UMASS/AMHERST 312066 0333 3037 9 ■,>.jKi>,^,....».>^.,..i;...vv.;.>;.;..^Vv;.^K.«>....V.^.A.:.v^^,-..r^ ^/>i^^ '^mm LIBRARY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE lO Source \/.30 :^#^ 1^8^ 'i^/:^? ^ % [.Tan. 1, 1887. \Xr \/"^^ PATRICK BARRY, VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN POMOI.OCK'AL SOCIETY. 11,1,1/STI^ATii^D WE^E^KIY JOUl^KftJ^ OF HORTICULTURE IN ALL ITS BRANCHES. FOUNDED BY ]V. Rohinson, Author of ''TJtc Wdil Garden,'' ''English Fhvver Garden,'' ^c. " 2ou see. sweet raaid, we raarry A gentle scion to the wildest stock And make conceive a bark of baser kind By bud of nobler race : This is an art Which does mend nature: change it rather. The art itself is nature "SJtakesfiearf. VOL. XXX. CHRISTMAS, 1886 LONDON: OFFICE: 37, SOUTH A.M I'TON STREET, CuVENT GAKl'EN, W.C. [Ja.v. 1, 1887 ' ''^'K/j "■ "~'^- '-T-^-^«&-^*»*j^^&i^i"Tfe'- .^2^" ^S=-*=^^*~'''^^^^s»-^X7--*?'-^ TO PATEIOK BARRY, OF ROCHESTER, NEIl' YORK, VICH-PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN POMOLOGICAL SOCIKTY, THIS THIRTIETH VOLUME OF "THE GARDEN" IS DEDICATED. C IS86 ir. R., Jan. 1, 1887. V.3Q Jan. 1, 1887.] THE GARDEN INDEX i3sri3EX TO "voLTJnvcE x:x:2^. (Illustrations in Italics.) Ab lii rupestri?, ISO Abi;-i Alcoquiana, 100, 370 ; canadensis, ;J7S ; J^uj^ltmanni, li 0 ; Houkerian*, 4;t3 ; Meii- ziesi, 4'.>l ; Patlouiana, 4!»3 ; Pindrow, '278, •2711 ; Smithiai a, ISO ; Nordmannidna, 57S ; Vlatauoides Schwedleri, 678 Abiitilon vitifoliuni album, 9'.* Abutilona, 402 Acacia armata, 249 ; p'at- ptera, JoS Acaathus. the, 144, 224 Acer colchicum tricolor, 513 ; Leopoldi, 370 ; rubruui, 370 Acer^i or Maples, 4o2 Achillea umbellata, 97, 2(i4 Ac-'himenes in baskets, ."i.'iO ; iii hanyln'j has- /ce(, S-V.t Acineta densa, 16 Aciphjlla&quarrosa, Ou A<:is autumnalis, lUi Aconituiii yuiH'Uu.-<, 517 ; varicTatum, 110. A'-tiea racemosa, 71 A'lenocirpus decorticaus, 40^ Aiiantum Capillus-veuerii, 236 ; C^ipillus- vemris var. imbricatum, 375 ; cuneatum var. elegantulum, 206 ; cuneatum Phillipai, 16S ; pectatum, 138 ; rubellum, 126 j^ichmea fulgens, 63 .Echmeas, 42 j Aerides Lawrencite, 307, 350 : odoratuai vi- rens, 205; Robanianum, 204; Southgat.^-, 442 Jlschynanthup. 2S3 -Kscuivis parvifloia, 121 ; rubicunda, 370 .>:thionema corJifnlium, 74 African Lily, the, '•s.'. Aganisia ci^rult'a, 575 Agapanthus, white, 211, 275 ; umbellatus, 145, 216, 585 Agatbiea ctelestis, 534, 535 Ailanta, the, 142 Ailantup, wood of the, IS Alder, Cut-leaved, GO, 75 AUamandas, 3'.' 4 Allium pulchellum, 103 Ahiua glutinosa laciniata, 270 Alncasii Sanderiana, IS* Alpine flowers, 8, 38; gioup oj\ ZH, 143; in the Pyrenees, )42 . Alpine plants, grubs and, 28 ; on iralls. 228, ■j62 Alpines, silvery -leaved, 57 Alstrtemeria aurautiaca, 47, 2C0 ; Pclegrina, 66; Fel'iiriiiH ulOa, 563 Alatroemerias, 116 Aly&sons, the, 341 Alyssum argcnteum, 341; calyclnum, 311; maritimuin, 341 ; moutanum, 341 ; poduli- cum, 341 ; saxatUe, 341 Aniasonia pimicea, 261, 424 Amaryllis at rest, 285; Akermanni, 00; Belladonna, 380, Lady Mayoress, 4153 Amaryllises, evergreen, 511 ; and their tieat- ment, 533 American Arboretum, 270 American Apjiles, importing, 113 American Blackberries, 277 American Gmpes .-. Phylloxera, 2C0 American Lilies at home, 215 American Mist-tree. 486 American Pine timber, 354 American Strawberry cilture. 114 Amphi'come Emodi, 227 Jinagallie ca^rulsa, 2Si, 312, 337, 380 Ananassas. 426 An:ectochiIi, 284 Ana^ctochilus Lowi, 520 ; xantkophyUus, 528 Ancient Egyptian plant-, 312 Audrosace ChaniKJasme. 243 ; lanuginosa, 311 Anemone, alpine. 172 ; culture, 100; Oiamla, 177; Fannini, 2il, 55S ; japonica, 172, 312, 420, 542 ; japonica iu masses, 3tj3 ; japonka alba, 173 ; japonica alba, 173, 350, 440; narcissiiora, 173 ; narcissiflora, 173 ; ob- tusil"ba, 173; polyanthes, 173; rivularis, 110, 173 ; Robinsoniana, 12 ; sulphurea, 200; sylvcstriit, 173; sylveatris, 174; vcr- nalis, 361 ; virgiuiana, 174 ; vitifolia, 174 Anemones, 335 ; a3 annuals, 420, 447 ; cul- ture of, 144; Irish, 357; and Tntomas, 406 ; Japan, 51S, 580 Anemopjegma racemosum, 163 Angraicum aviculare, 463 ; bilobum, 540, 575 ; cau-latum, 351, 375 ; Leonis from seed, 44 Anguloas, ^08 Annuals, good, 200; tinj', 224 ; some useful, 242 Anomatheca grandiflora, 283 Antarctic Forget me-not. 566 Antherieum Lili^-strum, 209 Antirrhinums, 235 Anthurium Andreanum. 116, 210; Scherzeri- anviu, 455 ; S. andagavense, 455; S. muta- bile, 455 ; S Palmeri, 455 ; S. pygmpeum, 455 ; R:.th?chi'dianum, 454; S. Rothschildi- anum, 45 "i ; S. serai-plcuum, 4j5 ; H. Wardi, 455 ; S. Williamsi, 455 Anthuriums, 380 Aphides, clouds of, 502, 52S; wash fur des- troying, 36 Apple and Pear exhibition, Exeter, 442 I Apple crop iu America, 307 Apple culture in Nova Scotia, 397 Apple, Beauty of Bath, 278; Prince Albeit, :it'6 ; Ruinette Abry, 81 ; Spitzcnburg, 480 ; Blenhtini Uiange, 560; Braddick's Non- pareil, 560; Peasgood's Nonsuch, 570 Apple Ro--e, the great, 349 Apple trees, dwarf, notes on, 310, 586 ; from cuttings. 413 ; old. and drought, 56; cater- pillars, 113; hedges, 570 Apples, 10, 255 ; and Pears, select, 396 ; as- sorting, 505 ; autumn, 31'.i ; and Apple orchards, 19 .i ; bush, 101 ; conlon. 235 ; dwarf r. standard, 100 ; new stocks of, 504 ; for profit, 525; good late, 3i9; importiug American, 113 ; for the future, 413 ; Rus- sian, 414 ; sis good, 234 ; two good late, 413 Apples and Pears as vintage fruit^, 526 Apricot Kaisha, 339 ; Mupch-Musch, 234, 330 Apricots, dried, b97 ; planting, 306 Aquatic Pernettya, 116 Aijuilegia Skinneri, 1S7; viicosa, 216 Arabis lucida variegata, 361 Aralia Chabrieri, 357 ; papyrifera, 507 ; Re- ginje, 357 ; Sieboldi, 5, 402, 515 Aidisia, 68 ; mamillata, 17 Aristolochia elegans, 163, 1S6, ;;07 ; ornilho- cephala, 187, 227 ; ridicuU, 307 ; Sipho, 145 ; trie a ud at a, 187 Arranging cut floweis, 139 Arris rail cutting, 488 Artemisia annua, 214 ; muti'dna, b7 Artichokes. 3:^0; as decorative plants, 313 Arum Lilies, 310 ; in autumn, 445 Arums, planting out, in summer, 406 Arundo conspicua, 120 >^sarum caudatum, 179 Asclepias tuberosa, 1S7 Ath, 207 Ash and Sycamore, extinction of, 377 Ash trees, extinction of, 328 Ash timVier, scarcity of, 4' 0 Ashtop Potato, "Wilsons Roj-al, 160 Aspar^g'is and Seakale, for.ing, :01 Asparagus, the common. 201 ; thinning, 205 ; market in America, 316 ; plumosut^, from f-eed, 100; procumbens, 37; cutting, 6; i forcing, 573 I Aster acris, 336 ; alpinus and its varieties, i Amellus, 384 ; Bigelowi, 331 ; dark rose- ! scarlet, 157 ; ihencuF, 496 ; ptarm coidts, ' 336 ; Townsheudi, 1&7 Asters, 255 ; China, 179 ; seUsown, 263 I .^(((ccirt cristate, (jruWii o.( Bdmonf, To.unlun, 45 Ataccia, the genus, 45 ' AucubaB. 67, 317 AuriiAilu shows, 576 Auriculas, 363 Australian Bean-flower, 534 Austrian garden, an, 116 Austri in Pine, 556 Autimiu Crocus, 260 Autumn flowering sbrub.«, 103 Autumn fkets and vases of a lonservat^ ry, 46 Basket FernF, 250 Battersea Park, flower beds iu, 21 1 Beins and Pca«, autumn sown, 527; staking, Bem^, Broad, 115; French dwarf, 160; late French, 50; kidney, in pots, 573 Bedding plants in Hyde Park, 140 Btech in Denmark, 60 ; tricolor, 00 I Bees ai d rosy Stdums, 312, 373 1 Beet, Spinach, 38 Beets, garden, 302 Begonia Amelia;, 260; Arthur Blallet-. 00 giaciiis, 186; Imperial, 157; John Beal 424; Mis. Haworth Booth, 3sO ; Mif Plunkett, 175; P.^ul de Vici, 375; snco trana, 534; insects, 502; double, lol double white, 431 VI THE GARDEN INDEX [Jan. 1, 1887. Begonias at Forest Hill, 210 ; at Reading, 163; bedded out, 3(i0 ; double white, 40*2 ; from seed, 310; hybrid. 6; out of door, 163; seedling, 380 ; tuberous, 306 ; tuberous, culture of. '227 ; tuberoua outdoors, 360 ; tuberous at Swanley, 235 ; tuberous-rooted, 264 Bellflower, a large white, 44 ; white, 146 Berberis concinna, 60, 122 ; repens, 226; vul- garis atropurpurea, 347 Berried plants for winter, 67 BeiTv-bearing shrubs, 480 Bertolonias and Sonerilas, 261 lietoDica alopecuros, 120 Bhotan Pine, the, 2Sf> Bignonia Chamberlayni, 41f ; purpurea, 3SS BilLirdiera longiflora, 5£>4 Billbergia vittata, 558 Billbcrgias, 425 Birch, the black, 32S Birds and Holly berries, 60 Blackberries, American, 277, 4SG Blackberry, the Dorchester, 235 Blcchnuni corcovadense, S'JlS Blue Marguerite, 534 £lucls, 451 Boiler trials at Liverpool, 21, 37 Books - " How I Managed my Estate," 84 Books, rough, 487 Boltonia asteroides, 331 Bone fertilisers, 296 Border edgings, 541 Border flowers and hot we tlier, 59 Bottle-brush flower, 558 BougainvUIeas. 5 Bouquet-holders, 284 Boussingaultia baselloides, 480, 513 Bouvardias, 424 ; after flowering, 512 ; in autumn and winter, 396 ; in pits, 427 ; in summer, 302 Box edgings, clipping, 37' Brachycome iberidifolia, 242 Bracken or Brake Fern, 164 Bracket Ferns, 300 Bramble, the Japan, 311 ; white-stemmed, 520 Brambles, double-flowered, 121 ; notes on, 3 Bricks of cork. 4'JO Bridal wreath, the, 66 British Ferns and their varieties, 260 ; varia- tion in, 228 Broccoli, Gilbert's Champion, 02 ; early, 591 Bromeliads in flower, 380 Bromeliaceous plants. 