whorls of flowers, the latter varying in
colour from dark red to almost scarlet. The
plant is robust and is a valuable addition to the
hardy Primulas. Shown by Mr. M. Prichard.

Saxifraga Monica. — A very large flowered
hybrid of the mossy section. The flower spikes
are about 6 inches tall and bear a few of the
large flowers, which are deep rose-red in the
bud, but open paler, showing a white ground
stained with red. The individual pips are more
than an inch across.

Myosotis dissitiflora hybrida Boll of Honour.
— A magnificent Forget-Me-Not with beautiful
clear, opal-blue flowers, as large as those of
Omphalodes Lucillae. The young flowers are
pink and assume the delicate blue tint as they
age. This variety is much superior to the type
and a valuable spring flowering plant. Both
these novelties were shown by Mrs. Lloyd
Edwards.

Azalea Dr. Oosthoch. — A Mollis hybrid with
large flowers of a red shade, flushed with orange,
a distinct tone in Azaleas and very beautiful.
The plant is exceedingly floriferous. Shown by
Messrs. R. Wallace and Co.

Botanical Certificate.
This award was recomimended for a beauti-
ful bliue form of His kaslimiriana named
Raniket. It was introduced from Asia by Mrs.
M. E. Troup in 1914 and was shown by her
son, Captain R. Troup, Bridgwater. The
standards are lavender blue and the falls pur-
plish-blue, edged with a lighter blue. The
beard is white. The flower is fragrant.

Groups.

The hardy Ghent and Mollis Azaleas, with
their crosses, were perhaps the most important
feature of the show ; at any rate, they were
most brilliant and added much to the attraction
of the hall. The new style of arranging the
spaces favoured these splendid shrubs, and the
exhibitors were enabled to display the immense
decorative value of these Azaleas to their fullest
extent. Messrs. R. and G. Cuthbert brought
a great quantity, which embraced all the pos-
sible colours and types, and the skilful arrange-
ment of the glowing colours delighted the eye.
Besides the great variety of Mollis and Sinensis
hybrida which predominated, they also included
some dainty bushes of the variable Azalea
Kaempferi, which bore smaller flowers of artis-
tic shades (Silver-gilt Flora Medal).

Messrs. R. W. Wallace and Co. also arranged
many splendid bushes of similar Azaleas and
associated them with many Japanese Maples.
In another exhibit Messrs. Wallace displayed
many good Irises, particularly the graceful
variety Tol-long, with floriferous littla bushes of
Daphne oreorum major and many Alpines
(Silver-gilt Flora Medal).

Messrs. John Waterer, Sons and Crisp filled
an angle of the hall with magnificent Rhododen-
drons, mostly of Pink Pearl. Bagshot, Ruby,
Cynthia and Corona, ami also contributed a taste
fully-arranged collection e.! Alpines (Silver Flora
Medal).

Messrs. J. ("heal and Sons were also promi-
nent exhibitors of hardy Azaleas and Rhodo-
dendrons, which they brought in groat beauty.
The arrangement was particularly appropriate
and compelled the admiral ion of the visitors. In
another place Messrs. Choal had examples of
the valuable Star Dahlias which they have made

246

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[May 15, 1920.

a speciality, and also exhibited many seasonable
.Alpines (Silver Branksian Medal).

Just inside the doorway Mr. L. R. Russell
had a showy group of standard Ghent Azaleas,
particularly of the white variety Milton, with
Rhododendrons and quaintly-shaped Wisterias in
flower (Bronze Flora Medal).

Messrs. R. Gill and Sons showed that, al-
though the season commences earlier at Fal-
mouth than in the Home Counties, Rhododen-
drons are still in season, and they also exhibited
gorgeous sprays of Embothrium coccineum
(Bronze Flora Medal).

Rhododendrons and Azaleas, with other shrubs
and various Alpines "were set up by Mr. G.
Reuthe (Silver Banksian Medal) ; -while Messrs.
Geo. Jackman and Sons displayed many splen-
did trained plants of Clematis. The varieties
Lasurstern, Mrs. George Jackman, The Presi-
dent and Countess of Lovelace were magnificent
(Silver Grenfell Medal).

Messrs. J. Piper and Sons included an attrac-
tive plant of the shrubby Convolvulus Cneoruim, ;
a collection of Clematis and other shrubs, with
various Alpines (Bronze Grenfell Medal).

Roses were represented by several collections
of fresh and beautiful blooms, as well as by a
group of floriferous polyantha varieties, inters-
persed with Astilbes, by Messrs. W. Cutbush
and Sons, who also had a collection of Alpines
(Silver Grenfell Medal).

Mr. Elisha Hicks showed such Roses as Mrs.
Elisha Hicks and his new Queen of Hurst in
great excellence (Silver Banksian Medal).

Messrs. B. R. Cant and Co. had a brilliant
stand of Rose Covent Garden associated with
such sorts as the new Padre and Paul's Scarlet
Climher (Silver Grenfell Medal).

Carnations were also prominent, and of these
excellent collections were shown by Alessrs.
Stuart Low and Co., who also staged various
Mimosas and the variegated Azalea indica (Sil-
ver Flora Medal). Messrs. Allwood Bros.,
who, besides a. great number of the best standard
varieties of Carnations, showed the great attrac-
tions and value of their Alhvoodii tvpe in Joan
and Harold (Silver Grenfell Medal). Mr. C.
Engelmann also' contributed an excellent col-
lection of Carnations (Silver Grenfell Medal).

Messrs. H. B. May and Sons brought their
customary exhibit of choice greenhouse Ferns,
which served to display various groups of such
flowering plants as Verbenas and Hydrangeas
(Bronze Banksian Medal).

Mr. C. Turner had an interesting collection
of Lilac sprays, which included, of the double-
flowered varieties. Madame Lemoine, President,
Viger. Jeanne d'Arc, and Chas. Sargent ; while
Reaumur and Madame F. Morel, of the singles,
were also especially noteworthv (Silver Grenfell
Medal).

Alpines and border flowers were very
numerous, and, in addition to those mentioned in
conjunction with other exhibits, were shown
by the following : Mrs. Lloyd Edwards, who
had splendid Saxifrages (Silver Grenfell Medal);
Mr. Maurice Prichard, who had an especially
fine feature in a brilliant group of Primula
Aileen Aroon (Silver Grenfell Medal); Messrs.
R. Tucker and Sons, who associated a fine spike
of the fascinating Iris Susiana. with Veronica Hul-
keana and Pentstemon Scouleri (Bronze Bank-
sian Medal) ; Mr. G. W. Mtller made a great
feature of Heuchera tiarralloides with Trollius
and Polyanthuses (Bronze Flora Medal) ; Mr. W.
Wells, Junr. , included a gen.erons batch of
Geum Borisii in his collection (Bronze Banksian
Medal) ; Messrs. G. Bunyard and Co. had an
ambitious but unconvincing garden of Iris and
Tulips.

Mr. Amos Perry showed Tulip Daphne Cne-
orum major, Cheiranthus Pamela Purshouse and
other hardy flowers (Silver Banksian Medali
Messrs. Reamsbottom and Co. had gorgeous
blooms of Anemone St. Brigid (Bronze Grenfell
Medal), and Messrs. Carter, Page and Co. had
many pans of Violas (Bronze Grenfell Medal)
Mr. G. R. Downer exhibited spikes of Lupines
in variety (Bronze Banksian Medal), and the
Rev. C. A. Jardine brought " flowers from a
London garden " (Bronze Banksian Medal).

Orchid Committee.
Present: Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart, (in the
chair). Sir Harry J. Veitch, Messrs. Guruey Wil-
son, R. A. Roli'e, William Bolton, Arthur Dye,
S. W. Flory, J. Charlesworth, W. J. Kaye. J.'E
Shill, Fred K. Sander, T. Armstrong. E. R. Ash-
ton, Pantia Ralli, Frederick J. Hanbury, R. G,
Thwaites, C. J. Lucas and R. Brooman-White

AWARDS.
Award of Merit.

Odontioda Gloss Broadlands variety {Odd.
Charlesworthii x Odm. triumphant), from
E. R. Ashton, Esq., Broadlands, Camden Park,
Tunbridge Wells. A very handsome Odontioda
raised by Messrs. Armstrong and Brown, who
have shown several forms of it. The flowers,
which have a waxlike texture, have equally
broad sepals and petals, deep mahogany-red with
some yellow on the lip.

Odontioda Fabia, RallVs variety {eximium X
Anlaon), from Pantia Ralli, Esq.. AshteadPark,
Surrey (Orchid grower Mr. Fames). A superb
flower, of perfect shape, heavily blotched with
claret-purple, the white ground showing
between.

Cattleya Snowflalce var. Noel (Dusseldorfei
Undine x labiata alba), from Sir H. S. Leon,
Bart., Bletchley Park, Bucks. Flower of fine
form, white, with chronye-yellow disc to the lip.

Groups.

Silver Flora Medals were awarded to H. T.
Put, Esq., Rosslyn, Stamford Hill (gr. Mr.
Thurgood), for a good group, with showy Mil-
tonias, including a very handsome M. Charles-
woi'thii. Specially good Odontoglossums and
Odontiodas included fine forms of Odm. crispum,
the variety Ivanhoe being very distinct, and Odm.
Lambeauianum 'Var. stapelia uniformly spotted
as in some forms of Odm. Jasper. Some of the
older varieties of Odontoglossums and some rare
species were also shown.

E. R. Ashton, Esq., Broadlands, Camden
Park, Tumbridge Wells, for an exceptionally good
group of very handsome Odontoglossums, Odon-
ticdas and other hybrids. The white and
blotched forms of 0. crispum were well repre-
sented, and among the Odontiodas the new
Odontioda Camdfln (Oda. Coronation x Odm.
illustrissimum) was a very handsome form with
perfectly-shaped, richly-coloured flowers.

Messrs. Charles worth and Co., Hay wards
Heath, for a fine group of beautiful Odontoglos-
sums, Cattleyas, Laelio-Cattleyas and Miltonias,
the home-raised forms of the last-named being
superb, the best forms of Charlesworthii and
Lyoth very remarkable.

Messrs. Armstrong and Brown, Tunbridge
Wells, for a pretty and interesting group includ-
ing several of their new hybrid Odontoglossums
and a very handsome Odontioda of the Oda.
Decia .batch, which secured an award at the last
meeting. Miltonias and Laelio-Cattleyas were
also well shown.

Silver Banksian Medals were awarded to
Pantta Ralli, Esq., Ashtead Park, Surrey
(Orchid grower Mr. Fames), for a group includ-
ing interesting hybrid Odontoglossums, one cross,
to which we shall refer later, being especially in-
teresting.

Messrs. Sander and Sons, St. Albans, for a
group containing a specially good selection of
Miltonias, the central plant of M. Charlesworthii
being a very handsome form. Among the
species shown were a curious form of Dendrobium
Pierardii, fine scarlet Cochlioda Noezliana, the
rare Bulbophyllum Penicillium, with thick rachis
and fringed lip, Bulbophyllum picturatum and
others.

Other Exhibits.

Sir Herbert S. Leon, Bletchley Park, showed
the handsome Laelio-Cattleya Sir David Beatty
var. Leoniae; a pretty Brasso-Cattleva Digbyano-
Schroderae, and the distinct rich, rose-pink Mil-
tonia vexillaria Thompsonii.

Pantia Ralli, Esq., showed Odontoglossum
Emma (eximium x Ashteadense), of fine fomi
and rich claret colour.

R. G. Thwaites, Esq.. Streatham Hill,
showed Laelio-Cattleya Domos (L.-C. Dominiana
x C. Mossiae), a fine flower, rose, with claret
lip.

Baron Bruno Schroder, The Dell, Englefield
green (gr. Mr. J. E. Shill) showed cut flowers of
fine forms of Laelio-Cattleya Aphrodite and L.-C.
Fascinator, light and dark forms being repre-
sented by spikes of four and five flowers.

The Hon. Robert James, Richmond, Yorks.,
showed Odontoglossum St. Nicholas (eximium x
Promerens), "with richly blotched flowers.

Fruit and Vegetable Committee.

Present: Messrs. J. Cheal (in the chair), G. F.
Tinley, S. B. Dicks, W. Bates, A. R. Allan,
Owen Thomas, Geo. Keif, A. W. Metcalfe, F.
Jordan, Ed. Beckett, W. Humphreys, E. A.
Bunyard, W. H. Divers, John Harrison, J. S. ,
Kelly and A. Bullock.

Sir Montague Turner exhibited twentyjfour
dishes of Apples for which a Silver Banksian
Medal was awarded. The varieties included
Christmas Pearmain, Duke of Devonshire, Star-
mer Pippin, Rival and Bramley's Seedling.

Narcissus and Tulip Committee.
Present : Messrs. G. A. Bowles (in the chair),
W. A. Dykes, J. W. Jones, Geo. Churcher,
Herbert Smith, W. A. Watts, J. D. Pearson,
Jan de Graff, W. R. Cranfield, Wm. Poupart,
F. H. Chapman and Rev. J. Jacob.

Awards of Merit.

Tulip Alceme. A hybrid of Darwin X
cottage, with flower of goblet shape and coloured
rich, carmine-crimson. The base is white with
opal 'blue staining at the edges.

Dido. A hybrid of the same section as the
preceding, with longer, larger flower stained
rose-carmine on a bronze coloured ground, the
interior being almost wholly bronze. Both these
varieties were shown by Messrs. E. H. Krelage
and Son, Haarlem.

Groups.

Messrs. Alex. Dickson and Sons, exhibited
a most glorious collection of May flowering
Tulips from their Marks Tey trial grounds.
This was1 one of the very best collections that
we ever remember having seen, and in this.
notoriously difficult season it was all the more
creditable. The arrangement also showed to
the full the wonderfully fine blooms. Of the
very many varieties so well set up, mention may
be made of Logan Rose, a gorgeous, satiny-
pink variety ; Bouton d'Or, the well-known deep
yellow variety ; Mr. Farncombe Sanders, crim-
son-scarlet, Orange King, La Tulipe Noire, Sun-
set, rich Orange and Rev. Harper Crewe,
salmon-rose (Gold Medal).

Messrs. Barr and Sons had an interesting
collection of May varieties at the endi of the
hall and these included Peter Pan, Boadicea
rind Goudvink, of beautiful bronze shading;
Afterglow, Fabius and Ingelscombe Yellow in
splendid form. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal).

Messrs. J. Grullemans and Son brought a
large collection of Dutch-grown blooms, but
they were mostly weather stained and, though-
of sufficient size, only moderately well shaped.
Of those shown, we selected the following as=
being tlhe 'best : Cardinal Manning, Dainty
Maid (a pretty flamed bloom), Bronze Queen,
Daybreak, Vulcan and La Turenne (Silver
Flora Medal).

Messrs. G. Bunyard and Son arranged'
Tulips with Irises in the form of a " garden "
on the floor, but it was not a happy inspiration,
though all the blooms were good. (Silver
Banksian Medal).

Messrs. E. H. Krelage and Sons brought
over from Holland a selection of novelties, of
which two received Awards of Merit.

Messrs. R. H. Bath, Ltd., arranged a very
attractive collection of Tnilips. The many
varieties included excellent vases of Gesneriana
lutea. La Tulipe Noire, and the nearly 'black
Philippe de Commines and Picotee (Silver Flora
Medal).

ROYAL NATIONAL TULIP.

May 11.— This Royal and Ancient Society still
exists hut, judging from its annual show, which
was held on this date in conjunction with the
R.H.S. fortnightly meeting, in little more than
name, for the show, which is always the out-
ward and visible sign of a floricultural society's

May 15, 1920.1

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

247

activities, has almost reached the vanishing
point. Seven more or less decorative classes
were aranged, but failing to draw entries, were
abandoned.

There were three exhibits of 12 Rectified
Tulips, of which the best was by Mr. J. W.
iiENTLEY, Middleton, whose best blooms were
Saim Barlow (flamed bizarre), Stockport
,( feathered byhloemen) both Premier blooms ;
Mabel (feathered rose), and Win. Anmbal
{feathered bizarre). 2nd, Mrs. J. H. Holden,
Llandudno, wlho had good blooms of Wm.
Annibal, Sam Barlow (fl. biz.), and Carbuncle
.(fl. byb.). 3rd, Mr. W. Peters, Cambridge.
Mi*. Peters was awarded first prize for 6 very
good Rectified blooms, which included Sam
Barlow, both, fr. fl. biz.), Mabel (fl. rose), and
Mrs. Jackson (fl. byb.). Mr. Peters was also
awarded 2nd prize for 3 Flamed Tulips and was
1st for 3 Breeder blooms, 'which included fine
examples of Adonis, bright purple and Sulphur,
deep rose. 2nd, Mr. H. S. Bartlett, with a
good ibloom of Goldfinder. Mr. Bartlett was
also first for 6 Rectified and 3 Breeder blooms.

NATIONAL AURICULA AND PRIMULA.

Midland Section.

April 30, May 1. — The annual exhibition of
the above Society, held at the Edgbaston
Botanical Gardens on this date was smaller
than usual and the quality of the flowers below
that of previous years. With few exceptions,
competition was disappointing, due principally
to the abnormally early season.

The most successful exhibitor in the open
Division for Show Auriculas was Miss Winn,
Selly Park, Birmingham (gr. Mr. T. T. Shep-
pard), who secured eight first and two second
prizes, the runner-up being Mr. C. S. Yeomans,
the energetic Secretary of the Society. Miss
Winn's first prizes were awarded for (1) eight
varieties, which included sturdy examples of
Edith Winn, Shirley Hibberd, Eucharis, Mrs.
Kenwood and George Lightbody. (2) Six
varieties, the best flowers being Mrs. Potts,
Queen of Spain and Mrs Henwood. (3) Three
varieties open only to local growers. (4) One
green-edged variety with Mrs. Henwood. (5)
Grey-edged with George Lightbody. (6) White-
edged with Eucharis. (7) Self with Harrison
Weir. (8) Self, reserved for yellow, primrose
or buff with Edith Winn. Mr. C. S. Yeomans
w-on second prizes for (1) eight varieties. (2)
Six varieties. (3) Grey-edged, and (4) local
growers' class. Mr. C. Reeves was placed first
in a class for four varieties, and in another fur
two varieties. Mr. J. D. Williams 'being second
in each class. The last named exhibitor beat
Miss 'Winn in a class for three self's, with pleas-
ing specimens of Mrs. Potts, Harrison Weir,
and Miss Willmott. Mr. Raken was a success-
ful maiden grower and Mr. A. E. Keeling ex-
celled in the class reserved for young amateur
growers.

There were ifiive classes for seedling show
Auriculas, but there was competition only in
one of them, viz., Self. The premier award
went to Mr. R. Holding, who had an exquisite
specimen of Jean Holding. 2nd, Mr. C. S.
Yeomans, with Yellow Hammer.'

Alpine Auriculas
Miss Winn had the best eight varieties and
six varieties. The winning exhibit of four
varieties came from Mr. R. Holding. The
leading pair of plants in another class was staged
by Mr. J. D. Williams, who also won first
prize. in the class reserved for local growers. Mr.
C. Reeves showed the best gold centred variety,
and Miss Winn sent the daintiest light centred
flower. Mr. J. H. Camm and Mr. SAUNDERS
were pronounced the best maiden grower and
young amateur grower respectively.

Seedling Alpine Auriculas.
The leading exhibit of four varieties came from
Mr. A. Gilbert, who was closely followed by
Mr. J. D. Williams. Mr. C. Reeves had the
winning pair of plants with Landrail and Miss
Maud Shepherd : 2nd. Mr. A. J. Wadley. whose
plant of Winnie Darby secured for him tile 1st

prize in the class for a light-centred variety.
Mr. J. Freeman showed the best gold-centred
variety. Mr. C. S. Yeomans won 1st prize for
four pots of Polyanthus.

Premier Flowers.

Shaw Auricula Henry Wilson, exhibited by
Mr. C S. Yeomans.

Seedling Show Auricula Jean Molding, a deep
maroon self, exhibited by Mr. R. Holding.

Alpine Auricula Doris, exhibited by Mr.
,1. D. Williams.

Alpine Seedling Auricula Mrs. Saunders.
exhibited by Mr. Freeman.

First-Class Certificates.

Show self Auricula Mrs. T. E. Owens, ex-
hibited by Mr. C. Reeves.

Show self Auricula Jean Holding, exhibited
by Mr. R. Holding.

Alpine Auricula Mrs. Saunders, exhibited by
Mr. Freeman.

Alpine Auricula Landrail, exhibited by Mr.
C Reeves.

Seedling gold centre Alpine Auricula
Jennie Scoft, exhibited by Mr. A. Gilbert.

The Silver and Bronze Medals, offered by tha
Birmingham Botanical and Horticultural Society,
were won by Miss Winn and Mr. C. S. Yeo-
mans respectively. The Ludford Silver Medals
for show and alpine Auriculas went to Miss
Winn and Mr. J. D. Williams in the order
named. The Udale Silver Medal was won by
Mr. .1. H. Camm.

Honorary Exhibits.
A Silver-gilt Medal was awarded to Messrs.
Arthur R. Brown, Ltd.. King's Norton, for
Violas, and a Silver Medal to Mr. C. S. Yeo-
mans, Wythall, for Calceolarias, Polyanthus and
Wallflowers

MARKETS.

MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF
ENGLAND ORCHID.

At the meeting held on May 6, the follow-
ing members of the Committee were present : —
R Ashworth, Esq. (in the chair), Messrs. A.
Coningsby, D. A. Cowan, J. Cypher, J. Evans,
J. Howes, A. Hammer, D. MoLeod, Dr. F. T.
Paul, E. W. Thompson, and H. Arthur
(Secretary).

Awards.

First-class Certificates.

Caitleya Tityus car. Pnyal Monarch. (Enid
X Octave Doin), a large, deep self-coloured
flower of perfect shape, with well formed deep
coloured lip; Laelio-Oattleya Luminosa aurea
The Premier, a large, well formed flower, with
deep yellow sepals and petals and maroon
coloured lip ; Odontioda Orphana, a brilliant
coloured flower ; from S. Guatrix, Esq.

Odontoglossum Pescatorei alhens Ogilvie's var.,
a white flower of good substance, the column,
bright orange; from Mrs. Guatrix.

0. Promerens var. Duchess (eximium x cris-
pum), a large, well shaped flower, coloured light
chocolate brown, the segments lighter tipped;
from P. Smith, Esq.

Odontioda Zenobia Houghton ii (Charles-
worthii X percultum), a large flower of good
form and substance, intensely dark purple with
small white lines on the edge of the lip ; from
F. Houghton, Esq.

Awards of Merit.

Cymbidium Alexanders cars. Ideal and La
France, from the Rev. J. Crombleholme.

Odm. excellens var. Golden Dawn, and
t'affleya Marguerita (intertexta alba X
O'Brieniana alba), from S. Guatrix. Esq.

Dendrobiwm venustum (primulinum x Pier-
ardii), from Capt. 'W. HoRninGE.

Awards of APPRECIATION.

Odontoglossum crispwm Trojan list) and 0.
Promerens Prince Henry (1st), from S.
Gratrix, Esq.

S. Gratrix, Esq., Wba.lley Range (gr. Mr. J.
Howes) was awarded a large Silver Medal for
a group; Messrs. Cypher and Sons, Chelten-
ham, also staged a group for which a Silver
Medal was awarded.

COVENT GARDEX, May llth.
We oannot acoept any reeponaibi'ity for the subjoined
reports. They are furnished to ua regularly every
Tuesday, by the kindness of several of the prinoipal
salesmen, who are responsible for the quotations. It
must be remembered that these quotations do not
represent the prices on any particular day, but only
the general average 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.

Fruit : Average Wholesale Prices.

s. d. s. d.

s. d. s. d

Bananas, singles

20 0-35 0

Valencia 200 ,

240 J 40 0-48 0
250 *

doubles 30 0-35 0

Cape Fruit —

— Pears,

14 0-18 0

Melons, Guernsey,

— Grapes, white,

10 0-25 0

each . . . . 5 0-80

— Red Hanepoot.

10 0-25 0

Muscats, English,

— English Haaibro

5 0-80

per ib 20 0-23 0

Lemons —

Pineapples, each 2 0-66

— Naples 300's

17 0-28 0

Strawberries, forced

Oranges' Murcia

special .. ..12 0-14 0

240 1
300 /

45 0-50 0

11 5 0-60

ex. 500

55 0-65 0

Figs, forced perdoz. 9 0-25 0

Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices.

B.d.s.d.

s. d. s. d

Asparagus, English

,

Mushrooms.per Ib. 2 6-30

— Cavaillon..

1 3- 1 G

Onions,

— Devon, 100's

10 0-18 0

— Egyptian, very

— Evesham

5 0-12 0

good, per bag 28 0-29 0

— Cambridge

2 0-60

— Spring, per

— . .

13-14

doz. bunches .. 4 0-60

Beans, Guernsey,

per lb

— Worthing

2 3-20

2 0-2(i

Parsley, per doz.

bunches .. .. 2 6-30
Potatos,

Beets,

— Guernsey, per lb. 0 6-07

per cwt

Cabbage, per doz.

12 0-15 0

— Algerian, new, ., 0 4-05

2 0-30

— 1919 crop English &
Scotch, controlled,

Carrots, per cwt.

12 0-18 0

per ton, (about) £1(1 -£1S
— Irish, -. .. £17- —

Cauliflower, per

doz.

6 0-10 0

Radishes, per doz.

Cucumbers flats

bunches . . . . 2 0-3

36's ,
42-8

Rhubarb, forced

18 0-23 0

per doz 3 0-3

48'B '

Tomatos, Teneriffe,

Greens, per bag ..

2 0-30

Best, per bundle 35 0-40 0

Herbs.perdoz.bun.

4 0-00

— Guernsey . . 20 0-22 0

Lettuce. English

—English, Pinks . . 22 0-24 0

per doz

16-20

Pink& Whites 22 0-24 0

—Dutch . .

16-20

Blues .. . . 21 0 ■

Mint, per doz.bun.

6 0-80

Whites .. .. 21 0

Mustard and Cress

Turnips, per bag 8 0-12 0

per doz. punnets

16-20

Watercress, perdoz. 0 9-10

Remakes. — Business for some days has been rather
slow, but at the time of writing- prospects were
brighter, and a good demand obtained for most pro-
duce available. New Potatos have been particularly
heavy in supply, with considerable depreciation in
value for a few days, and prices are now in the
neighbourhood of 6d. per lb. Cucumbers are also in
supply, with little variation in prices from those
ruling1 a week ago. A few days of warm weather
have increased the available quantities of English
Tomatos, and although prices are fairly high, there
is a great demand. Apples : Latest shipment of Aus-
tralasian Apples met a, ready demand at full control
price, although a few parcels1 of over-ripe fruit have
been noted. South. African fruit is in shorter supply,
and the season is drawing to a -close. Pears have
been in excellent condition, but Gropes are variable.
English Bluok Harnbro Grapes are improving in quan-
tity, but remain almost prohibitive in price. Forced
Melons, both home-grown and Guernsey, are available.
Finer weather has encouraged increased supplies of
home-grown Asparagus. French Cavaillon is in erratic
supply, and1 prices art- somewhat low. Forced Peas are
to be had in greater quantities, and prices have an
easier tendenoy, Cauliflowers : Some excellent Cauli-
flowers are available from Holland, and prices realised
are satisfactory. Cabbages and other greens remain
plentiful, am I larger quantities of new Potatos from
the Channel Islands, Cornwall and St. fifalo being
available, the demand for old crop will h- lis.srn.-il.

Plants In Pots, Etc. : Average Wholesale Prices.

(All 48'a per doz. except where otherwise stated.)

Aralla Sleholdll .. 10 0-12 Q Hydrangeas.
Asparagus plume- —white per doz.

24 0-S6 0
24 0-48 0
30 0-60 0

sus 12 0-15 0 ~PJnk

— Sprengerl .. 12 0-18 0 Lilium lan'ctfoVium

Aspidistra, green 48 0-72 0 rubrum48sS2seVh 3 6-48

Boronla betero- Marguerites- white 18 0-24 0

phylla . . . . 24 0-30 0 Mignonette 2\ 0-24 0

„ ,, Palms, Kentla .. 24 0-30 0

**$}.' ^-r tfay * a a n -OO's 15 0-18 0

12 s, 15 s .. 5 0-60 __cocos .. ..24 0-36 0

Erica Cavendishii, Rhodanthca . . ,. 15 0-1S 0

per doz 30 0-?6 0 Rhododendrons e'eh 7 6-15 0

— persoluta .. 24 0-36 0 Bptraeas white 30 0-42 0
— Wllmoreana .. 30 0-36 0,— pink .. .. 30 0-48 0
— magnifies.. .. 30 0-86 0' Stocks, white, .. 18 0-24 O
Genistas .. ..24 0-30 0 —red, 15 0-21 0

248

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[May 15, 1920.

Ferns and Palms : Average Wholesale Prices.

TRADE NOTES.

s. d. s. d
Nephrolepls, in

variety 48*3 .. 12 0-18 0

— 32'9 24 0-36 0

Pteris. in variety

43's 12 0-21 0

—large 60's .. 5 0-60
— small 60*3 .. 4 0-40

72's per tray of

16'a 3 6-40

s. d. s. d.
Adiantum

cuneatum 48'st

per doz 12 0-15 0

—elegans . . . . 15 0-18 0
Aeplenium 48's, ^r

doz. . . " . 12 0-18 0

—32*3 24 0-30 0

— nidua 48'9 .. 12 0-15 0
Cyrtomium 48"s .10 0-lfi 0

Remarks. — In this department there is a good selec-
tion of flowering plants, foliage and bedding plants.
Rhodanthes are the newest line offered in (towering-
plants. Hydrangeas, blue, white and pink, make
a great display. Fine plants of rambler Roses are
to be had, and a few choice Ericas are still offered.
White and pink Spiraeas and Funkias are available
and in demand.

Out Flowers, &c. : Average Wholesale Prices.

Anemone St. Brid-
get, per doz. bun.

Carnations, per doz.
blooms, best
American var.

Cornflower, per
doz. bun.

Gardenias, per
box. 12's

18'3

Gladiola, per bun.
— The Bride
— Blushing Bride
— Peach Blossom
Gypsophila, per

doz. bun.
Heather, white,

per doz. bun. ]
Ixia, per doz. bun.
Iris, Spanish
— White, per bun.
■ — Mauve, „ „
—Blue, .,
— Yellow, „ ,,
Lapagerias, per doz,

blooms
Lilium candidum,

long, per »"

short.
Lilium longifloium,

per bunch
— short, per doz.
Lilium speciosum,

rubrum, per bun.
Lily of the Valley

per bunch
Narcissus, per doz.

bunch

Pheasant Eye,

i.d.s. d.
10-50

0-5 0
> 0- 6 0

; o-io o
; o- 5 o

i0-eo

!6-30
10-36

.. 24

a. d

— Flora plena

double white . . 8

Orrbidc, per doz

— Cattleyas

— Cyprinediums
Der doz 4

Paeonies, coloured,
per doz. bun. 6's 12

Pelargonium, dou-
ble scarlet, per
doz. bun . . . . 15

—white .. ..12

Poppies, Iceland per

. 3. d.
0-12 0
0-30 0
0-6 0
0-15 0

0-18 0
0-15 0

0-12 0
0-7 0

6-3 0
6-3 0
0-3 6
0-3 6

0-6 0
6-4 0

i 0-10 0
0-8 0

i 0- 5 0
6-3 0

8 0-

doz. bunch
Richardia, (Arums),

per doz. blms. 9
Roses, per doz.

blooms —
— General Jacque-
minot . . . . 2
— Ophelia . . . . 4
— Richmood , . 4
— Sunburst . . 4
— Niphetos .. .. 3
— W. Stevens .. 3
— Molly S. Crawford 3
— Lady HiJlicgdon 2
— Madame A.

Chatenay . . 3
— Melody .. .. 3
Statice, mauve, per

doz. bun. . . 8
Stephanotis, per

72 pips . . . . 4
Stock, English,

white, per doz bun 12
Sweet Peas, white
and coloured, per
doz. bun. .. 12

0-8 0
0-15 0

6-3 0
0-6 0
0-8 0
0-6 0
0-4 0
0-4O
0-4 0
0-3 0

0-4 0
0-5 0

0-9 0

0-5 0

0-18 0

0-24 0

Remarks. — As regards white flowers, the conditions
remain similar to those given last week, and prices
remain firm for best cut blooms. Narsissus poeticus
being now almost finished, prices advanced considerably
on Friday and Saturday last. In spite of the in-
creased supplies, prices for Narcissus flore plena double
white remain unchanged. Arums (Riohardias) are now al-
most over, and' other Liliums are lessening in quantity.
Irises, Gladiolus, Sweet Peas, Cornflowers, Iceland Pop-
pieB, and Paeonies are at present the most attractive
lines. Single Pyrethrums are gradually improving
in quality, and will be more in demand as the blooms
beoome larger. Sweet Peas are getting more numerous,
some excellent blooms being offered at 4e. per bunch.
Limited quantities of Gypsophila elegans from home
growers are selling freely. Stephanotis can now be
added to the list of choice flowers*. Panoratiums and
Gardenias are also more numerous, and excellent in
quality. Lily-of-the-Valley is sufficient for the demand.

THE WEATHER.

Messrs. Thomas Methven and Sons, nursery-
men, Edinburgh, have again been entrusted with
the floral decorations at Holy mod Palace during
the official lesidence of His Grace the Lord
High Commissioner.

THE WEATHER IN SCOTLAND.
While the mean temperature for the month was
quite normal, the highest maximum wa-s considerably
above and the lowest minimum much below the
average. The rainfall was also normal, but spread
over more days than is usual for April. Bright sun-
shine showed a marked falling off from the average.
Rain fell on 18 days to a total of 1.72 inch; the wettest
day being the 19th, with 0.35 inch. The sunshine
record for the month was 119.6 hours, being an average
of 3.95 hours per day, and a percentage of 28; there
were six sunless days. With a mean of 29.63 incnes, the
barometer varied from a height of 30.14 inches on the
23rd, to a lowest of 28.99 inches on the 16th. The mean
temperature was 44°, with a highest maximum of 50°
on the 24th .and a lowest minimum of 27° on the 8th,
giving an abohite range of 33°. Both the lowest
maximum and highest minimum were 44°, ^he former
on the 12th, and the latter on the 19th and 24th,
while the means were maximum 51°, minimum 37°,
showing a mean range of 14°. On two nights the
temperature fell below the freezing point. For the
month the relative humility of the air was 82 per cent.
On the grass the mean m inimum temperature was 32°,
with a lowest of 19° on the 5th; there was 12 nights
of ground frost. At one foot deep, the soil temperature,
with a mean of 44°, varied from 42° to 47°, being
45° on the 30th. The wind direction was very variable
during the month, and never attained gale foroe. —
James Mattock, Director of Studies, The Training
College Gardens, Kirkton of Mains, near Dundee.

The Secretary of the Boyal Horticultural
Society writes, concerning the conveyance of
plants by passenger train. — I have just re-
ceived from the Railway Clearing House the
enclosed notice which may 'be of interest to
your readers: — >" In reply to your letter of 16th
instant, I have to say that plants in owner's
vans are, subject to prior arrangements being
made witli the Companies concerned, accepted
for conveyance by passenger train, the charge
being the same as for a ' Carriage.' "

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

A Gabdener's Notice : IT". P. We are not
aware of any special custom which varies the
usual rule that a month's notice on either
side can be given at any time.

A Tenant's Plants : "Garden." Whatever is
planted in the soil by a private tenant, becomes
('according to strict law) the property of the
landlord. In actual practice, latitude is taken
by the tenant in connection with ordinary
gardening operations, including the potting of
plants. On the expiration of the tenancy,
however, a private tenant has no right what-
ever to remove things which are growing in
the soil. The rule is different in the case of
nurseries, small holdings and allotments, and
if the plot of land at the back of the house
comes within any of these descriptions, you
should consult a solicitor. Your new landlord
is not bound by any latitude which his pre-
decessor may have shown you.

Application for a Patent : H. E. Application
for taking out a patent for a new invention
should be made to the Patent Office, 25,
Southampton Buildings, W.C.2. You should
ask for a form upon which the necessary par-
ticulars are to be supplied.

Blue Hydrangeas : T . C. The preparation
known as Cyanol will cause the flowers of your
Hydrangea to assume a blue colour.

Chrysanthemum Plants Diseased : IT. T .
The specimens reached us in such a condition
that it was impossible to identify the disease.
Specimens of this nature should be packed
in a tin, with a little damp moss at the
bottom.

Exterminating Equisetum (Horsetail) : D. C,
Ireland. Rushes and Horsetails are amongst
those plants, which indicate a wet or damp
and sour soil. If your land is wet you should
drain it by putting down a line of small pipes
on each side of the Asparagus bed, and at a
depth of 3ft. Then dress the ground with
4-6 ounces of quicklime to the square yard and
work it in by forking or hoeing. The next
best way to exterminate the weed is to cut
the stems below the surface with an old knife
early in the season and repeat it as often as
the shoots appear on the surface. These
young shoots are produced at the expense of
food stored up in the under-ground rhizomes
during the previous year, and the more often
they are cut the more rapidly the plants will
get exhausted and cease to appear. If the
ground were trenched 3 ft. deep and all the
rhizomes and roots that can be seen were
taken out. the weed would be Teduced to very
small dimensions by the one operation. This
cannot be done while the Asparagus is still
bearing well, and must not be dug up. The
first two operations above described should be
carried out this season. The draining and
liming will make the ground unsuitable for the
weed; but if spores get carried on to the
ground from wild plants and seedlings appear,
cut them repeatedly below the surface, and

they will soon cease to appear. At this early-
stage the work of cutting will only take a few
minutes for all the beds.

Fig Fruits Shrivelled : /. B. We fail to-
find any signs of disease in the fruits. The
hollowness is due to a shrinking of the tissues
after the fruits have ceased growing. Fig
trees in pots very frequently cast their fruits
when hard forced, but seldom so late in the
season as this. Although fermenting material
is not essential to success, it plays a most
important part. It is difficult to account for
the failure, unless the trees have received
some check. A bottom heat of 70° to 75°,
with a thin wall of turf around the pots and
the intermediate spaces filled with fermenting
leaves, would produce the desired effect the
first season. Keep the roots thoroughly moist,
but not too wet, and be guided by the state
of the weather in the use of the syringe, as
an excess of moisture on the fruits with a
low temperature may cause them to turn
yellow and fall at the most critical stage.

Market Bunches of Mint, Onions, Parsley
and Radishes. S. B. : Mint, for market
purposes, is put up into bunches weighing from
8 to 12 ounces. Bundles of Parsley weigh
about 1^ or 2 l'b. Of spring Onions there are
from 12 to 20 dozen in a bunch, and of
Radishes, from 2 to 4 dozen per bunch.

Xames of Plants : A. P. 1, Baccharis salicina;
2, Tamarix gallica ; 3, Spiraea Anthony
Waterer; 4, Elaeagnus pungens var. varie-
gata; 5, Thuya dolabrata; 6, Cupressus Law-
sonianai. — A. Neal. 1, Magnolia Lennei; 2,
Halesia tetraptera ; 3, Cydonia japonica var.
rosea ; 4, Madura aurantiaca ; 5, Berberis
vulgaris ; 6, Cryptomeria japonica ; 7, Purshia
tridentata; 8, Clematis montana; 9, Viburnum
tomentosum ; 10, not recognised; 11, Linum
perenne; 12, Boronia elatior. W. C. 1,
Escallonia punctata ; 2, Lithospermum
arvense ; 3, Narcissus Jonquilla ; 4, Salvia
leucantha. — H. B. M. 1, 2 and 3, varieties of
Dendrobiumi densiflorum ; 4, Dendrobiuni
fimbriatuin oculatum ; 5, Dendrobiuni, thyrsi-
florum.

Orchid Leaves Damaged. W. W. F. : The
injury is due probably to an excessivdy dry
atmosphere. It is, of course, possible that
the plant was damaged during transit; gas
fumes will produce a somewhat similar effect
upon the leaves.

Paradise Stock : E. M. S. The Paradise
Stock used for the propagation of Apples is
a varietal form of the common Apple. It is
naturally of dwarf habit and produces roots
that grow near the surface of the soil. It
is known that the Paradise stock was in
existence in 1536 and is probably of French
origin.

Peach Trees Diseased; D. B. W. and W. B.
The specimens are affected with Silver Leaf.
Up to the present no remedy has been dis-
covered, but the disease may be held in check
by cutting out all affected parts.

Rose Shoots Diseased : E. E. IF. The Rose
shoot is attacked in several places by the fun-
gus Botrytis, which has almost certainly got
in through a wound or injured area. It is pos-
sible that the shoot may have been injured by
the spray from the sea, but not probable,
judging from the general appearance of the
specimens.

Sucker from a Pear Root : H. P. It is pro-
bable that the sucker would produce very in-
ferior fruits. You could usfl it as a stock
for grafting a superior variety next spring.

Vine Leaves Injured : T. B. and P. There is
no evidence of any specific disease on the
leaves sent; the injury is probably due to
scalding.

Communications Received.— W. H. M. — C. R.—
W. .1. H.-C. W. A.^J E. R. N.-J. K.— S. M.—
R. W. T.— G. V. C— A. E. S— E. B — H S— A. H.—
A. S.— S. B..— H. S.— B. D. J.— J. D. C.—V. A.— W. T.—
J. P.— Dr. TJ.-^T. M. S.— W.A.— E. G.— H R. D —
W. J. W— R. A— C. H. 0.— E. F.

Mat 22, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

249

THE

(&avbzwvz Chronicle

No. 1743.SATURDAY, MAY 22, 1920.

Greenwich Park in spring
time 250

Horticultural demon-
stration train 249

Horticultural Education
Association 249

Margaret, Crown Prin-
cess of Sweden, the
late ... 250

Obituary —

Calder, John S 2(30

McCabe, William
James 260

Paris Spring Flower
Show 250

Potato spraying 25S

Rosary, the
Roses, early 251

Silver leal disease 258

Societies —

Horticultural Club.. 249

Kew Guild 250

Royal Horticultural . .

249, 259
UnitedHort. Ben. and

Prov 260

Women's Farm and
Garden Union .... 250

Trade notes 260

Trees and shrubs —
Nuttallia cerasiformis 25-'}

Trent bam, sale of the
estate of 250

Week's work. the.. 252, 253

Women's institutes.... 250

CONTENTS

Alexandria, horticul-
ture in 250

Alpine garden, the —

Gentiana excisa .... 253
Synthyris reniformis 253
Books, notices of —
The American Hose

Annua! 251

The Nursery Manual 251
Bulb garden, the —

Lily, a new hybrid . . 255

Scilla italica 255

Scilla lilio-hyacinthus 255
Chamber of Horticul-
ture, new secretaryol 249
Darfleld Rectory, York-
shire, the garden of
the Key. Walter Stone-
house, in 1640 ...... 256

Drynhani, Walton-on-

Thames 257

Edinburgh, Harrison

Park 250

Falrchild lecture, the.. 249
Florists' flowers —
Dahlias for garden

decoration 258

Fruit garden, the market 254
" Gardeners' Chronicle"
seventy-five years

ago 250

Glasgow, proposed new

park for 250

Ghent, International
Horticultural Com-
mercial Conference at 259

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Olivia St. Nicholas 251

Drynhani, water garden and rockery at 258

Lily, a hybrid, raised from Liiium regale and L. Sargentiae 255

-N'uttallia cerasiformis 253

Rhododendron Loder's White 257

Average Meav Temperatttre for the ensuing week
deduced from observations during the last fifty
years at Greenwich, 54.1°.

Actual Tempera rtJRE : —

Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street,
Covent Garden, London, Wednesday, May 19,

10 a.m. : Bar. 29.8, temp. 60° Weather— Bright.

The Ministry of Agriculture,

Horticultural which have had in prepara-

Dsmonstration |jnn for some t;me the

Train organisation of peripatetic

demonstration by means of
a specially equipped train, announces that
their arrangements are now complete and
that demonstrations in the East Anglian dis-
trict will be given during the coming month.
From the official syllabus it will be seen
that the programme of demonstrations and
lectures is an admirable one, and it is to
be hoped that the public interest aroused by
this method of pro|xiganda will be so great
as to justify its extension to other parts of
the country. The educational venture has
'"} a special degree the approval of the Mini-
ster of Agriculture and, indeed, it is owing
to Lord Lee's initiative that the often-dis-
cussed proposal of a demonstration train has
been put into practice. The demonstration
train is intended to play the part of a
pioneer — to arouse interest and to create a
demand for further instruction — and its suc-
<<-- is to be measured not only by the num-
bers which it attracts, hut also hv the num-
bers who attend the subsequent courses of
lectures and demonstrations arranged by the
County Horticultural Committees. Only
experience will show whether the programme
contemplated is, or is not, ton large. In
America it has been found that a " one ob-
ject " demonstration train succeeds besl ; hut
conditions here are very differenl from those
in America, anil we think thai the Ministry
have done wisely in providing' an intellec-
tual entertainment consisting ol many star

turns.

The programme erf route, lectures and
lecturers is as follows: — Si. Ives : Mav
31, Mr. G. C. Bough, B.Sc, of the

Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries :
Plant Sanitation. Wisbech : June 5, Mr.
F. R. Petherbridge, M.A., of the School of
Agriculture, Cambridge : Fruit Pests and
Spraying. Stowmarket : June to, Mr. H.
Herrod Hempsall, of the Ministry of Agri-
culture and Fisheries : Bee-keeping. Nor-
wich : June 19, Mr. R. Robson, M.Sc, of the
East Anglian Agricultural Institute : Soil
Sterilisation. Broivbourne : June 26, Dr. E.
J. Russell, F.R.S., of Rothamsted Experi-
mental Station : Soil Sterilisation.

Mr. C. H. Middleton, Mr. W. H. Jenkins,
and Mr. Vincent Banks, of the Ministry of
Agriculture and Fisheries, will accompany
the train as demonstrators on the following
subjects, respectively: (1) Horticultural and
plant diseases; (2) Allotment cultivation and
bees; (3) Fruit anil vegetable preserving.

The exhibits include specimen Apple trees,
showing method of top-grafting, four years'
worked, two years' worked, and one year
worked respectively ; specimens of Apples
('tip to four years old) showing method of
pruning to form hush and half standards;
specimen of patent plough for "Orcharding" ;
specimens of garden implements and small
garden (collapsible) frames for garden and
allotment cultivation ; photographs of cordon
anil half-standard Apple trees in bloom,
showing correct methods of training and of
pruning, and other descriptive photographs;
charts and descriptive diagrams of model
allotments, etc.

Bees: Hive building; bee driving and
swarming demonstrations ; display of
" W.C.B." bee hive, complete with tiers and
internal fittings; display of honey extractor.

Plant diseases : Winter treatment of
orchards; grease handing of fruit trees;
samples of bands; samples of greases;
samples of raffia; demonstration of the cor-
rect and incorrect methods of banding ;
old bands, showing trapped insects.

Winter washing of fruit trees : Caustic
soda (sticks); caustic soda (powder); Bux-
ton lime ; lime sulphur.

Bush Apple tree in pot, sprayed with lime
wash (with an unspraved tree for compari-
son).

Summer spraying- (Fungicides) — liver of
s'.lphur, lime sulphur; ammonium polvsul-
phide ; flowers of sulphur; green sulphur;
copper sulphate (powder); copper sulphate
(crystals). (Insecticides) — by poisoning —

arsenate of lead ; Hellebore ; Pyrethrum. By
contact: nicotine; pyridene; soft soap,
Quassia chips: Quassia solution.

Display of insects and fungi: (Fungi):
Wart disease of Potatos ; Corky Scab of
Potatos ; Common Scab of Potatos ; Skin Spot
of Potatos; Dry Rot of Potatos; Club Root
of Brassicae; Onion Smut; Brown Rot of
Apples; Brown Rot of Plums; Pear Scab on
fruit and wood ; Silver Leaf ; American Goose-
berry Mildew; Apple Canker. (Insects:
Ci ses of Specimens), Garden Pests: The
Magpie Moth; The Cabbage Butterfly; The
Cabbage Moth; The Yellow Underwing
Moth, and The Turnip Moth, with their
destructive caterpillars; Daddy Longlegs and
I. lather Jackets; Onion flies and grubs;
Cabbage root Hies and grubs; Celery Hies
and grubs; Click Beetles and Wireworms ;
Chafer beetles and grubs; garden weevils
and grubs; Pea and Bean weevils with
grubs and damagi done; Flea beetles; Tur-
nip Gall weevils, with photo of damage.
Orchard Pests: The Winter Moth, with pic-
torial representation of Apple blossom at
safe ami unsafe periods for spraying; The

Mottled Limber Moth and larvae; The l.ac-
kev Moth wiih eggbands ami larvae; The
March Moth anil wingless female and egg-
hand ; The Apple blossom weevil with
damaged blossom buds; The small Ermine
Moth, with hunch of cocoons ; Tin Raspberry

Beetle. Pests of the Osier : destructive
beetles and moths and their larvae. Cages of
living insects: Winter Moth caterpillars'
Mottled limber Mofih caterpillars; Magpie
Moth caterpillars; Millipedes; Woolly Aphis;,
cage containing Ladybirds. Other specimens:
Wood of fruit tree attacked by Mussel Scale;
Black Currant hushes in pots, (a) clean hush ;
(b) infected with " Big Bud." Diagrams:
The Normal life history of an insect ; life
history of and damage done by the Apple
Sucker, Winter Moth, Capsid Bug, Black
Currant Mite (Big Bud), and Bean Aphis
respectively (also showing the parasite of
the Bean aphis) ; caterpillar attacked by
Ichneumon Flv . Specimens of branches,
showing correct and incorrect removal of
dead wood.

Display of spraying machines; hand
sprayer; hand powder machine; knapsack
sprayer (copper) ; knapsack sprayer (tin
lined); small power machine.

Photographs showing neglected and clean
orchards; Posters, Notices, Leaflets, etc.

Fruit and vegetable preservation : Display
of bottled iRaspberries, Loganberries,,
Gooseberries, Currants, Pears, Plums, etc.
Display of bottled Peas, Beans, Celery, Sea-
kale, Cauliflower, Rhubarb, etc. Display
of dried fruits and vegetables : Apparatus :
Tvpes of bottles; cans; oven; steriliser.
Demonstrations: Fruit bottling; vegetahi
bottling; fruit and vegetable drying; cold
method of preservation of stone fruit by
means of sulphur 1 times; methods of can-
ning; various methods cf sealing ordinary

Royal Horticultural Society's Meetings.—
There will be no further meeting of the Royal
Horticultural Society during May. At the
summer exhibition, to he held in the grounds
of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, on June 1 the
various committees will meet, the times being
as follows: — Fruit and Vegetable Committee,
and Floral Committee. 12 noon; Orchid Com-
mittee, 11.45 a.m. ; Narcissus and Tulip Com-
mittee, 10.30 a.m.

Horticultural Club. — The annual dinner of the
Horticultural Club will take place on Tuesday.
June 1. at 7 p.m., at the Club, R.H.S. Hall.
Vincent Square, Westminster. After the
dinner a musical programme will be ren-
dered bv the following artistes :— Miss Pamela
Raselow", Miss Ethel Royston, Mr. Charles
Coborn, Mr. Walter Montagu. Mr. Arnold
Stoker and Mr. Sinclair Mantel! (accompanist)

New Secretary of the Chamber of Horticulture.
—We understand that Major C. M. Matthews,
'brother to Sir Herbert Matthews, Secretary of
the Central Chamber of Agriculture, has been
appointed Secretary of the Chamber of Horti-
culture.

The Fairchild Lecture.— The " Fan-child "
lecture, will be delivered on the 26th inst., at
11 a.m.. by the Rev. Joseph Jacob, M.A. Tin-
lecture is delivered annually in Shoreditch
Parish Church, according to the terms of the
will of Thomas Fairchild, gardener at Hoxton,
and author of The City Gardener and othei
horticultural works. Fairchild was a Freeman
of the Gardeners' Company, and in recent years
this Company lias associated itself with the
annual service at which the lecture is delivered

Horticultural Education Association.— The
Horticultural Education Association, which now
numbers nearly 100 members, will held a general
meeting al the Chelsea Show on Wednesday,
June 2. at 1 p.m., in the Conference tent.
Service conditions, a salaries programme, and
in - of subscription are among the subjects to

be discussed. The n ting will be preceded

at 11.30 a.m., by a lecture on School Gardens
in Educational Schemes, by Mr. H. E. Haig
Brown, who will deal specially with ik- ex-
tended system of education under the 1918
Act.

250

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[May 22, 1920.

Kew Guild Dinner. — This annual gathering
of past and present Kewites will he held on
Wednesday, June 2, the second day of the
R.H.S. Chelsea exhibition, in the Holborn Res-
taurant. The dinner will be preceded by the
annual meeting, which is fixed for 6 p.m.

Proposed New Park for Glasgow. — The Parks
Committee of the City of Glasgow has agreed
to recommend to the Town Council that it
should purchase the estate of Fraukfield as an
additional park for the city. Frankfield is on
the north-east of Glasgow, near Millerston, and
its extent is about 312 acres. Should the
acquisition be completed it will provide a valu-
able space for building in addition to park pur-
poses. The suggested scheme provides, among
other things, for an 18-hole g-olf course and
accommodation for other forms of recreation.

Harrison Park, Edinburgh.— Edinburgh Town
Council, at a meeting on May 12, had under
•consideration the report of the Parks Committee,
recommending the purchase .of the Harrison
Park, at present held by them on lease from the
Merchant Company for recreation purposes.
The proposal was that the Corporation should
enter into possession in 1930; that the purchase
price should be £10,000, and that until
possession was secured, the Council should pay
a rental of £350 against the present rent of
£199 10s. In addition to the sum of £10.000,
the Council was to pay £3,300 which had been
the outlay of the Company for the formation of
roads, sewers, etc. Some opposition was raised
to the price, which was said to amount to about
£868 per acre, and after considerable discussion
the question was remitted back to the Pairks
Committee for further consideration.

The Women's Farm and Garden Union.— The
Women's Farm and Garden Union has acquired
-a farm in Surrey, where a colony of women
smallholders will be established in the autumn.
The Union is arranging a reception for two
lady delegates from the affiliated society in the
U.S.A., who ar9 coming to this country during
the present month, and also planning
A tour the delegates propose to take among
the agricultural and horticultural schools and
colleges and visits to the Royal Horticultural
■Society's and Royal Agricultural Society's shows.

Horticulture at Alexandria.— The Alexandria
Flower Show (Egypt) has just been revived after
a lapse of five years owing to the war. The
Horticultural Society has suffered a great loss
in the death of Judge Saunders, and in memory
of him and of the late Sultan Hussein, who was
one of the founders, it has instituted two annual
prizes. The chief winners at the recent ex-
hibition were Mr. P. W. Carver, who, among
•other things, exhibited a specially fine group of
Amaryllis; Mr. S. R. P. Carver. Mr. R. C.
Abdy. a new exhibitor; Mrs. Crafton and Mrs.
G. C. Foster. Mr. Theirrard and Mr. Salvage
won prizes for fine displays of Palms and
shrubs. The Municipality sent a magnificent
group of shrubs and other plants.

Greenwich Park in Spring Time— Notwith-
standing its position within the Metropolitan
■area and its proximity to very congested districts.
Greenwich Park is extremely beautiful at this
season of the year. In addition to its wonderful
old trees and its famous Thorns, there is a very
charming display of spring flowers, provided by
Mr. Hay, the enthusiastic superintendent. No
fewer than 15. COO Wallflowers, embracing all
modern varieties of excellence, gratify the senses
of sight and smell, while fine groups of Rhodo-
dendrons and Azaleas are now in the height of
t'heir beauty. Considerable improvements have
been effected in The Dell, and there is no longer
any evidence of the exigencies of war time. To
a lover of tree- and shrubs, Greenwich Park is
a source of special interest, as it contains manv
kinds whose rarity precludes their entry into
many other parks and gardens.

"Flowers, Very Many Flowers."— The late
•Crown Princess Margaret of Sweden, known as
the Flower Princess, left directions that her
•obsequies should be dominated by music and
flowers; "there must be no black iii the church.

only flowers, very many flowers ; and music all
the time," was her last wish. In fulfilment of
her wishes, the coffin was covered in flowers.
The vvnoie interior of the church was a floral
bower. Roses and Ldies, Daitodils and Nar-
cissi were in profusion in front of the altar.
The choir stalls were decked with purple and
green, the nave and transepts garlanded and
wreathed.

Trentham. — The announcement that the residue
of the fine old Stafford estate of Trenthaan has
been sold for £10,400, making a total sum of
£333.400 realised for the domain, recalls the
times when Trentham was one of the show
gardens of the country. Former Dukes of
Sutherland maintained the pleasure grounds in
a high degree of efficiency. The terraced garden
front was especially imposing ; indeed, with the
exception of Chatsworth and Alton Towers,
Trentham was, in the 'nineties, the most elabor-
ately laid-out place in the country. The pleasure
grounds extended both sides of a large lake, and
were some 80 acres in extent. The kitchen
garden contained an enormous quantity of glass,
and the decorative plant-houses were filled with
a great variety of exotic species, many of the
plants being very large specimens. Trentham was
also celebrated for its collection of Orchids, and
other houses were devoted to Caladiums and
Lapagerias ; as many as 3.000 flowers of the latter
have been cut in one day.

Spring Flower Show in Paris.— It is unfor-
tunate that the Spring Flower Show of the
National Horticultural Society of France will
clash with the Chelsea Show. The exhibition in
Paris will open on Wednesday. June 2, and con
tinue until June 8 inclusive. The French Society
will hold a Conference at 9.30 a.m. on June 5.
at its rooms, 84, Rue de Crenelle ; and on the
same day. at 4 p.m., the National Federation of
French Horticultural Societies will meet. On
the following morning, at 9.50 a.m., the members
of the French Rose Society will meet in con
ference; and in the afternoon of June 4, the
delegates of the various horticultural societies
will discuss the question of proprietary rights in
new plants and flowers, and the best means of
establishing such rights. There are reunions on
June 5 and 6, and, altogether, our French con-
freres »ppeai- likely to have a very busy tun.
during the first week of June.

Children's Playgrounds in the London Parks.
—The London County Council has decided to
extend a scheme, inaugurated last year in Vic-
toria Park, of arranging play centres for school
children during the summer holidays, in the
public parks. The following is a "list of the
parks in which play centres will be opened : —
Battersea, Bethnal Green, Deptford. Greenwich,
Highbury Fields. Kennington, Peckham Rye.
Ravensoourt. Ruskin. South Park (Fulhaanl).
Southwark. Vauxhall and Victoria Park.
School playground centres have also been
selected in the very poor districts, . such as
Whitechapel, Bow. Stepney and hi the neigh-
bourhood of the docks. The park centres will
be open for a month, from July 26. with days
and times as follows : — Mondays to Fridays, 10
a.m.-12-noon and 2.30-4.30 p.m. ; Saturdays.
10 a.m. -12 noon.

Women's Institutes. — The Women's Institute
is of Canadian origin. Twenty-two years ago a
little group of Dominion countrywomen met to
discuss the question of lightening the loneliness
of their lot on the remote farmsteads. They
thought that something could be done to make
life better and brighter both for themselves and
their children, and thus the Women's Institute
came into being. The movement spread
through Canada, and thence into the United
States. In 1915 it reached Great Britain by
way of Wales. The first Women's Institute in
this country was started in September. 1915. at
Llanfairpwl by a British-Columbian, Mrs.
Watt, under the direction of the Agricultural
Organisation Society. The Institute movement
made rapid progress and in April. 1919, there
were 885 Women's Institutes in England and
Wales. This number has now risen to 1.600.
and w-ill certainly increase, for these centres of

industry and recreation have given village life
just the stimulus it required. Towards the
close of 1917 the Board (now the Ministry) of
Agriculture took over the propaganda of the
movement and placed the organisation under
the Women's Branch of the Food Production
Department. During the war the Institutes
mainly concerned themselves with the produc-
tion, conservation and economy of food, and
while these important activities are being con-
tinued, the work is steadily extending in other
directions in order to meet local requirements.
In October last the Ministry relinquished con-
trol of the movement, and the whole propa-
ganda and headquarter's work of Women's In-
stitutes is through an Executive Committee
elected by the Institutes themselves.

" The Gardeners' Chronicle " Seventy-five
Years Ago. — Hardeners at Exhibitions. — At the
cutset I wish it to be clearly understood that I
consider it a breach of decorum for any one
to loiter in the tents, to the obstruction of the
visitors at the horticultural exhibitions ; and now
that the ground is clear, a word to a "Fellow
of the Horticultural Society." Tickets of ad-
mission are given only to those who bring
objects for exhibition, and, generally speak-
ing, these are collections. From the day that
the shows of the last season ceased, these col-
lections have been the objects of solicitous care
and thought both by day and night. The
filthy fumes of tobacco, sulphur, etc., have been
endured whenever it has been necessary to de-
stroy insects that would injure the beauty of
the foliage of the plants ; and, at last, the eve
of a new series of exhibitions arrives. From an
early hour in the morning the gardener is busy
with preparation, packing his plants, etc., and,
in very many instances, after eating a hasty
meal and taking a little sleep, he is to be seen
on the road, -whilst "F.H.S." and the vast con-
course of visitors are buried Tn comfortable
repose. Arrived at the gardens., he takes his
turn for a place to unload. Then comes the re-
moval of all the various appliances which have
preserved his plants from injury in their tran-
sit ; there he is to be seen arranging them- in
the most judicious manner, here a little altera-
tion, there another. Then there is the procur-
ing tickets to attach to them, then the obtain-
ing his ticket for admission, and by the time
he has had a hasty walk through the tents, the
appearance of the police proclaims the hour to
withdraw. This is a true picture of the en-
gagement of the bulk of the exhibitors. I myself,
as one. with three men to assist my gardener,
never could find time to examine the different,
contributions to these grand displays. Obliged,
therefore, to defer doing so, until after the
general admission, we cannot be surprised if
sometimes the fault is committed of lingering
too long before objects of peculiar interest, and
I believe it is a very rare occurrence for gar-
deners so offending not to acknowledge it by
immediately moving when spoken to in a
proper manner. I wish I could say as much
• for some who claim superiority over the poor
gardener, who, from a variety of causes, has
had hitherto to content himself after his retire-
ment from the garden with bread and cheese.
porter and an Onion. Only last year some
ladies requested a sight of my collection, and
the space before it being fairly taken possession
of by persons of high standing in society, it
was with difficulty I obtained it for them, after
requesting the policemen in the seedling tent
to see that the rule to move on was enforced.
I have had an opportunity of being acquainted
with a great many gardeners for several years
past; and I maintain that, as a body, their con-
duct at these exhibitions is admirable, and
always improving. — An Exhibitor and also an
F.H.S., Card. Chron.. May 24///, 1845.

Publications Received. — Orchid Review.
Edited bv R. Allen Rolfe. Marshall Bro*.. Ltd..
24-25, Paternoster Row, E.G. Is. nett. Electri-
fication of Seeds by the Wolfrvn Process.
Martin H. F. Sutton.' Sutton and Sons. Read-
ing. 2s. 6d. nett. Germination of Barley Pollen
Bv Stephen Anthony and Harry V. Harlan.
Government Printing Office, U.S.A., Washing-

ir 11. L3J). ]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

251

THE ROSARY.

EARLY ROSES.

Roses are delightful always, but those which
bloom the first are doubly welcome.

Before June, the month of Roses, arrives, we
have the dainty sprays of the Banksians of white
and yellow in profusion, climbing wide and high
on the south front of the house, where they are
allowed their own way, and the only pruning
required is to remove some of the exhausted
wood in July, leaving all the long young growths
intact, for these are very floriferous later.
Many gardeners, in their desire for flat tidiness.
eut back these Chinese Roses just as they would
I he larger varieties, such as Gloire de Dijon,
with the result that these exquisite wreaths are
destroyed, and only a, few flowers are produced.

Before the Banksian Roses are over, the porch
is covered with the lovely blooms of Lady
Waterlow, one of the best of the modern climb-
ing Roses, in shell [link. Few of the larger
Roses produce such a mass of blooms as this
variety, and the effect is very fine in May.

A second season of flowering is usual in
August, when many other Roses are resting,
and a few late sprays may be cut almost up to
the end of the year.

Madame Falcot presents us with delicately-
tinted "button-hole" buds in May, but the
flowers are poor when fully open.

Under glass, there are the rich red Roses of
Reine Marie Henriette from March onwards,
which are so far finer in tint and in shape than
those of this fine old Rose when grown in the
open-air. Niphetos, the snow-white Rose, is
rarely without a bloom under glass throughout
the year, the last bud of autumn and the first
of spring meeting in February, but in April
and May the plant is covered with flowers, if
given a little warmth earlv in the year.

A plant of Gloire de Dijon, which is always
to the fore, in a south-east porch, provided from
fifty to sixty fine blooms at the same time.
I. L. Richmond.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

The American Rose Annual.

The American Rose Society has just published
its Annual for 1920*. in the form of an octavo
volume of 188 pages containing numerous short
articles on Roses and Rose growing, and 20
plates, three of which are coloured.

The attempt to obtain something like a scien-
tific valuation of different varieties of Roses for
garden purposes, on which we commented last
year, is continued by Messrs. A. P. Greeley and
Jesse A. Cun-ey. Mr. Greeley gives a three-
year record of the blooms produced by plants of
varieties which he divides into five groups,
those giving over 50 blooms, those giving 25 to
50, those giving 15 to 25, those giving 10
to 15, and those giving 5 to 10 blooms.
The group giving over -50 flowers contains
eleven names — G. Nabonnand. a plant of
which -in 1917 gave 482 flowers (the highest
record) ; Ecairlate, Lady Ursula, George Elger.
Eugenie Lamesch, Mme. Eugenie Marlitt, Leonie
L<imesch, Antoine Rivoire, Lucullus, Winter
Gem and General-Superior Arnold Janssen.

Mr. Currey's system of testing is rather more
ela.borate, and involves a comparison of varie-
ties under different methods of cultivation.
The subject is also dealt with by Mr. M. L.
Mulford in a report on the National Rose Test
Garden.

Mr. A. \V. Greeley has an interesting a.nd
original note on the measurement and comparison
of the night and day growths of Roses, in which
he arrives at the conclusion that Roses make
from 50 to 80 per cent, of their growth at night,
i.e., between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. He gives a
chart of the growth of a plant of Lady Pirrie
which made over 63 per cent, of its growth
at night, and only something over 36 per cent.
during the day. From this he deduces an ex-
planation of the fact he had independently ob

'-The American 7?i*r Annual. 1920. Edited by J.
Horace McFarland, The American Hose Society, Box
C55, Harrisbnrjr, Pa., U.S.A. 'Not available to non-
members.

served — that watering Roses in the morning is
more beneficial to them than watering them in
the evening.

Among other observations, he finds that the
best conditions for Rose bloom and growth
occur when the temperature ranges between 60°
and 85° F. ; a fall of temperature below 60°
and a rise above 85° causing a stoppage of
Rose growth. Contrary to some views that
have foeen recently expressed, he states: "The
temperature relation appears to be so dominant
that its influence persists, regardless of the in-
fluence of other factors such as sunshine, cloudy
days and rainfall. "

The volume contains a good ileal about new
Hoses, some 150 new varieties being recorded
and described. New English Roses are described
by Mr. Courtney Page anil Mr. Wettern , those

Nursery Mamial only deals with propagation ;
Certain Elements in Nursery Practice; and The
Nursery List. II is written by an American
author, and the subjects are treated in a manner
best, suited to American readers, for the climate
of the United States is very different from thai
of this country. The chapters on propagation
are good, and extensively illustrated, but" they
add very little to our nursery-knowledge of iii-
creasing plants, except in ' certain technical
terms which we have become acquainted with
fui- the first time, and are not particularly im

pressed with. Thus 'tic- practice or pr

of multiplying plants bj cuttings, with I the
crafi and science pertaining thereto, i denomi
n.'ilcd collage." Layeragc is also used I'm all
pertaining In layering, and graftage foi gi if ting
On p. 93 Mr. Bailey writes "silver sand

Fm. 116. — OLIVIA
li.ll.s Award .4 Merit, M:,

of France by Mile. Therese Turbat : while the
Editor. Mr. J. Horace MoFarland. gives a com
prehensive survey of new Roses from America.
Great Britain, Frame. Canada., Holland. Ger-
many and Australia. He has a useful criticism
on the demerits of many catalogue descriptions,
and promises us in tlie 1921 Annual, certain
standards of colour description "lusing a novel
method of no complexity by which the hoes of
any Rose may be accurately described."

The volume concludes with a list of American
Roses.

The American Society is to be congratulated
On the excellence of their publication and Un-
original lines on which it is being developed
White 'Rom

The Nursery Manual."

TheKB is a real need amongst the multitude of
gardening books for a work dealing exhaustively
with nursery matters and methods, but The

"The Numerjf Manual, by T.. H. Bailey, Mnrniillnn
nnil Co.. price 15b,

ST. NI1I1 I] iS

II, _;s20 (see i> it,

is not now considered so essentia] to successful
propagation as it was formerly, and fully as
good material may often he found in a Common
sand-bank." Opinions differ, but we do no!
think that there is one propagator in iliis com
try win- would agree with this assertion. The
44 pages devoted to " Certain Elements in Nui
scry Practice " deal with such subjects as land
suitable fur a nursery ; grades ol trees; stocks
for grafted fruit trees; pedigree trees; trimming
and stnriiig trees; and diseases and insect pests
nf fruit trees. X" mention is made a; in the
best methods of handling young stuck after il
has been propagated, which is one of the mo I

imporl mi opera! ions i i ier\ e, ork. rite

handling nf seedlings in particular varies accord
ing in the das* of plant, and anyone who tries
in .leal with seedling Conifers, Hollies, Yews,
etc. in the same mannei as seedling Oak, Beech,

Larch, etc., v Id soon find a con idei tble I"

nf the evergreen subjei ts. and tin ire p
one would expect fo be fully deall with in a
" Xurserv M;niual "

252

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[May 22, 1920

The Week's Work.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By F Joedan, Gardener to Lieut.-Ool. Spendib Out,
M.P., Ford Manor, Lingfleld, Surrey.
The Orchard House.— All fruit trees in mi-
heated houses are much more forward than
usual this season, and those who have late
varieties of Peaches, Nectarines and Plums,
should bead- this in mind, and endeavour to pro-
long the season so far as possible by giving
as much ventilation as can be afforded 'With
safety both day and night. There has been no
frost to do serious harm in cool houses and all
fruits have set freely. A close watch should now
be kept on the trees for greenfly and other in-
sects. When only one or two trees are affected
they should be carefully syringed with an insecti-
cide. Another important operation, after the
fruits are well set and swelling, is to syringe the
trees vigorously with soft water, warmed to the
same temperature as the atmosphere of the
house. This will cleanse the foliage, and assist
the flow of sap after closing the house on fine
days. Liberal supplies of water and stimulants
should be given the (roots until the fruits are
nearly ripe. In the case off pot-trees, top
dressing and feeding the roots are most
necessary as trees with Toots pot-bound are al-
most entirely dependent on food given in this
way. Later, when several waterings daily be-
come necessary, rich nitrogenous stimulants often
cause too much foliage to develop and tend to
souring of the soil. Highly concentrated fruit
fertilisers capable of feeding the fruits and form-
ing firm, short-jointed wood are safer and better
lo use. A full crop of fruit is of greater con-
sequence than earliness, and no attempt at
forcing should be made, as these late fruits
are as valuable as the early ones. As soon as
all the fruits are thoroughly set, commence the
joint operation of thinning and disbudding, lu
stopping, the length of the shoots should be
regulated by the size of the trees, and the
space at disposa.1. Pinch the lateral shoots at
about the third or fourth leaf so as to induce fruit
spurs to form and remove the points of strong
shoots, allowing the leading growths to extend
where there is room for extension. Of two
evils, it is better to have the shoots thin than
crowded, as future success depends upon short-
jointed growths fully exposed to sunshine and
air. In thinning the fruits, it is wise to retain
sufficient to permit of a subsequent thinning,
but all inferior fruits should 'be removed forth
with. It is better to have one dozen fully
developed fruits, than double the number with
the stones sparsely covered, and of inferior
quality. In the case of Pears and Apples, re-
tain fruits which appear most likely to take the
lead, and remove all others ; later, the number
may be reduced to one on each spur, and the
crop further Tedueed if large specimens are
desired. These trees, also Plums and Cherries,
often become infested with weevils, which do
much damage in a short time. Hand picking
whenever a curled leaf is seen is the best
method to adopt to get rid of them.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By H. Wheeleb. Onrdener to Mro -1f.\-nih. Wenvoe
Castle, near Cardiff.

Thinning Seedlings.— Thinning the various
crops should be commenced as soon as the seed-
lings develop their rough leaves, and before the
plants 'become crowded in the row. This Is an
important operation, and, apart from giving
the plant sufficient room to develop, keen judg-
ment is required in selecting the seedlings which
are to remain to form the future crop.
Generally speaking the strongest seedlings are
inclined to give coarseness, and better quality
is obtained when those of a medium size are
retained. It is not advisable that thinning
should be finished at one operation, especially
in the case of vegetables sown at intervals in
Hie row; leave two plants at each station and

make the final selection when the plants are
large enough for the grower to decide which
will prove the more satisfactory. Retain the
seedling which, by testing with a slight pull,
has a firm hold of the ground aud does not
rock about at the touch. Having thinned the
seedlings, draw a little soil up to the plants to
keep them in an upright position. Onions do
not require excessive thinning, and if left
about two to three inches apart they will be-
come somewhat crowded in the autumn. This
will cause a strain on the roots, which is an
aid to early ripening, an important factor for
long-keeping varieties. After thinning, stir the
soil deeply between the drills with the Dutch-
shoe.

Brussels Sprouts.— The earliest Brussels
Sprouts which were sown in February are ready
for planting, and as these will occupy the
ground for a long time, they should be grown in
an open position in soil which has been well man-
ured and deeply dug in the autumn or winter.
Set them 3 ft. apart each way, and plant firmly.
If the Cabbage-root fly has recently attacked
previous Brassica crops take measures to prevent
this year's plants from being infested. Spread a
layer of ashes which has been impregnated with
paraffin around each plant, one foot outwards
from the stem. The paraffin will prove distaste-
ful to the adult fly, which will not lay its eggs
near the ashes. As the smell of the paraffin
evaporates, it is necessary to renew the heap
of ashes occasionally.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By T. W. Beiscob, Gardener to W. R. Lisaoht Esq
Oastleford, Chepstow.

Phalaenopsis. — The small - leaved species
such as P. Esmeralda and P. Ludde
manniana, may be grown in small pots
or pans, filled three- parts of their depth
with drainage material. For a few weeks after
the plants have been repotted or top-dressed
they must be protected from strong sunshine,
and the roots watered sparingly with a fine-rose
watering pot. The rooting material should be
on the dry side before more water is given :
then the roots will enter the fresh compust
freely, and remain in a healthy condition. Care
in watering is one of the secrets in the success-
ful cultivation of Phalaenopsis, but no hard and
fast rules can be laid down, for much depends
upon the district and situation of the houses.
The atmosphere of some greenhouses keeps
moist for a longer period than that of others,
whilst those situated in exposed positions need
extra damping. The soil should never be soaked
with water two days in succession, for if it
remains in a saturated state for several days,
and the weather is dull, the roots invariably
decay. Phalaenopsis are very rloriferous
plants, and this is no doubt one cause why
they often deteriorate a few years after being
imported. The spikes, therefore, should be cut
soon after the last flower has opened: small,
weak plants should not be allowed to produce
a scape until they regain some of their former
vigour. With such plants the spike is removed
directly it can be pinched out, but if the plant
persists in producing a spike, it will be best to
allow one or two flowers to develop, or one will
emerge from the centre of the growth, which is
not desirable. Few insect pests trouble these
plants, but the leaves should be sponged twice or
thrice each year to cleanse them. Cockroaches
and slugs are partial to the thick, succulent
roots ; the former pest may be destroyed by
poison placed about their haunts, and the latter
trapped with Lettuce leaves or slices of
Potato.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By John Coutts, Foreman, Royal Botanio Gardens,

Kew.

Selaginella. — Many species and varieties of
Selaginella are useful for decorative work in
doors. The well-known S. kraussiana, of which
there are several varieties, is generally used for
carpeting beds in plant houses, or, in fact, where-
ever a green carpeting plant is required. The
variety aprea is also a general favourite, and

in suitable receptacles is very useful for tabla
decoration. Other species and varieties speci-
ally useful for decorative purposes include S.
Willdenovii, a climbing, stove species, growing
from 12 to 20 feet in length, of a bluish colour
with a beautiful metallic sheen, the long sprays
being unique for decorative work ; S. uncinata,
which has the same bluish colour as the last
species, but of dwarf, slender growth, some-
what resembling the well-known S. kraussiana in
habit ; S. caulescens and its var. amoena, both
of tufted growth and upright habit, and very
useful for decorative work when grown in small
pots; S. emiliana, S. Martensii and its numerous
varieties. These plants may he easily grown
in a stove or greenhouse, and do best in shady
conditions. They are readily propagated at any
time (except during the winter) by cuttings or
division, and healthy young stock should be pro-
vided by the propagation of successional batches.
The plants grow well in ordinary light, well-
drained compost.

Coleus thyrsoideus.— Stock plants of this
beautiful blue-flowering subject should be
allowed to develop, to ensure plenty of strong
cuttings for rooting next month; if necessary,
for this purpose the plants may be grown in a
little extra heat

Auriculas. — As Auriculas pass out of flower
the plants should be shaken out and repotted,
shortening the old root-stocks to allow of their
being potted close to the bottom leayes; this
annual shaking out and lew potting, to ensure
the development of fresh roots from the stem,
is essential for success with these plants. The
compost should consist of good, medium loam,
lightened with coarse sand and old mortar
rubble, with the addition of flakey leaf-soil, col-
lected, if possible, from under Beach or Oak
trees. The plants enjoy a shady position during
summer, but should have a free circulation of air
about them.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By T Pateman, Gardener to C. A. Cain, Esq., J. P.,
The Node, Oodioote, Welwyn, Hertfordshire.
Vines on Wall. — Vines in the open require
disbudding. First remove all the weaker shoots,
and eventually reduce the number to one on
each spur, selecting the shoot which is likely to
produce the best bunch of Grapes. Last season's
growth left for extension should be disbudded
about eighteen to twenty inches on either sid*.
retaining the strongest and best placed shoots.
Other growths may be pinched at two or thre„>
leaves beyond the bunch, and the laterals may
be removed with the exception of two. These
should be stopped at the first leaf. The failure
of outdoor vines is sometimes due to drought.
It is therefore advisable to examine the border
occasionally and. when found necessary, to give
the border a thorough watering.

Red Spider. — This pa«t is sometimes trouble-
some to vines in the open, but by syringing
with clear, soft water late in the afternoons
and attending carefully to watering the borders
this pest may be kept in check.

Mildew. — Vines are subject to attacks of
mildew, and should be sprayed with a suitable
specific immediately the disease is detected. If
th.9 vines are in an advanced stage of growth
when attacked, the leaves may be dusted with
flowers of sulphur.

Insect Pests. — The recent cold, wet weather
has been favourable to the spread of all insect
pests on fruit trees, and the trees should be
sprayed, bearing in mind that cleanliness leads
to fruitfulness.

Thinning the Young Canes.— The young stems
of Raspberries of the current season
require thinning; remove all weak shoots,
leaving only sufficient growths to form
fruiting canes for next year. This will
allow the remaining canes to grow with
more vigour, and. moreover, they will have a
better opportunity to become well ripened.
Where autumn-fruiting Raspberries are breaking
freely, some of the weaker of the new growths
should be removed. There is nothing gained
by crowding the growths.

May 22, 1920-7

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

253

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By Sidney Lsgg, Gardener to the Dowager Ladz
Ncnbobnholmb, Warter Priory, Yorkshire.

Colour Relief.— In tasteful flower-gardening,
white flowers are used to afford relief and bring
into prominence those with rich shades of
colour, also to promote an effect of lightness.
For this purpose a few white flowers go a long
way, whereas too many spoil the effect. It is
advisable to arrange than either as a carpet,
or edging, to flowers of light tones, and some
little distance from the mure sombre shades. An
exception to this is permissible in som,e cases,
as, for instance, an artistic effect is secured
by associating Alyssum Little Dorrit with the
true black Pansy. In a spot surrounded by
naturally-grown tress, a scheme of white within
its leafy environment is cool and refreshing1
during the hot days of summer. Silver-grey
foliaged species may be used extensively with
plants providing a combination of colour, and
should be planted in close proximity to soft, but
clearly- defined shades. It is remarkable how a
copper bowl, or figure, which has become

TREES AND 8HRUB8.

NUTTALLIA OERASIFORMIS : THE OSO
BERRY.

Being a dioecious shrub and having, therefore,
tlie sexes separated on different plants, the fruits
of the Oso Berry are not very frequently seen in
gardens. The female plant is, in fact, rather
uncommon. A group of plants near the Cactus
House at Kew in which both sexes are repre-
sented gives a crop of fruits nearly every year.
Sometimes, as' may be seen by those illustrated
in Fig. 117, they are abundant. The fruits, how.
ever, are too bitter to be edible, nor are they
particularly ornamental, resembling small Dam-
sons in shape and size, but not so highly
coloured, although purplish. They are, more-
over, very much concealed by the foliage.

It is as an early spring flowering shrub that
tlie Nuttallia is chiefly valued in gardens.
Usually it is at its best in early or middle March,
but in this precocious season it was fully in

THE ALPINE GARDEN.

SYNTHYRIS RENIFORMIS.

Mr. T. W. Briscoe, who writes of this pretty
blue-flowered plant on p. 203, will be interested
to learn that it has been several times ex-
hibited this year at Vincent Square, and was
also noted in good bloom in the Kew rock gar-
den in mid-February. I do not think the plant
is rare in the true sense, though it may not
appear in plant lists so freely as formerly.
To some extent that may be due to the fact
that many hardy plant growers are giving selec-
tions of plants rather than full collections, owing
to the cost of paper and printing. At the time
of its flowering, the Synthyris is pretty and
effective, while few plants could exceed it in
freedom of flowering. The flowers are tubular,
wnd of a blue or violet tone, and the anthers
are similarly coloured. The plant may be in-
creased by division, and, if hand pollinated in
mild seasons, yields seeds in moderate numbers.
The Castleford example is, however, a par-
ticularly well-flowered one. E. II. Jenkins.

Fig. 117. — fruits of nuttallia cerasiformis.

weathered, will enhance tlie effect of an expanse
of nink flowers ; whilst any colour may be used
without misgiving in the vicinity of very old
red-brick walls.

Contrasts. — That harmony should obtain in
all floral displays is obviously necessary. Still,
one colour, the true blue, need not of necessity
be so treated. In fact, an immediate contrast is.
in some instances, absolutely necessary —
especially in general ruck-gardens, luthosper-
in urn proslrabuni, Heavenly Blue, overhanging
Arabis lucida vai iegata, and accompanied by
('heiranthus Allionii, makes an admirable com
bination. tn formal bedding, to obtain pleasing
contrasts, do not interplant; to be pre-
cise, arrange the colours separately and in
definite design. Tagetes pumila, in the fore-
ground, with Salvia patens or Pentstemon
hydrophylla, is pleasing; whilst a more daring
contrast may be had by planting Marigold
Diadem and Viola Royal Scot in adjacent beds.
Endeavour to arrange contrasts of colour in
such a manner hs will allow of them being toned
off (o more distant beds, to inert an inieoiig-'iiial
contrast.

bloom in February. The plant is deciduous and
forms a dense thicket of slender, erect stems up
to 8 feet or more high. The flowers are borne
on the leafless shoots in stiffly drooping racemes
2 inches or so long; they are quite small, the
petals white, but largely covered by the green
calyx. Produced in profusion and of graceful
Hppearance, the, flowers render the shrub a very
attractive object during those early months,
added to which is their pleasing Almond- like
stent. The Nuttallia may be considered one. of
the best of very early flowering shrubs. Where
only one plant is grown it should be of the male
sex, which is certainly the more ornamental. It
is perfectly hardy and the flowers endure a few
degrees of frost without much injury. Propaga
tion is easily effected by dividing up old plants
or by taking off pieces from the outside.

Tlie Oso Berry is a native of California; it
was introduced to this country in 1848, and is
n near ally of Primus. It is named after
Thomas Nuttall, a famous botanist (1786-1859).
The plant has been placed in the genus Osma-
ronia by American botanists, and is described
under that name in the new American
Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture.

GENTIANA EXCISA.

1 am indebted to the late Sir Frank Crisp
for this good plant which, to those unacquainted
with it, may be described as a big, bold, tail-
stemmed (!. acauh's, more sumptuous looking
even than that well known species. It is in
capital flower as 1 write — April 24 — and the
flowers show to advantage on the stiff, six
inches high stems. The blooms are more solid-
looking than those of the Gentianella, and m

self-coloured; the central parts of the corolla
lubes are intense indigo blue, their margins
merging fco deep purple. The leaves are
harder, more coriaceous, and decidedly larger,
and, so far, every leading growth has given a
flower. The weak point of this strong and good
plant is slowness of increase, in which respei t
it is far behind the old kind, which, however.
under identical conditions, does not yield any
thing like the same number of good flowers
per plant. My soil is lighl and sandy, with
lime added. Last year, G. excisa failed to
set seed, so I am resorting to artificial pollina-
tion tin's season, and hope for success. I am
anxious to have n bed of it. /v. //. J.

254

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Mat 22, 1920.

EDITOR! A I NO TICE.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the
PUBLISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, W.C

Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by

sending to the Editors early intelligence of local
events likely to he of interest to cur readers, or of
any matters which ii is desirable to bring under
the notice of horticulturist*.

Special Notice to Correspondents .—The Editors
do not undertake to pay for any contributions or
illustration*, or '<> n't urn unused communications
or illustrations unless by special arrangement. The
Editors do not hold, themselves responsible for any
opinions expressed by their correspondents.

Letters for Publication, as well as specimens of
plants for naming, should be addressed to the
EDITORS. 41. Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, London. Communications should be

WRITTEN ON ONE SIDE ONLY OF THE PAPER, Sent as

early in the week as possible, and duly signed by
the writer. Ii desired, the signature will not be
printed, but kept as a guarantee of good, faith.

Illustrations. — The Editors will be glad to reeen e
and to select photographs or drawings suitable for
reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable flowers,

trees, etc., but they cannot be responsible for loss
or injury.

THE MARKET FRUIT GARDEN.

THE kindly character of the spring was
maintained throughout April in tins
Sussex district. The weather was, for
the must part, of the mild, showery type usually
associated with April, though by no means
always experienced during that month. There
were gales from the 13th to the 15th, and strong,
rather cold, north-westerly winds from the 27th
to the 29lh. but, beyond scattering the fruit
bloom petals and tearing the young leaves in
exposed position, Ihej did little harm. Vege-
tation received no serious check during the
Month, and fruit trees and bushes looked well
al tile close. The thermometer fell to freezing
point or below i( mm six occasions, but the only
host worth mentioning was one of four degrees
on the night of the 3rd. The total rainfall av
my place h;is 2.45 inches, which is above the
average, and this amount Fell on no fewer than
twenty days. The frequent showers interrupted
ground operations, notably hoeing to kill the
abundant legacy of weeds left by the mild
"inter, but were ideal for fruit trees, helping
I hem to grow ahead of insect enemies, and
probably to set their crops

Fruit Prospects.

ll can already be seen that Plums have set

well. Even Victoria and 1' I's Seedling, which

carried such heavy crops last year, look like
hearing moderate crops. Monarch, which was
almost a failure last season, promises to yield
heavily, whilst Early Rivers. President. Black
Diamond, and Belle de Louvain have set plenty
of fruit. Czar bloomed too profusely, and looks
exhausted in consequence, and will probably
drop a lot of its fruit. Present indications
point to a good crop of Plums, hut nothing can
!'■■ known lor certain until the stoning period
is passed. There is. unfortunately, a rather
severe attack of the leaf-curling Plum aphis, a
difficult pest to deal with; and if this increases
it is quite likelj to cause much of ihe fruit to
drop.

I he earliest of the Apple bloom was open
on April 9. hut blooming was not genera] until
Hie hitler half of lli- month. At the time of
writing some of the bloom is falling, but it is
not yet possible to tell how much of it has set.
There was more bloom than I expected to see
after last year's gT9at crop, which, with the
prolonged drought, must have been a heavy

strain on the trees. Son f those varieties that

5 ielded most are taking a partial rest this season,
notably Arlington Pippin, Lane's Prince Albert.
Gladstone, and Bramley's Seedling.j but Beauty

of Bath and Worcester Pearmain again bloomed
profusely, and Cox's Orange Pippin gave a very
fair display. The weather during the time when
the Apple bloom was open was showery, and
there was a good deal of rough wind : but it
was mild. Several growers have expressed tile
fear that the rain may have washed away the
pollen and prevented fertilisation; but" I hope
that the fine, sunny intervals, if somewhat
short, were sufficient for pollination. I believe
that mild, showery weather is more favourable
to the setting of fruit bloom than th,9 bright,
dry weather with easterly winds that we so
often get at the time fruit trees are flowering.
Pears and Cherries, grown only in the private
garden bloomed profusely, but for some obscure
reason have set only light crops. Black Cur-
rants are (blooming well, and all other bush
fruits look promising

The Season's Pests.
Reference has already been made to the f-al
curling Plum aphis. This pest is reported as
being prevalent in many other districts. The
proper treatment for this aphis is spraying just
before the bloom buds open, to destroy the
mother queens, which are then fully exposed :
but as they can seldom be seen on the trees,
probably few growers carry out this operation.
Failing this, spraying should he done immediately
after the fall of the bloom, if the pest is present.
If delayed, the insects increase with wonderful
rapidity and are quickly protected in the curling
leaves. They starl to feed near the edges of
Ihe leaves, which immediately curl inwards
over them, making if very difficult to reach
them with spraying fluids. I did not detect the
presence of this pest so soon as I might have

'' - ''"I spray.ed with llicd ami soft soap

iii Ihe somewhat forlorn hope of doing u-ood.
The result was much Letter than f expected,
many of the insects being killed even in badly-
curled leaves. This I attribute partly to the
wash being applied forcibly from a power spray
and partly to the fait that showers fell shortly
afterwards. There is no doubt that, provided
Ihe wash has a chance to dry on after applica-
tion, rain following soon afterwards is a great
advantage, ft wets lie- soap again and causes
it to run into the curled leaves, reaching
pests which would otherwise escape. This refers
only to contact washes containing soap. With
other spraying fluids rain following their appli-
cation is a drawback.

Bud Moth Caterpillars.

The only other insect pest doing serious
damage so far in my orchards is the bud moth
caterpillar on Apples and Plums, chiefly tne
former. This season it seems to have attacked
I lie leaf bud rather than the fruit buds. The
I axes springing from many of the terminal buds
ate seen to be spun together, and on parting
them the olive green maggot-like larva is found.
As the caterpillars grow they become reddish-
brown, with dark heads.

The young larvae of this pest whiter on trees
in little silken larval eases attached near the
axils of the buds. In these cases they seem to
lie protected even against spraying with strong
caustic soda wash, as many of my trees had
this spray in February, and yet are attacked
by bud moth. This fact has been noted also
by Theobald.

Little Spraxtng Done.
Apart from the pests mentioned above, fruit
trees are remarkably clean this season. I have

never seen the Apple bloom trusses so free
from pests, the entire absence of Aphis malifoliae
on most varieties being a notable and very wel-
come feature. Caterpillars of the winter moth
group are not numerous in my orchards, and it
is evident that there is not to be a repetition of
the plagues of the last three years, though re-
ports from some other districts are less favour-
able. Most of the Apple trees look remarkably
healthy, the leaves being round and of good
colour, instead of curled by aphides and lacerated
by caterpillars, as they often are at this time.
So few were the insect pests that I did no
spraying at all before the opening of the bloom,
an operation which, I believe, has never been
omitted before in this place. It is fortunate that
it was not required, as thie weather gave little
opportunity for the work, owing to high winds
and rain. As soon as the bloom has fallen
some varieties will be sprayed for bud moth and
other caterpillars. This escape from much of the
spring spraying has been an untold boon, as it
has allowed good progress to be made with
other work. Never before have I had pruning
so well up to date. It is now almost com-
pleted, and all hands will be available for
hoeing as soon as the weather is dry enough to
make this work effective.