425 Buckthorn, the Sea, 370 Buddleia globosa, 436 Buerger's Evergreen Oak, 347 Bulb-destroying insects, 528 Bulb growth, 497 Bulba, Cape, 20 ; hardy massing, 283 ; some early flowering, 483 ; stone coveriog for, 472 ; from abroad, 565 Bulbine bulbosa, G6 Burbidgea nitida, 120 Bush fruits, 423, 456 ; young r. old, 504 Butterfly flower, 187 Cabbage, red, 6 ; and other vegetables, 220 ; grub, 37, 62 Cabbages, late, 6 ; planting, 340 ; spring, 5 Cacti. Night-blooming, i>0, 211 Cactus Dahlia, 186, 406 Cuh'.liinn iM..'i/crbcer, 249 Caladiums and their culture, 248 Calanthe natalensis, 16; Veitchi, 255 Calanthes, 300. 514, 580 ; finely grown, 534 Calceolaria Kellyaua, 74, 269 Calceolarias, 561 Calla jethiopica, 99 CallicarjKi purpurea, 68 Calliprora flava, 179 C.iUirhoe lineariloba, 562 Callistemon lineare, 558 Calnphaca wolgarica, 452 Caltha leptosepala, 310 ; pihistris, 340, 341 Calycanthus floridus, 29 Calyategia pubesceus, 120; tylvatica, 70 Calystcgias, 214 Camassia csculcnta, 13 Camellia flowers, 560 ; General Pescette, 70 ; t^asanqua. 580 Camellias as stove plants, 221 274, 396, 405, I'Jii ; early, 355 ; repotting, 5 Campanula Allioni, 97 ; carpatica, i)G ; frai/l- lis car., 197; ffart/anica l!i7; hirsuta, 179; isophylla, 361 ; lactiflora, W ; nitida, 265 ; pelviformis. 118; pyramidalis, 145; liaintri, 107; turh'mata.VJT; valdensis, 74 ; WaUl- steinwiia, 196; Zoysi, 241 Canadian Apples, 307, 486 Canadian Ferns, 387 Cinudian ornamental trees, 402 CanLa Ehemanni, 90 Cannas, 77 Canary Island Bellflower, 534 Canterbury Bells, 47, 56 Cantaloup Jlelons, 373 Cape bulbs, 20, 448 Capsicums, 67 Ciraguata Zahni, 426 Cares riparia albo-marginata, 96 Carnation, new yellow, 84; seedling, 490; shows, 90 ; show of, 109 ; Souvenir de la Malraaison, 21 ; Tree, La Neige, 451 Carnations, border, 65, 485 ; button-hole, 139 ; florists', 65; outof doors, 106 ; and Picotees, florists', 65 ; and Picotees, 103, 213, 266, 314, 363 ; from seed. 382 ; show, 110 ; at South Kensington, 134 ; Tree, in winter, 310, 516 ; winter-blooming, 22, 358, 507 ; without stick, 90 Carolina Allspice, 29 ; Poplar, 347 Carpenteria californica, 20, 60 Carrots, 84; summer-sown, 50 Catalpa syriugiefolia, 238 Catananche cajrulea, 145, 179, 200 Catasetnm Bungerothi, 575, 580 Caterpillars, Apple-ti*ee, 113 Cattle, fencing against, 159 Cattleya Dowiana, 262 ; Dowiana aurea, 485 ; Eldorado, varieties of, 44 ; Eldorado vir- ginalis, 419 ; Gaskelliana, 8, 205 ; gigas Hardyaua, 220; gigas. Hill's, 109; gigas regalis, 307 ; gigas Sanderiana, 8 ; Master- sonipe, 534 ; velutina, 205 Caucasian Scabious, varieties of, 382 Cauliflower, Autumn Giant 295, 340 Cauliflowers, .spring sowing, 168 Ceanotbus, a pink, 20 ; azureus grandiflorus, 142 Cedar, the Washington, 59 Cedars, Incense, the, 552 ; Leljanon , for chui'Chyards, 75 Celery and Leek show, 572 Celery, earthing up. 220, 295, 373 ; fly, the, 169; improved, 481; pipy, 2S0 ; progressive earthinii, 280 ; show, an English, 527 Celsia cretica, 529 ; cretira, 407 Centaurea alpina, 336 ; babylonica, 216 ; mos- chata, 213, 24.i ; ragusina in winter, 476, 518 Centaureas, 71 ; hardy, 541 Ceutropogon Lucyanus, 55S Cephalaria tartarica, 209 Cephalotaxus pedimciUata fastiglata, 238 Cerasus serrulata, 436 ; vulgaris, 291 Cercis Siliquastrum, 59 Ceropegia elegans, 393 Ceropegias and their culture, 393 Certificated Hollyhocks, 182 Cespede&ia discolor, 302 Cestrum aurantiacum, 424, 534 Ceylon Creeper, 308 Chamadnrei geonomtvformis, 593 Chaniajdoreas, 592 Change of place, 311 Cherries, H ; Morello, on north walls, 339 Cherry, Higarreau,LeonaQuesnil.5H5; double, flowering, 436 ; the wild, 291 ; the winter, 4-.;8 Chestnut, the red Horse, 370 Chelones, 336 Chicory, 200, 573; white-flowered, 357; wild, 265 Chinese Fieonies, 5SS Chinese Prin^oses, market grown, 345 Chinese Date Plum, 468 Chirita Mooni, 260 Chiswick, 357 Choice Hairbells, 196 Choisya temata in a cut state, 23; ternaUt in a cut state, 23 Choretis glauca, 120 Christmas Rose, the great, 580 ; failu*e, 429, 476 Christmas Roses, 580 ; transplanting, 313, 362, 407 Chrysanthemum, 157 ; Meg Merrilies, 558 ; shows, 442; show, Chiswick, 508; show. Crystal Palace, 446 ; Society, National, 508 ; the first, 467, 517, 560 ; Admiral Sir J. F. Symonds, 463 ; atratum, 186, 381 ; Butter- cup, 419 ; Carew Underwood, 553 ; Coquette de Castile, 463; coronarium, 266; coro- natum bicolor, 242 ; Dr. Sharpe, 542 ; Dun- netti, 242 ; Eynsford Gem, 463 ; Hambeau Toulousaine, 419; gloriosum, 463; Jane, 46 J; La France, 463; latifolixun, 3-(l; La Vierge, 380; Mdme. Desgrange, 134, 263; Mdlle. E. Dordan, 419; maximum, 381; Mons. W. Holmes, 8; montanum, 381; Mrs. Norman Davis, 529; Pha;bus, 4f!3 ; Queen, 449 ; segetum, 13 ; Wm. Stevens, 419 ; White Ceres, 463 ; order of the, 535 ; the first, 582 ('hrysanthemuras, 358. 446 ; and their cul- ture, 462, 494 ; best incurved, 483 ; best, 490 ; crimson, 512 ; dwarf, 542; and earwigs 212; early- flowering, 409; goiug blind, 512 ; housing, 357 ; in America, 273 ; iu Finsbury Park, 360; late, 512, 513. 505; lifting and potting, 395, 483 ; new, 463, 561 ; old, 268 ; open-air, 563 ; outdoor, 474. 530 ; on north walls, 542; the best, 562; white, 310 ; new and other. 593 Chrysanthemum-flowered Anemones, 316 Chri/santhcmum-Hoicered Ancmnnc^ 317 Chrysogonum virginicuni, 209 Church decoration with Evergreens, 559 Cineraria, white, 576 Cinerarias, 561 Cirrhopetaluni maculatunr>, 252 Cistus ladaniferus maculatus, 30 Citrons at Waddon House, 210 Cladrastris amurensis, 188 Cl.aniiin/ Columbine, 216 Clematis coccinea, 21, 163, 187, 227, 297; Davidiana, 558 ; diseased, 380 ; graveolens, 337; ha-dy as bedding T,lants, 190; mon- tana, 206, 236, 308 ; sweet-scented, 306 Clematises, early and late, 408 Clerodendron fcetidum, 423 ; nutans, 463 Clerodendrous, 227 Clethra alnifolia, 187 ; arborea, 597 Clianthus Dampieri, 17 Climber, a much neglected, 594 Climbers, greenhouse, 77 ; for walls, 334 ; mixed, 90; mixed wall, 350; uu trees, 451 Climbing plants, good hardy, 25 ( lothing plant-house walls, 228 Codonopsis ovata, 58 ; clematoidea, 66 Coelogyne birbata, 485 ; ciist(Ua ninxhn'^, 7 ; crietata maxima, 7; Gardneriana, 507, 514 Colchicum Bivonse, 497 Coleworts, 417 Collections of fruits, 254 Colour and flavour, 397 Colour of Grapes, 287 Colour and perfume, 120 Colour and size r. quality, 372 Comfreys, 215 Conaiidron ramondioides, 197 Coniferae, variations in, 1 0 Conifers at Berkhampstea l, 392; grafting, 60 ; ornamental, 306 ; pendulous, 453 ; slow V. fast-growing, 160 ; winter colour, 473 Continent, notes from the, 308 Convolvulus Scammonia, 268 Cool Oncidiums, 252 Cool Orchids, 350 Coonibe Warren, 284 C'oomOe Warren, view of, 285 Conservatory at Beddington, 157 Conservatory, baskets and vases for, 46 Conservatories, planting out in, 249 Copper-wire hurtful to Koses, 373 Coppice-cutting, 488 Coral Tree, 307 Corbularia minor, 497 ; monophylla in the open air, 73 Cordon Apples, 235 Cordon Plums, 218 Cardyline australis, 387 Coreopsis atrosanguinea, 242 ; auriculata, 209 ; Drummondi, 242 ; linctoria, 242 Cork bricks, 490 Cornflower, 73, 221 ; autumn sown, 216 ; in masses, 56 Corsican Pines, 135 ; Pine, 556 Cortusa pubens, 335 Corydalis ochroleuca, 361 Cottagi: door in Wed Surrei/, 537 Cotoneaster affinis, 534 ; frigida, 322, 365 ; Simonsi, 436, 452 Cotoneasters, 68 Covert planting, 354, 377 Crataegus brachyacantha, 239 ; pinnatifida, 467 ; Pyracantha, 68 : Pyracantha Lfelandi, 302 ; tatarica (pinnatifida minor), 419 Cretan Mulleni, ihe, 407 Crinum angustum, 235 ; flaccidum, 260 ; gi- ganteuni, 260, 298 ; giganteum vjr. con- cinum, 140; PowelH, 239, 298; Pomlli, 371 Crocus asturicus, 476 ; autumn, 260, 331, 410 ; Bori/i, 477 ; book, 174 ; bulbs, 518, 542 ; Cambessedesi, 476 ; cancellatus, 476; Clusi, 477 ; Ileisheri, 335 ; hadriaticus,477 ; iridi- florus, 477 ; karduchorum, 300 ; medius, 477; nadifiorits, 477 ; Salzmanni, 477 ; satl- vus, 320 ; Scharojani, 477 ; speciosus, 312, 477 ; zonatus, 271 ; the genus. 477 Crocuses, autumnal, 476 Crop-destroying insects, 36 Croiijiini,' without digging, 38 Crnti'tisaf Holloway, 186 Crypti'uiuria clegans, 75 ; j.aponica, 282 Crystal Palace exhibition, 253 Cucumber, the ridge, 51 ; winter, 148 Cucumbers, 389 ; pickl'ng, 202 ; ridge, 251 ; to fruit in February, 201 ; white, 51 Cupressus Lawsoniana, varieties of, 75 Currants, the best, 319 Cut-leaved Alder, 279 Cuttings or slips, 120 Cultivation, after, 112 Cyanus minor, 242 Cj'clamen, autumn-flowering, 223; africa- num, 432 ; Coum, 26, 433 ; europtt'ttm, 433 ; gTfecum, 433; how to grow, 248; ibericum, 433 ; neapolitauum, 432 ; neajwlUanuin, 433 ; repandum, 433 Cyclamens, 361 ; and their culture, 202 ; double-flowered, 89 Cycnoches chtorocbilum, 350 Cymbidium afline, 507 ; gigantoum, 446 Cyperus Papyrus, 269, 312 Cypress, the Monterey, 435 Cypripedium Arthuriauum, 416, 441 ; callo- sum, 553 ; l-ai'ieanwn, 549; Godefroyie, 229; insigne, 397; Lindleyanum, 485; Mooreanum, 485 ; Sanderianuro, 302; spec- tabile, 447 ; Spiccrianum, forms of, 485 Cypripediums in flower, 398, 507 ; twin- "flowered, 229 Cyrtanthus hy tridus roseus, 302 ; Macoxani, 116 McKeni, 211 Daffodil seed, 260 : the first, 558 Daffodils, 70 ; white, 402, 511. 