SUBSOILING FOR FllUl 1' TREES.

The usual advice as to the preparation of
land for planting commercial orchards is to sub-
soil ; and a great point is usually made of it.
I have always carried out this recommendation,
but have sometimes doubted whether it is really
il'sirable with a wet. subsoil like mine. I do
not want the roots to get into the subsoil, for
it is obvious that when they do so oanker and
other troubles set in with certain varieties.
Evidence that subsoiling is not advisable on all
land was produced by Capt. J. C. Blofeld, of
Wrexham, Norfolk, in his paper read at the
recent Fruit Conference at Wye College. In
his district subsoiling is the custom, but in the
preparation of his orchards time prevented him
from completing the work, and part of the
land was only ploughed 7 in. deep. On this
part the Apple trees were planted on the sur-
face, soil being thrown up to their roots' from
the surrounding land. Measurements taken some
years later showed that these trees were larger
in girth of stem, height, and spread of branches
than those planted on the subsoiled land. In
the discussion which followed the reading of
this paper this result was attributed by the
speakers to the height of the water-table in the
land of the Wrexham district.

Pollination Experiments.
It has several times been suggested in these
notes that some of the investigators who carry
out pollination experiments are riding their
hobby too hard. I have been reading a report of
experiments made in Oregon which resulted in
59 varieties of Apples out of 87 being recorded
as self-sterile, whilst 13 others were only partly
self-fertile, leaving only 15 fully self-fertile. The
method of testing was to enclose the bloom in
paper bags, or in somp cases to cover the whole
tree with a cheese-cloth tent. It is obvious that
in neither case could insects or other natural
agents carry out pollination. We are not ev.en
told that it was done by artificial means, though
presumably it was. In any case, I do not con-
sider that the setting or non-setting of bloom in
a paper bag or muslin tent is a true indication
of what would obtain under natural conditions
in the open. Market Grower.

May

PJ20.J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

255

THE BULB GARDEN.

A NEW HYBRID LILY : L. IMPERIALS
Hybrid Lilies of authentic origin are singu-
larly rare, and among the trumpet -flowered
species, apart from this new one, I only know
by repute of one other, said to be a cross be-
tween L. regale and L. sulphureum. Like many
other good garden plants, this new Lily* is a
chance hybrid. Since the spring of 1911" Messrs.
R. and J. Farquhar have had growing virtually
side-by-side in a field at Roslindale, Mass.,
U.S.A., many hundreds of L. regale and L.
Sargentiae, and each year a crop of seeds of
the first-named has 'been harvested and seed-
lings raised. In 1916 the foreman in charge,
Mr. William Metcalfe, noticed among the seed-
lings flowering for the first time two or three
which seemed to be intermediate in appearance
between L. regale and L. Sargentiae. and drew
my attention to them. These plants -were separ-
ated and kept under observation. During 1917
and 1918 I was away in the Far East, but in
the summer of 1919 I saw three of them in
flower. In the autumn these were lifted, placed
in pots, and thev flowered under glass in the
beginning of April. 1920. The strongest bulb
produced four stems, as the photograph repro-
duced in Fig. 118 shows, and bore ten flowers,
In the photograph the resemblance to L. regale
shows strongly, but as a. matter of fact the
hybrid is intermediate in character. The stem
is grey-green and wiry, like that of L. regale,
but the leaves are from 1 to 5-nerved, perfectly
smooth on the underside, and the topmost bear
bulbillae in the axils. The flower-bud is like
that of L. Sargentiae, some 14 cm. long, and the
expanded flower is open-funnel-shape, the colour
of L. regale, with the apices of the segments
rather wider and more recurved than in that
species. The anthers are orange-brown. The
influence of L. regale, the .mother parent, is
conspicuous in the general appearance of the
hybrid, but the more numerous nerves in the
leaves, the presence of bulbillae, more
open flowers and the colour of the anthers
all denote the influence of L. Sargentiae.
Havnig in mind the fate which over-
took such remarkable hybrid Lilies as the
original L. Pa.rkmanni and L. kewense, one
hesitates to prophesy of the future value to
gardens of this new Lily. As we know it to
date, it combines the best qualities of both
parents and is worthy of the name I have
l>estowed upon it. E. H. Wilson, Arnold
Arboretum, U.S.A.

SCILLA L1LI0-HYACINTHUS
Althoi imi abundant on the Pyrenees, this
Scilla. is far from common in gardens, and the
white variety, albus, is still less frequently met
with. ft lias bee]: long known in British
gardens, and was dessribed and figured in
Parkinson's Paradisus. Parkinson calls it

' Hyacinthus stcllatus Lilifolia and radice
caerulea," the popular name of the time being
the "b'ewe Liiy-leaied Star lacinth." As usual,
Parkinson is veiy particular in his description
of the plant, and were it not for considerations
of space one would gladly quote it at some
length. He tells us of the short, broad green
leaves, like those of a Lily, also of the scaly,
Lily-like yellow bulb, of the leaves resting on
tile ground ; of the hollow between them where
the stalk emerges afterwards; and of the stalk
a foot or so high, with many starry flowers.
Tiic illustration is also good, and those who have
tho pleasure of possessing the Paradisus will
find a considerable amount of interest in the
quaint .'Id gardener's account of the plant. Lie
tells us thin the flowers are of a good blue, and
ulso notes what some of us have experienced,
that there is a variation in the shade of this
colour, sonic plants having much lighter coloured
blooms than others.

Parkinson was also acquainted with a white
variety, which he calls "" Scilla stella ta Lilifolia
albus.' This is a variety which is apparently

Liliuiii imporiale, Wilson n. hybrid. Liliuiu regale,
Wila. x b. Sui'tfcutiac, WUs.

scarce and possibly even rare in gardens. It first
came to the writer's notice in an old garden in
Scotland many yeaa-s ago, where its name was
unknown, but it was traced as the white variety
of S. lilio-hyacinthus. It must have been in
that garden lor' a great number of years, and it
had increased so much that many bulbs had been
put out into the woods. Needless to say, one
had pleasure in acquiring this variety. A blush
or flesh-coloured variety, "cameo," is recorded
by Parkinson, but he had not seen it, and the
present writer has not been any more fortunate.

SCILLA ITALICA.
I need not write anything of the desirability
of other Squills, the gloriously blue Scilla prae-
cux, the dainty S. bifolia. and its still daintier
white form, or of the many other good Squills,
in estimating the value of the' one I am now
about to recommend. It has at least three
good points to recommend its wide adoption One
is its colour., which Parkinson, the first to
describe it, calls " a very pale or white blew " ;
then it is remarkably sweet, which the same
authority was aware of ; and last of the good

Fig. 118. — A hybrid lily, raised from liliu.m regale and l. sargentiae.

Parkinson says of it that "I hea.re of one that
should beaie blush-coloured Mowers, but 1 have
not yet seen am such." Philip Miller, liow-

< \ er, red, it's a red-flowered \ ty, Hore

luibeHo. The cultivation of this Scilla appears
to present in, difficulty, and it increases quickly
in ordinary garden soil, but idiuuld be. divided
every few yews, as the flowers are much better
when the el .up is not loo large. About half-a-
dozen bulbs hi in" b or two apart seem to give
the best results. I have divided the clumps

\hei, th' pi. oils were in flower in April, or
itler tney ki\e bi.uiiied, without any apparent
detriment the following year. I plant, them
about three inches deep. S. Ariwtl.

points I wish in indicate is tliat it succeeds
splendidly "ii grass, which 1 do not find the
earlier seats above named do. It. of course,
flowers later than tho others named. Moreover,
it reproduces itself from seed freely enough
to form masses of grey blue in the course of
a few years. There is a curious habit
which some of those Squills have "I
forcing themselves — that is, the bulbs — deep
into the soil, which demonstrates the advisa
l.ility of deep planting. Am how, S. italics,
having a large bulb, must not be planted bo
shallowly as the proportions of smaller growing

varieties would lead i t" adopt unless aw&i s

of the abovo propensity. Ii. I'. Brothertlm.

256

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[May 22, WSH-

THE GARDEN OF THE REV.

WALTER STONEHOUSE AT

OARFIELD RECTORY, IN

YORKSHIRE, 1640.

pi

(Continued from page 241.)
[*** The spelling of the names of
, ants in the following list is as in
the original manuscript. — Eds.]
*Castauea. G.T.
•Celastrus Clusii.
•Cerasus avium, fructu mgro and rubro.

* ., sylvestris Tragi, vel Chamaecerasus
Gesneri, Machateb Gernmuis. ?

•Cerasus syl : vulg.

* ,, ,, forte (perhaps) Mcrasus Clusii:
in agro Cestrensi (found in Cheshire,
near Stockport, Merrett Pinaxl). The
Merry-tree.

•Ceratoriium, Slliqua ex Guinea. G.
•Charuaebalanos vid : Terrae Glandcs.
•Chamaedrys laciniatis foliis.
Chamaeiris latifolia purpurea. G.
.. .. coerulea versicolor,

angustifolia maior. G.
Chamaeitea repens petraea.
Chaiuaelaea ruezereon vulg.

,, ft. rubro.
Chamaenerium. G.
•Chelidonium maximum Cannadensc,
acauion of Jaeobi Cornuti, Ranunculus

albus Virginianus in Parkinson.
•Choudrilla coerulea. G.
Christophoriana. G.T.
•Cineraria, Jacobaea marina. G.
Cirsium Anglicum. [In Ducklcton Lottcs
in Berkshire. 1

* ., mains L'Obclii.
*Cirthus foemina Rosmariui folio.

Clematis Daphnoides maior. <;.

i. ,, minor fl. albis, cocruleis

et pur.
Clematis Anglica, sive Viorna. G.

* n peregrfna fl. rubro. G.T.
>> i. ii pleno purpureo.

» ., ,, purpureo simplici.

Pannonica. G.
•Cnicus alta Clusii.
Colehicum Anglicum H. purpureo.

* •■ •■ fl, variegato. T. [Jn
Mr. William Pickering his close neere his
Parsonage house at Swillington in York-
shire.]

Colchicum Anglicum flore albo. G.T.
,, versicolor.

* ,, Pannonicum purpiircum. G.

* „ flore fritillato. T.
„ „ pleno. T.

Coins Jovis. G.
Colutea vulgaris.

* ,, scorpjoides. T.
Cornus mas. G.T.
Coronopus. G.

•Cortusa Matthioli. G.T.
*Cotula flore plenc.
Cotyledon, sive Umbilicus Veneris \ uht G.

minor montana. 3 MatthToli.
Crassula maior. G.

minor. *Sedum minus Officmaruin.
•(riihmnm chrysanthemum.
Crocus sativus.

,, vcrnus lutcus flore aureo.
» ., ., fl. pallido.

minimus luteus I!, pallidiorc.
m ,, luteus versicolor vulg.
■> •> t. ., primus.

i, ,. striatus vulgaris.

Turcicus.

^ n ., albus versicolor.
»• ., ,, purus minor.
i. >> „ Moesiacus •fundo vtolaceo
■ - .. pwrpureus versicolor.
m »> •• i, minor.

>• •> .. ,, maior.

,. ,, Ncopolitauus cocruleus.

., ,, Episcopalis.

., rlegantior.
Pyrenaeus purpureus Autumnalis.
Cupressus. G.T.
Cyanus major. G.T.
Cyclamen. G.T.
Cymbalaria Italica.
•Cynoglossum M. albo.

,, minus folio virente, T.
•Cyperus. T.

D.
DonsCaniuus (lore purpureo. G.
Dentaria minor Ger. emac, p. 1583.
Dentellaria Rondcletii. Plumbago Plinii.

*Doronicum. Vid. Calendula Alpina.

* ,, Americanum maius : Ed.
Morgan. 'J'.

•Draba repens.
Dryopteris Adversariorum.

„ nigra. Onopteris mas.

* „ Tragi. Ger. emac, p. 1835.
(# I consider that the true Dryopteris
Tragi, or Filicum arboream, is the same
as that described in the Adversariorum
of I/Obel, see Tragus, p. 538; and
Bauhin Pinax, p. 358. A § 6

1 1 his note is entirely in Latin in the MS.]

1 Stonehouse visited Stockport in 1039.
ohnson MereurivB 1641).

*Ebuhis. G.
Epimedium. G.T.

* Erica baccifera.

Eryngium vulgare maritimum. G.T.

* ,, mediterranemn. G.

* ., planum montanum, Pannoni-

cum. G.T.
Euonymus Theophrasti . G.

•Ferula latlore folio.

Ficus indica. G.T.

Filipendula vulgaris. G.

,, sive Oenanthe aquatica.

*Flammula iovis surrecta. T.

Fragaria fructu aculeato or hispido. T.

Fragariae varietates.

Fraxinella vulg. G.

• „ fl : albo. T.

Fritillaria vulgaris fl. purpureo maculato.
maxima purpurea

• ,, Pyrenasa.

„ atro-rubens.
„ alba.

,, flore luteo puro. T.
Fumaria tuberosa.

G.
Galega flore purpuras centc.

,, albo.
Gelscuiiuum, sive Jasminum vulgare. G-
„ Americanum max: fl.: phteni-
ceo. Pseudapocyniun Vir-

ginianum in Parkinson.
•Genista Hispanica: Spartium. G.T.
Gentiana major. G.T.
,, ,, saponaria fl. : pleno.
Gentianella verna

,, autumnalis. Pnemonanth* .
•Geranium Haematoides.

,, „ alterum, Colum-

bini folii obtusius
crenatis.
„ Romanum.

,, Batrachoides longius radicatum.
. ,. „ pullo flore.

,, ,, fl. : coeruleo.

i> .. ,, albo.

». „ „ purpureo.

,, variegato.
Gladiolus Narbonensis. G.
,, flore rubente.
,, albo. T.
Byzantinus. T.

palustris Cordi : Jimcus floridus.
Glaux vulgaris. Hedysarum glycyrrhiza-
tum. G.
,. Uioscoridis. *

,, exigua maritima. [G eruciata in
earlier listj. G.
Glyeyrrhiza. G.
•Gnaphalium montanum fl. : argenteo. G.
[Found in Scosby Lees, nccr Donkester-
Gnaphajium marinum. G.

Americanum. G.
•Gossipium.

• ,, serici instar, ex Guinea.
Gramen striatum. G.T.

Parnassi. G.
Gratiola. G.T.
•Grossularia vulg : fructu rot undo it oh!"!iL:u.
T.

• „ fructu rubro etc. T.

,, ,, viridi spinoso. T.

H.
•Halimus arborescens. G-T.
•Hedera, seu Vitis Virginiana.
Helenium. G.
Helleboraster. G.

Helleborine, fl. foris lierbaceo, intus
purpurasc, 3. Clusii Paunon.
Helleborine, fl. albo purpureo maculato.

prima Gerardi emac.
Hclleborus albus. G.
,, Niger. G.

Hepatica nobilis fl. cceruleo simplici. G.
pleno. T.
,, ,, fl. guanirubente | M ,

incarnato in carl ier
list].

flore albo. G.T.
•Herba mimosa, ex Guinea.
Paris. G.

• „ Doria. G.T.
•Herniaria.

Hesperis flore simplici.

• ., ., pleno.
rTippoglossuni. G.T.
llippolapathum vulgare.

rotiuidiiolium.
Horminum Lavandulae flore.
Hyacinthua Botroides minor cocruleus
obscurus. G.T.
albus. G.T.
,, ,, coeruleus anioenus. G.

,, coiuosus maior purpureus. G.T.

,, calamistratus.

„ orientalis fl. : purpureo.

„ ,, fl. : pallide purpureo.

„ ,, flore albo. G.T.

,, ,, prsecox fl. : purp.

sativo.
,, „ fl. : duplici sub-

cceruleo. ?T.
„ stellatus prsecox coeruleus.

,, ,, Byzantinus fl. : Bora-

ginis. G.
>, ., maior Boeticus, sen

Peruanus.
Angticus flore albo. G.
,, ,, rubello. G.

» „ autumnalis minor. G.

•Hyaciuthus Botroides maior muscatus, sive
Muscari flore cineritio.

* ,, Muscari, 'fl. : luteo. T.

1.
•Ilex. T.

Iris palustris lutea. G.
Iris latifolia purpurea vulgaris. G.

* ,, maxima purpurea.

,, Chalcedonica, sive Susiana maior. G.

* >■ ,, minor.
,, alba Florentina. G.

,, ,. maior versicolor.
,, Dalmatica maior. G.

* ,, violacea. G.
,, Pannonica.

„ Camerarii.

,, lutea versicolor. Varia caulifera Clusii.

., angustifolia maior flore pleno.

. > , , minor Pannonica, sive

versicolor Clusii.
,, bulbosa latifolia Anglica coerulea. T.
>> ,, ,, fl. candido.

>, ., argentea.

,) ,, augustifolia, minor alba.

>• ,, ,, subcoerulea labris

lute is.
,, ,, flore vario.

,, bulbosus crinis coloris elegantioris.
ii ,, albida labris luteis.

M .. aurea, sive lutea Hispanica.

purpuro coerul : obsoleta labris
fuscis.
>i ,, albida versicolor, foliis erectis

purp. striatis.
,, tuberosa. Hermodactylus Matthioli.

J.

•Jacea Austriaca capitulis hirsutis Boelii.
'.Tacea maior fl. ; carneo, v albo.
■fuglans Novae Angliae. T.
•Juniperus vulgaris. [? minor T.]

K.
Keyri ilore luteo pleno vulg. T.
., elegantiore.

* ., ,, pleno ferruninco. T.

L.
Laburnum. T.
Lamium Pannonicum. G,
l,athyrus vulgaris latifolius. C.

., maior angustifolius fl. : puri>urco.
G.
Laureola.

I.auro-cerasus. T.
I.aurus vulgaris.

* „ Tinus. G.T.

* ,, Alexaodrina. Chamjpdaphne

Dioscor. T.
Lepidium. G.

Leucoium bulbosum praecox minus. G.T;
ii .i ,, majus. G.T.

,. ,, serotinum polyanthc-

mum.
'Libanotis Theophrasti maior. ?T.
Liliasphodelus seu Lilium non bulbosum
luteum. T.
,, flore phceniceo.

Lilium album vulgare. G.T.
rubrum. G.
,, flore luteo. G.T.
„ cruentum bulbiferuni. (.;.
,, convallium vulgare.

,, floribus rubcltis. G.T.

•l.imonium 'majus. G.
,, minus. G.T.
hithospermum vulgare.
•Lotus arbor. G.T.
Lychnis chalcedonica flore carneo.

,, ,, fl. : simplici uniniato.

i, .. fl. : miniato pleno.

* ,, coronaria fl. : rubro simpl.
i. » ,, variegato.

* ,, ,, ■„ albo simpl. G.

* ,, ,, ,, maculato.

* ,, ,, „ pleno rubro. G.T.
,, marina Anglica. G.

,, sylvestris fl. : pleno rubro.
., „ i, candido.

Lysymachia lutea vulgaris. G.

,, ccemJea, vel galericulata. G.

„ galericulata minor. Gratiola 3

Gerardi.
,, spicata cajrulca. G.

* „ Virginiana.

M

Maiuiana liortensis. T.

luaior Anglica.
Malva liortensis : fl. : simpl. : et pleno
albo, purpureo, suave rubcnlc, etc.

* ,, indica arborea.

arborescens. G.T.

* ,. moschata Indica.
'Mains Persica flore multiplici.

,, aurantia. T.

., limonia. T.

,. Punica. G.T.
Mandragoras mas. T.
Martagon flore rubro.
„ „ carneo.

* „ imperiali. G.
„ flore luteo.

,, „ albo puro.

,, ,, maculato. T.

* „ Pomponeum angustifolium. T.
Matricaria, sive Parthenium fl. : pleno. T.

•Medica frutescens, sive flavo fl. : Clusii.
•Melissa. G.T.

•Mentastrum niveum Anglicum.
•Mentha sativa rubra.

* ,, Romana.

* ,, radice tuberosa.

„ Cattaria. Nepeta.

Meum. G.
•MillifoHum fl. : luteo.

* ,, ,, rubro. G.T.

•Moly montanum latifolium primum Clusii.
G.
,, flore luteo.

* ., triquetrum fl.: albo.
Morus fructu rubro. T.
Muscus clavatus. Lycopodium.

ii ,. foliis Cupressi.

„ ex Cranio humano (from the skull
of a man).
Myrica. Tamariscus.
Myrtus. T.

N.

Narcissus Nou-parcillc. 'J'.

,, ,, totus albus. T.

„ l>naB Mattenesse. 'L'.

medio luteus vulgaris. G.
,, purpureus serotinus. G.
,, ,. ,, multiplex.

,, albus multiplex.
,, juncifoliis luteus maguo Caliec.
,, ,, vulgaris.

* „ „ fl.: albo.

,, flore pleno luteo. T.

Autumnalis maior.

* „ marinus, sive tertius Matthioli.
T.

•N'Tiuin: sj\e Oleander. G.T.

fl.: albo. T.
Nummularia. G.

0.

•Oleander. G.T
•Onobrycbis maior.
Ophioglossura. G.
Ophris.

Orchis odorata. G.
,, Melittias. G.
,, My odes.
„ Triorchis.
„ Testiculus Psycodc3.

Cynosorchis morio Joemina.
I " Found by Stonehouse on Scosby Lease'
MS.- -Note by How.]
orchis Cynosorchis minor Pannonica.
•Origanum Heraclioticum, seu Hispanicum.
T.
ttrnithogalum majus spicatum.
,, miuus spicatum.

Neapolitanum. T.
,, vulgare.

Osmunda a<iuatlca. Filix florida.
Oxals maxima Hispanica.

* ,, Romana.

* .. sive Acetosa Indica vesicaria.
Oxys.

P.

I'.ccmia flore rubro multiplex.

* pleno minor.

,, ,, carneo multiplex. T.

foemina flore simplici carneo. G.T.

* ,, mas, Vulgaris. G.T.

[Found growing in Mr. Feilds Well close
in Darfeild: which though farre from any
house, I beleeve it came first out of a
Garden with some Dung.)

•Pa?onia mas Vera.

•Panax Colon!.

* ,, splendens, Anglica baceifera.
,, Heracleum. G.

Paralysis liortensis flore pleno.

,, ' flore geminato, r •

,, ,, et calice i-rispo. T.

* ,, ,, viridantc simplici. T.

., fatuo. T.
fl', : viridi rosco calauiistratu.
minor flore rubro.

* ,, fl. : purp. Americana.
« ,, minor flore albo.

•Parietaria latifolia Amandi Lusitani.
ti'ent-aphyllum - - - facie.
Periclymenum perfoliatum. G.

*, rectum, primum Parkinson!.

,, ,, 4 Gerardi emac.

•Periploca. G.T.
Phalangium Allobrogicum. T.

„ cphemerum Virginianum^

Tradescanti. T.
Pbytlitis \ulgaris. G.

,, muJtiflda. G.
Pilosella aurea. Pulmonaria Gallorum
Hieratii facie L'Obclii.
•rimpinella Americana max. fl. : albo.

* , , sanguisorba liortensis max.

* ,, major et minor. T.
•Pinguicula. G.

J'inus sativa.

Pinus sylvestris monUua. G.I.

Pinaster maritimus major. G.T.
•Pisum marinum Anglicum.

Plantago rosea. G.T.

Polemonium ,si\e I'rifolium Frublcans. G
•Polium montanum. G.T.

Polygonatum maius vulgare. T.

* ,, „ flore maiorc.

minus latifol. G.T.

angustifolium. T.
t , , Virginianum. T.

•Portulaca cretica.
Primula veris flore pleno vulgaris.

* ,, tt ,, suave rubente folio

amplo rugoso. [And
other varieties.)
„ albo. T.
[Stonehouse "found them most plenti-
fully mixt with Pinguicula, in a very low
and squalid meadow near Knasborough. |
(To be continued.)

May 22, 1020.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

257

DRYNHAM, WALTON-ON-THAMES.

Drynham, the residence of Johu Osborne, Esq. ,
is situated between Walton and Weybridge, in
one of the most beautiful parts of the Surrey
Pine district, where many imposing residences,
with extensive gardens, have been erected in
modern times, forming an important residential
suburb. The road from Walton station to
Drynham is past a number of these — what may
be termed " minor" — estates; and, as the
method of laying out the grounds attached to
these houses varies considerably, the gardens
present an interesting diversity. The grounds
of Drynham are larger than those of the average,
and the place itself strikes a more distinctive
note than the rest, for it is at. once obvious to
the visitor that the grounds have been laid out
by some keen lover of gardening, who especially
appreciated not merely variety, but the beauty
of many rare and uncommon plants seldom em-
ployed in suburban gardens. It is also obvious
that the designer knew how to ma.ke the most
of the limited area at his command, for the place
is only some five acres in extent, and yet it has
been made to include refreshing lawns, an im-
posing Rose garden with broad, flagged paths
and a Lily tank ; extensive shrubbery borders,
large plantations of Rhododendrons and Azaleas
dry-wall gardens, terraces, and an exceedingly
fine rook garden, the latter covering an area
of about one acre. Beside all these, there are
the usual kitchen garden and fruit plantations,
together with a modern range of glasshouses for
the special purpose of indoor fruit culture, and
a little show house containing decorative plants,
both flowering and foliage, of such as are com-
monly employed for the dwelling house. Whilst
everything is so pleasing in this little model
garden, the most important feature to the horti-
culturist are the numbers of rare and in-
teresting plants which confront" the visitor at
every turn. Very many of the best of the newer
introductions from China and other parts in
recent years are to be found at Drynham, whilst
the number of species of Alpines on the rock
garden is very extensive, and a list of the
plants would occupy more space than we have
available.

Before we describe the rock-garden, however,
it will toe well to refer in detail to some of
the general features of the place. The garden
is screened from the road by a 'beautiful
Holly hedge — evergreen hedges are common to
most of the gardens in this district, and they
are certainly well-tended and in good condition
generally. The soil of the district seems to be
very favourable to arboreal vegetation, and
Rhododendrons especially do uncommonly well.
The approach to the house is past a shrubbery
in which Arbutus Unedo occupies a prominent
position, and on the wall of the house, facing
a little lawn, is a magnificent plant of Ceanothus
Veitchianus. which grows up to the eaves of the
windows, some thirty feet above the ground,
and no (further, for the owner very wisely re-
frains from hiding the architectural features of
the building beyond a certain point, with climb
ing plants. The Ceanothus is one of the finest,
specimens of its kind we have seen, and at the
time of our visit was a mass of delicate laven-
der-blue flowers, so numerous as to completely
cover the plant from the ground upwards. In
the little lawn referred to are some unusually
large standard Roses, quite the largest speci-
mens 'we have seen. They have stems some four
inches through, and the heads are large in
proportion, so that in summer they give a pro-
fusion of blooms and their fragrance adds an
additional charm to this pretty shrub-enclosed
quarter. In the shrubbery borders round about
are well-grown examples 'of some of the more
uncommon shrubs ; against a background of
dank green Conifers, which do remarkably
well in this place, a tall plant of Halesia
letraplera laden with the creamy-white blossoms
showed .to fine advantage, and near by is
n bie specimen of Stauhylea colchica, equally
pleasing in flower. The way to the garden
iwoper is along a, winding (path, broken up
hv tall mounds at intervals in which scope has
been offered for making some very beautiful
floral pictures, At each turn a new feature

presents itself, and just now there are large
splashes of bright colours provided by colonies
of Alyssum saxatile which, notwithstanding that
it. is generally considered a " common " plant,
has glorious flowers of the richest golden colour ;
big clusters of Aubrietias in a variety of bright
colours ; patches of Iberis Little Gem ; Alpine
Phloxes, Irises, Campanulas, Arenaria montana,
and other subjects of a similar nature, inter-
spersed with chimps of Irises and Tulips.
Earlier in the season other bulbous flowers had
contributed to the floral effect, and, judging
by the great length of the Crocus foliage and
the numbers of these plants, the Cocuses alone
must have been wonderfully pretty. The lawns
.lie partly sunken, and approached by a short
Might of steps on either side of which are splen-
did specimens of Retinospora obtusa lycopodi-
oides.

Tile scene across the lawn is enchanting,
for the eve meets a big shrulb border in the fore-
ground of which is a wide hand of Ihe beauti-

flowers which remained, it must have been a
remarkable sight earlier in the season. In this
border, too, is a very large clump of Abutilon
vitifolium ; several of the branches had grown
to a height of twelve feet or more, and they
were carrying numerous flower buds. Other
plants deserving of notice in this quarter are
Enkianthus campanulatus, G-aultheria num-
mulariiolia., which still carried a few of its pink
berries with which it was covered in winter ;
Sarcococca ruscifolia, smothered with its pretty
little white flowers ; Erica australis, growing in
tall feathery sprays and furnished with soft,
pink bells ; Berberis Carolina, an orange-flowered
species, after stenophylla. but denser and more
compact in growth than that species ; Osmanthus
Delavayi, which was just passing over ; Grevillea
sulpliurea.. G. rosmarinifolia and G. Jongifolia,
all of which escaped damage from cold during
the past winter Berberis hyemalis, a plant su-
perior to BeaJei with brighter and larger flowers :
Correa ventricosa, Desfontainea spinosa.

Fig. 119.— rhododendron loder's white flowering in the shrub border at drynham.

ful Pink Pearl Rhododendron, not quite open
tit the time of our- \isit, but the buds showing
in great profusion, and we could well believe
the statement of the gardener. Mr. W. A. Cook,
that the effect in summer is magnificent. As
stated, Rhododendrons are extensively planted
in these gardens, and they do surprisingly well.
Loder's White variety (see Fig. 119], which
many consider the finest of the white Rhodo-
dendrons, was in bloom, and others we noticed
doing well were R. Iverianum, one of the best
red-flowered Rhododendrons; R. niicranthum, R.
conip.iclimi lnultinoru.m (a fine clump of which
showed to advantage on a prominent corner)
R. Luscombe's Hybrid, which develops its large
pink flowers in bold trusses ; R. Alice, deeper
coloured than Pink Pearl, which some regard,
and others do not, as a variant of that
variety; R. inlricatum, one of the dwarfs of
Ihe family; and R. quinquefolinm. the foliage
of which is prettily tinged with bronze. Be-
side the Rhododendrons, great plantations of
Azaleas have been made, and these very flori-
fernus shrubs also grow and bloom with free-
dom. At the bnck of the border containing the
majority of the Rhododendrons, is a splendid
Irif of Cornus Xuttallii from which the speci-
mens thai gai 1 the First Class Ocrlilirate at

the R.H.N meeting on April 13, 1920, were cut
The tree was past its best, hut from the faded

Viburnum rhytidophyllum and V. tomentuin
Muricsii. Beside all these, there (are many
ornamental Aoers, Lilacs, Cherries. Magnolias,
Euonymus europeaus purpurescens, Fagus Solan-
dri. and Hibiscuses, disposed at points of van-
tage to display their flowers or foliage as the
case may be.

The stone-flagged Rose garden is enclosed by
a well-kept hedge of Yew, in which nooks have
been made to accommodate seats, and there is
an ample and ornate tea-house in one corner.
The garden itself is made in six sections and the
beds are planted to give distinct and separate
colour effects. Surrounding the Rose garden,
under the Yew hedge, is a dry wall, and the
shade of the Yews prevents the glare of the
sun from .depreciating the fine colours of the
Alpines, which also seemed to enjoy Hie cool
surroundings. Everything appeared perfectly at
home, the masses of Arabia, Alyssum, Iberis.
Pinks, Saxifragas, Phloxes, Daphne Cneorum,
Seduins anil Spanish Gorse, all lending them
selves to the general pleasing effect.

The rock garden, of which a glimpse is shown
in fin. 120 is the chief feature .if the place, ami
is hi' the style that met with such approval
al the Chelsea exhibition in 1912, when Mr. .1.
Wood, of Boston Spa. struck a new note in this
popular phase of gardening. It^ is made of the
weathered grey York stone which is so natural

258

THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE.

Ma? 22, 1920.]

in appearance, and harmonises so 'well "with
Alpines. Beside the pool shown in the illustra-
tion there are several smaller ones in which are
varieties of iNymphaeas and other aquatics, with
bog-loving plants on the margin. The picture
will convey better than any description how
enchantingly beautiful is the association of tree
and shrub, water and rock-garden in this com-
parative small area of one acre. The plants on
the rock-garden embrace a very wide selection ;
and in it are found the best of the commoner
things as wrell as novelties and rarities. It is
a- difficult matter to .select from such a wealth,
but the following dozen plants represent a few
which specially appealed to us :— Cynoglossum
nervosum (the flowers of the prettiest ipossiMr
shade of blue). Phlox Laphamii, pale heliotrope;
Saxifraga museoides, looking sweetly pretty in a.
clump comprising literally thousands of flowers ;
t'heiranthus AUionii, bright orange ; Potent ilia
alba ; Primula sikkimensis, primrose yellow ;
Halberlea Ferdinand Coifourgii ; Primula Sieholdii
alba; Dryas minima, with Mowers like those of
a ibig white Anemone; Ranunculus gramineus;
Tiarella cordifolia, a colony of which was grow-
ing on a summit bordering a little ravine,
through which a miniature stream flowed : and
llutchinsia alpina.

These notes are somewhat lengthy, but we
have not exhausted by any means all the
beauties of this charming little domain, which is
under the skilled care of Mr. W. A. Cook, for
many years gardener to the late Sir Edmund
Loder at Leonardslee. Mr. Cook is thus
thoroughly at home among rare . and choice
plants, and the general condition of Drynham
gardens is evidence of his capability.

FLORISTS' FLOWERS.

DAHLIAS FOR GARDEN DECORATION.

Dahlias, in one or other of the many forms of
the flower, are adapted to almost any .scheme
of garden decoration, and they are especially
valuable where a wealth of colour is appre-
ciated in early autumn. Beds planted with
varieties corresponding in vigour to their size
are at their best when most summer-flowering
subjects are on the wane, while in conjunction
with other early autumn-blooming subjects such
as Michaelmas Daisies, Chrysanthemums, Salvia
patens and the Japanese Anemone, an impos-
ing effect may be produced. Other positions
that will suggest themselves ay being tha
brighter for the presence of these plants, in-
clude the annual border, the newly planted
shrubbery, and among rough grass as bold
clumps. With evergreens for a background,
the lighter coloured varieties of the decorative
section show to great advantage, and in cases
where an annual screen or hedge is desired, the
robust growers will prove most serviceable.

Tubers started in gentle warmth in March or
April soon make headway, and if it is neces-
sary to increase the stock, it may be done either
by means of cuttings or division of the largest
roots. For the more pruminent positions in the
garden it is an advantage to have the plants
well established in suitable sized pots suffi-
ciently early to permit of them being gradually
hardened off ready for planting out early in
June. New varieties secured as pot tubers
also benefit from being potted on and grown
for a little while in an airy plant-house. While
the plants are under glass a free circulation of
air should be allowed, and fire-heat sparingly
employed in order to produce sturdy growth.

In some gardens it is evident Dahlias do not
incite much enthusiasm, the reason chiefly being
due to earlier experiences not coming up to the
desired standard. Lateness of flowering is a
common complaint ; • another, and which per-
haps matters most is that which arises from the
failing of some varieties, notably among the
Cactus type, to display their blooms to the best
advantage. Amongst some of the older kinds
especially it is generally admitted there was
room for improvement in this respect, but in
many cases the fault was with expecting too

much from purely exhibition varieties in the
garden. Raisers, however, are to be congratu-
lated on the progress they have made towards
eliminating all that is undesirable from amongst
those varieties which are recognised as being
suitable for those who plant for effect. As to
the first grievance, it is a matter of cultivation
mainly. To plant in a heavily manured or
rich soil of any kind is to favour the
growth of too much leaf and stem, with con-
sequent delay in blooming and scarcity of
flowers, but strong plants, firmly planted in n
well worked though not rich soil, rarely fail to
bloom freely. In a dry season watering is
necessary and weak liquid manure may be used
on occasions.

There are many types of Dahlias suitable Tor
garden decoration. . t 'actus varieties of Free-
fluwering habit and moderate height are Red,
and White Ensign, Richard Box (yellow).
Sportsman (scarlet), Louvain (pale yellow i.
Sophocles (terra cotta), Star (orange)). Re-
liance (brick red). Sweet Briar (pale pink),
and Mrs. C Foster (rosy pink). From a hed-
ding point of view, -with or without an edging in
the shape of foliage plants like Centaurea
candidissima, the Mignon type is worthy of

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

\The Editors do not hold themselves responsible /or
the opinions expressed by correspondents.]

Potato Spraying.— On p. 182, M. gives very
good advice upon this subject, and points out
that spraying is an insurance. This it always
would be, no doubt. M. also says that weight
of crop is materially increased. This, I be-
lieve, however, is not always [he case, and I
am interested to discover what the conditions
are when the sprayed portion of a crop gives a
smaller yield than the nnsprayerl portion, botli
growing on th> same ground under precisely
the same treatment. [ am aware that this re
suit is possible, hut nut from experiments under
my own hand. Can it lie that under certain

c lit s tin- Potato plant is poisoned? 1 am

not awaijs that this question lias ever been
dealt with, but it would be interesting ami
perhaps very important to know what tin* ex
planation may be when spraying is condemned
by results — perfectly skilled work being under-
stood. From what 1 know. 1 believe there are
such cases and there may be views and experi-
ences that could lie put to the test experiment-
ally. Will readers who have any experience

attention. The plants average about 14 It. in
height, are free-flowering, and have single
flowers which are carried well above the foliage.
Pleasing varieties include Pembroke (yellow).
Lancer (bright scarlet), Agnes (purple), Albion
(white), and Olive (orange). The decorative
varieties are noteworthy for their strong habit
and handsome, flat petalled flowers. They are
very striking arranged in bold groups. Good
varieties are plentiful : a few of the best are
Loveliness (pink), Warneford (white), Reginald
Cory (scarlet), and Claribel (purple). Varieties
of the Collerette type make an effective dis-
play in any -position. Varieties of unusual
brightness include Diadem. Henri Famian.
Matilda, Eden, Gold Tip, Dora Fisher and
Scarlet Queen. Paeony-flowered varieties are
amongst the most popular for planting
in the shrubbery and other positions where
a screen is desirable. For general use-
fulness, however, the singles should" not be over-
looked, for not only are they a serviceable
border type, but they are valuable for supply-
ing cut blooms. Those of the Star section,
with semi-double flowers on long stems, are also
useful for indoor decoration. F. T .

against spraying kindly communicate with Tlie
Gardeners' Chronicled II. Irwin Li/nch,
V.M.H., Torquay.

Silver-Leaf Disease (see p. 235) . — 1 read with
great interest your leading article on Silver-Leaf
Disease of Plums, and the antiseptic injections
into trees by Messrs. Brooks and Bailey. In
1907 I tried injections of various substances
into trees, but the results were unsatisfactory.
Both Sir Daniel Hall and Dr. Russell have
shown that the plant is obliged to take up some-
thing of everything which is dissolved in the
soil water quite regardless whether the ulti-
mate effect is good, had or indifferent. If trie
antiseptics used by Messrs. Brooks and Bailey
were given in conjunction with nitrate of soda
and a complete fertiliser during active growth
the plant is obliged to take them up. The
results can be noted with far greater precision
than by injections. It is essential that tile
plants or tree- be watered first, then the solu-
tions given in sufficient quantity to insure their
reaching- tlv? root-hairs. It was upon these
lines that I discovered the nilro-liydrarg. -per-
chlor treatment of eel-worm disease in Daffodils,
which has quite recently been put to a prac-

May 22, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

259

tical test with complete success. Eel worms
were found alive, healthy and very lively in
the leaves of growing Daffodils. These were
treated and, when the identical Daffodils and
leaves wer,9 examined under a high-power
microscope the week following the treatment,
ihe pests were dead. As the plant is plasmo-
domous and both animals and fungi plasmo-
phagous, corrosive sublimate will kill the two
latter forms of life, while leaving the plant
unharmed. I have found it successful in the
-cure of Saxifraga and vines (under glass) at-
tacked with fungous diseases. I $eel sure, if
properly tried, that it would kill Stereum pur
jjureum equally as well. In fact, I believe it
to be the specific in all fungous and animal
■diseases of plants in which the internal tissues
.are attacked. I have had no opportunity to
try it on Silver-Leaf disease, but anybody is
free to do so. C. A. Jardine.

SOCIETIES.

INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTURAL
COMMERCIAL CONFERENCE.

Beautiful spring weather attended the open-
ing of the second meeting of the Federation
Horticole Professionnelle Internationale, held at
:the Casino, Ghent, on May 10 and 11. Many
Britishers are familiar with the Casino build-
ings as these have been used in past years to
"hold part of the great Ghent Quinquennial Ex-
hibitions.

Mr. Arthur de Smet, President for the year,
■opened the proceedings at 9 a.m., and there were
present the following representatives : — Belgian,
1\1. Arthur de Smet, President; M. A. Callier.
President of the Royal Agricultural and Horti-
cultural Society of Ghent ; M. C. Pynaert,
M. E. Delaruye, M. F. Spae, (M. E.
Puret, M. S. Van Acker, M. Louis
van Houtte, M. V. Toefifaert, M. L. Kerke-
-voorde, M. Jadsul, M. Buyl, M. Walraet, M. V.
"van de Weyke, M. 0. de Coster, M. Albert de
:Smet, M. A. Wyttendaele, M. Beemaert, and
M. A. Gallet ; -with M. H. Van Orshoven, repre-
senting the Horticultural Section of the Belgian
Ministry of Agriculture. French — M Graindorge,
M. Turbat (general secretary), M. Rene Barbier,
M. Royer, M. L. Levavassenr and M. Gauthier
British — Mr. Geo. Monro, Jun., President of
ihe Chamber of Horticulture; Mr. G. W. Leak
(President) and Mr. Chas. H. Curtis (Secretary),
British Florists' Federation ; Mr. C. G. L. Do*
Cann, Secretary of the Horticultural Trades
Association ; Mr. Robt. H. Page, Mr. E. M.
Merryweather, and Miss Hamilton,

The minutes of the Paris Conference of 1919
■were accepted, as they had already been pub-
lished. M. Turbat, the Secretary of the Inter-
national Federation, reported that although the
Federation had progressed, many hopes had not
l>een fulfilled because reconstruction of business
■was occupying the "whole attention of nursery-
men in the allied countries. In the absence
of M. Sauvage, the Treasurer, M. Turbat pre-
sented the financial statement, which showed
an income of 2,826 francs, 65 cents., including
the balance brought forward from the old
"Federation, and 500 francs each from the Belgian,
French and British Chambers of Horticulture.
Expenses, including printing, amounted to 481
francs, 25 cents., thus leaving a balance of
2,345 francs, 40 cents.

The greater part of the morning session was
occupied by a discussion of the position of the
horticultural trade in Europe, and with special
reference to the prohibition order issued by
France which excludes imports of plants and
flowers from all countries. The Belgian growers
are greatly troubled about this order, as it
closes one of the openings for their trade in
Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Hydrangeas, Palms
-and other pot plants. Their representatives
pointed out that many of the articles prohibited
are kinds which are needed in the process of
business reconstruction in the devastated areas
S)f France; further, that pot plants and flowers
•were now purchased and used by all grades of

society, and therefore could not correctly be
described as luxuries.

The French representatives stated that the
various horticultural associations had not been
consulted on this matter, and the first they
knew of the order was its publication. They
were distinctly against prohibition for horti-
cultural produce, as they had already felt the
effect of American prohibition and they desired
to work amicably and freely with allied coun-
tries. The British delegates showed that the
export of flowers and plants to France was not
of great moment, whereas the imports from
France were very considerable, and 11 a ques-
tion of retaliation arose among the governments
France would suffer more than England from
prohibition.

Mr. George Monro presided over the after-
noon session.

The question of admission of neutral coun-
tries to the Federation raised many interesting
points, but eventually it was agreed they should
be admitted and, indeed, invited to join under
the existing rules. The admission of enemy
countries was left for consideration next year.

In connection with the perennial subject °f
the protection of raisers of nove'ties, it ap-
peared that the French and Belgian growers
were in accord and had drafted regulations
These latter were submitted and discussed by
the British, and a general agreement was arrived
at but the final decision will not 'be given
until the British associations have considered
them in detail. The principle of a registration
bureau was established, and as soon as M.
Turbat has rules aJid regulations in order, the
Press wall be asked to notify the opening of
the bureau so that all who wish to register hew
plants may send for the registration forms. The
charge for registration, which includes the ad-
vertisement by publication in all countries with-
in the federation, will be 10 francs.

The Conference endeavoured, and with con-
siderable success, to regularise a method of sale
and payment in horticultural matters, so that,
for instance, the same scale of discount and
similar credit should apply in the allied coun-
tries. Naturally, many items were discussed
in this connection, but there was a fairly
general agreement.

Miss Hamilton brought forward the question
of the International transport of live plants,
and dealt very fully with quarantine arrange-
ments, fumigation, inspection of nurseries, in*
spection of consignments, and the scheduling of
insect pests and diseases

That the labour question is as acute on the
continent in commercial horticulture as in Great
Britain was made quite plain during a lengthy
discussion which took place immediately after
M. Graindorge took the chair at 9.15 a.m. on
May ill. As a consequence of the enormous de-
mand for labour in the devastated areas of
France and Belgium, where reconsti-uction is
proceeding, wages have increased enormously in
certain districts.

There was a general feeling that dumping of
nursery stock, and the subsequent sale of plants
at a low rate, at auction, was not in the best
interests of the trade. There were differences of
opinion on this subject, as also concerning the
best method of putting a stop to dumping.
Eventually, after urging that preventive regula-
tions should be applied in the country whence
dumping is practised, the Conference agreed
to defer further consideration of the subject
pending reports from various organisations in
the allied countries.

On behalf of the British trade, Mr. Monro
brought forward the "Dutch bulb question."
Traders are more or less familiar with this sub-
ject and know that the Dutch bulb exporters
have not met the British objections as to prices,
charges for packing and carriage, liability and
other points. This subject is of little interest to
French and Belgian traders, except in the Paris
district, where the Dutch dealers have imposed
very severe conditions upon a number of small
growers, who are protesting very strongly. The
Britishers were thanked for placing the question
so clearly before the Conference, and the Con-
ference agreed to stand by the conditions of
sale already adopted by the F.H.P.T. If a
Dutch exporter will not make a proper allow-

ance for unsatisfactory bulbs, his name will be
placed before purchasing members of the
Chamber of Horticulture and its federated
societies.

At the conclusion of general business, Mr.
Arthur de Smet was appointed President
d'Hormeur of the Federation ; Mr. George
Monro. Jnr., President for 1921, and Mr. Chas.
Pynaert, Vice-President ; the conference to 'be
held in London that year, probably immediately
after the Chelsea Show. _ MM." Turbat and
Barbier were reappointed Secretaries and very
heartily thanked for the able services they had
rendered.

The members of the Conference were then
entertained to luncheon by the members of the
Committees of the Chambre Syndicale des
Horticultures Beiges and the Syndicat des
Pepinieristes Beiges. This proved a very
pleasant function, and Mr. Monro expressed the
hope that in 1921 the British trade would have
the pleasure of returning, in London, the hos-
pitality extended to it in France and Belgium.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.

Scientific Committee.

April 13. — Present : Mr. E. A. Bowles in the
chair; Messrs. J. Ramsbottom, C. E. Shea, W.
Hales, Hosiking, Bakier, Page. Udell^ Ark-
wright. Worsley, Elwes, Rolfe and Chittenden
(hon. sec).

Certificate of Appreciation. — A Certificate of
Appreciation was unanimously recommended to
Mrs. Backhouse for her work with Daffodils.

Various Plants. — Mr. iH. J. Elwes referred
to plants as follows : Plants in a Cotswold
garaen 550 ft. above sea level. During 48
years I can never remember a spring so early
and so free from East wind and frost as the
last month has been. The number of flowers
out and coming out is quite unusual, and as I
may never see the like in April again, I will
mention a few of the most beautiful and less
common. The three flowering shrubs, not at
their best, though most beautiful, are Berberis
Darwinii, which was nearly killed three years
ago; Viburnum Carlesi, which has not as yet
gone through a real Cotswold winter; and
Prunus nana, perhaps the choicest and neatest
little bush that ever came here from Bitton.
Anemone scythinica is seeding itself everywhere^
and is one of the most beautiful and least
harmful weeds in cultivation. Anemone

alpina from seed, is not yet fully established, but
seems to like a rich border; Corydaiis bracteata,
another beautiful weed which comes up
everywhere, but is not very easy to pull up;
Daphne Mezereum and var. album, which conies
true from seed and comes up in many places,
but not long-lived here; Daphne Blagayana,
nearly over (keep on earthing up the young
growthsi) ; Euphorbia polychroma, E. myrsinites
and pilulifera, all pretty early and hardy border
or rock plants ; Armeria caespitosa ; Sedum
Palmeri and Sedum Treleasii, both very pretty
and doubtfully hardy ; Geum Rossii, a New
Zealander, pretty, but not very floriferous;
Androsace sarmentosa, the earliest of its
section and one of the best ; Paeonia Mlokose-
vetchij, the best and earliest yellow Paeony ;
Paeonia Camibessedesii, the best and earliest
purple Paeony; Paeonia cretensi.s, the best and
earliest white Paeony; none of these is fully
mit, but the buds show colour; a frost would
ruin them now, but they are so good and rare
that they are worth protectimi ; Ourisia maoro-
phylla, close under a north wall, shows pre-
cocious buds; it is doubtfully harcty here:
Smilacina paniculata, a wonderfully strong
plant already in bud ami 4 ft. high. This
was raised from seed that i gathered at>
Niagara Falls; Ann-Inn ecluoides, a month
before its usual time; Dent-aria, pinnata, a. very
beautiful plant, but tin* white variety is even
better. Stylophormn japonicum, which grows well
in my garden; JeffefTfiOnia diibia, a very pretty
plant which, however, does not thrive on my
soil, but succeeds at Kew : Epimedium &p„,
which I have under the name 01 sulphuieum ;
Potentilla alchemilloides, a pretty, dwarf, whit©,
rock plant from the Pyreneesi Primula Zoeszi,

260

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[May 22, 1920

more curious than 'beautiful; in a frame,
Ramondia N at alia e, which is not so good as R.
pyrenaica; Haberlea Ferdinandi Coburgi and
H. virginalis, .pure white and very pretty.
Among Megaseas, tlie most showy is a fine
form of the old Siberian M. cordifolia
which is much more ftoriferous on the top of
a dry rock, as I saw it in the Altai Mountains,
than in a boi'der; a pretty pink one which i
raised from Chinese seed, would, as Mr. Bowles
thinks, be called Stracheyi, if it comes from the
Himalayas. Bulbous plants in flower are too
numerous to mention. Among the best are
Scilla lilio-hyacinthus and its var. alba, which
I i) we to the late Mr. Boyd, of Faldonside:
why it is uncommon I know not, for it in-
creases fast, and is very hardy. Muscari
macranthum, best, perhaps, in a frame, where
its very fragrant flowers are more numerous
than outside ; a plant I have had for 40
years, and which has very large bulbs that
rlo not increase like most of the Muscari s ;
Tulipa dasystemon, a free-flowering and
pretty little species, has a better constitution
than any Tulip I know, except T. saxatilis.
which spreads and increases mnoh more freely
than it flowers ; Coelogyne flaccida.

Veron ica lobelioides. — Mr. Fraser showed
specimens of Veronica lobelioides (v. " Blue
Gem ") and commented upon the history of
this plant, which was sent to Kew on April
28. 1862, by Mr. J. A. Henry, the raiser, and
to [Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons, with the state-
ment that its parentage was V. decussata X
V. speciosa. It was awarded a F.C.C. in 1862.
when shown by Mr. Warren, a nurseryman, of
Salisbury.

UNITED HORTICULTURAL BENEFIT AND
PROVIDENT SOCIETY.
The monthly meeting of this Society was held
in the R.H.S" Hall on Monday. May 10. Mr.
Arthur Bedford in the chair. Two members
were allowed to withdraw double the amount of
their interest, amounting to £6 14s. 8d. One
member was granted 2s. 6d. per week for life
from the Distress Fund. The Treasurer, in
giving the financial statement, reported that th.9
trustees had invested £1,000 during the month.
The sick pay for the month, on the private side,
amounted to £67 14s. 3d., and on th> State side
to £36 13s. 4d., and maternity claims to £21.

©bltuarp.

John. S. Calder.— We regret to learn of
the death, at his home, Dovehill, Uphill, Lin-
lithgowshire, on May 9, of Mr. John S. Calder,
in his 76th year, and after tb9 long service of
42 years as headmaster of Uphall Public School.
Mr. Calder was an enthusiastic amateur gar-
dener and did much to keep alive the taste
for horticulture, not only in his own district
but, through his numerous friends and corres-
pondents, in many parts of Scotland. Mr.
Calder was one of the old school of Auricula
growers and retained to the last his affection
for these flowers, but his tastes were broad, and
other hardy flowers shared his care and atten-
tion.

William James McCabe.— Mr. W. J. McCabe,
gardener to the Rt. Hon. L. A. Waldron]
Marino, Killiney, Co. Dublin, was cruelly cut
off in. his comparatively youthful gardening
career on the night of the 12th inst. , during
Sinn Fein raids in the neighbourhood. He was
previously trained in the Viceregal Gardens, had
been in charge of the small but splendidly kept
gardens of the picturesque residence directlv
over-looking Killiney's beautiful Bay. and there
made his mark as a clever, enthusiastic cultiva-
tor. Of retiring and unassuming disposition, he
rarely left his loved work, and on the night in
question did so to visit a confrere but little
more than a stone's throw away. After leaving
his friends towards 10 p.m., shots were heard
outside, and going out thev found him dead on
the roadside.

TRADE NOTE.

A MEt'TiNG of creditors of the estate of W. H.
Russell (trading as John Russell) took place on
Monday, May 17^ in Messrs. Protheroe and
Morris' rooms,. 67-68, Cheapside, E.C. A long
and detailed account was given by the Receiver,
Mr. J. B. Slade, of the arrangements being
made to carry on the business.

A statement was in the hands of the creditors
of the trading accounts comprising the period
from November, 1915, to the present date, in
which it was shown that the position of the
business had lately much improved, a profit of
over £700 having been made in the period
1st January, 1920, to 31st March, 1920.

It was now proposed to form the business
into a limited companv with a capital of £6.000
Preference shares and £1.000 Ordinary shares.
It was suggested that the Preference shares
should be offered to the creditors nominally at
pai in complete settlement of their claims, the
£1,000 Ordinary shares being purchased out -if
some property held by Mrs. \V. H. Russell and
handed over to her. Very small creditors

would be paid in full, and with regard to those
whose accoints were ten or twelve pounds, aD
effort would be made, if they so desired, to
purchase their shares at 50 per cent, of their
face value.

The Receiver, who had not hitherto asked
for any remuneration, proposed that he now
make a charge of £105 a year for the rive years
he had spent in nursing the business, but was
willing to take the amount — £525 — in Prefer-
ence shares. It was agreed that he be a direc-
tor of the company, and represent the interests
of the Preference shareholders on the TVaid,
Mrs. W. H. Russell to be made another direc-
tor

The committee of three of the largest credi-
tors, which had previously acted, were re-
appointed.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

CUCUMBERS WITH INJURED STKMS : 11'. D.

There is no organic disease present in the
plant to account for the trouble. The foreign
matter on the stem is probably the vomit of
some small animal such as a mouse, or even
a cat.

Dodder on Salvia splendens : J. It. It. The
parasite upon Salvia splendens Fireball is a
Dodder (a species of Cuscuta). If other
specimens are attacked th/?y, together with
the parasite, should be burned to prevent
further spreading of the parasite, which is
propagated by means of seeds.

Gloxinias Diseased : .7. Mr. Probably the
tubers were weakened by being stored during
the winter in a moist atmosphere, but the
present trouble appears to be due chiefly to
an excess of moisture coupled with a low
temperature. The potting compost would
have been improved by the addition of leaf-
mould.

Horticultural College : .V. C. C. Apply for
particulars to the Director of the Royal
Horticultural Society's Gardens. Wisley, Rip-
lev. Surrey : and to the Superintendent" Horti-
cultural Department, University College,
Reading.

Insects in Hard Water Tank : It. W. F. The
specimens in the sample of water sent are a
species of Podura. This insect, which is in
the adult state, belongs to the lowest group
of insects, a group which is characterised by
never bearing wings either as young or adults.
In manv other respects, also, their structure
is primitive. All the groups consist of small,
inconspicuous insects, and many are found in
damp places — on the surface of water, on the
seashore, and in similar moist conditions. They
are credited with living on decayed vegetable
matter and seldom, if ever, do any noticeable
damage. Their body is covered with a waxv
mat. which enables them to float. If it is
desired to get rid of them from the water-
tank, a very few drops of petrol may be placed

on the surface of the water, taking care to
add it drop by drop and well distribute it over
the water. This should only be done when the
houses can be opened so as to get rid of the
petrol, which quickly evaporates. The water
should not ibe used for plants until all the
odour has disappeared, which it will do in.
about a day, and only sufficient petrol is
necessary to make a film over the surface of
the water.

Names of Fruits : E. F. 1. Gooseberry
Apple; 2, Scarlet Nonpareil.

Names of Plants : /"/. II". T. Freesia, species
not recognised. — 0. C. : Prunus Padus. (Bird
Cherry), Circis Siliquastrum, (Judas Tree).—
N. It. : C'rinum species , send when in flower.
— J. A. C. : No. 1, Virburnam rhytidophyl-
lum ; No. 2. Populus. probably P. momlifera
(syn. canadensis). H . li. G. 1. Pieris flori-
bunda : 2, Rhododendron racemosum : 3, Ber-
beris stenophylla; 4, B. Darwinii ; 5, Forsvthia
viridissima ; 6, Spiraea Thunbergi ; 7, Pyrus
floribunda; 8, Rhododendron Russellianum ; 9,
Magnolia sp. probably M. conspicua. but too
withered to identify ; 10, Berberis Aquifolium
var. — Jackie. 1, Tussilago fragrans ; 2, Acer
pabnatum ; 3, Phillyrea decora : 4, P. angus-
tifoha ; 5. Pittosporum undulatum ; 6, too
withered to identify. — E. Field. Acer plata-
noides var.— J. It. It. 1, Picea excelsa: 2.
Pinus Pinaster ; 3. Cupressus macrocarpa ; 4,
C. Lawsoniana var. erecta viridis ; 5, C. L.
var. lutea : 6. Sequoia sempervirens. — A. A.
Phillyrea decora. The "Pepper-tree" or
" Sweet Pepper-bush " of North America is
Clethra alnifolia. .1/. and Co. Muscari

comosum var. monstrosum.

Peach Defoliation : A. II". The leaves were
infected with a shot-hole fungus, the species
of which could not be determined, as the
material afforded no fructifications of the
fungus. All fallen leaves should be carefully
collected and burnt. If the trees are under
glass, special care should be taken that an
abundant supply of water is given (as defolia-
tion is sometimes due to lack of water), and,,
in addition, the houses might tie sulphured
with Campbell"s vaporiser at intervals of 14
days, at least two or three time.., and the
treatment continued, if necessary, until just
before the fruit begins to colour, On no
account should the sulphur be allowed to
ignite. If the trees are in the open, spraying
with the following mixture has been recom-
mended : Copper carbonate, 1 oz. ; ammonium
carbonate, 5oz. : dissolve these in one quart
of hot water and then add 16 quarts of cold
water. Spray the trees on two "r th^ee occa-
sions at intervals of 14 days. The fungicide
should be applied very cautiouslv on account
of the susceptibility of the Peach to scorch-
ing.

Wages for Jobbing Gardeners : E. J . H.
There is no regulation governing the wages for
jobbing gardeners, consequently the rate of
pay varies in different districts: Is. 6d. per
hour is being paid in some localities.

Weevils on Pear Trees : C. C The Weevils
appear to be specimens of Otiorhynchus sul-
catus. commonly known as the Clay-coloured
weevil. The pest is capable of doing a great
deal of harm to various plants both in its
larval condition and in the adult stage.
Every effort should he made to dispose of
the weevils so as to prevent them from lay-
ing their aggs at the end of the summer. If
a white cloth or white paper is laid under
the tree, and the latter is snarplv jarred,
many of the weevils will fall and may be
captured and burnt. A very bright light
thrown upon the tree at night will also cause
manv weevils to fall. Keep the surface soil
thoroughly hoed around the tree and apply
dre^ings of soot at intervals of two or three
weeks.

Communications Received -(' V. P.- S md R.
T. B.— A. «".— J. S.— J. A.— H S.-J. J.— F. R.-
.1. E. It. N. -W, K.— E. G.-A. IT.— S. Ii.—U D. C-
G. F. V— F. S. IS.— H. It. D.— W. T ,-N M.

May 29, 1920. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

261

THE

<&azbmtt% Ctjrmttcli

X,K 1744.— SATURDAY ', MAY 29. 1920.

CONTENTS,

Agricultural workers'

wages 261

Alpine garden, the —
Anemone blanda scy-

thinica 265

Erinus alpinus 265

Gentiana verna angu-

losa 265

Oxytropis pyrenaica 265
Synthyris renu'orrnis 265
America* Association of

Kew Gardeners in 262

Apple Alfriston 270

Anemone St. Brigid .... 270
Arnold arboretum, effect
of the severe winter
in . .. 266

26D

" Gardener's Chronicle "
seventy-five years
ago 262

Gardeners' Company, the 261

Green crops cut as food
for dairy cows 261

Labels, garden 270

Morayshire, damage by
sandstorm in 262

Orchid notes and glean-
ings—

Odontioda Gloss 263

Odontoglossum Eden 263
Odontoglossum Phillip 263
Odontoglossum Phii-
iipsianum aureum 263

Orphan Fund, Gar-
deners'Royal 271

Potato spraying 270

R.H.S. Garden's Guild 2tl

Shrewsbury, spring
flowers in the Quarry
Park 262

Silver leaf disease of
Plums 270

Societies —

Manchester & North
of England 272

Strawberries, " Red
Plant "in

Sulphate of Ammonia,
prices for

Tret s and shrub- —
Pvrus auriculaiis. . . .

Weeks work, the.. 261,

Whitsuntide holidays,
tin- 261

200
262

267
21 5

Begonia manicata
Books, notices of —
Roses, their History,
Development and

Cultivation 263

Buckwheat, the culti-
vation of 262

Chelsea Show to Wisley
gardens by char-a-
banc 261

Darfleld Rectory, York-
shire, garden of the
Rev. Walter Stone-
house at, in 1610 268

Edinburgh bowling

greens 261

Farrer's, Mr. Reginald's
exploration in Asia . . 270

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Cremanthodium sp. (Farrer's) 266

Erinus alpinus 265

Myosotis dissitiflora Roll of Honour 263

Pyrus Aria 269

Pyrus auricularis 267

Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week
deduced from observations during the last fifty
years at Greenwioh, 55.7°.

Actual Tempera ture : —

Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street,
Covent Garden, London. Wednesday, May 26,
10 a.m. ; Bar. 29.8, temp. 70°. Weather— Showery.

The changing conditions of
Green Crops Agriculture— rhe shrinkage
■"""" in the area of grass land,

Dairy Cows, the increased demand for
milk and the high prices of
feeding-scuffs — are imposing on farmers the
necessity for modifying their traditional
practice of adopting new methods. Of these
methods, that of the partial or complete
substitution of arable land for pastures
the source of food-supply, is, although not
new, one of the most interesting. This
system, often known as the "soiling" system,
has been strongly advocated by -Mr. Wibber-
ley in his interesting book Farming on Fac-
tory Lines. This book is bound to make a
strong appeal to culivators accustomed to
forms of intensive cultivation, but it is prob-
able that the average farmer's conversion to
the " soiling system " will only be effected
by complete and local demonstration of its
superiority to the commoner system of hus-
bandry. It was with the object of testing
this system as applied to local conditions that
Prof. White, of the Department of Agricul-
ture of the University of North Wales,
began, in 1916, a series of experiments, the
results of which are now reported.* In that
year a field was sown in October with a
mixture of 4 bushels of Oats (Bountiful) and
1 bushel of winter Vetches per acre. A
heavy crop of green food was cut
in June, 1017, and the land, after
ploughing and cultivation, was sown at
the end of July with White Turnips
which yielded 14 tons to the acre. The crop
was fed on the land by sheep in winter
and was cleared by February, 1918.
In the following season the fields were

"Growth of Green Crojys on Arable Land for Dairy
Come— Univ. Coll. of N. Wales.

sown with Spring Oats, Peas, and Vetches,
partly at the beginning and partly towards
the end of April. The heavy crop obtained
provided green food for dairy cows from (he
end of June to the end of July, with a surplus
which was made into hay. After the hay
crop was harvested the land was disc har-
rowed and sown broadcast, partly with
Rape, and partly with White Turnips, in the
third week of August. These provider! good
food' for ewes and lambs in the following
April. The drought of the spring of 1919
interfered with the success of the experiment
bv making it impossible to secure a satis-
factory tilth for the succeeding crop. In
another field, after early Potatos had been
lifted in August, Rape was sown as and
when the Potatos were cleared. That sown
up to the middle of August proved success-
ful, but Riape sown later made but little
growth during the Autumn. In another
field Maize was sown.. Two methods were
employed. In one it was sown in rows and
the seed covered by splitting the ridges. It
failed. In another it was sown in every other
furrow and covered by the plough, wfhich was
set to give a furrow two inches deep. This
method proved completely successful. The
M;iize, which grew strongly, was ready for
cutting at the beginning of October, and
although dairy cows which had access to
pasture scarcely touched it when it was
thrown out to them, cows kept indoors ate
it greedily. Unlike Maize, Cabbage thrown
on to pastures was readily eaten by cows,
and would seem, therefore, 'preferable for use
as an Autumn crop. Early Drumhead Cab-
bage, drilled at the same time as Mangels and
thinned to about 2 feet apart, produced a
heavy crop ready for use from September to
the end of November. These experiments
were necessarily of a preliminary nature, but
the results they gave led to the planning of a
more systematic method of cropping for
1919. It is obvious that farmers on heavy
land in districts of large rainfall encounter
great difficulties in autumn sowing. Thus,
in North Wales the autumn and winter of
1918 were so wet that no sowing could be
done until the end of April 1919. Farmers
beset with this condition were inquiring of
the college with respect to the possibilities of
the soiling system, and hence it was decided
to use their co-operation in the experiment.
The details of the cropping adopted at the
different centres are too numerous to be
dealt with here ; but the general conclusion
to which the results point may be men-
tioned :— Mixtures of Oats and Peas or
Vetches supply a succession of green food in
July and August serviceable in supplement-
ing the failing pastures. For later use
White Turnip and Cabbage were available
and are even more certain in the North
Wales climate than is Maize. Rape sown
before the middle of August is ready in
November, but if sown later does not come
in until spring. Systems of cropping which
supply green food in supplement to failing
pastures are of great value on most dairy
farms and serve to maintain milk flow more
cheaply than does the use of purchased
cake.

The Gardeners' Company. — Permission has
been granted to the Gardeners' Company by the
Court nl Alii Tiiifii of the City to increase their
Livery from 160 to 250.

From Chelsea Show to Wisley Gardens — If
the present delightful weather continues we feel
sure many visitors to the Chelsea Show will
take advantage of the arrangements which have
been made for those Fellows of the Royal
Horticultural Society who wish to visit the
Gardens at Wisley 'on Thursday, June 3, the
third day of the Chelsea Show, to be conveyed
by motor char-a-banc at the cost of 10s. a head.

The car will start from the Embankment
entrance to the show ground at 1.30 p m. and
return to reach London by not later than 8
p.m. Those who wish to avail themselves of
this opportunity of visiting the Wisley Gardens
are requested to send their application, together
with remittance, to the Secretary, The Royal
Horticultural Society, Vincent Square, West-
minster, as soon as possible.

R.H.S. Garden's Club. — A meeting of the
R.H.S. Garden's Club will be held at Wisley
on Saturday, June 5th. A train leaves Waterloo
at 10.34, arriving at Byfleet at 11.24. A short
service in memory of those students who fell in
the war will be held in Wisley Church at 12.30.
Light Luncheon will be provided in the Labora-
tory at 1 o'clock, foUowed by a general meeting.

Programme of the Chelsea Show — At the
Royal Horticultural Society's great spring ex-
hibition, to be held in the grounds of the Royal
Hospital, Chelsea, on June 1, 2 and 3, judging
will commence on the opening day at 10 a.m.
The Fruit, Floral, Orchid and Tulip Committees
assemble at the Committee tent at 10.30 a.m.
(and not as stated on p. 249). and the show will
be opened to the public at 12 noon. The Scien-
tific Committee wi1! meet at 4 p.m. On June 1
Dr. E. J. Russell will lecture on Some Mcdern
Aspects of Scientific Manuring: on June 2. Dr.
A. B. Rendle will discourse on Plants of Interest
in the Exhibition; and on June 3 Capt. H. J
Page will deliver a lecture on Green Manuring ■
its possibilities iu Horticulture. These lectures
will be given in the Lecture tent at 3 p.m.
Provineia1 readers may be interested to learn
that the exhibition ground is about ten minutes'
walk from Victoria Station and about five min-
utes from Sloane Square District Railway Sta-
tion. Omnibuses from many parts of London
and its suburbs run along King's Road, Chelsea
(which borders the estate on the north side), and
Pimlico Road, and over Chelsea Bridge to Sloane
Square. These directly connect the exhibition
with Liverpool Street,' the Bank, Fleet Street,
Piccadilly, Westminster, Victoria, Islington.
Holloway. Shepherd's Bush and Clapham
Junction.

The Whitsuntide Holidays.— The weather pre-
vailing throughout the Whitsuntide holiday was
of a quality generally described as "glorious."
Alike on Saturday, 'Sunday and Monday, the
sun shone brilliantly and the heat was tem-
pered by a gentle breeze. Holiday makers
spent most of the time out of doors, allotment
holders and amateur gardeners were busy every-
where, and not a few people, believing summer
had arrived, planted out their summer^bedding
plants, as well as Tomato. Marrow and Runner
Bean plants, as though late May frosts never
occurred. The public parks, with their beauty
of flower and foliage, were thronged with people
throughout the long days, while the River
Thames and the cricketing centres afforded
recreation for the more energetic of Metro-
politan folk, and the gardens at Hampton Court
and the Royal Gardens, Kew, -were visited by
thousands of people interested in flowers and
plants. It is gratifying to learn that the
weather in most parts of the country favoured
an outdoor holiday and that the majority of
holiday-makers spent the long days in the open
air.

Edinburgh Bowling Green Charges. — At a
meeting of the Games' Sub-Committee of the
Edinburgh Parks Committee, the question 1 f
the charges for the bowling greens was under
consideration in view of the boycott of the
players against the increased rates. It was
agreed, subject to the approval of the Parks
Committee, to reduce the rat.' for rink play to
2Jd! per hour per player: the charge for singles
and pairs to be at the rate of 4d. per hour and
2d. per half-hour.

Wages of Agricultural Workers.— At a recent
meeting, the Agricultural Wages Board ion
siilcred the motion of the representatives ol
workers that the minimum wage for adult male
aRl'icultural workers be increased to 50s. per
week throughout England and Wales, together
with the reports which had been received from
the Districl Wages Committees on the subject.

262

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[May. 29,11920.

After prolonged discussion it was decided, on
the suggestion of the " appointed " members,
that in view of the fact that the consultations
between the Agricultural Wages Board and the
District Wages Committees showed that a very
large number of the Committees had declined
to consider an increase of wages without know-
ing the policy of the Government with regard
to agriculture which was expected to be con-
tained in the Bill which was shortly to be pub-
lished, the consideration of the general increase
of the rates of wages for adult male workers
should he adjourned until the meeting of the
Board to be held on June 1.

Association of Kew Gardeners in America —
A meeting of the Association of Kew Gardeners
in America was held in Boston, Mass., on
March 25, 1920. Mr. W. H. Judd acted as
chairman and Mr. E. K. Thomas as secretary
for the occasion. Those present were Messrs.
J. McGregor. T. D. Hatfield, J. Brown. H. E.
Downer, F. Cave, C. Van der Voet, and J. B.
Reardon. Letters were read from Messrs. M.
Free and S. R. Candler tendering their resigna-
tions as President and Secretary respectively
After some discussion, the resignations were
accepted and Mr. W. H. Judd was elected as
Permanent Secretary-Treasurer. It was agreed
that for mutual benefit Kewites should form
local organisations at centres nearest to them,
especially in New York, in Philadelphia and in
Boston ; that they should endeavour to meet
once or twice a year, and at their annual meet
ings appoint a chairman for the particular
occasion. The report of the retiring Treasurer,
showing a balance of $25.89. was read and
accepted. An enjoyable evening was spent.

Spring Flowers in the Quarry Park, Shrews-
bury.— Many of our readers who are familiar with
the Quarry Park, Shrewsbury, as the site of
so many extensive and wonderful exhibitions
of flowers, fruits and vegetables, will be in-
terested to learn that -this delightful open
space has been particularly attractive of late.
Mr. A. J. Ward, the park superintendent, pro
vided a Very delightful diisplay of spring
flowers which was the admiration of all
Salopians and the many visitors to the town
The most attractive floral combinations seep
at the Quarry this year included Blood Red
Wallflower with Tulip Prince of Austria ;
Myosotis with Tulip Pink Beauty; Cloth of
Gold Wallflower with Tulip Keizerskroon ;
Double Arabis with Tulip Chrvsolora ; Purple
Queen Wallflower with Tulip 'White Hawk ;
Yellow Wallflower! with Tulip Sir Thomas
Upton j Orange Bedder Wallflower with Tulip
La Remarquable ; Fire King Wallflower with
Tulip White Hawk ; Polyanthuses with Tulip
Dusart; and Vulcan Wallflower with Tulip
Chrvsolora, The Quarry Park— which, after a
lapse of six years will again he the site of a
great Floral Fete in August— with its magnifi-
cent avenues of Lime trees some 160 feet in
height and frontage over a mile en the River
Severn, is one of the finest natural pants in
the country.

Prices of Sulphate of Ammonia in 1920-21.—

The Ministry of Agriculture and the Board of
Agriculture for Scotland have come to an
agreement with the great majority of the makers
of sulphate of ammonia with regard to the
maximum prices to be charged for this fertilizer
in the season 1920-21. These prices are the
maximum nett cash prices for sulphate of
ammonia containing 24| per cent, by weight ' f
ammonia, in makers' 2-cwt. bags, delivered in
quantities of not less than 4 tons to the pur-
chaser's or consumer's nearest railway station
or wharf in Great Britain, or f.o.b. British port
m the case of sales to Ireland, Isle of Man, or
the Channel Islands, and are subject to a trade
discount in the case of sales to manure mixers,
agricultural merchants, dealers and Co-opera-
tive Societies : — Deliverv in June. 1920,
£23 10s. per ton; July, £23 10s. ; August, £24;
September, £24 10s. ; October, £25 ; November,
£25 10s.; December. £26; January, 1921.
£26 10s.; February, 1921, £27; March, April
and May, £27 10s. The other conditions of
sale remain the same as during the past season,

except that the additional charges authorised for
each additional quarter of 1 per cent, of am-
monia, for sulphate of ammonia containing less
than 0 025 per cent, of free acid, and for sul-
phate of ammonia specially ground at the pur-
chaser's request have been raised 5s. 6d.,
7s. 6d. and 7s. 6d. per ton respectively ; and as
the basis scale of prices now applies to minimum
quantities of 4 instead of 2 tons, an additional
charge of 5s. per ton is authorised for deli-
veries of 2 tons and over, but less than 4 tons.

Violent Sandstorm in Morayshire.— The sand-
storm which visited Morayshire during the wee r
ending May 15 was the most violent experienced
or ma-ny years. The surface soil was very dry,
especially in the districts where the soil is' LighV.
When the storm was at its height the sand
uegan to drift like snow, cutting the young cereai
plants ana laying bare the seed in many places.
while in others it covered up the growing plants
with a layer of sand which they will not be abi.:
to penetrate. Grass seeds recently sown ha-"
in many instances been lost, and it will ibe of
little use to attempt re-sowing. There ai --
large breadths of sandy land in Morayshire, and
the tillers of the soil there are quite accustomed
tc these sandstorms. They suffer these heav
losses with a philosophic calm which they K-
-'iot receive full credit for. This latest storm
i-owever, affected much of the better class if
land that had never previously been affected.
Ihe systematic planting of shelter belts in du
tricts thus affected by blowing sand seems de-
s'rable *.o counteract the trouble. Those intei
ested all agree as to this desirability, but
evidently it seems nobody's business to take the
initiative. Some proprietors have done a little in
this direction, but the pity is these shelters have
not always been planted in the proper place to
mitigate i.tie trouble and form an efficient wind
break. Perchance the Scottish Board of Agr
culture Tray take action and arrange for system
; tie planting of wind-breaks. That it would pav
goes without saying, for the damage done by
these sandstorms must amount to many thi,:
sands ot pounds ; and there must also be tor
sidered not only the hardship entailed on those
who own and cultivate the land, but also the
great los- ot valuable foodstuffs.

Buckwheat. — Although Buckwheat (Fagopy-
rum esculentum), in spite of the excellence of
the cakes made therefrom, is not likely to be
grown largely as a grain crop in this country,
it is worthy of the attention of experimentors as
a green manure crop. For, as pointed out by
Mr. Clyde, in Leighty* it thrives on poor
thin land if the climatic conditions are suitable
and is, moreover, a good soil disintegrator —
making hard soils friable. Buckwheat grows
we'd on soils poor in lime and is remarkably
< iticient in absorbing lime and. also potash from
such soils. It needs, however, a moist, cool
climate, as visitors to Brittany may know who
have admired the late summer crimson tints of
fields of Buckwheat. Although intolerant of
cold it may, by reason of its short season of
10-12 weeks, be grown, if sown late, in high
altitudes. The chief drawback to the use of
this crop for grain is the damage done to its
yield by drought, or hot weather, but this does
not apply when it is to be used for green
manuring. Analyses show that Buckwheat,
although grown on poor soil, is a very efficient
collector of mineral substances — absorbing per
acre about 40 lb. of nitrogen, 124 lb. of phos-
phoric acid, nearly 30 lb. of potash and as
much lime. Beside the several varieties of
F. esculentum (Tartary Buckwheat) F. tartari-
cum, or " Rye " Buckwheat, is also grown and
is stated to resist frost better and succeed in the
pourest land. In addition to its other virtues,
Buckwheat is an exceHent weed killer. The
practice of sowing Buckwheat and Rye together
is one which deserves testing. When done for
the purpose of green manuring the former crop,
which keeps the Rye in check, is harvested and
the Kye left to stand over winter and ploughed
in in the spring.

The Cyder Industry. — The work of the
National Fruit and Cyder Institute, Long Ash-
ton, Bristol, is given in the Journal issued by

* Fanners Bulletin 1002 U.S. Dept, of Agriculture

the Bath and West and Southern Counties
Society. The work of the Institute suffered
severely during the period of the war, yet its
position is stronger to-day than in 1914, while
there are prospects of further developments in
the near future. The improvement of farm
orchards in the West of England is naturally
regarded as being of fundamental importance in
relation to the future of fruit growing and the
cyder industry, and the Horticulture Division of
the Ministry of Agriculture is co-operating with
the Institute to remedy the frequently unsatisfac-
tory state of the orchards. Old-fashioned methods
O'i making cyder are gradually being super-
seded by more scientific processes, which ensure
a sound, matured, and palatable cyder, the value
of which is added toby its good keeping qualities.
Arrangements have now been concluded for the
purchase of Fenswood Farm, which adjoins the
Institute, at Long Ashton. Tile Development
Commissioners recently intimated that they were
prepared to recommend the Treasury to make a
grant from the Development Fund, amounting
to one-half of the capital required, provided
that Bristol University was prepared to
find the other half. The University
accepted the offer of the Treasury, and
sanction for the grant having been received,
steps to complete were forthwith taken.
Acquisition of the farm will," says the report,
provide an additional 200-odd acres of land
for experiments in fruit culture, and will remove
all further anxiety in that direction." Seeing
the great advance in the value at cyder of late
years, and the inevitable further increase in
prices ahead, the work of the Institute will un-
doubtedly be more closely followed by the
general public than has been the case hitherto.

" The Gardeners' Chronicle " Seventy-five
Years Ago.— Horticultural Exhibition at
Chuwich. — Whoever had the good fortune to
be present at the Exhibition of Flowers and
Fruit last Saturday, in the Garden of the
Horticultural Society must, if he was at all
acquainted with gardening, have been most
especially struck, not only by the great quan-
tity of beautiful specimens, but also by the
general absence of bad ones. Only a few years ago
exhibitors were proud of one single finely-grown
plant in a collection of forty ; now they are
ashamed of an indifferent one in the "same
number. In the beginning of these annual
meetings, people claimed credit for that sort
of skill which consisted in producing a few
forced Kalmias and a dozen miserable Roses
flowering in pots ; no gardener c6uld now ven-
ture to face the ridicule which their exhibitions
would produce. As this change has been
visibly connected with the competition at
Chiswick, it shows conclusively how ' im-
portant are the effects eventually pro-
duced by a judicious distribution of
rewards to deserving men; and that public
bodies should not be discouraged if their first
attempts at producing improvements are unat-
tended with all the success which sanguine per-
sons might anticipate. It is evident that the
true course to take in all such cases is, first to
determine what it is desirable to accomplish,
and then to persevere in offering premiums until
the object sought for shall have been gained.
Doubtless, money is apparently wasted in this
operation ; and sums may at first be paid which
are far beyond the merit which they reward.
But the mere fact that moderate success gains
in public immoderate distinction is sure to ex-
cite ambition, and to stimulate to the utmost
whatever talent the country may contain. Bat
this is very far from being the only great result.
It may be doubted whether it is even the most
important. Another effect is to render com-
mon that kind of skill which, without public
competition, would continue to be confined to a
few. as it always was before the system of great
annual exhibitions was acted upon. Publicity
is fatal to the laggards who abound in all walks
of life. A dull-witted or incapable gardener,
who goes on in the ancient fashion, letting alone
what he calls " well," and never striving after
improvement, is either ruined by the activity
and skill of his neighbours, or is roused intD
exertion and bestirs himself to equal them. —
Card Chron., May 31, 1845.

May 29, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

263

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

A Book on Roses.

Ma. Peslberton has brought out a second
editiou of his well-known book on Hoses* pub-
lished some 12 years ago.

Those to whom this book is familiar will re-
member that it is divided into two parts, the
first descriptive of the Rose in its wild and cul-
tivated forms, the second part dealing with the
cultivation of Roses, while an appendix contains
a list of selected Roses recommended for cultiva-
tion in the garden.

In the second edition no very great changes
appear in the body of the work. The author
has added to the first part of the book a couple
of paragraphs on the Hybrid Musk Roses, a
group on which he has himself worked with con
spicuous success, and lather more than a page
on the group raised by M. Pernet Ducher, which
he now calls the hybrid lutea, but which, with
a misplaced pedantrv. the National Rose Society
was induced to label Pernetiana.

The second part of the book, dealing with
cultivation, has a few alterations of minor im-
I ortance, particularly in those chapters which
i elate to diseases of the Rose, which are thus
brought up-to-date.

The Selected List in the Appendix has been
rather drastically altered, as might be expected.
and .perhaps one of the chief interests in the
second edition is to see how the author has dealt
with this part of his subject. The author warns
us that the list is not to be regarded as a cata-
logue ; it contains upwards of 160 varieties and
it would be unfair to treat it as more than a list
of the author's favourites amongst Roses. It
must not, therefore, he pressed further than it
is intended to go. Nevertheless, its omissions
strike one at first sight as a little startling.
First, nearly all well-known exhibition varieties
are omitted — Bessie Brown, Dean Hole, William
Shean, Gloire de Chedane-Guinoisseau and the
rest of them ; the author has no further use for
them. Next, he has removed nearly all the
hybrid Perpetuals — Horace Vernet, Victor Huge.
Commandant Felix Faure, and the like, no
longer find a plaoe. Last, he has removed nearly
all the Redding Teas — perhaps this is the most
curious feature of the list. Mme. Lambard,
Mme. Antoine Mart, G. Nabonnand, Lady
Plymouth, Corallina, Mme. Jean Dupuy, even
Alexander Hill Gray, are all excluded.

It is true that of recent years we have had
no addition to the groups of bedding Teas, and
possibly this may be taken as some indication
that their popularity is on the wane, but if so
it is unfortunate, for we have nothing to replace
them for their special purpose.

There is no complaint, as so often heard among
visitors to Rose shows, that the new Roses
exhibited are deficient in fragrance. This is not
altogether true, as witness the delicious perfume
of Mrs. Elisha Hicks. Mrs. George Norwood and
a few others, but there can be little question
that as a class the Hvbrid Tea, which has be
come so popular of late years, is fa- '
the old Hybrid Perpetual in the quality of
fragrance. At the recent spring Rose show of
'he National Rose Society the delightful per-
fume that used to fill the air and greet the ex-
hibitor at the entrance to the show was con-
snicuous by its absence, and the driving of the
Hybrid Perpetual into banishment is largely re-
sponsible for this defect.

The H.P. was more difficult to grow well than
the H.T. : a larger proportion of its flowers
were poorly formed, and to secure a few good
hlooms a larger number of plants had to be
grown and a longer period elapsed between its
summer flowering and its reappearance in
intimn: but it had some good qualities. It is
hardy ; a well-grown flower is beautifully formed
and it has the damask fragrance we now so
often seek in vain. It may, therefore, be too
early to banish it from our gardens until we
can eet something that will replace these de-
lightful qualities.

The miblio are themselves to some extent to
blame in the matter, because nurserymen natur-

ally grow the varieties they expect to be in
most demand. These are the varieties they grow
and exhibit (and a visit to any Rose nursery
will show how small is the area allotted to the
hybrid perpetuals). That they will ultimately
disappear altogether, like the hybrid Chinas,
may, or may not, be probable, but it is much to
be desired that this will not take place til] we
have in their stead popular Roses with the
damask perfume often called the true Rose
scent.

It is an interesting exercise to try to
analyse the various pertumes of different varie
ties of the Rose, and one in which Mr. Pember-
ton has himself indulged. Besides the damask,
there are the Tea perfume, the musk or honey
scent, the fruity odour and, it may be, others ;
hut however we may reifine upon them and de-
fine them, the only really satisfying fragrance
of the Rose is that connected with the damask
or its derivates.

Mr. Pemberton's book is well illustrated and
has proved a reliable gnide in the hands of
all who have worked with it.

Pl.illipsian.um (eximium x luteo-pirrpureum
Viiylstekeanum), in which all the parents
seem to be blended in the most effective
manner. A good 0. cnspum is the founda-
tion, but the yellow ground colour and
firm soibstance come from 0. triumphans, whose
presence is also disclosed by the crest of the
lip, which has a fringed white front and basal
chestnut-red blotch. The sepals, and equally
broad petals, are claret-red, with the yellow
gTound colour appearing in small markings, and
at the margins and tips. In this, as in most
other hybrids, it is interesting to note the
persistent assertion of the primary species in the
progeny.

ODONTIODA GLOSS.

OnONTiODA Gloss (triumphans x Charles-
worthii), for which Mr. Ashton obtained an
Award of Merit at the last meeting of the Royal
Horticultural Society, with its uniformly orange-
red flowers and shining surface, points to a fact
now well demonstrated, of the potency of
Oda. Charlesworthii in seeming self-coloured

Fig. 121. — mtosotis dissitiflora roll of honour.
R.H.S. Award of Merit, May 11, 1920 (see p. 215).

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

• »o«M ; Thrir Hi.torv. Derrlopmrnt nnd CWmlion
iqT™ . "*,■ "'"I'."'1 H' '•'"'hfrtoii. pp. 334; 2nd Edition'
is-u London, Meaern. LongmanH, price 15a.

ODONTOGLOSSUM PHILLIPSIANUM
AUREUM.

In their group at the Royal Horticultural
Society's meeting on May 11, Messrs. Charles-
worth and Go. showed a remarkable form
of this cross between O. eximium and O.
luteo-purpureum Viiylstekeanum, with light
yellow flowers in which the brown blotching
usually inherited from the species only appeared
in a slightly darker yellow shade, as in the.
form of O. luteo-purpureuui used as a parent.
In crosses with varieties in which colour
suppression occurs the progeny frequently show
the markings of the type, but occasionally pro-
duce, as in this case, examples closely following
the colourless parent, and in such varieties the
form of the flowers coincides.

ODONTOGLOSSUM PHILLIP.

Pantta Ralli, Esq., Ashtead Park, Surrey

(Orchid grower Mr. Fames), sends the first in-

florescence of a very beautiful cross between O.

harvengtense [crispum \ triumphans) and O,

flowers. These known facts should be borne in
mind by raisers.

ODONTOGLOSSUM EDEN.

Under the above name, Pantia Ralli, Esq.,
Ashtead Park, Surrey (Orchid grower Mr.
Fames), showed three examples of a cross be-
between 0. Eva (cirrhosum x polyxanthum
(Kegeljani) and O. eximium xanthotes (arden-
tissimum x crispumi), a; the Royal Horticultural
Society's meeting on May 11, the exhibits show-
ing interesting variation. Two were fine.
broad-petalled, white flowers, heavily blotched
with dark-reddish purple, showing much of the
blotched O. crispum in the best forms of O.
eximium, notwithstanding the fart that in this
case I he albino form, with occasional chrome
yellow spots, was used. The third vari.lv bore

'es9mblance to the other two, the pale yellow

"■ Kegeljani dominating in the colouring and
■ils.. in the form of the flower, which had
narrower and more angular segments. The
blotching, m all (he ancestors was suppressed
..Is... and only an occasional reddish spot fol-
lowing the distribution of the markings in 0
eximium xanthotes, appeared

264

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Mat 29, 1920.

The Week's Work.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By T. Pateman, Gardener to C. A. Cain, Esq., J. P.,
The Node, Codicote, Welwyn, Hertfordshire.

Raspberries. — The canes are usually tied to
stakes or wires, and they should now be
examined to see if any of the ties have been
broken or loosened by boisterous winds. Where
necessary, the canes should again be made
secure, using tarred fillis or string.

Horizontally-trained Pears. — Young, horizon-
tally-trained Pear trees that have been planted
within the past two or three years need atten-
tion with regard to training the leading shoots.
The wood should not be allowed to become hard
and brittle before this is done, otherwise
the growths miay ibe broken. Young shoots in
the centre of the plant may be pinched when
they are about eighteen inches long, which is
generally the space allowed between the
branches. I have found that by stopping shoots
in the summer the buds break more evenly than
by allowing the centre growths to develop un-
checked until such time as the winter pruning
takes place. Pear trees that have filled their
allotted space, and are making a lot of growth
from the spurs, may, at intervals, have some
of the shoots removed. I am not in favour of
early pruning, but I think it is desirable to thin
out some of the growths where they are
crowded. Summer pruning proper should be de-
ferred until August.

Fruit Prospects. — There is every prospect of
good fruit crops, notwithstanding that the month
of April was very wet when most of the trees
were in bloom and that on April 5 six degrees
of frost were registered. Most of the Apple
trees were in bloom at that date yet they do
not appear to have taken harm. Pears on walls
have set well, and in some cases the fruits will
require to be thinned, but standard and bush
Pears, which gave great promise earlier, will.
I fear, in a great many cases, prove failures.
I do not remember Peach and Nectarine trees
so studded with fruit as they are this
year. Plums and Gages on walls have set Ia<-
too many fruits. Standard and bush trees of
Victoria and Early Rivers' Plums promise to
bear good crops, but other varieties have only
a moderate number of fruits. Damsons are
good. Morello Cherries are excellent, but Sweet
Cherries will. I fear, be a thin crop. Goose-
berries were never so plentiful and the fruit is
very early. Black and Red Currant bushes are
well laden with fruit. Strawberries, Rasp-
berries and Newberries all promise to give ex
cellent crops.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By F. Jordan, Gardener to Lieut. -Col. Spender Clat,
M.P., Ford Manor, Ling-field, Surrey.

Vines. — The next two months are an anxious
time for those who have charge of an extensive
range of vineries. Work in every house is at
full pressure, and many with depleted staffs will
find great difficulty in keeping up to date with
operations. Avoid hard forcing of the earliest
house if the Grapes are causing any anxiety as
to finishing satisfactorily. Careful surface feed-
ing, with a slight reduction of temperature
and a little extra night air, will all assist in
bringing about the desired result, according to
the stage of the vines. Red Spider often ap-
pears on the vines at this stage, owing chiefly
to the extra fire-heat and little ventilation used
to hasten the ripening of the crop. A careful
watch should be kept on drv corners, and soli-
tary leaves attacked by the pest should l.ie
sponged, but once red spider infests a vinery
it is difficult to exterminate the pest tuitil the
Gra,pes are cut. Pipes painted with stilphur are
unsightly ; when sulphur is used in this way the
pipes should be made very hot towards night,
and all ventilators and outlets closed. Tile
ventilators should be opened early next morninj

and all available parts syringed. The pipes,
when cool, may be washed free of the sulphur
with tepid w-ater. Campbell's sulphur vaporiser
is easily used and offers an excellent method of
destroying red spider or attacks of mildew.

Successional Vineries. — Later houses in whic:>
the Grapes are swelling need attention. The
borders should have liberal supplies of water
and liquid stimulants. Admit air when the
temperature reaches 75° and gradually increase
the amount, always with a rising temperature,
until a maximum of 85° is reached. Similarly,
with a falling temperature the amount of
ventilation should be reduced. Close tihe
vinery early in the afternoon, with plenty of
atmospheric moisture, allowing the thermo-
meter to reach 90° for a short period, using a
little artificial heat, sufficient to allow the
temperature to drop gradually to 70° at 9 p.m.
and 65° the following morning. The work of
thinning the bunches will be finished with th.''
exception of looking over large bunches and
lange-berried varieties. Pinch strong lateral?
and regulate others to maintain a free circula-
tion of air amongst the foliage.

Muscat Grapes.— The berries having been
finally thinned, Muscat vines need similar treat-
ment to those for succession, except that tne
temperature may be a tew degrees higher tha:i
for Black Hamburgh; Gros Colmar will enjoy
the same temperature as Muscats. See that the
roots are kept in a healthy and active condition
and maintain a genial atmosphere, with plenty
of fresh air; in these conditions the Grapes will
make rapid progress and keep clean. Lady
Downe's and other late Grapes require the same
treatment in regard to heat, airing and atmo-
spheric moisture. Many condemn shading at any
time, but where the vines are not it good health
a light shade may be used on bright days.

By H.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

Wheeler, Gardener to Mrs Jenner, Wonvo
Castle, near Cardiff.

Dwarf Beans. — Sow French Beans in deeply-
worked, rich soil on a warm border to obtain
pods early. Make the drills two feet apart, and
place two seeds at intervals of one foot, cover-
ing them to a depth of three inches.

Broccoli and Savoy. — Make a sowing of late
varieties of Broccoli to provide supplies in the
late spring. A sowing of the smaller varieties
of Savoys should also be made at the same
time, as this crop will prove very useful if
grown i,n ground becoming vacant after an
early crop of some other vegetable.

Potatos. —Whilst there is danger of Potatos
being injured by frost, attention must be given
to drawing the soil up to the haulm, as it shows
above the surface. This should be done in the
mornings so that the soil may dry during the
day, as damage from frost is more likely to
occur if the shoots are damp.

Runner Beans.— It is now safe to plant, in the
open. Runner Beans which have been forwarded
in pots. Plant firmly in the prepared positions,
and in such a manner that an inch of stem below
the seed-leaves is clear of the soil. Staking
should be done at the time of planting — the
most satisfactory method is to use tall, slender
poles about twelve feet in height: two
to each plant. These upright stakes should
be supported in position by tying similar poles
in two horizontal lines at a height of four and
eight feet, finally tying cross-pieces to maintain
the double lines at the same distance apart at
the top as at the base. When training the lead-
ing shoots it should be borne in mind they will
only climb in the reverse direction to which the
sun travels. Water the roots after planting and
spray the seedlings overhead in the evening in
dry weather.

Vegetable Marrows.— Plants to supply the
summer and autumn crops should be planted
out-of-doors. Marrows require rich soil and
should be planted in prepared stations. Take
cut the soil in an area three feet in diameter,
a spit deep, and substitute a mixture of loam
and decayed manure in equal proportions. Three
plants should be planted at e""1' °'ation.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By John Coutts, Foreman, Royal Botanic Gardens,
Kew.

Euphorbia (Poinsettia) pulcherrima.— Stock
plants should be introduced to a warm house,
to obtain cuttings for rooting next month, which
is soon enough to start propagating. Many culti-
vators make the mistake of propagating this
plant too early. The rose-coloured form is worth
propagating in quantity, while the white variety
is of little decorative value, although a plant or
two may be grown for greater variety.

Carnations Plants of Souvenir de la Mal-

maison Carnations in flower require shading,
or the flowers will not last long and 60on lose
colour. Young plants intended tor layering later
should be relieved of some of the weaker shoots
to allow the plants to grow strong and sturdy.

Canna.— Plants of the earliest batches are
flowering, and those of later batches just de-
veloping their flower spikes. They should be
assisted by frequent applications of dilute manure
and soot water, as the Canna is a gross-feeding
plant. Continue to pot on younger stock for
successional blooming; six-inch or seven-inch
pots are sufficiently large for specimens required
for furnishing the stages in the conservatory,
Large plants, grown in twelve-inch pots, are.
useful for furnishing large conservatories, for,
with good cultivation and liberal feeding, they
continue to produce their flowers until the sea-
son of the Chrysanthemum.

Chrysanthemum.— The compost should be pre-
pared for the final potting of the general col-
lection of Chrysanthemums, as it is an advantage
to have it turned several times before it is 're'
quired for use. The loam should be chopped up
roughly, and, unless it is of a very heavy char-
acter, it is not desirable to include too much
leaf-mould. A portion of old Mushroom bed
manure may, with advantage, be used instead of
leaf-soil. The same discrimination should be
exercised in adding sand or other material for
rendering the compost open and porous. In
mixing potting soils for Chrysanthemums, or any
other class of plants, it is not desirable to add
large quantities of highly concentrated and
soluble manures, as they will be washed out of
the soil before the plants have developed suffi-
cient roots to take advantage of them. Apply
fertilisers when the pots are filled with roots.
A good general manure consists of 45 lb. of
super-phosphate, 351b. of fine bone meal, 151b.
of sulphate of potash and 171b. of sulphate of
ammonia. The ingredients should be mixed to-
gether and passed through a fine sieve several
times. The bone-meal will prevent the mixture
from hardening and caking together; and it is
best to mix only small quantities for more or
less immediate use. This mixture may, with
advantage, be used in the potting soil for the
general collection of plants, at the rate of a
48-sized potful to every three bushels of soil.
Dry wood ash is a good substitute for sulphate
of potash, which is still difficult to obtain.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By T W. Briscoe. Gardener to W. R. Lisaoht, Esq.,
CaBtleford, Chepstow.

Cattleya citrina. — The peculiar habit of this
species renders it unique in th,e genus Cattleya,
for it always grows and flowers in a downward
direction. In no other way will it succeed, there-
fore the plants should be made secure to teak-
wood rafts or blocks of wood and suspended
head downwards from the Toof rafters of the
intermediate house. It usually produces its
Tulip-like flowers in May, which, [having a
thick texture, remain in full beauty for two
en- three weeks. After the flowers are removed',
and when roots appear at the base of the cur-
rent pseudo-bulb, fresh rooting material may be
given, but if the roots are firmly attached to
the raft there is no necessity to. disturb the
plant. Remove as much of the old soil as pos-
sible, and substitute fresh peat and Sphagnum-
moss. Plants that have lost their roots and are
in consequence unhealthy may be removed, and
arranged securely on another piece of wood or
raft. Throughout the grow'-;; period a liberal

May 29, 1920.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

265

supply of moisture is needed, but when the
pseudo-bulbs are fully developed, the roots
should be kept on the dry side — in fact, the
plants need not be given water for several
weeks, and no harm will result.

Laelia pumlla. — When this charming little
Laelia and its varieties begin to root, the plants
may be top-dressed or cepotted. The plants
should be grown in shallow pans filled half then-
depth with broken potsherds for drainage. Only
a small quantity of soil is needed, consisting of
Osmunda-fibre or peat, and a small quantity of
Sphagnum-moss. Suspend the plants from the
roof rafters of the intermediate house, and shade
them from strong sunlight. Although the
roots need a liberal supply of water, during the
plants' period of active growth it must not be
given in excess, and when the plants are at
rest the compost should be kept only sufficiently
moist to prevent the tiny pseudo-bulbs suffering
harm from drought.

Selenipedium. — The members of this group of
the CyTipedium family, embracing C. caudatum,
C. SchJimii, U. grande, C. Sedenii and S. Sc'hroe-
derae, continue to bloom for a long period.
Large specimens may easily be obtained, and
big plants possess decorative value. Annual re
potting is not necessary, but where plants are
in need of additional root space the present
is a suitable time to repot them. The com-
post should consist of good fibrous peat and
Sphagnum-moss, but the strong-growing kinds,
such as S. grande. will benefit by the addition
of a little loam fibre. After repotting, applv
water sparingly, and afford the plants a little
extra shade until the roots take possession of
the new soil. A light spraying overhead twice
or thrice each day in hot weather is beneficial.
When the plants are well established they
enjoy copious supplies of water and a moist
atmosphere; at no time should the roots become
absolutely dry. These Orchids are not exacting
in regard to temperature, and may be grown
either in the warm house or Cattleya division.

THE ALPINE GARDEN.

THE FLOWEK GARDEN.

By Sidney Lego, Gardener to the Dowager LiDr
Nijnburnholme, Warter Priory, Yorkshire.

Garden Walks.— Red shale, which is obtainable
at the head of some coal-pits, is an inexpensive
material for forming garden walks. However,
unless the adjoining buildings and walls arc
constructed of red bricks, the shale should not
be used. Generally speaking, gravel of a soft
brown colour is preferable for garden pathways.
Neatly-kept walks attract the eye pleasantly;

Begonia. — All Begonias are partial to leaf-
mould. Previous to planting, afford the beds a
good dressing of flaky leaf-mould and a dusting
of Clay's fertiliser. These ingredients should be
thoroughly forked into the soil. Shallow plant-
ing should not be practised on light, sandy sons,
unless it is intended to conserve thfl soil
moisture by mulching. Manure from a spent
Mushroom-bed or other suitable material may
be employed for the purpose.

Veronica. — The lavender-coloured Veronica
Hulkeana is a very pretty and distinct
plant. It is an admirable shrub for

planting on -i south- wall and for other
decorative purposes ; it is also a most
Valuable pot plant. Grouped on a wide
ledge, formed by rooks, and planted in good,
fibrous loam, the plant is here making a fine
contrast against Berberis stenophylla. In
northern districts it is advisable to grow
Veronica Hulkeana in pots until it Iras made
hard wood before planting it in the open. It
may be propagated by cuttings inserted at the
present time.

Masonry. — It is not unusual, although de-
plorable, to see mullioned windows and other fine
architectural details almost entirely obliterated
by climbers, chiefly, belonging to the genus
Ampelideoe. There is yet time to curtail last
season's rampant and undesirable growths of
Vitis species without lasting injury to the plant;
in fact, a little bleeding of the vine will act as
a deterrent to an over-luxuriance of growth.

SYNTHYRIS RENIFORMIS.
Mr. T. W. Briscoe (page 203) has given an
attractive account of bynthyris reniformis as
grown at Castleford, Qhepstow, and the photo-
graph supplied an excellent picture of this
valuable little plant. It is almost unnecessary
to say more about it than to express entire
agreement with Mr. Briscoe in his commenda-
tion of this flower. It is quite hardy and is
the best of the three species of Synthyris which
seem to bo now dn cultivation. I understand
that it grows in moist places, generally jiiear
streams and little rivulets, in north-west
America, and a wihite variety has been spoken
of by those who have seen it growing wild. 'So
fax as I know, the white variety has not been
introduced and it as doubtful if it is in com-
merce at all. Tho earliness of S. reniformis
makes it specially useful either in the open or in
the Alpine house. *$\ Arnott.

ERINUS ALPINUS.

The charming little alpine illustrated in Fig.
122 is the variously coloured Erinus alpinus,
which Mr. Irving Teferred to in the issue for
April 3 last, p. 171. The plant is shown grow-

is too small to give a correct idea of the plant
and its habit. 6'. Arnott.

GENTIANA VERNA ANGULOSA.
Every lover of Alpine plants should grow
this delightful Gentian in pots or pans, if not
on a more generous scale suitably colonised in
the rock garden. To say that it is a taller,
larger flowered, and even more beautiful plant,
perhaps, than G. verna, and of much easier
cultivation, only does it scant justice. Its
winged, or acutely-angled, calyx is also distinct.
A huge panful of the plants, with a few dozens
of the brilliant blue flowers, was far and away
the best Alpine shown at the R.H.S. meeting
on April 13. It was in Mr. Tucker's collection.
The plants were seedlings in, I believe, their
fourth year, having first flowered when two
years old. The plant is in flower near me as'
I write, and seedlings from last year's seed
sowing are already appearing. The seeds should
be sown within a month of harvesting; it is
the only royal road to obtain a maximum crop
of seedlings. The plant thrives in light, turfy
loam, leaf-mould and sand. E. H. J.

ANEMONE BLANDA SCYTHINICA.

Those who have plants of this good form of

FlO. 122. — ERINUS ALPINUS FLOWERING ON A ROCKERY WALL.

ing up the face of a rock-wall, a situation best
suited to it, and the floriferous nature of the
s,pecies is apparent from the large number of
inflorescences the small specimen is bearing.

OXYTROPIS PYRENAICA

Of the species of Oxytropis in cultivation, one
of the greatest favourites of the few who cul-
tivate them is 0. pyrenaica. It suffers from
the reputation of difficulty of culture which has
been acquired by many of these plants, but it
is easier than some, and growers who have
failed with certain species have often succeeded
with 0. pyrenaica. My own losses of these plants
have been mainly through the attacks of slugs.
0. pyrenaica is a neat, dwarf plant, growing
only a few inches high, and having pleasing,
pinnate leaves, which are freely clad with silky
hairs. The heads of brilliant, purplish-lilac or
blue-purple flowers are of the characteristic
form of the Leguminoseae. The best plants of
0. pyrenaica I have met with were growing on
low rookwork, facing north-west, but receiving
a fair amount of sun. Sandy soil is the best.
Wooster figures this species in the Second Series
of his Alpine Plants, but the specimen shown

the Grecian Windflower (A. blanda), and are
desirous of increasing the stock by means of
seeds, must be ever alert as the period of the
maturing of the fruits draws near. At
flowering time the blossoms are fully
presented to view, but, as the period
of the ripening of the seeds approaches,
the heads arch over and, hiding them-
selves away amid tile leaves, valuable seeds
— the earliest ami best — are shed and lost before
the cultivator is aware that they are ripe. The
seeds are closely arranged on a dome-shaped
cushion, or disc, and in the process of de-
veloping and maturing — their attachment with
the domelike di.se being exceedingly minute -
they are forced away by the slightest touch or
pressure. In this way those earliest formed are
displaced by the oncoming crowd, often whilo
they are quite green. As even the experienced
suffer loss from the same cause, it is advisable
in order to prevent it to draw the seed heads to
the outer edges of a clump Boon after flowering
is over, and place saucers or other receptacles
in position to receive the seeds when they fall.
The seeds should be sown at once, and the
seedlings will flower in eighteen months. J.

266

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Mat 29, 1920.

tOI TORI A L NO TIOE.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the
PUBLISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent
Garde ii. W.C

Letters for Publication, as well as specimens oj
plants for miming, i-lwuld be addressed to the
EDITORS. 41. Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, London. Communications should be

WRITTEN ON ONE SIDE ONLr OF THE PAPEB, sent OS

early in the week as possible, and duly signed by
the writer. If desired, the signature wile not be
printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith.

Mr. REGINALD FARRER'S SECOND
EXPLORATION IN ASIA.*

18. — The Boundary.

I HAVE rarely seen a more magnificent
sight than the meadow slopes immediately
under Sabiya Kaw Pass in August. This
country suffers from its lack of empty spaces
as a rule ; and, when you do attain them, it is
usually in the form of short, high Alpine lawns,
velvety and windswept, rather than fields of
rich and flowery herbage, such as those which
yield Primula Purdomii, Meconopsis punicea
and Aster limitaneus on the Tibetan Alps, or
Paradisea Liliastrum, Campanula rhomboidalis
and Aster alpinus on the European. But the
last three hundred feet of the Sabiya Kaw Pass
handsomely make good this deficiency, and
amply compensate one for the long, arduousness
of the climb, for the lower stages, in August,
are comparatively dull, and superlatively tiring.
The Primulas, Big and Little Blue, are long since
gone to bed beneath a sea of Balsams, and
nothing is now discoverable beneath the Bam-
boos but that surf of dark, uninteresting foliage.
Down below, in the gullies, indeed, the pearly
Thalictrum still lingers, and there now appears
an Adenophora with stumpy bells of a blue, so
pale as to be merely a whitish .grey ; while on the
mossy boulders and tree trunks there glitter
here and there the white stars of a most charm-
ing little high alpine Utricularia, replaced a,
hundred feet higher, in similar places, always in
shallow moss, by an even tinier twin, of lilac-
mauve, with long tails to the blossom.

But otherwise, only memories and hones en-
liven the climb. Up and up the traveller
wearily toils, and, after many a steep, suddenly
turns a comer and comes out over a shoulder
of cliff, on to the full glory of the open meadow,
as far as the eye can sweep, one simultaneous
riot of colour, laid on, not in clottings and
pepperings, but in the 'broadest and most
massive sweeps, such as might satisfy even
the most opulent day dreams of a herbaceous
borderer. The flowers blend by the acre, not
by the dozen, or even by the hundred : there are
solid furlongs of tender pink Geranium-yellow
Globeflower, crimson Polygonum, oitron
Primula, violet Delphinium, golden Anemone,
golden Saxifrages, golden, fragrant Corydalis,
and a soft, pale blue Lactuca like a
softened Cichorium Intybus with pendent
flowers. The whole picture combines in such a
vast, unbroken blaze of colour, that even from
far away below, down in the camp, the hillside
is seen to be painted all over with an indefinite
luminosity which distance is unable to deter-
mine. And this is only the broad general
picture ; dozens of other species give splashes
of detail. Here is the azure of Corydalis curvi-
flora, and there the purple of a cluster-headed
Aster, just beginning: dotted over all the slope
are the dark clumps and rarer spikes of the
pale yellow Gentian, while frequent blobs of
colour are provided by a very handsome mono-

• The previous articles by Mr. Farrer were published
iu our issues for June 21, June 28, July 12. August 9
August 2a, September 6, September 27, October 18'
November 1. November 22, December 6, 1919. Januarv
3, January 17, February 7, February 28, March 20 and
April 24.

carpic Umbellifer of two or three feet high,
with enormous hen-and-chicken heads of
blossom, pink in their promise and white in the
performance. Then there are pink Garlics, pale
blue, thorny Poppies, the dark violet of Salvias,
the pendent globular whiteness of the big
Cremanthodium, and the comparatively plebeian
lilac-purple of a Hedysarum : with many other
beauties, too numerous to conjure up, and too
tedious in the mere enumeration. But in this
Alp-wide rainbow, where the green foundation
of grass in hardly discernible, one note emerges
above the rest, shrill and clamorous, giving
point and relief to the hrilliant blur of the
whole. This is provided by yet another
Cremanthodium (see Fig. 123), intermediate in
stature between its predecessors, but with"
flowers, this time, of a clear and luminous pale
citron-yellow. Their ragged, fringy heads,
depending, have, from afar, a delusive sugges-
tion of a Primula ; and, as they occur in solitary
glory only, their innumerable myriads, peppered
over the confused blaze of colour, stand out
as vividly as singleton Daffodils over a field.

The Cairn on the actual Pass is a grey islet in
a sea of pink and yellow, among which modestly
occurs another precious little novelty, in the

Fig. 123. — cremanthodium sp., with yellow

FLOWERS.

form of a delicate Dicranostigma, or Cathcartia-
Meconopsis, of ten inches or so, annual-biennial,
with lyrate leaves, and four-petalled (normally)
flowers of palest milky blue, varying occasionally
to white or pink. But true Meconopsis is
disappointingly ill-represented in these ranges.
I take it that the race requires the neighbour-
hood (at least) of ground running to about 15-
16,000 feet, and that the .mere thirteens of these
Alps are therefore not enough for any such lavi»n
range of species as is afforded by the mountains
of the Likiang bend. Anyhow, my only
Meconopsis, so far, is a " remplacant " of M.
Prattii and M. racemosa on the open high Alps,
in the turfy lawns and rocky places, seeding
down to the river beds 'below. It is n( less
handsome than they, an aculeate Poppy,
possibly new, and certainly unpublished, staid-
ing nearest to M. sinuata, with long, narrow
leaves, sinuate lobate, bright green a..d brown
bristled, but palely glaucous below ; four-petalled
(normally) flowers of very soft Cambridge blue,
with blue stamens and yellow anthers, and long
narrow capsules, very strict up the scape in
fruit, of a darkly glaucous tone, like the scape
itself. Otherwise these hills give only M.
Wallichii, and that but in it» ugly vinous-

coloured form, varying very rarely, and only
to a rich lavender-pjurple, which would ibe
really desirable, if one could rely on it. But
the flowers, I confess, are fine and large.

You will see M. Wallichii, tall and stalwart,
down on the slope that descends to China, in
great luxuriance among other old friends. But
the Chinese side, by covenant, is prohibited
ground to me, as is the Burmese to Mr. Forrest
and his numerous assistants. So it was only
disinterestedly, and without prejudice, that I
descended to its laps of marsh, one below the
other, and there, to console me, saw nothing
new and notable, unless it were wide sweeps
of a Geranium similar to that above, but of
even a tenderer, purer pink. So back I toiled
again, up the infinite steeps of the climb, to the
Pass once more. From the Cairn, the frontier
runs sharply up, along an arete like a broken
stairway of turf and boulders. It is a trying
stretch, and with no new flowers, for still the
ornata-Gentian of these elevations is hugging its
buds closely and clearly does not mean to unfold
them till October. So that the scramble, though
arduous, is barren ; until you attain the summit
Cairn, some 800 feet above the Pass. And
there, whatever floral barrenness there be, is
made good at once by the unbounded richness
of the prospect. On the west, and northward,
the panorama of the " Burmese " Alps, solemn,
void, Northumbrian in their colouring, and
green with a close vesture of fine lawn that is
really all Bamboo ; on the other side, glens falling
away beneath wild 'barren crags into China,
down into the undiscoverable profundities where
the Salween runs, so close below, that you get
no glimpse of it but once, very far down, in
opener country towards the south. But above
its invisible bed, away and away into the east,
China unfolds her immeasurable panorama of
highlands and Alp3, long rolling lines, and
rosy-blue downs of cultivation, with paths like
white cobwebs trailed along the darkness of her
fells. The view rolls clean and clear for a hun-
dred miles or more; but nowhere, north, south,
east, or west, is there the smallest gleam of ice
or snow to be seen. Reginald Farrer.

TREES AND SHRUBS.

EFFECT OF THE SEVERE WINTER IN
THE ARNOLD ARBORETUM.

The winter of 1919 20, although less destruc-
tive to plants in the neighbourhood of Boston,
-Mass., U.S.A., than that of 1917-18, has been
exceptionally severe. Once in December, before
the ground was protected by snow, the thermo-
meter at the Arboretum fell to 12° below zero:
later heavy and numerous falls of snow buried
and protected plants less than three or four feet
high. Unfortunately, the snow rested on a layer
of ice, which did not thaw until the disappear-
ance of the snow at the end of March. This
ioe layer injured smaller plants, and this,
or the cold nights in December, killed in the
nursery the seedling plants of Juniperus
Pinchotii. This native of the Panhandle region
of north-western Texas is a handsome tree with
bright red fruit. Recently introduced into
gardens by the Arboretum, it was hoped that
a tree which grows naturally in a region of ex-
cessive winter cold would thrive in New
England.

The heavy snow and high winds have broken
the branches of several trees and shrubs, and
the destruction of the fine specimens of the
dwarf form of the Norwav Maple (Acer plata-
noides var. globosum) by the weight of the snow
on the branches is a serious loss. This plant
was imported from Germany in 1888.

Field mice, which have destroyed during the
winter, by girdling, thousands of young trees
in New England orchards and nurseries, have
done comparatively little damage in the Arbore-

1 May 29, 1920.}

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

267

turn. A number of shrubs have lost branches;
a ring of bark has been entirely removed from
the stem of one of the three plants of a Chinese
Box Elder, Acer griseum, and this plant will
probably not recover. Other interesting young
trees which have been badly injured by mice
are Acer mandshuricum, the great Box Elder
of northern Korea and Manchuria, and Acer
Davidii from western China- Rhododendrons.
Kalmias and broad-leaved Evergreens are gener-
ally in good condition.

A few conifers have suffered, but the damage
to these plants is less serious than it was two
years ago. and, judging by reports from Long
Island and the Middle States, the Arboretum
conifers have suffered less than those in some
of the collections further south. The young
Cedars of Lebanon, raised from seeds gathered
in Asia Minor, and for many years believed
to be proof against the rigors of the New Eng-
land winter, have lost, or will lose, many leaves
as they did for the first time two years ago.

valuable tree finds its northern home on Staten
Island and Long Island, New York, it will pro-
bably never grow to a large size here or prove
itself important for the decoration of northern
parks. The oldest specimen in the collection
was raised here in 1879 from seeds collected
at the Peaks of Otter in Virginia, and has suf-
fered less than the younger trees Taised from
Staten Island seeds.

Young plants of the Mexican White Pine
(Pinus Ayacahuite), which have been growing in
the Arboretum tor several years and have not
before been injured by cold, look as if they had
been browned by fire, and will probably die.
Small plants of Abies magnifica, the great Red
Fir of the Californian Sierra Nevada, and A.
cephalonica var. Apollinis, from south-eastern
Europe, both trees of doubtful hardiness, are
killed; and of the three trees of the California
form of Abies concolor the A. Lowiana of Eng-
lish nurserymen and the A. Parsonsii of some
American gardens, the leaves of two are for the

Plantarum. The plant has been in existence
for more than three hundred years, and is a
hybrid between the common Pear (Pyrus com-
munis) and the Whitebeam (P. Aria), therefore
uniting two very distinct groups of the genus.
Ordinarily it flowers in early May, but, like
nearly all spring-flowering trees, was much
earlier this year. A tree in the collection at
Kew bears every season a fine crop of blossom,
and a photograph of a spray from it is illustrated
in Fig. 124. Several large trees are to be found
in old gardens ; the largest at Kew is about
30 feet high, but there is, or used to be, one
at Bramford Hall, Ipswich, 60 feet high ; another
is at Arley Castle, which the late Robert Wood-
ward, in Ilortus Arleyensia, gave as 59 feet
high ; and Mr. Elwes mentions one at Beauport,
in Sussex, 43 feet high. At the present time
the Bollwyller Pear is not frequently obtainable
from nurserymen, which, considering its inter-
esting origin, as well as its floral beauty, is

Fro. 124.-

AURICTLARIS : THE BOI.I.W YI.I.ER PEAR.

by E. J.

The buds appear to be uninjured and the trees
will undoubtedly put out new leaves.

Two years ago the numerous specimens in the
Arboretum of the Black Pine of Japan (Pinus
Thunbergii) lost much of their foliage and the
trees look even worse now than they did two
years ago. The buds are generally alive, but it
will be a long time before these trees regain
their former vigour. This Black Pine is a
southern, sea-level tree, and in this country is
more picturesque than beautiful. In Tokyo,
however, and by the sides of the great southern
Japanese shore highway, there are magnificent
specimens. Raised at the Arboretum from seeds
planted in 1893. Pinus Thunbergii was never in-
jured here until the cold of the winter of 1917-
18 ruined its foliage. The short leaved southern
Pine (Pinus echinata) has lost many leaves again.
as it did two Years apo; and, although this

first time badly browned, while those of the
third are uninjured. Here and there a branch
with brown leaves appears in the Pinetum, but
on the whole the collection of conifers is in
better condition than might have been ex-
pected.

By the first of April the frost was out of the
ground here and there was every prospect of an
early spring, but April was a cold and rainy
month, with little sunshine, and most spring
flowers are opening nearly two weeks later
than in normal seasons. From the Bulletin of
7'opular I nfornuition, Arnold Arboretum,
Jamaica Plain, Mais., May 6, 1920.

THE BOLLWYLLER PEAR (PYRUS
AURICULARIS).

So long ago as 1650 this remarkable hybrid
was figured by Johannes Bauhin in Historia

to be regretted. It is said to have been found
originally in a hedge near Bollwyller, in Alsace,
early in the seventeenth century. In foliage
it follows more closely the Whitebeam (see Fig.
125), the leaves being clothed beneath with a
greyish-white felt; in shape, size and toothing
they also approach that species, but the lateral
ribs are not so prominent. The illustration gives
a good idea of the inflorescence, which is a
corymb 2 to 3 inches across, each Bower jl i,Kn
wide, pure white with rosy stamens. Like many
hybrids between related species, it is not very
fertile, but it does occasionally produce fruits.
These are yellow, ono inch in diameter
and pear shaped. A variety called hulhiformis
was raised from its seed fifty years or so ago
in Austria; this more nearly approaches the
Pear Ulan the original hybrid. IP. J. 11.

268

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[May 29, 1920.

THE GARDEN OF THE REV,

WALTER STONEHOUSE AT

DARFIELD RECTORY, IN

YORKSHIRE, 1640.

(Continued from page 256.)
[*** The spelling of the names of
plants in the following list is as in
the original manuscript. — Eds.]

Primula veris /lore viridi simplici. G.
„ „ „ pleno viridi. G.T.

* „ ,, viridante et albo simp.

T.
„ Heskctl.
[Found by Mr. Hesketh in a Wood called
Clapdale three miles from Settle, in
Yorkshire. 1
♦Primula veris Virginiana fl. : purpurco.
Pseudo-narcissus Anglicus vulgaris.

* „ „ Pyrenaeus.

„ „ Anglicus flore pleno, or

multiplex Gerardi.
„ aureus max : Angli Wil-

meri.
„ „ Callicus minor fl. pleno.

,, „ Hispanicus fl. albo medius.

•Ptarmicafl. pleno. G.

* ,, Imperati.
Pyracantha. G.T.

*Pyrola. G.

Q.
Quercula minor Chamaedrys.
Quinquefolium Tormentillse facii.

ii palustre purpureum.

Pv.

Radix cava, maior et minor. T.

* ). ,, fl. purpureo. G.
ltanunculus globosus, Flos Trollius Clusii G.

„ Anglicus maximus fl. pleno.

,, albus fl. pleno. T,

„ Creticus fl. argenteo.

Asiaticus fl. rubro pleno. T.
Rapuntlum minus.
Reseda vulgaris.

,, maior Italica. G.T.

Rha Earbarum verum Antiquorum.

Rhamnus primus Dioscoridis. G.

Khodia radix. G.T.

Rhus Virginiana.

Ribes fructu albo, rubro, nigro. G.T.

„ Sylvestre Tragi.
Rosa Anglic alba. G.
,, alba pleniore et paulum rubente fl.
,, Anglica rubra.

, Marmorea, vel Rosa vitrea Belgica.
, incarnata. T.

, Sine spinis. (^without tborns).
, Damascena. G.T.
i ,, variegata, expropria ln-

dustria.
, Provincialis alba. Quid ? G.T-
, Hollandica, aeu Provincialis Damas-
cena.
Austriaca.
, Provincialis rubra. T.
, Holoserica multiplex. G.T.
, Chryatallina.

, versicolor. Yorke and Lancaster.
, Cinamomea plena. G.T.
, Virginiana. T.
, lutea simplex. G.T.
, semper vlvens. T.
, lutea multiplex. T.
, ,, ,, altera elegantior.

,, moschata multiplex. G.T.
' ii ,, „ altera, vel Cina-

momea flore pleno
albo. 19a in Par-
kinson.
„ Franco furtensis. T.
,, Sylvestris odora, sive Eglenteria.
'Grows wild in divers hedges by Darflcld,
but with more smooth shining leaves
than the Garden kind ; this is like
that of Parkinson, p. 1017 but that
the leaves are sweet as well as the
flower] .
' ,, Sylvestris flore duplici.
1 „ Pimpinellae folio.
Rosmarinum coronarium vulgare. T.
' ,, auratum. T.

* ,, Sylvestre.
Rubia tinctorium.
Ruscus.

Ruta hortensis ? T.

S.
Sabina sterilis.

* ,, bacclfera. G. ? T.

Salix latifolia odora, nondum deseripta.

(not yet described).
Salvia maior oris crispis. T.

,, variegata clegans. T.
Sambucusaquatica. G.T.

* ,, rosea. G.

,, laciniatis foliis. G.T.

Sanicula vulgaris. G.

guttata. G.T.
' ,, „ altera foliis rotundis.

Satyrium, bulbosum et palmatum.
' „ abortivum, sive Nidus avis.

Saxlfraga alba. G.

* „ aurea. G.T
Scabiosa montana maxima.

minor, Bive columbaria.

•Scabiosa rubra Indica. T.

alba, Indica, apicibus purp. T.
•Scilla maior rubra, sive Pancratium Clusii.
[In a pot of sand, which had first been
dipped in brine, and then been allowed
to get nearly dry. Nevertheless it put
forth other' leaves nine inches long.
It did this twice in two years, and
b!oom?d from the middle of November
to the end of March.] (This note
has been translated).
Scordium. G.
•Scorodonia.
Scorodoprassum. G.
Sedura majus vulgare. G.T.

* ,, minus off. vid Crassula minor.
„ serratum.

* ,, petraeura hirsutum.

,, Alpinum, primum Clusii. from
Pen-maen-maur.
, tertium Clusii. minus

fl. albido.

* ,, minimum Alpinum

muscoides.
tridactylites.
Sjrpillnm citratum. G.
•S^seli Aethiopicum frutex. G.T.
Smyrnium Creticum. G.
•Solanum Virginianum.
Soldanella marina.

* ,, Alpina.

Solidago Saracenica Gerardi. G.
». „ vera

•Sonchus arboreacens.
Spartum marinum Anglicanum.

„ Austriacum.
StiDhylodendroa. T.
[Woods on the further side of Yorkeshire.
(Johnson, Mercurius 1641)].
*Strychno-dendron. Amomum Plinii.
Syringa alba.
,, coerulea.

Telephium semper virens. G.
*Terrae glandes Americanae : ex nova

Anglia.
Thalictrum raaius vulgare. G.

,, Hispanicum,

•Thymum vulgare.

,, moschatum.

Tithimalus cupressinus.

* „ Paralius. G.

Trachelium maius 'fl. albis et sub coeruIHs.

* „ „ „ albo pleno. T.
„ minus. G.

ii gyganteum fl. coerulels et

albidls. G.
Trichomanes.
Trifollum paludosum.

* ,, fl. viridi foliaceo elcgans.

[In mine owne Orchard at Darfield. It
grew with me one yeere plentifully but
I have not since observed it.].
Tripolium. G.
Tulipa Persica.
Tulipse variiB species. G.*

Cloth of golde.

Cloth of aylver.

Gabeeze.

(iillo-flower.

Duke.

Brancion Duke.

Testament Brancion.

Prince.

Apple -bloome.

Straw-colour'd Hollas.
•Zea-bloome.

Switzer.

Ris-waker.

Donvile.

Yellow Crown of France.

White Crown of France.

Brewers Paragon.

Phoenix.

Potte- Baker.

Chrystall.

Darcy and Gollah.

Oudenard.

Gewall du Mayen.

Brewers Toy.

Gawdy.

[ Many other varieties, whites,
yellows, reds, purples and these
colours mixed, but not invariable.]
(Translated) :

Doulman.

Ratta-baker.

Yee-ffraw,

Cuckow* baker.

Agate.

Dove-colour'd Prince.

Autre Du Mayen.

Queenes Tulip.

Macsons Prince.

Ragged Stafle.

The Parrot.

The Goaler.

The Mistake.

The Comet.
Turritis, vid. in Annuis (see under Annuals}

Valeriana minor sylvestris.
,, hortensis.

,, grseca fl : cceruleis et albis. T.
„ rubra Dodonaei. Ben rubrum et
Ocimastrum Valerianthos
L'Obel : Ad.
,, sive Ocimastrum Valerianthos
fl : albis (not described).
Verbascum Mattbioll Salvias foliis. G.T.

•Vermicularis frutex.
Veronica mas. G.

* „ recta spicata fl : coeruleo.

* ,, ,, ,, .- rubro.
Vetonica altilis flore pleno.
Vetonicae altilis fl : simplici varietates.
Viola martia purp. et alba : fl. simplici. G

,, ,, ,, ,, ,, fl : pleno.
,, ,, palustris.

[Undescribed found neere Darfield.]
Viperaria, sen Scorzonera Hispanica.
Virga aurea Arnoldi de Villa nova. G.
Virginiana, seu Mexicana.
*Vitis Jdaea rubra, sive Vaccinia rubra.

* ,, ,, palustris.
•Ulmaria percgrina. T.

W.

•Wisanck, sive Unicetoxicum Indianum,
vid. Apocynum Syriacum Clusii

Xyris. G.

Xylosteum vid. Periclymenum rectum.

Z.

Zizyphus Cappadocica. G.

Su [Total]— 651.
[Original Note, erased.]

rSu ma— 450. Aug. 27, 1640.]
The total is stated a3 422 on Aug. 26, 1640,
in the earlier list.

PL A NT. E ANNU.E ET BIENNES EX.
SEMINIBUS ORIUNDM.

(Annuals and Biennials Raised From
Seed.)

A.

•Aeinos Anglica Clusii.
•-Ethiops. G.
Alcea Veneta. G.T.
*Amaranthus vulg. Tricolor et panlculis
longiss. G.T.
,, coccineus elegans max. Parkin-

son. Theatr. p. 753.

* ,, folio viridi.

•Anagallis foemina (i.) flore coeruleo. G.T.
•Angelica sativa. G.T.
Antirrhinum maius fl : albo. G.T.

,, maius fl : rubro.

„ medium fl : albo.

,, minus fl : rubro.

„ minimum repens.

•Aracus minor Lusitanicus.

* ,, maior Boetlcus Boelil. T.
•Asperula fl : coeruleo. G.

Astragalus marinus Bceticus vel 'Lusitani-
cus Bcelii. G.T.
Atractylis. G.T.
•Atriplex baccifera. T.

B.

Bacchari3 Monspeliensium.
•Belvidcre Italorum.
Blattaria fl : luteo. G.T.

* „ fl : albo. G.T.
Botrys. G.T.

•Brassica marina monospermos. G.
,, sativa crispa.

Calendula flore pleno. G.T.

,„ fl. pleno prolifera. T.
Camel ina.

•Cannabis spuria elegans.
•Capsicum Indicum. G.
•Carduus benedictus.

„ Chrysanthemus Narbon : (i.)
Scolymus Theophrasti et
Eryngium luteum Monspel. G.

• ,, solstitialis. St. Barnabics Thistle.
,, sphterocephalus maior.

• „ eriocepbalus.
Carthamus.

fCarum. G.
•Caucalis vera.

,, fl : albo ecchinato semine.

• ,, nodosa ecbinato semine.
•Cerinthe maior floribus luteis et subrufls. G-

Chamsepitys mas. G.

•Chondrilla purpurascens fcetida. G.T.

•Cicer arietinum.

•Citrullus.

•Cochlearia rotundifolia vulgaris.

• ,, „ minima.

[From Anglesey on the Rocks at Landhwin
Dwynen (How. p.29).J
•Colocynthis vulgaris.
•Convolvulus minor Hispanicus.

• ,, maior fl : coeruleo.

• ,, minor Hispanicus fl; albo et

fl : pallido.

• ,, maior vulgaris.

• ma : Hisp. fl : purp. ■
Coriandnuu.

•Crupina. T.

Cucumcr asininus and 'vulgaris. G.T.
•Cyanus orientalis, Flos Sultani.

,, minor variorum colorum. G.

Delphinium fl : simplici variorum color.
„ ,, pleno variorum colorum. T.

• ,, surrectum.

Digitalis flore albo. G.T.
„ , ferrugineo. G.T.

E.

•Echium Lusitanicum.
•Elatine. G
Ervilla Dodonai.

?T.

Faba veterum, seu Graeca. G.
Ferulago. G.
Flos Adonis. G.
„ Africanus minor fl : simplici et
pleno. G.T. .

• „ Africanus maior fl : simplici et pleno.

G.T.
,, solis maior semine nigro. G.T.

• ,, ,, semine fusco.

• „ „ „ albo.

• ,, „ ,, maculato ramosui.
Foenum Grcecum. [?Foeniculum T.]

•Fntmentum Turcicum, seu Indicum maiz.
[Millium Indicum G.] T.

G.

Gcntianclla fugax.
Geranium Creticum. T.
•Gingidiuin Hispanicum. G.?.T.
Gramen Lupuli glumis. Phalaris pratensls
maior.

• „ tremulum alterum, " found at

Peasley."
["In a hollow lane, betwixt Peasly and
Mansfield in Nottinghamshire."]
H.
Hedysarum maius.

„ clypeatum. G.T.

Hieracium falcatum alterum Hedypnois
facie L'Obelii.

• „ medio nigro.
,, stellatum.

„ Intubaceum fl. rubente. 10

Clusii.

• „ parvum Creticum, Clusii. Sive

Chondrilla purpurascens foe-
tida Bauhini.
•Hyoscyamus luteus. G.

J.
Jacea, sive herba Trinitatis fl. luteo. G.T.
["Neer Eldenhole in the Peake, and about
Buck-stones in Darbyshire. It is in
some gardens about London."]
K
•Kakile Serapionis, ertfea marina.
Kali spinosum. Tragum Matthloll.
Keyri fl: albo.

,, luteo maxirao simplici.

L.

•Lactuca nigra Romana.
Lapathum palustre folio acuto, flore aureo.
Lathiris.

Lathyrus acstivus fl. luteo. Pisum sege-
tum regium Italorum. "Lathy-
rus Boeticua fl. luteo Parkin-
sono.
„ Aegyptiacus, vel Boeticus flore

coeruleo Boelil.
,, Annuus siliquis Orobl.
Leucoium ft. simpl. et pleno variorum
colorum. T.

• „ fl. luteo.

„ purpurum marinum. T.
„ melan chol i cum.
•Linum umbillcatum minus peregrinum.
•Lunaria minor. G.
Lupinus sativus flore albo. G.

„ maior coeruleus, seu Virginianus.
,, Sylvestris fl. coeruleo. ?T.
„ luteo. ?T.
Lychnis coronaria fl. albis, rubris, macu-
latis, simpl. G.
t ,, ,, ,, plenis rubris. G.T.

Lysymachia vera.

., lutea Virginiana.

M.
•Maiz ex Nova Anglia. [Millium in-

dicum. G.]
Malva crispa. G.
,, Hispanica.
Medica cochleata vulgaris.

• ,, tornata major.

„ cochleata pericarplo lato. '
,, spinosa maior. G.T.
,, ,, Boetica spinisintortis.

Melanthium Romanum.

„ Damascenum.

,, Hispanicum.
•Melilotus Italica. G.T.

• „ India Orientalis.

• ,, Hispanica fl. albo.
•Melissa Turcica. G.

•Melo Muschatellinus et Aquaticus Virgin.
•Mercurialis mas et foemina. G.
•Milium album. T.

• ,, Africanum, ex Guinea.
Mirabilia Peruviana. G.
Muscipula L'Obelii.

•■ ,; fl: albo.
Myagrum monospermum.T.

N.'
Nasturtium Indicum. Gallis Capuchon (In
French). G.T.

• „ hortense crispum. G.

• ,, Petrosilini foliis,
„ petraeum.

O.
Ocimum sativum.
•Oxys fl. luteo.

P.
Panlcum.

Papaver sativum fl: simpl. et plenis var.
colorum.
,, cornutum fl. luteo. G.T.
„ u n rubro. G.

• „ rheas flore cineritio, vel columbino.

n pleno. T.

• ,, spinosum.
•Pepo ex Nova Anglia.

l?Pepo Amerlcanua. T-l

Mat 29, 1920.]

l THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

269

Perfoliate vulgaris. _Q.
„ napifolia. \

[Apparently grew wild at Darfleld (How.
p. 90)].
Persicaria siliquosa.
•Petum, sive Tabacco latifolium.

[? Tabaco. G.].
•Phalaris vulgaris. G.

,, minor Boetica.
*Phaseolus Indicus flore phoenicco.

* „ fractu albo, purp. et variegato.

* „ Indicus. forte (perhaps) '.'.. Clusii.

Bouarista.

* „ alter Indicus fructu tato variegato.

* „ Indicus incoguitua.
Pisum maculatum Boelii. T.

„ quadratum. T.
Pomum amoris minus. ?G. ?T.
Payllium. G.
♦Ptarmica Imperati.

Amaranthus

Quinua Clusii.
sparsa. T.

•Ricinus. G.

panicula

R.
S.

Scabiosa maior Hispanica. G.T.

* „ Indica fl: rubris et albis. T.

* ,, „ mosehata.
Scorpioides niaius.

>( minus liirsutum.

„ siliqua glabriori.
Matthioli. G.
Securidica minor. G.T.

* „ siliquis plani3 dentati3.
Sesama Tragi.

Silybum minus Boeticum, sive Bore

nutante Boelii.
Sium minus impatiens. vid. *Cardamine
Per.
♦Speculum Veniris maius et minus. G.
Stoebe Salamantica. G.T.
Stoechas. G.T.
Stramonia flore albo. G.T.
„ coeruleo.
T.
Thlaspi minus. G.

„ Dioscorides, seu Drabae folio.
,, clypeatum. G.

* „ Creticum flore albo.

* „ „ ». rubello.

* M „ variegatum.
Tragopogon flore purpureo. G.

* t xcrampelino medio luteo

purpuriis apicibus.

* „ „ luteo maius. ?G.

* lt „ luteo minus. ?G.

„ astivum fl : suaverubente.

* ,, variegatum sive luteum maius

elegans purpura striatum.
Tragopyrum.
T'rifolium odoratum.

„ bituminosum. G.
Turritis vulgatior.
, „ maior.

V.
Valeriana Alpina angustifolia.

,, rubra Mexicana. G

Viola Mariana. G.
tricolor.

U.
Urtica Romana. G.T.

W.
Wall-flower vid Keyri.

X.
Xanthium, sive Arctium. G.

Z.
Zeopyrum.

[Total of both Lists) Su[mma]— 215
Suma utriusquo Catalog i SOU*

De quibus bodie
heu I restant paucae
Novamque despero coloniam 1052

••The sum total of both lists is stated as
537, on Aug. 26, 1640.

(To be concluded).

plant depends for its floral display on the large
number of female flowers produced; and the
Kew plant is really a selected seedling of more
vigorous growth, with larger and deeper coloured
flowers than the typical B. manicata. There
are several forms of this plant, one with macu-
lated leaves and one with cristate foliage. This
Begonia is readily propagated from cuttings in-
serted at any time during June, and, given
liberal feeding when potted on into six-inch and
seven-inch pots, it is very useful in its first
year for the conservatory stages, and in posi-
tions in the dwelling-house where large, hand-
some foliage combined with flowers are ap-
propriate. J. C.

Altogether the plants assume a characteristic
stunted , reddish condition in marked contrast
to normal healthy plants. The trouble does
not appear to spread from plant to plant, and
one© a hed is more than one year old, from
casual observation, there seems to be little or
no extension amongst the healthy plants. It
is most troublesome in newly formed beds and
it may immediately be assumed that the gradual
increase in the trouble is caused by planting
runners from affected plants. This can hardly
be the case, for most growers now go carefully
through those of their beds from which they
propose to take runners and hoe out all the
doubtful plants. Even so, it is quite common to

Jxj^dt'%

FlQ. 125. — PYBTJS ARIA, ONE PARENT OF P. AURICULARIS (see p. 267).

BEGONIA MANICATA.

This fine Begonia is one of the best
species for the large conservatory or green-
house, and is beautiful all through the winter.
Few cultivators seem to have realised the possi-
bilities of this plant. At Kew the flowering
plants were placed in the greenhouse on Janu-
ary 4, and as late as the middle of May they
were still fresh and in good condition. The
plants are in their second year and are potted
on into twelve-inch pots. They have large
spires of flowers some six to seven feet high.
The secret of success with this plant is generous
cultivation in an intermediate temperature in
their growing season; and removal to an or-
dinary, cool greenhouse temperature when tin1
flowers show signs of colour. In a warm tem-
perature the blooms quiokly lose their bright
colour and nnly last in good condition for about
a month. The delicate pink flowers ore charm-
ing as cut blooms for table decoration, lasting
for several days in a fresh condition. This

RED PLANT" IN STRAWBERRIES.

This trouble, thought to be found wherever
Royal Sovereign Strawberries are grown, is fast
becoming a serious menace to the early Straw-
berry growers in the Tamar district of Cornwall.

The symptoms are Ipriefiy as follow : — The
leaves instead of becoming large, remain very
little larger than those of the wild Strawberry
(Fragaria vesca). The plant produces a fewer
number of leaves than normally and the petioles
rem.iin short. Manv of the mature leaves in-
stead of having a fresh green colour, become
tinged with red and have a dull, stunted appear-
ance. Both the blades and petioles of the young
leaves have a bright red colour and the blades
when partially extended have a peculiar curl.

The crowns instead of being thick and stocky
became thin and elongated, but the plants pro-
d<uce runners fairly freely.

Many plants are quite barren, hut a few pro-
duce one or two short, flower trusses. Seine of Hie
flowers mature fruit, but more generally the
pistils are quite abortive.

find 10 per cent, of affected plants in a new bed.

Some suggest that eelworm attacks cause
the trouble, but the symptoms are quite differ-
ent to those usually associated with attacks
of this pest. Can it he that the trouble is a
form of reversion similar to that now s<> common
in Black Currants? 1 have never noticed
thj trouble in any other varietv thon
Royal Sovereign. This variety is now about 40
years old. Can it be then a form of deteriora-
tion?

T have no doubt that many readers of ('Hard.
Chron. have "Red Plant" in their Strawberry
beds, and it would be interesting to know
whether i hey find ii extends in olo beds and
whether it has been noticed in other varieties.

The disease is a problem of great economic
importance ami urgency in many early Straw-
berry growing districts, particularly in East
Corn wall. Cheddar and Soul liampton, where
Royal Sovereign is still the most profitable
variety for this purpose. It is to be hoped,

therefore, that an investigation into the causes
of the trouble, will be made as rapidly as
possible, /?. Wellington,

270

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[lUv 29, 1920.

CONCERNING LABELS.

Labels may be divided into the permanent,
the semi-permanent and the temporary ; there
are also labels legible, and labels illegible. It
needed but a few years' experience to discard
the ordinary wooden slips from the list of "tem-
poraries " ; without a smear of paint, and indeed
with it, their life is short; they become rotted
or illegible too soon, and it is a nuisance to have
to resort to paint-pots whenever a label is re-
quired.

As a substitute, for the last 12 years I have
used white xylonite (celluloid) of the thickness
known as 50-1,000; written on with an ordinary
pencil the legend Temains good for at least a
season in the open and, depending on the pencil
used, will often remain good for another year,
but it is advisable to go over them in case of a
wash-out. My standard size is 3i by J inch,
these may be used direct in pots and pans, but
the immersed part is liable to get discoloured
from absorption of irony material from the
earth ; consequently, also from the point of view
of economy, the 6lips are perforated (as with a
hot w,ire) near one end and supported by means
of a -wire, at the end of which a loop or eye js
formed to slip through the hole. For the open
ground the wires are of 10 to 12 gauge, galvanised,
and about a foot or rather more long. For these
it is advisable to mount the slip with an inter-
mediate 8-shaped link of wire, for after some
years' exposure the xylonite becomes brittle and
an inadvertent kick or blow is apt to break off
the tag, as it must be thoroughly free to swing, a
condition which is satisfactorily attained by the
link. For pot and pan rwork, two sizes are used,
one of half t'he above dimensions, the other only
one-quarter; these are directly mounted on
14-gauge wires of about 9 inch and 5 inch lengths
respectively ; as these are not liable to kicks
and blows* the use of a link has not shown itself
to be needful. On plots where experimental
observations are being carried on, 1 use some
Tather larger plates of the xylonite, for instance,
3x3 inches or larger; it is very handy to be
able to make a note on the 6pot, which at a later
date may be transferred to the notebook. There
was also an intention to get sheets coloured in dif-
ferent shades to mark off different experiments,
but as this has never been carried out I am
unable to say whether the colours are sufficiently
permanent for the purpose.

In order to cut the sheets neatly " a score is
made by a knife point and the material bent
back over the edge of a table, when it parts
asunder ; the handiest way of getting uniform
slips is to clamp down the sheet level with the
table edge and do the scoring with a carpenter's
gauge. In the fresh plastic state it can be cut
with a pair of shears or strong scissors. Sheet
of thinner gauge can, of course, be used, but I
prefer the thicker. With care in collection and
avoidance of the bonfire (which has an extremely
destructive action!) the labels last for an in-
definite time. If a .moistened irag fails to cleanse
off an old inscription, a touch of whiting on the
pad will give the desired result at once.

Xylonite also lends itself for use as permanent
labels; I have some wall Pear trees thus named,
of which the labels are in as perfect condition as
when put on 10 years ago. In this case the
writing was done with Chinese ink and then
varnished with xvlonite varnish. It may be
noted that varnish do</i not adhere well to old-
exposed xylonite, which therefore should he
fairly fresli for this purpose, and still plastic.
This varnish is prepared by dissolving a few bits
of celluloid film, {e.g., from photo negatives! in
acetone or amyl acetate, or a mixture of the two,
the latter being preferable, as acetone alone
evaporates too readily, to a syrupy consistence ;
chips off the white sheets may also be used, but
the white pigment should be allowed to settle
out to get a transparent va.mish : it is well to
soak the cork of the containing bottle with
glycerine, which prevents it sticking; it may be
noted that no grease is fit for this purpose, as it
would be dissolved by the solvent. In attaching
these or other labels to trees, the wire should be
firmly twisted on the label, or otherwise it will
cut through with the movements caused by the
play of the wind. Copper-wire is suitable, and

so is lead; in either case where fixed around a
trunk or t ranch which is liable to grow an inch
or two of the wire should be zigzagged — WWW,
or wound round a pencil corkscrew-like ; this
permits the fastening to be firmly attached to the
tree and allows for expansion of the shoots.

Quite useful labels can also be made of the
miniature luggage tags with eyed holes; we often
use them for temporaries, and if varnished once
or twice with xylonite varnish they become at
least semi-permanent. If attached with wire
[rather than string they are not liable to get free.

Zinc labels on which the inscription is made
with a solution of copper sulphate or acetate
become illegible in a few years, and even if
varnished they are liable to last but little longer ;
the sheet zinc, however, if not too thin, lasts well.
This is not the case with aluminium ; some quite
thick sheet which was deeply stamped with the
name, after a few years has become almost
illegible.

Sheet zinc on which the inscription is stamped
with letter punches and mounted like the
xylonite on galvanised wires stands well and such
labels are useful on the rockery, for they are not
obtrusive and yet can be found and read when re-
quired. We cut then, down to a small size so that
they just contain the legend. Generally speaking,
copper-wire should not be used far attaching
zinc labels to trees, for an electrolytic couple is
formed and destruction of the zinc ensues ; still,
if the zinc be fairly thick, specimens will
last for a number of years. Where acids from
smoke abound in the air, it may be well to pro-
tect zinc labels with a coating of varnish (e.g.,
xylonite).

Zinc has the disadvantage, if alkaline or copper-
containing spray-washes are used, of becoming
rapidly attacked and corroded, and, all things
considered, it appears that lead is the most suit-
able metal for fruit-tree labels. It may be
attached by means of lead wire or thin strips of
sheet lead, which should be bent to allow
for expansion, as has been described above.
The name is impressed by means of
letter stamps and necessary holes are readily
made, for instance, with a wire nail of
suitable size. A set of letter stamps is a most
useful addition to the horticultural armamen-
tum ; for lead the rather cheaper ones for wood-
workers are sufficient, but harder metals like zinc
require the dearer ones "for metal; " as lead is
so soft a slight tap with a hammer is all that is
needed to make a good impression. Lead has
another advantage over the other metals, since
any odd piece of scrap may be melted easily,
poured on a flat surface, and readily hammered
out to the desired thinness.

With a little practice quite a number of lea-1
labels may be turned out in some odd quarter
of an hour, and when attached well to a tree,
one has the satisfaction of knowing that they
will remain legible for probably more than one
lifetime.

In many a garden how often one would have
derived more benefit had lasting labels been
attached ; true, the labels are often there, but
endeavours by the owner or his gardener to de-
cipher the fleeted words are usually piteous and
unavailing. H. E. Durham.

HOME CORRESPONDEICE.

[The Editor* do not hold themielvet responsible for
the opinion* expressed hv correspondents.']

Apple Alfriston.— May I remind those who are
trying to bring this old Apple again to the front
that, though it has its good points as a cropper,
it is one of the poorest fruits from the stand
point of culinary quality on the whole list. The
fruit turns brown when cooked and is dry and
flavourless. I have met an eccentric who pre-
ferred dry, brown fruit in a pie, but I think
the majority will do well to let this variety rest
in the obscuritv into which it has deservedly
sunk. Chas. E. Pearson.

Anemone St. Brlgid. — This is one of the most
useful flowers for cutting, the blooms lasting a
long time in water. I obtain the best results
from seedlings, nnd sow a batch pve^v vfw -n
April, May, or June, in boxes of soil placed in
a cold frame. Planting the seedlings in a well-
prepared bed takes place in August or Sep-
tember, and the plants are placed 9 inches

apart, in rows 12 inches apart. Instead of
planting single seedlings, I find it best to plant
from three to six in a clump, without separation,
as the roots dislike a check. The soil should be
firm, well hoed, and kept free from weeds. The
St. JBrigid type of Anemone deserves to be more
largely grown, if only to provide flowers for
cutting. J. 2'.

Potato Spraying (see p. 258). — Under this
heading, Mr. E. Irving Lynch raises the ques-
tion that, under certain circumstances, the
spraying of Fotatos has a detrimental effect on
the cropping qualities, and solicits an explana-
tion. If the spray remains on the foliage for
one or two days it renders the plant immune
to late blight disease for a period varying from
a few days to a month, according to the
weather. In fine periods the spray remains
on the foliage, and that on the upper portion
of the leaves retards photosynthesis on account
of its colour, blue, and that on the under sides
of the loliage clogs up the stomata, hindering
transpiration, respiration, as well as photosyn-
thesis. After the beneficial results of the
spray have been effected it is an advan-
tage to the plant to receive rain certainly
within 48 hours of its application which washes
the spray off and thus enables the foliage to
resume its functions. In a year like 1919 it
was a waste of labour and materials to spray
Potatos except in those localities where suffi-
cient wet weather favoured the development of
disease, when sprayng became not only a neces-
sity, but undoubtaedly an insurance. In wet
seasons, when the sprav is most needed, an in-
terval of rainless weather should be chosen to
carry out the operation in order to allow the
spray remaining on the foliage a sufficient length
of time to benefit the plant. When prolonged,
inclement periods prevail and the spray is
washed off the foliage as fast as it is put on,
it is again a waste to continue the treatment, as
in this case nothing that can be done will pre-
vent disease. Here again, the French have re-
duced this fact to a " finesse," and refrain from
throwing good money after bad. Such condi-
tions rarely arise, but when they do, spray'ng
is hopeless. Even in very bad conditions, if
there is a cessation of rain for a day or two,
spraying should be carried out because it means
the difference between a crop and no crop.
Potato disease generally appears late in the
season, so there is no necessity to spray early
in thp year unless there is much ia'n, but later
it is an insurance against loss in most instances.
Last year I had a good crop lifted from an acre
in the West of England, which had not been
sprayed at all, and although there was disease
in the neighbourhood, it was evaded by lifting
the crop fairly early. The fact that the disease
has a hold on the foliage late hi the season does
not mean that the tubers will be affected unless
left in the soil. It is detrimental to spray
Potatos on the commencement of a spell of fine
weather, but beneficial to do so the moment the
dry period ends and inclement conditions are
indicated. If a few days elapse before the bad
weather sets in, the spray will have rendered
the plant its maximum service. C. A. Jardine.
Silver Leaf Disease of Plums. — In your leader
of May 15 you refer to Silver Leaf Disease, and
make certain suggestions regarding sanitary
n.oaeures as an experiment in the control of
this disease. A demonstration orchard such as
you suggest might fulfil its purpose if there
were no affected trees within a considerable
distance, as the spores of this disease, like those
of other diseases, are easily borne by the wind
and other means of conveyance. Plant hygiene
would have to extend to the hedgerows as well
as to other areas ■ to enable a demonstration
orchard such as that suggested to get a fair
trial. I am prompted to make these observa-
tions as a result of certain discoveries of my
own, and the experiences of others. In the case
nf Silver Leaf, I may mention that on May 16
I gathered specimens from a common Sloe, or
Blackthorn, growing in a hedgerow at Hayles ;
last season I found similar specimenis in a hedge-
row on limestone soil in Ireland. At Oalstock
recently I found the common Hazel very badly
affected with big bud and, later, when examin-
ing these buds with the compound microscope,
I found innunerable eel-worms as well as mites

May 29, 192W]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

271

present. In Ireland, where the presence of
American Gooseberry Mildew is an indictable
offence, I have Icfund wild Gooseberries covered
with the disease. It is also well known now
that the wild Celery and other plants act as
hosts for diseases during the period that the
cultivated plants may be out of the ground.
A further pest of growers, and one wnich is
seriously affecting their returns, is that of eel-
worm ; like the Silver Leaf disease, it seems in-
curable. In the Tamar Valley district the
growers are troubled by a. malady in their Straw-
berry plants, which causes the plants to become
blind and to turn reddish in colour, and in the
case of old plants a gradual shrivelling up takes
I^ace, ultimately resulting in death. In some
few of these plants, taken at random, I found
countless numbers of eel-worms, pests which
were also present in the bulbs grown as under
crops among the Apples. So far, all that one
can suggest is a heavy dressing of sulphate of
potash, as this fertiliser is reported to have a
deterrent effect on the pest. Whether experi-
ment will find a cure remains to be seen. In
any case, this pest is sufficiently destructive to
warrant a prize of £10,000, by growers' asso-
ciations, for a cheap and effective cure. It is
just possible that the rather free use of various
organic, nitrogen fertilisers, combined with -•
lack of potassic fertilisers, may have encouraged
the Mnd of growth that is most susceptive to
attack by Silver Leaf. Wm. H. Johns,

County Hall, Truro,

SOCIETIES.

EOYAL GARDENERS' ORPHAN FUND.

May 19. — The annual festival dinner of this
Institution was held on the 19th inst., in the
Prince's Galleries, Piccadilly. Owing to the
exigencies of the war the Committee was com-
pelled to suspend the holding of these annual
festivals during the past five years. These
functions have always been the source of a
considerable part of the revenue of the fund,
which has suffered much financial loss in con-
sequence of their cessation, and necessitated
the sale of a portion of the invested funds
that, regrettably, realised far less than they
were originally purchased for. It was decided
to make a special effort on the revival of the
festival this year and hopes were entertained of
establishing a record list of contributions, and
We are happy to announce that the endeavours
<A the promoters were realised The Committee
was fortunate in obtaining the consent of Lady
Astor to preside at the dinner, and there was
a large gathering of persons interested in tne
fund and in gardening generally to sup-
port her. Amongst those present we noticed
Sir William Lawrence, Bart. ; Col. Sir
Iteginald Rankin, Bart.; Sir Harry J. Veitch,
Rev. Canon Edgar Sheppard, Dr. and Mrs.
F. W. Keeble, Mr. Ed. Sherwood, Mrs. J. W.
Campbell, Mr. Leonard Sutton, Mr. L. N.
Sutton, Mr. and Mrs. 6. Monro, Junr., Dr.
Carrington Sykes, Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Manner-
ing, Mr. W. E. Churcher, Mr: D. Ingamells,
Mr. W. Poupart, Mr. G. E. Messer, .Mr. and
Mrs. J. F. McLeod, Mr. Whitpaine Nutting,
Mr. G. H. Cuthbert, Mr. and -Mrs. F. K.
Ridlev. Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Parsons, .Mr. and
Mrs. H. L. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. G. F.
Tinley, Mr. and Mrs. J. Collingridge, Mr. and
Mrs. C. R. King, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Roch-
ford, Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Jones, Mr. and Mrs.
Bridgeford, Mr. and Mrs. H. Miles. Mr. and
Mis. G. H. Barr, Mr. and Mrs. J. \V. Barr,
Mr. P. R. Barr, Mr. J. L. Kinnell and Mr.
J. Cull.

After the usual loyal toasts had been given,
T.ady Astor proposed that of "The Royal Gar-
deners' Orphan Fund." Her ladyship's remarks
were followed with much interest and her
speech was marked with many witty observa-
tions. She said that gardening was one of the
most popular of all hobbies indulged in by
British people, and that poets had sung about
gardens as much as they had of love, whilst
lovers had dreamed about, them, and the first

lovers had been turned out of a garden. Wher-
ever the British people went they made gar-
dens, and she believed our soldiers would have
had gardens in the trenches if the soil had been
suitable for the purpose. Women were inter-
ested in all tender things, and especially plants
and children, and it was on behalf of the latter
that she was present with them that evening.
"1 am going to. ask you," she said, "to give
liberally to this Orphan Fund.'' The world is
not an easy place even for those who are most
favourably situated, and how difficult it must,
be for those who have not the love and care
of a father or mother in their infant days. She
was glad to know that the fund assisted in
maintaining the children in their homes, for this
she considered was a much better plan than
keeping them in institutions. Many people had
beautiful gardens which had been cultivated by
the fathers of those for whom she asked help,
and although it was not a pleasant task always
to ask and sometimes not pleasant to give, she
pleaded the case of these gardeners' orphans.
The loss of a father's or of a mother's love was
a great hardship on a child, for human love
taught the love of God. She., appealed for a
sum of £1,700, which was necessary to meet
the year's liabilities of the charity. The
country was under a great debt to gardeners
who had devoted so much energy to the pro-
duction.of vegetables and other foodserops during
the war.

The toast of "The Visitors " was proposed by
Mr. Leonard Sutton, who said that the dinner
served a double purpose. It was an extremely
pleasant function at which friends might gather
annually, and it was also an opportunity of
considering and meeting the claims of the
orphans of gardeners. He expressed the
pleasure the management felt in seeing so many
visitors on this occasion, and he hoped that they
had so thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and were
already so fully in sympathy with the object of
the dinner, that they were ready to respond
generously to the appeal of the Chairman. — Mr.

F. Ridley, the Master of the Fruiterer's Com-
pany, replied on behalf of the visitors, and ex-
pressed his admiration of a charity which did
so much to assist the helpless. "It was," he
said, "the duty of everyone, to make the world
a happier and brighter place for those who
came after, and there could hardly be a better
method of fulfilling this duty than by sub-
scribing generously to a charity whose object
was to feed, clothe, and give a start in life
to the orphans of those who have beautified
the earth by their labours." He was quite sure
the visitors would show their appreciation of
the excellent dinner and entertainment provided
by dipping more deeply into their pockets than
they had originally intended.

At this stage of the proceedings, Mr. Brian
Wynne, the Secretary of the Fund, presented
the subscription list which he said was a record
one. The following is a list of the principal dona-
tions : Her Majesty Queen A'exandra, £10; Duke
of Bedford (President), £20; Mr. Wm. and Mr.
Edward Sherwood. £2C0 : Messrs. Sutton and
Sons, £100 ; Mr. David Ingamells (Covent Gar-
ilen list), £250. including 10 guineas each from
Mr. Ed. Parsons, Mr. H. L. Wright. Mr. J.
Collingridge. Mr. J. W. Baker, Mr. H. Miles
and Mr. D. Ingamells; Messrs. Forster and
Robins, £13 13s., and Mr. G. Monro, Junr., 25
guineas, Mr. G. -Messer, £20; Mr. G. H. Cuth-
bert. £50; Mr. H. J. Jones, £75 ; Mr. Reginald
Civ, fiftv guineas; Mr. Whitpaine Nutting,
£50'; Mr. J. M. Bridgeford. £40 (including 10
guineas from Mr. Alfred Watkins) ; Messrs. G.
Bunyard and Co., Ltd., £31 8s. ; Mr. A. Chal-
mers, £30; Mr. C. R. King. '30 guineas (in-
cluding ten guineas from Mrs. Probyn) ; Mr.
J. Cull, £26 15s. (including 10 guineas from
Mr. E. Stevens) ; Sir Harry J. Veitch, 25
guineas; Sir Marcus Samuel. Bart.. 20guineas;
Mr. David Swain. £20: Mr. Joseph Rochford,
20 guineas ; Mr. W. Duncan Tucker, £20 ; Mr.

G. F. Tinley 17 guineas (including 5 guineas
from The Gardi «■ rs ( 'hroniclc) ; Mr. W. Poupart,
£18 6s. 6d. ; Messrs. Barr and Sons. £15; Mr.
J. F. MoLeod. £15 15s. ; Mr. F. C. Stainsbv,14
guineas; Mr. J. Clayton £14; Mr. Geo. Rcy-
nolds, £12; Mi. W. Howe, 11 guineas;

Mrs. J. W. Campbell, 10 guineas; Sir
Thomas Mackenzie, 10 guineas ; Col. Sir
Reginald Rankin, Bart., 10 guineas; Mr. Ed.
Mannering, 10 guineas; Messrs. Cory and Co.,
i-.tu., XU guineas; Mr. H. B. Leech, lO guineas;
Mr. Raymond Rochford, 10 guineas; the follow-
ing each contributed £10: — Mrs. Swyford
ui.lott, Mr. A. VV. rage, Mr. L. Oppenheimer,
Mr. A. W. Metcalfe and Mr. J. E. Dixon.
These sums, together with numerous smaller
contributions, brought the Chairman's list up
to £1,800.

Mr. Edward Sherwood, Treasurer of the
Fund, who presided after Lady Astor had left
to attend the House of Commons, replied to
the toast Lady Astor had given previously.
He considered the success of the festival dinner
was due chiefly to the presence of Lady Astor
in the chair, and on behalf of the Officers of
the Committee he desired to thank her for her
presence and sympathy. He did not propose to
give them a statistical statement, but he re-
minded those present that the fund was started
in 1887 and had always enjoyed Royal Patron-
age. It had disbursed not less than £40,000 in
assisting gardeners,' orphans, and there were at
present 130 children on the funds, in addition
to many who were on the waiting list receiving
a modest amount of assistance until such time
as they were successful at an election. Mr.
Sherwood pleaded fo"" more regular annual sub-
scriptions as the income from this sourco was
at present only £300 per year. He thanked
the local secretaries for their efforts on behalf
of the fund, and urged that the managers of
local flower shows should render assistance by
means of sales of flowers and by collections.
Mr. C. R. King, requested Mr. Sherwood to
form a small committee which would have for
its object the raising of a sufficient sum of
money to replace the stocks and shares which
had been sold, before the next festival.

In a graceful speech, Dr. F. W. Keeble pro-
posed a vote of thanks to Lady Astor for the
charming way in which she had presided and
for the very human and sympathetic note she
had struck in her appeal on behalf of orphans.
Lord Astor responded on behalf of Lady Astor,
who was unable to return from the House of
Commons.

PATH AND WEST AND SOUTHERN
COUNTIES.

The five days' exhibition of this West of
England agricultural society was held on May
20. 21, 22, 24, 25, at Salisbury. The number of
entries were satisfactory, and the special tent
demoted to floral exhibits was well filled. This
section of the exhibition has for several years
past beer, under the able stewardship of the Rev.
A. T. Boscawen, and he was assisted on this
occasion by Mr. A. Williams.

The horticultural exhibits were staged in a
spacious and lofty pavilion, about 100 feet long
by 50 feet wide, with excellent arrangements for
ventilation. A central stage was arranged in
tiers. On the topmost tier were some magnificent
Pains loaned from tile gardens of the Earl of
Pembroke and the Earl of Radnor, and around
the sides staging was erected for displaying the
exhibits of tut blooms.

In addition to several good exhibits from
private gardens in the locality of Salisbury,
many nurserymen stager! representative groups.
There was no competition.

The following is ,i, list of the principal ex-
hibits:— The Earl of PEMBROKE, Wilton House,
Salisbury (gr. Mr. W. Butler), staged a group
nl well-grown Clarkias and herbaceous Calceo-
larias arranged with ferns ami Asparagus.

Capt. (1. li. C. WYNDHAM, Clouds (gr. Mr.
11 A. Fnlford), exhibited a group of cul
Souvenir de la Malmaison Carnations in con-
sul,r; I le variety, daintily arranged, lb- showed
a line golden Calla — a seedling from Elliotiana
in this group, which attracted a great 'leal .if
attention, the spathe bring nearly twice tin- size
nf that hi tin' parent.

Richard Gerrish, Esq., Milford Manor (gr.

Mr. W. So'i'clli. shoved a beautiful u p ol

Orchids arranged with Codiaeums (Crotons),

272

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[May 29, 1920.

Lllium longifiorum, pink and white Spireas,
and Adiantum Ferns.

Messrs. Sdtton and Sons, of Reading, had a
magnificent display of Darwin, May-flowering
and Parrot Tulips in a wide range of colour,
those o< bronzy shades being exceptionally good

Messrs. Allwood Bros.. Wivelsfield, staged
Perpetual Carnations and Alwoodii Pinks.
Among the Carnations were fine blooms of Mary
Allwood and Edward Allwood. The Pinks
showed a great diversity of colour, and in addi-
tion there was the beautiful white variety
Harold.

Mr. Ellison, West Bromwich, had a choice
group of the rarer exotic Ferns and a pretty little
batdh, of the white-tipped Araucaria, a pleasing
touch of greenery amidst the masses of flowers.

Mr. W. H. Godfrey, Exmouth. staged an
effective group of his fine strain of Schizanthus,
which has a wonderful range of colour, also a
remarkably well-grown group of Pelargoniums,
prominent among which was a new variety,
"Dazzler," a brilliant scarlet flower.

Mr. W. F. Gullick, Salisbury, exhibited
Pyrethrams and Lupins, adopting a somewhat
distinctive method of staging, using bowls and
putting up sufficient blooms of each variety to
airest attention. Among the Pyrethrums were
Queen Mary, Yvonne Cayeaux, I.angport Scarlet,
and Pink Pearl; and of the Lupins, roseus and
Moerheimii were used with telling effect. This
exhibitor also staged a group of well-grown
plants of Ilex Begonias, set off with Asparagus
plumosus.

Messrs. Jarman and Co., Chard, had an ex-
hibit of cut Zonal Pelargoniums in variety, also
well-grown Roses and a fine range of Violas of
the gracilis and cornuta types, with a variety
of hardy heTDaceous plants.

Messrs. Stuart Low Co., Bush Hill Park, En-
field, exhibited Orchids and Perpetual Carnations.
Prominent among the latter were the varieties
Violet Mond, Winter Glow and Czarina.

Messrs. Ramsbottom and Co., Geashill. Ire-
land, staged a beautiiful exhibit of St. Brigid
Anemones making a brilliant display.

Messrs. Rich and Co.. Bath, exhibited
herbaceous flowers in considerable variety, also
a collection of Violas and Tulips ; Geum Mrs.
Bradshaw, Pyretlirum Vivid and Thalictrum
dipterocarpum were particularly good.

Mr. J. Stevenson, Wimborne, exhibited Sweet
Peas, prominent among which were his novelties
— Brilliant, Fair Lady. Lavender Belle and
Scarlet Glow'. This charming exhibit was daintily
arranged.

Messrs. Ti. Veitch and Son. Roval Nur-
series, Exeter, staged a most effective display of
plants in pots; prominent among these were
lotus pelirrynchus, Lilium regale, Edwardsia
graiidiflora, Cytisus Dallimorei, Magnolia Wat-
sonii and Leptospermums in variety. They also
had choice rock plants arranged in boxes.

Messrs. Wallace and Co., Ltd., Colchester
and Tunbridge Wells, staged a group of Azalea
Mollis and a beautiful, varied collection of
hardy herbaceous and rock-garden plants. The
Sir Michael Foster type of Iris is wortliv of
special mention, as also were the fine spikes of
Eremuri, Trollius and large Poppies.

Messrs. J. Waterer. Sons, and Crisp. Ltd..
Ba.gshot, made a brilliant display with Rhodo-
dendrons arranged in a semi-circle group at the
end of the tent. There were manv standard
plants from 6 fee, to 8 feet in height, and bushes
of various sizes, all profusely flowered.

MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF ENGLAND
ORCHID.

Thursday, May 6, Committee nre-ent —Rev.
J. Crombleholme (in the chair). M°s=rs. R. Ash-
worth, A. Burns, E. Cooper, D. A. Cowan,
J. C. Cowan, A. Hanmer, Or. H. N. Hartley,
J. Howes, D. McLeod. J. McNi-b, E. w'
Thompson, and H. Arthur (Secretary).'
Awards.
First-Class Certificates.

Odontoplossum Virginale Princess Mary:
Odm. Hellemense (Ha'rvingtense y crisoum) i
T.ohle flower with sepals and petals of a rich
vellow cMonr. heavily blotched reddish brown-
Od,mlmda Chanticleer var. Flammm. a finelv-

shaped, rich scarlet coloured flower; Oattleya
Mendelii albino, The Queen: from S. Gratrix,
Esq.

Odontoglossum PhUlipsianum var. aureum
(luteo-purpureum Viiylsiekeanum x eximium
xanthotes), probably the finest of the yellow
Odontiodas yet flowered, the whole of the
flovers being of a rich yellow colour, heavily
spotted with deep yellow (a Silver Medal was
also awarded this novelty) ; Odm. Doreen var.
majesficum (eximium x Empress of India),
from P. Smith, Esq.

Odontoglossum crispum Leoniae (Britannia
X Leonard Perfect), a grand form, the flowers
heavi'y blotched with reddish brown, from Jlrs.
Gratrix.

Odontioda Gladys rar. Enchantress (Odta.
Bradshawiae x Odm. Pescatorei), a fine plant
bearing a spike of 15 flowers, sepals and petals
blotched with red on a white ground and mar-
gined with magenta, lip almost white; from
Messrs. Sanders.

Awards of Merit.

Brasfo-Cattleya Trium rar. Victory, from
Mrs. Gratrix.

Odontoglossum Amazon, Brasso-Cattleya Joan
rar. Golden Wren, Laelio-Cattleya Moonbeam
rar. Radiance, Oattleya Mossiae grandis, from
S. Gratrix, Esq.

Odontoglossum eximium xanthotes rar. .Snow-
ball, from P. Smith, Esq.

Awards of Appreciation.

Cypripi Hum Gowerianum Gratrixiwnum
(Lawrenceatium Hyeanum x Curtisii Sanderae'
(1st class), from S. Gratrix, Esq.

Odontioda Madeline tor. Ntwline (crispum
GrarieamuT. x Cnarlesworthii) (1st class), and
Odontoglossum Pioneer (Vulturia x crispum)
(2nd class), from P. Smith, Esq.

Groups.

S. Gratrix, Esq.. West Point (gr. Mr. J.
Howes), staged a group for which a Silver Gilt
Medal was awarded.

P. Smith, Esq., Ashton-on-Mersey Igr. Mr.
E. W. Thompson), was also awarded a Silver
Gilt Medal for a group.

Other exhibitors were Mrs. Gratrix, West
Point (gr. Mr. J. Howes), Messrs. Sanders, St.
Albans, and Messrs. Armstrong and Brown,
Tunbridge Wells.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

The annual general meeting of the Society
was held at 2.30 p.m., the Rev. J. Crombleholme
presiding.

The minutes of the previous annual meeting,
May 3, 1919, were passed, and the report and
balance sheet as submitted were adopted.

The officials, including the members of the
Con mittee, were reappointed for the ensuing
session.

The prizes were presented t" the successful
competitors. S. Gratrix, Esq., was the winner
of Messrs. Charlesworth and Co. 's prize for New
Awards; J, and A. MaoBean, for Odontoglos-
sunis and Odontiodas ; HassaH's, for Cattleyas
and Laelio-Cattlevas : J. Cypher and Sons, for
arrangement of group ; Evans", for Dendro-
biums ; A. Hanmer's, for most points ; and
J. J. Bolton's, for Oypripediums. His gardener,
Mr. J. Howes, won the gardener's prizes in each
case. He was also awarded the 2nd prize
offered by Mr. W. Pickup, for varieties not
provided for. He also won A. R. Hand ley's
2nd prize for Cultural Certificates, and Mr. P.
Smith's 2nd prize for groups. The Botanic
Society of .Manchester's Gold Medal was awarded
to Mrs. Bruce and Miss Wrigley, who also won
Mr. YV. Pickup's prize, offered for varieties " not
provided for"; Mr. A. Burns won Mr. A. A.
Handley's prize for Cultural Certificates, and
Mr. P. Smith's prize for groups. The prizs
offered by Messrs. Sanders, for cut flowers, was
awarded to Rev. J. Crombleholme. (Gardener's
prize to Mr. E. Marshall.)

All the above prizes have been offered for
competition during the ensuing season with the
following alteration, Mr. J. Evans will give the
prizes for Odontoglossums and Odontiodas in
lieu of Messrs. J. and A. McBean. and in addi-
tion, a, Gratrix, Esq., and Mrs. Gratrix
(iointlvl will offer a cup, and prize to gardenet
for Cymbidiums.

Bonus and Reserved Pay : J . S. In the ab-
senct- ol a proper agreement, you would find
it difficult to enforce your claim for bonus and
reserved pay, especially as the claim has never
been allowed, though, apparently, verbally
admitted. We consider your best plan wou.-n
be to consult a solicitor, who, on the evidence
you are able to bring forward, would advw
you as to the best course of action.

Minimum Rate of Wages for Gardeners ■
T. II. C. We have pointed out on several
occasions that gardeners in private establish-
ments do not come under the provisions of
the Corn Production Act, and, therefore, a
minimum rate of wages is not fixed for them,
as for agricultural workers.

Names of Plants : L. S. A. 1, Berberis vul-
garis; 2, Anthriscus sylvestris.

Paeony Disease : G. S. The plants are affected
with the fungus Botrytis paeoniae, and it is
by far the most common and destructive
disease of the Paeony so far as is known at
present. The disease" is very prevalent during
wet springs. Eradication methods offer the
most promise of success in the control of the
disease. Prompt removal and burning of
wiited stalks, cutting close to the crown, are
important. The fungus threads spread from
stalk to stalk through the soil. Removed
soil should be substituted by fresh, clean
soil, and the crown of the plant should be
dusted with flowers of sulphur. The foliage
and flower- buds may also be affected, and to
keep the disease in check it is necessary to
remove all spotted leaves or parts of leaves
and all flower-buds which have turned brown
or black. Burn the diseased shoots, leaves
and buds. It is also important to remove
all old stubble in the early autumn. If you
have but a few plants, it would pay you to
lift them in September, thoroughly cleanse the
roots, cut away the diseased portions and
replant in soil which has not been previously
occupied by Paeonies. Keep manure away
from the crowns.

Pond Weed : W. J. O. The weed is Elodea
canadensis, but as this is a very strong-grow-
ing species ws doubt whether the copper sul-
phate treatment will kill it. consequently we
advise you to continue the method of eradica-
tion by means of rakes.

Tdlip Disease : II. E. ./. The Tulips are
affected with the " fire " disease caused by
Botrytis parasitica. It is too late in the
season to obtain good results from .remedial
measures. Affected leaves, or parts of leaves,
should be removed on the first signs of infec-
tion, and by this means much good may be
done to keep the disease in check. Hail, heayy
rains and winds injure the foliage and
in this way '.he disease may gain entrance
in the plants. If you wish to grow
the bulbs next year, lift them in July
and retain all " the biggest specimens.
One method of overcoming the disease to
some extent is to plant late — say in Novem-
ber. The foliage is late in coming through
the ground, and thereby the danger of injury
from external sources is minimised. The disease
is far more prevalent in the Darwin than
any other section, and this year, doubtless
owing to the very wet spring, the disease has
teen very common.

Vine Disease : E. F. The vines are affected
with the Botrytis form of Sclerotinia Fuckel-
iana. The fungus can only thrive in a moist
atmosphere, and in controlling the red spider
you have evidently set up conditions in which
the disease can flourish. Ventilate the houses
early in the morning and sprav with a. solu-
tion \ii ^ oz. of potassium sulphide dissolved
in 1 gallon of water. Infected leaves should
be removed and burnt.

Communications Received.— W. T. — F. G. — J. C-
A. G.— J. F.— F. J.— W.— G. I.— J. J— W. T.— M. R-

1. J

Supplement to "The Gardeners' Chronicle'

V f

IRIS LAEVIGATA, FISCHER

June 5, 1920.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

273

THE

(Baxbmm (Kbrmtfcli

No. 1745.— SATURDAY, JUNE 5. 1920.

CONTENTS,

Agricultural training

Cymbidium I'An-

for disabled ex-ser-

sonn

274

vice meu

273

Laelia monophvlla . .

275

Artist, a forgotten

Odontioda Camden

274

botanical

278

0 dontoglossum

Begonias, fibrous-

Owenianum

275

rooted

277

Seeds, the germination

Calceolarias, herbace-

of

273

277

Societies —

Carabridge degree in

National Horticul-

horticulture

273

tural of France . .

273

Dalkeith

274

RovaJ Horticultural

Dumfries Municipal

Society's Chelsea.

bowling green

Show

279

charges

273

Strawberries, market-

" Gardeners' Chronicle

ing bv aeroplane . .

274

seventy-flve years

Sugar, shortage of . .

274

ago

274

Sweet Peas in the west

Iris laevigata

274

Indies

274

Obituary —

Trees and shrubs —

Monro, George

287

Rhododendron gla il-

Orchid notes and glean-

eum

275

ings —

Water Lilies ...

27b

Brasso-Laelio-

Week's work, the . .

27 tf

Cattleva Jupiter

275

Wvllie, Mr. G., retire-

Cirhopitalum

275

ment of

274

ILLUSTF

ATION3.

Begonias, £roup of fibrous-roote

d

277

Calceolarias, Messrs. Sutton &

Sons exhibit of..

2*2

2R4

.M.H.

287

27')

Papaver orientale Lord

Lamb<

mine

280

Polystichum angulare divisUob

im plumosum robustuni

283

Saxifraga Tumbling Wa

ters

281

Average Mean Temperatube for the ensuing week
deduced from observations during the last fifty
years at Greenwich, 57.40°.

Actual Tempera rtTRE : —

Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street,
Covent Garden, London, Wednesday, June 2,
10 a..m. ; Bar. 30.2; temp. 71°. Weather — Showery.

On
Germination.

In a large number of seeds
commonly grown by the
gardener, germination is
such a certain and rapid
process that it is taken as a matter of course
and excites no feeling of wonder. A little
moisture, a moderate temperature, and some
small supply of air are the only conditions
necessary to quicken an ordinary seed. Yet,
as those who have wider experience know,
there are many kinds of seeds which show
capriciousness and Obduracy when (planted,
and the causes of that capriciousness
are by no means always easy to
understand. In some cases difficulty ot
germination, as in "hard " Leguminous
seeds, is associated with a hard coat which it
is necessary to scratch or file in order to
induce the seed within to germinate. The
seeds of some kinds of plants, for instance,
Auriculas, may germinate at once if sown
before they are ripened, but germinate 'badly
or slowly if sown after they are thoroughly
ripe. On the other hand, gardeners often
claim to prefer old seeds of Melons, though
whether because old seeds germinate better
or produce better plants than young seeds
we do not know. To use old seed of some
plants scarcely matters — Legumes as a class
generally produce seeds which retain their
germinative powers unimpaired for many
years, and it is the seeds of Legumes which
hold the record for the longest latent
longevity — some eighty years or more. Of
coutnse there is the ever-recurring claim of
mummy Wheat to be capable of sprouting
after thousands of years spent in mummy
cases ; but though the claim is undying, the
mummy Wheat died long ago and mo serious

record is known to us of the seed of a plant
having survived a hundred years. It may
be that in the earth seeds do retain their
vitality for very long periods. The Fox-
gloves and other flowering plants which
spring up when coppices are cut are some-
times cited as examples. Nor is it impossible
that the seeds of these plants have lain
dormant in the soil for many years. For it
is known that dormancy is often brought
about in a seed automatically, as it were.
by the accumulation of carbon-dioxide in
its outer tissues. When these tissues are
charged with carbon-dioxide they become
verv impermeable to the ingress of oxygen
and water and in that state they may lie
dormant for a long time. Yet when the
carbon-dioxide is removed the seeds begin to
grow again ; the carbon-dioxide acting like
the crust of the pie in which the birds were
baked, and only when the pie was opened
did the birds begin to sing. Some have en-
deavoured to show that the germination of a
seed or the sprouting of a Potato is due to
the formation and action of enzymes ; and
that one of these, a diastase, sets the magic
work going by changing starch, which is a
solid and so useless as such for food pur-
poses, irito sugars, whioh are soluble and of
immediate use as foods. It is claimed, for
instance, that old seeds — for example, those
of Tomatos — which are refractory to ger-
mination, may be quickened by soaking in
solutions of diastase or other enzymes. But
the expert seed raiser knows that there are
many other substances which may be used
successfully to overcome the refractoriness
of seed's. Mr-. Grove, we .believe, has used
potassium iodide solution of iodine with
success in the case of certain Lily
seeds, and others find hydrogen perox-
ide a good stimulant for sluggish seeds.
Freezing and thawing are often resorted
to and not without success, as for
example with certain Primulas. Hence
it would seem probable that the diastases
or other enzymes are not the agents which
wake up the seed. Yet possibly they do
P'lay a part — albeit indirect ; for it has been
shown recently that an enzyme such as
diastase does not work single-handed very
well, but requires a co-enzyme — a sort of
partner — to stir it up to activity, and it may
be that the germlnative process after a
period of rest is brought about by the for-
mation in the protoplasm of the plant of this
activating co-enzyme. Even so, however,
it remains to ask what causes it to form.
To that question we know at present no
answer.

Coloured Plate. — The subject of the coloured
supplementary illustration included with this
issue is Iris laevigata, Fischer. Mr. W. R.
Dykes, a great authority on Irises, contributes
a note on this species, and this will be found
on page 274. Readers should see that their
newsagents deliver the coloured plate with the
present number.

Official Changes in the National Horticultural
Society of France. — Mons. D. Bois, Editor-in-
chief of the Revue Jfforticole, having been re-
cently appointed Professor of Culture at the
Natural History Museum in Paris, has resigned
lis position as Secretary and Editor of the
National Horticultural Society of France, a
"nation he lias ably filled since 1894. Mons. P»ois
had succeeded Prof. Duchartre, a member of
the Academy of Science. Mons. OuiUaumin,
assistant professor at the Natural History
Museum, has been nominated Secretary and
Editor to the National Horticultural Society of
France in the place of M. Bois.

Dumfries Municipal Bowling Green Charges.—
Prior to the public opening of the Dumfries

Municipal Bowling Greens recently a mieet-
ing of the bowlers -was held at whioh it was
agreed not to play on the greens unless the
increase in the charges was cancelled or a satis-
factory explanation given by the Town Councd,
in view of the financial statements which have
been published by that body. A committee was
appointed to meet the Council. As no meeting
with the latter had been arranged, onlv ten
players took part in the first game alter the
opening ceremony, but afterwards it was shown
that there had been a loss almost every year
and last year the deficit amounted to upwards
of £60. Under the circumstances, while pro-
testing against the statement which had been
issued, the bowlers agreed to pay the increased
charges.