543, 658, 571, 582 ; white trumpet, 358, 385, 474 ; varia- bility of white, 497 Dahlia, Annie Harvey, 375, 451 ; Cactus crimson, 180 ; Channing Bride, 302 ; Cochi- neal, 302 ; Empress of India, 302 ; Gazelle, 302; Helena, 375; iiperialis, 529, 540; Lady Marsham, 302; Mrs. Foster, 302; national show, 140 ; The Quair, 302 ; Queen of the Belgians, 302 ; roots in winter, 476 ; R. J. Rawlings, 375 ; Squire Garamie, 158; Valentine Humphries, 302 ; Wliite Bedder, 364 ; Zephyr, 375 Djhlias, 255, 363 ; at the Crystal Palace, 253 ; bedding and bouquet, 336 ; in a cut statu, 23 ; in October, 383 ; single, 256, 297, 334, 360 ; single r. double, 401 ; in November, 450 Daisies, Giant, 475 ; Michaelmas, 406 ; on lawns. 576 ; Ox-eye, 381 ; Pans, in &ma 1 pots, 37 Damson, Farleigh Prolific. 193 Damsons, 338 397 ; notes on, 3 ; pruning, 549 Dasylirion acrotrichura, 17 Davallia solida major, 302 Decayed bulbs, 358 Delphinium Cantab, 27 ; velutinum, 266 Dendrobium bigibbum, 262 ; formosum, 311, 262; Fredlanum, 253; nobile, 575 ; Phalie- nopsis, 204; profusum, 550 ; thyrsiflorum, 544 ; Dearei, 580 Desfontainea spinosa, 211, 566 Dianthus chinensis black Prince, 157 ; cin- nabarinus, 97 ; petrteus, 13 ; pvnigens, 209 ; Ragged Jack, 260 Dianthuses, 17!» Dichorisandra thyrsiflora, li'3 Didiscus ca3ruleus, 166 Dietes tricolor, 213 Digging and trenching, 573 Dipladenia boliviensis, 394 ; Harrisi, 163 Diplopappus chrysophyllus. 306 Dipsacus laciniatus, 71 Disa grandiflora, 187 Diviniog-rod, the, 49 Dogwood and Elder, 59 Dogwood, the white, 435 Doronicum austriacum, 26 Double Chinrse Primula, 411 Double-flowered Gardenia^, 203 Douglas Fir, the, 323, 578 Dove plant, 253 Dracwna Alcxandrse, 227 ; aus'rali=, 190 Drainage, 282 Draining Imd for trees, 532 Draining lawns and walks, 543 Drip in orchai d houses, 416 Drought, counteracting, 38 Drummond's Eveila ting Pea, IS I Dryases, the, 58 Dry Vine and Peach roots, 286 ^ Earwigs and Chrysanthemums, 212 Eastern Orchid climates, 575 Echinacea purpurea, 3fi2 Echinoccrciis Eyresi, 99 Echinops, 193 EdelwuiBs, 163 Edge Hall, flower from, 116 Edge Ball rnck garden, 125 Edgings, lliatlicr for, 22 Ediblti fungi. New Zealand, 302 £draiant/ius Pumilio^ VXi Bhrard ikcL; the late. 321 Effects of deep tillage, 417 Egyptian Lotus, 40, 52 Egyptian Paj^yrus, ;!60 Elii-agnus hortensis. 188; limgipes, 403; ro- tuudifoliii, 452 Elder and Dogwood, 59 Elk's-horn Ferns, the, 410 Elymus glaucifolius, 212 EuL'holirions, 42i> Endive and Lettuce, 251 Ungli^k Ins, 384 English plants named, 95 Jan. 1, 1887.] THE GARDEN INDEX Vll English woodland?, condition o^ 40(i Epacris, 261 Epidendrum Mathewsl, 2S3 Epideudrums, slender-stemmed, 29'2 Epilobium obcordatum, 170 Epipbyllum Gibsoni, 5 ; truncatum vioJa- ceum, 507 Epipbyllums, 514 £>/iils''(iim T-'matcia, 5Ki Erica cinerea, 00 ; coloi'ans, 402 ; gracilis, 402 ; hyemali", 4 2 Erodium Reichardi, 07 Eri/iiffliim, 350 Eryngium amethystinum, 200 ; Bonrgati, 209; 7na)'itimum, 40(> ; Olivierianiim, 47; sen"a, 3S6 Erythi-ftja diffusa, 144 Erythrina Crista-galli, 307 ; Humei, 41 Erythronium album, 520 ; amiricanum, ij'21 ; Dens-can's, 520, 521 ; I'ens-canis sibericum, 5 5S; gi'anditlorum, 521; Hartwegi, 521; Nutlallianum, 55S ; propullaas, 521 ; pur- purasccns, 521 Escallon^a montevidensis, 2S0 ; pterocladon, 507 ; revoluta, 347 Kucliaridium Breweii, 562 Eucbaris amazonica, 77, 304, 424 ; omazonica, 425 ; bulbs, diseased, 535 ; diseased, 57i.i ; finely grown, 307 ; florifcious, 210 ; Mas- tersi, ISti ; mite, 501, 535 E'lconiis bicolnr, 44 ; punctata, hardiness of, 27 ; reaia, 424 Eucrypbia piunatifolia, 100, 210 Eulalias, 174 Euonymus europieu'', 514 European plants, 212 Evergreen sbrubs and trees, 171, 51S 5.V2 Evergreens, transplanting, 23S ; fur church decoration, 557 Everlasting Pea, Drummoad's, 470 Everlastings and Grasses, 275 Exacumg at Kew, 163 Exhibition at Dresden, 186 Exhibition vegetables, 402 Fagots, house, 42 Fancy Dahlias, 254 Feather flowei-s, 175 Fencing, 2S2 Fence, a good, 257 Fence posts upside down, 466 Fences, material for, 600 Fern for basket, 23r> Ferneries, indcr, 52 Fernery at Beddington, loO ; do. at lieddiiffh ton, 156 Femhouse, 172 Ferns, 52 ; for baskets, 424 ; in baskets, 250 ; for brackets, 300 ; Canadian, 387 ; gold and silver, 373 ; hatdy, 23ri ; hardy foreign, 324 ; new and rare, 325 ; in small pots, 543 ; tasselled and crested, 85, 113, 140, 164, 206 ; and their varieties, 164 ; for room decora- tion, 50S Fei*tility and vigour, 471 Ferula conspicua, 540 ; tingitana, 265 Ferulas, the, 74 Festuca punctoria, 335 Ficus clasticus variegata, 357 Field market crops, 302 Fig.^, 300 ; at home, 505 ; at Knowsley, 7S ; new, in Smyrna, 2S4 Filberts, preserving, 3S0, 471 Firewood, English, 500 Firs, gathering cones of, 32S ; variety in the, IS Flag, sweet-scented, 405 Flora, the Irish, 230 Flower beds at Bat tersea Park, 211 ; in Hyde Pfark, 210 Flower gai-den in winter, 3S3 Flower painting, 77 Flower show in S. London, 44 Flowers, alpine, 38; common, 145; (dpitie, firoi'p of, 38 ; of autumn, 223 ; abuses of, 642 ; border and hot weather, 50 ; garden in winter, 383 ; and gardens, 472 ; hardy, 24 ; hardy, in October, 385 ; for harvest festivals, 1S5, 275 ; late, 400, 472 ; of No- vember, 448 ; of October, 386 ; outdoors in winter, 515 ; spi'ing, in the Pyrenees, 178 ; at bandhm-.st, 265 ; of Shakespeare, 400 ; and trees, 480 ; unseasonable, 517 ; at Mr. Arthur's f aneral, 504 ; in December, 5R2 Fiiliage, summer tints of, 10 Forming new orchards, 300 Foreign seed collecting, 281 Forest trees, best planting season, 500 Forest preservation in Canadi, 377 Foresters v. gardeners, 377, 443 Foresters, gard&ners, and valuers. 510 Forestry committee, 207 Forestry report, 230 ; Ontario, 253 ; revival of, 421 ; extraordinary evidence on, 42 ; uot?8, 300 ; schools, 20S ; proposed, 135 Foxglove in shrubberies, 77 Fragaria indica, 47 Frames, cold, in winter, 4S2 Fi-ance, gardening iu south of, 23 Francoa ramosa, ('(J Freesia refracta alba. 46 French Beans, late, 50 French salads, 23 Frost, degi-ees of, in 1SS5, 1 1 Fiuir, 255, 463 ; appearance r. quality, 3:'S ; crops, Irish, 153; crops, Guernsey, 157; crop, the, ?0 ; crops, reports concerning, 101 ; crops, Scotch, 149; crops, Welsh, 156; committee, 256, 376 ; exliibitions. 4iJ0 ; from abroad, 05 ; growing, does it pay, 503; garden in autumn. 502; packing, material for, 34 ; iiro^pects, 55 ; report, supplementary English, 126 ; rooms in winter, 534 ; saleable, 570 ; trees, season for planting, 320 ; surplus, 564 ; the best, preserves, 570; trees, old, 414; trees on Iheir own roots, 54S ; trees, renovating (Id, 35 ; trees, to ripen wood, 192 ; trees, watei-ing in September, 33!> ; trees, water- ing of, 2S7 ; trees, winter priming, 524 ; trees with wet feet, 27S ; buds, 586 Fntits at the Liverponl show, 21 ; busb, 10 ; bardy, 10, 204, 501 ; bardy, notes on, 3 ; hedgerow, 04 ; home - grown, 5iU ; iu Western New York, 163; market gai-den, 114; names of, 218; size r. qualitv, 4iK) ; trees in villa gardens. 68 ; imder glass, 31, 53, 567, 500 ; shrivelling, 59S Fruity autumn, 34S Fuchsia General Roberta, 402; Riccartoni, 210 ; tripbylla, 157 ; simplicaulis, ftS5 Fuchsias at Culford Hall, 201 ; at Hackness Hall, 260 ; treated as annuals, 403 Fumigating r. steaming, 484, 400, 512 Fungi, 353 Fungus, 380 ; in New Zealand, 260 Funkias, notes on, 22 Gaillardia grandiflora, 200 ; liybrida, 241 ; picta, 242 Gaillardias, 381 Galium rubrum, 224 Gall-like swellings in Conifers, 417 Game covert in Ireland, Sti Garden walls, boarded, 579 Garden in August, 174 ; a Cheshire, 511 ; an Austrian. 116 ; after rain, 110 ; a north- ern, 467; gateway, a, 512; fH'i'\ Eiir>/ ^fano)\ 513 ; produce, waste of, S:i ; in the house, 200 ; a moorland, 467 ; a New Or- kans, 581 Gardens for the people, 462 ; and flowers, 472 ; wall-top, 71 : of the world, pnb'.ic, 580, 594 ; small, 570 G.irdeners' Royal Benevolent Institution, 468, 507 Gardeneis, foresters, and valuers, 510 Gardening oa the Grass, 445 Gardening, market, in Middlesex, 125 Gardenias, double-flowered, 203 ; planting out, 274 Garland flowfr, the, 67 Gates and stiles in plantation", SO, 112 Gaultheria procumbens, 520 Gaura Lindheimeri, 200 General work, 488 Genista Andreana, 200 ; data, 21 ; elatio*', 20 ; astnensis, 140 ; radiata, 28 Gentiana acanlis, 12; alpina, 266; asdc- piadea, Jfoici^r-spra)/ oj\ 27 ; a'clepiadea, flower-spray of, 27 ; asclepiadea, 195 ; brachyphylla, 266 ; excisa, 266 ; gelida. Oil, 118; Oliveri, 41; omati, 97; Pneumon- anthe, 335; septcmfida, 118, 243; i-a-ita, 201 Gentians, 58 Geranium argenteum, 244; triostemon, 12; sanguineum, 70 Giant Mulleins, 179 Gillenia trifoliata, 74 Gilliflowers. 05 Gingerworts, 120 Gladioli for pot culture, 514 ; hardy hybrid, 76, 381; ne* French hardy hybrid, 334; from Scotland, 423 Gladiolus, 364 ; brcnchleyensis, 223 ; bulbs and scedhngs, 475; Colvillei albu9, 70, 74; Colvillei de Versailles, 406 ; cultui'e, 562 ; culture at Cambridge, 336; a hardy, 116 ; ' S lundersi, 318 ; harvesting, 430 ; Lemoiuci, 210; Lord Salisbury, 157 Gla-s houses, cheap construction o', 37 ; covering, 400 Glazing, a new method, 4S6 GloU jloitcr, the, 108; naturalising, 109 Glorii.sa superba, 331, 356 Glossocomia ovafci, 5S Gloucestershire orchards, 533 Gloxinia buds, abortive, 227 ; culture, 212 ; macula ta, 2 lO Gloxiniis at Heatherset, ISO Goat Willow, 136 Godetias, 242 Gold and Silver Ferns, 412 Golden Elder, 142 Golden Ribcs alpinum, 332 Golden-leaved Ptelca, ;'.22 Good Strawberries, 233 Gocdi/ at home, 378 Hepatica anu'ulMsa. 