Agricultural Training for Disabled Ex-
Service Men.— .The Ministry of Agriculture's
Scheme for training disabled ex-Service men in
agriculture is making sound progress. Since
August last, when the Ministry took over re-
sponsibility for the vocational training, some
2,200 disabled men have been placed, and allow-
ing for the men who have completed their
course or have discontinued it for other reasons,
nearly 2,000 are being taught at present. As
a general rule, the instruction is given at train-
ing centres, where accommodation is provided
for numbers of men, varying from 10 up to as
many as 100. Forty^three centres have actually
been started, wliile seventeen others are
approaching completion, and will be ready for
pupils within the next month or so. These
centres are spread over 32 different counties in
England and Wales. In one county (Middle-
sex), as many as six centres have been
established, in order to provide for disabled
men from the Metropolitan area. Constant
improvements are made both in the nature of
the instruction and in -provision for the general
welfare of the men. Four centres are devoted
chiefly to poultry keeping, and courses in this
subject are also being arranged at practically
all centres, to supplement the main training in
general agriculture or market gardening. At
nearly every school the men have started a
recreation and sports fund, to which each mem-
ber contributes a small weekly sum for the
upkeep of games, supply of newspapers, and
similar requirements. Tile fund is supplemented
by a grant from the Ministry for the init;- '
purchase of cricket bats and other aids (o re-
creation. These grants are much appreciated
bv the men. The training given by the Minis-
try to a disabled man lasts, as a rule_, for a
period of twelve months. During this time
each man receives allowances equivalent to his
maximum disability pension together with, i"
certain circumstances, " awav-from-home * and
travelling allowances, if he has been placed at
a distant centre. When a disabled man finishes
his period of instruction, his training allowances
stop, and he reverts to his ordinary disability
pension.

Cambridge Degree in Horticulture. — One of
the problems at present confronting the Minis-
try of Agriculture is the provision of advice and
supervision for the smallholder. This problem
has become more acute now that so many of
the men settling on the land are lacking, either
partly or altogether, in knowledge of the theory
and practice of horticulture. When the question
arose of appointing organisers to instruct those
men and to look "after their interests, it was
found that the number of candidates oualified
to fill such posts was extremely limited. This
may sound rather a sweeping statement to
make in a country celebrated for the excellence
of its gardens; but it must be remembered that
the methods adopted in private gardens are not
wholly applicable to horticulture practised on a
commercial scale. Moreover, a man who is to
organise the horticultural instruction of a county
should have a knowledge of the scientific side
of the subject as well as of its practical sole.
Hitherto such knowledge has not been easily
obtainable : while we have excellent schools of
a 'limit mo in various parts of the country
where both .science ami practice are taught, and
where research work is carried on. and thou**
I here are several schools of gardening "■

274

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

June 5, 1920.

existence, we have at present no school definitely
devoted to the study of commercial horticulture.
Quite apart from this question of supplying
instructions for smallholders, it is obviously-
desirable, in view of the rapidly increasing im-
portance of horticulture in this country, that
the prospective fruit-farmer or market -gardener
should be able to obtain instruction in his sub-
ject as scientific and comprehensive as that
which can be so readily obtained nowadays by
the prospective agriculturist. In order that
such instruction may be available, the
Ministry of Agriculture have made it possible
for the University of Cambridge to establish
a degree in horticulture and a post-graduate
diploma. The course for the degree will extend
over three years, and will consist of instruction
in the theory and practice of commercial fruit
and vegetable growing, the practical side of
the subject being treated no less fully than its
theoretical aspect. It is hoped that the course
for the diploma will provide men qualified for
research work in horticulture. Hitherto there
has been a dearth of such mien owing to the
difficulty in obtaining suitable training, and
research work in connection with an important
industry has therefore been greatly hampered
Both the courses mentioned above will com-
mence in October next, and information concern-
ing them can be obtained from the Secretary.
School of Agriculture, Cambridge.

Shortage of Sugar. — There is a world shortage
of sugar and a general advance in the retail
price of 4d. a lb. came into operation on the
17th ult. The new prices vary from Is. a lb.
for moist, to Is. 2^d. for loaf, and Is. 2Jd. for
castor sugar. The price of sugar for domestic
preserving is fixed at Is. 3d. per lb. The
advances have been made to obviate a loss to
the State of £20.000,000, which the old price of
10d. per lb. would have entailed. In consequence
of the limited quantity of sugar which it has
been found possible to allot this year for
domestic fruit preserving out of stocks "imported
by the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supplv,
large growers of fruit may not be able to obtain
an adequate supply of sugar for preserving, and
wastage of fruit grown by private persons may
in some cases arise. The Food Controller announces
that it has, therefore, been decided to relax the
restrictions on the sale of privately-imported
sugar, and to allow such sugar to be sold either
by wholesale or retail for the express purpose of
the domestic preserving of fruit. Any person
purchasing supplies of privatelv-imported sugar
must give a written undertaking that it will be
used for domestic jam making, and for no other
purpose. Sales of privatelv-imported su»ar
merely to supplement the ordinary domestic
ration are not permitted.

Retirement of Well known Aberdeenshire
Forester. —After a service of well-nigh fifty
years, during which he served three generations
of the Nicola of Ballogie, Aberdeenshire Mr.
beorge Wyllie, head forester and overseer has
entered into well-earned retirement. Entering
the service of Mr. James Dyce Nicol, grand-
father of the present laird iri* 1872, Mr Wyllie
served him, his son, Mr. VV. A. Nicol. 'and" his
grandson, Captain Randall J. Nicol, the present
proprietor, right well and faithfully. The re-
spect and esteem felt for Mr. Wyllie by all
classes— proprietors, the church, tenants" and
employees— were fully manifested by the large
gathering which assembled on Wednesday 26th
May, at the mansion house of Ballogie to do
him honour. The company, which included
many of the surrounding landowners, was pre-
sided over by Mr. David Stewart, Balnacraig.
Lhe presentation took the form of a wallet, well
filled with treasury notes, and a magnificent
silver salver from the tenancy, employees and
friends, a silver candlestick and silver calendar
frame from the minister and friends at the
Church of Bisse and the Kirk Session; and a
silver, three-panelled frame from Capt. Nicol,
with photograph of himself his father and
grandfather. Mr. Wyllie suitably responded,
and in doing so reviewed the changes which had
taken place in the district since 1872.

Dalkeith.— According to the daily Press, the
Duke of Buccleuch is seeking a suitable tenant

for the gardens at Dalkeith. Presumably, as
no mention is made of the residence being
offered, these famous Scottish gardens will he
used for the growing of crops for market, in
which case they must necessarily lose their
ornamental character. This beautiful old
Scottish domain was formerly one of the show
places of the country and many famous garden-
ers have been responsible for their care. To be
trained at Dalkeith was the eager desire of
many a young gardener and some of the most
skilled craftsmen in gardening have claimed it
as their Alma Mater. It is to be hoped that
the decision to let is only a temporary measure
and that Dalkeith will soon revert to its once
proud position in 'the gardening world.

Marketing Strawberries by Aeroplane. — A
consignment of Strawberries from Paris reached
Covent Garden on the 29th inst.. by aeroplane,
within four hours after being dispatched from
the French capital. They reached here in ex-
cellent condition and sold for 10s. per box of
a little more than 1 lb. Mr. Charles Wilkinson,
the consignee, states that it is his intention to
have constant deliveries of fruit and choice
vegetables from Paris by aeroplane.

Swest Peas in the West Indies According to

a statement in the Agricultural IVews (xix.,
No. 468). Dr. S. C. Harland has been successful
in inducing Sweet Peas to flower at St. Vincent.
Although the blooms produced in the West
Indian plants were small and scentless, the fact
that their hitherto refractiveness to flowering
in that country has been overcome is worthy
of record ; for it gives hope that new races may
be evolved which will enable West Indian gar-
deners to enjoy the beauty and perfume of this
flower. It is to be presumed that the cause of
failure to flower is the high temperature which
prevails during the. growing season, or that the
sum of external conditions favour vegetative as
opposed to reproductive growth. It would be
interesting to know whether any of the novel
expedients to cheek vegetative growth, for ex-
ample, by confining the root-run, have been
tried with Sweet Peas in the West Indies.

" The Gardeners' Chronicle " Seventy-five
Years Ago.— Electric Agency applied to Borti-
iiilture. — I have lately made some experiments
nearly similar to those described by "A" in a
late number, but with very different results.
First, having selected two well-rooted Fuchsia
cuttings of exactly the same size, etc., growing
in 5-inch pots, in one of them I placed a plate
of copper and a plate of zinc, each 3 inches
square, bent so as to fit exactly the opposite
sides of the pot, and connected at the top by a
copper wire soldered to their upper edges: I
then placed them side by side in a small forc-
ing-house, and took care that they should be
treated in every respect the same. At the end
of the first week there was no perceptible dif-
ference between the two plants, but at the end
of a fortnight the ungalvanised plant was evi
dently in advance of the other; and continued
so for four weeks, when it was an inch taller
and appeared rather more healthy. On turning
the galvanised plant out of the pot, I found
that no roots had grown through that side of
the earth on which the zinc plate was.
Secondly, in the earth on the top of one of
Rendle's tanks, I placed. 10 inches apart, a
zinc and copper plate, each 9 inches square,
with their upper edge? level with the surface,
connected by an arch of copper wire. On one
side, and touching their edges, I placed a pane
of glass, 14 inches in length, and of sufficient
depth to reach to the bottom of the earth, and 2
inches above the surface. On each side of the
glass I sowed some common Cress seed. The
seeds came up on both sides of the glass at
the same time: and at the end of ten days
there was not the slightest difference in their
height or appearance, except that a few plants
which were close to the zinc looked a little un-
healthy. Thirdly, I placed the same plates in
the open ground, about 5 inches apart, on each
side of some Peas that were just breaking the
ground. They have been there eight days, but
I cannot perceive that the Peas between them
are either better or worse than the rest of the
row. — A. W.G., Gard. Chron., June 1th. 1845.

IRIS LAEVIGATA, FISCHER.

The fine Iris which forms the subject of the
coloured supplementary illustration to this
ossue has only come into cultivation in
this country in comparatively recent years,
but, now that it is at last available, no bog or
water garden should be without it, for the blue-
purple of its flowers is of a shade that occurs
in no other Iris. The plant is of easy
growth and flourishes in rich, light soil where
the water supply in summer is abundant.

That I. laevigata is not well-known is partly
due to the fact that the botanists have long
confused it with I. Kaempferi, from which, how-
ever, it is entirely distinct. The most obvious
point of difference in the growing plants lies in
the leaves. Those of I. laevigata are smooth
and broad, while those of I. Kaempferi are com-
paratively narrow and have, also, a very con-
spicuous, raised midrib. Moreover, the cap-
sules and seeds of the two species are very
dissimilar, the seeds of I. laevigata being large,
flattened and smooth, very like those of our
native I. Pseudacorus.

Difference of colour in the flower is, of course,
no certain indication of specific difference in
plants; but, however, the wild I. Kaempferi al-
ways apparently bears red-purple flowers, while
those of I. laevigata are always blue-purple.
The whole flower is of the same shade of colour,
except for a, narrow streak of pale-greenish
yellow that runs along the haft of the falls and
out on to the blade. There is also in cultivation
a pure white form, while another, in which the
falls are blotched with blue-purple on a white
ground, was described in the Bot. Mag., t. 7.511,
as a srjecies, so leng ago as 1896. This last form
probably arose in cultivation in Japan, where
there is also grown a monstrosity with double
flowers A curious fact is that the albo-pur-
rurea form comes true from peed, in so far ns
all the seedlings bear flowers mottled with blue-
purpla on a white ground, although the amount
of mottling and the shade of the purple colour
vary considerably.

The confusion between I. laevigata and I.
Kaempferi probably arose because the two species
both come from the sarnie districts. They are
found in swampy places near Lake Baikal and
from there eastwards through Manchuria and
Northern China. They also occur in Uorea and
probably also in Japan, though it is a little
difficult to feel certain that they are really wild
in the latter country. I. laevigata was first dis-
covered by Pallas in his journey through certain
provinces of the Russian Empire about 1770.
His specimen is now in the Herbarium of the
Linnaean Society at Burlington House and was
collected in the swamps near Lake Baikal. hi
1829 Turczaninow found the plant growing there
very freely, and it was from his specimens that
it was described as I. laevigata by Fischer in
1837. II'. B. Dykes.

ORCHID N07ES AND GLEANINGS.

ODONTIODA CAMDEN.

Examination of a flower of this handsome
cross, shown by E. R. Ashton, Esq., Broad-
lands, Tunbridge Wells, between Odontioda
Coronation (which is supposed to be between
Oda. Vuylstekeae and Odm. eximium), which
has also been shown as Oda. Queen Mary, and
Odontaglossum illustrissimum. demonstrates an-
other example of the value of Oda. Coronation
in giving fine shape and attractive markings
to the resultant hybrid. It is a parent of
some of the best varieties, such as Oda. Joiceyi.
The flower approaches in size a good, broad-
petalled O. crispum, the inner parts of the sepals
and petals being red with a bright gold shade, the
margins and tips white. The lip is white in
front, the crest yellow with ruby-red markings.

CYMBIDIUM I'ANSONn.

A flower of the original imported type of
this very distinct but puzzling Cymbidium, sent
by Sir Jeremiah Colnian, Bart., Gatton Park, in
support of the remarks on the subject in the

June 5, 1920.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

27?

Gard. Chron., March 27, p. 153, fails to dis-
close any new points bearing upon it. There
is little doubt that the several forms appearing
under different names, but now identified with
it, were all imported specimens, and it is pos-
sible that it may be a sparsely-distributed
species. The fleshy-white lip, covered with
minute papillae, and bearing only a pale shadow
of a zone in the front, arranged as in C. Low-
ianum, and the arrangement of the column,
fail to indicate any feasible combination of
species growing together.

The interesting Cymbidium gattoneso
(Tracyanum x Lowdanmn), for which Sir
Jeremiah Colman received an Award of Merit,
January 28, 1908, being home-raised, quite dis-
poses of the parentage assigned to C. I'Ansonii
as a natural hybrid, but its position is yet un-
determined.

ODONTOGLOSSUM OWENIANTJM, KOLFE.

It is interesting to record the flowering of this
rare Odontoglossum, wmcn was described in
Gard. Chron.. September 10, 1892, p. 178, in the
gardens of Mrs. Bischoffslieim, The Warren
House, Stanmore. It belongs to the smaller-
flowered set, and in general appearance it recalls
0. Wallisii pnrum. though larger, bavins a
similar arching inflorescence, in the present
case, of eight flowers. The lanceolate-acuminate
sepals and petals are pale yellow with reddish-
chocolate markings on the sepals, and there is an
occasional small spot of the same colour on the
petals. The unguiculate lip, which is white, has
an abruptly-deflexed apex.

Odontoglossum Owenianum is an elegant
hybrid, although not of the broad-petalled ,
showy class. The specimen at Warren
House is supposed to have been acquired about
1913. with other Odontoglossums. It flowered
indifferently in 1914 and was classed with 0.
Andersonianum, from which, however, it is very
distinct.

BRASSO-LAELIO-CATTLEYA JUPITER.

A large and handsome flower of a new cross,
raised between B.-L.-C. Veitchii (B.-C. Digby-
ano-Mossiae x L. purpurata) and C. armain-
villierense (Mendelii x Warscewiczii) ds sent by
the raisers, Messrs. Hassall and Co., Southgate.
In effect it has some resemblance to B.-C.
Cliftonii magnifica (B.-C. Digbyano-Mossiae x
C. Trianae), Out i: is larger, and, in the labellum
especially, the influence of C. Warscewiczii is
very marked. The sepals and petals are bluish-
white ; the lip. which is very broad and crimped
with slight fringing at the margin, is coloured
rosy-mauve, with white base and pale yellow
centre.

CIRR0PETALUM

Cirropetalums are closely allied to Bulbo-
phyllum, and require the same cultural treat-
ment. The majority are dwarf-growing, but C.
robustum is an exception, and requires a
generous root space to secure the best results,
while a decided rest is needed after the com-
pletion of the pseudo-bulbs. Such small-growing
plants as C. Rothschildiamrm, 0. appendi-
culatum, C. Makoyanum, and C. ornatissimum
may be grown in baskets or small pans, and they
will succeed in the intermediate or Cattleya
house. C. robustum and C. picturatum should
be placed in the warm division. B.

LAELIA M0N0PHYLLA.

This pretty, dwarf-growing Laelia should be
repotted or top-dressed as the necessity arises.
Large receptacles are not needed ; a pan should
be chosen which will just hold the roots. If
the plants are over-potted, the soil remains in
a saturated condition for several days, and the
roots often decay in consequence. Careful

watering is essential at all times, and even
when at rest the roots should never become
really dry or the small ps9udo-bulbs will suffer
injury. The plants should be grown in the in-
termediate house, and should be suspended or
biought near the roof-glass by arranging them
on inverted flower pots.

The flower spikes should be removed from
weak specimens directly they appear. T.

WATER LILIES.

Very few pools show the flowers ui
Nymphae-a to such advantage as do irregular,
medium -sized ponds, partly surrounded with,
but not overhung by, trees Growing in the
"vicinity of "water, trees promote an effect of calm-
ness, which adds to the effectiveness of Nym-
phaeas. The mud, or silt, of natural waterways
is in some instances very rich, and in such a
medium a few varieties of Nymphaea may pro-
duce large quantities of foliage at the expense of
flowers. Where this occurs, the plant may be
lifted in May, placed in a tub, and the latter sunk
in the desired position. Good, strong loam is
the best soil in which to plant the roots. The
artificial Lily tank has much to recommend it
i.i places where natural waterways are absent.
When constructing a tank, do not allow the
retaining sides to project above the general
ground level. Harmony with the level lines of
the water is of paramount importance, and the
surface of the water should not be more than

beautiful pale yellow N. pygmaea Helvola, with
rich brown mottled leaves, is happy under a
covering of 6 inches of water.

TREES AND SHRUBS.

RHODODENDRON GLAUCUM.

One of the dwarfer Himalayan Rhododendrons,
this species <see Fig. 126) is also one of the
hardiest. It was introduced to cultivation about
1850 by Sir Joseph Hooker, who found it in
Sikkim up to elevations of 12,000 feet. It is a
native also of Bhotan. In the home counties it
is not often seen more than 4 feet high, but it
grows twice as tall in the south-west, and is
nearly always of neat, compact habit. It is one
of the scaly or " lepidote " group, to which so
many distinct and beautiful additions have been
made in recent years from Western China, the
leaves and young shoots being thickly covered
with flat, circular scales. The leaves are

E'G. 126 RHODODENDRON GLAT/CUM.

12 inches below that of the retaining sides. At
the deepest end of the tank 3 feet of water is
ample for general requirements. However,
whilst many varieties of Nymphaeas are suited
with a moderate depth of water, the leaves and
flowers of vigorous kinds will become unduly
spread if the i'oot<s are planted too shallowly.
especially in natural ponds. Simplicity is the
keynote of planting ; do not mix varieties, or
even use too many kinds closely together; also
refrain from obtaining immediate contrasts in
colour. In tanks, or ponds of even outline, place
the plants a reasonable distance from the water's
edge to insure a good water margin, as this
creates a desirable idea of spaciousness ; more-
over, care .houll be taken not to plant in
straight lines, but in uneven and unequal patches.
One of the best native waterside plants to asso-
ciate with architecture and Nymphaeas, is
Alisma Plantago. Of Nymphaeas requiring
a depth of 4 feet, or considerably more,
of water, are N. Cladstoniana and varieties of
the Marliacea hybrids, including N. carnea, N.
rosea, N. albida, N. lucida, and N. elnriosa.
Those of the Laydekeri section are suitable for
growing in comparatively shallow water, and the

aromatic, oblong or narrowly oval. § inch to Hi
inches long, £ inch to 1 inch wide, dull green
above, glaucous or sometimes pale brown be-
neath. The flowers, which expand in May
or even at the end of April in early
seasons, are borne in trusses of usually
six or seven blooms. The corolla is from
J inch to V4 inch wide, the five lobes rounded
and spreading. The colour is a pretty,
rosy red. with little or no purple in it,
but Hooker, in his original description, called
the flowers " pinkish purple," and this has been
copied in most of the descriptions published
since. It may, of course, be that the flower
colour shows a certain measure of variation
under cultivation, but. so far as I have seen.
it is as described above and lacks purple almost
entirely. The calyx is unusually large for Rhodo
dendron flowers of this size, and has five ovate
lobes j inch. long. Both calyx and corolla are
slightly scaly on tbe outside. Tt is one of the
hardiest of the Himalayan species and thrives
very well in tbe Home Counties. Tt is one of
the parents of the hybrid, " Rosy Bell." a pretty
plant with larger flowers than R. glaucum. which
have been very abundant this spring. If. ./. B.

276

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

June 5, 1920.

The Week's Work.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By T Pateman, Gardener to C. A. Cain, Esq., J. P.,
The Node, Codieote, Welwyn, Hertfordshire.

Morello Cherries.— These trees require atten-
tion in the matter of training in the new
growths. This Cherry bears fruit on the wood
made the preceding season, therefore as much
new growths should be retained as possible to
obtain fruiting shoots for next season's crop.
Remove all surplus growth by disbudding and
pinching. In the case of young trees, make
provision for extension, and see that they will
be well furnished with new shoots. Morello
Cherries are cropping freely this season and
the fruits may require thinning, which may be
done immediately it can be seen that the
Cherries are swelling.

Plums and Gages.— Plum trees on walls have
set far too many fruits, and the latter must be
thinned. Tile Mealy Plum Aphis some-
times attacks Plum trees in June or July;
this pest does not cause the leaves to curl, but
collects beneath them in dense, mealy masses.
The excreta given off by this insect does most
damage as it falls from the leaves on to the
fruit depositing a sticky, black mass. A sharp
watch should be kept for this pest, and the tree
sprayed immediately it is seen, with a reliable
insecticide.

General Remarks.— Strawberries, Cherries and
bush fruit will soon require protecting from
birds. Have all materials in readiness in order
that the nets may be put on immediately the
fruits approach ripeness. If stakes are used to
raise the net above the plants, these should
be placed in position. Wire or light poles may
be used to hold up the net at the desired height ;
I find that 1-inch wire netting around the beds
and slightly let into the ground gives better pro-
tection against blackbirds than nets that have to
be made secure by the use of pegs.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By Sidney Leoo, Gardener to the Dowager Lady
NuNBURNHqLME, Warter Priory, Yorkshire.

The Dry Wall.— As a boundary to the pleasure
orchard, or in the form of retaining walls to
both kitchen and flower gardens, the dry wall
is a medium of effective possibilities. On more
pretentious iines, the judicious treatment of
terraces with dry walling— whether of skilled or
unskilled workmanship— gives a far prettier and
more pleasing effect than the universal steep
grass banks ; moreover, the continuous mowing of
these banks is a. laborious task at this season.
The contour of the ground should be considered
before coming to a decision as to whether the
wall needs to be more or less perpendicular, or
set at a definite, but nowise oblique, angle.
Steps call for sound judgment in construction ;
avoid steep, narrow flights, and allow a tread
of not less than 15 inches. This will give a rise
of from 4i to 5 inches. Many choice plants that
do not succeed on the flat, without a protective
sheet of glass during the winter, are quite happy
in the dry wall, as moisture cannot easily accu-
mulate and become frozen in the crown of leaves.
Plants which are attractive both in summer and
winter include encrusted Saxifrages. Rock Pinks
and Achillea umbellata. In some instances the
ground immediately beyond the wall top may be
furnished with subjects both to give an impres-
sion of height and overhang the wall. For this
purpose, Yucca, Forsythia suspensa, Olearia
Haastdi, Berberis, Rosemary, Cisrus and Roses
are useful plants ; whilst dwarf Lavender, purple
Sage, Ferns and Fuchsia gracilis may nestle at
the foot of (he wall. Seeds of Dianthus, Iberis
odorata, Saponaria calabrica. Silene pendula,
Sedum. coeruleum and many others may be sown
in the crevices as soon as they are ripe, as
seedlings so raised will give more satisfaction
than those transplanted.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By John Corns, Foreman, Royal Botanio Gardens,
Kew.

Hippeastrum. — In most cases Hippeastrum
seed is ripe, and should be gathered and sown
without delay. Fresh seed germinates readily in
a warm propagating house. Young plants
should be potted on as they require increased
root room, while stock flowered this season should
be kept growing actively by liberal feeding.
As growth approaches maturity give the plants
more fresh air. In about a month's time the
earlier-started batches may be removed to cold
frames, where water may gradually be with-
held from the plants, and where they may be
fully exposed to the sun.

Gloxinia. — The Gloxinia lasts a long time in
flower in a oool house ; if grown in cool condi-
tions the plants may, during the summer, be
used for the decoration of an ordinary green-
house. Seed may still be sown, and the result-
ing tubers will make good stock for growing on
next year.

Pot Roses. — As tbe plants pass out of flower
they should be plunged in the open and giveu
every attention as regards feeding and keeping
them free from insect pests. Certain varieties,
especially those of the dwarf, polyantha section,
are easily propagated by means of cuttings, and
shoots obtained from pot-grown plants are es-
pecially suitable for the purpose. Where it is
desired to increase the stock, the plants should
be kept indoors for this purpose. Young plants
of the rambler section, in pots, should be en-
couraged to make good growth, removing them
out-of-doors when growth is completed.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By T. VT. Briscoe, Gardener to W. R. Lisaght, Esq..
Castleford, Chepstow.

Potting. — The pans or baskets should be
filled half their depth with drainage material ;
the rooting medium should consist of fibrous
peat or Osmunda fibre and Sphagnum-moss in
equal parts. Fresh soil should be given when
the roots are in active growth, and, for a few
weeks afterwards, viator should be afforded
sparingly. Annual repotting is not desirable; in
fact, provided correct cultural details are
observed, a healthy plant will not need dis-
turbance at the roots for two or three years.
When, however, large specimens are over-
hauled, a number of the back pseudo-bulbs
should be removed, reducing them to three be-
hind each growing point. During the growing
season a warm, moist atmosphere is necessary ;
the roots should also be liberally supplied with
water, and the plants sprayed overhead daily in
hot weather until the new pseudo-bulbs are
fully matured. When they reach this stage
most of the larger-growing species require a
decided rest, but those of smaller growth should
be given sufficient water to maintain their
pseudo-bulbs in a plump and rigid condition.
When at rest, expose the plants to all the light
possible.

Odontoglossum Harryanum. — This Orchid is
not always met with in a flourishing condition.
The cause may often be traced to excessive
moisture at the" roots and over-potting. At this
season any plants that need fresh rooting
material may be given attention. The pots
should be filled one-third of their depth with
drainage material, and the receptacles chosen
should only be just large enough to accommodate
the roots." A sprinkling of partially decayed
Oak or Eeech leaves may be added to the usual
mixture, and a few crushed crocks will serve
to keep the compost open. After repotting,
the plants may be arranged at the warmer end of
the Odontoglossum house, where they shoidd be
given a little extra attention in regard to water-
ing, shading and atmospheric moisture until the
roots are re-established. The hybrids from this
remarkable species constitute a beautiful series
of flowering plants: moreover, . they possess, as
a rule, strong constitutions, and no difficulty
will be experienced in their successful cultiva-
tion wdiere other cool-house Orchids are grown.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By F. Jordan, Gardener to Lieut. -Col. Spender Clat,
M.P., Ford Manor, Lingfleld, Surrey.

Cucumbers. — Cucumbers may now be grown
in box frames or pits, with two or three fee-,
of any kind of fermenting material. The
Cucumber house proper may be planted with
Melons, or put to other uses. After planting
the Cucumbers in the frames, pinch off the malfl
blossoms and the young fruits for two or three
weeks. When fruiting commences close the
lights early in the afternoons, with plenty ^f
atmospheric moisture in the frame, and keep
the foliage thinly trained and clean by the free
use of the syringe.

Figs. — The earliest fruits are ripe or approach-
ing that stage, and the syringe should be used
sparingly, especially on dull days when a free
circulation of air cannot be maintained. Its
use cannot, however, be dispensed with, as the
second crop is well advanced and the swelling
of the fruits is favoured by plenty of atmos-
pheric moisture. With a little forethought,
those in charge may overcome these difficulties
by careful ventilation and cautious sy ringings
immediately after the ripe Figs are gathered.
These remarks apply to light, well-ventilated
houses in which the atmosphere is likely to soon
get dry, a condition that favours the spread of
red spider; trees growing in heavy, dark houses
require much drier treatment. The application
of root moisture should be regular and plentiful,
assisted by stimulants, and, when the fruits
are swelling, a brisk temperature should be
maintained and regulated by day and night
ventilation.

Successional Plants. — Where small pits are
devoted to the growing of Melons in pots or
planted out. a second batch of seedlings should
be ready for planting when the last fruits are
cut. Melons, being very subject to red spider
after tills date, every part of the structure
should be again well cleansed. As the days
lengthen and the sun increases in power, the
amount of fire heat may be greatly reduced,
and later, in good weather, almost dispensed
with.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By H. Wheeler. Gardener to Mrs. JenniR, Wenvoe
Castle, near Cardiff.

Tomatos. — Plants sown as previously advised,
and suitably hardened, may be planted in their
summer quarters. The soil should be only
moderately rich. In very fertile ground the
plants will make an excess of foliage, and
fruit will not set satisfactorily. The rows
should run north and south, but the best results
are obtained where the Tomatos are planted at
the foot of a wall or fence facing south or south-
west. Set the plants eighteen inches apart and
allow a space of three feet between each row,
securing each plant to a strong stake four or
five feet high. Restrict all growth to the leading
shoot of the main stem, removing the laterals as
soon as they appear. Water the plants
copiously and do not allow the roots to become
unduly dry, giving extra care in this respect
where' the' situation is a dry one.

New Zealand Spinach.— This vegetable pro-
duces plentiful supplies in hot, dry weather,
when it is difficult to maintain greenstuffs of
other kinds. The plant requires a light soil
and a sunny position. Seedlings forwarded in
heat should be planted three feet apart each
way. or seed may be sown the same distance
apart and the seedlings thinned later to single
plants.

Broad Beans. — To prevent the tops of Broad
Beans becoming infested with Black-fly, it is
custcmarv to remove the tips of the shoots
when sufficient flowers to form the crop have
set. Broad Beans transplanted from pots or
boxes usually require support and they should
be staked when necessary. A late sowing may
be made now. but it is seldom profitable to sow
after this date.

PHas. — Sowings of late varieties nf Peas should
be made at regular intervals. Thin the plants
before thev are staked, leaving them about four
inches apart.

June 5,^1920

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

271

HERBACEOUS CALCEOLARIAS.

Calceolarias are very showy during the early
snrnmsr, lasting in great beauty for a consider-
able time. They may be grown without much
fire heat, as cool treatment is necessary at
all times to obtain the best results.

The seeds of herbaceous Calceolarias should
be sown in pans on a fine surface of sand,
and the soil should consist of loam, leaf-mould
and peat in equal proportions, with sharp
sand added to keep the mixture open. The
pans should be plunged in coal ashes in a cold
frame, where little sun can reach them; they
should be covered with a piece of glass and the
soil shaded from the sun. Watch carefully for
the presence of slugs as the seeds germinate,
and see that the surface of the soil does not
approach dryness, this being fatal to germina-
tion. When moisture is required, stand the
pans in a saucer of water up to the rims. June
is a good month in which to sow the seeds.
When the young plants have attained a suitable
size transplant them, as Calceolarias need to be
grown without a check. Transfer the seedlings to
pans or boxes filled with a friable compost
similar to that advised for seed sowing, with
the addition of a little crushed charcoal. Do
not allow the plants to become dry, and grow
them in a cold frame on an ash bottom, facing
east, if possible, and keep the surroundings
cool and moist at all times. As th,s plants
develop, pot them into 3-inch pots, using a
little more fibrous loam, and a small quantity
of fine, dry cow dung in the compost. Watch
carefully for infestations of green fly Repot
the young plants as required, using a rich com-
post, and, about th,e end of October, remove
them from the frames to shelves near the roof-
glass in a cool glasshouse. Water the roots
with extra care until the days lengthen and
growth becomes more active, when more moisture
is needed. If the plants are well rooted, they
may be transferred to 6-inch or 7-inch pots at the
end of February. Stand the plants on a stage
covered with ashes and well syringe the bare
spaces between the pots, as a dry atmosphere
is detrimental to the plants at any period of
their development. Have the house fumigated
occasionally to check green fly, and, as the roots
fill the pots, give the plants manure water
(from cow-sheds or sh^ep or horse manure
placed in a bag in a tub of water) about
twice weekly, with alternate waterings with
clear soot water. The plants may also be syringed
occasionally with clear soot-water. As the

flowers develop, remove them to the conserva-
tory or greenhouse in as cool and moist a posi-
tion as possible — the plants will last in bloom a
considerable period, and they may also 'be
utilised for the decoration of the mansion if
placed in a fairly cool room or corridor. H. E.
Kemp.

FIBROUS-ROOTED BEGONIAS.

Begonia semperflorens well merits its specific
name, and some forms of the plant are very
popular for betiding; purposes during the summer,
and others for greenhouse decoration. The
species has been extensively employed by the
hybridists, and its continuous flowering qualities
have, in many cases, been transmitted to its
progeny. The following other species are worthy
of note : —

Begonia coccinea, a tall grower with drooping
clusters of bright red flowers. This plant is
more a summer than a winter bloomer, though
under favourable conditions flowers are often
produced at this last-named season.

B. Dbjjgei. — A species of upright growth with
neat leaves, rather light green on the upper
Burface, and with a reddish tinge underneath.
Hie flowers are white and freely borne. This
species is of especial interest as being one. of the
parents of the universally grown Gloire de
Lo^aine.

B. foliosa. — A neat-habited plant of slender
growth with small, whitish flowers. Owing to
its semi-pendulous nature and the flattened,

frond-like arrangement of the branches it is
seen to considerable advantage when grown in
a suspended basket.

B. fuchsioides. — A very old species, but sun
one of the most beautiful. It sends up tall
stems clothed with deep green, ovate leaves,
which, when young, have a reddish tinge. The
de;p scarlet flowers are borne in drooping pani-
cles. The plant is a native of Mexico and,
like most other Begonias, succeeds best in a
warm greenhouse or house having an inter-
mediate temperature.

B. glaucophylla, (syn. undulata). — This Braz-
ilian species has long, creeping stems, glaucous
green, wavy leaves, anl salmon-red coloured
flowers, which in the bud state are curiously
mottled. It is a first-rate plant for furnishing
large hanging baskets.

B. Haageana. — A Brazilian species with large,
hairy leaves, deep green on the upper surface
and reddish beneath. It forms a bold specimen,
which when laden with its massive clusters of
flowers is very striking. The flowers are white,
and the undersides of the petals as well as the
entire plant are clothed with reddish hairs.

B. Lxnchiana. — This species, which was intro-
duced from Colombia over thirty years ago, was
first known as Begonia Roezlii. It is a plant
of tall, rather spare growth, with large panicles
of deep scarlet flowers. Apart from its own

leaves of B. Richardsiana are far n ore divided
than those of the other.

Of hybrids and garden forms there is quite
a long list, the following being ail good : — B.
Ascotensis, a freely branched plant, with a pro-
lusion of pink blossoms. Its origin seems to be
unknown — at least I can find no record of it ;
L'arminata (a hybrid between B. coccinea and
B. Dregei}, with caimine-pink flowers. Carri-
erei (from B. semperflorens and B. Schmidtiana),
of dwarf growth, with a profusion of small white
flowers. Corbeille de Feu ; this variety bears
a great profusion of bright red flowers and is
equally valuable in summer and winter. It is
the result of a cross between B. semperflorens
and B. fuchsioides. Digswelliana, of free yet
neat growth, with pretty soft pink blossoms that
though small are freely borne. Gloire de Chate-
laine, a dwarf, compact member of the semper-
florens group, with a prolusion ot pleasing deep
pink blossoms. Gloire de Sceaux, a fine orna-
mental .begonia that commences to flower early
in the year. It forms a freely branched speci-
men, clothed with handsome bronzy- green leaves.
The large, rose-coloured blossoms are very showy.
It is 'said to have been raised from B. socotrana
and B. subpeltata, but this is at least open to
question. Ingramii, a useful Begonia which
shows a good deal of the fuchsioides character,
with pretty reddish-pink flowers. It was
raised at Frogmore so long, ago as 1849,
the parents being B. nitida and B.

FlG. 127. — GROUP OF FIBROUS-ROOTED BEGONIAS.

intrinsic merit, it has proved of considerable
value to the hybridist.

B. manicata. — The stems of this species are short
and very stout, while the leaves are large and
curiously furnished on the undersides with red
hairs. On the leaf stalks the hairs are arranged
in whorls. The pink flowers are individually
small, but borne in great profusion on branch-
ing panicles which well overtop the mass of
foliage. There are two varieties remarkable for
their leaf characters : one. aureo-maculata,
which has the leaves blotched with yellow after
the manner of Senecio Kaempferi aureo-maculata
(Farfugiuin grande of gardens) ; the other, eris-
tnta, the leaves of which are curled and crisped
in a way suggesting some of the Kales.

B. nitida.— This is, I believe, the oldest
Begonia in cultivation, having been introduced
in 1777. It forms a decided stem a yard or so
in height of an almost woody character. The
leaves are -month and particularly shiny, while
Hi,- Bowers, which are freely produced, are white
<>r pinkish.

B. POLYANTHA.— A Mexican species that forms

a frech loan, he, 1 specimen, anil hears pink

flowers in profusion.

I!. Richardsiana.— This Begonia in gpnerai
appearance much resembles B. Dregei, but the

fuchsioides. Knowsleyana, a well-known
garden form with pretty blush-coloured flowers.
Lumineaux. a good companion plant to Gloire
de Chatelaine, being of the same character, but
with rich crimson blossoms. Luzerna, a tall
grower with pretty reddish foliage and droop-
ing clusters of pink flowers. It has been exten-
sively grown within the past few years. Presi-
dent Camot, Taised by M. Crozy, is somewhat in
the way of the preceding, but the leaves are
greener and the flowers richer in colour. It
is particularly handsome as a large specimen.
Semperflorens gigantea rosea is one of the most
useful Begonias we have, for if cuttings are
struck in the spring and tlv young plants grown

on freely, they will bloom throng! i the

nutumn. winter, mil early spring. It was raised
by the late M Lemoine, of Nancy, the parents
being B. semperflorens and I!. Lynchiana.
WV'ltnniensis. on,- of the older hybrids ana still
one of the best. It is an upright growing plant,

with stems <.f a succulent nat - These stems,

as well as the leaf stall.. in i tddish The
foliage is neat anil pretty, and the pink flowers

'"''■ ' '" "'" 'i o' il ii i -i. it was i .os, si i,v

th>9 laic Majoi T i- Clarke from crossing i>

Sutherlandii with B. Dregei, Some 35 to 40
years ago B. Weltonienais was extensively grown
as a market plant. FU>r**t.

•278

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

June 5, 1920.

EDITORIAL NOTICE.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the
PUBLISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent

tetterato'r Publication, « w«! «» tpecimen, of
plants for naming, should be addressed to the
EDITORS. 41. Wellington Street, Covent
Garden London. Communications should oe

WRITTEN 'ON ONE SIDE ONLT OF THE TAPES, Milt U

early in the week as possible, and duly signed by
the writer. It desired, the signature will not be
minted, but kept as a guarantee of good faith.

Local Xevrs.-Correspondeuts will greatly oblige by
sending to the Editors early intelligence of local
events likely to be of interest to our readers, or o]
any matters which it is desirable to bring under
the notice of horticulturist-!.

nlustrations.-Tfcs Editors will be glad *? receive
and to select photographs or drawings suitable tor
reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable flowers,
trees, etc., but they cannot be responsible for loss
or injury.

A FORGOTTEN BOTANICAL
ARTIST: MISS CRABTREE.

IT is not perhaps so easy as it may seem at
first sight to draw a hard and fast line
between painters of flowers and botanical
artists. An artist might conceivably be both,
for in making a special feature of painting
flower pictures his or her first instinct would
be to study flowers with the same keenness as a
portrait painter would study the human physiog-
nomy. But probably no one would regard Jan
Van Huysum, the greatest of the Old Masters
so far as flower pictures are concerned, and still
less Henri Fantin-Latour. the most popular of
the moderns, as botanical painters whose
primary aim is to portray a flower or a plant
with an accuracy which would fulfil the
exigencies of the botanist. Generally speaking,
therefore, the painters of flowers appeal ex-
clusively to the general public or to the lover
of flowers to whom botanical accuracy is a
matter of no moment; and the artists who fall
into this group undoubtedly form the majority
of those who take flowers as a special subject.

Whilst it would be only a matter of industry
and time to go through Mr. Algernon Graves's
Royal Academy Exhibitors, 1769-1904, and to
extract from the eight quarto volumes the
names of all those who have exhibited flower
pictures at the Royal Academy during the first
135 years of its existence, such a compilation
would not greatly help in drawing up a list of
botanical artists. In the first place the in-
definite entries, such as " Flower Piece," which
long characterised the Academy cataloguing,
would be a source of constant perplexity; and
secondly, so many thousands of the exhibits
have entirely disappeared, leaving no trace of
their existence except the entries in the
Academy catalogues, that the most enthusiastic
student would abandon the almost fruitless and
certainly inconclusive task.

A striking instance of the discovery of a
totally forgotten botanical artist has recently
occurred through the accident of the auction
room in London. In 1786 and 1787, PhiMppa
Crabtree of Bishopsgate. London, sent to the
Royal Academy three exhibits all described
simply as " Flowers from Nature." After 1787
she entirely disappears, and her name is not
even recorded in any dictionary of artists. The
game might be said of hundreds of other ex-
•hibitors at the Royal Academy and other
exhibitions. But on February 5 last, Messrs.
Hodgson sold a consignment of portfolios or
albums from Sussex, which included many
beautiful drawings of flowers on vellum
by Philippa Crabtree and Elizabeth Crabtree,
and drawings of landscapes and antiquities in
England and on the continent by Elizabeth and
Robert Crabtree; thus revealing the existence
of a whole family of artists from the '80's of the

eighteenth century to well into the nineteenth.
All the more important drawings of flowers were
purchased by Mr. Francis Edwards, of High
Street, Marylebone, who has kindly permitted
me to take full notes. I may add that Mr.
James Britten does not find the name of Crab-
tree in his lengthy list of botanical artists

Such scraps of a biographical nature as I
have been able to gather from many sources
do not amount to much. I think Philippa
Crabtree may be the child of this name, the
daughter of John and Philippa Orabtree, who
appears in the register of St. Vedast,
Foster Lane, as bom on November 17 and bap-
tised December 29, 1764. The Gentleman's
Magazine of March 1790, records the marriage
of Mr. Slack, a Manchester warehouseman, of
33. King Street, Cheapside, to Miss Crabtree, of
Bishopsgate ; the latter was probably a sister,
for Philippa does not seem to have married, at
all events one of her drawings dated 1804 is
signed with the initials of her maiden name.
It may be noted that the London Directory of
1806 records the firm of Slack and Crabtree,
cotton merchants, as being at 13, Newgate
Street. At the latter part of the 18th century,
and long afterwards, the City of London was
still a residential quarter ; but by 1808 the Crab-
trees had removed to East Sheen, then a hamlet
of Mortlake and chiefly occupied by suburban
villas with extensive grounds. Here Mrs. Crab-
tree, aided doubtless by her talented* daughters,
established a ladies' boarding school, and it was
at East Sheen that Mary Ann Crabtree painted
her beautiful drawings (usually signed with her
initials) about 1822. I had hoped to find some
mention of the Crabtrees in the Journals and
Correspondence of the Misses Berry, Horace
Walpole's friends, who lived at Sheen, but they
do not seem to be mentioned. Doubtless the
Richmond Parish Registers would reveal some
data concerning them.

The earliest dated drawing by Philippa Crab-
tree I have found is one, 1784, of Narcissus
Tazetta, which helps us to realise from what an
indifferent type many wonderful varieties have
been developed. Common garden flowers, such
as Sweet Peas. Pinks, double Daisies, and so
forth appear among Miss Crabtree's earlier
work. In 1786 she extended her scope and was
able to paint many exotic plants, possibly in
Curtis's London Botanic Garden, in St. George's
Fields, within easy walk of Bishopsgate Street,
and to which the subscription was a guinea" a
year. The drawings of Geranium (Pelargonium)
lanceolatum is dated 1786, about 11 years after
it was introduced : in the same year also appears
a British plant. Melit.tis Melissophyllum,
and Ipomaea Quamoclit, which some years later
was figured in the Botanical Magazine (tab-
244). Other interesting drawings followed: that
of Antholyza Cunonia, introduced from the Cape
some 30 years before, is dated 1788, thus pre-
ceding by many years the plate of the 10th vol.
of the Botanical Magazine; and the some may
be said of Amaryllis undulata (Bot. Mag., t.
369) which Miss Crabtree painted in 1787. The
date of her plate of Ophioxylon serpentinum
(now referred to Rauwolfia serpentina) is not
quite clear, it is probably 1787 or 1788 {Bot.
Mug., t. 784), and is possibly, as in other cases,
the first British drawing of the plant. Geranium
(Pelargonium) cucullatum is dated 1787 ; and
Bignonia radicans (Bot. Mag., 485) and Bignonia
catalpa (?) date from 1786. One heath, Erica
abietina,* is dated 1790; and in connection with
another, E. longiflora, undated, it is doubly

* I rind- this species mentioned in the " Catalogue of
Heaths," cultivated bv R. Williams, at Tumham Green,
attached to the Bot. Mag. t. 303. dated June 1, 1795.

interesting to point out, first that with the-
drawing of a flowering bi'anch there is also a
section of the flower showing the stamens and
the pistil, and secondly, that this drawing seems
to have preceded by some years the date of
1812, when the plant is said to have been
introduced into this countiy.

In what may be termed the iconography of
exotic plants, dates are undoubtedly a most
important feature. With one definite exception
I should say that all Philippa Crabtree's draw-
ings were done before the end of the 18th
century. The undated ones include many in-
teresting examples, such for instance as various
Rhododendrons, Passifloras, Roses and various
bulbous plants. Occasionally two subjects are
done on one page, e.g., Sophora microphylla
and Hibiscus Malvaviscus (Bot. Mag., 2,305)
appear together, as do Passiflora maliformis and
Mahernia pinnata. In one instance at least
four subjects are painted on one sheet, Scilla,
Helleborus nyemalis, Galanthus nivalis and
Cyclamen.

Among the 50 drawings by Philippa Crabtree
there are, besides those already mentioned, the
following, in which the artist's nomenclature is
preserved. Ixia crocata, Ulicium floridanum,
Columnea humilis, Kalmia latifolia and K.
angustifolia Volkameria inermis, Fuchsia
coccinea, Passiflora quadrangularis and Sophora
tetraptera. Both Mary Ann Crabtree and Eliza-
beth Crabtree confined themselves chiefly to
popular garden flowers, often adding to the
effect by painting a butterfly or a moth. Among
the drawings of the former, there are two fine
ones of what was probably one of the most
popular of the Aurioulas of the time, "Arden's
Empress of Russia" ; one of these is shown
growing in a flower pot. Their drawings range
in date from about 1816 to 1822.

It is difficult to believe that Philippa Crabtree
more particularly devoted herself to botanica.
flower painting, for which the demand would
have been very limited, as a 'mere hobby. It is
a very obvious suggestion that these drawings,
manifestly executed with the greatest care and
with every effort to be accurate, were done for a
specific purpose, and one wonders if they may
not have been reproduced in some of the botani-
cal or horticultural books of the period, with
the artist's name suppressed and till now for-
gotten. The point could only be satisfactorily
settled by a side-by-side comparison of these
drawings with published reproductions of the
same plants ; and probably this could only be
done at Kew or at the Natural History Museum,
where, one hopes, some of the Crabtree draw-
ings may eventually find their way. Who, it
may be asked, was the artist or who were the
artists, employed by Curtis for the earlier years
of the Botanical Magazine1! A large number
of plates appeared without the name of any
artist, and the assumption is that those to which
the name of Sydenham Edwards is not attached
were done by someone else A similar mystery
hangs around the artists of the Floricultural
Cabinet.

The name of a contemporary botanical artist.
Miss Mary Lawrence, at once suggests itself in
connection with Philippa Crabtree, but Miss
Lawrence was a professional "Teacher of
Botanical Drawings," and her beautiful books,
A Collection of Roans from Nature, 1799, and
A Collection of Passion Flowers, 1799-1800,
were partly in the nature of an advertisement.
But the Misses Crabtree do not seem to have
taken any such effective steps of perpetuating
their name or of advertising their undoubted
abilities. W. BoberU.

June 5, 1920

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

279

si mm ,

UCMECPLTSnEA;

KC2ST

The Council and officers of the Royal Horticul-
tural Society are to be heartily congratulated
upon the extent, beauty and interest of the
great exhibition of plants, flowers, fruits and
vegetables held in the grounds of the Royal
Hospital, Chelsea, on the above dates. As yet
the pre-war arrangement of tenting cannot be
provided, consequently the exhibition proper was
contained in five large tents, so placed that it
was possible to pass from one to another without
going out of doors — a matter of importance in
the event of bad weather.

The Fellows of the Society are also to be
congratulated upon the intense loyalty of those
who, by their skill and enterprise, make such
an exhibition possible. Of course, exhibitors
would not exhibit if no one came to inspect and
buy, nor would Fellows come to inspect if ex-
hibitors failed them — it is a mutual arrangement
and all concerned profit thereby.

A feature, of special interest this year was the
tent containing exhibits of scientific interest in
connection with horticulture. At the end of
this section a lecture tent was provided, and here
important addresses were delivered by Sir Daniel
Hall, Dr. A. B. Rendle and Capt. H. J. Page.

Fine weather — threatening at certain periods —
continued throughout the three days, and at
some periods it was insufferably hot in the tents.
On the opening day the show was visited by
Her Majesty Queen Mary, accompanied by
Princess Mary, Princess Victoria and the Duke
of Connaught, all of whom appeared to be
greatly pleased with all they saw.

Of the exhibition itself, it is difficult to write
without using an abundance of superlatives. It
was a great show ; one of the best of a fine
series. Orchids made a grand and gorgeous dis-
play, but the groups were rather crowded, in-
deed, the small amount of space allotted them
was a grievance of which most exhibitors com-
plained. We believe Roses have been shown
more extensively on previous occasions, but
Sweet Peas were never finer, while Carnations
and hybrid Pinks were represented in a style
and extent never reached before. The rock and
formal gardens were good without providing
anything particularly striking, though an ex-
ception must be made in favour of Messrs. Wal-
lace and Co.'s effort wherein Irises were dis-
played in a variety and manner altogether splen-
did. Rhododendrons and Azaleas were in good
form, notwithstanding the late date; these, with
other trees and shrubs and topiary, made up
a capital section. Of hardy flowers there was a
superabundance, and in many instances the
crowding and duplication of plants was an ob
vious fault.

At the Press luncheon, held on the day before
the show, Lord Lamboume said there were
always those who grumbled no matter what the
Society did, and it was the duty of the Society
to show the grumblers they were wrong. We
include the Press among the grumblers, and we
think the Council and officers will find it diffi
cult to show us we are wrong when we state that
the horticultural Press were not granted proper
facilities for carrying out their arduous duties.
Some pressmen were unable to obtain a Press
ticket until the morning of the show, and then
only after wasting a great deal of valuable time.
Further, the parsimonious attitude of the Coun-
cil in connection with breakfast tickets for ex-
hibitors' assistants, was the subject of severe
comment by the Trade.

ORCHID COMMITTEE.

Present: Sir Harry J. Veitch (in the chair),
Messrs. .las. O'Biien (hon. secretary), W. Bolton,
A. McBean. Arthur Dye. J. Cypher, H. G.
Alexander, Fred K. Sander, S. W. Flory,

June I, 2 and 3.

Gurnev Wilson. W. H. Hatcher. Stuart Low,
R. A.' Rolfe. J. Wilson Potter, Walter Cobb,
H. J. Chapman, E. R. Ashton, dive Cookson,
and R. G. Thwaites.

AWARDS.

First-Class Certificate.

Odontioda Gatton Glory {Odin. King Georgt
V. x Odn. Colmanae), from Sir Jeremiah
Colman, Bart., Gatton Park, Surrey (gr. Mr. J.
Collier). A very beautiful first cross of Oda.
Colmanae. one of the finest and most distinct of
Odontiodas, and very promising for future

Award of Merit.

Orchis foliosa, from Mrs. Evelyn Holden,
Goldwell, Newbury. A very handsome Madeira
i epresentative of our well-known British species.
The pan shown had eight dense spikes of bright
mauve-purple flowers, and their robust habit
also secured a Cultural Commendation for the
grower. Figured in But. Mag.. 5074.

Odontoglossum SI. George ear. Albion
(eximium x Alexandra), from Messrs.
Charlesworth and Co. A noble flower of rich
claret colour, with white margins and tips to
the segments.

Odontoglossum crispo-Solon rar. Kenneth

FlG. 128. — ODONTOMA GLADYS.
(See Awards by the Orchid Committ

developments in the same direction. Flowers
formed like a good Odontoglossum, and of firm
substance; clear canary yellow, with red blotches
on the inner halves of the sepals and petals.
The large lip is paler yellow, with a red blotch
in front of the yellow crest.

Odontonia Gladys [Miltonia lilt nana x Odm.
eximium exquisitum), from Messrs, Charles-
vvcrth and Co., Hay wards Heath. Three fine
crosses of Miltona Bleuana were shown by-
Messrs. Charlesworth, all having the same gen-
eral features, with much of the M. Bleuana form.
All displayed their first flowers, and this form
may be taken as the type. Ground colour rose-
pink, in some of the forms white, all richly
blotched with clear viole* colour. When mature
they will form ;i very fine set.

'.)

(crispum x Solon), from Messrs. Charleswoeth
and Co. A charming flower, the segments being
deep claret, with tin' while ground colour show-
ing between the blotching.

Miltonia Tiemoria Crown Princess Margaret,
iinn Messi Sandee, St. Albans. A beautiful
seedling of this favourite i lass, with large, blush-
white flowers having a deep-claret in. nk at the
base of the lip.

I' M!\ Mil ( >OMMl NDATION.

To Odontonia /'"/■» CMiltonia Bleuana x 0.
Iinra). from Messrs. < kableswoeth and Co.
This seemed to be the mosl beautiful of the set
of four shown by Messrs. Charlesworth ; the fine,
flatly-arranged flower, had much resemblance to
\l Bleuana, the flower being bright mauve
with white tips and margin.

280

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

June 5, 1920-

Otheh Exhibits.

Thirty-six specimens were entered to go before
the Committee, and most of those who staged
groups with many special plants in them re-
trained from entering them in order to ease the
work of the Committee — a very laudable view to
take of the subject.

Pantia Ralli, Esq., Ashtead Park, Surrey
(Orchid grower Mr. Fames), showed Odonto-
glossum Jasper, Ralli's variety, one of the
largest and best of the showy cross between 0.
crispum and 0. amabile. The very broad
flowers were white, with the inner halves prettily
blotched with mauve. 0. eximium, of fine
quality, was also shown by Mr. Ralli.

In Messrs. Stuart Low and Co.'s group.
Sophro-Laelio-Cattleya Beta (S.-L. Psyche X C.
Maggie Raphael alba) was a good flower, with a

presenting showy hybrids, made a very interest-
ing display of Masdevalias ana Epidendrums,
Bulbophyllums and other species.

G. Geale, Esq., Elmsleigh Road, Wandsworth,
sent a very pretty light form of Brasso-Laelio-
Cattleya Triune.

Messrs. Mansell and Hitcher. in their group,
presented Phalaenopsis amabilis Rimestadiana,
with its scented pure white flowers ; fine Laelio-
Cattleya San Juan and some excellent Odonto-
glossums

Groups.

Exhibitors of Orchids responded in much
the same spirit as they have on former occa-
sions at this great show, and the manner of
staging their groups around the sides of the
large tent was followed as on other occa-
sions. But whether on account of reduced space

Fig. 129. — papaver orie
(See Awards by the

decided scarlet shade; Brasso-Laelio-Cattleya
Decia and some new crosses not yet developed
to their best were interesting.

Messrs. Armstrong and Brown, Orchidhurst,
Tunbridge Wells, had two very remarkable
varieties of Cattleya Niobe, with large deli-
cately-tinted flowers; the new Laelio-Cattleya
Ianthe, with showy flowers resembling C.
Warneri ; several new seedling Odontoglossums
and Odontiodas. 0dm. Ancre and Odm. Aspasia
Orchidhurst variety being the best of these
Liasso-Cattleya Digbyano-Mossiae splendens was
the darkest in colour of any of that favourite
cross.

Messrs. Flory and Black, Slough, liad fine
novelties in Odontoglossum Dusky Maid, 0. Eros
var. Sentinal and 0. plumptonense.

Messrs. J. Cypher and Sons, while well re-

NTALE LORD LAMBOURNE.
Floral Committee.)

allotted to each, or to there being more exhibi-
tors, and a larger quantity of exhibits, the
general complaint among those who were arrang-
ing the groups was "not enough room." Cer-
tainly an inspection of the whole of the
exhibits of Orchids showed that a much better
effect, individually and collectively, could have
been made if quite twice as much space had
been allotted to each of the groups.

But, thanks to the liberal education which
years of exhibiting at the Roval Horticultural
Society's shows, with varying situations and
amount of space, has provided, most exhibitors
are adepts at making the best of the positions
they have to occupy, and thus the show of
Orchids this year, as in the past, was one of the
most attractive features.

Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., Gatton Park,
Survey (gr. Mr. J. Collier), sole representative

of amateurs in the group section, furnished the
side at the entrance with a very handsome group
in which many of the Gatton hybrids, as well
as some uncommon species, were represented.
At the back were tall plants of Dendrobium il-
lustre and others of this class, and grouped in.
the middle and foreground were very beautiful
Odontoglossums and Odontiodas, the best being
0. gattonense, a beautiful flower of a rich rose-
purple colour, with narrow white margin, and
white front to the lip; and Odontioda Gatton
Glury ;0dm. King George V. x Oda. Colmanae),
a lai'ge, canary-yellow flower with red blotches
on the inner halves of the segments ; Cattleyas,.
Laelio-Cattleyas and Brassavola crosses were also
well shown.

Messrs. Charlesworth and Co., Hay wards
Heath, followed with a splendid group, the
centre of which was of their famous Aliltonia
hybrids, and of which the richly-coloured M.
Charlesworthii holds its own as the best, as does
the rich scarlet Odontioda Charlesworthii, in the
fine selection of Odontiodas shown. Three new
Odontonias of fine quality were also shown, viz.,
Odontoma Dora (M. Bleuana x Odm. Dora),
Odontoma Gladys (M. Bleuana x Odm. ex.
imium) and Odontoma Vulcan. The Odonto-
glossums in this group were very showy, and.
the home-raised forms of 0. crispum. and the
xantliotes forms of several classes were very
effective. On the sides graceful Thunias, with
Laelio-Cattleyas. and white Cattleyas, helped to-
make a very effective group.

Messrs. Jas. Cypher and Sons, Cheltenham,,
masters of the art of growing and staging showy
Orchids, came next, the lightly-arranged back
of their group having slender scarlet and yellow
sprays of the O'Brienianum section of Epiden-
drum arching over showy Cattleyas, Laelio-
Cattleyas, with specially good L.-C. Aphrodite
and L.-C. Fascinator, and fronted by a bright
arrangement of scarlet, mauve and other shades
of Masdevallia, with the whit* Cypripedium
niveum, a noble specimen of C. Rothschildianum.
and the emerald green and white C. Maudiae
varieties on each side. Forms of Laelia purpu-
rata, from white to deeply coloured, are a speci-
ality with the firm, and they were well shown;
also fine Odontoglossums, Angidoa Clowesii and
Rnckeri, Cattleya Skinneri alba, and other white
Cattleyas; Vanda teres gigantea and a good
selection of Brasso-Cattleyas.

.Messrs. Armstrong and Brown, Orchidhurst,
Tunbridge Wells, finished the side with a very
remarkable and well-arranged group, in which
was a bewildering selection of their hybrid
Odontoglossums and Odontiodas, fine novelties
of which were the new Odontioda Armstrongii
(Oda. Vuylstekeae X Odm. Armstrongiae), of a
rich red colour; Odontoglossum Aspasia Orchid-
hurst variety (Colossus x Mars) and Odm.
Ancre ( ardent issimum x Mars), both showy
flowers of fine form. Other specially fine things
were Laelia-Cattleya Teucra nobilior, Brasso-
Cattleya Digbyano-Mossiae splendens, the new
Laelio-Cattleya Ianthe |L.-C. Dominiana x C.
Warneri). with all the rich colour and good form
of a fine C. Warneri ; and, among the Cypripe-
riiums. C. Goultenianum Orchidhurst variety
(callosum Sanderae x Curtisii Sanderae). a
very fine and interesting cross. Among the best
Miltonias were the noble M. J. Gurney Fowler,
Princess Mary. Frank Reader. Dreadnought and
the large pink M. vexillaria var. Rev. W. Wilks.
Continuing on the other side, Messrs. J. and
A. McBean, Cooksbridge, had a fine group in
which their skill in growing and flowering
Odontoglossums was well demonstrated. Among
the many handsome forms were some grand
varieties of 0. crispum, one of which bore a
noble spike of seventeen large white flowers :
and 0. eximium xantliotes, of great beauty.
At the back were Cymbidiums, various Onci-
diums, and on each side Cattleyas and Laelio-
Cattleyas, with showy sprays of Odontiodas
between them. Great variety as well as ex-
cellence was shown by the Miltonias and Odon-
toglossums in this group.

Mr. Harry Dixon, Spencer Park, Wands-
worth Common, staged an effective group of
good Laelio-Cattleyas. Odontoglossums. Mil-
tonias, etc., with Cypripedium niveum, C. cal-
losum Sanderae, C. bellatulum and other popu-
lar Orchids.

June

1920.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

5>81

Messrs. Mansell and Hatches, Rawdon,
torks, staged a good and effective group of
Miltonias, with many M. Bleuana, and good
■M. Charlesworthii, also Odontoglossums.
Odontiodas, Cattleyas and Laelio-Cattleyas,
among the laist-named being some very fine' L.
C. Aphrodite and the showy L. C. San Juan.

Messrs. Flory and Black, Slough, staged a
fine and interesting group containing a large
number of new hybrids, the best of which were
entered to go before the Committee. Of the
tetter-known we noted thirty albino Cattleyas
of various sections; some verv handsome Laelio-
Cattleyas, Cattleya Helen Langley C. Ma^ali
bander, Sophro-Laelio-Cattleya Hanningtonii,
and other Sophronitis crosses.

Messrs. Stuart Low and' Co., Jarvisbrook,
oussex, staged a very fine group in which were
numbers of Cattleyas and Laelio-Cattleyas of
many different types, together with some half-
dozen excellent and dissimilar forms of Brasso-
Cattleya differing considerably in shape and
colour. The best forms of Cattleya Mendelii
were Gladys, Strawberry, Princess Mary and
Hercules, showing a very remarkable range of
form in one species; the C. Mossiae, from white
to dark coloured, showing similar variety.
I'contoglossums and Odontiodas were also finely
displayed, and among species noted were the
feather-lipped Bulbophylh.m barbigerum, the
white Diacnum bicornutum, Oncidium Papilio
and its ally Krameri, Renanthera Imschootiana
and various Dendrobiums.

FLORAL COMMITTEE.

P^ent: Messrs. H. B. May (in the chair),
W. H. Morter, Jas. Hudson, J. W. Blakev, John
Dickson, John Heal, Andrew Ireland, G
Reuthe, A. C. Dorrien Smith. J. W. Ban- Cha*
E. Pearson, Chas. Dixon, C. Williams. 'e F
Hazelton, R. W. Wallace, W Howe E H
Jenkins Thos. Stevenson, H. R. Darlington',

•vu: J°nes' and the Rev. F. Page Roberts.

llus Committee had a very busy session a*
no fewer than 115 novelties were submitted' for
award. There were many beautiful and interesting
plants, and twenty-six were granted Awards of
Merit.

AWARDS.
Awards of Merit.
Saxifraga Tumbling Waters (see Fig. 130).—
An exquisitely graceful Saxifrage and appropria-
tely named. It is a hybrid between the popular S
longifoha and S. lingulata lantoscana. The
rosettes of green, slightly mealy leaves much
resemble those of S. longifolia, but young
rosettes form around the flowering one. conse
quently the plant has not the biennial habit
which characterises S. longifolia. The flower
spikes, 18 inches to 20 inches long, arch in a
most graceful manner, and for over two-thirds
of their length are furnished with white flowers,
from five to twelve together on the slender
branohlets. The stamens are tipped with
anthers and pollen of the palest gold, which
adds to the beauty of the flowers. A fully-de-
veloped spike may, we estimated, carry from
500 to 600 flowers. Several plants were shown
in a large pan and there were five lovely spikes
Shown by Mr. B. H. B. Symonds-Jeune The
Chalkpit, Henley-on-Thames.

Polystichum angulare divisihbum plumosum
robustum Perry.- A strong, robust habited
tern, and yet one which combines grace and
[beauty (see Fig. 132). The fronds, between
^tt. and 3 ft. long, are almost 1 ft. wide at the
base, and have finely-divided pinnae, each a
perfect little frond, and these are elegantly plu-
mose. A very fine, ihardy Fern. Shown by Mr
Amos Perry, Enfield.

Polytichum angulare divisildbum plumosum
densum No. 2.— A very beautiful variety with
longer fronds than the former and with the
pinnace set a little more closely together. Shown
by Mr. Amos Pebby, Enfield.

Geum Lady Stratheden.—A charming new
hardy plant and one of great garden and com-
mercial value. As shown, it is not quite so tall
and vigorous as the ever-popular orange-
coloured Mrs. Bradshaw, but it is robust, never-
theless, and flowers with great freedom. The
double flowers, each about 2Ji inches across, are
of a deep golden-yellow colour, with a group

of golden anthers in the centre. The anthers
spread out flatly and so bring their brown
anthers into a regular ring that gives a pleasing
effect. Shown by Messrs. Bakers, Codsali,
Wolverhampton.

Geum Orangeman. — A handsome, tall-growing,
hardy plant, with large double, clear orange
flowers produced in great profusion. Shown by
Messrs. T. Grove and Son, Sutton Coldfield.

Schizanlhus roseum compactum. — A gorge-
ously coloured flowering plant that is sure to
become a popular greenhouse subject. As shown,
one plant in each 48-sized pot, it is about 2 ft.
high (including the pot), broadly pyramidal in
shape, and about 1 ft. through at the base.
The habit is compact, densely branched, and the
branches densely packed with butterfly like
blooms of a rich and bright rose colour, with
red shading around the golden, red-flecked
blotch on the " lip." Shown by Messrs. Dobbie
and Co., Edinburgh.

Begonia Peace. — A wonderful double Begonia,
with broad petalled blooms about seven inches
in diameter, and of water-lily shape. The colour
is a lovely shade of cream. The plant is very
robust and carried three splendid blooms.
Shown by Messrs. Blackmore and L^ngdon.
Bath. '

Papaver orientate Lord Lambourne. — A large-

" Clove,'' and it has the Clove fragrance. Each
flower is a model in shape and borne on a
stiff stalk, which may develop as many as five
blooms.

Pink Mrs. Geo. Walker. — Another of this
race, larger than the preceding, the colour a
rich rose with darker base. Both shown by
Mr. C. H. Hebbebt, Acocks Green.

Carnation Lady Inverforth. — A very large,
perpetual-flowering Carnation, almost as big as
a " Malmaison," with rosy-salmon coloured
flowers. The stalks are long and stiff; the calyx
perfect and very short. The plant is very free
and has a robust habit. Shown by Messrs.
Stuart Low and Co., Enfield.

Lilium Farreri. — A Chinese species of the
Martagon section, with lanceolate, alternate
foliage, each leaf about four inches long and
half an inch broad, narrowing at both ends.
The flowers are terminal, arising from a whorl
of leaves. The pedicles are_long, often twisted,
and bear white flowers with numerous small
violet-purple spots at the base of the segments.
The anthers are deep-orange colour. The plants
shown were pot specimens, about 3-4 ft. tall.
Shown by F. C. Stern, Esq., Goring, Essex.

Pieea Albertiana. — A charming dw-arf Conifer,
of conical shape, with pale green, stiff foliage,
each leaf about half an inch long and curved. A

Fig. 130. — saxifraga tumbling waters.
(See Awards by the Floral Committee.)

flowered Poppy of brilliant scarlet colour, with
a large blackish blotch at the base of each
segment. The margins of the flowers are
deeply fringed. Shown by Mr. Amos Perry.
Enfieid.

Dianthus Harold. — One of Messrs. All wood
Bros, new race of hybrid Carnation x Pink
named Allwoodii. The flowers are pure white,
like a glorified Her Majesty Pink, and borne
on tail, stout stems. The plant, shown in a
pot, was about two feet tall, and it was fur-
nished witn some twenty open blooms and more
than that number of buds. The foliage is
glaucous.

Dianthus Jean. — Another variety of the All-
woodii section, smaller in size than the
former, but very regular in outline, with violet-
purple eye, the base of each petal being blotched
with that shade, the ground being white,

Dianthus Iiufus. — This variety, of the same
origin as the two preceding, is of camiine pink
colour, with deeper blotching at the base.

Ditinllms Robert. — TJiis Variety is not so
double as the one described above and is, in con
sequence, rather more elegant in the mass,
each flower holding itself erect and displaying
the clear, soft pink of the petals set off with a
carmine-rose blotch at the base. The specimen,
in a pot, was very decorative. These four
plants were shown by .Messrs. Allwood Bros.,
Haywards Heath.

Pink Victory. A hybrid Pink raised from the
florists' laced Pink. The bloom is a miniature

suitable plant for the rock garden. Shown by
Messrs. J. Wateber, Sons and Crisp, Ltd.,
Twyford.

ftoscoe Humeana. — A. new Chinese species,
with broad, pale-green, overlapping foliage, from
the centre of which arises six-inch long stems
t bearing purplish-mauve, hooded flowers. Each
clump of leaves surrounds some six to eight
flowers. Shown by Messrs. Bees, Ltd., Chester.

Iris Prospero. — A tall, bearded Iris, with
flowers of exceptional size, indeed, the whole
plant possesses remarkable vigour. The falls are
violet-purple, paler at the edges, with basal
reticulations about the prominent yellow beard.
Tlie standards are arching, broad and pale clear
lavender in colour.

Iris Ann Page. — Another Iris of the bearded
section, also with massive blooms, that are
coloured lavender-blue : the falls more deeply
shaded towards the base, which is reticulated
with brown. The broad segments forming the
standards are a little paler tone. Both these
Irises were shown by Messrs. R. Wallace and
Co.. Colchester.

Iris xiphium Voerman. — A lovely white Iris
with broad segments. Each of the broad lobed
falls has a clear yellow centred mark. Shown
by Messrs. Barb and Sons, Taplow.

Iris lialaruc. — A lovely bearded Iris, bearing
large while flowers. The crest is pale-gold, and
at the base of the falls thin are i few purple-
blue lines. Shown by Mr. W. R. Dykes, God
aiming.

282

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

June 5, 1920.

Sweet Pea JIawlmark Lavender. — An already
popular variety, with large, pleasingly frilled
flowers of a soft shade of lavender. Shown by
Messrs. Alex. Dickson and Sons, Belfast.

Sweet Pea Picture. — One of the largest-
flowered of Sweet Peas. The flowers are waved
and finely set on the sturdy stems. The colour*
is cream pink, with a faint suspicion of apricot
or orange. A grand variety.

Sweet Pea Tangerine. — This is a bright
orange-salmon coloured variety; the flowers are
very lightly frilled and in the mass are very
effective. These two varieties were shown by
Mr. Robert Bolton, Baythornend.

Sueet Pea, George Shawycr. — A large-flowered
variety, with bold, waved blooms of good sub-
stance. The colour is soft, orange-tinted pink,
like a pale Edrom Beauty. It appears to fade
quickly and consequently did not gain the
approval of Sweet Pea experts. Shown by
Messrs. Dobbie and Co.. Edinburgh.

was of dwarf polyantha varieties in various
shades, such as the fine red Erna Teschendorf!,
Xurse Cavell, a large bloomed variety, the
yellowish eye showing the glowing reddish-
scarlet petals to advantage; Ellen Poulson, rosy
pink, Baby Tausendschon, blush pink, Echo, a
larger flowered Tausendschon. and Yvonne Bar-
bier, white. The corners were massed with tall
plants of Hiawatha,, and the centre piece was
of four splendidly flowered specimens of the
fine pillar variety 'Mrs. F. W. Flight.

Messrs. Path, and Son, Ltd., Cheshunt. ex-
hibited a corner group of Roses in which a
feature was made of standard plants, above a
ground of Hybrid Teas, mainly. The newer
Augustus Hartman, with petals Geranium-red,
showed conspicuously in the front row and
near-by was the light salmon, Mrs. Henry Morse,
a full, finely shape I Rcee. Others of special merit
were Mme. C. Chambard, of exquisite form,
ivory-cream coloured, with faint blush centres;

Mrs. Elisha Hicks variety, a pale flower with
exquisite fragrance ; dwarf polyantha varieties,
arranged with Adiantum Ferns, were utilised
as an edging with excellent effect.

The Rev. J. H. Pemeebton, Havering-Atte-
Bower, Essex, showed his hybrid climbing Roses,
notably Pemberton's White Rambler, Havering
Rambler (pink), Star of Persia (a pillar variety)
and Pax (a hybrid tea of ivory-cream colour).

Messrs. B. R. Cant and Sons, Colchester,
arranged a table exhibit of Roses, the grouping
being sufficiently thin to allow each subject to
be seen to advantage. At the hack was a screen
of Ramblers, and amongst the largest blooms
were arranged pot specimens of the charming,
dwarf polyantha varieties. In the centre of the
group was a number of choice blooms of Esmee.
a full flower with very pale gold petals suffused
with pink. Other choice varieties were Rev. F.
Page Roberts, Colcestria, Golden Ophelia and
Covent Garden.

Fig. 131. — Chelsea show-

Messrs. SUTTON AND SONS EXHIBIT OF HERBACEOUS CALCEOLARIAS.

Roses.

Roses, the Queen of Flowers, were thoroughly
well shown at this exhibition, and most of the
sections into which florists have divided the
almost innumerable varieties, were represented.
For colour, form, grace and fragrance, few sub-
jects equalled and none excelled the Roses.

Messrs W. Paul and Son, Ltd., Waltham
Cross, exhibited a half-cdroular group of Roses
in which splendidly flowered pillar varieties
were used as foils. The plants were all in pots,
and those of the Hybrid Tea and Tea varieties
were excellent specimens, well furnished with
blooms. The varieties Mrs. T. Hillas, cream
flushed apricot, Willow-mere, Ophelia, Portia.
Ulrich Brunner and Viscountess Enfield are a
selection. In addition, there was a new poly-
antha variety named Verdun, with fine bright
red trusses and Ebluosant, dwarfer and semi
double, the dark-red blooms lasting for a long
time. As a centre piece, a group of the new-
hybrid of bracteata named Seafoam, with lemon-
yellow flowers, was very effective.

Messrs. W. Cutbush and Son, Highgate.
arranged a panel bed with Roses — one of I In-
most effective groups in No. 1 tent. The ground

Hoosier Beauty, of American origin ; a fine dark
crnnson nower ; C. V. Hawortn, pale apricot-
gold at the base with pale salmon shading ; Mrs.
Dunbar Buller, light salmon-pink, and Mrs.
Elisha Hicks. The tall stemmed standards were
furnished with large heads that hung their
flowers in festoons.

Mr. Chas. Turner, Slough, exhibited a group
of Roses, the plants all of excellent quality and
well staged. The rich golden flowers of Souvenir
de Pierre Notting, showed conspicuously in this
exhibit behind a group of the floriferous poly-
antha Jessie. Richmond, Clio, Dean Hole,
Maniam Cochet and Viscountess Enfield were
others shown well, and the inclusion of tall
standards added to the effectiveness of the
whole.

Mr. Elisha Hicks, Twyford, Berkshire, set
up a large group of Roses, using staging to the
more effectually display the plants. This arose
tier by tier in the centre and was crowned with
pretty pillar varieties, which were also used as
corner pieces. These latter plants were mag-
nificent specimens, each like a bold column of
bright blooms, the varieties being Excelsa (two),
Shalimar and Minnehaha. In the body of the
exhibit was a large number of pot plants of

Mr. G. Prince, Oxford, made a pretty display
with Roses arranged on tabling. The beautiful
Irish Elegance variety was well displayed. They
also showed Blush Rambler, Allister Stella
Gray, Alberic Barbier, Richmond, Mme. Abel
Chatenay, and other popular sorts.

Carnations and Finks.

The popularity of Carnations and Pinks was
amply demonstrated at Chelsea, and in this one
department alone, the difference between a
Chelsea show of 1920 and a Temple show of
1900 was most marked.

Messrs. All wood Bros., Wivelsfield, Hay-
wards Heath, filled one end of the largest tents
with Carnations and their hybrid Dianthuses
named Allwoodii. This very large exhibit was
staged against a background of black velvet,
which threw the bright colours of the flowers
into bold relief, and the method of staging
was in the best .taste. The main features oi this
imposing group were a centre of perpetual-
flowering varieties with banks of the Allwoodii
type at either end. Altogether the exhibit had
a frontage of nearly 100 feet. There were over
10.000 Carnations in this exhibit, apart from
the Allwoodii flowers. Very pretty stands were

June 5, 1920.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

283

introduced at appropriate intervals to afford re-
lief— tlie general effect was magnificent.

Mr. C. Engelmann, Saffron 'Walden, dis-
played imposing stands of perpetual-flowering
Carnations, with a front row of tall glass vases
filled with choice blooms of these flowers. The
large stands, of which there were six, contained
masses of fine blooms of Beacon, Iona, Mrs. C.
Raphael, Saffron, Sunstar, and White Wonder.
The general collection included some 80 varieties,
the whole making an attractive and imposing
group. • Mr. C. H. Tautjevln, Willaston,
Cheshire, showed perpetual-flowering Carnations,
including a novelty named Robin Clover,
orange ground with cerise markings. He also
showed Saffron, yellow ; Scarlet Carola, Kenneth,
lilac, and Circe, mauve flushed with cerise.

Mr. James Douglas, Edenside, Great Book-
ham, showed superb blooms of Carnations of the
border type. Each vase was a study of fine
floriculture, for the blooms were of large size,
faultless form, and of superb colours. A selec-
tion of the varieties includes Bookham Salmon,
Lieut. Shaokleton, Annie Laurie, White Fox,
Linkman, Grenadier, Mrs. Andrew Brotherston,
and Grey Douglas.

Messrs. W. Cutbush and Son, Highgate, ex-
hibited a ground group of Carnations, a com-
panion bed to their- fine one of Roses. A few
Spiraeas were used as relief and there were
also batches of the border Pinks Nellie, mauve
with darker eye, and Princess Christian, white,
with crimson blotched centre, which were
arranged on !he ground. The corners and centre
of the exhibit 'were of choice Souvenir de la
Malmaison varieties. There were also many
pleasing baskets of perpetual-flowering Carna-
tions, some arranged on ornamental stands in
fancy baskets. Of these last, there were splen-
did blooms of their new variety, Renown, pink.
White Wronder, Lady Ingestrie, salmon, White
Swam and Cecilia, yellow. The centre piece of
Lady Ingestrie variety on a tall stand with
other varieties grouped at the base, was very
imposing.

Mr. K. Luxford, Sheering Nurseries, Harlow,
Essex, staged a choice exhibit of perpetual-
flowering Carnations. The exhibit, although
not of large size was of remarkably fine quality
and included such sorts as Triumph, En-
chantress, Supreme, Circe (mauve). White Won-
der and Aviator, the best scarlet variety of this
flower.

Mr. C. H. Herbert, Hazelwood Road, Acocks
Green, Birmingham, displayed his pretty hybrid
Pinks, raised from the florists' laced Pink The
plants are perfectly hardy and suitable for
decorative purposes, either in the garden or as
cut blooms in the house. A selection of the
sorts includes Queen Mary, rose with deep red
centre, Victory, clove coloured, with clove scent :
Eclipse, Sainton, Lyric, rosy-magenta, May
Queen, old rose, and Mrs. George Walker, deep
rose.

Messrs. Stuart Low and Co., Enfield, showed
perpetual-flowering Carnations in epergnes
and vases, against a background of black
velvet. The group was rich in novelties of the
firm's raising, several of which have received
awards. The more noticeable were Mrs. T.
Ives, deep salmon ; Winter Glow, cerise ; Sun-
beam, yellow; Red Ensign and Lord Lamboume,
the last a vivid scarlet coloured variety
of large size and with slight fragrance. The
plant is of compact habit and makes an excellent
pot specimen. Lady Inverforth, their newest
novelty, is a variety of much promise. The
colour is salmon-rose and the blooms are of very
large size.

Sweet Peas.
In two of the large tents, Sweet Peas were
displayed wonderfully well, the somewhat later
date of the show having assisted exhibitors. A
comparison of the size and varied colouring of
these flowers, with those seen at earlier 11HS
spring shows would serve to mark the progress
made m thes<3 popular florists' flowers

Messrs. Alex. Dickson and Sons' exhibit was
a superb effort and arrested the attention of
all visitors. Growing plants cultivated on ex-
hibition lines formed the background and a
dozen varieties were represented, each a panel

each filled with blooms of one variety, and the

sorts represented were President, John Porter,
lilegance, Caress, HawlmarK Lavender, Melba
iirjproved, Hawlrnark Cream, Hawlmark Pink,
Cherub, Daisy-bud, one of the best; Hawlmark
Scarlet, Biuacsmaid, Urchid, nawunark Maroon,
Royal Purple, Hawlmark King, and the exquisite
King Mauve. Below these a.gain were vases and
bowls of a, large number of varieties, old and
new, but all aliKe charming.

A large and wonderfully fine exhibit of Sweet
Peas staged by Messrs. Dobbie and Co., was a
great attraction, the flowers well developed, the
colours pleasingly associated and the general
arrangement excellent, though, perhaps, a Little
formal — the tall stands being filled a trifle too
regularly. The fifty or so of stands and vases
represented about three dozen varieties and
among the latter a few of outstanding beauty
were the new Claret Cup, which is deep old rose
colour, the general effect very pretty, though
hardly so deep in hue as its name suggests;
Dobbie's Orange, a vivid shade ; Royal Scot, a
fine scarlet; Orchid, deep lavender; Mrs. A.
Hitchcock, lovely soft cream pink, Mis. W.

Peas and on this occasion showed a number of
interesting seedlings and a new one named Pic-
ture, apricot-flushed pink, which Mr. Bolton
considers the finest Sweet Pea he has raised. Of
older sorts he exhibited Tangerine, Magic, Valen-
tine, Myrtle (cerise), R. P. Felton, and Sur-
prise, all of his own raising, the whole forming
a pleasing group in association with Hawlmark
Pink and Annie Ireland. In a smaller, but in-
teresting exhibit, Messrs. S. Bide and Sons,
showed fresh blooms of a number of well-known
varieties as well as several seedlings of their own
raising — Farnhani Lavender, Ruth Bide, Bide's
Purple and Lady Hunter, the last a delicate
combination of pale salmon-pink and softest-
rosy -heliotrope.

Begonias.

Messrs. Blackmore and Langdon, Bath, asso-
ciated their collection of splendid Begonias with
equally meritorious Delphiniums. The Begonias
were all double-flowered, tuberous varieties, of
immense size, but free from the slightest sug-
gestion of coarseness. Mrs. J. S. Bourton, of

Fig. 132. — polystichum angulare divisilobum plumosum robustum, perry.
(See Awards by the Floral Committee.)

Cuthbertson, bicolor ; Mrs. Tom Jones, blue;
the older, but fine Edsom Beauty, and the
iu\ely fink Pearl— these were but a lew of
varieties in1 a glorious exhibit.

Mr. J. Stevenson made a good display with
these popular- flowers and confined his attention
chiefly to varieties of his own raising. He had
bold stands of blooms of his Fair Lady, cream-
pink; Lavender Belle, lavender-mauve"; Scarlet
Glow, Golden Glory, Liberty, Brilliant, Faith,
Bacchus, cherry-red and old rose; Hebe, rose-
pink; Splendour, mahogany-red; Charity, deep
crimson; and some good orange coloured seed-
lings.^ Mr. H. J. Damerum, Hayling Island,
contributed a small exhibit of Sweet Peas, the
flowers all of large size and delightfully fresh.
From among many varieties, we made' special
note of the blush Frenoh-Grey variety, Lionel
Clarke; White Perfection, ' new; Princess
Patricia, a lovely new helio-blue ; Mrs. McEwan,
cream-pink; Marie Grosvenor, orange-salmon:
Mrs. W. Hodges, white with lavender edge; and
Miss E. Leggett, bright rose pink.

Mr. Robt. Bolton, Baythornend, Essex,
continues his good work as a raiser of Sweet

delightfully soft pink colouring, was suggestive
of an unusually large Camellia, while not far
away were salmon-coloured blooms of Princess
Victorii Louise, which may well be likened to
an exhibition Rose bloom. Mrs. W. Cuthbert-
son and Mrs. H. Moncrieff were splendid ex-
amples of Die fringed varieties. The front was
composed of a double row of especially good
Gloxinias.

Messrs. Sutton and Sons included some es-
pecially fine double-flowered Begonias in t lien-
large exhibit, and these were the object of great
admiration by the visitors.

Stove Plants.

Messrs. L. R. Russell and Son, Richmond,
brought a representative group of stove and
greenhouse plants. In the collection of Cala-

diniiis. Rose I 5, Mrs. L. R. Russell. Mm,..

J R. Box and William Roupel were noted,
while among Dracaenas tho newer varieties —
Sir Douglas Haig, Wm. Taylor, J. L. Russell
and Queen Mary were included. Crotons of
verj fine colour were also displayed, and Aloe-

284

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

June 5, 1920.

asia argentea. Acalypha Sanderiana, Ananassa
sativa variegata, Tillandsia rausaica, and
Anthuriums m variety were seen in excellent
condition.

Specimen Caladiums were shown in a ground
group by Messrs. John Peed and Son, West
Norwood. Noteworthy varieties were Marquise
of Campden, C. Dinle, Guilmar. Candiclum,
Alexander III. and Garden Directeur Gerard.
Interspersed among the Caladiums were dot
plants of Crotons, including the varieties Golden
Bracelet, Le Nain Rouge and Resplendent. In
another tent the same firm had a mound of
greenhouse flowering plants consisting of their
delightful strains of Gloxinias, Streptocarpus
and a deep-purple, double Petunia.

From A. P. Brandt, Esq. (gardener Mr
J. W. Barks), Bletchiugley. Surrey, came a fine
circular group of broad and fine-leaved Crotons.
Outstanding varieties were Lady Zetland, Mars.
B. Comte, Massangeana, Gold Ring and Queen
Victoria superba ; every specimen in the col-
lection exhibited the standard of perfection and
was remarkably well coloured.

Greenhouse Plants.

A wonderful exhibit of greenhouse and hardy
annual and biennial plants was shown by Messrs
Jas. Carter and Co., Raynes Park, London.
This exhibit occupied the whole width of the
western portion of the Orchid tent and took the
form of a semi-circular group. The background
was composed of specimen Palms and Bamboos
flanked by banks of finely-grown specimens oi
Cactus Cinerarias, the salmon-pink Clarkia Bril-
liant Princess, Canterbury Bells in white, pink
and blue shades, and Antirrhinums in many
shades of colour. Towards the front were
mounds of Carter's Victoria Prize Calceolarias,
Schizanthus. a beautiful strain of Gloxinias and
fine double-flowered Begonias; the centre con-
sisted of the rose-coloured Petunia Queen of
the Roses. The whole exhibit was finished off
with a border of grass surrounded with Ager-
atom and breadths of Heliotrope.

Messrs. Webb and Sons., Stourbridge, were
responsible for an effective group of greenhouse
plants. Four large mounds, consisting respec-
tively of fine strains of Clarkias, Cineraria
stellata. Schizanthus and large-flowered Ciner-
arias formed the feature of the exhibit, and
these were interspersed with ground work masses
of Primula malacoides alba, P. m. rosea P.
obconica in rose and pink shades, petunia Bril-
liant, Gloxinias and Mignonette Leviathan, the
whole being edged with a straight border of

grass- ... ,• , t

An effective and very artistic display oi
greenhouse plants was shown bv Messrs. Sutton
and Sons, Reading. The group was square in
shape, the four entrances being marked with
white wooden columns which were rendered still
more pleasing with beautiful specimens of rose-
coloured Primula obconica in pale blue pots_
Hanging from the columns were festoons of
Asparagus plumosus, and at the four corners were
specimen Palms. In the centre of the group
and surrounded by a broad path was a mound
of Salpiglossis, over a ground work of the tall,
white Lobelia ramosa. The four corners were
occupied with triangular groups, each being an
effective display in itself. Clarkias. in salmon
shade, made a prominent feature of the display
and added a good tone to the beautiful batches
of Schizanthus. double-flowered Begonias, giant
white Streptocarpus, large-flowered Calceolarias,
Primulas and Calceolarias. In an adjoining tent
the same firm staged a very large group of
splendidlv flowered Calceolarias representing an
exceptionally fine strain of many colours and
they had a third exhibit composed of Antirr-
hinums.

A fine bank of regal Pelargoniums was pro-
vided by A. P. Brandt. Esq. (gr. Mr. J. W.
Barks). The varieties Captivation, Brilliant.
John Bright, Eventide, and Sir Trevor Lawrence
were the pick of a very beautiful collection con-
sisting of some twenty- or more sorts-

Besides showing a magnificent group of stove
plants, Mr. L. R. Russell, arranged a group of
greenhouse flowering plants, including Crassula
coocinea, Fuchsia Ballet Girl. Azaleas in variety
and Pelargoniums.

Messrs. Stuart Low and Co., Enfield, showed
Australian and greenhouse plants, and the rarer
plants included Aotus gracillima, Lotus pelio--
rhynchus, Tremandra verticillata and Bauera
rubioides.

Mr. H. N. Ellison showed greenhouse Ferns
and foliage plants. Adiantum fragrantissimum,
Xothoehloena sinuata, Poly podium glaucum and
Araucaria Silver Star were among the many
good things staged, and a touch of colour was
added by the coloured foliage of Saxifraga sar
mantosa tricolor.

Messrs. H. B. Mat and Sons, Edmonton, set
up a group of greeidiouse Ferns and flowering
plants. The former were represented by
Jfolypodium Mandaianum, Davallia fijiensis
grandis, Doryopteris grandifolium, Blechnum
corcovadense and Platycerium grande. Small
batches of Hydrangea Mme. Mouilliere, Verbenas
Ethereal arid Miss 'Willmott. and Heliotrope
Lord Roberts, were among the collection of
greenhouse flowering plants.

A brilliant piece of colouring was provided

Fig. 133. — ltlium farreri.
(See Awards by the Floral Committee.)

by the circular display of the new Pelargonium
Victory, by Messrs. W. S. Watney, Ltd.,
Bexley Heath, Kent. This variety is very free-
flowering and the colour is a charming shade
of salmon, tinged with rose — a colour which is
useful for effect in natural or artificial light.
A large ground group, consisting solely of
Pelargonium crispum variegatum, was displayed
by the Hon. Vicary Gibbs (gardener Mr. Edwin
Eecket), Aldenham House. Elstree. The

foliage of this variety is very small and edged
with white, while the perfume resembles essence
of lemon. The group was composed of large
plants, dotted with smaller specimens trained
in standard form, and edged with miniature
plants in 3-in. pots.

From Messrs. Godfrey and Son, Exmouth.
came a display of a large-flowered strain of
Schizanthus and regal and decorative Pelar-
goniums represented by some very fine new
varieties, included rtmongst which were Dazzler
(scarlet), The Prince (crimson). Fascination
(pale-pink), and Exmouthian (rose, flushed with

salmon). Show Pelargoniums were displayed
u.s Aubrey Wootten, Esq. (gardener Mr. \V.
Lamsonj, Sunningdale, Epsom. The plants were
exceptionally well-grown and included the van-
ties Devonshire Cream, Black Prince, Mrs.
Aubrey Wootton and Queen Mary.

A table group of dwarf hybrid Schizanthus
was exhibited by Mr. Alfred Dawkins, King's
Road, Chelsea. The plants were of good,
sturdy habit, very floriterous and of a wide range
of colours. Messrs. Jarman and Co., Chard,
exhibited Zonal Pelargoniums, together with
Violas in many varieties.

Trees and Shrubs.

The Donard Nursery Co., Newcastle, Co.
Down, were able to bring from Ireland a large
collection of rare and uncommon shrubs, which
they arranged in a circular group in a tent.
Pittosporum Mayii Silver Queen formed an im-
posing centre piece, and this decorative variety
was also represented by smaller plants.
Embothrium coccineum, which is distinctly a
shrub for favoured districts, was excellent in its
gorgeous colouring. Desfontanea spinosa, Tri-
cuspidaria lanceolata, Osmanthus armata, with
broad, large spined leaves, and Leptospermum
Xichohi. bearing red flowers, are the names
of only a few of the valuable plants exhibited.

Messrs. Waterer. Sons and Crisp had a
very attractive arrangement of trees and shrubs
in the open. Clipped Box and Yew were an
important part oi tne exhibit, which was backed
by a row of especially fine standards of Cupressus
obtusa Orippsii. The many choice shrubs in-
cluded Nandina domestica, Leptospermums,
particularly L. Nieholii, Ozothamnus rosmarini-
folius, varieties of Ceanothuses and Genistas, and
these were also specially well grown.

Mr. L. R. Russell, Richmond, exhibited many
luxuriant Bays, both pyramids and standards,
with Ceanothuses covered with filmy, blue
flowers, Wistarias and an abundance of the
fascinating Azalea roseaetlora as an edging.
In a tent Mr. Russell used Ghent Azaleas in
enviable variety, Cordyline Albertii and Hydran-
geas in a good miscellaneous group.

The Yokohama Nursery Co., Kingsway,
London, staged their usual collection of dwarfed
Japanese trees, and on this occasion in-
cluded several most charming examples of
Azalea indica " Kurume " (A. Kaempferi?) a
very variable plant of great decorative value.
The soft pink coloured and also a salmon
coloured form were particularly effective.
Quercus dentata, labelled as 60 years old, though
ol stunted form, was particularly vigorous 'n
leaf, while Lagerstroemia indica, just coming
into leaf, was of delicate beauty.

Messrs. W. Fromow and Co.. Chiswick, set

up a delightful collection of Japanese Maples in

the open. Altogether there were four large van

>ads oi these interesting plants, .which included

all possible leaf forms and colouring.

Messrs. J. Piper and Sons grouped many Cle-
matis in bloom with silvery Junipers, various
Japanese Maples and the climbing Solanum
jasminoides, which thrives so well out-of-doors
in the warmer parts of the country.

Mr. G. Rjeuthe, Keston, Kent, included
several Rhododendrons and Azaleas with his
collection of trees and shrubs. Olearia oleifolia,
i revillea rosmarinifolius and Tricuspidaria
lanceolata were also of interest. Mr. Arthur
Turner, Slough, was still able to show good
Lilacs, principally double-flowered varieties.

Mr. R. C. Notcutt, Woodbridge. gave pro-
minence to particularly well flowered Kahuia
lati'olia in his group of shrubs. Brooms in
variety. Ghent Azaleas and Japanese Maples
were also very attractive.

Rhododendrons and Azaleas.

These indispensable hardy shrubs formed quite
a dazzling feature of the show and as they were
to be found in several of the tents as well as
out-of-doors, the visitors were enabled to appre-
ciate to the full the glorious colours of these
handsome shrubs. In spite of the dry period,
only so recently broken, the late Rhododendrons
were particularly fresh, and bore fine trusses of
large flowers.

Juse 5, 192.).

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

285

Messrs. Waterer, Sons and Crisp arranged
their famous Bagshot Rhododendrons in four
adjacent .beds with ample greensward between.
In this magnificent contribution it was, perhaps,
the pink varieties that attracted most admira-
tion. These were especially numerous and in-
cluded Lady Clementina Mitford, Mrs. E. C.
Sterling and Duchess of Teck. Sweet
Simplicity, most delicately tinted at the
margins of the flowers; Mrs. Wm. Agnew,
of glowing colour, Corona, of a dazzling pink-
ness, and the popular Pink Pearl, are the
names of ' other desirable pink Rhododendrons,
while Michael Waterer and the Marquis of
Waterford, of rich crimson colour, were repre-
sented by bushes and standards in full bloom.
Ted Waterer, the novelty of the exhibit, has
blooms of uncommon blush lilac shade, which
becomes much deeper at the margins.

Messrs. Fletcher Bros., Chertsey, contri-
buted a circular group of well-flowered Rhodo-
dendrons, in which we especially noted Edward
E. Rand, Lady Claremont, Doncaster Florence,
Everestianum and album elegans as being par-
ticularly valuable.

Azaleas formed the principal portion of the
exhibit by Messrs. R. and G. Cuthbert, of
Southgate. The two beds contained many
charming standards of these fragrant flowers,
which were well set off by floriferous bushes of
Genista Daisy Hill, G. flore albo and many bright
coloured Japanese Maples. In a miscellaneous
collection of shrubs, Messrs. J. Cheal
and Sons, Crawley, included bushes of the
delightfully-scented Rhododendron azaleaoides
(syn. Azalea tfragrans), and a couple of large
examples of R. tenellum literally smothered with
small deep-pink blossoms. Of the other shrubs,
Zenobia speciosa, various Wistarias, Genistas and
beautifully-coloured Japanese Maples were ex-
ceptionally meritorious.

Mr. T. Lewis, Uxbridge Road, Hanwen.
exhibited two large groups of Rhododendrons of
the best varieties. The standards and bushes
were very floriferous and added much to the
brightness of the tent.

Messrs. Robert Neal and Son, Wandsworth,
may be considered new exhibitors at Chelsea in
such an extensive maimer as this year. Imme-
diately inside the Embankment entrance they
had a glorious massed bank of magnificent
Rhododendrons, which gave promise of the gen-
eral excellence of their collective exhibit. The
Rhododendrons were of up-to-date varieties and
particularly well-flowered.

Topiary Exhibits.

For the first time for several years Topiary
specimens were shown in quantity. Tastes
may differ as to their value in the garden, but
none could fail to appreciate the painstaking
labour which must have been spent in producing
the exact specimens which were on view.

A collection of trimmed trees does not exactly
lend itself to effective grouping, even though
each individual may be perfect of its kind, but
Mr. John Klinkert of Richmond, contrived to
make his exhibit quite attractive in a trim and
straghtforward manner. A pathway, bounded
with slender pyramids in Box, divided the col-
lection into two gardens, both fronted by ball-
shaped specimens. In these enclosures were
clipped trees in all imaginable shapes and. all as
perfect as human skill could make them.

Messrs. J. Piper and Sons, Bayswater ,
grouped fine specimens near to their formal
garden, which charmed so many visitors. The
topiary was extensive and composed of spirals
and crosses, pheasants and seats, pyramids and
balls and many other shapes. Each was mathe-
matically exact and of delightful fresh greenness.

Outbush and "cut bushes" are appropriate
terms for topiary specimens, and those exhibited
by Messrs. Wm. Ctttbush and Son, of Highgate,
were fully equal to anv that they have pre-
viously displayed. As before, there were per-
fect examples of every possible form and so
grown as to be capable" of being transplanted at
any season.

Hardy Plants.

A very charming and effective exhibit of

hardy Ferns and herbaceous and alpine plants

was grouped by Mr. Amos Perry, Enfield

The hardy Ferns, grown in pots, formed a de-

lightful^ feature of the exhibit, the delicate
green fronds contrasting with the splash of
colour of the banks of Irises and Oriental Pop-
pies arranged on either side. Among the Ferns
were beautiful specimens of Polystichum angu-
lare divisilobum foliosum, P. a. plumotom,
P. a. d. densum, Osmunda gracilis, 0. japonica,
and Anthyrium plumosum cristatum. Among
the Oriental Poppies, the fringed-petalled King
George and Lord Lambourne, Countess of Stair
(deep coral), Mrs. Perry, and the pale Princess
Mary were noted ; while bearded Irises were
represented by fine flowers of the varieties
Porcenna, Mrs. H. Darwin, Cherubim, and
Standard Bearer. Other good things were
Roscoea cautlioides, Geum Dolly Worth (brilliant
orange) Lilium croceum x davuricum luteum,
L. croceum hybrid x d. luteum and Erigeron
Antwerpia.

Herbaceous and alpine plants were shown in
delightful form by Messrs. Bees, Ltd., Liver-
pool, and the group contained such beautiful
things as Roscoea Humeana, R. cautlioides,
Primula nutans and a good strain of long-
spurred Aquilegjas, together with Cotyledon
simplicifolia, Saxifraga longifolia, Pyrethrums,
Lupins and Delphiniums in many varieties.
From Messrs. Sutton and Sons, Reading, came
a very bold group of cut spikes of Antirrhinums
shown against a background of black velvet.
Large epergnes of Sutton's yellow, Carmine
Pink and Melrose, were arranged along the back
and other varieties of merit were Coral Red,
Fire King, Pure White, Deep Apricot, Giant
Deep Crimson and Bright Pink.

Situated at one end of their wonderful dis-
play of Sweet Peas, Messrs. Dobbie and Co.,
Edinburgh, showed an equally creditable ex-
hibit of Antirrhinums. The varieties Bon Fire,
White Beauty, Rose Queen. Moonlight. Maize
Queen, Fiery Belt, and Carmine Queen were
very fine, and every variety shown was the
model of perfection.

An exceptionally fine display of varieties of
Lupinus polyphyllus was staged by Messrs.
Harkness and Sons, Bedale, Yorks. Moer-
lieimii, Royalty, Treasure, Salmon Queen and
Firefly were exceptionally fine varieties. Single
Paeonies and Oriental Poppies were also shown
by the same firm. From Messrs. Reamsbottom
and Co., Geashill, Ireland, came a display of
St. Brigid Anemones, and from Messrs. Bakers,
Wolverhampton, came a group of herbaceous
plants, including the golden-yellow Geum Lady
Stratheden, Pyrethrums, Lupins, Delphiniums
and Poppies.

Messrs. Laxton Bros.. Bedford, showed a good
strain of new hybrid Lupine, while in the ex-
hibit from Mr. G. W. Miller, Wisbech, Heu-
eheras in variety, Erigeron B. Ladhams and
Pyrethr.um Queen Mary were included.

East Lothian Stocks, Violas and Pentstimons
were shown by Messrs. John Forbes, Ltd.,
Hawick, and a display of herbaceous and alpine
plants came from the Misses Hopkins, Shepper-
ton-on-Thamus. Messrs. Maxwell and Beale.
Broadstone, Dorset, staged a good collection of
alpines, and Messrs. Piper, Bayswater, London,
were responsible for a neat group of herbaceous
plants, amongst which Lychnis Arkwrightii,
Capanula Telham Beauty, and Dianthus Gladys
Cranfield were displayed. Dr. MacWatt, Duns,
Scotland, showed Primulas in fine form. The
baskets of Lissadell Hybrid. Veitchii (improved)
and sikkimensis were exceptionally good. Very
rare species were P. menziesana P. ehrysopa,
P. geraldiana and P. Palinuri.

Messrs. R. Tucker and Sons showed won-
derful spikes of the striking blue Delphinium
Blue Bird, together with Pyrethrums, Cam-
panulas, Irises and alpine plants. Lupins and
Delphiniums were also staged by Mr. G. R.
Downer, Chichester. A group of hardy her-
baceous plants was staged by Messrs. J. Gibson
and Co., Bedale. Yorks; and Poppies, star
Dahlias, Irises, Lupines and other herbaceous
plants wore shown in the exhibit by Messrs.
.1. ('heal \ND Sons. Ltd., Crawler,

Some very fine varieties of Iris, including
main- shades of colour and resulting from the
original cross between I. xinhinm and I. tingi-
tana, came from Messrs. HEnnnnr Chapman,
Ltd.. Rye. Sussex. Mr. G. Retjthe, Keston,

showed choice alpine plants, hardy Orchids,
Poppies, Eremuri, Irises and other herbaceous
plants; while close by Messrs B. Ladhams, Ltd.,
Southampton, staged hardy border Pinks,
Erigerons, Oriental Poppies and other season-
able herbaceous plants.

A star-shaped bed of bearded Irises came from
Messrs. John Waterer, Sons and Crisp,
Ltd., Twyford. Her Majesty, Prosper Langier,
Sarpodon, Gaius, and Miss Maggie were varie
ties noted in this collection. The same firm also
staged a bright group of alpine plants.

Magnificent spikes of Eremuri formed the
feature of the display from Messrs. Wm. Arttn-
dale and Son. E. robustus, E. Elwesii, E.
himalaicus and E. turkestanicus, were repre-
sented. Pyrethrums, Heucheras and Delphiniums
in variety were also included in the group.

A group of herbaceous and alpine plants came
from Mr. Maurice Prichard, Christchurch.
ryrethrum carminatum plenum Holstein (a
unique flower), Delphiniums Mrs. Baker, Pride
of Somerville and the pale Moerheimii and
Kniphofias in variety were particularly fine
An uncommon plant was shown in the form of
Antholyza coccinea, while among alpine plants
Campanula garganica hirsata, C. niuralis and
Erodium corsicum occupied prominent positions.

Messrs. Kent and Boydon, Darlington, showed
slightly raised beds of bearded Irises, skirted
with a stone path. Good varieties included
Piumeri, Mrs. Alan Gray, Lord of June, and
Pvosabelle. Daphne Cneorum, Azaleas and
Primula pulverulenta occupied prominent posi
lions in the same group.

Messrs. J. C. Allgrove, Slough set up a
display of hardy herbaceous plants, interspersed
with specimen Acer's and flowering shrubs. An-
chusa italics Opal, Trollius Ledebouri, Eremurus
robusta. the large-flowered Campanula Telham
Beauty and a magnificent specimen of Saxi-
traga longifolia were noted in the group.

Messrs. Barr and Sons, Covent Garden, Lon-
don, showed a very fine group of early flowering
Xuphium Irises ; the flowers were of large size
and represented by some charming varieties
in Berkemeyer, 0. Van de Windt, Vaillant,
Roland Hoist, Theodore de Bock, and Ten Kate.
The same firm also exhibited a miscellaneous
group of herbaceous plants, chief among which
were Kniphofia caulcscens, Allium albo-pilosum,
Papaver unique, and Lupinus Taplow Yellow.

A pretty group of cut flowers was arranged
by Messrs. _ Geo. Bttnyard and Co., Ltd.
Lilium longiflorum mixed with white Astilbes
formed the centre of the group and masses of
bearded Irises, chief among which were Nithro.
Emperor, Isolene, and Innocenza, completed a
very charming display.

A circular ground group of herbaceous plants
was exhibited by Messrs. R. H. Bath, Ltd.,
Wisbech. Delphiniums were represented 'by the
varieties Gladiator, Lilaema, Mrs. Creighton and
some delightful new varieties under number
Amongst the Paeonies. Electra, Golden Harvest,
and Lord Kitchener were noted and Pyrethrums
Aphrodite, La Niege, Oueen Marv and Raphana
were included in the display. Messrs. G. Jack-
man and Son, Woking, showed a fine collec-
tion of Clematis in puts, which made an effective
background to the masses of herbaceous plants.
.Striking subjects were seen in Papaver orientals
Goliath, Lavatera Olbia, Delphinium Rev.
Lascelles. Irises in variety. Lupinus Princess
Mav. and Geum eoccineum Mrs. Bradshaw.

Messrs. W. H. Rogers and Son, Ltd., South-
amriton had a very charming ;n-oup of alpines
and herbaceous plants, together with flowering
shrubs. Among the latter were Emhotbriimi
eoccineum and Crinodendron Hookeri while
Sempemvums, Dianthus. and Eregerons were
also seen in quantity. Alpines in " pots were
staged^ hv Mr. Reo. Prichard, Wimborne. and
some interesting plants wen- Gazania montana.
Silene radicans, S. alpestris plena. Dian-
thus Lan&delli, Cnnmnnala garganica erinus
Pratia arenaria and Scutellaria indica japonica.
From Messrs. W. Wells, Junk., came a table
group of Delphiniums and other herbaceous
plants, pots of alpines being arranged at the
front of the exhibit.

Messrs. WHTTEEEOQ and Co.. Chislehinst ,
■mowed Saxifraga calabrica, Edrianthiis pumilio',
Erodi-um Reichardii ami Asperula sub rosea, in

286

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

June 5, 1920.

their display of alpine plants. The same firm
also showed a pretty group of Lilmms, while
from Messrs. Watered,, Sons, and Crisp, .Ltd.,
Tyford, came a display of herbaceous and alpine
plants.

Messrs. J. Kelway and Sons, Ltd., Lang-
port, showed Paeonies and Delphiniums. Among
the former were the varieties Princess, Sea Shell,
Territorial, and Duke of Devonshire, wniie
Delphiniums were represented by fine spikes of
Capt. Henderson, Splendour, Wellington, and
Royal Blue, Mr. Jas. MacDonald, Harpenden,
made an effective group of lawn grass and orna-
mental grasses, the latter including Elymus
glauous, Eulalia zebrina, and Pheum airreum
striata.

The Rock Gardens,
The various rock gardens occupied their cus-
tomary place against the Embankment shrub-
bery. For the most part there is a great family
likeness in the present-day style of an angement.
The very boulders all seem as though they came
from the same quarry ; each exhibit had a small
stream tumbling more or less from the hack
centre and on by devious ways to a pool near the
front. The pool, unfortunately, soon becomes
stagnant and uninviting. Planting was rather
more sparsely carried cut than is expected at the
great spring show.

Messrs. R. Tucker and Sons, Oxford, con-
tributed a rock garden which harmonised well
with its neighbours and the surroundings. The
winding stream, flowing into a pool, was fresh
and clear and the sides planted with Saxifragas
and other alpines, while higher up dwarf Coni-
fers were displayed

Mr. Clarence Elliott, Stevenage, built a
much higher foreground than usual and so
successfully broke the level of the collection of
rock gardens. The planting included a group-
of Saxifraga alopecurum and other species,
many Violas and perfect little specimens of the
upright Irish Juniper.

Messrs. G. G. 'Whttelegg and Co., Chisle-
hurst, Kent, had a long stretch of ground at the
entrance to the rock garden quarter. The
arrangement was the usual waterfall with stream
and pool surrounded by boulders. In the pool
were several Nymphaeas in full bloom. Azelea
rosaeflora, a beautiful little greenhouse shrub,
was freely used. One end of the rookery was
devoted to admirable dwarf Conifers in great
variety.

Messrs. Haves and Sons, Keswick, made the
type of rock garden visitors have become accus-
tomed to expect at Chelsea, and they planted
it rather more freely than was generally done
this year. Besides a great variety of the cus
tomary alpines, they brought a collection of
lakeland plants, including Ferns.

Mr. J. Wood, Boston Spa, struck a novel note
in his design. It might well be described as
being the approach to a tor. It has become
almost an axiom with certain garden designers
that a deal may be done with rocks, grass and
water. This is true so far as it goes, but more,
much more, is needed to evolve the satisfying
rock garden. Mr. Wood's design was simplicity
itself and quite true to nature. Its failings
were due to the restrictions of space. As an
introduction to a large rock garden it is to he
strongly recommended.

Messrs. Wallace and Co., Colchester, are
past-masters in the art of setting boulders and
fashioning streams and pools in a natural
manner._ Their latest effort was in the form of a
conventional rock garden with waterfall, stream
and pool, with appropriate surroundings. The
planting was a trifle sparse, but suffiicent to
furnish the spaces between the boulders. In
the background Rhododendrons in full bloom
lined a path through the woods.

Mr. C. Elliott, Stevenage, Herts. built_ an
informal rockery on a ^table space in the tents.
The boulders were nicely placed, interplanted
with suitable flowering plants and miniature
Junipers. A miniature drv wall and paved
garden was contributed by Mr. A. D. Thompson,
Adam St, London.

Formal Gardens.

Messrs. J. Piper and Sons, Bayswater,

were particularly happy in their garden' design.'

An old stone circular archway led into a sunken

garden of most agreeable proportions and en-

closed by Cypress hedges. It was essentially a
Blue garden and only plants bearing shades
of that colour were used. The middle beds
contained fine plants of Campanula Telham
Beauty, while in the raised borders were Del-
phiniums, Larkspurs, Lupins, with the dwarfer
Nepeta Mussinii and many Aubrietias.

Mr. Herbert Jones, Bath, made two separate,
but adjoining gardens, primarily to illustrate
the suitability of stone from his quarries for gar-
den purposes. But he achieved more than this,
and the gardens were the centre of a deal of
deserved admiration. The fountain garden, en-
closed by 6 ft. high Yew hedges, contained a
generous fountain, around which Iris sibiriea was
planted. Paved walks, stone enclosures and
pergola pillars with grass, comprised the second
garden, which was cool and restful and alto
gether satisfying to the eye and mind.

Mr. H. Brook, Streatham, made a small
formal garden apparently to display his York
stone paving and succeeded admirably. A
sufficiency of flowering plants and shrubs, includ-
ing two small Rose beds, brightened the garden.

Messrs. Pulham and Son, Newman Street,
London, were quite successful in their garden
schemes. In the foreground a simple Rose gar-
den and pool, with fountain, led to small lawns
and on to the rock garden, where they planted a
pleasing variety of alpines.

Mr. E. Dixon. Putney, made a quaint, cir-
cular, sunken garden with dry stone walls and
enclosure, which he furnished with many appro-
priate plants. In the adjoining tent Messrs.
W. Wallace and Co. made a sunken garden
in which a splendid variety of Irises were pre-
dominant. The raised borders were generously
filled with a splendid variety of _ herbaceous
plants, including Eremurus, Delphiniums, while
at the back there was a row of fresh, green
Cupressus erecta viridis.

TULIP COMMITTEE.

Present : Messrs. E. A. Bowles (in the chair),
J. Jacob, Geo. Churcher, Jan de Graaff, Regi-
nald Cory, Herbert Smith, G. Reuthe. E
Krelage, Henry Backhouse, J. W. Jones, H. V.
Warrender and W. Poupart. Miss E. Willmott.
and Charles H. Curtis (hon. sec).

Probably this was the first R.H.S. Spring
Show at which Tulips were not shown. In most
years the late Tulips have been finely repre-
sented by large groups, and the gorgeous colour-
ing of "the flowers has provided a distinctive
feature. This year, however, owing to the hot
weather and the seven days' later date, all Tulips
were oyer.

FRUIT AND VEGETABLE COMMITTEE.
Present : .Messrs. C. G. A. Nix (chairman).
A. H. Pearson, Geo. F. Tinlev, J. Basham.
W. H. Divers, W. Bates, J. C. Allgrove. S. B.
Dicks, A. Bullock, H. S. Rivers. J. Harrison,
W. Poupart, G. P. Berrv. F. Jordan. J. G.
Kelly. W Crump. J. G. Weston, A. W. Met-
calfe and T. Coomber.

The only exhibit submitted for award was
Apple Sandling Duchess, which it was stated
had already received an Award of Merit.

The Award made on the previous occasion
was confirmed. Shown by Mr. W. Crump,
Malvern.

Collections.
Messrs. T.. Rivers and Sons. Sawbridgeworth,
staged a group of 80 pot trees of Nectarines.
Peaches, Plums and Figs. The plants were
ideal specimens, dwarf, yet of compact build and
bearing freely. The trees of Cardinal. Early
Rivers and Lord Napier Nectarines, and Pere-
grine, Kestrel and Libra Peaches, were all crop-
ping abundantly.

Messrs. Laxton Bros.. Bedford, were the ex-
hibitors of Strawberries, which they displayed
in a very attractive manner. There were about
a dozen varieties, mostly novelties, including
Tit Bit, a large conical variety of bright red
colour and of excellent flavour; Sir Douglas
Haig, a large, earlv variety; Laxtonia. of first-
class flavour and with firm flesh ; The Duke, one
of the best of modem varieties, an excellent
cropper, a little earlier than Royal Sovereign,
and a good forcing variety: and The Admiral,
a main crop variety of excellent flavour.

Messrs. T. Spooner and Sons, Hounslow,

showed Cordon Currants and Gooseberies in tha
open.

Major the Hon. Sir J. H. Ward, Chilton,
Hungerford (gr. Mr. C. Beckett), exhibited a
table of choice dessert fruits, staged in the best
exhibition style. The quality was first-rate and
each dish in the best condition for the dessert
table. There were sixteen bunches of Grapes,
all well finished and including Black Hamburgh,
and Foster's Seedling varieties. Nectarines were
remarkably fine, especially these of Early Rivers.
Peaches were represented by the variety. Hale's
Early. There were several fine Melons, good,
brown Turkey Figs, Strawberries and Goose-
berries.

Messrs. G. Bunyard and Co., Ltd., filled
a long table with varieties of Apples. The ex-
hibit included some forty dishes. The fruits
were in excellent condition and many appeared
as plump and as fresh as in November. Tha
more notable varieties were Star of Devon, On-
tario. Wagener, Encore, Cox's Orange Pippin,
Heusgen's Golden Reinette, Alfriston, Annie
Elizabeth, Belle de Pontoise and Sturmer Pip-
pin. Ontario, Encore and Wagener were the
three finest sorts.

The State of Victoria, Australia, showed
fruit from the colony, including Apples in boxes
as packed for market, and Apricots, Cherries,
Peaches, Currants, Pears, etc., in bottles.

AWARDS MADE BY THE COUNCIL.

Shericnod Memorial Cup. — This cup, pre-
sented by Messrs. Hurst and Son in mamoiy ~.
the late Mr. N. N. Sherwood, offered for the
best exhibit in the show, was won by Messrs.
Wvterer, Sons and Crisp, for a glorious display
of Rhododendrons.

Daily Graphic Cup. — Offered for the best
rock garden ; won by Messrs. R. Wallace and
Co., Colchester.

Gold Williams Medal. — To Messrs. Charles-
worth and Co., for Orchids.

Gold Medal. — To Sir Jeremiah Colman. Bt.
(gr. Mr. J. Collier), for Orchids ; Messrs. Arm-
strong- and Brown, for Orchids ; and to Messrs.
J. and A. McBean, for Orchids ; Messrs. J.
Piper and Sons, far formal garden ; Messrs.
R. Tucker and Sons, for rock garden; Messrs.
R. W. Wallace and Co., for rock garden;
Messrs. Allwood Bros., for Carnations ; Messrs.
Blackmore and Langdon, for Begonias and
Gloxinias; Messrs. J. Carter and Co., for
flowering plants; Messrs. Dobbte and Co., for
Sweet Peas; The Donard Nursery Co., for
new and rare shrubs ; Mr. Amos Perry, for
Ferns and Herbaceous ; Messrs. T. Rivers and
Son, for Fruit Trees in Pots; Messrs. Sutton
and Sons, for Calceolarias and flowering plants ;
M ssrs. R. W. Wallace and Co.. for Lilies,
Irises and Eremuri ; the Hon. Ward, C.V.O.,
(ear.. Charles Beckett), for a collection of fruit;
Messrs. YVaterer, Sons and Crisp, for Rhodo-
dendrons.

Silver Gilt Flora Medal. — To Messrs. J.
Cypher and Sons ; and to Messrs. Flory and
Black, for Orchids; Messrs. G. G. Whttelegge
and Co. , for rock garden ; Mr. J. Kllnkert
for Topiary; Messrs. Waterer, Sons and
Crisp, for trees and shrubs ; Messrs. A. Dickson
and Sons, for Sweet Peas ; Messrs. Dobbie and
Co., for Antirrhinums; Messrs. Paul and Son.,
for Roses; Messrs. W. Paul and Son, Ltd., for
R'iscs: Messrs. Webb and Sons., for flowering
plants.

Silver Gilt Grenfell Medal.— To Messrs.
Artindaie and Son, for Eremuri ; Messrs.
Barr and Sons, for hardy plants; Messrs R. H.
Bath. Ltd., for hardy plants and Paeonies.
Messrs. Bees Ltd., for Herbaceous and Alpine
plants; A. P. Brandt, Esq. (gar., J. W. Barks),
for Crotons; Messrs. Ben R. Cant, and Sons, for
Roses: Mr. J. Douglas, for Border Carnations;
Mr. Clarence Elliott, for Alpines; Mr.
C. Engelmann, for Carnations ; Mr. Elisha J.
Hicks, for Roses; Messrs. G. Jackman and
Sons, for Herbaceous plants; Mr. T. Lewis, for
Rhododendrons; Messrs. Stuart Low and Co.,
for Carnations; Messrs. J. Peed and Son. for
f'aladiums: Mr. G. Reuthe, for hardy plants;
Mr. L. R, Russell, for stove and other plants;
Messrs. Waterer, Sons and Crisp, for
Alpines and hardy plants; Messrs. Stuart Low
and Co., and to Messrs. Mansell and
Hatcher, for Orchids; Mr. Herbert Jones, for

UNe 5, 1920.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

287

Italian garden ; Mr. C. Elliott, for rock gar-
den; Mr. J. MacDonald, for Grasses; Messrs. J.
Piper and Son, for Topiary and Japanese trees.

Silver Gilt Banksian Medal. — To Mr. J. C.
Allgrove, for Herbaceous and Alpine plants ;
Mr. R. Bolton, for Sweet Peas; A. P. Brandt,
Esq. (gar., J. W. Barks), for Pelargoniums;
Messrs. J. Cheal and Sons for flowering trees
and shrubs, and also one for herbaceous plants ;
Messrs. W. CuTBUsn and Son, for Roses and
also one for Topiary ; Messrs G. Gibson and
Co., for hardy plants ; Messrs. Kelway and
Son, for Delphiniums; Messrs. Laxton Bros..
for Strawberries ; Messrs. J. Piper and Son. for
Clematis and ornamental shrubs ; Mr. Maurice
Prichard, for Alpines and Herbaceous plants;
Mr. R. Prichard, for Alpines; Messrs. W. H.,
Rogers and Son, for Alpines; Messrs. R.
Tucker and Sons, for hardy plants ; The
Government op Victoria (Australia), for fresh
Apples; Mr. E. DrxON, for formal garden ;
Messrs. Pulham and Son, for formal garden
and also for rock garden; Mr. S. R. Hayes, for
rock garden ; Messrs. W. Fromow and Sons,
for Japanese Maples; Mr. L. R. Russell, for
ornamental shrubs.

Silver Gilt KnigTitian Medal. — To Messrs.
G. Bunyard and Co., for Apples.

Silver Lindley Medal. — To Dr. J. Macwatt,
for Primulas.

Sillier Flora Medal. — To Mr. H. Dixon, for
Orchids; Mr. Herbert Jones, for formal
garden; Messrs. G. Bunyard and Co., for Irises;
Mr. A. Dawktns, for Schizanthus; Mr. G. R.
Downer, for Lupins and Delphiniums ; Messrs.
Fletcher Bros., for Rhododendrons; The Hon.
Vicary Gibbs (gr. E. Beckett), for
Pelargoniums ; Messrs. J. Godfrey and Son, for
Pelargoniums and Poppies; Messrs. B.
Ladhams, for hardy plants ; Messrs. K. Luxford
and Co., for Carnations; Messrs. H. B. May
and Sons, for Ferns and greenhouse plants;
Mr. G. W. Miller, for herbaceous and rock
plants; Mr. J. Stevenson, for Sweet Peas;
Messrs. Sutton and Sons, for Antirrhinums.

Silver Grenfell Medal. — Messrs. Bakers,
Ltd., for hardy plants; Messrs. Barr and Sons,
for Irises; Messrs. S. Bide and Sons, for Sweet
Peas: Messrs. R and G. Cuthbebt, for
Azaleas ; Messrs. Wm. Cuteush and Son, for
Carnations; Mr. H. J. Damerum, for Sweet
Peas; Messrs. Harkness and Sons, for Lupins;
-Mr. C H. Herbert, for Pinks, Messrs. Kent
and Brydon. for Irises; Messrs. Laxton Bros.,
for Lupins; Mr. R. C. Notcutt, for flowering
shrubs, etc. ; Messrs. J. Peed and Son, for
Gloxinias, etc. ; Mr. George Prince, for Roses ;
Mr. G. Reuthe, for flowering shrubs; Messrs.
Waterer, Sons and Crisp, for Irises; Messrs.
W. S. Watnfjy and Co., for Geraniums;
AuEREr Wootton, Esq. (gr. W. Lamson), for
Pelargoniums; The Yokahama Nursery Co., for
Japanese trees and gardens.

Silver Banksian Medal. — Mr. H. Chapman,
for Irises; Mr. H. N. Ellison, for Ferns and
Palms: Messrs. Jarman and Co., for Pelargoni-
ums and Violas ; Messrs. Stuart Low and
Co., for Australian and Greenhouse Plants;
Messrs. J. Piper and Son, for Alpines; Mr.
A. D. Thompson, for Alpines ; Messrs. White-
legg and Co., for Alpines, and to the same firm
for Liliums.

Bronze Knightian Medal : To Messrs. S.
Spooner and Sons, for Gooseberry and Currant
trees in pots.

Bronze Banksian Medal : To the Misses
Hopkins, for Alpines, and Mr. C. H. Taudevin,
for Alpine*.

Scienitfic and Edu-.ational Tent.

Silver Lindley Medal.~To Professor V. H.
Blackman, Imperial College of Science, for
exhibit of apparatus used in investigating plant
processes, etc. ; to Mr. A. Hosking, John tunes
Hort. Institution, for cultivation of fruit trees
in pots, showing the effects of cross-fertilisation
in cases of self-sterility, etc.; to Mr. Brierley,
Institute of Plant Pathology, Rothamsted, for
culture of Fungi living in the soil; to W. F.
Bewley, Lee Valley Experimental Station, for
diseases of Tomatos ; to Mr. Hatton, East Mai-
ling Fr lit Experiment Station, South-Eastern
Agricultural College, for fruit stocks, experi
ments, etc.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

[The Editors do not hold themselves responsible lor
the opinions expressed by correspondents.]

Propagation by Cuttings (see p. 177). — I am
very much obliged to my friend, Mr. E. H.
Jenkins, for his interesting communication. I
am greatly interested to know that Mi'. Brown
of Parker's Nursery, actually did strike cutting-
of Ipomaea Horsfalliae by using restricted stock
plants. I made a point of striking cuttings of
this plai.t because it had the reputation in the
trade of being always grafted I believe upon
Batatas paniculate. Sir. Jenkins_ surmises
quite correctly that I was well acquainted with
Mr. T. Brown. It was his business to visit Kew
for several years for exchange purposes, and if
became mine to visit the nursery upon the same
mission. He had a great reputation as a culti-
vator; he was at one time, I believe, a foreman
at Kew, and the curator tnere gave him great
credit as a. grower of Heaths. In the nursery
were many things of interest, and especially T
remember a shallow frame of the Cheilanthes set
of Ferns, I believe planted out, that I haw
never known equalled. This frame was again*'
one of the houses, and though I do not remembe"
what the treatment was, it is possible that some
of these Ferns are hardier than is usually
believed, for Mr. T. Westcombe, of Worcester,
the Stapelia specialist, used to grow Nothoch-
laena Marantae planted out with a tiell-glas

THE LATE GEORGE MONRO, V.M.H.

over it in the open garden, under the sligh*
shade of a tree, hut how long the plant lived I
could not, of course, say. On the use of cut-
tings with a heel, Mr. Jenkins makes very valu-
able remarks, in which 'he is more than justified,
and, indeed, the advantage of such cuttings is
not altogether limited to plants like Onosma,
for woody plants are often a success Tooted that
way. In the case of Onosma taurica, the hint
given by Mr. Jenkins should be borne in mind
because it is one of the finest of rock plants,
and one that in my experience is liable to *' go
off" and be lost. It was my intention in
retirement to keep myself occupied to some
extent in the propagation of difficult hardy
plants, and I had my mind upon Onosma, but
it is unlikely now that I shall have either power
or opportunity. Mr. Jenkins interests me in
referring to Euphorbia jaequiniaenora, now per-
haps more properly called E. fulgens. He gives
valuable hints in the striking of "uttings, but
I am tempted now beyond that stage to speak
of its further culture." One of the ways is to
plant several examples in a pan, by which goml
pe mens may be formed, for, of course, the

plant must not be stopped, but a plan I may
term the Cambridge plan is very effective. Mr.
G. H Banks, now of the Glasgow Botanic
Garden, used to grow strong canes in, say,
32-sized pots, singly. These bore wreaths-of good
length which, by standing the pots between the
regular occupants of the stage and bench, could
be protruded beyond the general level of foliage
with great effect. Mr. Courts, of Kew, in the
issue of Gard. Chron. to which I here refer,
gives valuable information for planting out and
growing this plant well, and it may be of interest
that many years ago I saw the back wall of a
house, in a garden near Plympton, Devon,
covered with wreaths from a planted-out speci-
men. In these days of span-roofed houses the
value of a back wall is hardly recognised suffi-
ciently, for the back wall often provides for
developments that can 'be obtained in no other
way. With regard to the cuttings of Euphorbia
Myrsinites, that would callus without making
root, I may nient ion that in the case of stove
plants I have, I believe, found that the judicious
breaking-up of the excessive callus with the
thumb-nail induces the formation of roots.
I have thought, in the case of long-standing
cuttings that the mere reinsertion in fresh sod
and ciean pots would sometimes result in the
root development, but I believe the doctor often
dines when the patient is about to get well of
himself ! 11. Irwin Lynch.

©bituarp.

George Monro. — We learn with deep regret 'of
the death of Mr. George Monro, senior, which
occurred on Sunday, May 30. For the last few
days of his life Mr. Monro's strength gradually
failed ; he became unconscious on Saturday
night and passed away peacefully at 6 o'clock on
Sunday evening. Mr. Monro was seventy-three
years of age, and throughout his long business
career he was engaged in commercial horticul-
ture. From very small beginnings, in 1871, lie
founded what is now the largest firm in the
Covent Garden trade. Very early in life he
exhibited a genius for organisation, and this.
coupled with fine business acumen and trans-
1 arent honesty, enabled him to build up the
wonderful business of which he became so justly
proud. Until 1903 the firm was wholly under
his personal direction and management, but dn
that yean* he converted the business into a private
company, his sons, Mr. E. Monro, Mr. George
Monro, Jnr., and Mr. B. J. Monro, becoming
partners and taking charge of distinct depart-
ments. Mr. Monro took a very wide view of his
responsibilities and although engaged in a busi-
ness requiring the closest daily attention, he was
always ready to assist any movement for the
improvement of conditions affecting the sale and
distribution of fruits, vegetables and flowers.
Because of his shrewd business ability and fore-
sight he was chosen on dozens of occasions to
appear hefore Parliamentary Commissions con-
cerning the trade, of which he became the doyen.
Li 1901 he became member of the Parliamentary
Committee to inquire into the condition of the
fruit-growing industry in the British Islands and
\\:is appointed subsequently to the position of
President of the Joint Railway and Parliamen-
tary Committee, which had for its object the
improvement of facilities for the distribution of
fruits and vegetables. The high esteem in which
he was held in the horticultural world was recog-
nised in 1887 when the Royal Horticultural
Society awarded him the Victoria Medal of
Honour in Horticulture. Although many other
distinctions fell to him, he retained an unaffected
and kindly disposition throughout his long life.
He was a generous supporter of the Gardeners1
Royal Benevolent Institution, the Royal Gal
deners' Orphan Fund, and other allied charities.
For many years he assisted in the management
of the former institution and also of the Eorti
cultural Club. His favourite recreation was
chess. The funeral took place on Wednesday
last at 2.30 p.m.. at St. Andrew's Chun!!.
Frcgnal. an 1 afterwards at the Hampstead
('. meterv, Fortune Crecn Rend.

288

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

June 5, 3920.

MARKETS.

Out Flowers, &c. : Average Wholesale Prices.

COVENT GARDEN, June 1st.
We oannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined
reports. They are furnished to us regulariy every
Tuesday, by the kindness of several of the principal
salesmen, who are responsible for the quotations. It
must be remembered that these quotations do not
represent the prices on any particular day, but only
the general average 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.

Fruit : Average Wholesale Prices,
.d.s.d.

Bananas Bingles 27 0-40 0
doubles 40 0-45 0

Cherries, French

per * bushel 25 0-35 0
crates .. . . 12 0-25 0

Figs, per doz.

special .. .. 12 0-18 0
best . . . . 4 0-80

Grapes, per lb.
Muscats,

special . . . . 8 0-10 0
best . . . . 4 6-60

Black Hamburgh 2 0-60

Gooseberries,
per * bushel 20 0-22 0

per strike 10 0-11 0

Lemons —

—Naples 300's 17 0-18 0

a. d. a. d

Melons, each

special

best

ord

Nectarines,

special per doz

best ., „
Oranges' Murcia
240
300
Valencia 300 |
3G0 ]
Peaches, forced,

specials per doz. 12 0-30 0

best „ .. 4 0-10 0

Strawberries, S'ton

2 lb. chip .. 8 I'-IO o

4 lb. chip ..16 0-20

5 0-60

3 C- 4 6
16-30

12 0-30 0

4 0-10 0

00 0-05 0

Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices.

Carnations, per doz.

blooms, best

American var.
Cornflower, per

doz. bun.
Daisies white,

per doz. bunch
Delpluniums,

per doz. bun . .
Gardenias, per

box. 12's
18'a
Gladioli, per bun.
— The Bride
— Blushing Bride
— Peach Blossom
— Akerman, per

doz. bun.
— Ne plus ultra,

per doz. spikes
Gypsophila, per

doz. bun.
Heather, white,

per doz. bun.
Iris, Spanish
— White, per bun.
— -Mauve, „ „
—Blue, , „
—Yellow ., „
Lapagerias, per doz

blooms
Lilium candidum,

short per doz.
Lilium longiaornm,

per bunch,
— short, per doz.
Lilium speciosum,

rnbrum, per bun.
Lily of the Valley

per bimcb
Nigelhi, per doz.

bun.

Asparagus, English,
— Devon, 100's
—Evesham special

medium . .
— Cambridge 100's
Beans, Guernsey,

per lb

— Worthing
Cabbage, per doz.
Carrots, new

par doz. bun.
Cauliflower, per

doz.
Cucumbers flats
36"s .

42'i

48*8 }

Greens, per bag ..
H erbs.perdoz . bun .
Lettuce. English

per doz

—Cos

—Dutch . .
Marrows, forced

per doz

Mint, per doz.bun.
Mustard and Cress

per doz. punnets
Mushrooms.per lb.
Onions,
— Egyptian, (very

good), per bag

8 0-10 0
4 0-10 6

2 0-20
2 0-30
16-20

2 6-36
4 0-00

13-20
16-40
16-20

18 0-24 0
6 0-80

16-20
2 0-30

21 0-24 0

s. d. s. d

4 0-60

2 6-
1 6-

3 0
3 0

Onions

— Sprina, per

doz. bunches . .
Parsley, per doz.

bunches
Peas, forced per lb
Potatos,

—Guernsey, per lb.0 4- 0 4£
— Algerian, new 0 2J- 0 3

1919 crop English*

Scotch, controlled,

per ton, (about) £1G-£18

—Irish £13- £15

—St. Malo, per lb. 0 3£ - 0 3£
— Cornish, „ „ 0 4$-
— Jersey, ,, „ 0 41 0 4&
Radishes, per doz.

bunches
Rhubarb, forced

per doz

Spinach, per bu-*.
Tomatos, Teneriffe,

I!est, per bundle 65 0-65 0
— Guernsey .. 20 0-21 0

—English, Pinks.. 21 0-22 0

Pink & Whites

Blues . .

Whites .. ..
Turnips, new

per doz. bun.
Watercress.perdoz.

1 6- :

3 0-40
3 0-60

21 0-22 0
IS 0-19 0
18 0-19 0

15 0-18 0
0 9-10

Remarks. — There is a general briskness in the trade,
and although quantities of produce are iiu-reasing
prices show little sigm of relaxing. Cucumbers dis-
played a marked increase in price during the earlier
part of the week and; the demand remains firm. English
Tnmatos show little or no variation in quotation,
althougli supplies continue to expand, but with many
of the best-known marks available it is reasonable to
assume that prices will shortly be easier. Supplies
of new Potatos are particularly heavy, and, as prices are
comparatively reasonable, there is no diffioulty in clear-
ing stocks each day. Choice hothouse produce is more
p'entiful but with the demand usually experienced
during Derby Week prices remain steady. Some ex-
cellent consignments of Peaches, Nectarines, Figs, .Mus-
cats and Black Hamburgh Grapes are arriving eaoh
day. English and Guernsey Melons remain iujuqq. in
request. Forced English Strawberries are in shorter
supply, but the earliest pickings from out-of-doors have
been on the market. French Cherries have been unfor-
tunately arriving in very variable condition and mauy
parcels must entail serious losses to the grower. New
shipments of Pines are to hand. Australasian Apples
remain in good demand at the controlled rates. Forced
Beans are slightly firmer. English Asparagus is more
plentiful and selling well. Both forced and out-door
Peas are on the market, and this week have been much
in request. The warmer weather has resulted in a
better demand for salads.

Ferns and Palms : Average Wholesale Prices.

b. d.s.d.
Adlaotum

cuaeatum 48's,

per doz 12 0-15 0

— elegans .. ..15 0-18 0
ABplenlum 48*i, ner

doz. .. "..12 0-18 0

— 32'a 24 0-30 0

—nidus 48"s .. 12 0-15 0
Cyrtomlum 48*s Hi 0-15 0

3 0-50

2 0-30

3 0-40

6 0-12 0

6 0-80
3 0-40

2 6-30
2 6-30

2 6-30

42 0-4S 0

3 0-36
12 0-18 0
10 0-12 0

: 0- 3 0
: 0- 2 6

3 6-40

0-12 0
0-10 0

9 0-12 0

s.d.s. d.
Orchid?, perdoz.
— Gattleyas .. 24 0-30 1
— CypripedlumB

per doz 4 0-60

Paeonies, coloured,

per doz. bun. G's 12 0-18 0
Pelargonium, dou-
ble scarlet, per

doz. bun .. ..15 0-18 0
—white .. ..12 0-15 0
Pinks, Her Majesty,

per doz. bun. 8 0-10 0

Poppies, Iceland pel

doz. bunch .. 4 0-50
Pyrethrums,

doz. bunch —

Double White 5 0-60

Double Pink 4 0-60

Single in var. 2 6-36
Richardia, (Arums),

per doz. blms. 9 0-10 0
Roses, per doz.

blooms —
-Ophelia .. .. 4 0-60
—Richmond .. 4 0- b 0
—Sunburst .. 4 0-60

— Niphetos .. .. 3 0-40
— W. Stevens .. 3 0- 4 n
—Molly S.Crawford 4 0-6 0
—Lady Hillingdon 2 0-30
— Madame A.

Chafeenay . . 3 0-50
—Melody . . . . 4 0-60
Statice, mauve, per

doz. buo. .. 12 0-15 0

Stephanotis, per

72 pips . . . . 3 6-40
Stock, English,

white, per doz bunl2 0-24 0
Sweet Peas, white

and coloured, per

doz. bun. .. 6 0-15 0

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Remarks. — With the exception of Carnations. Lily
of the Valley and Roses, supplies are considerably
larger. The market on Saturday morning last was
crowded with Pyrethrum, and at the close of the
market many boxes of single varieties were left un-
sold. There is an abundant supply of white Pinks and
Sweet Peis, the latter ranging from 6d. to 2s. per
hunch Other flowers which show a large inorease
are Cornflowers, Delphiniums, Gypsophila, Iceland
Poppies, Gladioli, white Daisies, Stocks (white and
mauve). In addition to the Paeonies from home
growers, some very fine blooms are being reeeivedi
from France, and these are arriving in good condition
and meeting with a ready demand. Richardias (Arums)
are a very limited' supply and generally poor m
quality. Consignments of Lilium longiflorum are suffi-
cient for the demand. OtuVr choice flowers consist of
Gardenias, Lapageria and Stephanotis .Roses are ex-
pected to be more plentiful in a few days; there is a
break in the cropB at the present time.
Plants In Pots, Etc. : Average Wholesale Prices.

(Alt 48's per doz. except where otherwise stated.)

s. d. s. d | b. d. s d

Aralia Sieboldll .. 10 0-12 0 Lilium lancifolium
Asparagus plumo- I rubra ra48s32se,ch 3 6-4

sus 12 0-15 0

Marguerites-white 18 0-24 0

■Sprengerl .. 12 0-18 0|_,

Aspidistra, green 48 0-72 0 Mignonette 21 0-24 0

Boronla hetero- , Palms, Kentla . . 24 0-36 0

phylla .. ..24 0-30 01— 60's 15 0-18 0

Cacti, per tray — Cocos „ ..24 0-36 0

12's ,16's .. 5 0-6 0; pelargoniums .. 12 0-15 0

Erica Cavendlshil, —Ivy leaf .. .. 12 0-18 0

per doz.
— Wllmoreana
— magniflca . .
Fuchsias
Heliotropes ..
Hydrangeas.
— white per doz
— pink ,, ,,
— blue ,. ,.

15 0-18 0

330 0"46 0!Rhodanthe3-

30 0-36 0 ; Rhododendrons o 'ch 7 6-15 0
15 0-18 0 Roses Polvantha

18 0-20 0 per doz. 24 0-36 0

Spiraeas white 30 0-42 0

24 0-36 0 —pink .. ..36 0-48 0

24 0-48 0 1 Stocks, white, .. 18 0-24 0

30 0-60 01— red 16 0-21 0

Remarks. — Business continues very brisk in this
department. Bedding plants are, of course, the chief
feature. The most attractive lines in flowering plants
are Poronias, Ericas. Fuchsias, Pelargoniums,
Hydrangeas, Heliotropes, Marguerites, white and
coloured Stocks, Spireas and Verbenas. Ferns and
other foliage plants have been reduced in numbers
to make room for the increased supplies of bedding and
other border plants.

SCHEDULES RECEIVED.

b. d. s. d
Nephrolepls, In

variety 48's .. 12 0-18 0

— 32's 24 0-86 0

Pteris. In variety

48'i 12 0-21 0

— large 60"s .. 6 0-60
— small 60's . . 4 0-40

72's per tray of

16's 3 6-40

Richmond Horticultural Society. — Schedule of
prizes for the Forty-Second Annual Flower Show, to
be held in the Old Deer Park, Richmond, on Wednesday.
July 28, 1920. Secretaries, E. Skelton, 78, Townshend
Terrace, Richmond, and J. Aikruan, 69, Mortlake Road,
Kew.

Heathfield and District Horticultural Society.
— Schedule of prizes for the Summer Show to he held
in the Crown Meadow, Heathfield, on Monday, August
2, 1920. Secretary, G. K. MacLean, Bonisoherch,
Heathfield.

Bolton Horticultural and Chrysanthemum
Society. — Schedule of prizes for the Thirty-first Exhi-
bition to be held in the Town Hall, Bolton, on Friday
and Saturday, November 19 and 20, 1&20. Secretary,
George Corbett, Heaton Grange Gardens, Bolton.

Culinary Peas Unhealthy : Vicarage. There
is no evidence of disease in the Pea
seedlings received, but there is a lack of lime
in the soil, which may be, in part, the reason
why the plants have failed to grow satisfac-
torily. The leaves and stems exhibit evidence
that slugs and beetles have attacked the
plants.

Diseased Daffodil Bulbs : li'. R. The Daffo-
dil bulbs are not affected with eel worm, the
presence of which is determined by
whitish, swollen areas in the foliage. The
cause of the trouble is imperfect root action.
This may have been brought about by un-
healthy soil conditions, and bulbs left undis-
turbed have been known to grow out of the
trouble. Horsfieldi is a variety which is par-
ticularly prone to this defect.

Diseased Tulips : E. W. H. The Tulips are
affected with "fire," caused by the fumgus
Botrytis parasitica. If all the plants are in
the same condition as those you send you can
do nothing but remove the foliage and burn
it, otherwise the fungus will travel down to
the bulb. Lift the bulbs in about a month's
time, and do not replant them early. Novem-
ber is quite soon enough, and by coming
through the ground later the foliage escape
much damage by frost and heavy rains. If
some of your plants are but slightly affected,
th,9 disease may be held in check by removing
those portions of the leaves which are
affected.

Names of Plants : F. W. M. Syringa Josikaea.
—R. T. Ribes aureum.— H. A. M. Trollius
europaeus. — L. S. A. 1, Polygonatum multi-
florum ; 2, Alyssum saxatile. — T. O. C. 1,
Begonia sp. (send when in flower) ; • 2, poor
specimen, send again ; 3, Epimedium Per-
alderianum; 4, send when in flower; 5, Uen-
taurea montana; 6, Galega officinalis; 7, a
Thalictrum (send when in flower). — T. J. R.
The Tulip is probably The Pawn.

Peach Fruits Scalded : C. A. B. The damage
to the young fruits is due to what is gener-
ally known as scalding or scorching, and ;s
caused by the action of bright sunshine upon
the fruits while they are covered with con-
densed moisture. The Peach house should
be ventilated very early in the morning on
bright days in order that the excess of moisture
on the fruits and leaves may disperse before
the day has advanced far.

Red Currant Fruits Falling : M. J. N.
It is not very likely that birds are respon-
sible for the falling of the Currant fruits.
We believe the trouble is due to late frosts
and possibly also to the very dry condition
of the soil.

Shot-hole Fungus on Peaches : A. W. In
the case of an attack by the Shot-hole fungus
the affected leaves of the Peach tree should
be gathered as they fall and burnt. If the
attack is a slight one the affected leaves
should be removed from the tree at once. The
disease may be controlled by spraying the
trees when the young leaves are expanding
and at brief intervals subsequently. Bordeaux
mixture is sometimes advised for spraying,
but when this is used there is a danger of
injury to the foliage; it ds therefore better to
use a self-boiled lime and sulphur compound.

Silver Leaf Disease on Nectarine : T. R.
Your tree of Stanwick Elruge Nectarine is
suffering from an attack of Silver Leaf disease
which is due to the presence of a fungus
known as Stereum purpureum. Diseased
branches should be cut back to a point where
the wood shows no trace of the dark colouring
which occurs in the diseased portion. Burn
all the affected parts and cover the wounds
with tar or styptic to prevent further infec-
tion. If the leaves of all the branches are
attacked, the tree should be removed and
burnt, great care being taken to remove every
portion of root from the soil.

June 12, 1920.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

289

THE

(&axbzwv% (&lftmutk

No. 1746.— SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 1920.

CONTENTS,

Agricultural Wages
Board, new Chair-
man of the

Alhvood Bros., Gold
Flora Medal awarded
to

Apple packing

Bean, a gigantic . .

Begonias from Novem-
ber to March

Books, horticultural
aud botanical, forth-
coming sale of . .

Campanulas, hybrid..

Cardiff .-how, theR.H.S. 280

Citrus inodorus . . 2S0

Darfleld Rectory, York-
shire, the garden of
the Rev. Walter
Stonehouse in 1640

Edinburgh Botanic
Gardens, notes from
the

Edinburgh bowling
greens, boycott of
the

Edinburgh, the Harri-
son park

Foreign correspondence
Education of young

gardeners,
Iris colouration

Fruit garden, the mar-
ket

Gardening and food
production

280

280
200
280

208

290
200

2S1!

204

200
280

201
201

204

200

"Gardeners' Chronicle"

seventy-five years

ago

Glasgow parks, salary

of the Director of
Hardy flower border —

Anthemis cupaniana
Hyacinths, " Cvnthel-

ia "
luelosure and Tithe

Acts
[Moraea iridioides .Tohn-

sonii
Obituary —

lie Candolle, Augus-
tin
Palms of the Riviera
Pears, wild
Potato spraying
Societies —

Horticultural Club

Kew Guild

Royal Horticultural

Royal Horticultural
Society's Gardens'
Guild

Wakefield and North-
ern Tulip..
Streptocarpus hybrids
Swanley Horticultural

College
Trail, the late Dr.

James, W. H.
Weather periodicity

and crops ..
Week's work, the 292
Wisley, Lilium gig-
iteum at . .

290
289
291
290
200
207

300
291

207
208

299

300

2: is

300
293

289

289

289
,203

28o

ILLUSTRATIONS.

" Blue garden " at the Chelsea Show . . . . . . 293

DarfieldlRectory, plan of the Saffron Garth at, in 1640.. 290

Darneld Rectory, plan of the new orchard at, in 1640 . . 297

Iris gardeu at the Chelsea Show . . . . 205

Italian garden at the Chelsea Show . . . . . . . . 201

Rock garden at the Chelsea Show .. .. .. 290

Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week

deduced from observations during the last fifty
years at Greenwich, 58.18°.

Actual Tempera rusa : —

Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41. Wellington Street,

Covent Garden, London. Wednesday, June 9,

10 a.m. Bar. 30.0; temp 62°. Weather— Sunny.

The appeal which the Hor-
Swanley ticultural College, Swanley,
Horticultural js issuing will, we hope,
College. meet with a generous re-
sponse on the part of all who
desire to advance the cause of women's edu-
cation. The College has been in existence
for some thirty years, and during that time,
and in spite of severe financial limitations,
it has been the means of training some 1,000
women in horticulture. Of this number
some have entered the ranks of professional
gardeners, others have taken up positions
abroad and are now doing horticultural work
in different parts of the Empire — Canada, the
Transvaal, Cape Colony, Natal, New Zea-
land, and elsewhere. The remainder have,
perhaps, not applied the knowledge of horti-
culture they gained at Swanley to profes-
sional purposes, but we may be sure never-
theless, that they have been able as citizens to
apply it lo good purpose. Apprehension is
sometimes entertained by professional gar-
deners lest the advent of women among
them should affect adversely the position
of men-gardeners. We think this appre-
hension is unfounded. Capable gardeners,
of which this country can claim so
large a number, will always be able to
hold their own against no matter what
class of competitor. It is to the in-
terest of the profession of horticulture that
the numbers of highly skilled gardeners
should be yet further increased, and that the
incompetent should be eliminated. In our
opinion horticulture has far more to suffer
from the pretensions of inadequately trained
gardeners of either sex than from the
competition of women. In any case, there
tan' be no question but that the train-

ing in horticulture available for women
should be as efficient and complete as
that which is' open to men. The educa-
tional facilities which are now in exist-
ence for men are gradually becoming ade-
quate to the needs of the profession. The
K.H.S., in establishing the School of Horti-
culture at Wisley, has not only been the
means of training young gardeners, but lias
provided a model of what that training should
be. The recent decision of the University of
Cambridge to establish a School of Horticul-
ture will, we hope, mean that promising
young gardeners will be able to pursue ad-
vanced horticultural studies and qualify for
the not inconsiderable number of posts which
are being established in the counties. Training
in horticulture is available at University Col-

les

Reading, for both men and women and

other schools of horticulture also exist. It is,
10 vertheless, important that there should be
in this country one or more schools of horti-
culture for women ; schools in which women
may develop their own methods and pursue
them in all the many branches of horticul-
tural art and science. If this is to be done
endowment is essential, for no form of higher
education can be self-supporting. The appeal
on behalf of Swanley Horticultural College is
supported by Lord Ernie, Sir Daniel Hall,
Professor Farmer, Professor Keeble, Lady
Northcliffe, and by Lady Falmouth, who is
Chairman of the Governing Body of the
College. At the meeting held at Chelsea
House on Friday, June 4, in support of the
appeal, Sir Daniel Hall announced that the
Ministry of Agriculture is prepared to give
assistance to Swanley to the extent of
,£"10,000, on a pound for pound basis — that
is, for every pound subscribed up to this sum
the .Ministry will provide a like amount.
With this material help women who desire lo
help their own cause, and men who wish to
help that cause, have reason to feel encour-
aged, and although the sum required for put-
ting Swanley in a sound financial position,
equipping laboratories, and providing hostel
accommodation, is large and estimated at
£50,000, the task of raising this sum should,
we believe, prove possible of achievement.
We hope the appeal will meet with a generous
response, and that the meeting organised by
Lady Falmouth will result in the provision
of the funds necessary for enabling Swanley
to continue and extend the admirable work
which it has carried out with indomitable
energy and under difficult conditions during
the past thirty years.

New Chairman of the Agricultural Wag?u
Board. — Mr. Collingwood Hope. K.C., C.B.E..
has been appointed, by the Minister of Agri-
culture, to succeed Sir Ailwyn Fellowes as
Chairman of the Central Agricultural Wages
Board. Mr. Hope has been Chairman of the
Essex District Wages Committee since its in-
ception, and has considerable judicial expevienc '
as Deputy-Chairman of Quarter Sessions and
Recorder of Bolton.

The Harrison Park, Edinburgh. — The Parks
Committee of Edinburgh have agreed to ask the
Merchant Company to accept £11,500 tor the
Harrison Park. The Town Council had been of

the opinion that the price asked bv the 1

pany of £13,000 far the park, including £3,000
tar the drains and roads, was too high.

The late Dr. James W. H. Trail.— The lit'
Dr. James W. H. Trail, Regius Professor of
Botany at Aberdeen University, left estate at
the gross value of £15,072. His bequests of his
fine botanical collections, books, pamphlets, etc.,
which he made to the University he served BO
well and faithfully for 38 years, have already
been noted in these columns.

Lilium giganteum at Wisley. — The colonies
of the stately Lilium giganteum in the R.H.S.

Gardens, Wisley, are in capital condition this
season. In a week or so there should be no
fewer than 70 spikes of bloom, and to see these
will be well worth a visit to Wisley ; there are,
however, many other attractions, notably a
heavy crop of Apples in the upper orchard.

Gold Flora Medal for Messrs. AUwood,
Bros. — We are informed that a mistake was
made in the official list of Awards at the
Chelsea Flower Show, and the President and
Council have now amended the award given to
Messrs. Allwood Bros, for Carnations to the
higher Gold Flora Medal, instead of the Gold
Medal mentioned in 'the list. We believe an
award of the large and handsome Gold Flora
Medal is of rare occurrence.

Salary of the Director of Glasgow Parks. —
A committee of the Glasgow Town Council has
had under consideration the salaries paid to the
higher officials of the Corporation. Among those
urder review was that of the Director of Parks,
whose salary is at present £7C0 with £150
bonus. The recommendation of the committee
is that the salary be fixed at £850.

Weather Periodicity and Crops. — The latest of
many attempts to demonstrate periodicity at
weather is tnat made by Sir William Beveridge,
Director of the London School of Economics.
Sir William, however, goes further than his pre-
decessors and claims corroboration for the regu-
larly recurrent periods of bad weather in
correspondingly recurrent periods of high prices
attributable to food shortage. Examination of
available records indicate a period of 15^ years
as the interval between years of high prices, and
evidence from meteorological records points
to these years as having been characterised by
bad weather. On the assumption of this cycle
high prices may be looked for in 1924-25 or 26 :
if they are higher than at present the out-
look is gloomy indeed.

A Gigantic Bean. — In the inventory of seeds
and nlants impoiited* reference is made to
the Taguana, a gigantic Bean grown by an
Indian tribe in the interior of Paraguay.
BotanicatUy it may be a variety Phaseolus vul-
garis, but if so it is a remarkable variety, for
the plant reaches a height of from 50 ft. to 60 ft.
In cultivation, though it grows to a lesser
height, it crops wonderfully freely — one well-
grown plant yielding as many as 10 lb. — 12 lb.
of seeds.

Citrus inodorus. — Mr. B. M. Mathieson.
Director of Queensland Intelligence Bureau, in
a letter to the Sunday Times of Johannesburg,
describes Citrus inodorus, the North Queensland
Lime, which is named from the fact that the
flowers are wanting in fragrance — a remarkable
feature in a genus noted for scented flowers.
" It is a new species and is well worth cultiva-
tion for its fruit, which is juicy, and of equal
flavour to the West Indian Lime. In general
appearance the tree resembles the Orange,
having the same dark-green foliage. This tree
would no doubt be useful to the world by its
utilisation in the process of hybridisation, there-
hv eliminating Citrus disease from the orchard.
The fruit is oblong. 2^ in. long, 1| in. in
diameter, showing eight obtuse ribs, the divi-
sions of the fruit: pulp sharp, agreeably acid.
Seeds, three lines long, two lines broad."

Cardiff Show.— At the Royal Horticultural
Society's Summer Show, to be held at Cardiff
on July 6, 7 and 8, the awards will include
the Coronation Cup. Wigan Challenge Cup for
Roses, Gordon-Lennox Challenge Cup, for fruit,
and the new Cain Ouip, for amateurs. These
are in addition to the medal awards, and we

are informed that the Society's medals "ill be
struck in gold far any exhibits that deserve this
honour. Arrangements are being made for
securing accommodation for exhibitors and as-
sistants; assistance will be given in the convey-
ance of exhibits from the railway station at
Cardiff to the show ground in the Sophia
Gardens, and if the impending reduction of
facilities far conveyance bj rail are imposed the
Society will bear' part of the increased cost.

• Tinman of Plnnt Industry,

oulture, Sept. 0. 1010.

VS. Di-pt. of \.'n

290

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

June 12, 1920.

We are informed that entries for the Cardiff
show will be accepted if they reach the secretary
of the Royal Horticultural Society by first
post on Monday, June 14.

A Gardener Golfer. — Mr. M. W. Seymour, of
Forest Row. Sussex, gardener to Mr. S. Wink-
ley Smith, was a competitor in the amateur golf
championship, held at Muirfield, during the past
week. Mr. Seymour is half-brother of Abe
Mitchell, and he is described as a beautiful
player with lots of power and a fine, easy style.
We congratulate Mr. Seymour on winning in the
first round by beating Mr. E. B. Tipping (Wood-
cote Park), by 2 and 1.

Apple Packing.— Those who attended the East
Anglian Commercial Fruit Show, held last year
at Cambridge, were greatly struck by the wide
difference in packing shown by the exhibitors.
As stated in our report, some were packed ad-
mirably and many were not. The representa-
tives of the Horticultural Division of the Min-
istry of Agriculture who attended the Show
decided to secure photographs of actual exhibits
in order to demonstrate the advantage which
follows good packing. These photographs have
been published in connection with an article
on Apple Packing in the January number of the
Journal of the Ministry of Agriculture, and
show at a glance how packing should be done
and how it should not be done. In view of the
importance of (his subject, we suggest that
enlargements of these photographs should be
made and exhibited both on the Ministry's
Demonstration Train and at all the important
fruit shows.

" Cynthella " Hyacinths.— The majority of
those who grow the "Miniature" Hyacinths
for decorative purposes indoors know that the
plants are merely three-year-old bulbs of the
popular garden forms of the flower. To others,
however, the term is misleading, and they pur-
chase bulbs under the mistaken notion that they
are miniature forms of the flower. Nursery-
men find that the confusion causes disappoint-
ment among many of their customers and to
prevent this, Messrs. Sutton and Sons offered a
prize of £5 for a more suitable name. In re-
sponse, some 465 names were submitted and the
judges were Mr. Leonard Sutton, of Reading;
Mr. H. Cowley, of T/ie Garden ; .Mr. G W.
Leak, of the British Florists' Federation; Rev.
Joseph Jacob, of Whitchurch ; and Mr. G F.
Tinley, of The Gardeners Chronicle. ' After
much consideration it was decided to award the
prize to the word ". Cvnthella," which was sub-
mitted by Miss C. Helen Rottenburgh, of
Dowanhill Gardens, Glasgow. Her letter is
very interesting. She writes, " Might I sug-
gest for Miniature Hvacinths the word
"Cynthella"? It. is made from the last
syllable of Hyacinth, with a diminutive ending
and also after Cynthia, for which ride Pope
{Epistle ii., 17-20), " Come, then, the colours
and the ground prepare ! Dip in the rainbow,
trick her off on air, Choose a firm cloud, before
it fall, and in it Catch, ere she change, the
Cynthia of the minute.' " The following titles
aTe a selection of those sent in: Fairy, Maiden,
Lesser, Fairy Bell, Lilliput, Immature" (suggested
more often than any other word), Baby, Bijou
Flapper, Derby (three-year-olds!), Peter Pan^
Petite, and a large number of changes rang on
Hyacinth, Cynthia, tres and parvus.' The word
Cynthella is very euphonious and appropriate,
and its adoption should solve the confusion
arising from the use of the present misleading
term " miniature."

The Boycott of Edinburgh Bowling Greens.—
The Parks Committee of Edinburgh Town
Council has again had under consideration the
continued boycott of the public bowling greens
by the members of the Bowb'ng Association
The special sub-committee recommended a reduc-
tion of the new charge from 3d. to 2±d. per
player per rink, but a letter from the Bowlers'
Association was read to the effect that the
boycott would be continued unless there was a
further reduction to 2d. p«r player for rinks,
an! 3d. for singles and pairs. The statement
was made that there would be a loss of £809

even if the increased charges were agreed upon.
Several members of the Committee took the
position that the greens should be closed forth-
with, but in view of the fact that some players
had continued under the expectation that the
compromise suggested by the sub-committee
would be accepted, it v. as agreed that this should
be laid before the Town Council.

Gardening and Food Production. — In his
•'■ . letiu f ndwick lectures. Sir Daniel Hall
discussed problems relating to home food pro-
duction, with particular reference to intensive
cultivation on allotments and gardens. He re-
called the fact that from the beginning of the
19th century, when this country was self-sup-
porting, there had been a fall in amount of
fond production, until in the years before the
war only 42 per cent, of our food supplies were
produced at home. Apart from reduction of
total acreage devoted to food production, the
decreased supplies were due to the " grassing
down " of arable land, which proceeded rapidly
between 1872 and 1914, so that whereas in the
former year there were 14 million acres under
the plough in England and Wales, in the lMer
year there were little more than 10 million.
The influence of this procedure upon the amount
of home-food production may be judged from the
fact which has been brought out so forcibly by
Sir Thomas Middleton, that the average food
producing power of arable land is more than
five times that of pasture; 100 acres of pasture
sufficing to provide food for 15 20 persons,
whereas under the plough they will provide for
some 84 persons. A= a result of the war. the
area under arable cultivation was inn-eased by 2^
million acres, but, although the food shortage
brought about by the war is not yet amended,
the relapse of arable to pasture land has begun.
Referring to allotments. Sir Daniel Hall traced
their modern growth in the 19th century, and
mentioned that one of the earliest "societies"
was that founded by Sir John Lawes at Roth
nmsted in 1857. During the war the number of
allotments increased remarkably, and at the
present time it is estimated that one million
allotments are in existence in England f>nd
Wales. As a good, practical gardener, the lee
turer extolled the value — economic, social and
moral — of the allotments, and expressed the
wish of all in hoping that all future building
schemes will make a liberal provision of allnt-
ment land.

Sale of Rare Horticultural and Botanical
Books. — Lovers of horticultural and botanical
books will not fail to be interested in the sale
which Messrs. Sotheby. Wilkinson and Hodge
will hold on June 17. No fewer than 217 works,
the property of Mr. A. W. Paul, Broxbourne,
Herts, will come under the hammer, and these
include the Botanical Register, Loudon's
Arboretum. Maund's Botanic Garden. Paxton's
Magazine of Botany, Sowerby's English Botany,
Sweet's Geramaceae, Watson's Dcndrologia
Britannica. Caspar Commelin's Pracludia
Botanica, a black letter copy of Langham's
Garden of Health (1579), Pritzel's Thesaurus
Literaturae Botanicae, Dr. Master's copy of
Pritzel's Iconum Botanicarum Index, Sortus
Veitchii. Iconograpkie du Genre Camellia,
Elwes's Monograph of the Genus Lilium, Fur-
bex's Floral Calendar, Gerarde's Herbnll.7{ortu<
Sanitatus 1 1517). Rea's Flora. Parkinson's
Parades! in Sole Paradisus Terrestris (2
copies), Parkinson's Theatrum Botamcum,
Redoute's handsome Les Host ■. Turner's
Herbal, and Pierre Vallct's Le .lord in du Boi/
Henry TV.

Hybrid Campanulas. — The achievements in
hybridising Campanulas form the subject of an
interesting article by Mr. Murray Hornibrook
in I ri h Gardening (May. 1920). Of crosses
raised by the author, mention is made of a
series from Campanula rotundifolia, of which
one, C. rotundifolia x carpafica. is somewhat like
C. Profusion, but forms a prostrate mass, look-
ing best when overhanging a rock face and
flowering all the summer. Another is from the
cross rotundifolia x Bellardii with pale lilac,
cup-like hells intermediate in shppe. From C.
rhomboidalis X turbinata Mr. Hornibrook has
obtained a handsome hybrid with large, wide-

open, blue bells. After enumerating others of
his raisung and commenting on the origin of
known hybrids, the author concludes with the
observation that the hybridisation of Campanu-
las is as yet in its infancy, and suggests that
wonderful possibilities await the hybridist who
will work on this amenable genus.

The Inclosure Acts and Tithe Acts —The
Minister of Agriculture is empowered under the
Inclosure Acts, 1845 to 1889. to effect exchanges
of lands in England and" Wales. Under these
Acts landowners, whether limited ot absolute
owners, are enabled to avoid the necessity and
exoense of investigating the titles of the lands ex-
changed. The leading principles are that the
lands exchanged shall be of equal value, and that
the land received in exchange shall lie held under
the same title, and subject to the same uses;
trusts, and liabilities, as was the land given in
exchange. Upon the confirmation of an order of
exchange, therefore, the land received becomes,
with certain exceptions, clothed with the title
and subject to all the liabilities of the land given
up. The exchange is made between the two titles
and not between the applicants claiming title.
who are merely, for the purpose ot the exchange,
"the persons interested," i.e., generally speaking,
the persons in actual possession. These persons
may have no title, but nevertheless, provided
they are "the persons interested," the exchange
is valid as between the persons really entitled,
and accordingly it must be such as may properly
be made on the assumption that the applicants
are not Teally entitled. The Minister has no
power to authorise a payment of money for
equality of exchange. The only provision for
compensating a deficiency is by the creation of h,
perpetual rent charge, to be charged on the land
of greater value, or a sufficient part of it, in
favour of that of less value, but such a rent-
charge can only be created where the deficiency
which requires to be compensated does not ex-
ceed one-eighth of the value of the lands which
are deficient. The Minister is also empowered to
effect exchanges under the Tithe Acts, of glebe
for other lands, and also of annual payments
belonging to an incumbent in right of his bene-
fice, and charged on lands or tithe rent-charge
for lands or for tithe rent- charge. Application
for such an exchange may be made by the
spiritual person to whom such glebe lands or
hereditaments belong in right of his benefice.
The objects and the results of exchanges under
the Tithe Acts are similar to those under the
Inclosure Acts. There is, however, no provision
in the Tithe Acts under which equality of ex-
change can be effected by the creation of a per-
petual rent-charge. The procedure under the In-
closure Acts is somewhat more elaborate than
that under the Tithe Acts and is more suitable
for exchanges of large properties, even in cases
where the exchanges provisions of the Tithe Acts
would be applicable. Forms of application and
instructions for exchanges, under either the In-
closure Acts or the Tithe Acts, may be obtained
free of charge and post free on application to
the General Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture
and Fisheries, 3, St. James's Square, S.W.I.

" Gardeners' Chronicle " Seventy-Five Years
Ago. — Watering Orchidaceous Plants. — I have
no doubt many persons, like myself, are anxious
to cultivate a few of these beautiful exotics,
among a general collection of plants, but the
great difficulty appeal's to be in getting an
atmosphere sufficiently moist without making it
too much so for other plants. I have long tried
the plan of suspending a bottle against the plant
which requires to be kept moist, and inserting
a piece of common woollen list, one end of which
remains in the bottle and the other hangs down
over the plant. The force of capillary attraction
will occasion the list to act like a syphon and dis-
charge the water over the plant drop by drop ;
if the quantity is found too great reduce the list,
and if too small, add one or two more pieces;
but a little practice will soon regulate the supply.
I have found the same plan answer well in the
cultivation of Droseras and Pinguiculas. During
periods of wet the list should be wholly with
drawn, but when in use, the bottles will require
to be replenished almost daily. George Wood,
Pochford, Essex. Gard. Chron., June 14, 1845.

June 12, 1920.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

291

THE PALMS OF THE RIVIERA.

HARDY FLOWER BORDER.

I have already stated (see Gard. Chron.,
May 1, p. 216) that the Riviera is the point
furthest from the Equator where any Palm
species is (c rather was until recently) found
wild, and the Palm in question, Chamaerops
humilis, is, as its name indicates, a small
species. Indeed, it is usual that the representa-
tives of a plant family, living at the extreme
limit of the climatic /.one, where the temperature
is not yet so low as to exclude altogether such
plants, are dwarf species. If such is the case in
most parts of the northern hemisphere, where
in the eastern part of United Stales Sabal Adan-
sonii and Serenoa serrulate (Saw Palmetto) reach
the furthest limit of wild Palm growth, it may
not be so everywhere. In Afghanistan occurs
also a dwarf species, Nannorhops ritchieana; but
unless a yet insufficiently-known Palm, Trachy-
carpiH Wagneriana hint., from Japan, should
be of dwarf growth, there is found in that
country a rattier tali-growing species, the well-
known Traehycarpus excelsas, the Hemp Palm,
which seems to reach furthest north, and to le
the hardiest of all known tpecies.

In the southern hemisphere one of the tallest
of Palms, Jubaea chilensis. growing, as its
ii.nne indicates, in Chile, leaches the furthest
point south of the Equator, and on the eastern
side of the South American continent the Palm
family is represented in Argentina by several
species of Bulla, which, though not tall-growing,
mostly have a trunk of several inches.

In New Zealand is found, a.s the representa-
tive at tiie "farthest south" limit of Palm
growth, a rather tall-growing species, Rhopalo-
style sapida ; while in the Kermadec Islands a
still taller species, Rhopalostyle Cheeseinannii, is
found. At the Cape is found Phoenix rechnata,
a Palm having a trunk 6 or 7 metres, high.

As the temperature falls not only with the
distance from the Equator, hut also «itli the
altitude, species of Palms growing in temperate
climates are found on the mountains a.t altitudes
varying according to the latitude. These Palms
are mostly less known than those named, which
grow at the extreme limits of latitude, and several
may yet be discovered in various parts of the
tropical /.cue. Of such mountain Palms it may
be stated that those which grow at the highest
altitudes are not always dwarf species. Thus,
though Traehycarpus nana, growing at 1,800
metres altitude in Yunnan, China, is a dwarf ;
another species of Traehycarpus, T. Martiana,
growing at a similar altitude in the Himalaya,
reaches a height of nearly 20 metres, and on the
high mountains of Colombia, South America, is
found one of the tallest Palms known, Ceroxylon
andicola.

Though the Riviera is the point furthest north
of the "Equator where Palms were growing in
the wild stale, it is not. the point, furthest north
where Palms will grow, and even in the warmest
parts of England a few Palms thrive in the open.
But on the Riviera a large number of speiies
can exist, and many are in a most prosperous
state of development. It is perhaps less the
winter temperature that, prevents the successful
culture of many Palms other than those as yet
tried, than the dry atmosphere, so uncongenial
to plants from moist, mountain regions. How-
ever, the person who takes an interest in acclima
t/ieing and who has had many disappointments
has also had some agreeable surmises, and will
bj disposed to think that perhaps as manv
species of Palms as those already found in
Riviera gardens mnv still be introduced with
success. Rut the difficulty of obtaining seeds of
many Palms, which alwavs have to lie t"'»d in
certain numbers -mil under different conditions,
is great, and much patience and perseverance are
needed. The manner of plant, lovers taking a
special interest in this subject appears In he con-
st'iitlv diminishing, with the ooweouent resuM
tint the horticultural trade abandons more and
more the culture of anvthing other than SO
called "commercial " plants, and Hi" pcclimatiser
has to depend on the food will of directors of
botanical gardens ami botanical travellers. .1.
JfriberUen I'roKchowsh), Jardvn d' Acclimatatioti ,
Nice.

ANTIIEMIS CUPANIANA.
Fort the front of the border or for rockeries
of fair size, Anthemis cupaniana may be recom-
mended as a pretty and long-flowering subject.
It is of low-giowing, rather trailing habit, but
not too aggressive in its ways. The foliage is
of good size, prettily cut and of a delightful
silvery tone. The flowers are about an incli-
and-a-half across and are white with a yellow
centre. The white is exceedingly pure and the
harmony between the silvery leaves and the
white flowers is exquisite. This Anthemis comes,
I understand, from Italy, and is sometimes lost
in vary severe winters, but it withstands by far
the greater number of the cold seasons wo
have to encounter in this climate. In general,
young plants will survive the winter, and, for-
tunately for those who have not raised seedlings
themselves or have not propagated their plants
by cuttings, self sown seedlings often appear and
survive. Cuttings are easily struck, and the
plant may also lie propagated by layers. I have
grown this sjieiies for close on twenty years,
and, although 1 have lost a plant or two, have
always had the succession maintained by self-
sown seedlings. A light, dry soil and a sunny
place are the best conditions for this attractive
flower, which is in bloom from early May until
autumn. X. Arnott.

CONCERNING IRIS COLOURATION.

In the Hard. Chron. for Feb. 14, 1920, Mr.
A. J. Bliss, writing of Hybrid Bearded Irises,
says, " Neglectas are squalens in which there
is no yellow, due either to an inhibiting factor
or to the absence of a factor for yellow. It is,
furthermore, remarkable that this change in
the ground colour from yellow to white is always
accompanied by a change in the overlying
colour of the falls from red-brown to purple
or blue violet."

If by " remarkable " the author means extra-
ordinary or not. to have been expected, I wish
to take exception to the. statement, for it is
the only possible thing to occur when it is
considered that Iris colours are of two distinct
categories.

The yellow of the Iris, like the yellow
of most flowers, is produced by the
presence within the cells of yellow plastids.
the larger the number of these microscopic
yellow bodies within the cells, the more in-
tense will lie the yellow colour of the portion
of the flower involved. < hi the other hand, the
blues and purples, so far as they may be
determined by the simpler reactions, appear to
be anthocyaiiin, a sap colour. Consequently,
whenever both are present the yellow plastids
arc simply immersed in the blue or purple sap,
ami must produce the red-brown in some degree.

FKJ, 134.— CHELSEA SHOW: MR. HERBERT

FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE,

EDUCATION OF YOUNG GARDENERS.

I was very much interested in the short
article by William McCombie, Osgodby Hall
Gardens, Selby, in your issue of April 24, aboul
head gardeners giving boys in their emiploj
encouragement by explaining the why and the
wherefore of things, when they make misl ;ikes.
1 remember Well the good advice given me when
r boy in the gardens at Mentmore, by that fine
gardener and grower, Mr. William Duncan, now
of Bosworth Hal!, Rugby, 1 believe. He never
tired of explaining things and giving encourage-
ment, and although 40 years have passed, 1
have very grateful remembrances of the pleasure
he gave me. I well remember how he used
to allow me to take charge of a range of green-
houses if the regular journeyman left for a
vacation of a day or a week, and T used to
work early and late to gain his approval. If
more foremen and head gardeners would do this
we should have many more and better gardeners
today. Helpful criticisms and explanations are
never forgotten by a hoy who is worth while
and is interested in his work, as T can testify.
Frt'tlh. C. Green, Supt. ><f far/;*, Promdenee.,
IfJ., U.S.A.

proportioned to the density of the sap colour
and the number of plastids present.

An interesting freak bearing upon this colour
composition, occurred in a chump of Honourable^
grown by Mr. Homer Skeels at Takoma Park,
Md., in 1915, and was duplicated in my
own plantings of the same variety a couple of
years later, in which the yellow plastids, for
some reason were suppressed in a portion of
the flower, presenting a flower afboul two thirds
of which consisted of yellow standards and red
brown falls, the remaining portion of standards
being white and the falls purple as in Amoena.
This hud was carefully marked and segregated,
but the following year was true to colour as
Honourable,?, thus proving it no bud sport l.ni
apparently the result of accidental suppression,
the cause of which could not be known.

It may be interesting tp add that while
anthoeyanin colour may be present throughout
the flowers as in Pallida, and Neglecta or only
in the falls as in Amoena. or in definite pattern's
as in V&riegata and Plieata, on the other
hand, so far as the writer knows, yellow
plastid colour is invariably present throughout
both standards and falls, varying only in de
gree. .7. Marion, Skull, Oh&vy Chase, Mary
land, U.S.A.

292

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

June 12. 1920.

The Week's Work.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

Bv John Corns, Foreman. Boyal Botanic Gardens,
Kew.

Winter-flowering Begonias.— Young plants of
the Gloire de Lorraine type should be potted
mi as they require increased rooting space;
continue to ■ propagate where small specimens are
required for table decoration. The other sec-
tion of winter-flowering Begonias as represented
by Elatior, Mrs. Heal. Exquisite, Fascination,
Optima and Emita, should now be propagated,
for the latter part of May and up to the end ot
June is the best time to obtain and insert cut-
tings of this beautiful section of winter-flower-
ing Begonia. Large stocks are necessary, as
many fail to come through the resting period;
and most of the varieties produce outtuigs very
sparingly. The cuttings are best rooted in an
intermediate temperature, and should be in-
serted singly in thumb pots. Place them in a
close propagating case until they are rooted.
Their subsequent cultivation is simple, as they
grow freely in an intermediate temperature.
They should not he over-potted and require
careful watering at all times. These Begonias
are not troubled with insect pests, with the
exception of Begonia-mite, which may be kept
in check by sulphur vaporising on two or three-
occasions.

Oestrum (syn. Habrothamnus).— C. elegans,
C. Newellii and C. aurantiacum have long been
favourite subjects for furnishing walls and
pillars in the greenhouse and conservatory.
They flower more or less all the year round
and, to do them justice, they should be planted
out in beds or borders. If this is not possible,
grow them in large pots, and when weli routed
feed them liberally with weak liquid manure and
soot water. C. Schottii, with crimson, and C
Smithii, with flesh-coloured flowers, are dwarf,
bushy-growing species which are worth culti-
vating for the decoration of the stages in the
greenhouse. Oestrums are easily propagated at
any season by means of cuttings. They are at all
times subject to attacks of aphis, which should
be prevented by spraying, or frequent fumiga-
tions.

Episicia (syn. Cyrtodeira) metallica.— This
Gesnerad, with its 'beautiful foliage and bril-
liant scarlet flowers, is, when well grown in small
pots or pans, very useful for table decoration,
and also makes a fine subject for filling small
hanging baskets.

Mitraria coccinea. — This scarlet Mitre flower
is also another beautiful plant belonging to the
same order, at present in flower, and its curious-
shaped, scarlet flowers always attract attention.
It is best planted out in a bed in a cool green-
house, as it is nearly hardy, withstanding the
winter out of doors in the south-west of Eng-
land. It is propagated at this time of year by
means of cuttings placed under a hell glass in a
cool house.

ject to attacks of Black Aphis, and this pest
should be watched for and the tree syringed with
quassia or nicotine wash immediately it is de-
tected.

Apples. — Many bush Apples have set so many
fruits that the crop will need to be thinned con-
sider-ably. This should be carried out imme-
diately it is seen that the fruits are swelling,
retaining the centre fruit in each cluster where
possible. By allowing all the fruits to remain
the crop would be undersized and of poor
quality generally, besides militating against
next season's crop. Overcropping is a frequent
cause of the 'biennial habit of fruiting of some
Apples. By judicious thinning of the fruit the
trees are more likely to develop strong fruit buds
for the next season's crop and acquire the habit
of fruiting annually.

Pear Sawfly. — This pest appeals at the
beginning of June. The sawfly itself is harmless,
but the larvae, known as slug worms, eat away
the upper epidermis of the leaves and give a
decided check to the crop. The Pear slug-worm
is a voracious insect and should therefore be
checked directly it is detected. At this season
of the year the trees may be sprayed with
Paris green, four ounces to 50 gallons of water.
If this arsenical wash is used, it should be kept
constantly stirred. I lave had equally as good
results by the use of a strong nicotine wash.
Whichever wash is used, the fruit should not
be picked for use for four weeks after spraying,
as both washes are very poisonous.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By T. Patf.man, Gardener tn C. A. Cain. Esq.. J. P.,
The Node, Codieote, Welwyn, Hertfordshire.

Early Strawberries. — Plants growing on warm
borders have set a good crop of fruit and the
berries will soon be approaching ripeness
Should the weather prove dry. see that the
plants are well supplied with water, before
finally placing clean straw on either side of the
rows for the berries to rest on. Protect the
fruit from birds with nets and see that the latter
are free from Tents through which birds might
pass.

Mulching and Watering. — Morello Cherries
that are cropping freely on walls will be bene-
fited by a. mulching of short manure, and thev
should be watered freely. The trees are snh-

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By F. Jordan, Gardener to Lieut. -Col. Spender Clat,
M.P., Ford Manor, Lingfield, Surrey.

Melons.— The earliest Melons have now been
cut, or are well netted, and will soon be ripe.
The use of the syringe should be discontinued,
but a brisk top and bottom heat, with a freer
circulation of air, should be maintained.
Second early plants, on which the fruits have
been thinned to the requisite numbers, should
be well fed with warm, diluted liquid manure,
and freely syringed when the house is closed
in the afternoon. Melons in pots require
copioras waterings and feeding from the time
the fruits are the size of eggs until they cease
swelling, when the amount of root moisture
should be considerably- reduced, otherwise the
fruits will be liable to cracking and be deficient
in flavour.

Vinery.— The buds on pot vines intended for
forcing early are getting plump, and the canes
will soon be changing colour, indicating ripen-
ing. This development should not be pressed
too fast, and feeding and syringing should be
continued for some time. As the vines approach
the ripening stage, ventilate more freely and
keep the atmosphere of the house rather drier
at night. The vines having been stopped at a
length of 8 or 9 feet, more or less, according to
the amount of rod required, a few laterals may
be allowed to develop near the top. Vines
struck from eves this season will not he so
forward as the pot plants; they should be
stopped if this has not been done and every
possible care taken to preserve the main leaves,
as on these will depend the plumping up of. the
buds for next season's crop. Assist the plants
with weak stimulant and rich mulchings, but
take care that the roots do not enter the plung-
ing material, or control of them will be largely
lost. Use the syringe vigorously to keep the
foliage clean, and supply moisture otherwise by
damping the paths and other available spaces.

Cherries. — Keep the house in which the
Cherries are fine fairly dry and cool. A long
succession may lie obtained from one house when
the earliest varieties are grown in pots, as the
trees may be placed out of doors as soon as the
fruits are ripe. Trees of later varieties of Bigar-
reau and Elton may then have the borders to
themselves, and be carefully watered and pro-
perly managed. Moderation in watering should
be observed as the fruits approach ripeness, as
(racking from an excess of moisture at the roots
or in the house is quite as harmful as shrivel
ling from drought.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By T. W. Briscoe. Gardener to W. R. Ltsaght, Esq.,
Castleford, Chepstow.

Dendrobium. — D. Phalenopsis and D. formo-
sum giganteum are two popular autumn-flower-
ing Orchids, the latter often being grown to
produce a supply of w-hite flow-ers at that
season. The present is a suitable time to afford
fresh rooting material, consisting of two parts
Osmunda or Al fibre, and one part Sphagnum-
moss, with a sprinkling of crushed crocks and
charcoal added. The plants may either be
grown in ordinary flowerpots or pans ; choose
the former receptacles if it is intended to
arrange them on staging, and pans with wire
handles attached for suspending from the roof
rafters. Large receptacles are not needed, hut
ample drainage material must be provided.
Where the soil and drainage are in good con-
dition and there is sufficient sDace for further
development, disturbance at the roots is not
necessary, but where the compost is decayed
or has become sour through moisture, repot the
plants afresh, as no Orchid will succeed unless
the soil is sweet. Press the soil fairly firmly.
Plants that are repotted or top-dressed should
be watered sparingly until the roots take posses-
sion of the fresh soil. When this stage is
reached an abundance of moisture is essential
throughout the growing season. The plants
should he grown within a foot or two of the
roof glass, and placed either in the Dendrobium
house or warmest division. They enjoy plenty
of sunlight, and need only a very thin shading
during the summer, and then only for a few
hours, through the middle of the day. During
the plants' period of active growth keep their
surroundings moist, and use the syringe freely
between the plants in hot weather.

Dendrobium infundibulum and its variety,
Jamesianum, are stated to be alpine forms of D.
formosum, and for this reason they should be
grown in a lower temperature. They are often
placed among the Odontoglossums, but the best
results are obtained if they are grown in a light
position in the intermediate division. Both these
Orchids may now be repotted.

Dendrobium Dalhousieanum. — The tall-grow-
ing D. Dalhousieanum and D. fimbriatum make
line specimen plants, but they are only suitable
for lofty structures, hence they are rarely seen
in cultivation. They require fairly large re
ceptacles which should be filled half their depth
with drainage material. Use the Osmunda fibre
in a lumpy condition, and mix freely with it
pieces of charcoal, while a small quantity of
Sphagnum-moss may be employed near the sur-
face. The ordinary plant stove is a very good
place in which to grow these large Denrjro-
biums.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By Sidney Lego, Gardener to the Downfrer Lady
Nunbfrnholme, Wnrter Priory, Yorkshire.