12 Herbaceous borders, 362; plant3, 172 ; plants, cuttiog, 144 Herbs, drying, 250 Houchera sanguinea, 200 Hibiscus cocclneus, 307 Hieracium .aurantuicum, 70 ; villosum, 331 llighgate Woods, 331 Himalayan Anctrosactirt, 100; Fir, 189 Hippocrepis helvetica, 28 tfoTde8,caf7,, ! Hippophae rha ' Hoeing, notoT Hollies, 171/ . - •^.s o^'x. I Holly berriIs,4rd 1 Hops, spent for i nttinu'. Horse-radish, to er.idiritr, 465" . Ho S':tai', the grvrif, o\6 Horminum pyrenaicum, 141 IIovAtor.iicrerv.hJ, 451 How I managed my estate, 208 I How timber is valued, 510 j HoyU, Mr. G. ir.. Alb I Humeas, diseased, 74 Hyacinths, Roman, 271". ; at Christmas, 593 1 Hybrid Lobelias, 103 ; Montbretias 139 I Hydrangea, common, 103 ; paniculatagr-andi- I floi-a, 84 Hyde Park, flower beds in, 210 Hymenocallis macrostephana, 215 ht/pericum cmpftri/olUm. 221 ; empetrifo- livim, 365; olympicum, 179; paddiun, reptans, 116; rfptnns. 221 Hypericum^, 220 ; shrubby, 22 1 21; Icehouse, filling an, 505 Idesia polycarpa, 226 Impatiens coccinea, 539 ; Sultani, 344 Incense Cedars, £53 Indian Crocuse", 442 ; Lilacs, 211 Indigo, Yomba, 307 Indigofera, white, 122 Insects, crop-destroying, 36; and Conifers, 159 ; injurious to root crops, 182 ; on fruit trees, 576 Insecticide, a useful, (17 Insecticides, th^^ir use and abuse, 11 Inula glandulosa, 66 Ipomxa Bona-nox, 67, 00, 396; Horsfailia;, 565; Horsfalli^e Lady Briggs, 558; velu- tina, 211 Iris aurea, 71 ; double-flowered, 513 ; juncea, 44, 72 ; pallixia, 241 ; Robinaoniana, 201 ; stylosa, 446 ; Susiana, 178, 406 ; xiphio:des, 3S4 ; Xiphium, 384 ; Xiphium, 385 Irises, 73 ; English, 24 ; English and Spam b, 384 Irish Ddffod-ls. 323, 386 Ii-isli Juniper, 225 Isolepis gracilis, 511, 560 Ivies, the best, 428 Ivy, Golden Tree, 473; on walls, 241 ; and Yuccas, 186 ; in hanging baskets, 506 Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums, 77 Ixoras, 306 Jacob's Ladder, variegated, 248 Jacobsea, new Pompoo, 502 Japan Anemones, 580 Japan Lilies in pots, 305 Japanese Yam, tbe, 349 I Jasmine, white, 145, 224 ! Jasminum gi-acillimum, 77; angulire, 558 I nudiflorum, 473 Jerusalem Sage, the, 60 Juglans regia, 436 ; rupestris, 230 Juncus zebiinus, 230 Junipers, ornamental, 76 Juniperus hibernica, 225; ri^ida, 290 Justicia fliivicoma, 77 K. Kalmia latifolia. 50S ; the broad-leaved, 5;)S Kalosanthes coccinea, 250 Kennedj'a Marryattse, 534 Kitchen garden notes, 572 Kuiphofia corallina, 331; caulesccns , 47; Leichtlini var distachya, 2 12 Kniphofias, the, 571 KnockmuUen, notes from, 20 Labjl, new plant, 115; wires, 380 Labels, fasteuing. 442; imperishable, 497 Labr.idor Tta, 238 Laburnums, where to plant, 60 VUl THE GARDEN INDEX [Jan. 1, 1887. Lacc-wiiiged fly, 07 Lachenalias, new, G7 Lady'3 Slippers, cool-liousc, 3l'7 Laelia Amauda, 507; albida bella, 075 ; ancejjs, 575; anceps virgiQiilis, 553; Bate man uiaiia, 253 ; Dayana, 303 ; cle^aus Tiu'iicri, "i.^'i ; niajalis, 47; pnneitans var., S'.'ti ; pnrpliy rites, 485 ; pryestaus, 575 Lagerstrosmia indica, £57 Lagcrstroemias, 211 Lainavck's herbarium, 4S0 Lancashire j^ardening, 53S Lapagcria alba. 2(30; rosea, 2ii0 LaiL-h ai-his, the, 417 Larch disease, the, 303 Larch, heart rot or dry-rot in, 37S Larch seed, native v. foicigu, 1S3, 230, 2:^1 Larkspurs, double, 314 Lasi.tudra inacrantha, 30" Lasthenia glaljrata, 210 Lathyrus Urummondi, 274, SOS, SCO. 570; rotundifulius, 97 ; tuborusus, 4>S Lattice-leaf 'plant, 344 Laurel leaves, 514 Laurust'nus liodges, 452 Lavenlcr, 96 ; and Koseiuary, ISO Lawn trees, 75 Lawns in winter, 505 Layias, the, 143 ' Leaf ornaments for window screens, 49 Leaves fu ■ garnisliing dess rt, 250 ; for vasc-i 2-10 ; cutting off green, 580 Leea amabilis, 357 LthcnhoJ}', inttrior of Palm hoa^e at, 105 ; notes from, 220 ; rochii fcrotvy at^ 121 ; view in the Palm liouse, 164; vico? iii icintr>- garden at, 117 Leptosiphons, 299 Lettuce and Endive, 251 Lettuces, early, 6 ; for spring planting, 2S0 ; hardy Cabbage, 57:^ ; in frames, 39J ; well- flavoured, 373 L ucanthe'iuum. atratum, 333 Leucocarpa alata, OS Leycesteria formosa, 590 liiatris, 175 Llbocedrus tdrajrna, 552 ; dul< Dnh, 552 Licuali Veitchi, 43 Lifting large i^oar trees, 453 Lilacdike Privet, 570 Lilacs, new double, 519 Lilies, 172; American, at home, 215; and liuht, 505 ; and shelter, 140 ; double Tiger, 240 ; in flower, 5S ; in groups, 209 ; in sun- sliinc, 270; lance-leaved, 356 ; notes on, 27, 209; notes on Plantain, 22 ; out of doors, 4S2 ; Plantain, 144; transplanting, 193; white, 72, 97 ; white transplanting, 263 Lihum auratum, 115, 139, 230, 209. 311, 304; auratum cruentum, 300 ; auratum, fine specimen of, ISO; auratum pl-typhylbnii, -03, 210 ; auratum Wittei, 235 ; caudidum under glass, 5 ; davuricum, 37; longiflorum, 119, 124, 227; longijlorun}, buds of, 1 ^-» ; neilgherrense, 517; nupeibum, S ; s'ljiei-b'i.- , bulbs qt,0; t.staccuni, 70 ; tigrinum Lcu- poldi, l.'O Lily, the Ncilgherry, .507; the Furmosa, 139 Limb and trunk, 531 Lime-, the 8dvtr, 597; as a wood pre; ervcr, 577 Linaria anticaria, 205 ; Cymbalaria m ixima, 335 ; liepaticfefolia, 179 ; pallida, 4S T-inum trigynum, 529 L'(]uidamb;ir styraciflua, 238, 21iU Lissrii'h Ills Krebsi, 202 LitliLspcnnum graminifiurum, 74 : petnwnn, 74 Little things, 4-JS Liverpool, boiler trials at, 21, .37 Liverpool show, fruits at, 21 Loasa latcritia, 109 Lobel'a cardiiialis, 215 ; Cavanillcii, 512 ; Caranilhsi, 502 Lobelias, hybrid, 193; scarlet, 304 Loiselcuria prucum'-i n--, 335 Lombardy Poplar, 239 Lonchocarpus Barteri, 307, 332 London parns and gardens, 530 London Pride, 12 Lophyrus Pini, 257 L-^ropetalon ehiueusc, 142 Lospky, 409 Lotus and Papyrus, 95 Lneulia gratissima, 203, 46S, 134, 559 Lupines, perennial, VO Lnpinns arborcus, 209; arborCi\s^ 239 LycaiU Skiniitv^ 374 Lycastes, 374 M. Madresfiuld Covu't Grape, 234 Magnolia fuscata, 30; gltr.oa, 90: g audi- flora, 291 ; the swamp. 90 ; scent, 472 Magnolias at home and abroad, 3;il Magnum Bonum Plum, 234, 278 Maiden-hair Ferns, 358, 374 ; in rooms, 2^0 Mallow, the white, 3S1 Mallow-worts, 215 Malpighia coccifera, liiO Malva lateritia, 52 Malvern, Roses at 20 Manetti the root of all evil, 437 Maple, the red, 370 Maples or Acers, 452 ; Japanese, 190 ; propa- gating, 493 Marguerite, the blue, 50 3 Margryricarpus set^sus, 13, 301 JIarigold, dwarf, 299 Market gardeners, 91 Market gardening 'U Middlesex, 125 ^farket Hydrangeas, 530 Market garden notes, 30. 91, 201, 4J0, 4iil, 54 I, :idl; prices, 592 Market nui-series, notes on, 527 Marrows, Vegetable, 251 Mansh Marigold, 340 ; doubU^floiccifd, 341 Marvel of Peru, 242 MasdevaIliaCrossi,441 ; Davi^i,294 ; raccmo.a Crossi, 440 ; tovirensif, 507 Masdevallias, S, 398 ; choice, 507 Master-worts, 74 Massing haidy bulbs. 283 Matricaria inodora, 109 Measurement, customary and true, 509 Measuring rods, 487 ; trees, 257 Meconopsis Wallichi. 71 Medicinal plants, 59S Melons, 32, 255, 389 ; Cantaloup, 373 ; diseased, 235 ; insects on, 358 Mcnzies' Spruce, 4l'l Mertensia mnritima. 243 Mesembryarithtmiuus, 44 Michaelmas Daisies, 349, 305, 400, 450 Microlcpia hirta cristata, 230 Mignonette, 5, 242 Mildew on Roses, 320 Mildness of the season, 4(11 Milkwort, purple Box leaved, 14X Milla lougipes, 97 Miltonia spectabilis bicolor, 157; si)L'L'tabi;is, 204 Mimuluses in pan^ best, 22 I Mina lobata, 430 ; lobata, 437 I Mint, green, 573 Misdirected tidiness in gardens, 355 Mistletoe, 331 Missouri Silver-leaf, 452 Mist tree, the Amei ican, 480 Mites on Vine roots, 4S4 Mocassin flowers, 415 Modern Chr^sintlifmums, 557 Monarda didyma, 193 Monkshood, 517 Moon Creeper, the, 99 Monstrous Foxglove 74 Montbretit croci smaiflora, 115, 1S7 ; Pultsi, 139. 209 ; varieties, 211 Montbretias at York, 210 Monterey Cypress, 225 ; at home, 189 Moorland garden, a, 407 Morello Cherry as a standard, 3; 0 Molina longifolia, 47 Morning Gliry. East Indian, 534 Moss-covered stones, 490 Moss litter for Orchids, 202, 292 Moths caught by Phy^ianchus flowers, 212, 332 Moth traps, 380 Mountain Ash, ISS ; berries, 200 Mountain Pine as undercover, 257 Moving trees, 258 Mucnna niacrob^trya, 201 Muhlenbeckia coniplexa, 428 ; varians, 302 Mulching Rhododendrons, 141 ; and water ing, 220 Miishrooms, 392; amongst thrubR, 440; for autumn and winter, 134; in shed-, 315, 572 ; large v. button, 573 Musk, 174 Muti^-ia decurrens. 40 Myosotidium I'obile, 5<'i'' Myrtle, double- flowered, indoors, 22 N. Name, a long-winded, 187 Names v. tilings, 540 Narcissus nionoiihyllus, 553; serotinus, 300 ; viridiflonis, 297, 408 ; //of'/» P.tticoat, 73 Nasturtiums, 180; dwaif, 300; for window boxes, 275 National Chi-j'santhcmum Society's ca'.a- logue, 187 National Forest School in Ir. land, 112 Nature's revenge, 42S Nectarine, Victoria, 303 Nectarines, eirlv. list of good, 277 ; and Peaches, 1', 270; late, list of, 277; mid- season, 277 Nemesia versicolor var. compacta, 331 Nepaul Beam Tree, 453 Nepenthes, skeletonised, 21 Nephroleris rufiscens tripinnatifida, 442 Nerine filifidia, 300 ; Fothei-gilli major, 235 Neiiiics, 33.?, 402 ; hybrid, 423 Ncrium Oleander, 280 Nertera deprespa, OS Netlcy Fort, Hamble, l»i7 N'e V Mountain Aralia, 440 New hybi'iJ Orchid, 253 New Orleans (larden. a, 581 New Peas certificated, 110 New Zealand fungus, 200 Nicotiana affitii^, 216, 25^ 331, 360 Nidulariuriis, 420 Nierembergia rivularis, 118 ; frutescen?, 3c'5 Ni^lit-flowering Cacti, 211 Ni^ritella angustifolin, 570 Notes from France, 200, 513 ; from Lehenhoff, •220 ; of the aeasnn, 400 ; on thi Parliamen- tary Report on Forestry, 184 Xouvcau Poiteau Pear, 397 Novcmb.r flowers, 42'^, 424 Nurse trees, Wellingtonias as, 70 Nursery work, 4*^8 Nutrition <: fertility, 448 N\mphffia alba, 384; biradiata, Od ; s'lUuta variety, 90; fSturtevanti, 307 OaV, giant, 200; fence pots, 444; in the landscape, 188 ; plantations. 