Lilium. — A top dressing composed of equal
parts of well-decayed cow manure and fibrous
loam will greatly benefit stem-rooting Lilies. If
dry the soil should he watered before applying
the compost. Diluted quassia extract may he
used to destroy aphides, which often attack the
growing points of the plants. Attention to
staking and tying is necessary, but the opera
tion should be done in such a manner as will
not detract from the natural gracefulness of the
plants. In large borders dark foliaged Cannas
and Lobelia eardinalis may be associated with
Lilium tdgrinum stplendens; whilst Viola Purity,
as a -broad carpet to well-grown spikes of
Lilium auratum. is both uncommon and pleas
ing. Funkias provide an excellent foreground
to most Liliums.

Carnations. — Spiral wire stakes are useful for
supporting Carnation flower stems: they are
easily made on a rake handle and save con-
siderable labour in tying. Carnations delight
in good medium loam containing plenty of
lime.- Bentley's Carnation manure is a sale
and reliable stimulant for these plants. Tl is
not advisable to spray border Carnations with
hard water, as this washes the " bloom " from

June 12, I'Jl'ii

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

293

the oliage and lays bare Ihe leaf tissue to
.ill; irks of hint;,. us diseases and red spider. If
persevered with, potassium sulphide will over-

'' both rust disease and red spider. Dissolve

the potassium in a suitable quantity of soft
water and finely spray the foliage on both
sides towards the close of the day.

Mulching.— .Many plants, including trees and
shrubs, respond readily to mulching at this
season. The mulch should not be applied so
heavily as to exclude air from the mots. In
some instances short lawn mowings may he
used to conserve the soil moisture, but if
Daisies grow on the lawn the mowings should
not be used on beds or borders. A mixture of
partly decayed leaves and well-rotted manure
provides a good general mulch. Early-flowering
sliiuhs such as Forsythia. Deutzia and
Weigela require attention in this matter;
whilst species flowering at the same time as
Olearia Haasln will retain their flowers over
a longer period if steps hi,, taken to conserve
the soil moisture at the roots. Broadly speak-
ing, there aie three ways of preventing direct
evaporation ; these are :— Mulching, hoeing and
planting the surface closely with small spread-
ing plants. Given thoroughly prepared beds
and soil of medium texture, mulching is not
essential and preference should be given, where
practicable, to clothing the surface with living
plants, or by the frequent, use of the hoe?
Liquid manure may tie supplied copiously to
hard-wooded subjects passing out of flower, and
"ill greatly assist in the development of new,
\ igorous shoots.

STREPTOCARPUS HYBRIDS.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

by H. Wheeler, Gardener to Mrs. Jenneh, Weiivoe
Castle, near Cnrdiff.

Leeks.— On dry soils Leeks should be planted
in trenches prepared as for Celery. On heavier
soils they may be grown on' ground that
has been double dug and manure placed in
the bottom spit. Make shallow drills fifteen
inches apart, and in these, at one foot apart,
make holes with a bar or dibber, in which to
insert the plants deeply, adding sufficient soil
to just cover the roots. When planting is
finished, give (he soil a, thorough watering. The
open holes will be filled later as hoeing is done,
and a good length of the stem will become
blanched.

Cnions. — Plants intended to .produce large
bulbs should be growing freely. Onions are
deep-rooting plants, anil deep-rooting should, be
encouraged by the frequent use of the Dutch
hoc. Do not use nitrate fertilisers after this
date, otherwise the plants will continue growing
until late in the season and prove difficult to
ripen. Manures rich in phosphates are .best
from now onwards, varying these with an occa-
sional dressing of soot. Apply the manure at a
time when rain is expected, and take care not
to let it come in contact with the foliage.
Should it become necessary to water the manure
in. let it be done in a thorough manner, so that
the bed receives a good soaking. Where
an attack of mildew occurred during the
previous season, spray the plants with? sulphide
of potassium in solution at the rate of a quarter
of an ounce to one gallon of water. Fill any
gaps in the seed-bed by transplanting the best
of the thinnings.

Cauliflower and Autumn Broccoli. — These
crops should be planted two feet apart each
way. The Cauliflowers should be liberally sup-
plied with water during dry weather, to pre-
vent buttoning.

Carrots. — A sowing of stump-rooted Carrots
should be made to obtain roots for use in
the autumn. All Carrots at this season should
receive frequent dustings with soot, to make
them distasteful lo the Cam. I fly; when the soot
becomes washed off by the rains, it should be
immediately renewed.

Swedes.— A good breadth of Swedes of a
small variety sown now will prove a hardy and
useful vegetable for winter consumption. They
require the same culture as Turnips.

The greenhouse Streptocarpus is a compara-
tively modern (lower, and few subjects, of re-
cent years, have made so great an advance or
gained more popularity amongst growers. This
beautiful race of plants originated at Kew, and
several good crosses were made there. A few
plants passed into the hands of -Messrs. .lames
Veitch and Sons, who intercrossed selections
with the best Kew hybrids. The first flowers
were comparatively small, mi rather short stems.
and possessed only a few shades of colour. The
foliage was long and ungainly, but by continued
selection and crossing we now' possess plants
of compact habit, with shorter foliage and
varied shades of colour. The newer hybrids arc
remarkable for theii fh'iiferousness, for pro-
viding a long succession of flowers and. for the
length of time the blooms last. The flowers have
a range of colours embracing almost every imag-
inable shade from pure white to rose, pink.
salmon, red. violet and blue. Another section

suits: S. Gratus, magenta— Veitch's hybrid x
S. Duniiii— the latter a species from tin'' Trans-
vaal, proved very distinct, the foliage being in-
termediate between the parents. The flowers are
about. 2 in. long and in several shades of magenta
and magenta-rose. The stiff, creel peduncles

.ire from 6 in. to 9 in. high, each ped :le

terminating in a double cluster of flowers. Hum
bering from 20 to 30, or more.

S. Mrs. Ideal, magenta, Veitch's Inlaid <
S. Wendlandii— a South African species
The flowers of this cross arc 2t, in. in diameter,
the stout flower stalks from 12 in. to 15 in. high
and terminating in a sub paniculate inflorescence
of It- n to fifteen flowers, which are blush red,
shaded purple, with a yellow throat. The habit
of the plant is intermediate.

S. pulchellus came from Veitch's hybrid, white,
yellow throat - Fanniuii. an Australian species.
The foliage is distinct, narrow, and of a bright
shining green.

The erect peduncles bear panicles of twenty
to thirty flowers in various shades of blue lo
almost white, with a maroon blotch at the 'base.

Fig. 135. — cbe

messes. j. piper and sons' blue
"hole-in-the-wall."

GARDEN, SEEN THROUGH 'HIE

is named Achimeniflorus. from the resemblance
of the flower to Achimenes. This type marks a
distinct advance in the flower, and was obtained
by fertilising S. polyanthus, a pretty species
from Natal, with the pollen of the white
Veitch's hybrid. The flowers are produced in
much-branched panicles and have long stems;
the colour is light-mauve tinted with blue,
and the bloom has a light canary-yellow and
white throat. The original of this oross,
crossed again with three distinct shades of
Veitch's hybrids, produced three distinct
colours — allllis; giganteus, with Mowers of
lavender-blue shades; and roseus, a soft, deli
cale. rose coloured variety.

Another beautiful variety was obtained by
crossing Achimeniflorus albus with S. parvi
floras, a spe.ies from South Africa. It was
named New Giant White, and is unsurpassed
for size and vigorous habit. The individual
blooms often measure 41, in. in diameler. and
are borne on long stems U in. lo 10 in. in
length, rendering the (lowers valuable for table
decoration. The colours arc now fixed and come
true from seed.

Other experiments were successfully tried
with different species with Ihe following re

Tire Streptocarpus is a greenhouse perennial
easy of culture, requiring very little tire heat.
By making two or three sowings at different
intervals, the plants may be had in flower from
April to November. Seedlings will flower in
seven months from the time of seed-sowing, and
will continue to bloom for several months.
The same plants grown during the winter in a
temperature ranging from 45° lo 50°. kept
moderately dry. potted, and started afresh

in January to March, will form handsome
sieiimcns. giving a fine display when ;i:
flower.

Seeds id' Streptocarpus may be sown at any
time of the year; if sown in ihe summer the

seed pan si Id be well shaded from the sun.

Use 4 inch or 5 inch pots or pans, and over the
rocks place a thin layer of rough siftings, then

a. couple of inches of the coarsei pot

Gently press the surface level, and within
halt an inch of Ihe rim of Ihe pot or pan.
The seed should lie pressed down in I lie soil

and not covered. Water h\ means of -i tine
rose and cover the pan or pot with a piece of
glass tilted about 2 111. at Ihe leak. In bright

weather shade lightly. Germinate the seeds iv
a temperature 60 to 55 John //<«/.

294

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

June 12, 1920.

I OS TORI A L MO TIOE .

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the
PUBLISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, WC

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

THE MARKET FRUIT GARDEN.

FRUIT plantations generally look their worst
in May. After the fall of the blooms, pests
and diseases are active, and the fruit has not de-
veloped enough to show up well, so that one is
apt to form an unduly pessimistic opinion of the
season's prospects. On the whole, I think the
trees have come through the ordeal somewhat
better than usual this year, though it was rather
a trying month. I speak for my own
orchards only, as reports from other districts
lead me to believe that I have been more for
tunate than many.

Last anonih opened with showery weather;
then came a few days of strong wind,
after which conditions improved, and I he last
thirteen days were for the most part bright and
warm and dry, with the exception of a steady,
gentle rain on the night of the 28th. This
period was ideal for spraying, though it is a
pity that this work could, not be started sooner.
It also allowed good progress to ibe made witli
much-needed hoeing and horse-cultivation. The
total rainfall at my place was 1.23 in., which
fell on eleven days, and is rather under tin'
average for the mouth. It has been a dry
spring, and ponds are unusually low for the
time of year.

Apples ani> Pears Light.

It can now be s^en that the Apple crop will be
light. Practically the only varieties that have set
a lul crop with me arc WoreesterPearmain^E irly
Julyan and Lor,d < Irosvenor.; but Beauty of
Bath, Blenheim Pippin, fox's Orange Pippin
and James Grieve are- moderate. Late cooking
varieties promise to be particularly scarce,
Bramley*s Needling and Lane's Prince Albert
being almost without fruit. Considering the
strain put on the trees last year by the heavy
crop and prolonged drought, a light yield this
year was tt> lie expected. 1 attribute it. to this
fact rather than to unfavourable weather at
blooming- time, though Apple blossom weevil
helped to thin the crop.

Pears, grown only in the private garden, arc
very scarce.

Biennial Fruiting in Apples.
In the light of recent investigations, it would
probably be more correct to blame excessive
blooming last year, rather than heavy cropping,
for this season's scarcity of Apples. This view-
is the outcome of some most important investi-
gations carried out at the Wisconsin Experi-
ment Station, a report of which appears in No.
3 of the Journal of Pomology. It was found
that the spurs that are to bloom the following
year complete their development by the time Hie
fruit has set in spring. Thus practii ally all then
growth occurs during a period of about Four
weeks after the buds are well broken. During
this period the leaves can be of but minimum
value in producing carbohydrates, due to the
relatively short time in which they are of much
size. The principal supply of products utilised
in the development of flowers, spurs and leaves
therefore necessarily comes from the reserves in
the tree. Thus the critical period for blossom
bud formation comes at a time when the reserve
in the plant has been largely utilised by the
rapid early-season growth of the tree. If the

reserve is therefore decreased by excessive blos-
som production, tins prevents the tree from
being in condition to form blossom buds the
same season in readiness for successive bearing.

The truth of this theory was borne out by
practical tests. Thinning of the fruit failed to
correct the alternate-year bearing habit, because
it did not reduce the strain on the tree at a
time early enough to influence spur formation.
On the contrary, where the blossom was
thinned (removed from a certain percentage of
spurs on entire limbs), tho.se limbs did produce
bloom the following year, whereas the rest of
the tree did not.

It seems to have been established, therefore,
that biennial or alternate-year bearing, which
is an annoying characteristic of many varieties
of Apples, is due to excessive bloom production,
and not necessarily to excessive cropping
Thinning the blooms would correct it. hut un-
fortunately this is hardly practicable on a com-
mercial scale, though I know of one private
grower who has followed the plan for years on
a small area.

A Bad Season tor .Scab.

This promises to be a bad season tor Apple
and Pear scab in my plantations. The disease
was noticed first on a Siberian Crab in my pri
vale garden, and it appeared on the K-a\«'s ol
several other varieties of Apples early in May.
before th" weather allowed any preventive spray
ing to be done. In the case of Pears it has
already reached the fruit, small as it is. 1 .on
surprised, because mycologists tell us that the
only source of infection is scab-infected one-
yeai old wood. and. scarcely any of this could
lie ton i id liming winter pruning. Last year
there was scarcely a trace of scab on my Apples.
and the dry season must have been dead against
the disease. M is surprising, therefore, that
there should be enough of it about to cause
wholesale infection tins spring, although the
showery weather ;ii blooming time and after
was all in favour of its spreading

The Varieties most liable to scab here are:
fox's ( (range Pippin. Allington Pippin, Lord
i irosvonor. Domino, James Grieve, Baumann's
tied Winter Reinette, and Worcester Pearmain.
As a rule Blenheim Pippin is healthy, hut this
year the leaves are affected. All these varieties
have been sprayed with lime sulphur (half
strength for Cox's) under perfect conditions, and
it is to be hoped thai in most cases it was (lone
in time to prevent serious damage. A second
spraying will be given in two or three weeks'
lime to give further protection to the Bruit.
Trees with little or no fruit on them have been
sprayed with the rest, because it is important
to protect the young shunts, so that they may
not Form a source of infection lor another year.

Plum Arms.
In last month's notes 1 mentioned the leaf-
curling Plum aphis as one of the most serious
pests of this season. Reports' from many dis-
tricts show that it is doing much damage prac
tically throughout the country. Some of my
tiers, particularly those in exposed positions,
are now almost denuded of leaves, and must drop
all but a. sprinkling of their fruit. Others, for-
tunately, are clean, and should still do well, a
heavy crop of Monarch being the brightest
feature.

Basin shaped Trees.

A neighbour of mine is much attracted by the
idea of trees with hollow centres, and he did
some drastic pruning during the winter, re-
moving all the middle branches. The idea is.
of course, to expose all parts of the tree to the

influence of sun and air, in the hope of pro-
moting health and getting all the fruit well-
coloured. Personally, I favour trees of more
natural sh ape, though I thoroughly believ e in
keeping the branches thinly disposed. To me
there seem to be several objections to basin-
shaped trees. For one thing, the loss of a branch
through breakage or canker leaves a gap which
is difficult to fill. Then, if all the bloom and
fruit are open to the sun, they are also all ex-
posed to frost or strong wind. But the chief
objection is that, in a season of Ught crops,
the yield is likely to be very small indeed,
since the branch area is so much less than in
the case of trees of more natural shape. After
all, I doubt if there is much truth in the claim
of better-coloured fruit. When an ordinary tree
carries a heavy crop, the outside branches are
weighed down, leaving the centre ones well
exposed to the colouring and ripening influence
of the sun. I believe that fruit trees come
soonest into profit, and bear most heavily, if
allowed to grow as nearly natural in shape as
possible, receiving little pruning beyond thinning
out once they have been properly furnished with
branches. With the basin shape goes close
spurring, making each branch practically a single
cordon, the only advantage of which, in my
opinion, is that the pruning becomes fool-proof
once the tree has been formed.

Are Orchards Bake Fallow ?

One ol' the grower's minor troubles at this
busy season is the filling in of agricultural re-
turns and the estimating of crops for the Minis-
try of Agriculture. When, engaged on the
former 1 was amused to find that orchards
which have neither bush fruit nor grass under
the trees must lie entered, not only as orchards,
lut also i> hare fallow ! There may be a good

official reason for this, but it is certainly

obvious to the ordinary individual. It is to he
hoped that those who study agricultural statis-
tics, and especially those who lecture to fanners
on tin- increase in bare fallow, will note that
the aiea relumed under that heading includes
some of | he most profitable fruit plantations in
the country those in which the trees have
grown to full hearing age and need sole posses-
sion of the ground, which is kept cultivated for
their benefit.

The forward estimation of fruit crops is a
more difficult matter, and fortunately is not yet
compulsory^ I am a-sked to estimate the pro-
bable yield of Plums by taking an average tree
of each variety and guessing the weight of fruit
on it in pounds. From this, and the number of
trees per acre, the Ministry of Agriculture calcu
lates the prohable yield. I fancy that if ten
men tried their hand at this the difference in
their estimate would he astounding. Guessing
the weight of a cake or a pig is child's-play in
comparison, and yet few people get anywhere
near a correct result in these popular amuse
ments. Market Grower.

NOTES FROM THE EDINBURGH
BOTANIC GARDENS.

The famous rock-garden in the Edinburgh
Botanic Garden.? has been so much enlarged
lately that it is more realistic than even* in Us
wild beauty, and its miniature mountain peaks
and the valley at the lower end are interesting
at all times of the year. In the middle of May,
there is a feast of colour and blossom to clothe
the great blocks of stone or to creep down into
the sheltered dells.

There was much to be seen in flower on the

June 12, 1920.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

295

day of my visit, but the plant that made the
greatest impression upon me, by its sheer beauty,
was Schizocodon soldaneiloides, with its
dainty, bright pink flowers so crimped and
t ringed tnat one stood lost in wonder before so
liny and perfect a thing. The blossoms are .
in clusters of four or five on bright red stems,
and rise some three inches above the spreading
tufts of leaves which are tinted bronze and crim-
son. The whole plant suggests a Shortia, aiiv-
evidentlv likes the same conditions, as there
were several healthy groups of Schizocodon grow-
ing in what appeared to be moist, peaty soil in
a shaded bed at the base of a big rock. It is
interesting to remember how it was originally
found in japan by Captain Torrens in 18yi, who
only succeeded in saving three or four plains
alter carrying them for hundreds of miles.

I found many. species and varieties of Uytisvis
and Genista in bloom, for it is in May in the
north that they begin to come into their own.
There was Cytisus scoparius var. prostrata and
C. purpureus albus, both crowning miniature
mountain peaks, the former of drooping, low
habit; the latter of upright growth, some
2 feet or 2^ feet high. That gay little

situation, where it seemed perfectly happy.
Turning from shrubs to little Alpine plants,
there was Noccaea alpina, with its dark green
tufts hidden in a cloud of white flowers on tiny
stems. This is an ideal and easily-grown rock
plant, as I have proved in my own garden, and
it blooms over a very long period. Erysimum
pumiluni, from the High Alps and Pyrenees,
and E. nanum, from Persia, were two brilliant
little, Wallflower-like plants, the former so short
that its lemon-yellow flowers appeared to nestle
among the carpet of grey-green leaves; the latter
a taller, bushy species, some 12 inches high, se+
with deep yellow flowers, both giving a bright
touch of colour to the scene. Unosma albo-
roseum, from Asia Minor, was a most interesting
plant. One generally associates Onosma with
yellow ltowers, from its common name of Golden
Drop. But here is a species in which the colour
is white, the buds beautifully tipped with vivid
pink, while the silvery foliage gives tt a striking
and most pleasing appearance. The plant was
growing vigorously, spreading along the top of
a high peak, over winch the long, clustered
bells drooped in a delightful fashion. It con-
trasted favourably with two little Valerian*

phinata, iron Southern Europe; and I. correae-
folia, not yet fully out and spreading itself far
and wide dn a sheet that must measure many
feet in circumference.

Turning to the Primula family, I saw P.
involucrata freely producing little bunches of
white flowers on slender, 6-inch stems; while
the almost stemless, little, purple P. Juliae had
established itself in a moist, shady bed.

Among several Rhododendrons that were
blooming perhaps the most interesting were K
Kotschyi, R. Sargentianum and R. Souliei, from
China. The first is a small, dark-green leaved
species, a foot or so high, with clusters of small,
purplish-pink flowers. R. Sargentianum had
formed little dense bushes, one foot high, with
tiny leaves and flowers, the latter a pale-yellow
colour and past their prime. R. Souliei is
altogether on a larger scale, in height some three
feet, with broad leaves and big. well-opened
clusters of pink flowers.

In another part of the rock-garden, and set
in a wide crevii e, were several healthy specimens
of Daphne petraea, from the Tyrol, freely open
ing little pink blossoms on the tiny 3-inch or
4-inch high bushes, Pentstemon Menziezii had

Fig. 136. — chelsea show: view of Messrs. r. Wallace and co.'s iris garden.

species from tin- .Maritime Alps, (J. Ardohiii,
had taken possession of another bluff,
and clustering closely' round it presented
a dt-use shed of soft groan leaves set
with countless bright yellow flowers, growing
about 1 foot high. The little Austrian Broom,
Genista sericea, was there, too, just opening
lemon-coloured flowers on little upright bushes
;i Eoot or more high. G. angina is of spreading
prostrate habit with showy orangy-yellow flowers
but poor Foliage. Cytisus decumbens is a dainty
European species, and its pale sulphur colonic'
blossoms were set freely among the light green
leaves; it creeps flat on the ground and is no'
so rampant as other kinds. Genista pilosa had
formed a wide carpet of dark green foliage. Itul
was not in bloom. Dig. upright bushes oi'
Cytisus purgans. with the yellow flowers wreath
incr every shoot, were growing on top of i
cliff; and spreading bushes of C. glahrcsceiis
were lower down, jusl coming into bloom; while
perhaps mosl showy of all was the fine hybrid,
C. Beanii, a wealth of cream blossoms drooping
over a peak in a shaded, somewhat draughty

tower down, whose colouring — a dirty pink —
was not attractive. One, called Valeriana, trip-
teiis, is about 10 inches high ; the other, V. ajp.s-
tris, is of creeping habit and firom the Caucasus,
In a shaded damp nook the violet-purple flowers
of Dodecatheon rlendersonii we'" beginning to
fade, while hanging from a high ledge was a
young hush of Berberi s stenophyJla var, coral-
lina, which is worthy of note for the really mar
vellous colouring of its flowers— a most vivid
shade of II am.- imaginable — and is one of the
many line hybrids raised by the late Mr. T
Smith, of Newry. Among the Saxifrages in
bloom 1 noticed the interesting S. califovnica,
with I ufts of small, spear shaped leaves ami
shinier. 8 inch high : leins terminating in dense
clusters of minuta white Mowers.

The perennial Camlvlufts were largely re
presented, ill with very similar, compact heads
of while flowers and dense, evergreen foliage
There was Uteris srmper\ hens and its handsome
var. superb urn (quite the most effective of all),
also I. I'liiitii, from Sicily, beginning to go over;
I Jordanii, from Asia .Minor; the creeping 1.

its large, dull violet hells fully out, and Lathyrus
(syn. Orohus) vermis was pretty with its unique
colouring of blue and purple. It is a useful
little Vetch-like plant that is excellent for either
rockery, border or wild garden, and 1 have seen
it even thrive under Fir-trees, while it blooms
over a. long period. Anthyllis montana var
atro-rubens, crimson, and like a Clover, with
silvery leaves, was creeping over some big
boulders ; and the more curious than hcauli, i i
Euphorbia Gerardiarm had numerous yellowy-
green flowers oui on upright, 18 inch stems.

There were several Anemones in bloom, such
aw A. liarcissitlura ami A. rupicola, both white,
while a group of A. sulphurea was a lovely pic-
ture on a shaded ledge, each large, sulphur*

yellow blossom, with its big central boss, set
pingly on a stout 18-inch stem. Il was a sighl

worth going ;i long wa^ i - > see Good stret ches
of colour were provided in various parts of the
hmU garden by hold plantings of commoner, but
showy, things, bucIi as Alyssum aaxatile and its
\ .ii sulphurea ; Aubrielias. especially var. Dr.
Mules, and n ossy Saxifrages. .1/. H. Stcbbing,

2%

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

.Titne 12. 1920.

THE GARDEN OF THE REV. WALTER

STONEHOUSE AT DARFIELD RECTORY

IN YORKSHIRE, 1640.

( Concluded from p. 269.;

THE FRUIT GARDEN.

Most of Stonehouse's fruit was grown in the
Saffron Garth (see Fig. 137), and the Orchard
(see Fig. 158, p. 297), both of which were walled
in. In the Former he had S3 wall-trees, planted
6 feel apart against the walls on the north and
west sides, and a selection of 30 Apples and
Pears " in the open plotte,' as well as some
more recent acquisitions from the garden df his
neighbour. Sir John Reresby.

The best varieties of the original stock were
probalbly obtained from Parkinson's " very good
friend, Master John Tradescante," who had
made a speciality of all fruit trees, ''-theohoysest
for goodness, and rarest for knowledge," and
especially of Plums "fit for an orchard."

In the orchard there were fruit walls along
the north and east, and a raised walk or
" mount " along the wall on tin west side. This
" high walke " probably dated from 'before
Stonehouse's time, for he refers to " olde plum
trees " upon it. The " t>pen plotte " was stocked
with Apples of various kinds, with a row of Pear
trees along the north walk.

" The high walke in the orchard, 66 times
single gone, or 33 times double (thai is back-
ward and forward) is a just mile — 5280 foote.

" The orchard 9 times round about is a mile
and 4 yards."

In the open the fruit trees were planted about
18 to 20 feet apart. Their positions are clearly
indicated upon bis numbered plan, from which
the illustration in Fig. 138 has been redrawn
lor purposes of reproduction.

The Sir John Reresby, from whom be obtained
several varieties of Apples and Pears, was a
neighbour living at Thryibergh, son,,. Mx mil,.,
south of Darlield. His son, of the same name,
was the well-known Governor of York, who
wrote memoirs containing a secret historj ol the
Courts of Charles II. and .lames II.

The manuscript coin hides with an epitaph in
Latin verse by Stonehouse, to his lav, unite cat,
Delia, which died when kittening and was buried
in the garden.

IN FELEM HI LICIT AM, INTER PARTUS

DOLORES EXTINCTAM.
Delia (sir firtur) coelnm invadenU Typhoes.

Hub Fele, in terris, condidit era latens.
Partubus ilht prat est; sed el ilia (/»«) aaepe

ruritt't.

Tardat, parturiens dam mihi Felis obit.
Ah, factum, Lucina, mule!. Ah, ea gratia Uveal
est,
Prasidii ut possit rum metnor essi sui.

In the following list the numbers icier to
positions shown on the garden plans. The letters
T. G and P. have been added to indicate those
varieties which had also been grown by Trades-
cant at Lambeth in 1634, by Gerard in' 1599, or
which had been distinguished by name by
Parkinson in his Paradwus in 1629. It will be

seen that the names of several varieties of Si

house's Apples and Pears do not occur in any
of ibesr lists. The " Melocotone Plum," which
occurs once, may have been written in error for
the .Melocotone Peach.

CATALOGUE OF MY l'ltr/ITI-;s—

nun.
In My Blst Garden, acuinst ye
Walls.

J. Morocco Plum. T.P.

2. Hcil Miiabalan Plum. T.P.

3. Oreilge Plum. T.P.

4. 5, 6, 7. Barbary Plums. P.

8. Roman yeallow Peach. 'J. '.p.

9. Double-bIoss:om''j Peach. T.?

10. Aprecock.

11. Pomegranate

12. Aprecock.

A Claret wine \ me. P.

I) [Greate bearing Cherry], (erased. )P.

In the New Obohard.

is the Mount or Hi'.iu Walke.

Against the Wall.

1. Dllko's Cherry. T.P.

J. Flanders Cherry. P.

:}. Comon IHnslish Cherry. P.

4. Flanders Cherry. P.

". |Rcd Heart (herryl (erased. T- ".P.

6. Flanders Cherry. P.

Olde plcm-tiikes on ye Willi.
1. White Peur-plinn. P.
-. Blade llamson. I'.
::. Black PamsoiL P.

4. Barbary Plum. P.

;,. [Black Damson, I'.l the Nun's

Plum no-Hi.
•",. lovers Plum. T.I'

7. Black llamson. I'.

8. Wtiite Pear-plum. P.

Against r,n Noma Wall.

1. Ited Muscadine Craiie. P.

2. White Crap.-. P.

A. Dwarf Nine, or Little early blael:

irraps. I'.
White Heart or Archduke's Cherry
grafted Pel. 23. 1641. P.
i. Aprecock.

5. Flanders Cherry. G.P.
(>. White Chrry. T.

7. May fh-rry. 'II'.

s. Archduke's Cherry. T.P.

•.(, 10. Black Pcar-ptum. P.

_ a i. hi. also call yc (wide Mack
cherry., mcrasum vid. Clushtm,
Pannun, p til. P.

In the Orchard Pi.ottf.
PEARBS

1. Windsor Pcare. T.P.

2. Sinner Pen. cheslii une. T.P.

; Katharine Pearo, P. I- Create
Lording,
t. rLording Pearel. s'adlcr's nayle.
:>. lHarting Pearel. Sadler's uayle

and Create Lording.
(i. Slipper Peare. T.P.
7. Spanish Warden. I'.
s. Popperin Peare. T.I'.
'. M'lsk'- Pare. P.
Li. Rergamot I'eare. T.P.
APPLES.
I. (blank).

J. Kentish Strawberry Apple.
.:. I. (blank).

5. Kentish Codling. P.

6. Golden Russctting.

7. Chester Pcar-maine

8. 11. (blank).

12. 2 Chester Pcarmaincs and one of
the olde Stock iro Sinithley.

it if-

•<■

* *■

1 > - r

p

f

r

+

j

Mi

i*

,

•7

j

\

_J

-*'

l

9
<

:

' +

■;

.i

^

-t

*

M 1-

>»

!(

c

%6>

9

i

?

r

" "I

1 :.

*3

E

2*'

M

\ * '■

1 * ~'

%f

•

:"

:-z

VT-) 1 7-

u

- I

1

A

^"^— -^

Ul

,

t r-is Wtutt

Fig. 137.— a plotte of the saffron garth
at darfield. 1640.

11. S- Lawrence Apple.
t_. Amber Priniordian I'lnui. I'.
I ;. Melocotone [probably the Mdo-
cotoue Peach of P.)

14. Lesser Rose Cherry. 1'.

15. Red Mulberry. P.

LG. Luke Ward's Cherry. T.P.

J". Melocotone.

L8. Jordan Almond. P.

Against the Kast Wall.

•!■;

1. w hite Damson. P.

it.

2. Red Priniordian Plum. P.

2-i

:;. Black Muscle Plum. P.

2).

1. Nutmeg or Christian Plum. T.P.

au.

3. Red Pescod Plum. T.P.

ai.

ii. Verdoch Plum. T.P.

:;j.

7 to 11. (blank).

.;:(

12. Round Peare of Yorkc.

:U.

1::. Melocotone.

:ii>

In ye grasse White heart, or

:jti.

Archduke's cherry, grafted Feb.

■23, 1644.

-;,

Against THf Softh Wall
Pilberds, Red and White.
Black Wilde Cherry. P.
Red Wild<'. Cherry, or Merrj tree su-
calJcd iu Cheshire, as yc iiim-

13-1 1, (blank1.

L5. •_ Kentish Strawbcrrycs.

)ii. (blank).

17 Kentish Codling. P.

18-20. (blank

21. 2 Chester Pearmaines.

Chest t Pearmaiuc.
Somcr Pcarraainc. T,
Golden Pippin. P.
Spotted Pippiu. P.

(ioldeti Pippin. P.

Spotte i Pippin. P.

Russet Pippin. T.P.

Greate Pilgrim.

Sumer Pearmainc. t". P.

Black Aunet.

Snraer Belle bon. T.

Poare Russet. T.

Greening. P.

[Gray Costard. T.P.]. Gillo

flower. T.
Olde Wife. P.
Leather coatc. P.
Gennetting Apple. 'L'.P.
Flower of Kentc- P.
Violet Apple. T.
John Apple. T.P.
Winter Belle-bon. T.P.

44. Beste Russetting. (? Great

Russeting. T.).

45. Blandrill. T.P.

46. White Queene Apple.

47. Greatest red Queene Apple. P.

48. Worcester Apple. P.
"iii. s. Lawrence Apple.

53. Gillolower Apple. T.P.

55. Dr. Chad.

56. Pearmaiii' .

60. Gilloflower Apple. T.P.

4!), 51, 52. 54, 57 53. 5:' (blank).

IX THE SAFKRON-GARTI1.
In tiik Open Plottf.

1. [Medlar treel Peare.

2. [Servise treel. Sadler'^ uayle

or Muscle peare.
;>. ' Norwich Peare. P.l. Great

Lording Peare.
t. Bergomot Pcare. T.P.
.■>. Paynted peare. 'J'.

Against ye Privy.

13. Best Medlar.

7, 8, (blank).

'i. Apple from *r .Tn : Reresby.
li), 11. From yc old tree in the

Orchard cut down 1G39.
\. Cowick Peare. Sr Jo : Reresby.

12. Bro. Burdets Apple.

13, 14. (blank).

15. Chester Pcar-mayn.

B. Bergamot Sr Jo: Reresby.
HI. Peare Apple. P.

17. Bro : Burdets line red Apple

1(*- „ „ ;.

19. An Apple from &r Jo : Reresby.

C. Twenty inarke Peare, Sr Jo :

Reresby.

D. An Apple from Sr Jo : Reresby.

E. An Aprecock set of a stone,
ii. Bird's Cherry.

2H-27. Bro. Burdet's Pipine.

28. Apple from Sr. John Reresby

GUAKFEll PER. 25, 1644.

Pergtomot peare. T.r.

Co»iek pcare.

2i) Marke peare.

i;iv;ite Lording.
Muscle peare.
Archduke's Cherry. T.
White Heart Cherry.

29. [Gillo flower]. Apple from Sr Jo

Reresby.

30. Chester Pearmain.

31. Apple from 8r Jc ; Reicsby.
;2. Harvey Apple. P.

Against the Walls.

1. Almond.

2. Olive Plum. P.

3. Black Damascene Plum. V.T.l1.

4. Damaskc Plum. T.P.

5. Melacotoue Plum.

i>. Romane red Peach. T.P.

7. Newington Peach. T.P.

8. Ycallow Nectarine. T.
'.t. Long Aprecock. T.P.

10. Red Nectarine. T.P.

1 1. Orenge Aprecock.

12. fNutujcK Peach]- T.P.

13. (Melocotone. P.] Plum.

14. Blew Figge. P.

15. [Arch QukesJ May Cherry. T.P.
10. Greatc Huugarian, or Zwart s

Cherry. T.P.

17. Agriot Cherry. T.P. '

18. Greate-bearlng Cherry. T.P.

19. Black Heart, or Smallest Le-
* ceur cher. P.

20. Flanders Cluster Cnerry. P.
21 Moreilo Cherry. P.

22. Red Heart Cherry. P.
2!. Portugal! peare Quince. P.
F. Kid Heart or Archduke's .Chen> :
graffed Feb. 25, 1644.

24. Portugall peare Quince. P.

25. Portugall peare-Quiuce. P.
'26. [Tradescants] Luke Ward's

Cherry. T.P.

27. Grcate Flanders Cherry, P.

28. Queen Mother's Plum. P.

29. Aprecock Plum. T.P. .

30. 31. (blank).

32. Turkie Plum. P.

33. Bhuk Bullies. P.

34. Portugall Apple-Qnince or Melo-

cotone-Quince. P.

Su ( Total ) 222.

ymonu Daroyes plums, set Feb.
1644

4 White Pear plums and 4 Damslcs.
Cerasus avium fructu rubro. P.
Cerasus avium fructu nigro. P.

First nurcery of Apples in rew wth
[A| .nil so turning by ye west wall,
grafted the 6th of March, 1644 :

1. Greate red Queene Apple. P.

2. Pcare-Apple. ?T.P.

3. Holland Pipin.

4. iVarmaine. T.P.

5. Holland Pipin and Pearmaine. F.

6. Holland Pipin.

7. 8. Harvey Apples. P.

9, 10, 11. Gillo flower Apple. T.P.
Second Nursery of Pears betwht
[A] and [12] :—

1. Pavnted Peare (T.) graffed,
March 6, 1641. Ami so successively

5 others -railed Peb. 25, 1641, with
Fmpcs from Sr Jo: Reresby of Ber-
gamot Pcare , Cowick peare , 20
uiarkf Pcaiv, greate 1 ordmg.

.Tune 12, 1920.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

297

MORAEA IRIDIOIDES JOHNSONII.

I had iujt seen the figure and description of
this plant in the April 3 number of the Bard.
Chron. until now. Is Mrs. Richmond certain
that the plant is what, she has called it, a variety
of M. iridioides? It appears to me to he M.
hicolor, formerly called Dietes bicolor, and
figured in Bot. Reg. t. 1404, and in Paxt. .!/»;/.
IX, 29. under the name of Iris bicolor. These
figures, which were published about the year
1840, were prepared from cultivated plants of
uncertain origin, and according to Baker (Hand-
booh of Iridtae) the first description was made
from a garden in Bayswater in 1831. This
plant has the habit of M. iridioides and large
flowers with broad outer segments, the colour,
pale yellow, with a large black-purple blotch
at the ha.se of each. The species is now known
to he a. native of the South Eastern division of
Cape Colony. It is a much showier plant than
aoy variety of M. iridioides that I have ever
seen. IF. Watson, Kan.

WILD PEARS.

TIi>' Bulletin of Popular Information (No. 4,
vol. vi.), issued by I lie Arnold Arboretum,
contains the following interesting article on Wild
Pears :-

The Arboretum collection of the wild type of
Pear trees, especially those of eastern Asia, is
probably now the largest to be found in any
arboretum, and as many of the species now
flower and produce large crops of fruit, this
collection is of particular interest to pomolo
gists who hope to find among these trees a
stock resistant to blight on which to graft their
orchard Pear trees with edible fruit.

The earliest of the Asiatic Pears this year,
Pyrus ussuriensis, began to -flower early in May.
This tree, which is common in northern China,
Korea and Manchuria, and the only species which
has a foothold in Japan, where it has recently
been -discovered, inhabits more northern and
colder regions than any other Pear tree. If any
Pear tree proves hardy, therefore, in the northern
interior pari of this continent it should be this
species j and if it proves resistant to blight it
should yield the hardiest of all Pear stocks. No
other species attains such a large size as is
shown by the photograph made in 1919" by Wil-
son in Korea of a tree which was sixty feet
high, with a tall trunk seven feet round and a
head of spreading branches 75 feet across. The
flowers are not as large as those of some
of the other species, but as a flowering tree P.
ussuriensis is one of the most beautiful of all
Pear trees, for the flower-buds and the opening
flowers are deeply tinged with rose-colour. The
fruit is subglobose, green, hard, and one-half
to three-quarters of an inch in diameter and,
[ike that of must wild Pear trees, is of no comes
tible value. Among other Pear trees this

northern species, as a young tree at least, can
b» easily recognised by its smooth, pale bark.

Pyrus ovoidea, which was introduced into
vest em gardens from northern China, and is
an old inhabitant at the Arboretum, is now
considered by botanists a variety of the Korean
Pear tree (var. ovoidea). It blooms two weeks
I'ter than the more northern tree: the flowers
are larger and pure white: (lie licit is larger.
with succulent flesh, and, unlike that of most
Pear trees, is broad at base and narrow at apex
and pale yellow. The leaves of no other Pear
tree in the collection assume siicli brilliant
autumn colours. The large specimen of this tree
near the Forest Hills gate has been covered with
flowers (his spring. For the beauty alone of its
autumn foliage this tree should find a place in
collections of ornamental trees. luocnlat ion
of seedling plants of another Chinese Peav tree,
P. Galleryana, shows, as much as such tests
prove anything, that they are immune to attacks
of the Pear blight; and pomologists now believe
I hat in this tree they have found the slock
which will make the production of Pears in this
country a mora certain and profitable industry

than it has been before. Many thousand seed-
lings have been raised by the Department of
Agriculture of the United States and by dif
ferent experimental stations from the seeds pro-
duced by the Arboretum trees; if these prove as
valuable as American pomologists now believe
them to he they will demonstrate the value of
museums of science like the Arnold Arboretum
and more than justify the labour and money il
has expended in its explorations in eastern Asia.
Unfortunately, the only specimens of this Pear
tree outside of China which produce seeds are in
this Arboretum, and although the trees produce
good crops of fruit, the supply of seeds from
the Arboretum will remain far short of the de-
mand.

years ago in the United States, the Keiffer and
Lecomte Pears. These, although rather hard,
were large and well suited to ship long distances.
Much was expected of them, especially in the
southern states, where large orchards were
planted. The trees, however, proved so suscep
tible to blight that their cultivation has now
been practically abandoned. As an ornament
of gardens. Pyrus serotina is worth growing for
its large, white flowers, more or less deeply
tinged with rose-colour, and the deep bronze
colour of its unfolding leaves.

As ;i fruit tree for western countries, none
of the Asiatic Pear trees, except the north China
Pyrus Bretschneideri, gives any promise of
value. Iu the Arlioretuni this tree, where

i_^__*|

Fig. 13b1. — a modell of my new orchard at darfield, 1640.
(See p. 296.)

Anof her Pear tree introduced from western
China iby Wilson, Pyrus serotina, is of interest
lo the students of cultivated fruits as the
wild type from which have been derived the
round, gritty Sand Pears, which in many varie-
ties have keen cultivated for centuries bv the
Japanese, who obtained them originally from
China. \lan> forms of these Sand Pears, in
the early days of Japanese intercourse with the
outside world, were sent to tin- United States
and to Europe, The trees arc handsome, with
tie mi ifu | flowers and In own oi gre nish yellow
fruits, which in some forms are extremely orna-
mental, but western palates and digestions can
not cope with 'he hard fruit full of grit, which
is not worth even the trouble of cooking, al
though in Japan even little children appear t"

en joy t hese Pears.

The cultivated Japanese Sand Pears crossed
with cultivated garden Pears produced severa.l

it was. raised many years ago from
>,>nU sen! from Peking, produces yellow,
globose, juicy fruits from one to two
inches in diameter and of excellent flavour.

Nothing is known of this Pear as a wild tree.

kut it is evidently the origin of the large, juicy
Peara which are conspicuous in the Peking
market in September and are said to keep well
into the winter. This Pear tree has been in the
Arboretum since 1882 and has never been at-
tacked by blight, although trees of species like
P, betulaefolia, growing with it. have suffered
seriously from disease. It therefore seems
possible that good results iu hardiness, freedom
fr<mi disease and improvement of fruil mighl pos
sibly he obtained in seedling Forms of this
Chinese tree, or by crossing it with some of our
garden varieties, The European and western
V . i, iln Pear trees bloom rather later than the

i liine--e species,

i*98

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

June 12, 1920.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

I'J'/ie Editor* do not hold themselves responsible lot
Hie op%Hiorm expressed by correspondents.']

Begonias From November to March (see p.
230). — I read with interest Deanston's excellent
article on the cultivation of Begonias. 1 note
in his selection he does not mention the variety
Optimo.. In my estimation, this is one of the
most beautiful Begonias in cultivation. It is
useful as a decorative plant, and it also makes
an excellent change for table decoration, having
long stems suitable for displaying the flowers
lo good advantage. The colour may be
described as cerise shaded with old
gold. Another variety I have a liking
lor is ldeaia. This is a semi-double
variety, with bright rose-carmine flowers.
Fascination is another good single variety, the
colour being a rich Apricot, shaded with .salmon.
Oloire de Sceaux is still one'of the best Begonias
for late blooming and the flowering period ex-
tends over a long season. This hybrid was in
flower with me in February, and at the tune
of writing (May 22nd) it still retains much of
its loveliness. By careful attention given to
feeding and watering these Begonias may
had in flower four months in the year. 'J'. J.'.

be

Potato Spraying. -When (lie Potato crop is
in a healthy condition and when good cultiva-
tion, suitable weather conditions, wide planting.
or other causes help to ward off disease, il might
happen that the sprayed patch would give a
smaller yield than the unsprayed patch (see p
258). I bake if that this would be due to the
clogging effect of the spraying mixture upon the
foliage, acting, as dust would, in reducing the
physiological processes of the plant. I have had
direct evidence of this in connection with spray
ing demonstrations cairried out in Belfast and
in the south of Ireland. As, however, the
normal season (especially in the west), is one
which favours the disease, it is always a sate
plan to spray. Spraying helps to keep the
foliage green for a longer period am. thus
increases the yield. It is generally conceded thai
" muggy weather" is conducive to tin- develop
ment of the disease. Wm. II. Johns. Horti-
cultural Superintendent, County Hall. Truro.

Chelsea Show.-I venture to protest
aeainst the bad ventilation of the tents
at the Chelsea Show. or. rather, against
the utter lack of ventilation. In doing

this I would like to make it clear that
1 in' no way blame the permanent officials, who,
as always, 'manage things so well; but there ,.-
something very wrong when such an important
item is overlooked. The unpleasant odour from
certain cut flowers, ami from perspiring
humanity was so had that ladies tainted, and
even strong gardeners, used to hot houses, fell
the strain It is certainly curious that a Coun-
cil composed of so many good business men
should fail to obtain suitable tents for what
should be the premier horticultural show in the
world A trip to some of our best provincial
shows in the midlands or the north, might en-
lighten them as to what can be done in the way
of a properly ventilated tent! Further, could
not the walks' have been sprinkled in the morn-
ing to keep down the dust which spoilt some ot
the exhibits? A Sufferer.

I visited the Chelsea Show on the third

day. and was disgusted, like a good manv more,
at' the appearance of things in general. The
new Victory Pelargonium, a fine new colour,
looked as though it had been dragged through
the des.uts of Egypt. The fruit exhibits were
in bad condition from dust, and I only hope that
Messrs. Laxton's Strawberries were not sent
to the hospitals on the conclusion of the exhibi-
tion The R.H.S. Council should prevent a
recurrence of this state of affairs, as those who
ran only afford to nay the lowest entrance lee
should be considered as well as visitors on the
first day. Water was to be had in plenty, a?
witness' those poor fellows pumping away, be
hind the rock gardens; therefore the ground in
the tents should have received a good soaking
each day to lav the dust. Better conditions
than those prevailing in 1920 must be provided
in future. C. 17. Tiers, Plnphnm,. S. IF.

SOCIETIES.

KOYAL HORTICULTURAL.

Scientific Committee.

May 11— Present: Mr'. E. A. Bowles, M.A
(dn the chair), Dr. Bateson, Dr. Voeloker, Messrs.
Dykes, Page. Hales, Worsdell, Chittenden (lion.
sec.) and Marsden Jones (visitor).

Carnation foliage malformed. — Mr. W. C.
Worsdell showed Carnation leaves with
curious, horn-like, lateral outgrowths, the
origin of which was doubtful.

Tulip with bulb in leaf-axil. — He also showed
a Tulip with a bulb in the axil of the leaf.

Sports from root-cuttings. — Dr. Bateson
showed a Pelargonium raised from a root-cut
ting of the variety Ascot, which has a H'olled
back petal with magenta spots on a white
ground, whereas the plant raised from the root-
cutting bad a flat petal, larger than the parent,
with a large, purplish spot. Of four root-
cuttings raised at Melton, three had proved
different from their parents.

Cheiranthus x Marshallii. — Mr. Marsden
Jones showed a branch from bis pale-budded
hybrid with pale flowers similar in colour to
those of C. alpinus, hut of tile si/.e of those ot
the hybrid. He also showed some hybrid Tulips.

Iiis Seedlings. — Mr. Dykes showed seedlings
of Iris Kliaiont. having a long fall, ami of 1.
germanica, with inflorescence blanching from the
base, with an herbaceous spathe. The habit,
evergreen character of foliage, and partially her
lie. ons spathe of 1. germanica have led Mr-
Dykes to conclude that I. germanica is not o
really wild plant, and the nature of the seed-
lings suggests that I. aphylla is one of the
parents, but the other parent is unknown.

Ehododendrons. — Mr. Magor, of Lamellen, St.
Tudv. sent the following rare Rhododendrons :
R. . ainpylogynuiii. collected by Forrest on the
Tali Range, a dwarf undeishrnb. the seedlings
raised by Mr. .1. C. Williams: R. apodcctiun.
also of Forrest's collecting, raised by Mr.
Magor, from the Shweli-Salweetn Range, a
shrub of 4 to 6 feet ; R. ledoides, from Yunnan.
a shrub of 2 feet; and R. sp°, related to
Azalea indica. from the Chutong Hills. The
list two were both raised by the exhibitor.
Mr. M. Yukki; sent a plant called R. Edgari-
aiuun. which bore dark violet purple flowers and
was si rongly aromatic.

CHELSEA SHOW.

(Continued from p. 287. J

Scientific Exhibits.

A special tent was set apart for scientific
and educational exhibits, and many of the fore-
most horticultural research stations contributed
in making a very interesting display. It was
gratifying to see 'that the flower loving public
as well as professional horticulturists took
advantage of seeing the part played by science
in unravelling the mysteries of plant life.

From the Royal Horticultural Society's
Laboratory at Wisley came a series of scientific
exhibits. 'There were the results of experiments
set forth showing that the greater percentage ot
starch present in a seed. Potato tuber bene
ficiaJlv affected the yield. Specimens showing
the disastrous effect of planting Apple trees in
grassland as against planting in cultivated soil
were on view, together with an interesting series
of Plum trees in pots, showing that such
varieties of Plums as Descaisne. Jefferson and
Comte Blanche d'Altham. failed to set fruit when
the flowers were pollinated with their own
pollen, while the varieties Monarch, The Czar
and Denniston's Superb were self-fertile.
Solutions of typical plant pigments were also
shown as well as contact washes, stomach
poisons, and winter washes — and the chemicals
with which they are made — used in controlling
many insect pests affecting fruit trees. A very
simple and instructive experiment was erected
showing the effect of the presence of humus on
the water holding capacity of the soil.

Mr. J. K. Ramsrottom exhibited a unique
series of pliof.omicrogra.phs of the lifehisfory of
the Narcissus eelworm and photographs of boxes

of bulbs showing the result of the treatment with
hot water.

The Imperial College op Science, South
Kensington, contributed an apparatus used for
measuring the size of the leaf pores and another
for measuring the loss of water from plants.
A very interesting exhibit was shown by the
Fruit Experimental Station of the South
Eastern Agricultural College, East Mailing. The
different types of root action of various Crab and
Paradise stocks of Apples and photographs of
trees worked on various stocks were displayed :
some od' the photographs proved that the
variety Lane's Prince Albert, for example, will
give a tree of free-blooming and dwarf habit,
when worked on some stocks, while worked on
others the same variety is less precocious and
more vigorous. This is a very valuable piece
of research work which is being steadily investi-
gated at, East Mailing and which will solve many
of the difficulties with which the fruit grower
has to contend.

The Institute of Plant Pathology, Rothain-
sted Experimental Station, sent a large series of
cultures of fungi found to be present in the soil,
and work is now in progress to discover which
species may lie regarded as being beneficial and
which harmful lo the fertility of the soil and to
the plant. It is known that many fungi affecting
some of the most valuable food crops can remain
active in the soil for a number of years; others
there may be which are capable of adversely
affecting the availability of manure, and we look
forward to the results of this investigation which
may shed more light on the complexities of the
soil. From the same Institute came photographs
of the process of steam sterilisation as practised
in a Tomato house in order to free the soil
from the root-knot, eelworm. and there were also
show n a number of chemicals employed to
partially sterilise soil and render it free from
many bacteria and low forms of animal life
which are known to be detrimental to soil
fertility.

A group of fruit trees with photographs was
shown by the John Innes Horticultural
Institution, illustrating the effects of cross
fertilisation in cases of self sterility. The same
institution also displayed a series of Calceolaria
hybrids obtained from original crosses made
by the late superintendent, Mr. Allnrd.

Another very interesting exhibit came from
the Cheshunt' Experimental and Research
Station. Being situated in the centre of a
large commercial Tomato growing district, this
station is, amongst other things, paying par-
ticular' attention to the many fungous and
bacterial diseases affecting this crop. Cultures
and photographs were shown of many destructive
diseases which are now under investigation such
as Sleepy Disease, Stripe. " Damping Off,"
Collar Rot and Stalk Disease.

Some excellent drawings of species of Tulips
by Miss E. Kave were shown bv Mr. W. R.
Dykes. M.A.. while from Mr. R. A. Mai BY.
F R.P.S., came a very interesting collection of
micrographs of pests affecting horticultural and
agricultural crops.

Horticultural Sundries.

Fertilisers, insecticides and fungicides, as
well as the thousand and one. things classed as
horticultural sundries, are fast becoming necessi-
ties to success lid gardening, and, judging from
the numbers of visitors who thronged the Lime
avenue on all three days, are most attractive
adjuncts to a (lower show. It may be. though,
that lhes-e mundane articles and preparations do
not lend themselves to displays of compelling
.'iH>",ci:oo ■ tied there is nothing about i "iganl'c
tubular boiler, such as the Bisson, or Knapsack
sprayers, or tills of chemical fertiliser that re-
ouire or warrant more than a passing glance.
But there is a dignity in the massive lines of the
boiler aed a fascination in the make-up of the
chemical manures that seems irresistible, and no
doubt the insecticides stir up memories of the
ereen flv at home which are irreedilv and oease-
lesslv appropriating the life blood of the plants.
Re that as it may. the fact remains that, the
crowd in the Lime avenue wis almost as dense
as in the flower lent, and deridedly more physi-
cally comfortable. And if was Cosmopolitan in
its tastes, too, for it displayed as much interest

June 12, 1920.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

299

in a new lawn mower as in the model green-
houses, or the kill-all specific, or the beat-all
fertiliser.

The greenhouses by Messrs. D. Swain and
Co., Holloway, and Messrs. J. Weeks and Co.,
92, Victoria Street, Westminster, were of pleas-
ing design and splendidly adapted for growing
perfect plants. Besides span-roofed greenhouses,
Messrs. Swain and Co. had various garden
frames and a most fascinating garden house ;
while Messrs. Weeks and Co. included their
well-known sun-blinds and even more famous
boilers in their exhibit. Messrs. Skinner,
Board ano Co., Bedminster, Bristol, exhibited
their well-known greenhouse.

It was Messrs. C. P. Kinnell and Co., of
65, Southwark Street, S.E.I, who exhibited the
giant Bisson and Rochdale boilers, which seemed
equal to heating unlimited lengths of piping, and
they also had smaller boilers of the Mona and
Robin Hood patterns.

Spraying appliances of various types were
very prominent, and many of the manufacturers
also showed spraying materials. The Acme
Chemical Co., Tonbridge, had a very attractive
stand, where they displayed many of their well-
known Acme preparations, weed killers and
lawn sand. Fumerite, the Acme soil disinfectant,
is a valuable preparation. Various insecticides,
including the safe and popular Quassia chips,
were also on view.

Mr. J. L. Edginton, Ecdesall. Sheffield,
n.ade a great display of his famed "Bux "
specialties, Limbux, Pestibux and Bordobux.
Xiimibux, a soil "energiser and fertiliser/7" is a
specially treated lime preparation which, being
non-burning, may be safely used at any season.
The name Pestibux is sufficiently descriptive to
indicate its nature. Bordobux is a dry-spray
compound, non-caustic and very efficient.

Messrs. W. N. Cooper and Nephews, Berk-
Hiamstead, had on view various spraying
machines, and their noted VI and V2 spray
fluids; Messrs. Jeyes' Sanitary Compounds Co.,
64, Cannon Street, London, also made a very
attractive display with their well-known (horti-
cultural preparations and sprays.

Messrs. Corry and Co., Bedford Chambers,
Coven t Garden, showed attractive samples of
their proprietary Niquas ; the old favourite
Stan den's manure, and the efficient Lethorion
fumigating cone.

Spraying machines of many types and all of
first-class make were ?et out bv the Four Oaks
Co., Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham, and by
Messrs. Holder-Harriden, Ltd., 35. Xoble
Street, London ; while Mr. J. Haws, 227, Lower
Clapton Road, E., showed his well-known
watering cans.

Messrs. McDougall Bros. , Ltd. , 66, Port
Street, Manchester, had a most attractive stand
where due prominence was given to the tried
and proved Katakilla, an effective weed killer.

As it is on the eve of the Potato spraying
•season, the "Blighty" exhibit attracted a deal
of attention. Many came, drawn by the novel
character of the circular summer-house and
garden, but remnined interested in "Blighty"
amd its almost infinite possibilities as a safe and
-efficient spraying compound. Most similar pre-
parations must be used soon after they are
m;.de, but Blighty remains in suspension for an
unusually long time and, being of a very adhesive
nature, is especially efficient. Besides its known
preat value as a preventive of Potato blight ,
Blighty is also an efficient cure for many other
vegetable and fruit diseases.

PftlCES' Patent Candle Co.. Belmont Works,
Battersea, naturally gave special prominence to
their Oishurst Compound, which was considered
an indispensable insecticide by the older genera-
tion of gardeners, and has continued in the front
rank as ;i reliable insecticide to this day. For
those who prefer them there were soft soap and
quassia, and soft soap and paraffin compounds,
ooth readily soluble and safe to use.

Messrs. Gr. W. Purser, 15, Charles Street,
E.C.I, had spraying appliances and various in-
secticides. Messrs Bobinson Bros., Ryder's
Green, West Branrwieh, nnd the Stonehouse
Works Co., Spin Lane Mills, West Bromwich,
also displayed many excellent sprayers; the

latter firm included insecticides and such fer-
tilisers as Abunda, Potoma and Vitilizer.

The famous Abol sprayers and preparations
were prominent on the stand of Messrs. E. A.
White, Ltd., Paddock Wood, Kent, who also
showed their Stictite, which is extensively used
for fruit tree banding.

Nicotyl, for use against red spider ; Vossolite,
the soil insecticide ; Standard Lime Sulphur ;
Pterokyl, dor aphides and oapsid bugs are the
names of only a few of the specialities attrac-
tively displayed by Messrs. Walter Voss and
Co., Millwall ; while Messrs. Wm, Wood and
Co., Taplow, demonstrated the use and value of
their sprayer, cultivator, and various other
garden implements ; Messrs. Murphy and Son,
Mortlake, staged insecticides.

Messrs. Prentice Bros, made a great display
of their famed Icthemic Guano, the newer
Tomorite, and other fertilisers which they
mam: f acture la rgely at Sto wmarket, an d also
displayed excellent vegetables and saladimgs
grown by the aid of these materials.

Splendid yellow loam in turves fully six inches
thick and full of fibre was shown by Mr. A, B.
Johnston, New Park, Cranleigh ; while further
along the avenue Messrs. H. Scott and Sons,

Vases ano Statuary.

There was a sufficient variety of garden orna-
ments to suit all tastes, if not all purses. Many
were exceedingly beautiful, and most of the
kaden figures of great worth. No longer are
garden ornaments restricted to figures and plant
vases ; the summer needs of birds are remem-
bered in the artistic stone baths, where sweet
songsters may disport themselves; and shallower
drinking places where they may moisten their
bills.

Messrs. T. Crowther and Sons, Fulham, set
out a wide range of garden ornaments and many
iron gates of most elegant design. Mr. C. T.
West, Seymour Street, London, included glass
vases and stands. Messrs. Sanders and Co.,
Euston Road, London, had many desirable vases,
figures and bird baths, mostly in stone and of
pleasing design.

Garden furniture and tents were also shown
in great variety. Such firms as Castles' Ship-
breaktng Co., Mdllbank, London ; Messrs.
Hughes, Bolckow and Co., Blyth, Northum-
berland; Messrs. Gamages and Co., Holborn :
Messrs. Maggs and Co., Bristol; Messrs. Pig-
gott and Co., Bishopsgate; and Messrs.
Duncan, Tucker and Co., South Tottenham,

«£&&&

Fig. 139.— Chelsea show: mk.

Woodside, showed excellent turves of "mellow,
fibrous soil."

Well-made labels of neat design, clear lettering
and indestructible nature were shown in great
variety by Mr. J. Pinches, Crown Street, Cam-
berwell, who also had bloom protectors and
exhibition boxes.

In addition to their well-known horse lawn
boots, Messrs. N. Pattisson and Co., Streatham,
exhibited a graduator-distributor for applying
top-dressings. The Acme Ladder Co., Earls-
held, demonstrated the value of their extension
ladders. The Cloohe Chip Co., Guildford, dis-
played their speciality ; and the Concrete
Block Co., Chelsea, showed the making of their
blocks, win li are recommended for building
purposes.

Garden Supplies, Ltd. (late Boundary
Chemical Co.), Liverpool, had many interested
observers of the demonstrations with their new
lawn mower a-nd other of their sundries. The
"Cascade" nozzle, by Mr. T. II. Webster,
Ingatestone, Kss> x ; and the "Newspray " nozzle,
for attaching to watering cans, by Mr. J.
SiNiii.KTON, Kulwood. Preston, are both useful
articles to the gardener.

who are also tamed as builders of first-class glass-
houses, were well represented. Garden gates ol
Oak were set uo by Mi'. George Blav, of Mai-
den; whilst Dryad Cane and Metal Works,
Leicester, showed seats and hammocks.

HORTICULTURAL CLUB.

June 1. — The annual dinner of the H"iii<"l-
tural Cub nae arid during the evening of the
I i is i day of the R.H.S. Chelsea Show, in the

lei m,' i ni the Vincenl Square 11. ill. W • si

ii inster. Dr. P. W. Keeble presided, and the e
was a company of forty, including ladies, I lie
Chairman ri ad a letter from the President, Lord
Li'iiili.iiinir. regretting Ins inability to be pn
and wishing the members an enjoyable even ng.
li,, toasl lisl was a short one. and ini luded
"The Horticultural Club, ' proposed bj the
Chairman. Dr. Keeble referred to the difficu ties
the i into has experiem ed in finding a suitable
heme since the Hotel Windsor was taken over
by the authorities, and expre se I the latitude
„i the .'uli bo the Council of the B.H.S., which
obligingly arrarged for the Committee i<> cent

300

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

June 12, 1920.

one of the rooms at the Society's hall. Such a
measure could, however, be only a temporary
one and they looked forward to the time when
more suitable premises could 'be secured. He
wished the clj-D success in the future, for he was
sure that the association of plant lovers resulted
in friendships that were sincere and enduring.
Mi-. W. A. Bilney responded. " The health of
the Chairman " was proposed by Mr. K. VY.
Wallace, who stated that Dr. Keeble's associa-
tion with horticulture in the past few years had
been fruitful of much good and lie hoped that
the time would come when he would again en-
gage in the more praotical side of gardening.

A capital programme was rendeied by the
following artistes under the direction of Mr.
Carl Hentschel : — Misses Pamela Baselow and
Ethel Roystqn, Messrs. Charles Coborn, Walter
Montague. Arnold Stoker and Sinclair Mantell.

WAKEFIELD AND NORTHERN TULIP

The 88th Annual Exhibition of Tulips was
held in the Brunswick Hotel, Wakeheid, on
Whit. -Monday and Tuesday, the 24th and 25th
ult. The season has been a bad one for Tulips ;
the fine open weather of March caused the
blooms to develop rapidly, only to be damaged
by the heavy rains and strong winds of April
and early May.

The principal prize was a Silver Challenge
Cup offered for the 'best pan of 9 blooms and
the honour of being the first to have his name
engraved on the Cup fell to an old Wakefield
veteran, Mr. J. Hardwick. His blooms were
Mts. Colyer (premier), Mabel, fl., Sir Josepn
Paxton, fl. (premier), Dr. Hardy, Lord Den-
man, fl., Mr. Jackson, fl., and " Rosehill, Sir
Joseph Paxton and Goldfinder, breeders. The
first prize winner in the open class for 6 rec-
tified blooms was Mr. .C. J. Fox (Birmingham),
with Sarah Headley, Mabel, Sam Barlow Talis-
man and Adonis ; 2nd, Mr. J. Hardwick ;
3rd, Mr. R. Robinson. In the open class for
6 breeders, the first prize again fell to Mr. C. J.
Fox, for Annie Macgregor, Lady C. Grosvenor
roses; Sulphur and Alfred Boyd, bizarres ;
and Talisman and Othello, Bybloemens ; 2nd
Mr. F. Fox, and 3rd, J. Hardwick.

In the open class for 3 breeders, Mr. R.
Robinson won first prize with Rosehill, Paxton,
and Bridesmaid, the last being a magnificent
flower and easily securing the premier prize
as _ the best breeder. In the class for the best
pair of blooms, the first prize was won by
Mr. R. Robinson ; 2nd, Mr. J. Hardwick ; and
3rd, Mr. C. J. Fox.

The judging was in the capable hands of
Mr. C. W. Needham, who also, at the con-
clusion of the dinner, presented the Cup to the
winner.

KEW GUILD.

June 2. — The annual general meeting and
dinner of the Kew Guild, held at the Holborn
Restaurant, were very largely attended. The
gatherings were very representative, and those
present included men from Malaya, India, West
Indies. Uganda, West Coast of Africa and
Luxembourg.

Mr. Charles H. Curtis presided over the
annual meeting. The report presented by Mr.
A. Osbom, the secretary, referred to the loss
by death of Mr. G. Stanton. Mr. J. Rcmrke,
and Mr. W. J. Tutcher ; to the War Memorial ;
and to the need for increased subscriptions to
maintain the Kew Guild Journal at its present
standard of size and interest. In moving the
adoption of the report, the Chairman emphasised
the need for increased income and referred to
the great value of the Journal to all Kewit.es.
The report and accounts were adopted, and
several recommendations to the Committee were
accepted.

Mr. Osborn and Mr. Coutts were re-appointed
Secretary and Treasurer respectively ; Messrs.
A. C. Bartlett and J. W. Taylor as Auditors;
and vacancies on the Committees were filled by
the election of Messrs. T. F. Chinp, A. Hosking,
F. A. Sprague, J. Weathers and R. J. Platten.
At the close of the formal business the Chair
man made a strong and successful appeal for

the remainder of the amount needed for the
Kew Memorial, and also urged members to
support the Guild Benevolent Fund, by means
of which timely and much-needed aid has been
rendered on many occasions.

Capt. A. W. Hill, Assistant Director of Kew.
and the President of the Guild, presided over
the annual dinner. There was a record attend-
ance, no fewer than 145 being present, includ-
ing a number of women Kewites. This function
was one of the happiest of a long series and
will not soon be forgotten by those who t ..;:
part in it. When proposing "The Kew Guild."
Capt. Hill referred to the wide distribution of
Kewites throughout the world, and the import-
ant positions they occupied. The influence ot
Kew was world-wide, and he was often sur
prised at the success of Kewites when he re-
membered how few opportunities there were at
Kew for the study of the higher branches of
the horticultural profession. He hoped greater
facilities for study would be provided before
long.— The Hon. J. W. Campbell, J.P. (Malacca),
who responded, expressed the delight all Kew
ites in distant lands felt when the Journal
reached them, and he hoped that whatever
could, or could not. be done, the Committee
would maintain the Journal. — The toast <!
"The President" was proposed by Mr. C. H,
Curtis, who, on behalf of the members, con-
gratulated Capt. Hill on presiding over a
record attendance, on being able to announce
the completion of the sum needed to provide
the Guild War Memorial, on the hope he held
out of increased educational facilities at Kew.
and upon his work in connection with the War
Graves' Commission. — The Misses Watson. Miss
HaTper and other Kewites contributed musical
items, old acquaintances were renewed and new
friend-ships made, and an all-too-short evening
concluded with the singing of " Auld Lang
Syne."

©bttuarp.

R.H.S. GARDEN.3' GUILD.

Along the river side and across the flower-
decked fields, from Byfleet, a few who in years
gone by worked at the old RtH.S. Gardens, at
C'hiswick, together with some of the earlier
Wisleyites. wended their way on the beautiful
morning of June 5, to the little eight-hundred-
years-old church at Wisley, Surrey. There thev
were met by the Wisley staff and other mem-
bers of the R.H.S. Gardens' Guild, and all
joined in a short, impressive, memorial service
to those men — about a scores — who, counting not
their lives dear unto them, passed on during
the great war to where flowers fade not, and
where trees are always green, and moth does
not corrupt.

After the service the party went to the R.H.S.
Gardens for lunch. The annual meeting which
followed, held in the lecture room at the
laboratory, was the first gathering since 1914.
Mr. F. J. Chittenden, presided. An informal
report was presented, and Mr. S. T. Wright
stated that the finances showed a balance in
hand, but increasing expenditure on printing
called for increased income if the Journal was to
be continued. Mr. J. Fraser was reappointed
Editor of the Guild Journal, and thanked for
his services. To. meet the heavier costs of pro-
duction the meeting decided to raise the annual
subscription to 2s., and establish life member-
ship at a charge of two guineas. Mr. Lionel
Rothschild was invited to. succeed his father as
President of the Guild; Messrs. Chittenden and
Wright, were appointed Vice-Presidents; Mr.
A. D. Caruwri-ght was chosen as Secretary ;
and Messrs. Spooner and Tinlev, as Auditors.
The Committee, elected bv ballot, consists of
Messrs. C. H. Curtis. C.' Titchmarsh. Frank
Reader, and Wallis, with Messrs. Sims and
Hamilton representing the Wisley students.

At the conclusion of this meeting the mem-
bers insoected the gardens, under the guidance
of Mr. Chittenden. Mr. Wright and Mr. Blakey,
and were greatly interested in the new Chinese
shrubs, the rock and water gardens, the culinarv
Pea trials, the colonies of Lilium giganteum and
Primulas, and the fine promise of a large
Apple crop in the orchard on the high ground
where the splendid appearance of the trees when
in bloom was the subiect. of comment by visitors.

Augustin De Candolle.— We learn with regret
of the death of Augustin Pyramus De Candolle,
which took place on May 9, at Vaillon, near-
Geneva. Augustin De Candolle, the last of a
long line of distinguished botanists, died in his
fifty-second year, having survived his father,
C'asimir, by some eighteen months. Born -n
England in 1869. Augustin De Candolle was a
frequent visitor here. His published work in-
cludes memoirs on new plants from Madagascar
and Touquin. He was the great grandson of
A P. De Candolle (1778-1841). grandson of
Alphonse De Candolle (1806-1893), who was
awarded the Linnean gold medal in 1889, and
the son of Casimir, 1836-1918 : surely an unique
line composed of four generations of botanists !

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Excavation of Soil : II. S. We know of no
special work dealing with the subject men-
tioned in your letter, but you will find the
information you desire in the Horticultural
Notebook, published by Messrs. Crosby Lock-
wood and Sons, 7, Stationers' Hall Court,
Ludgate Hill, London.

MORAEA IRIDIOIDES JOHNSONU 1 R. F. S.

Write to Mrs. I. L. Richmond, Woodlands,
Lustleigh, Devon, who will probably be able
to oblige you.

Mushrooms Failing in Meadow Land:
//. S. N. Unless well fed cattle have been
grazed upon the meadow-land, it is Hardly
likely that Mushrooms will appear again after
an absence of three years. We can find no
trace of any previous communication from you
on this subject.

N imes of Plants: J. 0. Limnanthes
Douglasii. — W. and S. Probably a species of
Salvia; send when in flower. — //. C. 2V.
Streptsolen Jamesonii.

Nectarine Leaves Blistered : J. T. T .
The blistering is caused by a fungus, Exoascus
deformans, which attacks the young leaves of
Peaches and Nectarines ' during a period of
cold weather. Spraying with Bordeaux mix-
ture will prevent infection by means of spores,
but a better plan is to cut away infected"
shoots and leaves and burn Ihem.

Tomato Leaves Diseased: J. C. McA. The
disease is caused by the fungus
Cladosporium fulvum. and is known as
Tomato leaf rust. Spray the plants with n
dilute solution of potassium sidphide or with
Bordeaux mixture at half the usual strength.
IS the plants are badly affected remove and
burn them.

Tulips " Breaking"; C. Certain varieties
of self-coloured Tulips have the habit of
" breaking." i.e., they may produce flowers
of a different colour from the true form. The
variety Mr. Farncombe Sanders sometimes
" breaks" in this way, and having once-
broken, the bulbs do not again produce
flowers of the original colour ; the reason for
this peculiarity is not known.

Vine Leaves Injured : IF. H. M . The injury
is due to some external agency and not to
Miecific disease. Scorching by bright sun-
shine may have caused the -rouble.

Vine Leaves Scalded. B : The scalding is due
to the action of sunlight upon foliage wet with
condensed moisture. The vinery ■ should be
ventilated early in the morning so that the
moisture is dispersed before brilliant sunshine-
can act through it, as through a lens, on the
tender tissues. The chief point to observe in
the prevention of scalding is to open the-
ventilators very slightly, early in the morning,
and steadily increase the ventilation through
the day in bright and w-arm weather.

Corr-nunir-tions Benei'-ed — \V. ". R.— \V. .T-
V. T-W. K-\. W. ft.—T,. \._B S. J.-J. E.-
\V. .T. R.-r. G.-A. S.r-C. E. P.

lUNE 19. ly.'O.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

301

THE

(&axbm£t% Cbrmtkle

No. 1747.— SATURDAY, JUNE 19. 1920.

CONTENTS:

Alpine garden, the —

Erysimum liiiiloliuni

Lithospermum pur-

pureo-caeruleum . .

Anemone St. Brigid ..

Apiary, the

Books, notices of —

Manual of American

Grape Growing . .

Botanical Magazine..

Colonies, notes from
the—

Fern flora of a single
tree

Cowper's summer house
at Olney

Deudrobium priinu-
lardii

Edinburgh, the Harri-
son Park at . .

Ewell, garden of Te-
membrance at

Flowers, useful indoor
summer

"Gardeners' Chronicle"
seventy-five years
ago

Gesnera cardinalis

Glasgow, proposed new
park for

Horticulture, new Con-
troller of

Horticulture in Parlia-
ment

Imaw Bum, plant col-
lecting on the

satis tinctoria

fruit

307
308
305

303

302

309
302

301
301

3M2
308

■.in-.
305

Leicestershire
crops in

Nursery notes —

Messrs. Alhvood Bro-
thers

Orchid notes and glean-
ings—
Odontioda Vera

Belle
Orchid tent at the
Chelsea Show

Peas, late

Plants, new and note-
worthy—
Catalpa Duclouxii . .
Clematis Armandii,
C. montana, C.
Spooneri
Davidia involucrata
Mucanasempervirens

Potato spraying

Rochea

Itotbainsted Experi-
mental Station

Silver Leaf disease . .

Societies —

Gardeners' Royal
Benevolent Insti-
tution
Royal Horticultural
York Gala

Timber exhibition at
Holland Park

Trees and shrubs —
Elaeagnus argentea
Veronica Hulkeana

Week's work, the 304

3II.S
309

305
308

303
303
303
308
303

301
308

301
310
311

I

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Cowper's summer house at Olney

Dianthus Allwoodii Susan

Elaeagnus argentea

Isatis tinctoria

Lobjoit, Mr., W. J., portrait of ..

Mucana sempervireus flowering at

307
307
305

302
309
307
305
301
303

Average Mean TEMPEEAirjRE for the ensuing week
deduced from observations during the last ntty
years at Greenwich, 39.5°.

AOTTJal Temperature: —

Gardeners Chronicle Office, 41. Wellington Street,
Covent Garden, London, II edfiesday, June 10.
10 a.m. Bar. 29.92; temp. 70°. Weather— Sunny.

The excellence of the work
The done by the Rothamsted

Rothamsted Experimental Station on
Experimental behalf of agriculture and
station. horticulture is universally

recognised, and the need foi
continuing and extending that work is in-
contestable. It is therefore to be hoped that
the. activities of the Station will not be
restricted for lack of funds. Research is an
increasingly costly operation, and the dis-
coveries made by investigators, though they
add to the wealth of the community, bring no
financial return to the institution to which
the investigators are attached. Moreover,
although the Ministry of Agriculture and the
Development Commissioners have dealt not
ungenerously with Rothamsted, recourse has
to be had to private generosity to supplement
the funds forthcoming from public sources.
This task is undertaken bv the Society for
extending the Rothamsted Experiments
in Agricultuial Science and it is due to the
untiring efforts of this Society that the in-
come received bv Rothamsted has up till
now proved sufficient to permit the Institute
to carry out its work and pursue its course
of development. How remarkable that de-
velopment is may be judged from the fact
that whereas in 1909 — the year in which the
Society for extending the Rothamsted
Experiments was founded — the staff at the
Experimental Station consisted of thirteen
persons, it now comprises forty-three, and
whereas in the same vear the land avail-
able for experiment was limited to fifty
acres, it is now two hundred and eighty
acres. In spite, however, of generous bene-
factions which have provided an endowment
fund bringing in annually some .£2,600,

there is urgent need for further generosity
on the part of the public. Present annual
expenditure amounts to £,'11,600, towards
which the Ministry of Agriculture makes a
grant from the Development Fund of £7,950,
so that the Council of the Rothamsted Ex-
perimental Station have to look to the
Society for assistance in raising the balance
of a little over £1,000. Among recent bene-
factors, horticulturists will notice with inter-
est the names of Mr. W. B. Randall, one of
the prominent growers cf the Lea Valley,
who has provided the funds necessary for
maintaining a W.B. Randall Research Biolo-
gist, and Lord Elvedon.who has shown great
and active interest in the work of Rothamsted,
in maintaining a special research chemist at
the Station. Mr. J. F. Mason, another
generous benefactor, provided for the
building and equipment of the James
Mason Bacteriological Laboratory, and
the Goldsmiths' Company, contributed
£10,000 to provide an endowment for
soil investigation, in which branch of
research, Rothamsted is foremost through-
out the world. But as already indi-
cated, a larger endowment is needed. In
the pursuit of discover)-, new lines of inves-
tigation are always presenting themselves,
and in the research of the future well trained

MK. W. J. LOBJOIT, THE NEW CONTROLLER OF
HORTICULTURE.

bands of experts will have to be engaged.
Furthermore, it is proposed to establish at
Rothamsted an Institute for Plant Patihol-
ogy, and for that purpose also additional
funds are required. No one who will read the
record of achievement published in the Book
of Rothamsted Experiments can doubt
that support given to the institution is well
bestowed, and we are sure therefore that
the efforts made by the Society for extending
the Rothamsted Experiments will meet
with success. Like his predecessor, Sir
Daniel Hall, the present Director, Dr. E. J.
Russell, is keenly interested in gardening
problems and has seen to it that horticultural
soil problems are not overlooked in the
schemes of research planned and practised
at Rothamsted. It is to be hoped, therefore,
that those horticulturists who have not al-
ready made contributions to the Research
Fund will do so now, and as liberally as their
means will permit.

The New Controller of Horticulture.— The
Minister of Agriculture. Lord Lee of Fareham,
has appointed Mr. W. J. Lobjoit, O.B.E., 0. be
Controller of Horticulture (unpaid) at tin- Head
quarters of the Ministry. Mr. Lobjoit is

President-Elect of the Chamber of Horticulture;
Chairman of the Agricultural Committee, the
Small Holdings Committee, and the Agricultural
Education Committee of the Middlesex County
Council, of which lie is also an Alderman; Chair-
man of the Market Gardening, Fruit-Growing
and Hop Committee of the Central Chamber
of Agriculture; Examiner to the Royal Horti-
cultural Society ; and Member of the Horti-
cultural Advisory Committee of the Ministry of
Agriculture. .Mr. Lobjoit is also a well-known
writer on horticultural subjects and has a liie-
long practical experience of market gardening
on a large scale.

Best New Rose at Bagatelle.— We are informed
that. Messrs. Alex Dickson and Sons, Newtown-
anls. have been awarded the Gold Medal for the
best new Rose in the trials held at the Bagatelle
Con dens. Paris. The variety which won the
award is named Frances Gaunt.

Mr. Peter Leslie's Visit to American Forestry
Schools — Mr. P. Leslie, lecturer in Forestry at
Aberdeen University, has been granted leave
of absence for three months during the coming
autumn to enable him to visit a number of
the Forestry Schools, Experimental Stations,
Forest Produce Laboratories, and the more im-
portant forest districts in the United States and
Canada. The authorities consider that the ex-
perience which Mr. Leslie will gain during his
travels will be beneficial to the Forestry De-
partment, and the Committee of the Depart-
ment unanimously recommended the leave, espe
dally as Mr. Leslie has not had a vacation since
the commencement of the war.

Proposed New Park for Glasgow, at Garscube.
— The Glasgow Parks Committee has had under
consideration the offer of a park at Garscube
by Sir Archibald Campbell, of Succoth. and has
agreed to recommend the Town Council to accept
the same. The ground is about 40 acres in ex-
tent, and has been favourably reported upon
bv the Director of Parks and the City En-
gineer, who have stated that a part of the land
could be made suitable for purposes of recrea-
tion at a moderate cost and within a short
time. The ground is well suited for the pur
pose of a public park, and will supply a felt
want in that district of the city.

The Harrison Park, Edinburgh. — The recom-
mendation of the Parks Committee of Edinburgh
Town Council to purchase the Harrison Park for
the sum of £13,500 came before the Council at
a meeting the other day. The proposal was
adopted — a decision which will give much satis-
faction in the district served by the park.

Garden of Remembrance at Ewell. — The
people of the village of Ewell, Surrey, have
decided to lay out, as a War Memorial, a
Garden of Remembrance, situated in the church-
yard. There is to be a Yew hedge enclosing a
plot of ground bordered with Rosemary. Within,
there will be a memorial stone set in a rock
garden in which brightly-coloured flowers will
be kept.

Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution. —
Sir Harry J. Veitch, Treasurer of the
Gardeners' Roval Benevolent Institution, reminds
us that the 77th Anniversary Festival Dinner
in aid of the fund will take place on June 29 at
the Grocers' Hall, London. E.C., when Field-
Marshal H.R.H. The Duke of Connaught will
preside. Subscriptions and donations arc
earnestly solicited and will be gratefully
acknowledged if sent to the treasurer or the
secretary. Mr. George J. Ingram, at 92. Victoria
Street, Westminster, S.W.I.

Empire Timber Exhibition at Holland Park
Skating Rink. From July 5th to July 17th of
tin- present year an exhibition of timber drawn
from various p.uts of the Empire, together with
a comprehensive exhibit of home-grown woods
and articles manufactured from them, will be
In Id in tin- Holland Park Skating Fink. London,
W. At the present time when SO much atten-
tion is being directed to the necessity for
planting trees over extended areas in the
British Isles, so that we may lie self supporting

302

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

June 19, 1920.

in the event of any future castastrophe arising
such as a world war, it is very necessary
that people should realise that timber suitable
for all kinds of ^purposes can be grown in
Britain, although we have been content in the
past to import the greater part of our timber.
In order that the home-grown section shall be
as complete as possible in the space at the
disposal of the committee, estate owners,
scientific bodies, timber merchants and manu-
facturers have united to provide not only the
exhibits but also a great deal of the money to
pay for the floor space, generous contributions
having been made by many of the societies
interested in the cultivation of trees and the
marketing of the timber. The exhibition has
been organised by the Overseas Branch of the
Board of Trade, and running concurrently with
it there is a Forestry Conference organised by
the Forestry Commission.

Cowper's Summer House, at Olney. — For
twenty years the house at Olney, Bucks, in
which the poet, William Cowper, lived from
1767 to 1786. has been known as the Cowper and
Newton Museum, and the interesting and well-
arranged collection within its walls is visited
each year by numbers of those who cherish the
memory of the poet. A few months ago the
opportunity occurred of purchasing the garden
in which still stands the summer-house so fre-

thing; Sir Philip Pilditeh, Spelthorne ; Lt.-Col.
G. L. Courthope, Rye; Lt.-Col. G. Dairy mple
White, Southport; Rt. Hon. E. G. Pretyman,
Chelmsford; Mr. H. B. Betterton, Rushcliffe ;
Mr. H. S. Cautley, East Grinstead ; Commander
B. M. Eyres Monsell, Evesham; Major R. Glyn,
Clackmannan ; Col. C. R. Burn, Torquay ; Mr!
M. G. Townley, Bedford; Major Clive Morrison
Bell, Honiton; Sir Charles Hansom, Bodmin;
Lt.-Commander Charles Williams, Tavistock; Mr.
G. F. Hohler, K.C., Gillingham; and Sir Clifford
J. Cory, St. Ives. It is anticipated that this
Committee will be greatly strengthened after the
next meeting, but in the meantime horticulturists
of every class may at least feel satisfied that,
owing to the action of the Chamber, their inte-
rests are .being watched over in the House of
Commons.

Fighting the Wart Disease of Potatos.— In
order to give farmers greater opportunities of
raising clean crops of Potatos and of fighting
the devastating Wart Disease, the Ministry of
Agriculture has instituted a system of free in-
spection of immune varieties and the granting
of certificates. In districts of England and
Wales regarded by the Ministry as suitable for
production of " seed," growers may have then-
crops inspected on application. This arrange-
ment applies only to growers whose area under
Potatos is not less than half an acre. In those

Fig. 140. — cowper's summer house at olney.

quently mentioned in Cowper's inimitable letters,
and, thanks to the generosity of a number of
friends, the trustees have bought and paid for the
freehold. They now have to meet the cost of
restoring the summer-house, a work which has
been faithfully carried out, and also have to
provide a fund for the general upkeep of the
Museum. Mr. Thomas Wright, author of the
well-known Life of William Cowper, of which
a second edition is in the .press, is the secretary
of the Museum, and to him, at Olney, contri-
butions may be addressed.

Horticulture in Parliament. — A strong and in-
fluential Parliamentary Committee, under the
chairmanship of Mr. Rupert Gwynne, M.P., has
recently been formed to guard and watch over all
the interests of horticulturists in general. This
important step has been successfully organised
by the Chamber of Horticulture, of 18, Bedford
Square, W.C.I, which has already obtained many
concessions in favour of horticulturists, and has
been the means of keeping before the authori-
ties the just claims of those engaged in this
essential industry. Amongst those Members of
Parliament who are already serving on this new
Parliamentary Committee may be mentioned the
names of: Mr. Rupert S. Gwynne, Eastbourne;
Major S. Steel, Ashford ; Mr. Ronald McNeill.
Canterbury ; Major G. H. Wheeler. Faversham :
Commander C. Bellairs, Maidstone; Col. H.
Spender-Clay. Tollbridge; Earl Winterton. Wor

cases where, after inspection, the Ministry is
satisfied that the stock is pure and the crop
generally healthy, a certificate to that effect will
he issued free of charge. The object of this
inspection is to secure, as far as possible, that
pure " seed." true to type, shall be available
for planting in 1921, in areas certified as "in-
fected areas " under the Wart Disease of
Potatos Order of 1919. Growers are, or should
be. aware that under this Order " seed " of
immune varieties can only enter such areas after
it has been certificated. Certificates will not
be issued unless the authorities are fully satis-
fied as to the purity of the stock and the gen-
eral healthiness of the crop. A certificate will
assist the grower to sell his seed to a dealer,
and will facilitate the entry of such seed into
infected areas. Applications for the inspection
of growing crops must be made on forms pro-
vided for the purpose, which can be obtained
from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
72. Victoria Street. London, S.W.I. These
forms, duly completed, must be returned not
later than July 1, 1920.

Botanical Magazine. — This historical woTk is
still being issued in tri-monthly parts by the
publishers. Messrs. L. Reeve and Co.. Ltd.
The first- section of vol. XVI. representing the
issues Xos. 181, 182, and 185, contains illustra-
t.ons and descriptions of the following plants : —
Stanhopea costarioensis. tab. 8830; Rhododen-

dron ledcides, tab. 8831, Ilex verticillata, tab.
8832 ; Cornus Kousa, tab. 8833 ; Rhododendron
vernicosum, tab. 8834; Erica Haroldiana, tab.
8835 ; Prinmla pulvinata, tab. 8836 ; Symphy-
andra asiatica, tab. 8837 ; Pavetta abyssinica,
tab. 8838 ; Pleurothallis punctulata, tab. 8839 ;
and Ribes Jessoniae, tab. 8840. Both the
Rhododendrons are newly introduced Chinese
species. K. ledoides belongs to the Cephalan-
thum series of Rhododendrons ; it forms a shrub
some two feet tall and has the habit of a Ledum,
hence the specific name. The flowers develop in
a globular umbel and are rose-coloured. R.
vernicosum is a much bigger species and pro-
duces imposing looking trusses of bell-shaped
pale rose coloured flowers. Ilex verticillata is a
well-known plant in gardens and was figured by
Loudon in Arb. el. Frut.. vol. 11, fig. 191.
Cornus Kousa flowers in May and is said to be
less sensitive to late spring frosts than C. florida.
It is described as one of the more beautiful as
well as remarkable of hardy shrubs. Erica
Haroldiana is a new Heath from South Africa
and seeds were received at Kew from the
National Botanic Gardens, Kirstenbosch,
South Africa, in 1915. The plant, which
attained a height of 18 inches, flowered
in the greenhouse in January. The

flowers are in terminal clusters of 4-5, and
coloured red at the mouth part, the basal part
being whitish. Primula pulvinata is a dwarf,
Chinese species with golden yellow flowers which
are embedded among the lanceolate leaves.
S\mphyandra asiatica has Campanula-like
flowers of very pale mauve colour produced on
stems some 2£ feet high. Mr. E. H. Wilson
collected seeds in Korea and from these was
raised the plant which furnished the material
for the Bol. Mag. plate. The Currant, Ribes
Jessoniae. has an inflorescence some 6 inches
long with dull red flowers. The fruits are
about the size of Black Currants and covered
sparsely with glandular bristles ; when ripe
they are of a pale, rusty yellow colour, and
sometimes red.

" The Gardeners' Chronicle " Seventy-five
Years Ago. — Production of Male or Female
Flower* on Cucumbers. — One of our correspon-
dents has been perplexed at finding in
his Cucumber plants a great abundance
of barren (or male) flowers, and very few
fertile (or female flowers). If he had been a
Morphologist he would have been at no loss to
account for the phenomenon. The late Mr.
Andrew Knight, who was one of the most faith-
ful of all observers, and who was never guilty
of forming an opinion upon any other than what
he considered conclusive evidence, used to main-
tain that when plants have the stamens in one
flower, and the pistil in another, it was possible
to compel such plants to yield one or the other
of such flowers at the pleasure of the operator.
He found, in fact, by experiment, that the effect
upon such plants of a preternaturally high tem-
perature, was to cause them to produce male
flowers only ; while a preternaturally low tem-
perature was favourable to the production of
female flowers only. A Water-Melon plant was
grown in a house, the heat of which was some-
times raised to 110 during the middle of warm
and bright days, and v/hich generally varied in
such days from 90 to 105, declining during the
evening to about 80, and to 70 in the night ;
the air was kept damp by copious sprinkling
with water, of nearly the temperature of the
external air, and little ventilation was allowed.
The plant, under these circumstances, grew with
great health and luxuriance, and afforded a
most abundant blossom ; but all its flowers were
male. This result, he says, did not in any
degree surprise him : for he had many years
previously succeeded, by long continued very
low temperature, in making Cucumber plants
produce female plants only; and he entertained
little doubt that the same fruit stalks might be
made in this and other and the preceding species,
to support either male or female flowers " in
obedience to external causes." This, be it re-
membered, was the experience of a quiet skilful
observer, who had no theory to support, and
probably never heard of the word Morphology ;
but who carefully noted facts which came under
his observation, without proceeding further.
Gard. Chron., June 21, 1845.

June 10, 1920.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

303

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

Manual of American Grape Growing".

Although this book is written for American
growers, there is nmeh m it which the British
cultivator will find interesting and profitable

The European species, Vitis vinifera, does
not, as a rule, flourish on its own roots in the
United States of America; and when varieties
of that species are grown it is found necessary
to graft them on one of the American stocks, cf
which there are several species and about two
thousand varieties, some of which are resistant
to the Phylloxera, which insect is the one most
commonly met with in that country.

Grafting is extensively practised, cleft grafting
being very usual. This form may be necessary
when the scion has to be fitted on to a large
dormant stock, but we cannot understand why
it should be practised on young stocks of a
similar size to the scion, and the author admits
that from 5 to 50 per cent, will fail, or grow
so poorly that re-grafting is necessary.

Another (method is described, which we should
call inarching, and this takes two seasons to
perform, the variety desired 'being rooted one
season and planted close to the stock in the
year following, the inarching being performed
with young growths in June. Were the British
method followed — i.e., grafting after the stock
has made some leaves, while th,e scion is almost
dormant — a whole season might be saved, and
failures with this plan are almost unknown in
tile hands of an expert.