327 ; scarlet, the, 122 ; the Burr, 430 ; the time to fell, IS : wuods, pruning, 413 ; woods, thinning, 377 Oakp, noteworthy evergreen, 418 Obituary — Beck, Edward, 321 Brown, Thomas, 598 (ieert, Auguste Van, 530 Green, Charlos, 530, 554 Ingram, William, 182 Peach, Charles Pierpoint, 3;2 Pohlmann, Edward, 554 Stenger, Mrs., 398 Stevens, Z., 398 Ocimum basilicum, 251 October flowirs, 357 Odontoglossum Alexandrte, 515; blephari- canthum, 419 ; crispum, 17 ; grande, 307 ; stelligerum Ernesti, 109; vexillarium su- peibum, 253 Odontoglossums at Cheshunt, 529 Oenothera lobata, 335 ; macrocarpa, 243 Oleander, hardiness of, 347 Olearia dentata, 20; Haasti, 121, 142, 170; macrodonta, 10 Oneidium andigcnum, 410; aurosuni, 252; bifolium raajus, 252 ; ealanthnm, 252 ; cheirophorum, 252 ; Crcesus, 252 ; cuculia- tnni, 252 ; dasyt^ le, 357 ; Jonesianum, 229, 252, 202, 440 ; Kranierianum, 2r.2; Lancea- juim, 17, 115; leucoctiilum, 252; macran tlium, 252; Phala^ropsls, 25?; serratuni, 252 ; varicosum, 252, 441 ; zebrinum, 252 Oneidium?, cool, 252 One-blade, thf>, 337 Onions, autumn-flowering, 6; autumn-sown, 340 ; harvesting, 339 Ononis fruticosa, 210, 279 Open-air flowers and leaves, 530 Orange ilowcrs, boic I of Mexican, 23 Orange trees, minia'ure, 534 ; and orangeries, 588 Orchard house, the, 308 (_)rchards, Apple, 192; forming new, : 05 ; Gloucestershire, 533 ; loci»tions for, 553 ; renovating old, 439 Orc^ud, a grand new, 575 ; elifrates, eastern, 275; culture in ihe midlands, 500; grow- ing, amateur, 441; house^, drip in, 410; pricr-s, 485; sale, 307; the Vanilla, 8; the Dove, 574 Orchids at Camden Wood, 442; at Chelsea, 307; at Crovdon Lod^e, 485; at The Dell, 550; at IloUoway, 390, 485; at Selborne, 205 : at Southampton, 182 ; at Streatham, 202 ; August-blonminor, 139, 103 ; blooming in September, 229 ; Canadian, 415 ; cultu- ral notes for September, 204 ; deceptive growth in, 91 ; deciduous, 550; from Cam- bridge Lodge, 253 ; from Knowsley, 77 ; hardy, 138, 240 ; in flower, 441 ; in October, :'.50 ; late in autumn, 349; prepaiing for winter, 5013; summer, notes on, 7 ; vaiie- jaated, 528 ; winter, 574 ; wire hiu-tful to, 307 Oiebis macnlatv superba, 44 CrtropanaxEpremesnilianum, 410, 408 ; Ejin- mesniHaiuaii, 447 Oriental Poppies, 2'i8 Ornamental Gra^sfs, IBl Ornamental trees in groups, 290 OrnithogaUim uureum, 00, 250; Ihyrsoidcs, 116 Osier planting, 2S2 ; plantatics, 378 Osiers for profit, culture of, 111 Othonna cra'^sif olia , 357 Ouvirandra Berneriana, 345 ; fencstraH'-,3l4 ; fencsiraha, 345 Overcrowding, evils of, 134 Over-tidiness in gardens, 401 Oxypetalum cajmleum, 200 Packing material, 34 Packing Peaches and Grapes, 218 Paonia albijlora, 589; albiflora Adrian, 5S8 ; albiflora Candida, 589 ; albifiora jl.-pL, 589 ; a. fragrane, 589 ; a. Humei, 589 ; a. rubes- cens, 5S9 ; a. sibirica, 589; a. tatarica, 589; , a uniflora, 589 ; a. vtstalis, 589; a. Whiieyi, I 589 Paint, sand, 490 Paintings, catalogue of Marianne North's, S Pa'm seeds, 48 Palm house at Lehenhof, 104 Pplms for room decoration, 592 Pampas Grass, 200, 304 ; different sorts, 400 ; early flowering, 283 ; and other Grasses, 430 Pancratium guianense, 507 ; speciosura, 187 Pansiea in September, 307 ; at Winderraero, I 359 Papaver bracteatum and orientale, 58 ; cri- entole, 17 ; pavoninum, 140 ; pilosum, 118; Warns, 297 Pater Reed of Egypt, 348 Papyrus, the Egyptian, 360 Paris Daisies, 84 ; in pots, 37 Paris Daisy, yellow, 200 Parochaetus communis, 248 Parsley, sowing. 38 Passiflora Constance Elliott, 44, 210 ; gracilis, 236; Uiirifolia, 185; piinceps, 228; vitl- foba, 180 Tassifloras, culture of, 4 ; varieties of, 5 I'cach, Mdme. Pynaert, 439; leaves, ecaldcd, 235; buds dropping, 81; and Vine roots, dry, 280 ; house, 235 ; trees, old, 372 Peaches, 191. 255, 342 ; and Figs, 172 ; and Grapes to pack, 218; and Nectarines, 11, 270; and Nectarines, notes ou, 288; ut Ditton P..rk, 338, 371, 397; by the million, 289; early, 332, 513 ; early, list of good, 270 ; late, list of, 277 ; late, 287 ; mid-season, list of, 276 ; notes on, 320 ; on open walls, 281 ; pale, 372 Tear crop, the, 2, 547 ; leaveF, diseased, 372 ; Marie Louise, 397 ; trees, large lifting, 458; trees, productive, 553 Pears, 11, 255 ; and Apples, select 390 ; and Apples, storing, 504; and Aj pies as vintage fruits, 526 ; arrested growth, 102 ; for mar- ket, 414; late-keeping, 505 ; market, 471, 503, 5 49^; notes on the newer, 553; vaiia- tion in flavour, 390 ; varying in flavour, 413 Pea. Everlasting Wliite, 1:23, 495, 515, 5l7, 502 ; trials, 50 Peas, 84; and Pea culture, 290; and Boans, autumn sown, 527 ; December sown, 573 ; early, 0; Everlasting, 49 ; in America, 393 ; in dry weather, 49; late, 109, 202, 250; mulching. 6; notes on, 147; old and nev, S3 ; or Primroses, 539 ; selection, on, 148 Pelargonium Ardcns, 115 ; Col. Holden, 507 ; culture, 273 ; Gnilliou Mangilli, 445 Pelargoniums, Ivy-leaved, 77, 358 ; propaga- tion of, 346; fcented leaved, 539; shows, out of doors, 73; winter-flowering, 310, 508; zonal, 380, 423 Peutstemon humilis, 28 ; nitidus, SS Pentstemons, 214, 230, 304; blue, 203 Pepinias, 420 Peristeria elata, 253 ; data, 574 Pernettyas, 08, 402, 447 ; in flower, 00 ; iu flower and fruit, 493 ; in winter, 597 Pests to alpine x>lan1s, 13 p. traja volubilis, 594 Ph^celia campanularia, 562 Phaius bicolor, 30 Phalajnopsis grandiflora, 252, 485; hybrid, 485 ; Lowi, 283 ; Maria;, 00 ; Sanderiana, 485 Philadelphus grandiflorus, 21 ; mexicanus, 44 ; microphyllus, 239 ; speciosus, '^9 Phlomis frutico^a, 00 Phlox Drummondi, 211, 204 ; Drummondi c. cardinal, 214 Phloxes, herbaceous, 223 Phojnix hybrida, 07 Photinia serrnlat.i, 500 Phryiiium jucundnm, 340; varicgatum, 340 Plivll'ixcra and American (iiapes, 200 p]i\>alis Alkckengi, 529 Phy^ianthus flowers, mollis caught by, 21 ! Physostegia imbrieata, 331 ; virgiuiana, 331 Physuruse?, 529 Phyteuma campanuloif^cs, 301 Phytolacca decandni, 200; purpui-asccnsfolL's variegatis, 408 Picotee Almira, 157 ; Annie Douglas, 157 ; Duchess, 157 Picotees, 110; and Carnations, 193, 213, 2l0, 314, 303 ; florists', tj5 Picea Nordmanniana, pruning, 59 Pilumna nobilis, 507 Pine-apples, 254 Pine, the Scotch, SO ; Corsican, 135 ; for pro- fitable planting, IS, 159; Austrian! and Corsican, 550 ; Uicarf Mountain, 225 ; saw- fly, 257 pinffiiicula grandi flora, 243 Pinks, 57, 304 Jan. 1, 1887.1 THE GARDEN INDEX IX Piuiis ;uistri!ica fur seaside, 100 ; cmtovta •291: oxcelsi, l'J2, asu ; insigiii^, 4S2 ; in signis in Hamiwhire, 34S ; I'uiic'Jio, I'^O koraiensia, 371, 430 Pistia stnitiotes, 3S0 Pitcairnias, 42ti Pita for trees, making of, 2S2 Plane trees, large eastern, 2'24 Plant edgings, 12 Piant frailly, a I't-O, 2"26 Plant house, 172 Plant label, new, 11 j Plant names, 410 Plant shelters, .503, 53 1 Plant stii.;ing, enduring, 513 riantaliuu, gates and stiles Id, si; PUntatioas, 43S ; overthinniojj in, Is ; tinn- ing, HI, 531 ; unthinned, 100 Planting, lU ; dry bulbs, 301 ; forest trees, 25S ; out r. pot culture, 573; season, the, 322 ; under-covert, 231 Pl-ints, bulbous Cape, 00 ; buried for winter, 07 ; choice bulbjus, 7s ; good o'.d, 158 ; hardy clinibiug, 25; hardy, notes on, 2S, 37, US. 14 1, 195; for cool hou.ses, 395 ; fir dry banks, 27 ; for permanent beds, 105 ; for winter flowering, 105 ; in flower in a Scotch garden, 431 ; in rooms, ISO ; of South Africa, 245 ; pot culture v. planting out, 124; sub-tropieal, hardy sub-titutes for, 144 ; table, 77 ; to avoid for cut flowers, 210 ; useful herbaceous, 104; white-flowered, 171; with variegated leaves, 215 ; for winter border**, 5S5 ; for house decoration, 595 Platanus californica, 507 Platyeerium gran Ic, 46S ; Willi iicki , 'iQf) PioA^ffh „t Puyus, 420 Pyramid Gooseberry bushes, 277 Pyramidal Birch, tile, 322 Pyrenees, spring flowers iii the, 1 17 Pyrethrum vdiginosum, 305 Pi/roht rotuiul'FoUa, -IVO P'yrus .\i--a, 100 ; Slaulei, 280 a- Quercus Buei-geri, 317; iuacrocar_a, 430; palustris, 347 Quisipialis iudica, 17 B. 1 Ridi.shos, ear^y, 573 ; winter, 251 Ramaims Ron , if;hih\ 133 Ramondia pyrenaica, 58, 107 ; pnriagating, 243 Ranunculus onica, 323 Skiiiimias. ii7 Slender-stemmed F.pidendrums, 2'i2 Sleepers from home-grown wood, 257 Slugs, 37 Slug pest, the, 12 Smilacina bifolia, 337 Smilax, 471 Snake roots, 175 Snapdragons, 208 Snowherrics, 520 Snowdrop=, 370 Societies— National Auricula, 529, 535 National Carnation and Picotee, 529 National Chrysanthemum, 256, 419, 403, 608, 518, 554 Royal Botanic, 10, 529 Royal Horticu'tural, 13, 61, 100, 157, 253, 302, 375, 508, 658 Soil, preparation of the. 111 Soils .and timber trees, 64 ; and situations for trees, 303 golanumatro-purpurenm, 230; jasminoides, 210, 274, 331 ; jasmineides floribundiim, 357 Solanums, 07 ; wild forma of the tuberous, 575 Soloiuon'K Seal as a room plant, 49 ; indoors, 40 Sonerilaa and Bertolonia^i, 201 Sophora japonica pondula, 370 ; the Weeping, 370 ; variegated, 140 Sorbus domestica, SO South Kensington Rose show, 30 Sowing and reaping, 314 Spanish Broom, 122 Spanish Iris, 384 Sparmannia africana, 52, 400 SpTrtium jiinceum, 122 Spicer's Lady's Slijirer, 484 Spigelia niftlilandica, 110 Spinach all the year round, 219 ; New Zea- land, 251 ; winter, 82 Spiriea ariaifolia, 71, 225; bella. 452 ; buUata, 121; callosa alba, 187; japonica fol. pur- piureis, 200 ; Lindleyana. 140, 225 ; p 1- mata, 25, 92, 110 ; palmata alba, 110, 210 ; palmata, white, 178 ; Thunbergi, 348 Spiralis in flower, 29 Spirantlios Romanzoviana, extermination of, 253 Spring flowering plants, 540 Spring, preparations for, 2i5 Spring V. autumn planting, 378 Spruce, the, 60; Engelmanii's, 1^0; Lord Wieklow's, 610 Spruces, remarkable growth of. SS Squirrels, 550, 570 ; are they injurious? 531 Stanhopeas, species of, 350 Statice Suwarowi, 00, 97 Staying properties of Hose', 305 Steaming i>. fumigating, 484, 490, 512 Stcnia pallida, 350 Stephanophysuin Baik'ei, 580 Sternbergia angustifolia, 331 ; si;ula, 283 Stipa pennata, 07 Stob.«a purpurea, 144 Stocks, 180; intermediate, 177; notes on, 215 Strawberries, 32, 342, 457 ; a sure crop, 233 ; alpine, 55; at Bristol, 161; best six, 2; degener.ating, 65, 93, V77 ; diseased, 35; for cold district, 101, 191; for forcing, SO; for early forcing, 1 ; good, i, 54, 70, 03, 114, 161, 217; in the north, 03; in peat »ud sand, 04; little known, 04; newly rooted, 101 ; notes on, 3 ; of different sorts, 80 ; of fifty years ago, 101 ; packing for market, 33 ; two good, 102 ; wintering in pots, 624 Strawberry President and mildew, 55 ; Lax- ton's Noble, 02 ; Loxford Hall Seedling, SO- notes on culture, 217 ; Bothwell Bank, 41 ; British Queen, 2, 32 ; Burghley Presi- dent, 55 ; crop, 217 ; culture, notes on, 2, 625 ; culture, American, 114 ; Hautbois, 28 ; triaLs, 66 ; 'Vicomtesse Hdricart do Thury, 101 ; tree, the, 582 Strobilauthcs Championi, 536 Sulphide of potassium, 11, 182 Sumach, Stag's-horn, Ul Sundials, 480 ; in gardens, 36 5 Sunflower, miniature, 301 Sunfliwers, 209, 335 Sweet Basil, 251 Sii-eet Brier, 267, 481 Sweet Pea, 242 Sweet-smelling leaves, 410 Sweet Sultan, 213, 242 Sweet Williams, 44, 40, ISO; crossing, 73 Swertia pcreunis, 144 __^ Sycamore and Ash, extinctV.u of, 3i i Sycamore in the landscap:;, 224 Sycamore-leaved Buttercup, '.^10 S.^mphjaudra pendilla, 195 fymphytiiins, 215 Syriuga Eniodi, 436 T. Table plant--, 77 Tacca, the genu-", 45 Taesonia exonicnsis, 482, 562 Tacsonias, 274 Tamarisk tree, 400 Tape z'. string, 4S7 Tapering trees, 418 Tar paint, 280, 320 Tasodium sempcrvirfus, 300 Tecoma capensis, 402 ; radieans, 210, 201 Telek'a speciosa, 240 Tercentenary of the introduction ol tlic Potato, 380 Terra-cotta Carnation, 109 Texas Walnut. 230 Tlialictrum adiantifolium, 144 Thick planting outside trees, 304 Thick planting, 258 Thorn, a new, 407 Thorns, late flowering, 30 Thrift as plant edaings, 12 Throatwort. the blue, lOO Thujopsis borealia, '201 ; dolubrata, 122, 322 ; dolobrata a hedge tree, 370 Thunlicrgiaaflinis, 07 ; lai'riMia, 203; laurl- folia, 308 Thunbcrgias, 292 Thunia Ma'shalli, 30 Thyme, crimson-flow. red, -14 ; wild, 47 Thysanotus mnUiflorus, 17 Tiger Iris, 201 Timber, classifying, 565 ; cuUurc, drawbacks to, 03; home-grown ti. foreign. 610 ; how valued, 488, 610, .'31, 656, 577, 500 ; in Mon- mouthshire, 422; machinery and home- grown, 159; measuring, 443, 460, 487, 4S8, 632; measuring sta-'ding. 399; peeling standing, 63 ; trees and soils, 64 ; the uses of home-grown, 41 ; supply, our, 399 Tomato Blenheim Orange, 2S0 ; Hackwood Park 20', 251 ; the tree, 504 ; trial", 51 ; Wonder of Italy, lOS THE GARDEN INDEX [Jan. 1, 1887. Tomatoes, 255, 340; American, S3. 573; at H-irefield Grove, 115 ; es cordons, 8;i ; for winter, 83 ; in America, 527 ; on open walls, 115 ; ripe and green, 417, 4'I0 Torch Lilies, 240, 261 Trachelium cseruleum, 166 Transplanting Evergreens, 238 ; -white Lilies, 193, 263 Tree, the Judis, 50 ; transplanting, 237 ; foli- age and autumn frosts, 532 Tree Lupine, 2S9 Tree guards, 421 ; planting, 354 ; planting for profit, 207 ; planting in parks, 347 ; pruning, unskilful, 853 ; planting, profits of, 465 ; roots in flower beds, 262, 300, 313. 333, 358 ; seeds, gathering and storing, 577 Trees and shrubs for watertide, 50 ; rare, 239 ; for seaside, 500 Trees, autumn work among, 200 ; care in marking, 208 ; climbers on, 73 ; draining land for, 532; dwarf, in Japan, 323; lir clay soil-', 281 ; forked, 472 ; for towns, 64 ; for autumn effect, 473 ; in parks, 532 ; in Tredegar Park, 354; on liwna, 75; on limestone soils, 500 ; of Monmouthshire, 304 ; not commonly planted, 551 ; on moirnds, 76 ; ornamental in Canada, 402 ; ornamental in groups, 290 ; ornamental planting, 142 ; planting, 443 Tree planting abroad, 258; planting for. st, 288 ; plantingon poor soil, 160 ; j-enovating old, 35; street planting, 121 ; summer tints of, 19; timber and soils, 64; wall ])lanting, 371 Ti ichocontrum albo-purpureum, 398 Trichosma suavis, 507 Tricyrtis hirta. 431, 451 Tritoma corallina, 331 ; caulescpns, 47, 3C2 ; grandis, 472 ; Booperi, 335 ; Uvaria, 384 Tritomas, 240, 261 ; and Anemones, 493 Trolhus europ(Fus, 108 ; europaeus, 200 Tropieolum albiflornm, 508 ; speciosiim, 13 308; tuberosum, 301, 402, 408, 447, 517 Tuberoses, 5, 395 ; double, 356 ; in a c Id house, 274 ; out of doors, 380 Tubercus Begonia^-, 204 ; culture of, 227 ; from seed, 00 ; seeds, raisin?, 165 Tulip bulbs, 565; planting time, 364; bulb droppers, 584 I Tunica Saxifr3ga, 244 ; Sax'fvaga, 495 Turner memorial prize, 254 Turnips, early, 6 ; boltine', 340 ; Ktc, 115 Tyerman's Groundsel, 3S7 U. Ulmus IJerardi, 370 ; Piteursi 302 Unheated plant houses, 448 Unsawn timber, the care of, 87 Unusual tree growths, 136 Upright Indian Silver Fir, 278 U.scful herbaceous plants, 170, 104 Uses for waste wood, 1S3 Valuers, gardeners, and foresters, 510 Valtota puvjiur a, r44 ; rurpurea eximia, 200, 310; purpurea magnifica, 44 Vancou- er''a hcxandra, 263 Vanda Sanderiana, 350 Variegated-leaved plants, 215 Variegated Orchids. 5fS ; Wa'nut, the, 436 Vegetable forcing, 527 Vegetable Marrows, 160, 251, 340 ; bush, S3 Vegetables, preserving, 340 ; scarcity of, 30 ; at Ilackwood Park, 250 ; at the Liverpool show, 21 ; and the season, 168 ; improved, 440 ; special prizes for, 110 ; washing, 513 ; young, 251 ; select, 591 Vegetative vigour v. ferlility, 530 Vcrbascum oh/mpicum, 213 ; olynipicunij 241 Varbascains, 350 Verbena venosa, 243, 300 Verbenas and red spider, 405 Veronica Andersoni, 188, 2ii3. 3(i4 ; anomala, 20; corymbo.sa varieerata, 361 ; crispa, 118 ; plauco ca^roUa, 28 ; Haasli, 16 ; incana, 361 ; Kirki, 44; Lyalli, 28; rupestris, 266; sali- cornioides, 44 Vicarage porch at OdiJtam, 402 Villa garden, fruit trees in, 68 Vine, the great, at Hampton Court, 357 ; borders, w atering insid^*, 569 ; pruning, 504 Vineries in autumn, 101 Vines, 35, 172, 342 ; cropping, 31 ; di^easd, 227 ; fine-foliaged, 3ii2 ; lifting the root", 569 ; outdoor, 311 ; overcropped, 162 ; pre- mature ripening in, 50 ; watering late- fruiting, 320 ; wild Canadian, 520 ; reno- vating old, 5S7 VioUt pedafa, 141 ; rothomagensis, 210 Violet, Bird's-foot, 140 ; Marie Louise, 203, 331 ; the Rouen, 210 Violets, 344; difea=cfl, 358 ; Dog's-tooth, 5-iO ; for winter flowering, 68 ; flowerlcss, 533 ; leafy, 484, 512 ; too leafy, 3S0 ; winter- flowering, 340, 50S ; with too much leaf, 401 Wall climbers. 334 ; creepers, renovating, 407 Wallflower, old double yellow, 58 j Wallflowers, early yellow, 00 ; and Pulyau- thus, 42S Wall-top gardens, 71 Wall tree plantig, 371 Walnut, the black, 443 ; trees, 532, 55 > Warren Houhc, viae in the garden, 97 ; laicn vicic at, 93 Wasps, 262, 326 ; among Ivy, 352, 360 ; no, 301 Waste of gardt n produce, 83 ; in gardens, 3S6 Water Lilies. 3S4 Watering and midching, 220 ; fruit trees, 281 Watsonia rosea, 306 Wedding flower, 201 Weeds, 26, 340 ; beware of, 325 Weeding walks, 241 Weeping Willow, the, 347 Weigela Looymansi aurea, 322 WcUingtonia, propngatlng, 289 West Indian Blood-flower, 534 White Alder, 187 Wliite Alstrcemeria Pelegrina, 5113 White Beam tree, 100 White flowers for aut'^mn, 332 nhilr-^tJoircraf Ik'STodils, 571 White Japan Anounne, 440 White Lajlia ancops, 1S2 White-leavei edging plants, 170 White variegated Adiantum maciophylAim, 543 Wigandia caracasana, 106 Wild flowers at Shrewsbuiy, 108 Wild Roses, 414 ; in America, 447 Willow, Russell and Bedfoid, 136; planteis, hints for, 4S7 ; as a timber tree, 160 Willows, moat profitable, 135 Window screens, leaf ornaments for, 49 Windflower, the Japan, 449 Windflowers, tall growing, 172 W^inter border plants, 6S3 Winter Cherry, the, 529 Winter gran, 420 Winter-flowering plants, 300, 343, 355, 394, 404, 427, 445, 481 ; Fix, 520 Winter of 1885— 6, 11 Wintering soft-wooded plants, 4 2 Wistaria sinensis, 4ol Wood, improved method of preserving. 509; for rustic work, 88 ; of the Ailautus, 18 ; preservation by lime, 550 ; ashes as a fertiliser, 56 ; best for posts, 64 Woods, management of, 353, 378. 400, 421, 466; British veneer, 03 ; raising from seed, 207 ; rustic seats for, 64 Woodlands, management ( f, 444 ; waste pro- duce of, 41 Work dnne during week, 9, 31, 53. 