A plan of " bench " grafting is described,
:n which the stock and the scion are rootless
cuttings of the same diameter. This appears to
be a v,ery expeditious method, and is, well worth
adopting when it is desired to increase the
vigour of some of our weakly-growing varieties.
Cleft and also whip grafting are practised, but
we should imagine that our ordinary splice
grafting would do quite as well and be neater.

The plan of wire grafting of cuttings appears
to be a neat one. The stock and scion of the
same diameter are cut at an angle of 45°, and
are held together by a piece of galvanised wire,
2 inches in length', inserted in the pith.

These grafted cuttings are not planted in the
nursery at once, but are tied in bundles and
placed in a "callusing" bed of damp but not wet
sand, with a temperature of 60° until the middle
of March, after which time it should be about
75°. In four weeks after warming the bed the
stock and scion will be found to be) »o far
united that it will take a pull of several pounds
to separate them. Roots will also have started
from the stuck, as well as from the scion, and
they are than ready for planting. After plant-
ing, the grafts are covered with an inch or
two of soil. Roots start on the scion sooner
than on the stock, the soil being warmer at the
surface, and these help to assist the scions until
the stocks are_ well rooted, at which time all
roots on the scion are removed.

Many of the American varieties are self-sterile
and produce no fruit if cross-pollination is not
provided for. The remedy is inter-planting with
varieties which flower .at the same time.

There are some interesting remarks on '-'ring-
ing " vines. The author says three objects may
be attained by ringing. Unproductive plants
may be brought into bearing, the size of the
fruits may be increased, and maturity hastened
but it is doubtful whether the gains attained
by ringing offset the losses.

Bagging is essential in some localities to protect
the fruit from birds. It is also found to be
a protection from insects, fungi and early frosts
the bagged " fruits are also free from 'weather
marks and ripen earlier.

In northern regions it is necessary to protect
t be vines, especially the European varieties from
the severe frosts experienced there. After
pruning, the canes are brought down flat and
covered with soil.

There is a chapter on "Grapes under Glass"
which is very well written, but as it contains
little that ,s new to the British gardener, it is
needless to nnnte from it

NEW AND NOTEWORTHY PLANTS.

CATALPA DUCLOUXII, DODE.
There is now flowering in the garden of Mr.
W. P. Brigstocke, Ryde House, Isle of Wight,
a tree of this new species of Catalpa, probably
the first tree of its kind to blossom in this coun-
try. The" -species is a native of Western China,
and was first discovered by Delavay, in Yunnan,
in 1888; nine years later it was found again by
Pere Ducloux, after whom it was named. For
most of the plants in cultivation we are indebted
to Mr. E. H. Wilson, who found the species in
Szeohuen in 1904, when collecting for Messrs.
Veitch, aria in 1907 for the Arnold Arboretum.
It is a tree up to 50 feet in height, and Mr.
Wilson records one with a trunk girthing 4 feet
4 inches. The leaves are described as being en-
tire, but on Mr. Brigstocke's tree they have
occasionally a triangular, pointed lobe at each
side; they are ovate, acuminate at the apex.

1 Y""i>"' of American an„r nr„„;,w Rv w v
Hendnck. M-,rnnlb„ „„,, Co. Price 15s ,n ' ' ?'

Fig. 141. — flowers of a new species of muctjna
(m. sempervirens ?) flowering at verr1eres.

cuneate or truncate at the base, the larger ones
5 inches long and 4 inches wide, the stalks
purplish and from 2 to 4 inches long.
The inflorescence is a terminal corymb
carrying six or more flowers, each flower
of the usual Catalpa shape, the corolla
1J inch, wide and li inch, long, with five
rounded. Frilled lobes. In colour they are
distinct from the older Catalpas, having a pinkish
white ground freely dotted both inside and out
side with purplish pink. Lines of still darker
dots traverse the throat of the corolla, where arc
also two broad stripes of rich yellow.

In Dode's original description of the spories
the leaves and inflorescence are described as
glabrous, and the specimens in the Kew Herba
rium have that character. But in Mr. Brig
stocke's specimen the leaves have stellate lint
on the midrib and chief nerves of the leaves,
and the flower stalk- are more or less pubescent.
especially near the base of the calyx. This
pubescent character, in conjunction with the

lulled leaves, supports the view of Ml. Heinle'.

who in the PhmUir Wilsonianae is inclined I"
regard C. Duclonxii as only a. variety of

C. Fargesii, which, normally, has leaves very
pubescent beneath and very distinctly lobed. I
consider the tree at Ryde House intermediate
between these two species, although much nearer
to C. Duclouxii.

This is an early season, but the tree is evidently
a much earlier-flowering one than the American
species, and was in bloom at Ryde House in the
last days of May. It thus lengthens the Catalpa
season, although one would prefer the lengthen-
ing to have been at the end rather than the
beginning. IT. ,/. B.

RARE SHRUBS FLOWERING AT
VERRIERES.

Among many rare and new shrubs which have
flowered tins season in i\l. de Vilmorin's col-
lections at Verrieres le Buisson, France, may be
mentioned both forms of Davidia involucrata :
var. laeta, with red bark and petioles, intro-
duced by Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons ; and var.
Vilmoriniana, first introduced and flowered by
M. Maurice L. de Vilmorin. The latter has
produced, this year for the first time, although
it is now 17 years old, a few dozen flowers with
very large, hanging, white bracts. Two forms
of Rhododendron calophytum with white and
pink flowers respectively." flowered in March for
the first time. Clematis Spooneri and a fine pink
hybrid, raised at Verrieres, both with flowers
almost twice as large as those of C. montana,
flowered in May, and a beautiful form of C.
Armandii, with flowers much larger and more
abundant than those of the type, blossomed in
I March and April.

The most curious plant is a species of Mucuna.
which seems to be the one illustrated and de-
scribed in the Bot. Mag., t 7.978. as M. semper-
- virens. introduced into England by Dr. A.
Henry, from Ichang, in 1883. and 'flowered at
Kew in the temperate house in August. 1903.
The Verrieres plant flowers much earlier in the
season, notwithstanding that it is planted out
of doors against a wall facing south, where it
has grown for sixteen years during very severe
winters without protection. The seeds were
collected in China (without any precise indica-
tion of locality) by Abbi? Farg'es. in 1897. and
introduced into cultivation by the late SI.
Maurice L. de Vilmorin to Verrieres. The plant
is a large, twining shrub, with persistent tri-
foliolate leaves. In 1903 three flowers were pro-
duced for the first time. This year it has given,
for the second time, eight fine, drooping racemes,
each one foot long (see Fig. 141). borne on the
old wood and carrying 15 to 20 large flowers. The
individual blooms are over 3 inches long, very
dark claret -purple, with a Iong-heaked and split
keel, as shown in the much reduced illustration,
and look very curious indeed. One inflorescence
is borne close to the ground.

The seeds of another Srucuna were received
by Slons. de Vilmorin in 1910. from Father
R. P. Thermes, of which the only plant at
Verrieres has not vet flowered, but. judging
from the foliage it imust be very near SI.
sempervirens. X. Mottll

ROCHEA.

Rochea coccinea. R. jasminea and their
hybrids, generally known in gardens as Cras-
sulas or Kalosanthes, have long been favourite
greenhouse plants. Rochea coccinea may attain a
height of some three feet and as much through,
and at one time such specimens were common
in gardens. R. jasminea is a dwarf and more
slender growing species than II. coccinea and
bears white. Jasmine like flowers. The plants
usually (lower during June, and are
easily propagated at this season. Flower-
ing specimens for next year are best ob-
tained by inserting five or six cuttings
in a 48-sized pot which should be stood on a
shelf, or in a cold frame, without shading. The
plants grow well in ordinary loam lightened
with plenty of old mortar rubble; when rooted
they are lest stood in cold frames from which
the lights should be removed during Hie summer.
During the winter llici should be c".\ui in
a light, airy position, close to the roof-glass ir
a cool house, ./. 0

301

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

June 19, 1320.

The Week* sWork.

THE KITCHEN GAKDEN.

By H. Whfeli:k. Gardener to Mrs. Jennec, Wenvoe
Castle, near Cardiff.

Green Vegetables. — Brussels Sprouts, Kales,
Savoys, and other Brassicas should be transplanted
before they become crowded in the seed bed. Good
ground is essential, as they occupy the position for
a, considerable period. To facilitate watering,
make shallow drills and set the plants in them
firmly; avoid deep planting, and, as each row
is planted, give the roots a thorough watering.
This work is best done in dull weather.
Brussels Sprouts should be allowed a space of
three feet between the rows, and two feet six
inches between the plants in the rows. Kales
require a distance of two feet six inches
between the rows, and two feet between the
plants in the rows. Allow the larger varieties
of Savoys a space of two feet apart each way.
reducing the distance for the smaller varieties,
according to the size they will ultimately
attain. A sowing of Coleworts made now will
provide useful plants for filling ground cleared
of early crops.

Runner Beans. — In prepared positions make
a sowing of Runner Beans to succeed those
transplanted from pots. Sow in double lines,
inserting two seeds in positions two feet apart
in the rows. Water them if the weather is
dry, and later remove the weaker of the two
plants.

Potatos. — The hoe should be run alongside the
rows to destroy weeds and loosen the surface ■>
few days before the tubers are finally earthed up.
The chief object of ridging is to prevent the
tubers becoming exposed to the light and turn-
ing gireen, but it is a disadvantage to draw
an excess of soil about the plants, for air and
light are necessary .to produce good crops.
When doing the work, endeavour to leave
the centre of the ridges open so that the sun-
light may reach the haulms. Where manure
was not used at planting time, a dressing of
Potato fertiliser should be scattered on the sur-
face before the hoeing is done : it will become
thoroughly mixed with the soil during subse-
quent operations.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By F. Jordan, Gardener to Lieut. -Col. Spfnofr Ci.at.
M.P., Ford Manor, Lingfleld, Surrey.

Figs in Succession Houses. — Trees started after
the turn of the year have bad the benefit of
longer days and better weather than the earlier
ones; plenty of heat, with proportionate air and
moisture, may be used to hasten development,
especially in the daytime. It is not wise to
force the trees hard when they are in flower,
but once this stage is passed a maximum tem-
perature of 70° will do no harm. If trained on
the extension system, each shoot to be cut away
when it reaches the extremity, let the growths
have plenty of room. Syringe the trees
regularly, twice on fine days and once only in
dull weather, for much as Figs like moisture,
it is always wise to allow the leaves to become
dry before nightfall. Later trees in cool
houses may be grown in a maximum tempera-
ture of 80° to 85°, closing the house early, with
the atmosphere warmed by siniheat and con
taining plenty of moisture.

Melons in Pits. — The weather has not Been
very favourable to the nlants. and any specimens
that are not doing well should be removed and
their places filled with strong seedlings; time
and patience will be saved by making a fresh
start. Plants that are growing freely should
not receive a check of any kind. Let

the shoots be trained thinly and maintain
plenty of warmth. As the flowering stage ap-
proaches, all laterals showing fruits should be
drawn up to the sun and light, and duly pinched
when the young fruits begin to swell.

Cucumbers. — Plants in frames have not made
such rapid progress as one could have wished,
without the aid of a little fire heat. Aiter this
date their management is extremely simple, and,
provided the plants are liberally fed with warm
liquid manure, well syringed and moderately
cropped, they should continue fruitful through-
out the remainder of the season. Pinch out the
points of the shoots at the first or second
joint as soon as the fruits are visible, according
to the amount of spaqe available in the frame.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By T. W. Bbiscok, Gardener to W. II. Lysaght, Esq

Castleford, Chepstow.

Stanhopea. — The members of this curiou3

I ly of Orchids should be suspended from

the roof rafters of the warm house, and on
account of the way in which they produce their
flower scapes, should be grown in teak wood
baskets, with, instead of potsherds, a layer of
peat rhizomes for drainage material. The
flower scapes will push through the sides or
bottom of the basket without injury. When
the new growth is a few inches long, fresh
soil, consisting of Osmunda fibre or peat anil
Sphagnum-moss in equal parts, .may be afforded.
Spray the plants freely during the summer, and
especially the undersides of the leaves, to -pre-
vent attacks of red spider. Should this pest
appear, sponge the foliage with a weak solution
of an insecticide. When the plants have com-
pleted their season's growth, keep the roots
slightly on the dry side.

Seedlings. — Many of the larger plants having
received attention in regard to repotting, a
suitable opportunit} presents itself for providing
seedling Cattleyns and others of this type will)
Fre li rooting material and larger receptacles. If
seeds were sown a few months ago the seedlings
will be large enough to prick off into store pots.
These are two or three inches in diameter, and
should be filled one half of their depth with
drainage material. The soil should consist of
Osmunda lil re and Sphagnum-moss in equal
parts, ami both should 'be free of all foreign
growth and cut up moderately fine. Press the
compost firmly in the pots and neatly trim it
with a pair ,of shears or scissors to create a

level surfai which to place the seedlings.

The soil .I, uld he moistened with water a few
hours before the seedlings are transplanted.
Exercise great care when removing the seedlings
from the seed bed to the store pots, to prevent
injuring them; a pointed stick is best to use
for the purpose. Keep the soil moist by damp
ing with a loir sprayer. If it is noticed that the
plants are being gradually smothered with the
1. nli. nous growth so often associated with
Sphagnum moss they should be removed to
another store pot. As the seedlings increase
in size, fresh -oil will be needed, and more space
between the plants, until thsee or four seedlings
occupy a single pot. At the next shift they
should be potted singly, and, where space is
available, this should be done as early as
possible.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By T. Patf.man. Gnrdener to C. A. Ctix, Esq., J. P.,
The Node, Codieote, Welwvn, Hertfordshire.

Apple Aphides [Rosy Aphis).— This pest is a
source of much trouble to Apples and should
!, ■ combated by every possible means. tf
r.llowed to protect itself by the curling of the
leaf it is a difficult nest to eradicate. Spray
the trees with Quassia or nicotine wash, and
remove by hand picking any leaves t h.-.t are
curled and burn them.

Peaches and Nectarines. — Penh and Nectarine
trees trained on walls should never, whilst in
aitiA-e growth, be allowed to suffer from drought
at the roots, and this must especially be guarded
against, where the trees are carrying heavy
crops of fruit. A medium mulching of shi rt
manure will greatly retard evaporation, allow
water to thoroughly moisten the binder, and
will also benefit tin- tree by its manurial tiro
perties. The manure should be slightly raised by
the use of a fork- after a heavy watering. Where

good crops of fruit are swelling an occasional
application of weak liquid-manure or a light
dusting of concentrated fertilizer will greatly
assist the trees. The final thinning of the crop
may now be done. In the case of Peaches,
leave one fruit to every square foot of wall
space, whilst Nectarines may be allowed only
nine inches.- Sometimes, when the trees are
allowed to carry an excessive crop, the fruits
are lacking in flavour.

Pears on Walls. — Pear trees on walls that
have set a. good crop of fruit should be kept
moist at the roots. Examine the borders oc-
casionally, and if the soil is found to be dry,
soak it with weak liquid manure. In the case
of trees that have failed to set a crop of fruit,
clear water only will be sufficient. In some
cases the trees have set their fruits freely and
the latter may require to be thinned. Pears are-
Aery liable to drop in tin- young state. There-
for.- the final thinning should not take place
until a crop is certain.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By John Corns, Foreman, Royal Botanic Gardens,
Kew.

Crassula falcata and C. lactea. — These are old
garden plants, the latter flowering during spring
or early summer. ( '. falcata is a very showy
species, flowering in August, when it is very
useful, as the range of choice subjects for the
furnishing of the greenhouse and conservatory
is very limited at that time. Both species are
easily propagated by means of cuttings inserted
dining June.

Violets. —During periods of dry weather,
Violets should not he allowed to suffer from
lack of water; in dry weather they are benefited
by syringing or spraying during the evening;
neglect in this respect generally results in them
suffering from attacks of red spider. All suckers
should he regularly removed and the roots
mulched with manure from a spent Mushroom
bed. or well decayed stable manure.

Souvenir de la Malmaison Carnations. — Com-
mence layering the shoots to obtain an early
batch of plants. This is best done in cold
frames ; those that have been used for growing
. pops of early vegetables are suitable for the
purpose, as, beyond the possible addition of
leaf soil and coarse sand, they require no further
preparation for the Violets. The stock for
layering should be young and healthy. Thin
out all weak shoots and strip off the bottom
leaves. Before turning the plants out of their

pots sec that the i Is are thoroughly moist.

Plant deeply enough to ensure easy layering,
placing the plants on their sides, if necessary, for
this purposes. Layer carefully in the usual way,
water well, and shade during bright sunshine.
After the first week the plants will receive
benefit if the lights are removed at night during
fine weather replacing them and shading the
plants during the day if necessary.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

Bv Sidxft Leqg, Gardener to the Dowager Lady
NiMirriNHOi.MF., Warter Priory, Yorkshire.

Pruning.— Many flowering shrubs having
passed out of bloom the seed vessels should lie
removed and growth that is weak or crowded
out out. Philadelphus, Weigela. Deutzia.

Syringa, Fnrsvtliia. Kerria and Ribes, all of
which flower chiefly on the wood of the previous
year, may be rut back to strong, young shoots.
In doiii"' this have regard to the position and
ultimate" shape of the bush. Specimens that
have been neglected and left unpinned during
the war may have the oldest, wood cut out
almost down 'to the base. The removal of all
suckers from Lilacs. Rhododendrons, and
Viburnums, which have been grafted, is impera-
tive. The Viburnum Stock is especially trouble
some in Ibis respect. Cytisus soon spread un-
duly if the young wood is not judiciously
curtailed each season; however, in some in-
stances, such as obtain in the wild garden, a
colony of unpenned Brooms provides a pleasing

Jcra-E 19, 1920.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

305

feature. Guard against cutting 'back to the old
wood in plants or" tho Broom family. Where
Ceanofchuis are growing in bush form, the knife
may bet used to preserve symmetry, after the in-
florescences have faded. Varieties of Ceanothus
and climbing Roses, planted in conjunction on
the outskirts of the flower garden, and sheltered
from strong "winds, are very effective. Light
and air are essentials in the production of strong
flowering wood; therefore, the knife should iv*t
be spared.

THE APIARY.

By Chloris.

Swarms. — The most common period of the year
for swarming in the south is the end of May
or beginning of June, on a warm, fine day. In
the north of this country, and even in the Mid-
lands, the time varies from mid-June to July.
The usual signs of the swarming period are the
crowded condition of the hives, the building of
queen cells, and the appearance of drones. I he
queen cells can only bo discovered by an
examination of the frames. They much resemble
an acorn in size and shape, hang downwards,
and may be ^ound generally on the edges or
bottom of the combs, but .sometimes I hey are
made in a passage cut out by the bees
in any part of a comb. When the queen
cells are capped, then a swarm may be
expected any fine day between the hours of 11
and 5 (summer time). When bees are prevented
from swarming by reason of cold or wet for
several days, they often rip open the queen
cells and kill the occupants. In such a case
swarming is often abandoned for the season.
When bees swarm no mistake can be made, for
they simply bustle out of the hive by the en-
trance as if every member of the community was
afraid of being left behind, such is their haste.
The air seems full of flying bees, and every
leaf on neighbouring shruos and hedges seems
to have a bee resting on it. Those on the wing
wheel round and round, and if it be a first
swarm they will soon settle, usually on a, bush
near by, for they are accompanied by the old
queen, which is often disinclined for a long
flight, or even may be incapable of undertaking
it. To cause the swarm to settle quickly throw
water from a syringe as high as possible over
them, making it to resemble rain. This will
cause them to change their intention of decamp-
ing, if such were the case, or it may prevent
them from clustering on a high tree, as in such
circumstances it is difficult to hive them,
especially if they settle on outer, thin branches.

Hiving. When the bees have settled in a
cluster resembling a bunch of Grapes, hold a
skep or other suitable receptacle below them,
having first spread a sack or old sheet on the
ground underneath, and then taking a firm hold
of the branch give it a sharp shake, to
dislodge the majority of the cluster, which
will fall into the skep. The turned skep
should be gradually made to resume its right
position on the sheet near those 'bees shaken on
it, and a stone or brick placed under the edge
will make a good opening for all running Imm-s to
join those already in the skep. It will be ad-
visable to leave the bees alone until 7 p.m.
The new hive should be ready — all foundation
fioced in the frames, a sheet of queen excluder
a'bove them, and some, fully-drawn shallow
frames of comb, or sections, placed above so that
plenty of storage may be provided tor the honey
when the bees star! work next day. By pro-
viding drawn-oui comb in llu- supers the bees
will have to begin storing there, ;is (here is no
room in the brood chamber, which will be pro
vided with foundation only.

Tho hive I'rom which the bees came should ho
removed to another portion of the garden, and
the new hive placed on its stand, so that the
svarm may be made as strong ;is pi iss iibie by
flying bees from the old hive, for the parenl hive
will not be strong enough to produce surplus
brood this year. By adopting this method of
depleting the parent stock of as many bees as
possible, casts or after-swarms will bo pre-
vented, which will be headed by the hatching

young queens unless all surplus queen cell-, are
removed, leaving the best only to provide the
new queen. Cover up the swarm very warmly.

Prevention ot Swarming. — This is a very dilh-
cult task, but is sometimes successfully per-
formed when the bees have not the real
swarming fever. (1) Give the queen plenty ot"
space in which to deposit eggs by removing a
full comb occasionally and replacing it by an
un drawn -out frame of foundation. The comb of
hatching brood — free of all bees — may be placed
in -i hive requiring a little help. (2) Keep the
hives well ventilated. (3) Give plenty of super
space in advance of the needs of t h e bees —
placing the new super under those tilled or
filling. (4) Some bee-keepers place a second
brood chamber under the first, and separated
from that above by the queen excluder zinc,
removing the queen to the lower chamber. As
the bees hatch above (lie cells will 'be filled with
Honey. This is an excellent method and very
rarely fails.

ODONTIODA VERA BELLE.

A flower of this new cross between Odon-
tioda Bella (Cochlioda Noezliana x Odm. bella-
Uiliun) and Odm. Thais, a showy hybrid not
definitely recorded, gives an instance of the
merging of Odontioda and Odontoglossum,
whereby some forms can scarcely be distin-
guished from Odontoglossum, as in the present
case — a position not difficult to understand when
it is considered that but for the Cochlioda in the
original parent the ancestry is Odontoglossum.
Nevertheless, in the lip of Odontioda Vera Belle
there is a strong indication of Odontioda in-
fluence. The flower, which equals in size a
good, blotched Odontoglossum, has a white
ground, heavily blotched over the greater part
of the surface with bright mauve. The rather
narrow lip has a dark yellow crest, with large,
chestnut-red blotch extending to the fimbriate-
white margin. The flower of Oda. Vera Belle
was Mid by Mr. S. 0. Stephenson, East Lodge,
Worthing.

[SA'J is i ENCTORIA.

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

THE ORCHID TENT AT CHELSEA.

Most of the exhibitors of groups of
Orchids at the Chelsea Show complained
of the lack tit' space in which to (lis
play their plants effectively, ami stated
that a commodious tent, of a. larger size,
should on future occasions be devoted entirely
to Orchids. It' tin' groups arc displayed against
the sides of the tent, greater depth should ho
allowed, giving a wider space from front In back.
The whole of ll"' space need not be allotted to
groups, a.s now arranged, hut space given in the
centre (it the situation of the groups is not
changed so as to occupy the centre), lor artisti
cally-arranged designs made up of Orchids and
elegant foliage plants. Examples of the florist's
art, in which Qrohids are used, might also
occupy available spaces, ami altogether a novel
result, attained. Skill would lie required in
working oul the plan, bul the n „■ tion is well
worth the consideration of the Council of the
Royal Horticultural So iety before the Ohelsea
Show uf 1921.

ISATIS TINCTORIA.

Tin 'liver's Wood" is a handsome pi, ml.
interesting a- the source of the dye with which
the ancient Britons used lo paini their bodies.

It is easily grown, and when planted in masses

is very effective, either as a woodland plant', or

when gl^own in heds as shown in the aeeoiupan\
ing illustration (Fig. 142). When treated well
l reaches a height of from ,7> It. to ■) ft., with
numerous stems, bearing large, loose panicles
of rich yellow flowers.

[satis tinCtoiia is a hieuni.il, the plants usually
dying after flowering, hut seedlings air pro
duced SO Ereelj from sell sown seeds that there
is little trouble in maintaining large groups.

Of larger and more hands e growth is

.- thet spei ies, namelj . I. glauca, « hah. in

rnh soil, will reach a height of 6 ft. or more

If has larger and more glaucous leaves, witli
cloud [ike masses of bright yellow flowers. H is

the best species for planting in ll pen w.iod

lands, hold masses producing a very striking

effed from a distam e. I gla I a nal ive "'

\ i Minor, ami is easily raised from seeds.
Seedlings usually make good plants the first
year, anil Mower well the second season. II-. /

306

HUE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

Juke 19, 191'0

EDI TORI A I MO TIGE.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the
PUBLISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, W.C.

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

hi, PLANT COLLECTING ON
IMAW BUM.— III.*

OF all the alpines on Imaw Bum, none
took my fancy so much as a dwarf Rose.
It grew On the sheltered north flank, in
steep gullies and on screes, amongst shattered
and fallen rocks. At the end of July it was
in flower, and the flowers were a rich lemon
yellow. In September the flask-shaped fruits
were rosy red, and by October the colour had
deepened till it was almost purple. The plant
grows a foot high, forming a compact dwarf
bush ; the stems are covered with prickles, like
fur. It is altogether a charming little plant.
and if the seed germinates over here should
prove a great acquisition to the rock garden,
both in flower and fruit.

Another good alpine was a bog Iris, growing
in peaty soil which had collected in ledges and
hollows amongst the granite slabs on the pro-
tected side of the mountain. There was a little
meadow, ringed about with precipices, abso-
lutely filled with this plant. It grows twelve to
fifteen inches h'gh. The colour of the flower is
a limpid violet-blue, as though it had drunk in
the sunlight; on the falls is a golden mosaic. I
secured a good lot of seed, but so far it does
not seem to have germinated.

Imaw Bum, lacking limestone and unlimited
altitude, is rich neither in Primula nor in Mecon-
opsis. The number and variety of Rhododen-
drons met with suggest that tin's genus flourishes
to perfection anywhere within a thousand or
fifteen hundred feet of the snow line, wherever
that may be. (On the N.E. frontier, the snow
line is probably under 15,000 feet; the highest
peaks are about 13,500 feet.) The absence of
Meconopsis, however (which genus is represented
only by M. Wallichii, at 9.000 11.000 feet), sug-
gests that it only flourishes above 14,000 or
15,000 feet. In other words, it would appear
that Rhododendron is affected only by the rela-
tive altitude, Meconopsis only by the absolute
altitude.

Primula, however, though not found in such
numbers and variety as in Yunnan, is muoh
better represented than Meconopsis. Five sec-
linns, namely, Obconico-Listeri, Nivalis, Bella,
Sikkimensis, and Sonchifolia, are represented;
they include about ten species, distributed as
follows : Obconico-Listeri, 2; Nivalis, 2; Bella,
3; Sikkimensis, 1; and Sonchifolia, 2. If we
cross the Imaw Bum range and go over to
Hpimaw, half-a-dozen more Primulas, distri-
buted over three or four more sections, must be
added. But with these I shall not deal here.

Of the ten species found on Imaw Bum,
however, only the two Nivalis, three Bella and
Sikkimensis are truly alpine. The others all
belong to the forest belt between 8,000 and
10.000 feet.

Of the Nivalis species, the butter has pale,
pinkish-mauve flowers with yellow eye. The
leaves are strap shaped, dark glossy green above
with typical silver farina below; this silvery
meal also shows through from the inside of the
deeply-cleft calyx, in characteristic fashion. The
plant varies greatly in size, and there may well
be two or three distinct varieties, considering

•The previous articles appeared in Gurd Ciiron
April 3, p. KB, and May 8, 1920, p. 22S.

that it grows in deep shade on wet cliffs in
the upper Conifer forest (11,000 feet) and on
open screes at the summit of Imaw Bum (13,000
feet). However, the smallest specimens I found
were growing on limestone instead of on
granite.

The other Nivalis Primula is smaller, and is
found in the peaty pools amongst the granite
slabs of Imaw. The flowers are like those of
the first species in miniature, except that the
petals are more deeply cleft ; they are borne
in pairs. This plant lacks the silver meal of
typical Nivalis.

Of the Bella set, the best is Primula cory-
phaea, growling on patches of granite sand on
the summit. The flowers are rich bluish-violet,
the occluding pompon of hairs, white. The tiny
leaves are delicately cut, and without farina.
This species is much commoner than P. sci-
ophila, of which I found one patch in 1914 and
failed to rediscover it in 1919, or than true P.
bella, which may also occur on Imaw Bum,
though I cannot swear to its presence there.

P. sciophila has larger flowers than P. cory-
phaea — is a larger plant altogether, in fact; but
it lacks the fine colour of the latter, being rather
more lilac.

Finally we come to the Sikkimensis Primula,
easily the most beautiful of the lot. I found
one patch of this plant at the head of a steep
couloir, just below the summit of the peak.
The flowers have a lemon-yellow streak down
the centre of each petal, the centre of the corolla
and edges being cream. Thus, in its striped
flowers, the plant recalls P. sexratifolia. The
latter, however, belongs to another section alto-
gether. Moreover, this Imaw Bum species is
delightfully scented. Unfortunately, it set very
little seed, partly because a herd of takin were
in the habit of tramping backwards and for-
wards across this couloir, and probably crop
ping the herbage. However, I did secure a
little seed.

There are two species of Cassiope found on
Imaw, Cassiope myusuroides, which is common,
and C. palpebrata (or a very similar species),
which is rarer. C. palpebrata is really a
Yunnan plant, first found by nie on the Mekong-
Salween divide in 1913. The creeping stems,
covered with minute leaves, resemble moss. On
Imaw the species grows in sheltered places,
under rocks or amongst dwarf Rhododendron,
frequently hanging down. The flowering stems
stand more or less erect, but the white bells
are always nodding. C. myosuroides hangs its
tails, which are more or less square in section,
over the rocks everywhere. The pendent white
bells are borne in profusion on erect stalks. It
is a pretty species, but both this and the last
set very little good seed, at least on Imaw.

Cushions of Diapensia himalaica are common
amongst the rocks, but Androsace chamaejasme,
which one would naturally have expected to
find, is one of the curious absentees. I say
" curious," because the plant is common on the
Himalayan ranges to the north-west and on the
Cliinese ranges to the north-east and east ;
hence one would expect to find it at the foot
of the Y also. Its place is taken by a pretty
little golden-flowered species.

Another plant we miss is Isopyrum grandi-
florum. I can see no reason why it should not
be found here — it grows on granite rocks under
very similar climatic conditions in Yunnan, at
rather higher elevations.

I have already pointed out the paucity ol
Meconopsis, and the comparative poverty of
Primula. The following genera. — Clematis,
Lonicera, Berberis, Cotoneaster, so richly re-
presented in the Himalaya and in Yunnan, are

miserably represented in the Hte.wgaw Hills.
So also Pinguicula alpiua, Oxygrapius glacialia.
and species of Oxytropis, Caragana, Aquilegia
Salvia, Adenophora and Epimedium are en-
tirely lacking. On the other hand, for the area
explored, the following genera — Pedicularia,
Rubus, Polygonum, Saxifraga, Rhododendron
and other Ericaceae, Thalictnum, etc., are as
well represented in the Htawga.w Hills as in
1'unnan or the Himalaya.

When writing of the alpine Primulas, I made
no mention of two belonging to the curious
Omphalogramma section, characterised by their
large, flattened seeds and conical capsules. The
latter open by spiral valves. These, though so
unlike the ordinary idea of a Primula, are now
generally regarded as belonging to that genus.
Primula Delavayi, with magnificent violet
flowers standing nortzontally on the stem, is
common on Imaw. It grows on the north
slope, in the couloirs where water is trickling,
often under Bamboos, and in thickets. It
flowers m early June, and the seeds are ripe
in September or October. It is a far cry from
the Ta-li range in Yunnan, where this plant be-
longs, to tlie Htawgaw Hills, and one wonders
how it reached these parts ; it will be interesting
to see if it really is the same species.

Growing in the peaty mud, on granite ledges,
is a second Omphalogramma, considerably
smaller than Delavayi. This I did not see in
flower, though I secured seed.

The western face of the Imaw ridge — which
runs approximately north and south — is very
precipitous, the ridge itself being deeply gashed
in places; so that it was no mere matter of
strolling idly along the crest of the ridge, even
when the summit had been reached. The east
flank, however, is rather different, sweeping
down in a series of smooth granite slabs, separ-
ated by ledges in which water collects. The
slope ends abruptly in sheer cliffs which sur-
round an amphitheatre below. The whole struc-
ture is evidently the result of protection afforded
by the snow. On these ledges, which hold up
and retain the ever-trickling water, grow many
flowers; more flowers grow on the grassy
slopes. Here, in autumn, a small yellow-
flowered Cremanthodium was much in evidence;
also two or three blue Gentians and a vio!?t
Swertia. At this time, too, the rocks are
covered with bunches of golden-yellow Saxi-
fraga, of which I noticed three or four species.
But the yellow Saxifrages of all these moun-
tains, from the Himalaya to China, are very
much alike, and only one, with mossy foliage,
struck me. Another had the golden petals
spotted with orange, giving a pretty effect.

A Sedum. with pale sulphur-yellow flowers,
and a fine roseJpink Polygonum also adorned
the rocks.

Autumn is the season of Saxifrages and Gen-
tians, and at this time there is little else.
They have to get through their business quickly,
I'm- in November the snow comes down on them
and closes the season. However, after the
middle ot September, the worst rains are over,
and some fine weather may be expected befort
the first heavy snowfalls of mid-November.

From the cliffs hang tufts of grass, amidst
which a white-flowered Lloydia was often pro-
minent. An Allium, with vinous purple flowers
and very similar habit to the last, also growi
here. It flowers late— in September I found it.

One of the prettiest of the alpines — though
too small to be of any use as a garden plant-
was a little Geranfum with deep rose-red flowers.
It grew on the open, grassy summits, and wai
in flower at the very end of July.

Spring and autumn are the seasons when the

June 19, 1020.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

307

alpine flowers are at their best, in the Htawgaw
Hills. Owing to the incessant rain, there is
little in flower in the summer months. In July
or August, however, there is sometimes a ten
days' break, when the sun shines out and even
the mountain-tops are clear of cloud, at least
in the early morning and evening Then many
plants may be found in flower.

There is one striking difference between the
alpine flora of a mountain such as Imaw and the
Yunnan ranges, and that is the absence in the
former case of flowers growing up amongst the
dwarf Rhododendron. In Yunnan there are
Codonopsis, Pedicularis, Meconopsis and many
more scattered through the Rhododendrons ;
on Imaw Bum there is nothing .of the kind.

The contrast between the dense Bamboo brake
with Rhododendron scrub (chiefly R. euchroum)
on north and east faces, and the dwarf Rhodo-
dendron and Salix on south and west slopes
is striking. Snow lies a month or six weeks
longer on the former.

On the whole, though Imaw Bum has pro-
duced several first-class alpines, it does not
compare in this respect with, say, the Ta-li
range in Yunnan, which is very little higher.
But we must never forget, when dealing with
alpine floras, that a mountain 13,000 feet
high is a very different thing to 13,000 feet on
a mountain even 15,000 feet high. Moreover,
Yunnan has been a collecting ground for the
last twenty-five years; the N.E. fronthr is vir-
gin soil. We may be quite sure that even the
small area covered by the Htawgaw Hills will
yield new treasures yet, and they will have a
better chance in our climate than many of the
Yunnan introductions. F. Kingdon Ward.

TREES AND SHRUBS.

THE ALPINE GARDEN.

THE SILVER BERRY (ELAEAGNUS
ARGENTEA).

Both in its foliage and its flowers, Elaeagnus
argentea (see Fig. 143) is one of the best members
of the genus. The evergreen species flower mostly
during October and November, but E. argent ea
is deciduous, and flowers in early summer. It
is interesting as being the only Elaeagnus founcl
wild in North America, over which, however, it
occupies a large area, extending from the Central
United States northwards to the Hudson Bay
territory and westwards to British Columbia.
It is a shrub up to 12 or 14 feet high,' the
young shoots covered at first with silvery scales,
afterwards turning brown. The leaves are alter-
nate, narrowly oval, and 1 inch to 2^ inches
lung, and both surfaces are clothed with
silvery scales; the metallic sheen is more pro-
nounced beneath. The flowers are borne in
great numbers in the leaf axils of the young
shoots, and are shaped like tiny Fuchsias, each
rather less than half an inch long; the outer
surface is covered even more densely than the
leaves with glistening silvery scales, but inside
they are clear yellow. To this unusual associa-
tion of colours is added a charming fragrance.
The- fniits are roundish, egg-shaped, one-third of
an inch long, silvery, with metallic scales, dry,
and mealy inside, but described as edible.

This Elaeagnus is perfectly hardy, and is not

VERONICA HULKEANA.

This is, to me, the finest of all Veronicas,
and although it was introduced more than sixty
years ago, it does not appear to have become
a general favourite. Here, in the gardens of
W. R. Lysaght, Esq., at Castleford, Chepstow,
the plant is employed for greenhouse decora-
tion, and is also planted in the flower-garden.
We have a splendid specimen growing at the
base of a wall with a south aspect. This Ver-
onica is a somewhat straggling shrub, producing
panicles of small, delicate, lavender flowers.
Some of the flowering shoots on the plant
under notice were eighteen inches to two feet
in length, while the small side-shoots were
from one to four inches long. Unfortunately it
is a tender plant, but perhaps in counties wher,e

ERYSIMUM LINIFOLIUM.
This appears to be the correot name of the
delightful little plant known as Cheiranthus
linifolius, which aroused considerable attention
when first shown in London (by Mr. Clarence
Elliot, I believe). At that time it was under-
stood to be an annual or biennial, but it is really
more lasting and has survived with me for three
or more years without renewal. The plant re-
ceived many encomiums and has deserved them
because of its beauty and distinctness. It is said to
reach a height of two feet in its native habitats
on the cliffs of the Serra de Estrella, in Por-
tugal, and on th^ west coast of Spain, but with
me it makes a low, spreading bush. Especially
useful for the rock garden is tho variety fili-
folium, which is only some six inches or so in
height. It is exceedingly pretty with its neat,
narrow leaves and good-sized flowers of a bright
lilac colour. Its value is much increased by its
long duration of bloom. Here it opens in the early
part of May and will bloom until frost comes.
E. linifolium makes an excellent rock plant,
either for crevices or terraces of the rock
garden. But it does very well on the moraine,
the freely-drained conditions of which suit it
well. It should have full sun. Propagation is
effected by cuttings or by seeds.

LITHOSPERMUM PURPUREO-CAERULEUM.
This is a cumbrous name for the Creeping
Oromwell, a British plant, yet even more
beautiful than some of the exotics which arc
more popular, although this is said without
depreciation of iti ally, L. prostratum. It has
pioved disappointing to some on account of shy-
ness of flower, but where it is happy it gives
wonderfully beautiful purple-blue flowers in fair
numbers. To induce it to flower in some places
the long, trailing, barren branches should be cut
off, but in some parts of the garden, especially
where the soil is poor, this appears to be unneces-
sary. Many years ago in my old garden this had
to be practised, but here it seems uncalled for
and the plant is allowed to ramble among rough
growing subjects and never fails to bloom. II
must, however, be watched if it is placed near
choice small-growing plants, as its trailing, barren
branchas will root among these and may choke
them. On a dry bank, in sun or shade, it will
look after itself, even among more robust plants.
S. Arnotl, Maxwellloion, Dumfries.

rare in gardens, yet it seldom flowers very
freely. I think it requires to attain a good
size and age to bring about that condition.
An "hi specimen near the Temperate House at
Kew flowers nearly every year, and usually pro-
fusely. The species suckers freely, and there
is. perhaps, a. tendency to cut out the older

v, I and Leave the fresher, more silvery \ ug

growths. 'Ibis Elaeagnus is frequently called
Shepherdia argentea in gardens and nurseries;
this name is incorrect, as Shepherdia belongs to
a different genus, distinguished by having oppo-
site loaves, and is by no means so ornamental
as this Elaeagnus. II'. ,/. Bean, Royal Gardens,
Kew.

the climatic conditions are more favourable it
would succeed in the open. In most places,
however, it should be treated as a wall plant.
Our specimen was a beautiful object during the
greater part of May.

In most gardens Veronica Hulkeana would

be more valuable as a pot plant for the > I

greenhouse, for if frost is excluded, no difficulty
will be experienced in regard to its cultiva-
tion.

Cuttings made from young shoots and in
serted about March root readily in a propa
gating frame, but directly they are rooted they
should be removed to a cooler structure. If
the plants are potted on as needed, and the
points iJ the shoots pinched, nice little sped
mens suitable tor growing in five inch pots will
be obtained.

The best specimens are. however, produced
in the second year. After (lowering I lie shoots
should be cut back slightly, and when new
growth is evident pot the plants in a mixture
of good turfy loam and leaf mould. Through
ail Hie summer they should be grown in
Hie open, and may remain outside until there is
danger from frosts.

Green and whito fly are often troublesome,
hut an occasional spraying with an insecticido
will keep these pestS in 'heel,. T. M'. Ilriscoc,
Castleford Gardens, Chepstow.

308

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

June 19, 1920.

LATE PEAS.

In order to be able to gather Peas as far into
autumn as weather permits, it is necessary to
exercise mure than usual care in the sowing.
For late crops it is not always possible to reserve
ground that has been lately trenched for them,
and in many cases they have to occupy the posi-
tion previously occupied by Broccoli or some simi-
lar crop. Such ground is usually very dry and
in an exhausted condition at this season, and to
make suitable provision for Peas it is advisable
to dig trenches about 2£ feet deep and 15 inches
wide. The bottom should be well broken up.
with a liberal dressing of well-rotted manure
added. When filling in the soil, more manure
should be freely mixed in it, together with a
sprinkling of sulphate of ammonia, and the soil
should leach to within a lew inches of the ordi-
nary ground level.

The latest date for sowing Peas varies with
the district. In South Yorkshire it is little use
to put in tall varieties after the middle of June,
but, given a fine autumn, a row or two of first-
early dwarf sorts, sown before the month is
ended, seldom fail to pay for themselves. If the
soil is very dry. it is advisable to water the drills
the day before sowing in order to hasten ger-
mination. Late Peas should be carefully staked.
for in a wet autumn, if the haulm is near the
ground, many pods will be lost through damp
ing. Late September dews also cause damping,
unless there is a free circulation of air about the
plants. When trenches are made, the spaces
between the rows should be dug over and
mulched with yard manure after staking is com-
pleted. This helps to keep the roots cool and
moist, in addition to acting as a mild stimulant.
In a dry period an abundance of water should
be supplied. Once the plants suffer from a lack
of moisture, mildew will quickly put in. an
appearance. Diluted liquid manure applied to
the roots when the plants are in full growth is
most beneficial. In this district, if Peas may be
gathered well into October, neither the variety
nor the season is complained of. Varieties which
possess a strong constitution, enabling them to
withstand drought and resist mildew to a fair
extent, are the best for late sowing. Of the
taller growers, good strains of Gladstone and
Autocrat are noteworthy for these good qualities,
and are being sown this year in preference to
sorts of more recent introduction tried last season.
Yorkshire Gardener.

either of the other plants named above. 1'ot
the plants in receptacles large enough to accom-
modate the ball of roots comfortably, and place
them in a warm pit until growth becomes active,
when they may be removed to a house having
an intermediate temperature. The roots should
be fed liberally when they have filled the pots.
Impatiens are very free-flowering plants, and
continue in beauty for a long period. These
may be raised either from seeds or cuttings,
and both seedlings and cuttings give satisfactory
results if grown in a house having an inter-
mediate temperature. They should be grown in
a mixture of loam 2 parts, peat and sand 1
part, with a little dried cow dung and charcoal.
Keep the phtntsfwell syringed during their season
of active growth, as the foliage is easily damaged
by red spider. Impatiens Holstii and I. Sultanu
are two good Balsams, the latter being the more
difficult to grow to perfection.

Gesneras are beautiful foliage and flowering
plants that provide a good succession tc
Gloxinias and Begonias. They may be brought
forward in batches through the late summer,
autumn and winter by starting them in April.
May and July. A compost, and growing con-
ditions similar to those advised for Gloxinias are
suitable. Keep the plants free from insects by
frequent fumigations, and well damp the
spaces between the pots, but avoid "wetting the
plants overhead on account of damaging their
beautiful, velvety foliage. An occasional damp-
ing between the pots with soot-water will pro-
vide suitable growing conditions and help to keep
thiips in cheek. Beautiful colours are afforded

by 0. einnabarina, G. exoniensis and G. zebrina

//. A'. Kemp.

USEFUL INDOOR SUMMER FLOWERS

Tuberous-rooted Begonias that were started
in boxes of leaf-soil and sand and subsequently
potted in a rich compost should be ted with liquid
manure. Those in small pots should be placed
in larger reecptacles. Syringe between the pots
occasionally and keep the plants shaded from
strong sunshine. Admit air on all favourable
occasions, as sturdy growths are necessary to
produce good flowers. Let the plants have
ample room to prevent the stems becoming
drawn, and fumigate the house about ones a
fortnight to check thrips. Should the Begonia
mite prove troublesome, dip the plants in a
preparation of nicotine. As the flowers develop,
grow the plants in cooler conditions and use a
little less moisture.

Gloxinias may be treated in a similar manner
to that advised for Begonias; the chief points
to observe in their culture are maintaining a
close, moist atmosphere during the growing
period and keeping them free from thiips in the
manner advised for Begonias. The plants should
be grown in suitable-sized pots filled with a
compost consisting of loam 1 part, leaf-mould,
peat, and decayed manure 1 part, with sharp
sand and broken charcoal added.

The Streptocarpus is another useful indoor
flowering plant. Provided the plants are kept
free from mealy bug. which is their chief enemy,
they form very beautiful subjects in pots, and
are useful for supplying cut blooms. Thev
may be grown in slightly cooler conditions to

GESNERA CARDINALIS.

Tins is a very showy and at the sHine time
accommodating member of the Gesnera family,
for according to the treatment given it tin1
plant may be had in b'oom at different periods
of the y,ear. Its usual habit is to pass the
winter in a dormant state, commence growing in
the spring, flower in May or June, and go to
rest in the autumn; by giving it a shorter or
longer period of rest the t i n it* of flowering may
be varied. G. cardinal! 6 forms a firm, solid
lulyr, whence is pushed up a stout stem that
reaches a height of a foot, or nearly so. These
>teins are furnished witli large, oppositely
arranged leaves, of a bright green colour, and
so plentifully furnished with hairs as fco give
them a. velvety appearance. This covering of
hairs is 'by no means restricted to the leaves.
but extends also to the stems, and even to the
blossoms. These last are borne in a terminal
head, from which a succession is maintained for
some considerable time. The flowers are tubular
in shape, from two to three inches long, and of a
bright vermilion colour. The hairs with which
the blossoms are clothed are of a, reddish tint.
This Gesnera has been long grown in gardens,
but is not met with fco the extent that its
merits entitle it. According to The Kew Sand
List of Tender Dicotyledons, its native country
is unknown. Gesnera cardinalis is of easy cul-
ture in a house having an intermediate tempera-
ture. Like most Gesneracenus plants, it is
benefited by a liberal amount of leaf-mould in
the potting compost. When potted early in the
year previous to starting it should be shaken
quite clear of the old soil. The plant may be
readily increased from seeds, which are plenti-
fully produced if the flowers are pollinated.
IF. T.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for
the opinions aproned by correspondents."]

St. Brigid Anemones. — Your correspondent
0. P. (page 270). writing of St. Brigid Anemone,
does well to recommend its usefulness for cut
flowers. Having grown several thousands in
different parts of the country, I have found
tubers give the best results, provided they are

thoroughly ripened. To secure proper ripening,
lift the tubers when half the foliage has turned
yellow, place them in boxes, and stand the boxes
in a cold frame where no water can reach the .
roots. The object is to imitate nature as nearly
as possible until the, tubers are planted in a well-
prepared border, from September to the end of
November. I have found similar treatment suitable
for Anemone hortensis plena, one of the most
striking spring flowers 1 know, and would be
glad to know where a few tubers of this variety
may be obtained. J. E.

Silver Leaf Disease. — I think if your corre-
spondent, O. A. Jareline, turns up back pages
of the Gard. Chron., he will find ample evidence
of the fact that investigators have tried the soil
solution method of treating Silver Leaf Disease;
it may be that the right solution has not yet
been used or, if used, not used efficiently.
Practical glowers know that suckers from
diseased trees are often badly affected, which
would indicate that a oure, if any, must be able
to reach the root syst-em. Win. H. Johns,
County Hall, Truro.

Dendrobium primulardii. — I notice that in
your issue of the 15th ult., reference was
made to a Dendrobium which I recently
staged at Manchester. This plant, a natural
hybrid between D. primulinum and D. Pierardii
(not a garden hybrid as stated in your note)
was staged without a name, but was described
as D. venustum by the Secretary, Mr. Arthur,
in his report of the meeting of the Manchester
and North of England Orchid Society. I am
in full agreement with your remarks as to the
desirability of care in the naming of Orchid
hybrids and have written to the Secretary with
a request, that he will correct the name to D.
primulardii. The plant was fully described in the
Orehhl Ttcview, Vol. 24, p. 96, and a dried speci-
men is in the Kew Herbarium. If. Ilorridgc,
Bolholt House, Bury.

Fruit Crops in Leicestershire. - It may interest
your readers to know the condition of the fruit
i rops in this county. There was a grand display
of blossoms, but the setting lias in most cases
been very poor. Plums gave great promise, but
the majority of fruits have fallen; the crop will
be poor. Apples and Pears suffered during the
prolonged wet spell, and as a result the crops
will be below the average. Raspberries and
Strawberries are promising. Red Currants are

g I. and Black Currants fair: Gooseberries, in

some localities, arc g 1, but in others only

in derate. T. '.'. Bulloctt (Hort. Inttructor ).

Potato Spraying. — I have read with inte-
rest the question raised by Mr. Irwin
Lynch, and also the remarks of Mr. C. A.
Jardine. The subject is one of much

importance and especially now there .s a world
shortage of food. After many years' practical
experience and a wide opportunity for observing
the effects of spraying. I must state that I have
not yet met with a case where a properly com-
pounded spraying mixture, judiciously applied,
lias bad an injurious effect upon the Potato
crop. But several cases have come under my
notice, where the spraying mixture has been im-
properly compounded or injudiciously applied,
and lias caused injury. I cannot agree with Mr.
Jardine's suggestion— that is if I understand him
aright — that the spray fluid has an injurious
rltn i if not washed off the Potato leaves within
18 hours of its application. Copper sulphate is the
effective agent of the spray fluid ; the soda or lime
i- used tu prevent scorching, which will take place
if these substances are not combined in proper pro-
portions. If the disease spores fall upon the
sprayed foliage the copper sulphate will kill
them, and thus prevent their entrance to the
leaf. The importance of using the spray before
the disease appears is obvious, for if the spores
have germinated and the disease has already
entered the leaves, spraying is not effective.
The spray fluid simply acts as a protection, and
it is a mistake to suppose the plant absorbs
the fluid. If it did. the sulphate of copper, be-
ing a poison, would cause the death of the
plant. From many carefully conducted experi-
ments it has been proved that sprayed Potatos

June 19, 1920.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

309

continue longer in growth than unsprayed, even
in seasons when Blight is not at all prevalent —
and this being so, naturally the crop will be
heavier— which also has been proved. If.
as suggested, the spray fluid clogged the stomata
on the underside of the foliage, how is one to
account for the longer period of growth and the
heavier crop of tubers? My object in writ-
ing is not to enter into controversy, but to
endeavour to impress upon every cultivator of
Potatos the value and importance of spraying,
and, what is equally important, the proper com-
pounding and application of the spray fluid. I
strongly recommend growers to apply for leaflets
on this subject, which can be had on appli-
cation, without expense, to The Secretary, Board
of Agriculture, 3, St. James' Square, London.
or The Secretary, Department of Agriculture,
Merrion Street, Dublin. T. S.

NURSERY NOTES.

MESSRS. ALLWOOD BROTHERS.

Great skill in all the arts of cultivation is
essential in the conduct of a business which
depends upon the production of healthy plants
and fine flowers. That Messrs. Allwood Brothers
possess this skill is evidenced by the compara-
tively short period in which they have built
up their business, and by the steady extension of
their nurseries. But skill in cultivation is not
the whole secret of success in this commercial
enterprise. The brothers possess unbounded
energy and an enthusiasm which is highly in-
fectious, while each lias a distinct and striking
personality.

About ten years ago they commenced
business as Carnation specialists by renting four
glass-houses at Wivelsfield, Haywards Heath,
Sussex. Now they have a large nursery on the
opposite side of the road, where there are twenty-
three houses, the larger ones being 250 feet by
55 feet, each filled with 20.000 plants producing
an aggregate of 200.000 blooms in a season.
The latest addition of new glass consists of nine
smaller houses connected by a corridor. These
are for the propagation and cultivation of young
stock. The corridor is fitted with a wide bench,
and is sufficiently roomy to allow potting, propa-
gation, and the selection and labelling of young
plants for filling orders, to be carried on rapidly
and under the best conditions for plants and
workers. Beside this addition to an

already large establishment, the brothers have
taken over a nursery at Plumpton, and this they
are devoting to the cultivation of their new
race of perpetual Pinks — Dianthus Allwoodii
Two of the three brothers, with modest assist-
ance, managed the business at the outset ; now
the employees are about 120 in number.

The enthusiasm which the brothers show in
their business is not exhausted when they have
persuaded people that Carnation growing is the
finest possible tloricuHural hobby, and that the
Wivelsfield plants are the best for such a hubby.
By no means. It finds an outlet in the creation
of new varieties and of distinct races. Mr.
Montague Allwood, whose gifts of oratory and
sense of humour have made him the best-
known of fhe brothers, has also a fine imagina-
tion which enables him to foresee the probable
effects of certain combinations among Carnations
and Dianthus species. He has made large num-
bers of crosses between Dianthi. between Car
nations and Pinks, and between Pinks or Car-
nations and species of Dianthus

Like all other raisers of new plants, Mr.
M. Allwood has experienced many disappoint-
ments, but his many successes have en
couraged him to continue. Wivelsfield While.
Wivelsfield Beauty, Wivelsfield Clan-! . Apricot,
Destiny (revise), and Mary Allwood were all
raised by him, and they are all excellent and
popular varieties of the perpetual flowering race.
It is ample evidence of the value of these varie-
ties that the Allwood Brothers grow them ex-
tensively for cut flowers, together with Beacon,
Enchantress Supreme. White Enchantress, Sal
mon Enchantress verv fine, and a scarlei seed
ling of their own raising. This latter grows
rapidly, is a great producer of brilliant flowers.

is of comparatively dwarf habit, and yields
two blooms to every one of any other scarlet
variety. The firm does not confine its attention
to home-raised varieties, but cultivates all
varieties trrat are worth growing.

Jessie Allwood is a perpetual Malmaison
variety, with large handsome flowers of light
yellow colour. It was raised at Wivelsfield, as
the name suggests. To the credit of the firm
must also be placed several perpetual -flowering
border Carnations, of which the light yellow
Roslyn is a good example. The Messrs. Allwood
believe that this particular section has a great
future, and work is being continued therein with
the view to obtaining plants which will continue
to produce useful flowers out of doors all through
the summer ami early autumn.

Probably nothing the Allwood Brothers have
raised has taken the popular fancy so quickly
as the new race of perpetual Pinks dignified by
the name of Dianthus Allwoodii. and for which
the firm received a certificate of appreciation
from the Royal Horticultural Society. The

beauty, has, as it should, with such a name, a
trim habit (see Fig. 144) and is a capital pot
plant for a cold greenhouse, as, indeed, are most
of the members of this race. All are good gar-
den plants for beds or borders, unquestionably
hardy and easily grown.

Messrs. Allwood Bruthers make a special
feature of growing large, bushy plants of
the freer-flowering perpetual Carnations in
32-sized pots for planting out of doors in
early summer to flower throughout the
season. For these they have now a good
demand from owners of large gardens and
those who have the management of public parks.
Special care is taken in packing and the prompt
fulfilment of all orders, and plants for export to
other countries are subjected to special treat-
ment, whicn toughens them and thus reduces to
a minimum the possibility of losses during their
journey. In short, the Allwood Brothers are
specialists, and apply their experience, skill, and
enthusiasm to every branch of their imreasing
business.

Fir,. 144. — DIANTHUS ALLWOOPll SUSAN: A POT-GROWN SPECIMEN

race is of hybrid origin, and obtained by fertilis
ing flowers of the old-fashioned garden Pinks
with pollen of perpetual -flowering Carnations
Many varieties have been raised, and all
have the hardiness and free habit of Pinks,
with a taller growth, branching inflorescence,
larger blooms, and a perpetual habit derived
from the Carnation parent.

There are certain old-fashioned florists who
regard the blooms of tin's race of garden plants
as beneath contempt, but garden lovers who are
not such sticklers for form have nothing but
admiration for these free flowering and effective
plants, which will grow in any kind of soil, but
do besi in deeplj worked medium soil containing
a fair supply of lime. Of the several varieties,
the sturdy white flowered Harold must be given
pride of place. Rufus is .a double deep old rose
coloured variety of very cheerful hue; while
Robert, less double, is soft, pink, with claret
coloured zone, Jean, of neat outline, white,
with violet purple centrej is very dainty, and
was greatly admired when shown in the splendid
group of Carnations ami Pinks exhibited bj

the linn at the recent Chelsea Show. To

each of these font* varieties the R.H.S. Award of
Merit has been granted. Another charming sort.
Susan, so named because it is a black-eyed

NOTES FROM THE COLONIES.

FER.X FLORA OF A SINGLE TREE.
Some time ago (see Gard. Chron., Oct. 4,
1919, p. 181). I sent you a description oi New
Zealand Orchids found on a single tree. I now
send lists of Ferns noted mi two trees (Griselino
littoralis) in the bush or forest, some 3.000 ft.
up Ml. Egmrjnt. All (he trees have such masses
of Feins, from the base, right t.> the topmosl
branches, that, it is difficult t" choose a. particu-
lar specimen. However, I selected two as having
perhaps rather more variety than the rest. The
Fern Flora was as follows: Tree No. 1.
Hymenophyllum scabrum, 11. norum, H. polj
anthos, and H. pulchenrimran ; Trioliomanes
reniforme (Kidney Fern), Polypodium ausbrale,
1>. Billardieri and P. eramimitidis ;
Asplenium bulbiferum, A. Baccidum and A.
falcatum, and Aspidium aculcatum. Tree No. 2.
rlvmenophyllum pulcherrimum, H. scabrum, 11.
dililatum, ami H. rarum; Asplenium falcatum.
A. flaceiduim and A. bulbiferum; Aspidium
capense; Polypodinm australe, IV grammitidis,
ami I'. Billardieri; Lotmarin (or Blechiium) fluvu
bill's, and Pteris in. i-.i I/. /•'. . Manaia, New
Zealand.

310

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

June 19, 1920,

SOCIETIES.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.

June 15. — There was a bright display at the
Royal Horticultural Hall on this date and hardy
flowers provided the chief attraction. Del-
phiniums, Sweet Peas, Roses, Carnations and
Paeonies were the principal flowers shown : of
Orchids there was only one group. The Floral
Committee granted eight Awards of Merit, and
the Orchid Committee one first-class certificate.

The attendance was much smaller than usual,
probably as a consequence of the counter-attrac-
tion of Ascot race meeting.

Floral Committee.

Present Messrs. H. B. May (in the chair),

W. A. Bilney, Sydney Morris, Jas. Hudson,
John Green, W. J. Bean, John Heal, John
Jennings, Andrew Ireland, J. F. McLeod, Thus.
Stevenson, W. Howe. W. B. Cranfield, C. R.
Fielder, Cfhas. Dixon. Arthur Turner, H. J.
Jones, Wm. Cuthbertson, Ghas. E. Pearson.
G. W. Leak, W. P. Thomson, J. W. Barr, R. C.
Notcutt, W. R. Dykes. George Paul, E. H.
Jenkins, H. Cowley and H. R. Darlington.

AWARDS.

Awards of Merit.

Delphinium Blue Bird.— A tall growing
variety with a yard-long spike of rounded, deep,
velvety blue flowers. The spike is not so dense
as in the case of many modern varieties, and
is consequently the more elegant. Shown by
Messrs. R. Tucker and Sons.

Del jih in in in Paniioiiia — A very distinct
variety bearing a comparatively short, sturdy
spike of clear, deep blue flowers. The blooms
are set closely together, but not sufficiently so
to make the appearance of the spike heavy.
Shown by Messrs. R. H. Bath, Ltd.

Sweet Pea Le Mahdi. — A bold and handsome
variety of deep purplish blue colour. The Sweet
Pea of Delphinium blue colouring is still to
seek. Shown by Messrs. Ireland and Hitchcock.

Sweet Pea Mildred Howard. — This Sweet Pea
is a lovely pink variety, the wings having a
tint of rose in the pink. The standards are
of large size, and the flowers are set Tather
widely apart on the stout spikes. Shown by
Mr. Robert Wright, Formby.

GaAllardia Downer's Double. — A large and
handsome variety with flowers fully four inches
in diameter and of a golden yellow colour: the
effectiveness of the flower is accentuated by the
crimson zone composed of the outer rows of
disk flores. The ray flowers arc large, in two
rows, and each has four or five divisions. Shown
by Mr. C. R. Downer.

Carnation. New White ('lore. — Mr. Douglas has
at last succeeded in producing a large, broad
petalled, smooth edged, white border Carnation
with the fragrance of the Old Clove. The blooms
are of fine size and form and the petals arc
stout in texture. Shown by Mr. James Douglas.

Bose Mrs. Curnoch Sawday. — A strong-grow-
ing Hybrid Tea Rose of fine form and shell
pink colour. The blooms are broad petalled and
stout, making up a full, handsome bloom of
great promise, and one that is sweetly scented.
The stems are purplish red and the foliage dark
green. Shown by the raiser. Mr. E. J. Hicks.

Pi/raeant/ia yunnanensis var. Warley. — An ele-
gant shrub producing long, slender branches along
which every spur and bud appears to produce
a cluster of small, white. Hawthorn-like flowers.
In some of these branched clusters there are
as many as 35-40 flowers, consequently a branch
becomes a graceful wreath of blossom. This
Pyraeantha has a distinct value as a flowering
shrub, and we understand it berries freely.
Shown by Miss E. Willmott. V.M.H.. Great
Warley, Essex.

Grottps.

Delphiniums and Paeonies were the chief floral
feature of the show and were generally excellent.

Messrs. Blackmore and Langdon arranged many
magnificent spikes on a floor space. The popular
white-eyed variety Rev. E. Lascelles immediately
attracted attention, but it was the lighter blues
that received most admiration, and of these
Willy O'Breen. Lizzie van Veen and Lord
Lansdowne were superb. Mrs. Shirley is of
pure mauve colour and first size. Queen Wilhel-
mina, of similar colouring, is also desirable (Silver
Grenfell Medal).

Messrs. Kelway and Sons had a large collec-
tion of the best sorts at the end of the hall,
and of these Dusky Monarch and Bayardo were
particularly attractive to lovers of novel colour-
ing. Paeonies, both double and single, were
also freely shown by the Messrs. Kelway, and
of the former Dorothy Kelway, Spion Kop (rose)
and Joy of Life (blush) found many admirers
(Silver 'Flora Medal).

A large collection of border flowers was also
contributed by Messrs. R. H. Rath, Ltd. Their
Paeonies were excellent, and although the double
sorts were unusually large and of good form
and colouring it was the many single-flowered
varieties that received most attention. Several
seedlings of great merit were shown, and these
were characterised by increased size and delight-
ful colouring. The named sorts included Mikado,
deep crimson with golden filaments: Philomele,
satiny pink petals and deep Primrose petaloid
stamens; King Lear, in which the Rose-coloured
filaments are edged with gold; and Academic,
shaded soft pink, and brightened by a cluster
of golden filaments. The Delphiniums were
equally meritorious. Lovely is a delightful
variety. Hugo Poortman. Turquoise and Willy
O'Breen are the names of the very best (Silver
Grenfell Medal*.

Messrs. R. Tucker and Sons showed Delphi
niums and border Finks with various Alpines.
which included many Sempervivums and the
graceful Allium pedemontannm (Bronze Banksian
Medal). Messrs. J. Piper and Son were also
exhibitors of Alpines and border flowers, and
in their collection Linum alpinum roseum. Cam-
panula pulloides, Sempervivums, and the beauti-
ful blue Pentstemon heterophyllus were especially
noteworthy (Bronze Banksian Medal).

Mr. W Wells. Junr. , showed a generous
collection of Delphiniums, including such valu-
able sorts as Lamartine. Mrs. W. Wells. Joan
( arter and Merstham Glory (Bronze Flora
Medal). Mr. C. R. Downer showed Delphi-
niums, Gaillardias and Scabiosa caucasica. Mr.
G W. Miller arranged a good collection of sea-
sonable border flowers and the Misses Hopkins
and Messrs. Maxweix and Beale showed various
Alpines.

Mr. M. Prichard had the glowing scarlet
Verbena chamaedryoides with various hardier
rock plants, and also included in his exhibit
many spikes of Kniphofia. Irises. Delphiniums,
Campanula latifolia bicolor and Verbascum Lady
Alison (Silver Flora Medal). Messrs. Bakers,
Ltd., arranged a great variety of Delphiniums.
Irises. T .ilium Szovitzianum, and a quantity
•>f Sunbeam Poppies (Silver Banksian Medal).

Mr. G. Reuthe had his customary colli, lion of
uncommon shrubs and plants, and also included
hardy terrestrial Orchids, various Ericas.
Irises. Rhododendrons and Magnolias (Sil-
ver Banksian Medal). M.-ssis. J.

Godfrey and Son contributed a splendid selec-
tion of Scabious Pride of Exmouth. a glorious
c iu. asica variety : Campanula glomerate superba,
in spikes of deep blue flower- ; Erigerona : and
a goodly collection of Oriental Poppies, amongst
which tlie clear cerise variety, Delightful, was
prominent (Bronze Banksian Medal).

Messrs. Sutton and Sons sent a large collec-
tion of splendid spurred Aquilegias. The crim
son and gold, and the pink shades, as well as
Aquilegia coerulea, were particularly noteworthy.
Messrs. W. H. Simpson and Sons exhibited a
splendid collection of named Antirrhinums, ap-
parently grown under glass. The spikes were
large and fresh and the colours distinct, and
good (Bronze Banksian Medal).

Mr. Robert Bolton was the only exhibitor
of a group of Sweet Peas, and he arranged a most
praiseworthy collection. Although cut from the
open the spikes were immense ; yet free
from coarseness, and the flowers perfectly
arranged on the stalks. The new variety
Picture was even more beautiful than
at Chelsea. Lavender Seedling is another
charming variety. Annie Ireland, Verdun,
Tangerine and Victory were also shown in great
beauty and perfection (Silver Flora Medal*.

Messrs. Rich and Co. showed several desirable
varieties of Chrysanthemum maximum. Rent-
payer is a large flower, but more graceful than
the type, while Moneymaker is rounder and of
clear milk white colour (Bronze Banksian Medal).

Messrs. J. Cheal and Sons brought a collec-
tion of interesting hardy shrubs, which included
flowering sprays of Zenobia speciosa. Robinia
Kelseyi, Abutilon vitifolium, Senecio Grayii and
several late Rhododendrons. A noteworthy col-
lection of herbaceous flowers, and the Star
Dahlias which Messrs. Cheal and Sons have im-
proved so greatly, were next to the shrubs.
Lilium unibellatum varieties. Campanulas. Eri-
gerons and Armerias were especially good (Silver
Flora Medal).

Messrs. W. Cutbush and Sons brought a large,
number of splendid Hydrangeas, both the normal
rose coloured and the blue, and also showed
fine double blue flowered Petunias and the
scented-foliaged Pelargonium crisipum variega-
ium (Silver Banksian Medal). Messrs. H. B.
May and Sons interspersed Heliotropes, Ver-
benas. Hydrangeas and Antirrhinums with their
greenhouse Ferns (Bronze Flora Medal). Mr.
L. R. Russell contributed a collection of stove
plants, which showed high culture. Cal-i-
dir.m.s. Marantas, Codiaeums (Crotoiis), Dra-
caenas and Aralias were all first rate (Silver
Flora Medal).

Roses were fresher and better than might
have been expected in view of the late un-
favourable weather. Messrs. B. R. Cant and
Sons brought beautiful blooms of Juliet, Madame
Edouard Herriot, Padte and Constance Casson
(Silver Grenfell Medal). Mr. Elisha Hicks ar-
ranged vases of Comtesse du Cayla. Mrs. Curnock
Sawday, Mis. E. Hicks and other Hybrid Te:*
Roses.' and also a stand of the brilliant Rosa
Moyesii (Silver Grenfell Medal).

Rev. J. H. Pemberton included such fine sorts
as Mme. Edouard Herriot, Miriam, Lemon Pil-
lar. Gen. MeArthur and Lady Pirrie with his
seedlings. Ruth, a 1921 variety, is of faseina
ting orange-apricot colour flushed with carmine
(Bronze Banksian Medal).

Carnations were a noteworthy feature of the
meeting, and the various types were well re-
presented. Messrs. Allwood Bros, brought a
selection of the Allwoodii Pinks, which they
showed in such quantity at Chelsea. As be-
fore, Joan, Harold, Rufus and Robert were par
ticuiarly charming. Many perpetual-flowering
Carnations were also shown by tins firm,
a, well as such valuable .border varieties
as Bookham Clove, Bookham White and King
\rthur (Silver Flora Medal). Mr. J. Douglas
had a collection of splendid border Carnations
and a selection of " Rockwork Pinks," a race
which has great possibilities. Vivid, Bookham
Hose Grenadier. Gordon Douglas, Orangeman
Virginia and Cleopatra are the names of only
a few of the excellent border Carnations (Silve.
Flora Medal).

Mr F Gifford showed a quantity of the
Pink' Glory, while Messrs. B. Ladhams, Ltd..
had a wide lange of border Pinks, with Mlinn-
luses' Giant Thrift and other herbaceous flowers
(BroAze Banksian Medal). Mr. C. Engelmann
•vain arranged excellent perpetual-flowering
Carnations in such sorts as Delice, Variegated
Carola, Destiny. Champions and Circe (Silver
Banksian Medal).

\ group of well-flowered Astilbes in relatively
small pots was arranged by Mr. H, .1. -Ionis
(Bronze Flora Medal).

^Jijne 19, 1920.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

311

Orchid Committee.

Present: Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., in the
chair; Sir Harry J. Yeitch, Messrs. Jas. O'Brien
(hon. secretary), W. Bolton, Arthur Dye, R. A.
Kolfe. Chas. H. Curtis, Fred K. Sander, J. E.
Shill. Richard G. Thwaites, E. R. Ashton, Pantia
Ealli and Frederick J. Hanbuay.

As usual after a large special show, the meet-
ing following was not well attended, and only
one group and three hybrids were placed before
the Committee.

Only one Award was made, a First-Class
Certificate, to Laelio-Cattleya Mrs. Willoughby
Pemberton (L.-C. Baroness Emma x L.-C.
« imia) , from Baron Bruno Schroder,
The Dell, Englefield Green (gr. Mr. J. E.
Skill). A very fine example of progressive
hybridisation, the new hybrid featuring L.-C.
ex imia, which is one of the parents of L.-C.
Baroness Emma, and now crossed with it again.
The resemblance is remarkable, but all the best
features are improved. The broad- p stalled
flower measured eight and a half inches across,
the sepals and petals being silver white, tinged
-with rosy-lilac. The lip, which is strongly re-
miniscent of L.-C. eximia is broad, ruby-
purple, shading to mauve towards the front and
with bright yellow disc.

Group.

Messrs. Charles worth and Co., Hay wards
Heath, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for
a group in which white Cattleyas, including
se\eral good examples of C. Suzanne Hye de
Crom, were prominent. Fine hybrid Odontoglos-
sums and Odontiodas also enhanced the beauty of
the display, and the singular bigeneric hybrid
Schombolaelia tibibrosa presented a remarkable
combination. Among the species were the still
Tare and beautiful Laelia tenebrosa Walton
Grange variety; a very interesting selection of
curious Masdevallias ; the scarlet Habenaria
rhodochila; and the feather-lipped Bulbophyllum
barbigerum.

Other Exhibits.

W. R. Fasey, Esq., The Oaks, Holly Bush
Hill, Snaresbrook (gr. Mr. Seymour), sent the
beautiful Odontoglossum Fabia Majestica {ex-
imium x Aglaon), a model flower, broad in all
its parts, the sepals and petals claret-red with
white margin, the broadly-ovate lip white, with
ruby-red blotch in front of the yellow crest.

Messrs. Sanders, St. Albans, showed Odonto-
glossum crispum var. Belgica, a very large,
handsome and distinct form, with white flowers
of fine substance, heavily blotched with claret-
red. There is, as in most blotched crispums, a
suggestion of hybridity, but being an imported
plant, there were no data to guide the observer.
It was certainly a very handsome form.

Truit and Vegetable Committee.

Present: Messrs. W. Poupart (in the chair),
W. H. Divers, Owen Thomas, W. E. Hum-
phreys, E. Beckett, F. Jordan, P. D. Tuckett,
S. B. Dicks, H. Markham, J. C. Allgrove, E. A.
Bunyard, A. H. Metcalfe and the Rev. W.
Wilks.

The trials at Wisley this year include 120
varieties of early culinary Peas and of these
the Committee last week made awards to 21.
of which dishes were on view at the meeting.
These, we understand, were the best of the
earliest varieties, and the remainder of the trials
will be inspected later, as they mature. Awards
of Merit were recommended to Reading Wonder
(Messrs. Sutton and Sons), Primo (Messrs. Wat-
kins and Simpson), and Prosperity (Messrs.
Toogood and Sons). These are three excellent
sorts; the pods are of good length, rich green
nes;; and well filled. The remainder of the 21
varieties received cards of commendation.

A small collection of late Apples was shown
by Mrs. Leveson-Gower, Bill Hill, Wokingham
(gr., Mr. W. Chislett). The varieties Winter
Peach, Winter Greening, Alfriston and Ann.).1
Elisabeth had kept wonderfully well.

YORKSHIRE FLORAL FETE AND GALA.

June 16, 17 and 18. — The fifty-eighth annual
Floral Fete, opened on June lb, in delightful
weather, at Bootham Park, York, was one of
the finest of a long series. The present exhibi-
tion differs greatly from those held a score or
more years ago. In those days huge Palms,
wonderful specimen stove and greenhouse plants,
and giant Pelargoniums were exhibited in large
numbers; now, these are conspicuous by their
absence, and Sweet Peas, Carnations, H.T.
Roses, hardy border flowers and " garden
groups " are the chief features. In bygone
years the exhibits were housed in stuffy tents;
this year, as in recent years, the exhibition was
held in a roomy, well ventilated, canvas-covered
erection of wood and wire; indeed, it is no secret
that the Yorkshire society obtained the greater
part of the wooden framework used at the Inter-
national Show, at Chelsea, in 1912.

Capital arrangements are made at York for
the convenience of the exhibitors, as well as
the general public, and various amusements are
provided for the latter when they tire of the
flowers. Exhibitors are made to feel they are
welcome and visitors know there will be ample
space between the exhibits and pleasant atmos
pheric conditions, no matter how high the tem-
perature rises.

On this occasion a deputation from the Royal
Horticultural Society visited the gala and made
special awards, as set out below : the members
of Council present, headed by the Rev. W.
Wilks, were Mr. Henry B. May, Mr W. A.
Bilney, Mr, W, M. Cuthbertson." and Mr Jas.
Hudson.

Orchids.
In the class for a group of Orchids arranged
on a space 12 ft. by 5 ft. Messrs. Jas. Cypher
and Sons, Cheltenham, were the only exhibitors
and they put up a handsome exhibit wherein
Thunias, Vandateres, Miltonia, Bleuana, Odonto-
glossums, Oncidiums, Masdevallias and Laelio-
Cattleyas were the chief features.

The same firm gained first prize for a dozen
Orchids, and here their best specimens were
Laelia cinnabrosa, Miltonia vexillaria with about
seventy blooms, Thunia Magoriana, Laelio-
Cattleya Aphrodite, and Brasso-Cattleya Mossiae-
Digbyana. First prizes for six Orchids, for
three Orchids, and for one Orchid— a fine
example of the white Cattleya Queen Mary —
were also won by the Cheltenham firm.

In the amateurs' classes for Orchids, Mr. A. J.
Francois (gr., Mr. D. Pitts), Axholme House,
Doncaster, was a most successful competitor,
winning first prizes for six and for three speci-
mens, and second prizes for six and for three
Orchids in another class, and for a single speci-
men. Oncidium hastiferum, Laelio-Cattleya Vio-
letta, Odontioda chelseaensis. and Coelogyne pan-
durata were the principal kinds of Orchids shown
by Mr. Francois. Mr. Jas. Sunley, South Mel-
ford, was also a prize-winner in several classes
for Orchids.

Roses.
The competition in the Rose classes was fairly
good, but the blooms were) below the best exhi-
bition standard, and many showed evidences of
unpleasant weather. Mr. Elisha J. Hicks,
Twyford, was particularly successful, winning
the first prize for seventy-two blooms in not
fewer than three dozen varieties ; for forty -
eight blooms in not fewer than two dozen
varieties ; for thirty-six blooms ; for
eighteen blooms ; for a collection of Roses in
pots, associated with cut blooms; and for a
decorative table of Roses. Mr. Hicks's leading
varieties were Red Letter Day Nita Welldon,
Bar le Due, Richmond. C. V. Howarth, Angus
fcus Hartmann, Fran Karl Druschki, and Ethel
Malcolm, Messrs. D. Prior and Sons, Colchester;
and Mr. George Prince, Oxford, were the other
prizss-winners in this section.

Water and Rock Gardens.
The premier prize for a water garden arranged
in irregular form on a space not exceeding 250
square feet was awaredd to H. E. Leetita >r,
Esq. (gr., Mr. .1. Winn). Aldersyde, Dring-
honses. The design was pleasing, the irregular
pool being set amid low ruekwork, with an

overflow here and there to provide the boggy
spots for Astilbes, Iris sibirioa, Osmiunda
regalis, and Hemeroeallis. Among the rocks
were colonies of Primulas, Saxifrages, Violas,
Campanulas, Plamoaidias, Onosmas, Alpine
Phloxes, and dwarf Hypericums, with dwarf
Conifers on the higher portions. In the pool
were a few Water-lilies, Typhas, and, at the
margin, variegated Funkias.

The best rock garden exhibit was the one
arranged by Messrs. J. Backhouse and Sons,
York, who had a very bold and effective design
with a low rockwoirk foreground, a tiny 'poolf
and then rising rockwork with a row of Pines as
background. The planting was good and
pleasingly subdued. Astilbes, Foxgloves and
Campajiula persicifolia showed up well against
the Pines. Ferns, Piimulus, dwarf Campanulas,
Gcums, Achilleas, Mimulus, Saxifrages and Sem-
pervivums filled nooks, crannies and little bays,
while Water-lilies studded the tiny lakelet.

The three exhibits in the class for a collection
of hardy perennials arranged in a natural
manner on a ground space not exceeding 350
sq. ft., produced a splendid effect. Messrs.
Harkness and Son, who arranged a lozenge
shaped group of splendid blooming Oriental and
Iceland Poppies, Delphiniums in variety, Ver-
bascun Caledonia, Kniphofias, Irises, Erigerons,
Lupins, Pyrethrums and other showy subjects.
The pointing was as follows: — -Quality of bloom,
58 (60) ; harmonious blending of colour 18 (20) ;
artistic arrangement and general effect 20 (20);
total, 86. The figures in parentheses show the
highest possible points. Messrs. W. Artindale
and Son, Sheffield, came second with 56, 15 and
15 points, respectively ; Messrs. G. Gibson an*d
Co.. Leeming, were third with 50, 14 and 14
points, respectively.

Hardy Flowers.

Messrs. G. Langster and Sons, Malton, were
placed first for two dozen bunches of hardy
flowers, arranged on the ground. They exhi-
bited a fine collection and had good
examples of Erigeron B. Ladhams, Pyrethrum
Mdme. Munier, Achillea serrata. Spiraea Rubens,
Lupins and Delphiniums. Messrs. Harkness
and Sons, Bedale, second, and Mr. W. Hut-
chinson third ; the three groups mado a very
fine mass of colour.

Beautifully effective were the collections of
hardy flowers arranged in usual fashion, rising
from a low foreground. Messrs. Harkness
and Sons won first prize with similar subjects
to those already mentioned ; Messrs. W. Artin-
dale and Son and Messrs. G. Gibson and Co.
were second and third prizewinners respectively.

Mr. G. W. Reader, Neburn Ferry, York, was
the most successful exhibitor in the class for
a collection of hardy flowers arranged on the
ground on a space 18 ft. by 7 ft. ; he made a
fine display of popular subjects. Mr. W. Hut-
chinson, Kirbymoorside, exhibited the best two
dozen bunches of hardy flowers ; his vases of
Papaver Lady Roscoe and Pyrethrum Queen
Marv were especially good ; Mr. J. H. Jtjbb,
Goole, second.

Two exhibitors came forward in the class
for a collection of Sweet Peas Messrs. E W
King and Co.. Coggeshall, won with 92 points
out of a possible 100. Messrs. S. Bide and Sons,
Farnham, came second witli 84 points. Both
exhibitors had delightful exhibits, and made a
feature of varieties of their own raising.

Groups of Plants.

A handsome group of plants artistically
arranged on a area of 300 sq. ft. obtained for
Mr. W. A. Holmes, Chesterfield, the first prize
award of £20. The design was by no means
new. The central arch, with a noble Kentia
in the middle, was furnished witli Crotons,
Clarki as, ami (trooping Fuchsias. Large Crotons
occupied cemer positions, and a lino pair of
( '■ u'< rS plumosus filled prominent positions, In

tin' groundwork of tne g p Crotons were

largely employed in association with Lilium
longiflorum, Begonias, Ixoras, Lantanas, Laelias
and I >racaenas.

In the class for a collection of plants arranged
in group 16 ft, by 6ft. there were two entries.
First prize was won by Messrs, .i\s. Cypher

\m> Sons, with a pleasing and elegant display,

31:

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

June 19, 1920.

in which graceful spikes of yellow Oncidiums
and Francoa ramosa, with spikes of Lilium
longiflorum. rose above well-grown Crotons,
Aralias, Thunias, Rocheas, Miltonias and foliage
Begonias, all bedded in green moss, and the
whole margined with Nertera depress* and
the tricolor form of Saxifraga sarmentosa. Mr.
W. A. Holmes won second prize, and the chief
subjects in his lightly arranged group were
Crotons, Bamboos. Liliums, Petunias, Marantas
and Nandina domestica.

In other group classes, J. Rowntree, Esq. (gr.
Mr. F. Dean), Clifton. York, led for tuberous
Begonias; Dr. Macdonald (gr.. Mr. G. Bennett),
Ouse Lea, York, for Calceolarias; Mrs. Aken-
bead (gr.. Mr. W. Fletcher), Riseholme. York,
won first prize for eight specimen herbaceous
Calceolarias.

Florists' Designs.

Eight classes were provided for the display of
the florist's art, and in seven of these Messes. R.
Felton and Son, Hanover Square, received the
highest award. In certain classes they had no
competitors, but they would have been difficult
to beat even in a strong competition. The firm
was successful with a hand-basket of cut flowers
— mauve and mauve-lipped Cattleyas and
mauve-marked Odontoglossums; with a hand-
basket of flowers, Orchids excluded — a lovely
basket of blush Carnations; with a hand-basket
of Ros.es — a lovely arrangement of the variety
Ophelia ; with two bridal bouquets — one of white
Cattleyas and one of white Odontoglossums ; with
two ball bouquets — one of Circe and the other of
saffron Carnations; with two hand bouquets — one
of Odontiodas and one of purple and mauve
Cattleyas.

Messrs. Simpson and Sons. Mr. T. M. Petch
Miss G. Pearson, York; and .Messrs. Langster
and Son, all won prizes in the foregoing classes.
Mr. Elisha J. Hicks won first prize for a vase
or epergne of flowers, with single Roses; Mesrs.
C. E. Simpson and Son, second with Sweet Peas
and Cattleyas — a by no means pleasing combina-
tion; Messrs. Padgett and Mason third with a
rather massive design in orange-coloured Sweet
Peas.

Fruits.

The interest which used to centre in this class
for a decorated table of ripe fruits has not yet
returned to York- although on this occasion there
were two exhibits. Messrs. C. E. Simpson, Ltd.,
Spurriergate, York, won the first prize with
Pineapples, rather small Peaches, Nectarines.
Figs, Strawberries. Cherries, Melons, fairly good
black Grapes, but poor white Grapes. The
decorations, consisting of Francoa ramosa,
blush Carnations, pink Clarkias and Gvpsophila,
were charming. Messrs. Padgett and Watson,
Low Ousegate, York, won second place with fair
samples of fruit and a decoration of heliotrope
and pink Sweet Peas.

As far as we could discover there were r.o
entries in the other classes for fruits.

Non-Competitive Groups.

Messrs. Mansell and Hatcher, Rawdon, con-
tributed a delightful group of Orchids wherein
every plant, small or great, was allowed to ex-
press its individuality. The staging and the
pots were covered with sheets of deep green
moss, and a few ferns were used below the
plants in the backgrond. Laelio-Cattleva
Canhamiana, L. C. Cowanii. Cattleva Mossi'ae
Wagneri, C. Hesta magnifica, Odontioda Alcan-
tara, 0. Mena, Anguloa Rolfei, and Odonto-
glossum Doreen magnificum were a few of the
special subjects in a fine group.

Messrs. Armstrong and Brown, Tunbridge
Wells, had a thinly disposed group of Orchids,
wherein Laelio-Cattleva Aphrodite, L.-C.
Martinetti, Cattleya Meiidelli Duke of York, and
Odontoglossum eximillus were conspicuously
good.

Sir Jeremiah Colman. Gatton Park, Reigate
(gr. Mr. J. Collier), deserved all the congratula-
tions he received, as he showed splendid spirit
in sending a fine group of Orchids. The grouu
was admirably set up, with moss and small
ferns between the plants. Where all the speci-
mens represented good varieties it is difficult to
particularise, but the rare and beautiful Odonto-

glossum Memoria Gurney Fowler. Cypripedium
Curtisii Sanderae, Laelio-Cattleva Phoebe,
Odontoglossum Gatton Emperor, and the quaint
Epidenclrum Medusae, and the sensitive Bulbo-
phyllum barbigerum, were a few that attracted
special attention.

Messrs. Alex. Dickson and Sons, Belfast,
occupied a large space and filled it in splendid
style with Sweet Peas and Roses. There were
over sixty bowls, vases and stands of Sweet
Peas, and among the many varieties shown
Hawlmark Lavender, Barbara, Daisybud, Hawl-
mark Pink, John Porter. Orchid and Hawlmark
Scarlet were unusually fine. This firm's brilliant
group of Roses contained lovely blooms of
K. of K.. Golden Emblem, the glorious Sunstar,
and Mrs. C. V. Haworth among many other
beautiful sorts. Mr. J. Stevenson, Wimborne,
was responsible for an attractive exhibit of
Sweet Peas, the flowers finely developed and
well arranged. La France, Fair Lady. Brilliant,
Faith, Charity and Lavender Belle were the
varieties occupying positions of honour.

Messrs. Sutton and Sons. Reading, exhibited
extensively and confined their energies to a dis-
play of Sweet Peas. The display was arranged
in the artistic manner which invariably charac-
terises the Reading groups. Some fifty -six
varieties of the popular annual were disposed
in stands and bowls of varying height, and in
every instance the blooms were of fine size and
colour. Leading varieties included Mrs. A.
Hitchcock. Sutton's Blue. Valentine. Elegance.
Doris, Fiery Cross, May Unwin, Hebe. Charity
and Southcote Blue. A feature worthy of men-
tion is that the labels of the varieties were neat
and not aggressively conspicuous.

Messrs. Dobbie and Co.'s exhibit of Sweet
Peas was especially pleasing, because the colours
were so happily associated. Over fifty stands
and vases of fine flowers were shown, and the
leading bright-hued were Thos. Stevenson. The
President, Dobbie's Orange, Alex. Malcolm,
illuminator and Roval Scot. Mr. W. J.
Unwin, Histon. made a great feature of Tjnwin's
Pink in his group of Sweet Peas ; 't is a bright
pink variety, very effective and of good form.
Twilight and Unwin's Cream were other good
sorts.

Messrs. Stuart Low and Co.. Enfield, ex-
hibited Orchids and Carnations, a group of each,
side by side. The principal Orchids on view-
were Renanthera Imsi hootiana. Odontioda
Lutetia, Laelio-Cattleva Aphrodite and Miltonia
Charlesworthii; whilst among the Carnations the
special attractions were Mephisto, Princess
Mary. Volcano and Mrs. E. Douglas.

An exceptionally fine lot of border Carnations
was shown by Mr. H. Lakeman. Thornton
Heath ; the varieties. Grev Douglas. My Clove.
Border Yellow. Elaine. Lt. Shackleton, General
French, Salmonea and Elizabeth Shiffner were
represented by superb blooms.

Messrs. Allwood Brothers. Haywards Heath,
disposed their varieties of Dianthus Allwoodii
in pleasing fashion, with flanking semi-circular
groups of Carnations, the latter including
Edward Allwood, a fine new scarlet seedling ;
Wivelsfield White. Destiny. Mary Allwood.
May Day, Triumph and "Mikado. Mr. C.
Engelmann, Saffron Walden. was also an
exhibitor of fine Carnations.

Messrs. Blackmore and Langdon, Bath,
exhibited Delphiniums in fine style; the vareties
were similar to those referred to in our R.H.S.
report. Messrs. R. H. Bath, Wisbech, had a
large square group of Delphiniums, Paeonies,
Irises — their vase of Delphinium Lavenda was
unusually good. Tile contribution from Messrs.
J. Peed and Sons, West Norwood, was com-
posed of large-flowered Streptocarpuses, Tritonia
Prince of Orange and small plants of many sorts
of Caladiums.

Mr. J. W. Miller, Wisbech, exhibited hardy
flowers in great variety, and Mr. W. Wells,
junr.. Merstham, contributed a splendid exhibit
of fine varieties of Delphiniums.

Messrs. P. Gardner and Co. exhibited an
extensive rock garden, well furnished with suit-
able subjects, but the rocks appeared to be some-
what too obtrusive at the back of the exhibit.
Mr. G. Prince and Mr. G. Burch, Peter-
borough, had small exhibits of Roses.

Messrs. Waterer, Sons and Crisp contributed
a group of handsome Rhododendrons, associated
with Japanese Maples. Kalnnas. and standards
of Ilex crenata and Retinospora filifera inrea.
Messrs. S. Broadhead and Son, Huddersfield,
arranged an attractive rock garden well fur-
nished with dwarf Campanulas. Saxifrages,
Sempervivums. Primulas and other seasonable
flowers.

Mr. George Yeld, Burton Lane, York, con-
tributed a number of beautiful Irises and
Hemerocallis of his own raising. Among the
former Lord of June, Lady of June, Camma
and Asia were noble, large-flowered sorts. Mr.
H. N. Ellison, West, Bromwich, showed ferns
in great variety, with Araucaria Silver Star.

Medal Awards.

Large Gold Medal. — To Sir Jeremiah Colman;
Messrs. Sutton and Sons ; Messrs. Allwood
Brothers; Messrs. Waterer, Sons and Crisp;
Messrs. W. Artindale and Son ; Messrs. D.
Gardner and Co. ; Messrs. Alex. Dickson and
Sons ; and Messrs. Mansell and Hatcher.

Gold Medal. — To Mr. Broadhead; Messrs.
Dobbie and Co. ; Messrs. Stuart Low and Co. ;
Messrs. Blackmore and Langdon ; Mr. H. Lake-
man ; Messrs. J. Backhouse and Son ; and Mr.
George Yeld.

To the other non-competitive exhibitors specipl
awards were made according to the merit and
extent of their displays.

Royal Horticultural Society's Awards.

The following awards were made by the
members of the R.H.S. deputation : —

Gold Medal. — To Messrs. Mansell and
Hatcher: Messrs. Armstrong and Browrn ; Sir
Jeremiah Colman ; Messrs. Alex. Dickson and
Suns; Messrs. Dobbie and Co.; Messrs. Sutton
and Sons; Messrs. Allwood Brothers; Messrs.
Waterer. Sons and Crisp; Messrs. P. Gardner
and Co. (rock garden).

Silver Gilt Flora Medal. — To Messrs. jas.
Cypher and Sons : Messrs. Blackmore and Lang
don; Mr. H. Lakeman; Mr. W. A. Holmes;
and Mr. H. E. Leatham (water garden).

Silver Gilt Banhsian Medal.— To Mr. J.
Stevenson ; Messrs. Jas. Cypher and Sons
(plants): Messrs. J. Backhouse and Son; Mr.
W. Wells, jun.

Silver Flora Mrdal.—To Mr. S. Broadhead
(rock garden) and Messrs. Harkness and Son.

Silver Grenfell M'dal.—To Messrs. E. W.
King and Co.: Messrs. W. Artindale and Son ;
and Messrs. Harkness and Son (perennials).

Silver Banknan Medal— To Mr. C. Engel-
mann ; Messrs. S. Bide and Sons ; Messrs. Gibson
and Co. ; and Messrs. G. Langster and Sons.

First Class Certificate. — To Odontoglossum
Doreen magnificum. shown by Messrs. Mansell
and Hatcher.

Award of Merit. — To Cattleva Hesta mag-
nifica. shown by Messrs. Mansell and Hatcher;
to Odontoglossum Emperor Constantine, shown
bv Sir Jeremiah Colman; and to Iris Camma.
shown by Mr. George Yeld.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Black Currant Fruits Falling: A. W. M.
In the absence of big bud mite it is difficult
to assign a Teason for the failure of the
crop. A severe check imposed by very cold
nights may (be the cause of the trouble, or,
it may be that the soil was unusually dry.
Black Cuvrant bushes thrive best in a rich
and moderately moist rooting medium.

Moss on Lawns: C. A. The appearance of
moss in a lawn suggests that the drainage is
at fault and the soil lacks lime. Do what
is necessary to provide better drainage, rake
out as much of the moss as possible by means
of an iron rake and top dress the lawn with
finely-sifted, rich soil to encourage the growth
of the grass : with the soil mix lime in the
proportion of one of lime to four of soil.
Applv the mixture at the rate of two and a
half cart loads per rood of lawn surface.
At a little later date apply a light dressing of
some good proprietary lawn manure and wate~
it in.

June M, 1920.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

313

THE

4&axbmzvs (ttftmiidt

No. 1748.— SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 1920.

CONTENTS.

Aberdeen, new park
for

Arum Lilies in Cwm-
donkin Park, Swan-
sea

Books, horticultural,
sale of

Books, notices of—
Identification of
Timbers

Chamber of Horti-
culture

Clusia grandiflora

Conifers, odours of . .

Douglas Fir, Chermes
attacking

Fish poisons as insecti-
cides

"Gardeners' Clironicle "
seventy-five years
ago

(lalega Hartlundii

Impatiens Hcrzogii . .

Land settlement, the
progress of . .

Law note :

Bulb trade dispute

Market fruit garden,
the

Jloraea iridioides John-
sonii

Nova Scotia, fruit-
growing in . .

Obituary —

Cypher, Mrs. J. . .
Ravn, F. K.
Onion smut

322
315

318

3 IS
313

314
31SI
31S

313

322

317

320

313

322

322
313

Orchid notes and glean-
ings—

Miltonias at Chelsea 315
Orchids at the Dell,

Egham .. .. 315
Orchis Munbyana . . 315

Potatos, sales of, in
Ayrshire .. ..313

Paris, horticultural con-
gresses in . . . . 314

Pyrethrum powder . . 314

Saxifragas, the Lingu-
late 319

Societies — ■

Economic Biologists 321

Royal Horticultural 321

Nationale d'Horticul-

ture de France 313,321

United Hort. Ben.

Prov. 321

Trees and shrubs—
Helichrysum ros-

marinifoliunt . . 317
Amelanchiers . . 317

Veronica edinensis 317

Wand9worth, flower

show at . . . . 313

Week's work, the —
Flower garden, the 316
Fruits under glass . . 316
Hardy fruit garden,

the .. .. 316

Kitchen garden, the 316
Orchid houses, the . . 316
Plants under glass . . 316

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Arum Lilies (Eichardias) in park at Swansea .. .. 320

Chermes Cooleyi on the Douglas Fir . . . . . . 318

Clusia grandiflora .. .. .. .- -- ■• 315

Helichrysum rosmarinifolium .. .. .. .. 31"

Saxif raga lingulata var Bellardii 319

Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week
deduced from observations during the last fifty
years at Greenwich, 61.6°.

Actual Tempera rr/RE : —

Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41. Wellington Street,
Covent Garden, Londou, Wednesday, June 23,
10 a.m.: Bar. 30.3; temp. 68°. Weather— Dull.

So long ago as 1S77, in the

Fish Poisons Report on the Progress and

as Insecticides. Conditions of the Royal

Gardens, Kew, Sir J. D.
Hooker, commenting on a specimen of
Derris elliptioa from Singapore, made refer-
ence to the use of decoctions of the root
of this plant as an effective insecticide for
garden purposes. Chinese gardeners in
Malaya are said to use the plant also for
this purpose, and its value is also commented
upon by Sir George Watt in his Dictionary
of the Economic Products of India. The
most recent, and, indeed, the first systematic
investigation of preparations of Derris as in-
secticides made by Messrs. Mclndoo, Sievers
and Abbott * appears to demonstrate that this
material is rich in promise as an insecticide
for horticultural purposes The genus Derris
(syn Daguelia) belongs to the Papilionaceae
and consists of a number of tropical, arbores-
cent, climbing plants, numerous in the old
world and frequently used for the purpose of
killing fish. The authors above referred to
have made comiprehensive tests of the insecti-
cidal value of six species and have found that
in two of them, Derris elliptica and D. uligin-
osa, it is remarkably great. The toxic property
or Derris roots is due to a resin-like sub-
stance which is readilv extracted from them.
Of the solvents used for extraction,
alcohol appears to be the best and most
economical. Such an extract used at the
rate of 1 lb. to 200 gallons of water has re-
markable insecticidal powers. Moreover,

♦ rierris as an Insecticide. Journal of Agricultural
Research. Vol. XVI[, No. 5, 1019.

derrin, as the resinous, toxic extract is called,
is efficacious also in powdered form, and that
not only as a means of destroying horticul-
tural insect pests, but also against such pests
as chicken lice and mites and house flies.
With respect to house flies, the authors state
that in one of their tests of several hundreds
flies set free in a room " dusted " with derrin
seven days before, only three or four were
alive two days afterward. Used as dust
derrin -was effective with green Apple aphis
(Aphis pomi) but failed against mealy bug
and red spider. Used as a spray it was no less
effective in destroying green Apple aphis and
in so weak a concentration as 1 lb. to 200
gallons of water, it destroyed completely
young Tent caterpillars (Melacosoma ameri-
cana). It also proved successful as a destroy-
er of the larvea of Cabbage loopers (Autogra-
phs brassicae). The efficacy of dusting or
spraying with derrin against Aphis was well
shown by an experiment in which the mode of
action of this material was observed on
aphides affecting pot plants. It was found
that the aphides began to fall from
the plants within an hour of the
application of the powder, and that
though they were still alive when
they fell, all were dead by the third day.
The authors conclude that the extract of
Derris serves both as a contact and as a
stomach poison and that it acts in the former
case by particles of it adhering to the bedies
of the insects and giving off exhalations
which, passing into the spiracles, exert their
toxic effect in the tissues of the body. In
view of the striking results obtained by this
insecticide, it is desirable that further com-
patative tests should be made, for in view
of the high cost of nicotine it would be a
boon to gardeners were it to be shown that
derrin is an efficient substitute. It remains,
however, to be seen whether it could be put
on the market at a sufficiently low price.
This aspect of the matter '.-night well be
investigated by the -Agricultural* Departments
of cur tropical Colonies and Dependencies.

Fruit-Growing in Nova Scotia.— The fruit crop
in Nova Scotia for the year 1919 shows an in-
crease of from 50 per "cent, to 250 per cent
The total yield was 1,500,000 barrels.

National Rose Society's Exhibition.— The
National Rose Society's Metropolitan Exhibition,
which \s to be held in the Royal Botanic
Society's Gardens, Regent's Park, on Thursday,
July 1, promises to be a great success. Entries
in many of the classes are numerous, and the
recent rains should enable growers to exhibit
fine blooms.

The Progress of Land Settlement.— According
to the returns of May 31, made by the Ministry
of Agriculture, the progress made in settling ex
Serviee men on the land may be summarised
thus : — Applications (England and Wales),
36,851, for 539,023 acres; approved applicants,
15,501 ; applicants to be interviewed, 7,818 ;
holdings provided since December 18, 1918, 7,133.
acreage 105, o05; total area acquired, 198,751
acres.

Sale of Growing Potatos in Ayrshire. — The
first auction sale of growing Potatos in Ayrshire
for this season took place on June 17, on several
farms near Girvan. Thfe variety on each of the
farms was Epicure, and> as the land is in a high
state of cultivation, high prices were obtained.
The sales took place in the barns of the re-
spective growers, with closed doors. The aver-
age price per acre obtained was £142 at Wallen,
£111 at Jamieston, and £97 at Robstone.

Flower Show at Wandsworth A flower show

and industrial exhibition will be held on Satur-
day, July 24, in the Memorial Hall, High Street,
Wandsworth. The exhibition will bo under the
auspices of the Sonth-West London Adult School
Federation, and has for its object the encour

agement of a greater interest in the cultivation
of flowers and vegetables and the care of
gardens in the south-western district of the
metropolis. The secretary is Mr. P. W. Bennett
24, Jedburgh Street, Battersea, S.W.ll.

Hazlehead Estate Acquired by Aberdeen. — A
very important decision was arrived at by the
Aberdeen Town Council on Friday, 11th inst.,
when it was tmaiiimously resolved to acquire the
fine estate of Hazlehead. Adjoining the western
suburbs of the city, its acquisition should have
a great bearing on the development of Aber-
deen, a development which has suffered greatly
owing to the failure of past Town Council" to
acquire land in the vicinity of the city when
opportunities arose. None knows better than the
present-day citizens of Aberdeen the evil effects
of the short-sighted policy followed by the city
fathers some forty or fifty years ago. Large
sums have had to be paid when public im-
provements necessitated the acquisition even of
strips and patches of land .which could have been
acquired years ago for very modest sums. Hazle-
head comprises a mansion house with over 14
acres of land, four farms, market gardens nur-
series, crofts, and Sunnyside House and grounds
of 10 acres — in all 832 acres. The total rental Is
£1.278 16s. 5d., and the purchase price is
£40,000. There are magnificent old woods on
the estate and although the mansion house of
Hazlehead might be in better condition, the
surrounding policies are exceedingly fine. Not
only will the estate form a fine lung to Aber-
deen, but from a commercial point of view its
acquisition should prove a sound investment for
the city.

Onion Smut. — This American pest has
appeared in the north-east of England and in
Northamptonshire. It attacks plants in the seed-
ling stage, appearing as black stTeaks on either
the leaves or bulb. If the soil once becomes in-
fected, healthy seed sown in following seasons
will give rise to plants infected at an early
stage of their growth. Fortunately, Onion plants
raised from healthy seed in clean soil are not
attacked when planted out in infected ground.
Growers who have sown foreign seed, especially
of the white varieties, or are growing Onions
on land where they have been cultivated during
the past two or three years, should make a careful
examination of the young plants for signs of this
disease. The Ministry of Agriculture has issued
an Order _ req uiring that the presence of Onion
Smut be immediately notified to the Ministry on
its discovery. In order to prevent its spread,
the Order provides that no Onion seed shall Ee
planted on land on which the disease has pre-
viously occurred, and only those seedlings which
have been grown on non-infected land may be
used for planting in infected soil. No Onions
shall be removed from an infected place until
they have been certified by an Inspector to be
free from the disease and have been washed free
from soil.

National Horticultural Society of France. — We
are glad to welcome the re-appearance of another
old publication, which was suspended during the
war. The annual Lute Generate des Membra
of the above Society has just reached us for
the first time since 1914. On turning over its
pages we notice many changes, although per-
haps fewer than might have been expected. The
leading officials from M. Viger. the President,
to M, Tesmer, the Assistant Librarian, are all
the same, excepting the Vice-Presidents and
minor secretaries. The 1920 issue contains a
report of the general meeting held on December
18 last, which gives the results of the elections
for the various offices. There is , also a report
of the work of the society during the period
covered by the war. with a list and brief notes
of those members who have passed away in
the interval. The rules and regulations of the
society occupy 16 pages, then follow the com-
position of the various " Sections." or. as we
should call them, the Committees. The remainder
of this volume, which runs into 233 pages, only
fifteen less than the 1914 issue, is devoted to
the names an>l addresses of the various grades
of members, beginning with the lady patronesses,
members of honour, corresponding members, etc.
On looking these over we find that all the former

314

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

June 26, 1920.

members of enemy origin have had their names
eliniinated from the lists. An interesting addi-
tion, quite an innovation, is made in appending
to the members' names not only their civil
decorations as heretofore, but their war honours.
The Council of the Society, instead of being
purely metropolitan, is a representative one of
the whole of French horticulture, provincial and
otherwise.

Pyrethrum Powder. — This useful and safe in-
secticide is now mainly produced in Japan, al-
though before the war large supplies were forth-
coming from Dalmatia, Persia and certain parts
of Eastern Europe. The powder is made from
the dried heads of Chrysanthemum parthenium
and the centre of production in Japan is m the
Ol-ayama and Wakayama Kens in the Kobe
district, the port of Kobe exporting practically
the whole output. The area under cultivation
in Japan rose from 2,760 acres in 1914 to
10 712 acres and 10,474 acres respectively in
1917 and 1918, the greatest yield being inl918.
when the crop was estimated at 7,720,000 lbs.
According to the Journal of the Royal Society
of Arts, in the year 1913. the largest foreign
purchaser of the Japanese flowers was Great
Britain, which took 184,9301b., while China
purchased the largest amount of insect powder,
77.0841b. During that year the exportation to
the United States amounted to only 30,3761b.
of flowers and 16,0271b. of powder. In 1918.
however, the United States was by far the
largest purchaser of flowers, exports to that
country amounting to 2,721,9931b., or 84 per
cent, of the total exportation. China, however,
is still the leading purchaser of insect powders,
exports to that country amounting to 206.682
lb. in 1918, while the export of powder to the
United Kingdom amounted to but 120,9491b.,
or about 14 per cent, of the total exportation.
Mainly owing to a shortage of food stuffs,
many farmers in Japan have abandoned the cul-
tivation of Pyrethrum, and are growing cereals.
President's Prize at York Gala.— We under-
stand that the prize offered by Mr. James Mel-
rose, President of the York Gala Society, for
the best exhibit at the recent show, was divided
between Messrs. Sutton and Sons, Messrs. Man-
sell and Hatcher and Messrs. Armstrong and
Brown.

" The Gardeners' Chronicle " Seventy-five
Years Ago. — The Pink.— This is a flower that is
cultivated and admired by everybodv, and now
that a better system of saving seed is adopted
than foimerly, we may expect a rapid advance ;
in fact, a visible improvement has taken place
within the last few years. There appears to
be some difference of opinion in various parts
of the country as to what really ought to be the
properties of a good Pink Lancashire and
Yorkshire exhibit them much thinner tlian^ the
southern growers, and especially at Sheffield,
where it is by no means requisite that a flower
sliould possess more than 8 or 10 petals, whilst
they deride the fuller flowers of the Metropolis
and its vicinity as "mops." I am aware that
the Pink has been descanted by many florists,
and that different views have been taken as to
thra essential and requisite properties. In my
opinion the Pink ought, in the first plaice, to be
rose-leaved, whether it is plain or laced. This
I take to be a sine qua non, for however long
we have been without them, scarcely any florist
would advocate a ragged fdged flower against
such sorts as Creed's President, Jones's Hunts-
man, and Beauty of Blackburn. It will ako be
conceded that a perfectly-laced flower, each
petal truly and neatly margined with red or
purple, or ..my other perfectly distinct colour,
contrasting well with the pure white of the
ground colour, will be preferable to one in which
some of the petals arc margined, others only
partly so, whilst some may be without it alto-
gether, forming an imperfect and irregular
flower. Neither do I imagine that amongst
florists there would be two opinions as to dull
or impure flowers, contrasting with those of
brighter colours. Now these are points known
and acknowledged by professed florists during
the past half century, however they may be
laid down as this or the other person's. W-.
Card. Chron., June 28, 1845.

SALE OF HORTICULTURAL AND
BOTANICAL BOOKS.

HORTICULTURAL CONGRESSES IN
PARIS.

On Thursday, the 17th inst., a large number
of valuable works from the library of Mr. A. W.
Paul, of Broxbourne, Herts, was offered for sale
by public auction by Messrs. Sotheby, Wilkin-
son and Hodge at their sale room in New Bond
Street. There were about 200 lots (as notified
on p. 290) and the total realised at the sale
must have been not much less than £2,000. The
bidding was almost wholly confined to the trade ;
at times great keenness was shown for the
acquisition of some of the bibliographical rari-
ties, and the offers were swift and eager.

The prices and purchasers of some of the lots
may interest those readers who devote attention
to gardening literature. Unfortunately, many
of the rarest and most valuable old horticultural
books are going across the Atlantic, and this
is one reason for the continual rise in prices : —

The Botanical Register, vol. i.-xiii. and vol.
xiv.-xxxiii., fetched £29 (Gibbs) ; Flore des
fiterres, vol. i.-xxiii., £17 10s. (Humphreys);
Loddiges' Botanical Cabinet, £10 (Wheldon) :
Ntiuvelle Iconographie des Camellias, £15
(Edwards); Sowerbv's English Botany, £12;
Sweet's Geraniacede, £21 10s. (Gregory) ;
Sweet's British Flower Garden, 7 ^vols.,
£25 30s. (Gregory! ; Andrew's Botanist's Re-
pository, £13 5s. (Gregory); Jacquin's Oxalis
Monog'raphia. £15 10s. (Quaritch) ; Bepton's
Landscape Gardening, £18 10s. (Maggs) :
Berlese's Inconographie du genre Camellia, £27
(Bumpus) ; Bonp'land's Description des plantes
rare cultivees a Malmaison, £56 (Quaritch) ;
Decandolle's Histoire des Plantes Grasses,
£22 (Quaritch); Ehret's Plantae et PapU.icm.es
Rariores Depictae, £20 (Qnaritch) ; Elwes's
Monograph of the Genus Lilium, £14 15s.
(Bumpus) ; Fuchsius's De Historia Stirpium,
£15 (Quaritch) ; Firrber's Floral Calendar
(12 large coloured plates of flowers), £45
(Quaritch) ; Uortus Sanitatis, £28 10s.
(Quaritch) ; L' Illustration Horticole, vol. 1-43.
£18 10s. (Quaritch) ; Mary Lawrence's, A Col-
lection of Roses, £82 ' (Bumpus) ; Merian's
Florilegium, £12 15s. (Quaritch) ; a copy of
Miller's Gardeners' Dictionary — extended to 12
vols, by extra illustrations, about 2,000 in all —
£38 (Spencer) ; Hortus Floridus, £29 (Wesley) ;
Redoute's Les Liliacces, 8 vols., £160 (Bumpus) ;
Redoute's Les Roses, £165 (Bumpus) ; Theatrum,
Florae, £5 5s. (Quaritch) ; Thornton's Temple
of Flora, £29 (Spencer) ; Trew's Plantae
fiieleetae, £10 15s. (Quaritch) ; Turner's Herbal,
£16 10s. (Thorpe) ; Vallet's Le Jardin. du Roy
Henri IV., £20 (Edwards); and Ventenat's
Jardin de la Malmaison, £61 (Quaritch).

There were many other lots which realised
lower prices than those mentioned, but which
were of equal interest to collector or literary
workers Such authors as Sweertius, Rea,
Siebold, Parkinson, Michaux, Hooker, Gerarde,
Dodoens. Dalechamps, Brunfels, Crescentio,
and Paxton were well represented.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

The Identification of Timbers.*
Thts work, devised for the use of students
of forestry, will prove of real assistance to those
who desire to be able to identify timbers. The
characteristic features of each kind of wood as
shown in transverse and longitudinal sections
are described for all the common timber trees
grown in this country, and under each tree
is given the means of distinguishing it from
others with which the tree in question is likely
to be confused. The work is illustrated by
three plates showing under a magnification of
fifty diameters the structure of the following : —
Weymouth Pine, Birch, Lime, Larch, Scots Pine,
Douglas Fir, Elm, Wych Elm and False Acacia.
The book concludes with useful artificial keys for
the identification of the broad-leaved and of thp
coniferous trees described in the text.

* A Guide to the Identification of our More Useful
Timbers. By Herbert Stone. (Cambridge University
Press. 7s. 6d. net.)

During the week of the Spring Exhibition in
Paris, there were numerous horticultural meet-
ings. The most important was the Conference
of French Rose growers, which had not been
held for five years previously. Dr. Viger pre-
sided over the meeting.

M. Jacques de Vilmorin showed about eighty
botanical types of the genus Rosa, from the
Fruticetum at Les Barres. He called special
attention to the following species as material for
hybridisation : — Rosa Hugonis, yellow flowered ;
R. Moyesii, red; R. Willmottiae, pink; R.
sericea var. pteracantha, remarkable for its
ornamental red spines ; R. femiginea, with
purple foliage; R. longiscuspis, with long leaves.
M. Pernet-Ducher next passed in review, in
a very detailed account, all the new Roses
placed in commerce from 1913 to 1918, giving
his own personal observations on the merits and
demerits of each variety. His paper will be
published in full in the Bulletin de la Societi
Francais des Rosieristes . On the subject of
synonyms, the Conference decided to retain the
name originally given to a variety by the raisers,
without translation or other change.

At the Horticultural Congress held the pre-
ceding day (also under the Presidency of Dr.
Viger), a monograph of the genus Grevillea, by
the late M. van den Heede, was read. An
important discussion followed the reading of
a paper by M. Poher, Commercial Inspector of
the Orleans Railway Company, on " The Part
played by Means of Transport in the Develop-
ment of Horticulture and the Export of Horti-
cultural Products." Mil. Duval, Rivoire,
Cayeux, and others took part in the discussion.
The efforts made in the interests of the Trade
by the French Railway Companies, particularly
by the Orleans Railway, were unanimously
acknowledged. The questions of the packing of
produce and refrigeration were touched upon, and
a resolution was passed regarding the use of ferry-
boats to facilitate export to England. M. Mag-
nien read a paper on the organisation of horti-
cultural instruction in the elementary schools.
After this the burning question of the creation
and protection of novelties — also discussed at the
Rose-growers' Congress — was canvassed. M.
Lemoine (Nancy) advocated, in order that the
raiser might receive a legitimate profit on his
production, the imposition on each sale for a
certain number of years of a percentage, to be
deposited to the credit of the raiser with an
international organisation such as the Interna-
tional Horticultural Federation. He cited _ in
support of his proposal the method of collection
of the luxury tax as practiced in France, which
yielded satisfactory Tesults. M. Nonin proposed
that there should be a fee for the registration of
novelties, sufficiently high to eliminate those of
no value. He also suggested that the appro-
priate association in each country should collect
all the necessary particulars of each novelty
registered, and advertise the fact of registration
widely in the horticultural Press. By way of
penalty, all firms refusing to pay the fee should
be placed on a " black list." M. Nomblot sum-
marised the various aspects of the question : —
(1) creation of the novelty ; (2) its protection ;
(3) placing it on the market. He urged that
protection in the country of origin be con-
sidered first, and then protection in other
countries.

In order to attempt the solution of this im-
portant question, a general conference of dele-
gates from the various Societies and Federations
of Horticulturists in France took place on
Friday. June 4. At the Congress of the
Federation Horticole Professionelle Interna-
tional, held recently at Ghent, it had been
decided that the names and descriptions of
various novelties should be sent, on the respon-
sibility of the raisers, to the International
Union, and immediately sent for verification to
the National Societies interested.

MM. Nomblot, Cayeux, Lemoine, Nonin, and
others advocated a reverse procedure, namely,
the deposit of the name, with an example of the
plant, with the interested Society ; then with
the National Bureau ; and finally, with the In-
ternational bureau.

/one 26, 1920.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

315

MM. Pernet, Rivoire, and Turbat, preferred
the first method, as being more rapid. This
opinion finally prevailed, but the matter was
left to the option of those interested to inscribe
their novelties at the National or the Interna-
tional bureau, whichever they preferred. The
discussion was then closed, and a further con-
ference of the delegates, with the addition of
representatives of the Museum of Natural His-
tory, was fixed for July 8.

The International Competition of Roses at
Bagatelle took place on the 8th of June, presided
over by M. Deville, Municipal Councillor. A
Gold Medal was awarded to the Rose Souvenir
de Claudius Pernet, from M. Pernet-Ducher ;
and to Frances Gaunt, from Messrs. Alex. Dick-
son and Sons, Newtownards, Ireland. A First-
Class Certificate was awarded to Rose Benedicte
Seguin, sent by M. Pernet-Ducher; and Certifi-
cates of Merit were awarded to Rose President
Parmentier (M. Sauvagoet), Rose La France
Victorieux (Roseraie de l'Hay), Rose Mermaid
(W. Paul and Sons, Waltham Cross, Ltd.) and
Rose Comtesse de Cassagnac (M. Guillot).

Among other meetings which took place in
Paris the same week, we may mention those
of the Federation des Syndicats Horticoles,
Federation des Societes d'Horticulture, Chambre
Syndicale des Marchands Grainiers, Union Com-
merciale des Horticulteurs ; and the General
Meeting of the Old Students' Association of
the National School of Horticulture at Versailles.

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

MILTONIAS AT CHELSEA.

Only a few years ago the forms of Miltonia
vexillaria, with their great variety and beauty,
were the sole representatives of the large-
flowered section in gardens, but the hybridist
has evolved a marvellously beautiful class,
which put the forms of M. vexillaria in the
shade, fine as are the Lyoth class, raised by
Messrs. Charlesworth and Co., and which they
have excelled in M. Charlesworthii and others,
many of which were well displayed in their group.
In Messrs. McBean's group, at Chelsea, the white
and blush-white forms of M. Hyeana, with their
large, triangular blotch of ruby-red or black at
the base of the lip, were much admired, con-
trasting well with the deep vinous-purple Odon-
toglossum illustrissimum. Shrubbery variety,
and 0. eximium Leonora behind them. The M.
memoria Crown Princess Margaret, for which
Messrs. Sanders obtained an Award of Merit,
was of the same class, the clear white flowers,
slightly tinged with pearly-pink, being finely
displayed by the nearly-black colouring of the
base of the lip. Messrs. Armstrong and Brown
had many fine forms. One of the most remark-
able forms was M. Bleuana Reine Elisabeth in
Messrs. Charlesworth's group.

ORCHIDS AT THE DELL, EGHAM.
It is satisfactory to note that Baron Bruno
Schroder's famous collection, in the care of Mr.
J. E. Shill , has passed through the troublesome
time satisfactorily, although signs of damage due
to shortage of fuel and the effects of the
absence on war service of most of the staff
are still visible. The compact block of houses, in
which the rain-water supply in each division is
from an outside tank holding 35,000 gallons,
is of unusual interest. Mr. Shill has a
very successful arrangement of seed-raising
cases, in which the closely-arranged seed-pots,
their surfaces plentifully sprinkled with young
plants in their first stage, are seen. The
surface on which the seeds are sown is covered
with soft netting, with small open squares, and
similar to that sometimes used for blinds. This
netting is found to be much more satisfactory
than the finer material commonly used, and
when sowing the seeds on its surface a slight
sprinkling of very fine, live Sphagnum-moss is
added, only partly covering the canvas and the
seeds on it. This is said to have a salutary
effect, bv naturally regulating the moisture
around the seeds and freshly raised seed-
lings. Certainly, the evidence of the condition
of seedlings at The Dell supports the theory.

Brasso-Cattleyas, Cattleyas, and Laelio-
Cattleyas are first favourites, and many fine
examples raised at The Dell are now in bloom,
while, during the past two months, over 2,000
Laelio-Cattleya and Cattleyas have flowered
Among the novelties noted were Laelio-Cattleya
Mrs. Willoughby Pemberton, raised between
L.-C. Baroness Enum and L.-C. eximia, a noble
rose flower with ruby-crimson lip ; Brasso-Laelio-
Cattleya Schroglossa (B.-L.-C. Arderniae x
C. Schroderae), a large and beautiful light rose
flower ; and, of others previously recorded,

l eva Mrs. Jas. Watson, The Dell Variety,
Laelio-Cattleya San Juan, L.-C. Ivanhoe, and
some good white Cattleyas were noted, with a
large uatch of C. Hardyana alba in sheath.

The new Odontoglossum range constructed by
Messrs. Armstrong and Brown has been a great
success, and the plants it contains are in grand
condition. Among them it was interesting to
see 0. crispum apiatium, O.c. Ballantinei, O.c.
Schroderianum, O.c. Veitchianum, O.c. San-
derianum and other fine forms, for which
the late Baron Schroder obtained First-Class
Certificates in the early 'eighties, still in vigour.
Of the hybrids in bloom, 0. eximium, The
Dell variety, is a grandly coloured form. Good
xanthotes varieties of several classes are in
excellent condition with sufficient richly coloured

O. latifolia group, about 2| ft. high or more.
The flower spikes are 3 ins. to 9 ins. long, and
the blooms are of a rich, dark purple and not
spotted. The leaves are similar to those of O.
latifolia. but of a uniform green without mark-
ings. Plants of various sizes in a group seem
to be quite at home in a moist, peaty soil in the
rockery at Kew. The species is a native of
Algeria. In a cool, moist soil, or that of a
peaty nature, the above and several other species
of Orchis would make an interesting and showy
adjunct to any garden, and they are especially
suitable for planting in boggy ground or for
association with water in rock gardens, such
as the dripping pools and streams which most
rockeries include. J. F.

CLUSIA GRANDIFLORA.

One of the most interesting, as well as one
of thjS most beautiful, of plants at the Cambridge
Botanic Gardens is Clusia grandiflora, a specimen
which has been growing there for thirty-two
years in the stove, and is now 11 ft. high. For

FlG. 145. CLUSIA GRANDIFLORA, NOW FLOWEBING IN THE BOTANIC GARDENS, CAMBRIDGE.

Odontiodas to add to the effect. At one end
is a healthy batch of rare Miltonias, the superb
M. Hyeana, The Dell variety, with its broad,
clear white flowers with large, triangular, almost
black mask on the lip, being the finest of its
class, although M. The Baroness, a near ally, is
comparable.

Time and circumstances have wrought many
changes in The Dell Collection. The old

specimens of Coelogyne, Cypripedium and other
early favourites have passed away, some of
them, like the Phalaenopsis, which never did
much at The Dell, having failed to survive the
cold of last winter, to the regret of the owner.
But in these days of hybrid-raising vacancies
are soon filled, and with successful raisers the
trouble is to find room for all they desire to
accommodate. The Dell houses are full now7,
and what is to happen when the thousands of
small seedlings come to maturity is a problem.
In any case we may look forward to some
notable acquisitions amongst these unflowered
plants, for the parents are of the highest quality
and pedigree.

ORCHIS MUNBYANA.

There seems to be no record that this species
of Orchis has been previously introduced. It is
a handsome and stately plant belonging to the

some time past it has been producing its
handsome large, white, rose-tinted flowers (see
Fig. 145), each bloom from seven to eight inches
in diameter. The flowers are fleshy, with
a delicate white fringe around the centre
of a deep yellow, discoid, gummy mass, which
is composed of a very large number of agglu-
tinated staminodes overlaid with soft resin.
Three flowers are usually borne at the end of
a shoot, the central one opening first and hiding
the two side buds, which open later.

Clusia grandiflora is a native of Guiana,
and, like other members of the same genus, it
is dioecious and of an epiphytic nature, embracing
other trees, and is said to often ultimately
strangle them by means of its roots. The large,
handsome, coriaceous leaves, some of which are
18 inches long and 7j inches wide, are dis-
tinctly petioled. obovate, or eUiptic-obovate, and
borne in clusters towards the end of the twigs.

The cultivation of C. grandiflora is not diffi-
cult, provided the roots and the atmosphere
ar.e kept moist; it succeeds in a rooting medium
of ordinary loam and peat. It may be propaga
ted from cuttings, but these are rather slow
rooting, often taking six months to establish.
A point in favour of the plant is that it is not
in any way susceptible to insect pests. F. '-'-
Preston, Cambridge.

316

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

June 26, 1920.

The Week's Work.

TEE ORCHID HOUSES.

.By T. W. Briscoe, Gardener to W. R. Ltsaght, Esq.,
Castleford, Chepstow.

Bulbophyllum. — The members of this family
of Orchids are usually held in higher esteem by
botanists than by the average amateur culti-
vator, but signs are apparent that the plants
are again in demand. The singularity of form
and the peculiar structure of the flowers, render
them most interesting, "while the colour and
scent of some species are very pleasing. Per-
haps the most attractive garden species is B.
Ericssonii, a strong-growing plant with large,
umbel-like 'dusters of flowers. The small B.
barbigerum, B. Lobbii, B. Gentilii, B. grandi
florum and B. fuscum should be grown in the
■warm house, but B. careyanum, B. cupreum,
B. comosum, B. Dayanum and B. rigidum will
succeed in the Cattleya or intermediate division
With a few exceptions, Bulbophyllums may be
grown suspended from the roof -rafters; a wire
stretched the whole length of the house,
made fast at either end and to a few of the
rafters, provides am ideal position for a
large number of small-growing Orchids.
Plants suspended need to be watched very
closely for watering, especially throughout the
summer, when, if neglected, they are liable to
suffer from drought. Species that have long,
creeping rhizomes and are more or less rambling
in habit need to he grown in pans or teak-wood
baskets of various sizes,' but much may be done
to obtain compact specimens by pegging the
growths on to the compost. Certain species, of
which the quaint B. barbigerum may be cited
as an example, thrive best in small baskets or
pans, with very litle compost about the roots.

Scuticaria. — Two species, viz., S. Hadwenii
and S. Steelii, are in cultivation ; the former
should be grown in the intermediate house
and the latter in the warm division. Teak wood
rafts or baskets are usually chosen for the re-
ception of their roots and very little soil is
needed. Fresh compost should be provided
•when new growth begins. Suspend the 'baskets
from the roof rafters, and when the plants are in
active growth supply them with water liberally,
but after the active growing season is over the
compost may be kept on the dry side.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By H. Wheelee, Gardener to Mrs. JenneR, Wenvoe
Castle, near Cardiff.

Asparagus. — The cutting of Asparagus should
cease at about this time, to enable the plants
to build up strong crowns for production next
season. As the shoots gain in height and
strength they should be supported either by
placing Pea sticks amongst them or by tying
each stem separately to a single stake.
Occasional light dressings of suitable concen-
trated fertiliser should be applied, and in the
absence of rain, washed well into the soil by
watering. Keep the beds free from weeds by
hand weeding ; do not use the hoe, as this
might oause damage to the young growths.

Celery. — The plants intended to form the
maincrop should be ready for transplanting in
trenches prepared for them. Before commencing
to do this give the plants a thorough watering,
as they should not be moved with the roots in
a dry state. Lift the plants with as much
soil adhering to the roots as it is possible to
retain, and immediately planting is done water
them freely. Attention is more easily given
the plants when they are grown in single rows ;
but it economises space if two or three rows
are planted in each trench. In either case a
distance of one foot apart each way should
be allowed. To prevent attacks of Celery fly,
dust the rows frequently with soot in the early
mornings, whilst the foliage is still damp with
dew.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By T. Pateman, Gardener to C. A. Cain, Esq., J.n ,
The Node, Codicote, Welwyn, Hertfordshire.
Mulching Bush Apple Trees — Trees that have
set a heavy crop of fruit may now be given a
top-dressing of short manure, but the mulch
should not be sufficiently heavy to exclude air
from the roots. Weak liquid manure may be
supplied copiously. This will greatly assist in
the development of the fruit; failing this afford
a dressing of some reliable fertiliser. The best
time to apply manures to fruit trees is after
heavy rains, when the soil is in a thoroughly
moist condition. Should the weather continue
dry it may be found necessary to water the
trees several hours before applying the liquid
manure or fertiliser. Trees that have failed to
crop should not be mulched or given a nitro-
genous fertiliser; manure rich in phosphates will
be best for them.

Raspberries. — Raspberries suffer considerably
from the effects of drought, for the fruit becomes
hard and all pips. No crop responds to water-
ing better than the Raspberry, and the best re-
sults are obtained when the water is applied
close up to and around the canes. A slight dust-
' ing of an approved fertiliser before watering is
of considerable benefit where the crop promises
to he a heavy one. Presuming the beds were
surface dressed with manure or leaf-mould as
previously advised, the latter should be slightly
moved by the use of a fork several hours after
the watering is done

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By F. Jordan, Gardener to Lieut. -Col. Spender Clat,
M.P., Ford Manor, Lingfield, Surrey.
Pineapples. — The development of Queen Pines
in the early house will be greatly facilitated by
the increased amount of sun-heat, and the long
days iustify a higher temperature when the
houses" are closed in the afternoon. Use the
syringe freely for damping the surfaces of the
beds, and also for charging the lower axils of
the leaves with weak liquid manure and guano
water. Careful attention should be given to
watering, which is necesary at least twice a
week ; much depends upon the conditions, struc-
ture of the house, compost and plunging material,
which may be kept moist with warm water if it
becomes too dry. Successional plants in various
stages of development require the same careful
attention. The fruits being required at a later
date these plants need not be grown in such
a high temperature as the earlier ones. Suckers
should be reduced to two on each plant.

Later Pineapples. — The length of days now
justifies high culture and, as no after manage-
ment can restore drawn plants, admit a little
night air and exercise great care in the day
ventilation. As the pots become full of roots
more wateT will he required, and diluted stimu-
lants may be given reirularlv at a temperature
equal to that of the bed. Economise fire-heat
and retain moisture by light shading. The
treatment of suckers should be similar to that
for growing stock, but a little more shade and
bottom heat should be given to induce the
plants to root quickly.

Strawberries for Forcing. — Preparations for
layering stock for next season's supply should
receive attention as soon as runners are avail-
able for layering. Success depends upon having
the plants in their fruiting pots early in
summer to secure large, plump crowns for
forcing. Many layer the earliest batch direct
into 5-inch pots, and in these tira?s this method
has much to recommend it, as a considerable
amount of labour is saved thereby, but unless
every care is taken in watering, the soil is in
some danger of becoming soured. For layering
large quantities 60-sized pots have many ad-
vantages over larger receptacles, especially in
dry weather ; the pots may he placed closely to-
gether in two or three lines between every other
row of plants, a good strong runner being
secured on each. In a fortnight or three weeks'
time the plants will be ready for transferring
to their fruiting pots.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By John Coutts, Foreman, Royal Botanio Gardens,
Kew.

Climbers. — Climbing plants in the stove and
greenhouse will require constant attention as
regards tying, thinning and training. Climbers
that are subject to the attacks of Mealy Bug or
other insect pests may be kept clean by a
vigorous use of the syringe which may be used
twice a day when the weather is bright.

Fittonia Verschafleltii and F. argyroneura.—
These plants have for many years been grown
in plant stoves, being commonly used for cover-
ing the surface of large pots and tubs, as well as
for carpeting beds and making an edging to
borders under stages, for which purpose they
are admirably adapted as they naturally do well
in partial shade. They also prove useful for
house decoration. F. argyroneura is especially
pretty for the decoration of the breakfast or
lunch table, its silver veined leaves giving a cool
effect during hot weather. For use in this way
they should be grown in small shallow pans,
which may be put into suitable receptacles for
the table. Fittonias root readily in a warm
propagating case.

BrunJelsia (syn. Francisea). — Several species of
Brnnfelsia are very old inhabitants of our plant
houses, and always very popular, as they flower
with wonderful freedom, their flowers varying in
colour from purple to bluish-violet, while in one
species, B. americana, the flowers open yellow
and fade off to ivory white. B. calycina, the
large-flowered B. macrantha and B. americana
are the species most commonly grown : these
are easily propagated now by means of cuttings
made from young, firm, shoots. Insert the cut-
tings in a sandy compost and plunge the pots
m a propagating case with a bottom heat of
65° to 7CC. Brunfelsias grow well in medium.
loim with a little fibrous peat added. They
require an ordinary stove temperature during
their graving fcriod, and when in flower may
with advantage be removed to a cooler and
drier house.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By Sidney Lego, Gardener to the Dowager Ladi
Nunburnholme, Warter Priory, Yorkshire.

Alpines. — The seed of many Alpines is ripe
and, where it is desired to perpetuate varieties,
no delay should occur in sowing the seed after
harvesting it. Care should be taken to have the
compost composed of materials suitable to the
requirements of the different species. It is
convenient to sow the seed in well-drained pots,
which have been i^reviously watered ; place them
in a cool frame and afford shade until after
germination of the seed. Where it is possible
to do so with success, I advocate sowing the
seed of many Alpines in their permanent
stations.

Convallaria. — Afford plantations of Lily-of-the-
Valley copious waterings with diluted liquid
cow manure, to insure good flowering crowns
for next season. In hot sandy soils the best
inflorescences are usually produced behind a
north wall.

Amaryllis Belladonna.' — The successful flower-
ing of the Belladonna Lily depends to a large
extent on the freedom with which this bulbous
plant produces foliage. During dry weather
attention to watering and occasionally feeding
of the plants with liquid manure will repay
the cultivator. In due course, remove the foliage
as it ripens and clean the border hefore the
flower spikes push through the soil.

Trollius All the forms of Trollius have been

exceptionally fine this season, the wet spring
having suited them admirably. Newry Giant is
a vigorous yellow variety, whilst Orange Globe
is true to its name. A moist position suits their
requirements; however, when planted in the
ordinary border, the roots penetrate a con-
siderable depth for moisture. September is the
best time to increase them by division. Seeds
which are now ripening take several months
to vegetate naturally. Trollius are adaptable
both to collective and individual planting by the
side of streams.

jONE 26, 192U

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

317

THE MARKET FRUIT GARDEN.

Improved Lime-sulphur Wash.

When spraying with a fungicide, such as lime-
sulphur, the object is to coat the leaves and
truit with a protective film of chemicals which
prevents the germination of spores of fungi
which fall on those parts. Unfortunately,
fungicides have not good wetting or spreading
qualities, and the result of their application, no
matter how fine the spray, is a collection of
little spots of chemical on the surface of the
leaves, instead of an unbroken film. The spaces
between these spots remain unprotected. The
difficulty cannot be overcome by adding soap
to the wash, as is done in the case ot some
insecticides, because the lime in the lime-sulphur
would coagulate the soap. Considerable import-
ance must therefore be attached to the dis-
covery that saponin, a vegetable product, may
be added to lime-sulphur to improve its spread-
ing powers. Even so small a proportion as .05
per cent, of saponin in the mixed wash causes
it to dry on the leaves as a thin, continuous
layer. Attention was drawn to this discovery
by Prof. E. S. Salmon at the recent conference
on fruit culture held at Wye College; but he
mentioned that it should be tried by growers
only on a small scale, until further experiments
had proved whether or not the addition ol
saponin makes the lime-sulphur more likely tc
be washed off by rain.

Saponin is now on the market in the form of
a proprietary article known as Saponex, which
contains 5 per cent, of saponin. The makers re
commend that this should be used at the rate
of i to 1 gallon to 50 gallons of diluted lime-
sulphur wash. I have made an experiment with
Saponex, and find that it certainly does what is
claimed for it in the way of making the wash
dry on as an unbroken film. The improvement
is not very obvious to the naked eye, but it is
revealed at once under a strong magnifying
glass.

Should saponin survive further tests, it would
seem t» open up the possibility of getting a
satisfactory combined fungicide and aphis wash.
It is, of course, allowable to add nicotine to
lime-sulphur as it is; but. without a spreading
agent the result is not so satisfactory. The
addition of saponin ought to give the nicotine
a better chance of doing good. Market Grower.

TREES AND SHRUBS.

VERONICA EDINENSIS.

For a few years past a shrubby Veronica has
been ir commerce under the above name. It has
been regard id as a hybrid of V. Hectori, but
no one, so far as I know, has suggested the other
parent. So fai" as the foliage goes, and the
hilarious pubescence extending down the stem
fiom the edges of the leaves, V. anomala would
suggest the other parent. In size and shape the
leaves of V. edinensis are intermediate between
those of V. anomala and the reverted leaves of
V. Hectori. Here the similarity ends, because
V. edinsnsis does not bloom on the branches
that bear spreading leives. After a plant at-
tains some years of age it begins to bloom on
whipcord-like branches with smaller shorter,
adpressed leaves more closely resembling those
of V. Hectori, as it is best known. The flowers
are white and produced in short, spicate heads,
as in the last-named, close to the ends of the
twigs. I would suggest that V. edinensis is
merely a juvenile form of V. Hectori. The
latter readily reverts to the juvenile state when
grown in slight shade, and though the leaves are
narrower, both have one to three teeth on each
side of a leaf. Cheeseman had not seen the
leaves of young plants of V. Hectori, when he
described it, though he rightly placed it in a
group having dimorphic leaves. Hector's Speed-
well is figured in the Bot. Mag., t. 7415, and
Veronica anomala in the same publication, t.
7360. V. Hectori comes from the South Island
of New Zealand and forms a shrub up to 2 ft.
high. V. anomala comes from the same dis-

trict, and good specimens may attain to a height
of 5 ft. J. F.

HELICHRYSUM ROSMARINIFOLIUM.

This shrub is fairly well known in southern
gardens as Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius, and it
is popularly known as Snow-in-Summer, owing
to its free flowering habit and white flowers.
A native of Tasmania, it requires protection in
all but the most favoured situations, though
here it passes through the winter entirely un-
protected and unharmed. The specimen illus-
trated (Fig. 146) is growing in a border, in culti-
vated ground, where the species thrives better
than it does when planted out as a lawn speci-
men on grass. It is a rapid-growing shrub,
easily propagated from cuttings, and, as it is

richness of the forests of Eastern North
America in flowering shrubs and small trees ;
the Hawthorns in bewildering numbers of
species, the Plums of the Missouri — Texas
region, the fragrant Sumach (Rhus canadensis
and the flowering Dog wood (Cornus florida),
the Azaleas of the S. Atlantic and Gulf States
and the " Laurel," Kalmia latifolia, which makes
so brave a show in the Arboretum and grows
wild from New Brunswick to Louisiana. Of
species of Amelanchier, North America may
boast almost a monopoly — Europe possessing
naturally only one poor shrubby species and
China and Japan also only one. This genus
ranges wide over North America, with many
species — from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from
Newfoundland to the Gulf States. Some are trees
and some shrubs, large or small. Many species

Fig. 146. — helichrysum rosmarinifolium in the gardens at fota, cork.

not long-lived, a few young plants should always
be held in reserve.

Helichrysum rosmarinifolium flowers with
wonderful profusion even in quite a young
state, and the flowers remain fresh for a con-
siderable length of time. Sprays of flowers may
be cut and dried and are useful in this condition
for decorative purposes, including wreath-
making. The foliage, and the young, sappy
growths especially, bear a striking resemblance to
Rosemary; hence the specific name. K. B., Fota.

AMELANCHIERS.

To those who have had the pleasure of visit-
ing the Arnold Arboretum, the popular
Bulletin's descriptions of the special and striking
features of that fine garden are of great
interest. A recent number describes the
typically North American Amelanchiers prized
in gardens here no less than in the United
States. The Bulletin recounts the wonderful

have the habit of flowering in spring before the
leaves appear. To their characteristic, edible
dark blue or nearly black small fruits they owe
probably their common name of Service tree.
One of the earliest Amelanchiers to bloom in
the Arboretum is A. canadensis, which in its
native habitat reaches a height of 60 feet. As
the flowers open, its leaves unfold, covered
with pale grey silky hairs which make the whele
plant look white. A. canadensis is often con-
fused in gardens with a. species now known as
A. laevis which, however, may be distinguished
from the true A. canadensis by the red colour
of the young leaves and their almost complete
lack of downv covering. The shrubby A.
obovalis has been planted in large numbers in
the Arnold Arboretum, and some five or six
other species are also established there. The
common Amelanchier canadensis is a useful
flowering shrub in this country, and its autumn
tints are strikingly handsome, especially in gar-
dens where the soil is of a light texture.

IJ

318

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

June 26, 1920.

EDITORIAL NOTICE.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the
PUBLISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, W.C.

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

Letters for Publication, as well as specimens of
plants for naming, should be addressed to the
EDITORS 41, Wellington Street, Covent
Garden, London. Communications should be

WRITTEN ON ONE SIDE ONLt OF THE PAPEE.^ sent OS

early in the week as possible, and duly signed by
the writer. If desired, the signature will not be
printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith.

Illustrations.— The Editors will be glad to receive
and to select photographs or drawings suitable for
reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable flowers,
trees, etc., but they cannot be responsible for loss
or injury.

Special Notice to Correspondents— The Editors
do not undertake to pay for any contributions or
illustrations, or to return unused communications
or illustrations unless by special arrangement. The
Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any
opinions expressed by their correspondents.

CHERMES ATTACKING
DOUGLAS FIR.

IN afforestation schemes the tendency
of late years has been largely to
extend the use of Pacific Coast
Conifers, notably Douglas Fir and Sitka
Spruce. All foresters agree as to the out
standing merits of these two species, the Douglas
Fir being restricted to dry soils and sheltered
conditions while the Sitka Spruce thrives with
great vigour in wet soils and in exposed situa
tions. Both trees produce a large volume of
timber per acre, which is ready for marketing
at about sixty years old. Up to the present,
these two species have been remarkably free
from disease both in the nursery and when
planted out.

It is regrettable, therefore, to record a new and
possibly serious insect attack on the Douglas
Fir in this country. Some warning is needful,
as means ought to be taken speedily to prevent
the spread of such pests. The insect, which has
been identified with the North American Chermes
Cooleyi, was, so far as I know, first observed
on the Oregon Douglas Fir in Europe, in June.
1913, in the New Forest, by Mr. A. C. Forbes
and myself. It resembles in outward appearance
and mode of attack the Chermes or so-called
" Woolly Aphis " (see Fig. 147), which occurs
on the common Larch. Since 1913 it has spread
over the south of England, and has been seen by
the writer on trees 30 to 70 feet high near
Petersfield and East Liss, Hampshire; at Fel-
bridge, near East Grinstead, Sussex; at Buck-
hold, Berkshire; and in Bagley Wood, Oxford-
shire. It is abundant on the foliage and branch-
lets of the lower part of the trees. At Fel-
bridge some trees seen last April are much
worse affected than when they were first looked
at two years ago. The renewed attacks of the
insect have stunted the foliage and the growth
of the shoots. An attack has also been watched
in one case on younger trees, about seven years
old, when the larvae hatched out of the eggs
on the old shoots were observed creeping out
on the young shoots, which speedily become
curved and feeble.

In the United States, Chermes Cooleyi occurs
on both the Colorado and Oregon Douglas Firs,
being much more common on the Rocky Moun-
tains species. The insect passes a second stage
of its life on certain Spruces, on which it forms
a cone-like gall. It attacks Picea Engelmannii
and P. pungens in the Rocky Mountains, and the
Sitka Spruce in the Pacific Coast region. In
England, this species escaping even when it
the Sitka Spruce, are apparently due to the

same insect, but this is not certain. It is
rather strange that Chermes Cooleyi has not yet
been noticed on the Colorado Douglas Fir :n
England, this species escaping even when it
grows alongside affected Oregon Douglas Fir.

In the United States. Chermes Cooleyi is re-
ported by Mr. J. R. Weir, forest pathologist,
to be destructive to 2 to 4-year-old stock of
Douglas Fir in the seed-beds of the Forest Ser-
vice Nursery, in the St. Helena National Forest,
Montana. Seedlings are apparently killed out-
right or so greatly weakened that they become a
prey to certain fungi. Mr. Weir states that
spraying with kerosene emulsion has been found
successful against Chermes Cooleyi in nurseries.
Should, as seems probable, the pest spread to
nurseries of Douglas Fir in this country, this
remedy ought to be tried.

Prevention is, however, better than cure, and
steps ought to be taken to secure the proper
collection and inspection of the seed of these
important Conifers. This seed is now collected

ODOURS OF CONIFERS.

Fig. 147. — effect of chermes cooleyi on the
douglas fir.

in native forests in a haphazard manner, often
from undesirable, badly-formed, and diseased
trees. Imported seed is often mixed with bus
of foliage, branchlets, etc., which may carry in-
sects and their eggs as well -as the spores of
fungi. Two measures are advisable, one being a
regulation that no forest tree seed should be
offered for sale unless it has been first inspected
and disinfected by a competent mycologist. The
other measure would be the appointment of a
skilled forester in Vancouver, who would arrange
for the collection in British Columbia, Washing-
ton and Oregon, of seed of the important Coni-
fers from good trees, in vigorous health, perfect
in shape, and growing in the most suitable con
ditions. Sitka Spruce grows wild near the sea-
coast through a wide range of climate from
Alaska to California. It has not yet been
determined in what localities the seed should
be collected that would produce the best trees
for wet mountain land and exposed moor-
hnd. This is a matter of considerable import-
ance. A. Harry.

In a recent paper on the Douglas Firs*
Professor Henry calls attention to the difference
in odour found in the Oregon Douglas Fir
(Pseudotsuga Douglasii, Carr) and the Colorado
Douglas Fir (P. glauca, Mayrj. This he finds >s
due to the different oils contained in the leaves
of the two species. In the Colorado tree the
strong turpentine odour is due to the large per-
centage of pinene and bornyl acetate present. In
the Oregon tree pinene is absent and the fra-
grant odour is due to the presence of a highly
odoriferous substance, geraniol, slightly modified
by a small amount of bornyl acetate present.

In the same paper Professor Henry refers to
the- Douglas Fir aphis (Chermes Cooleyi,
Gillette), probably the worst insect enemy of
the Douglas Fir in Britain, and points out that
while it attacks the Oregon species it has not
yet been observed on the Colorado species, even
where, as at Bagley Wood and East Liss, the
two trees occur side by side. I have observed
the same phenomenon myself in Surrey. More
information on this subject is required, but it
seems probable that the strong odour of the
Colorado Fir, due to pinene, is disliked by the
aphis, although, as Professor Henry states.
Chermes Cooleyi does occur on P. glauca in
America.

Other instances in which the odout of Conifers
seem to play a part in relation to insect attack
can be cited. The notorious Pine weevil
(Hylobius), for example, shows a distaste for the
Sitka Spruce and an equally strong preference
for the Oregon Douglas Fir. In its selection
of breeding ground it also shows preference for
certain species. Scots Pine is undoubtedly its
chief breeding ground. Spruce- comes next.
Larch is rarely chosen, and Silver Fir and
Douglas Fir are rarely, if ever, selected. Again,
the felled Scots Pine attracts hosts of bark-
beetles to its resin-exuding butt, yet Spruce
attracts only a few, Larch fewer still, and Silver
Fir none at all. I suggest that in all these in-
stances the odour of the species plays an impor-
tant part, if it is not, indeed, the determining
factor in the choice of the host shown by these
insects.

A fuller knowledge of the odours and the
essential oils of Conifers cannot fail to effect an
improvement in our methods of controlling forest
insect pests, and Professor Henry's researches on
this subject may yet prove of great value, not
only to the dendrologist, but also to his fellow
workers in entomology and mycology. J. W.
Munro, Entomologist to the. Forestry
Commission.

IMPATIENS HERZOGII.

This striking member of the Balsam family,
which is of comparatively recent introduction
from New Guinea, is an exceedingly useful plant
where a display of flowers has to be maintained
at all seasons. It is of a sturdy, freely -branched
habit, suggestive of the deep magenta-purple
flowered Impatiens Hawkerii.

The flowers of Impatiens Herzogii are large
and flat, and the colour, which is exceedingly
difficult to define, is admired by many. It may
perhaps be best described as a bright orange
salmon with the least purplish suffusion in the
centre. Like most of the Balsams, I. Herzogii
is a plant of easy culture and thrives in a house
having an intermediate temperature. Cuttings
formed of young shoots strike root in a very
short time. In common with many of its allies,
the flowering season extends over a lengthened
period, in fact if two or three batches are grown
flowers may be had practically all the year
rcund. Their peculiar tone of colour causes
them to stand out very conspicuously during
dull weather. This species has already been
employed by the hybridist, the variety kew-
ensis having been raised between I. Herzogii
and the lilac-coloured I. platypetala. W. T .

* Proc Roy. Irish Acad,, vol. xjxw, sectmn B.,
No. 5.

June 26, 1920.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

319

THE UNGULATE SAXIFRAGAS.

The Ungulate Saxifragas are the jewels of
their race for purity of flower, beauty of rosette
and leaf, while in grace and lightness they exceed
all others. Much has been written about them,
hut somehow they have not become popular in
our gardens. This is the more remarkable,
considering that, they are the easiest of all
plants to manage. They develop quickly into
big masses, of which every offset grows, whilst
seeds germinate freely. Besides all this, they
are willing to mate with others, and already
some beautiful hybrids have appeared.

The type— Saxifraga lingulata— comes mainly
from the Maritime Alps, while other forms are
found in the hills near Naples and m rJorth
Africa. A minute form carrying five or six
large full flowers on a stem only three inches
hign hails from Kurdistan, in the mountains
round Kermanshah; only old seed heads re-
mained when I found it, but it had been free
flowering, even for a lingulata and members
of this group are generous indeed, both wild
and in a cultivated state.

For gardening puiposes, however we need
only look to the Maritime Alps, between the
Col di Tenda and the valley of the Vesubie.
The forms here found are S. lingulata, B.
Bellardii and S. lantoscana respectively. b.
bellaroii (see Fig. 148) gets more sun in nature
than does S. lantoscana, and has ^oped »
marked type, chiefly in its longer, more punc-
tuated, and more untidy habit, Its rosettes are
not so clearly separated and the plume is usual h
rather longer. In their separate stations the two
forms are distinct, but in the lulls between they
vary one towards the other indefinitely.

Beautiful as they all are, care should be taken
to obtain a good form, no matter under which
name, for some have gorgeous, great, pendulous
plumes of full petalled flowers, while others are
poor in comparison, with starry flowers huddled
on the spike. Some again are red spotted, not
always to their detriment, for good sprays are
sometimes so marked, but nothing can improve
the purity of the white form. Luckily, wnenbuy-
,.,,' the plant, it is generally possible to tell the
.rood forms bv the leaf : the fuller the leaf
the finer the "flower. It is the spidery-leafed
plants which usually produce poor blooms.
This also applies to the spotted forms, though
not universally.

Among my collected stock from the hills
behind Mentone, every kind of variation occurs
from pure S. lantoscana to pure S. Bellardi ,
auT occasionally they hybridise naturally with
S. Aizoon, but the result is a poor thing wo.se
than either of its parents. I have tried, so
far without success, to get the red o S Aizoon
rosea into the flowers of S. lingulata but 1
doubt whether anything could be more .beauti-
ful than the white of the type, certainly not
at the expense of the lovely spray. I have
one plant with very large thick leaves, after
S lantoscana, but irregular m growth like
S Bellardii, with a six-petalled terminal flower
topping a huge, pure white spray; this I
fertilised with pollen from S. longifoha and the
result is the wonderful new S. Tumbling
Waters, which received an Award of Merit at
the Chelsea Show, and was illustrated m 1 he
Gardeners' Chronicle of June 5 (Fig. 130).

S Dr. Ramsay is probably a hybrid form,
although I am not sure of its parentage The
spike is upright and graceful, each flower
beautifully round and densely, but evenly
marked with red. The flowering rosette, too,
is a good red, which adds to the charm of the
plant, and makes it especially valuable for grow-
ing in a pan where detail can be noted. S.
Burnatii is another hybrid, probably with an
Aizoon, but, to my mind, lacking the charm
of its other parent, especially in its rosette.
It is, nevertheless, a 'beautiful thing.

Closely kin to the lingulata or tongue-shaped
Saxifragas come the Cochlearis or spoon-
shaped forms, which grow near by at Tenda.
Now S. cochlearis is a sun lover, while S.
lingulata generally prefers the shady side of a
rock ; but when S. cochlearis grows in the
shade, then it develops into a major form and

gradually assumes the growth of S. lingulata,
until they are hard to distinguish. So, again,
in a sunny spot it gets more compact and in its
minor form, in gardens, it becomes so minute
as to be able, fairly successfully, to imitate
the rare S. valdensis — q uite an unnecessary pro-
ceeding, for S. cochlearis on its own merits is
one of the most valuable of all rock garden
plants. Perfectly easy to manage, and a rapid
grower, it is (beautiful, in flower and out, for
a pocket in the rock . , garden . or for massing
in great drifts on a chip strewn ledge. Its
rosette is neater and more regular than that of
S. lingulata, and the leaf, as its name implies,
swells at the top into the shape of a spoon.
The flower spike emerges like a ■ slender . red
crozier, opening into a more delicate spray with
flowers of the same lovelv white. It is even

haunts the high places, but only locally, and
then its stations are only two hundred or three
hundred feet wide and in places difficult to reach.
It is an unsociable plant, and difficult to in-
crease, though it grows well enough in sun in
either lime or anything else. The plant
obviously has S. cochlearis blood in it, and is
probably a natural hybrid with S. caesia.
With its resemblance to S. cochlearis in leaf,
it has done with the likeness, for it lias creamy
flowers, not the pure white of the race. This
is important, and should settle the vexed
question of parentage once and for all. The
spike is about three inches high, very glandu-
lar, and bears its six to ten rather large flowers
in a flat head. It is a gardener's curiosity
rather than a garden ornament. B. H. B.
Symons-J eune.

Fig. 148. — saxifraga lingulata var. bellardii growing near the col di tenda.

more generous of bloom than S. lingulata, and
almost every Tosette produces a flower spike.
Not so, however, is the minor form, which is
not so generous but equally beautiful. Almost
intermediate between S. lingulata and S.
cochlearis in rosette is S. lingulata Albertii,
rather larger, but no more beautiful than either
of these two forms.

A new hybrid — cochlearis x longifolia (?) —
has the lovely rosette of the mother plant, but
the flower spike is not quite so good as the
promise of it ; on an erect green and glandular
stem, the flowers are just a trifle small and
stiff. Indeed, the task of equalling their
parents seems too hard for most of the hybrids.
One expects too much, and anything short of
breath-taking loveliness becomes bathos. This
is hard on the hybrids, for they are all good.

One more, a much disputed, much misnamed
plant, akin, but no rival in charm, is the very
rare S. valdensis from the Cottian Alps. This
plant, in all lists, is never what it pretends to
he. S. cochlearis minor has been and will go
on being supplied instead, and [sotto voce) so
much the better for the purchaser. S. valdensis
is exceedingly like the smallest forms of S.
Cochlearis in rosette, but even closer growing.
It hugs the high up, sun-baked cliffs like a
lichen, for alone of these Saxifrages S. valnVusis

GALEGA HARTLANDII.

When this ornamental Goat's Rue was first
introduced many years ago by the late Mr.
Baylor Hartland, of Cork, and exhibited in
London, it attracted a good deal of notice and
was figured in the horticultural journals. Mr.
Hartland sent me a plant for trial, and I have
had it in my garden ever since. Its most
striking feature is the beautiful green-and-white
variegation which it shows in early spring. As
the season advances this becomes less and less
apparent, but the flowers, which are of a pretty,
pink and white, or lilac and white, compensate —
and more than compensate — for the loss of the
variegation. It may be said that this plant has
two seasons of beauty — spring and summer. It
is claimed to be a variety of Galega flexuosa.
Its height is about three feet and it grows in
any ordinary border in common soil. It is in-
creased by division, but also reproduces itself
partially from seeds.

The two species commonly cultivated in this
country are G. Officinalis ' and G. orientalis.
Both have blue flowers, and there is a white
and also a bicolor form of G. Officinalis. Galegaa
are showy plants, and the flowers are developed
in looso racemes on tall stems. S. Arnott.

320

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

June 26, 1920.

HOME CORRESPONDED.

The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for
the opinions expressed by correspondents.]

Moraea iridioides Johnsonii. — In reply to Mr.
W. Watson, of Kew, it does not appear likely to
me that Moraea iridioides Johnsonii is similar
to Moraea bicolor, as the two plants are quite
distinct in colouring. The ground tint of M.
iridioides Johnsonii is white with a faint tint
of cream; the upright petaloid segments are of
a delicate shade of violet, and the blotches on the
basal petals are bright yellow, feathered at the
base with crimson-brown. M. bicolor has yellow
petals, blotched with purple-black (distinctly
bicolor), whilst M. iridioides Johnsonii shows
three tints, and is remarkably chaste and beauti-
ful by reason of the contrasts. It appears pro-
bable that M. bicolor was figured from a plant
raised in Bayswater in 1831 ; whilst M. iridioides
Johnsonii was brought from Ceylon by Mrs

even three blossoms at once on the points of
each branch of the flower-scape, and all of fine
size. I shall be happy to present a plant of the
new Moraea iridioides Johnsonii to Kew if it is
not known there, so that it may be possible to
compare the two plants. /. L. Richmond.

It seems that Mr. Weston has not seen or

had not remembered when he wrote the note
on this plant, on p. 297, (hat Morea. iridioides
is of a totally different colour from the M.
bicolor, figured in Bot. Beg., t. 1904. I hare two
excellent drawings made here from a plant which
I obtained from Messrs. Barr and Sons, and
which agree with the Fig. 71 in the Card.
Chron. of April 3, 1920, and with Mrs.
Richmond's description. The flowers are
cieamy-white with yellow blotch on the three
outer segments, and the standards violet-purple,
whereas M. bicolor, as figured, has pale-yellow
much smaller flowers with a dark chocolate
blotch. I do not find the plant so hardy as

Fig. 149. — arum lilies (kichardias) flowering in cwmdonkin park, Swansea.

Johnson about sixteen years ago. The original
M. iridioides is figured in the Bot. Mag.,
693, and is identical with the plant of this name
now growing in S. Africa; it was also repre-
sented in Miller's Dictionary more than a
century ago. It is a worthless plant because
of the flimsy petals and ephemeral nature of the
flowers, which last only for a morning, whereas
blooms of the new variety have thick petals
which remain open for three or four days, and
are of twice the size of those of the original
plant, the flowers being about four inches across,
whilst the other is barely two inches in diameter.
The Scientific Committee of the R.H.S. as well
as Sir Michael Foster, Mr. Barr and others_ have
all concurred in pronouncing M. i. Johnsonii to
be a remarkable instance of self-improvement in
the rich soil and moist cUmate of Ceylon, to
which island it was probably taken many years
ago; and Sir Michael Foster's prediction that it
would still further improve has already been ful-
filled. Some seedlings now produce two and

.Mrs. Richmond seems to do. It flowered in a
warm house on July 7 and in a cool one on
September 15, and likes to be kept pretty dry in
a pot in the winter. I have a much smaller
flowered variety similar in colour, but with a
much longer flowering stem which I have grown
for many years as the M. iridioides. //. J.
Elwes, Colesborne.

— Mr. Elwes is quite correct. I was mis-
led by the photo-figure of Mrs. Richmond's
plant published in hard. Chron., showing a
large, dark blotch on the three falls of the
flower. There are plants at Kew, in flower a
few days ago, which agree with the description
given above by Mr. Elwes of a plant obtained
by him from Messrs. Barr and Sons. The Kew
plants came from the Botanic Gardens, Natal,
in 1910. Baker gives Cape Colony, extending
northward to Natal and the mountains of
Zambesiland, as the habitat of M. iridioides. He
alsi states that M. prolongata and Dietes
Macleaii are garden forms of this species, and

puts M. catenulata, Ker, in Bot. Reg., t. 1074 —
" falls with a yellow spot in the centre and a
double row of yellow papillae down the nearly
glabrous claw; styles and crest lilac," under
M. iridioides, as a variety. W. W.

Arum Lilies in Cwmdonkin Park, Swansea.—
Eight years ago a few small plants of Richardia
africana, the common Arum Lily, were planted
about twelve inches deep in one of the ornamen-
tal pools in Cwmidonkin Park Swansea. The
plants have grown well and spread considerably,
and they were flowering freely at the end of May
when the photograph (see Fig. 149) was taken.
The illustration, however, aoes not show the
whole of the plants. I am sure there are warm
pools in many public parks and gardens where
the Arum Lily would flourish and provide an
attractive feature. Daniel Bliss, Supt. Swansea
Pails.

TRADE NOTES.

Major C. M. Matthews, the new Secretary
of the Chamber of Horticulture, possesses the
advantage of a long experience in connection
with practical growing as wTell as with methods
of organisation and Parliamentary procedure.
He is 42 years of age, and when 17 years old.
he entered the office olf Lord WinoheJsea s
National Agricultural Union, where for about
six years he was engaged in the organisation of
branches of the Union and in arranging con-
ferences in all parts of the country. When this
body jras absorbed into the Agricultural Organ-
isation Society, he left London and started
farming on his own account. In 1908, he
accepted an offer of tile secretaryship to the
East Kent Conservative Association and became
political agent to the Right Hon. A. Akers-
Douglas, M P , and thus gained considerable
experience in speaking at public meetings, as
well as an insight into Parliamentary affairs.
The Chamber of Horticulture has no politics,
and its membership embraces men of all political
opinions, but the knowledge of how to get things
done in the House of Commons should prove of
considerable use in obtaining adequate repre-
sentation in Parliament of the special interests
of horticulture. At the commencement of the
war, Mr. Matthews received a commission, and
owing to his knowledge of agricultural matters,
he was allocated in the first instance to the
Forage Dept. of the War Office In 1915 he
was promoted to the post of District Purchasing
Officer tor Supplies in Lincolnshire.

The Chamber of Horticulture, in conference
with representatives of the Horticultural
Trades' Association and the British Florists'
Federation, recently considered a communica-
tion from the Dutch Bulb Exporters' Associa-
tion. As the terms of this communication
failed to meet the resolutions passed at a pre-
vious conference of the above associations, the
representatives agreed to advise all British
traders to adhere to the previous resolutions and
make no purchases unless the terms are f.o.b..
and the cost of packages is placed on the in-
voice and not to be collected on delivery. We
understand that since this decision was arrived
at the Dutch Exporters have withdrawn from
their impossible position.

On Wednesday. June 16, a conference on the
subject of the conveyance of pot-plants by pas-
senger train took place at the Ministry of Agri-
culture between representatives of the trade
(Horticultural Trades' Association, British
Florists' Federation and Chamber of Horticul-
ture) the Roval Horticultural Society and a
representative 'of the Railway Clearing House
The conference was presided over by an official
of the Ministry. After much debate, it was
agieed that the Ministry of Agriculture, on be-
half of the trade and R.H.S. , should write to
the Ministrv of Transport suggesting that the
railway regulation which prohibits the cam??6
of pot-plants on and after July 1, be further
postponed pending a settlement of the rate ques-
tion, whereby two classes of rates should be
g, anted to the nursery and allied trades for-
(1) pot-plants in trays or shallow boxes M car-
ried hitherto : and (2) pot plants packed in
accordance with the railway requirements.

June 26, 1920.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

321

SOCIETIES.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.

Scientific Committee.

June 1, 1920.— Present : Mr. E. A. Bowles
(in the chair) ; Messrs. J. Arkwright, W. G.
Baker, W. Hales, H. J. Elwes, and F. J. Chit-
tenden (hon. sec.)

Wheat-ear Carnation.— Mrs. F. E. Longhurst
sent a shoot of Carnation of the variety Congress
showing the w.ell-known "' wheat- ear " formation
in a. marked manner.

Various Plants. — Mr. H. J. Elwes showed
from his garden specimens of Blandfordia
superba; a seedling Eremurus with sessile
flowers ; Dianella tenuissima, which bears deep
indigo-blue berries; Littonia modesta; Paeonia
decora ( = P. lobata, but the nomenclature of
these species appeal's to be involved) ; P. Broteri,
from Portugal; Eria oinata, the leaves of which
appear to be normally orange, a native of
Borneo; Tricyrtis latifolia, which Mr. Hales
stated had grown outdoors at Chelsea uninjured
for seven years; Habranthus sp., which failed to
flower until mulched with leaf-mould, after which
it grew and flowered well.

Aquilegia Hybrid. — Mr. Mabsden Jones
showed a hybrid between Aquilegia vulgaris and
A. canadensis, showing the characters of both ;
this he had named A. x vulcan var. Phyllis.

SOCIETE NATIONALE D'HORTICULTURE
DE FRANCE.

The spring exhibition of the Societe Nationale
d'Horticulture de France took place at Paris this
year from June 2 to June 8, in the Great Con-
servatory of the Zoological Garden, in the Bois
de Boulogne instead of at Cours la Reine. The
exhibition was successful from every point of
view, and almost attained to the importance of a
pre-war show.

The big Paris firms utilised to the best advant-
age the space allotted to them for the creation
of chPTning garden scenes, in which the colours
of annuals, biennials, and hardy plants formed
harmonious contrasts. The large specimen
Rhododendrons which usually form one of the
chief attractions of the exhibition were almost
entirely absent, and so were hardy Azaleas; this
was in consequence of the abnormal forwardness
of the season, and also due to the somewhat late
date of the exhibition. Orchids, which
occupied one greenhouse, were particularly fine.
There were some very beautiful plants, notably
Laelio-Cattleya Princess Alice, Cattleya Pom-
padour (an immense flower, purplish-mauve),
Brasso-Cattleya Irene Boues (of a curious
yellowish tint, suffused with purple) ; fine
specimens of Vanda teres, Miltonia Bleuana,
Dendrobium thyrsiflorum, and Saccolabium
Blumei.

Certificates of Merit were awarded to Cattleya
Rachel, a large white flower, with the labellum
marked with reddish-violet (M. Maron) ; and
Laelio-Cattleya Mossiae x Dominiana (MM.
Vacherot et Lacoufle).

An important collection of Brazilian Caladiums
was staged, and one of very fine Rex Begonias,
e.g., Lord Kitchener, with immense leaves, and
La Perle de Mortefontaine, with lovely red
foliage. Among the certificated varieties were
Sang Gaulois, with small red leaves (M.
Vallerand), Mons. Bach, and General de
Villaret (M. Chantier).

Hydrangeas were represented by a number of
important groups. M. Henri Cayeux, director
nf the gardens and plantations at the town of
Havre, showed some beautiful seedlings, of which
the following gained certificates : — Yvonne
Cayeux, with large red flowers ; Caprice, shaded
white; Mousseline, with immense, lightly-
tinted flowers; and Succes, large pink flowers.
Beaute Havraise must also be mentioned, a
beautiful variety shown the previous year, with
large, bright-red flowers and fringed petals. In
the collection shown by M. Mouilliere, the
lovely variety La Marne was noticed.

M. Henri Oayeux also showed, under the name
of Hydrangea hortentiolaris, a hybrid plant, the
result of a cross between Hydrangea hortensis
rosea and H. petiolaris. The plant has not yet
assumed a definite character, and it is not
possible to judge of its climbing nature. Doubt-
less, however, this will prove to be the fore-
runner of an interesting race of hybrids.

There were several groups of tuberous
Begonias, among which the variety Miss Edith
Cavell ivas noticed, a beautiful pale-pink variety,
shown the previous year (M. Billard).
Certificates of Merit were awarded to the follow-
ing varieties : — Marechal Foch, a multiflora
variety of a reddish-orange colour; La Neige, a
double white ; Marechal Joff re, a double red ;
General de Castelnau, double golden-yellow ; and
Le Grand Couronne, double salmon-pink, all
raised by M. Billard.

The exhibits of Roses were numerous and
interesting; multiflora and Wichuraiana hybrids
predominated, mostly in the form of pergolas,
arches and parasols. The varieties most com-
monly represented were Dorothy Perkins, White
Dorothy Perkins and Lady Gay. Among dwarf
Roses the Pernetiana type was chiefly shown, such
as Juliet and Madame Edouard Herriot. A novelty
• from M. Pernet-Ducher — Souvenir de Claudius
Pernet — a magnificent yellowish .pink variety,
received a Certificate of Merit. We may mention
also the beautiful wine-red Chateau de Clos
Vougeot and the already well-known white
Louise Crette, nearly resembling Frau Karl
Druschki, but of better growth and distinctly
superior.

The collections of annuals and herbaceous
plants were numerous and very varied. There was
a very fine group of Sweet Peas; and, among
the important exhibits of the firm of Messrs.
Vilmorin-Andrieux and Co., we noticed the
beautiful Iris germanica hybrida Ambassadeur,
with very large flowers, the lower petals
purplish-brown and velvety in texture. There
were several groups of herbaceous Paeonies, and
among the Japanese varieties were several new
ones with flowers of an altogether original form.
M. Dessert, the clever cultivator of Chenon-
ceaux, Indre et Loire, obtained Certificates of
Merit for the following varieties : — Mme. Jules
Dessert, white tinted with pink ; Auguste Des-
sert, pink edged with white; and Laura Dessert.

M. G. Weiss showed some lovely little
Alpine scenes in miniature, with tiny rocks,
something like the miniature gardens cultivated
by the Japanese. The plants used were Sedums,
Sempervivums, dwarf Saxifragas, young Firs,
and tiny plants of Bellis coerulescens and
Bellium minutum.

Several exhibits of excellent vegetables were
shown in artistic fashion, and forced Peaches,
Plums and Nectarines were exhibited under
glass. A large number of fruit trees in pots
was also shown, the Cherry trees covered with
fruits. An interesting section was that devoted
to garden plans and designs, many being in
course of execution by French landscape gar-
deners.

The Premier Grand Prix d'Honneur was
awarded to the firm of Nomrlot-Bruneau for
fruit trees, trained and in pots. The Second
Grand Prix d'Honneur was won bv MM. Maron
et fils for their exhibit of Orchids. As usual,
those who had won these awards the previous
year did not enter for competition.

Among other plants which received awards
the following should be mentioned : — Delphinium
hybrids, e.g., Jeanne Cayeux, with large sky-
blue flowers: Boreal, with yellowish-white
blooms (MM. Cavetjx and Le Clerc) ; (Solange
Beausereont, azure blue, suffused with mauve
(MM. Fortin and Laumonnier) ; Pelargonium
grandiflorum Andre Tardieu and Marechal Foch
(M. Chaubert).

were allowed to withdraw double the amount
of their accruing interest, amounting to
£17 Is. 4d. The aeath certificates of three de-
ceased members were received, and the sum of
£133 0s. lid. was passed tor payment to their
respective nominees. The sick pay for the month
on the private side was £44 0s. Id., and on the
State side £26 13s. 4d. ; maternity benefits
totalled £13 10s.

UNITED HORTICULTURAL BENEFIT AND
PROVIDENT.

The June meeting of this Society was held
in the Rovnl Horticultural Hall, Vincent Square.
Westminster, on the 14th inst.

Mr. Chas. H. Curtis presided. One

new member was elected. Four members

ASSOCIATION OF ECONOMIC
BIOLOGISTS.

On Friday, June 4, the Association of
Economic Biologists and the Imperial Entomo-
logical Conference held a joint meeting at the
Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden.
The Park Grass Plots were demonstrated by Dr.
Winifred E. Brenchley. This land has been
under grass for some centuries, it is not known
that seed has ever been sown and at the be-
ginning of the experiments (1856) the herbage
on all the plots was apparently uniform. The
twenty-three plots are each manured differently,
the same treatment being maintained year after
year, and the southern half of each plot Is
limed. The plant associations in the several
plots are now remarkably different, the herbage
presenting totally unlike facies. Perhaps one
of the most striking features is the sharp line
which often separates one plot from another, in-
indicating the total absence of lateral diffusion
of the manure in the soil water.

The Broadbalk Wheat field which was demon-
strated by Dr. E. J. Russell is perhaps the
most famous single field in the world. Here
Wheat has been grown continuously since 1843,
the eighteen plots receiving different manurial
treatment which is maintained year after year.
The knowledge already yielded by Broadbalk
has served almost to revolutionise earlier ideas
concerning the growth and needs of the Wheat
plant and the nature of the soil, and the atten-
tion now being concentrated upon it by physicist,
chemist, statistician, 'botanist, Iprotozoologist,
entomologist, mycologist and algologist should
continue the good work begun by Lawes and
Gilbert and so ably sustained by Sir Daniel
Hall and the present director. Park Grass and
Broadbalk are a mine of information from which
have been gathered results of the most Imme-
diate and practical value for farmers and
growers the world over. Bat they possess value
beyond this. The plant is not an individual
standing alone ; it is one of a communitv with
the most intimate life-relations to its fellows
and to its habitat. The study of these re-
lations is called " Ecology," and their experi-
mental investigation is one branch of that newer,
more vital botanical science which during the
last decade has forced its way to recognition
in academic institutions. Park Grass and Broad-
balk are ecological demonstrations of the very
first order, for they are perhaps the only exact
large-scale quantitative experiments on the
value of plant associations existent. Perhaps in
nothing else does the remarkable prescience of
the honoured founder of the Rothamsted Ex-
periment Station show so greatly as in the way
in which these experiments initiated nearly a
century ago are now becoming a Mecca for
students of a branch of science unknown in his
day.

After returning from the fields the party was
conducted round the laboratories where the in-
vestigations in progress were demonstrated.
This was followed by a discussion on
" Tropisms," opened by Dr. A. D. Imms, who
gave a brief account of his own studies on the
attraction or repulsion of insects by certain
chemical substances. The possibilities of this
work in the control of insect pests was alluded
to, and the nature of the underlying principles
discussed.

A paper entitled " The Theory of Tro-
pisms," bv Dr. Jacques Loeb. especially con-
tributed to the meeting, was read, and in the
discussion the following participated : — Dr. R. J.
Tillyard. of New Zealand. Mr. F. E. Green. Dr.
C. B. Williams, of Africa. Sir Jagadis C. Bose,
Mr. W. B. Brierley and Professor Neilson Jones.
Tn the unavoidable absence of the President of
the Association, Sir David Prain, the discussion
was presided over by Dr. E. J. Russell.

322

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

June 26, 1920.

LAW NOTE.

THE CUSTOM OF THE BULB TRADE.

At the Greenwich County Court recently,
Walter W. Wood, Horn Park Farm, Lee, S.E.,
nurseryman, appeared as defendent in an action
brought by Messrs. Christian Kieft and Sons,
Lemmin, Haarlem, Holland, bulb exporters, in
respect of a claim of £49 10s. 6d. for goods sup-
plied to him during May, 1919. It was statea
by plaintiff's counsel that the representative who
was acting as traveller for the firm in England,
called at Horn Park Farm and obtained an order
for the bulbs, which were to be delivered early
in September. The order was signed by Mr.
Vaughan, defendant's foreman, and in accordance
with the conditions of the contract entered into,
. request was made for payment some four
months later. Defendant, who had dealt with
the plaintiffs for some years, held that the
amount was not due until the autumn of 1920.
Plaintiffs replied pointing out the conditions of
contract as set out on the back of the order
form, which were in accordance with the con-
ditions of the Dutch Bulb Growers' Association,
and in the course of correspondence drew atten-
tion to the serious loss they had sustained owing
to the drop in the exchange, and pointed out
that the same credit could not be given as
before the war. The action was originally com-
menced in the High Court, but was trans-
ferred to the Greenwich County Court.

Mr. Sidney B. Wood, who managed this par-
ticular branch of the nursery business for his
father, said they had always bought bulbs on
the condition that they were allowed sufficient
time for them to come up. It was essential
that they should see that they were true to
variety and stock before a settlement was
effected.

His Honour : Then I am not surprised the
Dutch Association have changed their methods.

Dr. Dodd, representing the defendants, main-
tained that it was a perfectly reasonable arrange-
ment.

His Honour replied that lie wished he could
obtain goods on those terms.

Witness added that Mr. Vaughan had no
authority to sign a document in respect to altera-
tions of conditions of sale.

A further witness pointed out that it was
customary to give twelve months' credit for
bulbs.

His Honour gave judgment for the plaintiffs
with costs.

©bftuarp.

Frederick K. Eavn.— We learn that Mr.
F. K. Ravn, professor' of plant pathology in the
Royal Agricultural College, Copenhagen, died
recently from blood poisoning in East Orange,
New Jersey, U.S.A. Professor Ravn, who was
born in 1873, was the author of several standard
works on plant pathology. The King of Den-
mark recently conferred the Cross of the Order
of Danneborg upon him in recognition of his
scientific achievements.

Mrs. John Cypher.— Many horticulturists
will be grieved to hear of the death of Mrs.
Elizaibeth Jane Cypher, wife of Mir. John
Cypher, of Messrs. J. Cypher and Sons, Chel-
tenham, which took place at her home on June
16, after a long illness, patiently borne. Mrs.
Cypher was the daughter of the late Mr. James
Cypher, and during her whole life had been
intimately associated with horticulture and
horticulturists, many of whom had enjoyed her
hospitality. In her younger days Mts. Cypher
was an expert florist and decorative "floral
artist, and had won many prizes for bouquets
and other designs.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Apple Trees Injured : B. and S. The injury
is probably due to an application of grease
direct on the bark of the trees. It is a very
dangerous practice to put some kinds of grease
on the bare bark of fruit trees in autumn
instead of using grease bands.

Gooseberry Bush Diseased : J. E. — The Goose-
berry bush is suffering from an attack of
Botrytis which is the cause of " collar-rot "
and " die-back." The fungus attacks the bark
just above or just below the ground level,
and the bark then becomes! soft, turns brown,
decays, and so causes the death of the bush.
The Botrytis form of the fungus is usually
noticeable as a greyish mould on the diseased
bark in the summer. Damp conditions
favour the development of the disease, as
also does the presence of decaying manure
close to the stem.

Grapes Shanked : A. N. — -You are Tight in
both the diagnosis and cause of the berries
turning sour and shrivelling. The shanking
is most probably due to the roots having
entered the cold subsoil as you Suggest,
and may also be the result of over-cropping
and general neglect of the vines. Endeavour
to bring the roots nearer to the surface, where
they will be more under the control of the
cultivator, and see that the cultural con-
ditions generally are suitable for the vines.

Melon Plants Wilting : G. C. E. — The
wilting of the plants is probably due to
some injury at the lower part of the
stem thus hindering the flow of the
sap. The injury may be caused by careless
handling, by slugs, or by decay set up by
an excess of moisture at the " collar." In
their present condition it would be quite
impossible to save the plants.

Method of Cleansing the Woodwork of a
Fruit Room : J . D. C. — A solution of com-
mercial formalin at the rate of 1 pint of
formalin to ' 5 gallons of water, applied by
means of a scrubbing brush, will probably
cleanse the mildew from the woodwork in
your fruit room.

Moss-like Growth on a Pond : H. C. B The
growth is probably algal and may be eradi-
cated by the use of copper sulphate. First
ascertain the amount of water in the pond
by multiplying together the average length,
breadth and depth, and multiplying the num-
ber of feet thus obtained by 61, the approxi-
mate number of gallons in one cubic foot.
Then, for every 100,000 gallons of water take
one pound of copper sulphate, break it up
and enclose in a bag of loose texture. Draw
the baa backwards and forwards through the
pond in parallel lines 10 or 20 feet apart.
The sulphate will dissolve and become dif-
fused throughout the water, killing the weeds.
If used in the proportions given above the
copper sulphate will not 'he likely to injure
the fish and may even benefit them by ridding
them of parasites.

Names of Fruits : G. W. B. B. Wellington
syn. Dumelow's Seedling. — S. S. : Broad-Eyed
Pippin.

Names of Plants : M . V. Magnolia obovata.
— L. M. W. 1. missing; 2, Cytisus biflorus;
3, Pentstemon Menziesii ; 4, Cotoneaster mi-
crophylla ; 5, Viburnum Lantana ; 6, Veronica
speciosa; 7, Elaeagnus pungens; 8, Coton-
easter Henryana ; 9, Cornus sp. (send in
flower); 10. Olearia macrodonta: 11, too
withered to identify ; 12, Cupressus obtusa
var. nana aurea ; 13, Rosa sericea var. ; 14,
send when in flower. — A. C. B. 1. Leucothoe
Catesbaei ; 2, Pernettya rnucronata : 3, Kerria
japonica var. flore pleno ; 4, Leycesteria
iormosa; 5, Myrica Gale. — A. R. 1, Robinia
Pseudacacia : 2, Cephalaria alpina ; 3, Dier-
villa rosea ; 4, Lilium Martagon ; 5 ; Buddleia
sp ; 6 and 7. insufficient material for identifica-
tion.— D. H. D. Cephalanthera ensifolia. —
E. G. 8. 1, Jasminum humile ; 2, Escallonia
macrantha ; 3, Acer Pseudoplatanus variegata ;
4, Geranium eriostemon ; 5, Geranium san-

guineum ; 6, Helianthemum vulgare var. ; 7,
Polygonum cuspidatum. — L. S. A- 1,
OZnanthe crocata ; 2, Veronica officinalis ; 3,
Potentilla Tormentilla ; 4, Galium saxatile.

New Potatos Inside Old Ones : H. G.— It is
no uncommon .experience to find new Potatos
formed within old tubers. Indeed, in some
gardens, old tubers are kept in the dark in
the equable temperature of a cave or similar
place, and placed on a thin layer of dry
soil. Here, in due course, instead of making
leaf and stem growth, they produce new
Potatos. In this way it is quite possible to
have new Potatos in small quantities through-
out the winter.

Nuisance From a Greenhouse Chimney :
C. E. P. — Your best plan would be to add
another length of piping to the chimney to
obtain a better draught, and obviate the
smoke nuisance. If your neighbour's new
fence obstructs the light to your premises
and your crops suffer injury thereby, yon
might be able to obtain an injunction against
him. Endeavour to settle the matter amic-
ably without resorting to the law.

Potato Leaves Blackened : W. A. D. —
The blackening of the Potato leaves and
young stems is due to the action of frost.
As only the uppermost leaves are affected
it is probable new side growths will be pro-
duced from the stems, and consequently the
crop may not be seriously injured.

Staff to Manage a Garden : B. To manage
a garden such as described, not fewer than
six men would be required. The kitchen
garden of 1$ acre would need two men in
the busy season if it is to be cropped to its
fullest extent ; less labour would be needed
when work is not so pressing. The pleasure
grounds would require two men to keep
everything in good order, and one of these
could be responsible for the conservatory, if
it were near at hand. In the remainder of
the glass department there would be ample
work for two men. The old form of ventila-
tion described would result in a waste of time
and energy. Considering that snch a garden
has been allowed to fall below the average
standard, another man could with advantage
be found employment for one year. Consider-
ing, too, that the hours of working are now
less than in the past, seven men would only-
do the same amount of work in a day that
six did formerly. The vineries are of large
size, and by working these in unison
with the other houses, two men would be re-
quired. These estimates have been arrived
at after assuming that all means of saving
labour are used, e.g., hose and mowing machines
(horse or pony if the lawns aTe-extensive). It
might be possible to employ a youth in place
of one of the men if the number of pot plants
for conservatory decoration, etc., is kept at
a minimum. In the winter there would be
ample work for all the staff.

Stone Fruits Falling : G. F. C. The Green
Gage is very uncertain in fruiting. It is
advisable to plant a free-fruiting variety of
Plum near to it so that the pollen may be
carried by insects and wind to the Green
Gage. The young fruits which appear to be
fertilised may not really be so ; they will some-
times swell to a considerable size before fall-
ing. See that the soil does not lack lime,
phosphates and potash.

Tennis Court : U. G. — A plan and measurements
of a tennis court are given in the new edition
of the Calendar of Garden Operations.

Watercress Cultivation : W. J. So far as
we are aware there is no book dealing solely
with the commercial cultivation of Water-
cress, but fidl particulars of the management
and making of Watercress beds were pub-
lished in the Journal of the Board of Agri-
culture for March, 1915, a copy of which you
may obtain from the Publications Department
of the Ministry of Agriculture, 3, St. James'
Square, S.W. , for 6d. post free.

Communications Received. — C. L. — Du c. — .^. I..
— W. K. — S. A. — H W. W— O. L.— A. C— R. B.—
E M.— V. G.— L. B. C— J. K. K.

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