78, 98, 122, 146, 17% 221. 246. 271, 293, 31", 342, 367, 389, 411, 433, 456, 478, 499, 521, 5l5, 567 Worthless plant', 502 Y. Yew, the golden, 291 Yorkshire, the winter i i, 122 Yucca tlac ida, 224 ; gloriosa, 529 Yuccas and Ivy, 186 Z. Z .uschneria califoinica, 210 Zenobias, the, 00 Zephyranthes Atamaeco, 396 Zinnia efegans, dovtjle-i1oi'-er'd,27\ ; Hangeana, 270 ; Haageana, dovible flowered, 271 Zinnias, 178; dwarf striped, 158; French Pompon, 270, 208 Jan. 1, 1SS7.1 THE GAEDEN INDEX XI »■ '^«*<:; COLOURED PLATES. ADENOCARPUS DECORTICANS AXDKOSACE LANUGINOSA ANEMONR JAPOXICA ANEMONES, CBRYSANTHEMUM-FLOWERED ANTHURIUM EOTHSCHILDIANDM VAES. BIGNONIA PURPUREA OALTHA LEPTOSEPALA CAMPANULA TURblNATA CISTUS LADANIFERUS VAR. MACUL \TA CROCUS, AUTUMN CYCLAMEN COUM AND ATKINS! DENDEOBIUM THYESIFLOEUM ERY'THRONIUM DENS-CANIS GLADIOLUS LA FRANCE, L'ALSACE, MAS(.>UE DE FER PACE 498 ICO 172 316 452 3S8 840 19i) 30 •176 432 544 520 76 HABERLEA EHODOPENSIS HYPERICUM OBLONGIFOLIUM I.ILIUM LONGIFLORUM HAREISI I.TLIUM SUPERBUM MALVA LATEKITIA MYOSOTIDIUM NOBILE P-EONIA ALBIFLORA ADRIAN . . POLY'GALA CTIAM.EBUXUS PURPURE IIUMULAS, CHINESE SEMI-DOUBLE SARRACENIA MOOREI AND S. POPEI THUXBERGIA LAURIFOLTA VALLOTA PURPUREA MAGNIFICA .., ZINNIAS, FRENCH POMPOX PAfiK 196 220 124 8 52 566 588 148 410 366 292 244 270 xn THE GARDEN INDEX. [Jax. 1, 18S7 PATRICK BAEEY, VICE-PRESIDICXT OF Till: AMICHIl'AX PDMOL' KilCAL SO"IKTV. Ix acconlance witli our plan of prefacing each volume of The Garden' with a portrait of some one distinguished as a horticulturist, we now offer one of Mr. P. -Barry, of Rochester, New York, whose work has had a widespread influence on American horticulture during the past quarter of a century. He had long been known as an effective writer through papers in different periodicals, when in 18-52 his first work, " The P"'ruit Garden," appeared. In 18.52, Mr. A. J. Downing was drowned (hiring the burning of the Henry Chiij on the Hudson River, and the Horticulturist, which with Mr. Luther Tucker, of Albany, he had established, was purchased by the late Mr. James Vick, and edited by Mr. Barry, in whose hands it remained two years, until 18.54, wdien it was sold. Mr. Barry's best work, however, is probably the "Catalogue of the American Pomological Society," the preparation of which as chairman of the committee chiefly fell to his share. Until recently the association had a vice-president from every State, but no one specially designated as vice-president of the whole body. That office was created a few years ago, and Mr. Barry was unanimously chosen as first vice-president, an office to which he has been constantly re-elected. For more than twenty years lie has been president of the Western New York Horticultural Society, one of the most useful and flourishing of its kind in the United States. He has also been president of the New York State Agricultural Society', and is at present a member of its Board of Control over its experimental station. His father was a farmer near Belfast, where Mr. Patrick Barry was boin in ]81(i. He was given a good education, and at eighteen was appointed schoolmaster of one of the national schools. Two years later he resigned in order to try his fortune in the New World. In his twentieth year we find him acting as clerk in tlie then celebrated Linnean nurseries of the Princes at Flushing, in which capacity he served four years, having gained in that time a thorough knowledge of the nursery business. Fixing on the fair city of Rochester, in Western New York, he, in partnership with Mr. Elhvanger, started business ou seven acres of land. This was in July, 1840, and was the foundation of the celebrated Mount H(3pe Nurseries, which are now of vast extent and among the best in the world, as we can testify, from having visited them. These nurseries are chiefly remarkable for a very fine collection of hardy fruit trees, and for general collections of great extent, the whole admirably arranged. American horticulture will in future be of increasing interest to us. The fact that it is our own kindred who are at work there will no doubt make tlieir doings moi-e useful to us than those of other races; but we have a real interest in horticultui-e and fruit growing in the United States, because they possess a northern climate somewhat like our own, and, moreover, many plants, fruits, and vegetables are common both to Britain and to N. America. Our gardens and farms already owe to America not a few fine vegetables and fruits, and our markets are notably affected by the fruit supply. These influences are likely to increase as time goes on, and it will be to our interest in the future to pay a greater amount of attention to the fruits and plants raised by American orchardists and gardeners, and to their methods of management. Among the institutions of which American horticulture may be proud is the Pomological Society, of which Mr. P. Barry is the vice-president. We have in past volumes shown the valuable work done by this society in the progress of fruit culture in the United State.s, and often regretted that like societies at home are not so efiicient for gond. July 3, 1886. THE GARDEN. VOL. XXX. Fruit Garden. GOOD STRAWBERRIES. We beg to call the attention of our readers again to the important subject opened up in The Garden as to the Strawberry and its varietie?, and to say that we should like lo hear from them at an early date as to any further views they may have to urge in connection therewith. It will be noted in the valuable ai tides that we published in thelast two numbers of The Garden howmuch our correspondentsdwell on weIl-knownkinds,aiid these very few in number. We particularly desire to call our readerb' attention to the im- portance of considering as far as possible other sorts than those commonly in cultivation. Many sorts have been raised and more variety would be desirable. We invite our readers' notes on the following points in addition to any other observations that they may think worth setting down : — Best kinds for flavour, bearing, and district. Early or late kinds, especially for open-air culture. New, foreign, or little known sorts. Best plan to secure good and regular crops. Strawberries for Early Forcing'. Early varieties. — Much diversity of opinion exists as to the merits of the various sorts of .Straw- berries, both as regards their adaptability for pot culture and their quality when forced. All things considered, there is no more profitable early va- riety than \'icomteEse Hericart de Thury. It is not .=o early as either Black Prince or Princess Frederic William ; but as to the former, few suc- ceed in growing it to a presentable size ; while the latter, though earlier by a week or ten days and a vigorous grower, blooming very strongly and freely and also setting well, is rather inferior in point of quality. We commenced gathering this sort about March 10, at which time we had good dishes of fairly large fruits, but being ripened in strong beat they were sour; whereas the Vicom- tesse, under similar conditions, was nearly as large and very much superior in point of flavour. Any other sorts but the latter ripened in a strong heat and a moist atmosphere require to be stood for a short time in a cooler, drier position, otherwise they are certain to be sour ; therefore the Vicom- tesse, as being especially amenable to all sorts of good or b.ad treatment, ought to be most exten- sively cultivated in pots, pits, or frames. It is also the best for late autumn fruiting, as the forced plants, being either planted out or plunged deeply in a rich harder, bloom strongly a second time, some on the earliest forced plants ripening in the open, while the remainder can be lifted and the fruit ripened on shelves in Peach and other houses. At Longleat, where some 5000 or 6000 plants are fruited in pots, about one-half consists of Vicomtesse and the remainder Pre.ndent. The good old Keen's Seedling is still forced in some gardens, but I should say it is gradually being superseded by the Vicomtesse. La (jrosse Sucree is a very handsome early sort, but not often met with, only one grower of my acquaintance forcing it extensively. With us it has failed both in pots and in the open ground. Later v.\rieties are fairly numerous, though were I left to choose for myself President would be the only one grown in pots, this kind being of good habit, fruitful, and really of easy culture. Its fruits are usually of good size, very handsome, and, when given a fair amount of air, excellent in quality. Both this and the Vicomtesse are also good travellers, which cannot be said of several that I have named or may hereafter allude to. Sir Joseph Paxton forces fairly well, and the fruit is large, firm, and fairly well flavoured, but it is too gross in habit and does not suit all situations. Seven-inch pots are the size most suited to this variety. James Veitch is sometimes cultivated in pots, but size is its only recommendation, and the same may be said cf Oscar, a variety very well grown for exhilntion in the neighbourhood of Bath. At Orehardleigh, near Frome, Somerset, the favourite variety is Sir Charles Napier, and when well grown, as at that place, it certaiidy has much to recommend it. Under rough and ready treatment it is, however, far from satisfactory, the flavour frequently being decidedly acid, beyond even the moderating influence of sugar and cream. Besides, in many gardens, strong early runners are unprocurable, and weakly plants of this or any other variety are to be avoided if possible. In a well-known Suffolk garden the selected variety is British Queen, several thousands of plants of this sort being fruited in pots with marked success. Quite recently I tasted some Queens that were ripened in a light, airy house at Rood Ashton, ! Wilts, and these were highly coloured and most delicious, surpassing anything of the sort I had tasted this yvav. As a rule, the colour is not good, and it is only under most favourable treat- ment that the flavour is quite satisfactory. At the same time, it is the variety that I would add, if possible, to the Vicomtesse and President, keeping it entirely for the late supplies. The ejtect of treatjient upon the quality, as I have just hinted, is most marked, much depend- ing, in fact, upon the culture given to each sort, as in one garden we may find a certain Straw- berry exceptionally goofl and in another scarcely fit to eat. Of all reprehensible practices, that of fruiting Strawberries with the pots standing in saucers of water is one of the worst. Doubtless it saves much labour in the shape of watering, and red spider is also more or less prevented, but that is all that can be said in its favour, as it quite s])oils the flavour of the fruits, rendering them not unfrequently quite .sour. The same remarks are applicable to the plan of providing water-troughs instead of plain shelves for the plants. On the other hand, if too little water is given various evils follow, and it must be well known that fruits gathered from plants actually suffering from want of water are quite acid . Where available, squares of turf, placed grass-side down- ward, if cut fresh, are best for standing the pots on. Into these the roots soon find their way, and besides, to a certain extent, checking a rapid loss of moisture from the pots, these turves also servo as a rich feeding ground, the loam absorbing much of the liquid manure running from the pots into it. Pkocurini; fresh plants. — By the time the principal portion of plants in pots has been fruited attention will have been directed to the establish- ing of a fresh lot of plants for forcing next season. A few, a very few, growers, 1 should say, fruit some of their plants the following year in the same pots ; but not having tried the |)!an, I can say nothing about it. Our plan is to hay the runners direct into the fruiting pots as soon as this can be done, or before they have formed many roots, and, may be, lost them afjain. One operation only is needed, and it can be easily and properly per- formed ; whereas by the old system of layering into small pots, and subsequently shifting the perhaps much root-bound plants into the fruiting i)ots,moro labour is expended, and there is less likelihood of the work being properly done. We use 6-inch |)Ots principally, this size suiting both Vicomtesse and THE GARDEN. [July 3, 1886. I'resident, and the cora])ost usually consists of two parts of good turfy loam, or the best loam procurable, to one of old Mushroom bed manure, with a sprinkling of half-inch bones added. This, after a little drainage in the shape of a few crocks, some strawy manure, and a little soot over that to keep out the worms is placed in the bottom of each, is firmly rammed tlown, and the pots are then stood in position round the old plants; asingle runner is placed on eacli, and fastened down with a stone. It given water as required they soon be- come well rooted, when they are at once detached and the plants stood in a sunny position on beds of ashes. This is by no means a novel practice, nor is it jjopular with various growers, but we are perfectly satisfied with it, believing it to be the most labour-saving, and it gives us stronger plants than are usually obtained by any other system. Runners that last season were either allowed to root naturally around the old plants, or are taken oil' early and dibbled out on good ground, may be potted up or later on be lifted and planted in frames where they are to fruit with every prospect of ultimate success ; and we have also had fairly strong plants from runners taken off' the old plants and placed at once in the fruiting pots instead of layering. This plan commends itself when the runners are procured from a neighbour or from a distance, but they succeed all the better for having a few strong roots to support them. Whatever plan is adopted it should not be long delayed after the runners are once procurable, as the season is a late one. — W. I. M. Britith. Queen Strawberry. I JirsT take exception to what Mr. Douglas (p. 579) says respecting the possibility of this Straw- berry being grown well in ninety gardens out of a hundred. If a census was made of all the best gardens in England, I will undertake to say that it will not 1)0 found in fifty gardens out of a Imndred, much less cultivated with any degree of success. Mr. Douglas must be congratulated on his success with it, but I can assure him that I have known many of our best gardeners fail to get it to thrive. When I had charge of a garden at- tached to one of the residences that skirt Wimble- don Common, a jilaco famous for its peat and loam, I could grow Biitish Queen as well as any- body ; but here I fail, and so do nine gardeners out of every ten in this neiglibourhood. — Tatjnton. Notes on Strawberry Culture. Stkaw]sekkies, like other plants, do best when grown on from first to last unchecked, and, tlius managed, there is no reason why they should not bear a full crop when only twelve months old. It will, of course, be un inches deep, tilled with light soil (for I may remark tliat this Lily grows here without any special mixture of soils) ; we leave them out of door.s until frosty weather sets in ; they are then transferred to a light airy part of a cold orchard house, or set in frames, and they grow on gently through the winter. No artificial heat is employed in their culture at any time, and under the protection of glass alone ours were in full bloom on the 1st of June, a time at which they are more valuable than a month earlier when so many white flowers are available. To anyone who has to supply a constant succession of white flowers throughout the year this white Lily will be found to be most useful, and for the conservatory a few potfuls of it will form striking objects at any time. If planted out after flowering no harm will result to the bulbs, as the best time for transplanting them is just after they have done flowering. — J. Groom. Mignonette.— I lately saw some fine plants of this at Cuerdon Hall, Lancashire. They were in pots varying in size from 4A inches to 9 inches. Those in the smaller sizes were brought into flower about the middle of JIarch. The seeds had been sown in the smaller size and the plants shifted into the larger size. The best of those in 9-inch pots were compact bushes a yard through, and 2 feet 6 inches high measuring from the rim of the pot, and furnished with jjlenty of deep green leaves. Others were, if anything, taller, but not so broad ; one of the spikes measured 10 inches, seed vessels and flowers together. — \'. Bougainvilleas. — \Ye have here, beautifully in flower, a Bougainvillea glabra, trained up a column and forming a cylindrical mass S feet high and ti feet in diameter. I have been familiar with this variety more than twenty years wlien it flowered in a 4-inch pot in the garden where I then was ; I have frequently flowered it in pots of various sizes, and, as"T. B. "stated in The G.\ri)EX (p. 348), two or three times in the year. Will B. spectabilis do this'; It should do so if there is no more difference between the two than " S. '' rejjre- sents (p. 309), viz., " one being a stronger grower than the other." "S.'s" knowledge concerning the two varieties must have been gained from seeing B. glabra growing strongly in one place and weakly in another. — W. I*. 11. Tuberoses. — Some of the best Tuberoses I have ever seen in small pots are in one of the plant houses at Dunedin, Streatham Hill, the residence of Mr. Sherwood. The method of treatment ap- pears to be both simple and effectual. When the Tuberoses are set to work, they are placed singly in small pots and plunged in bottom heat, a little white sand being placed at the base of each bulb, and it is believed that the sand encourages them to root more freely. They are then potted in 4i-inch pots and again placed on, but not plunged in bottom heat ; here they remain until they have made a good start, when they are taken to an intermediate house and brought on into flower. The [ilants are just flowering, and have spikes of seven to nine fine Idossoms, though growing in sucli comparatively small pots, and they retain their foliage green to the very base of the plant. They are well looked after in the matter of watering, and treated to occasional doses of Clay's fertiliser. A little is placed on the surface while the soil is quite moist from recent watering and watered in. This manure appears to suit the Tuberoses well, as their fine condition testifies. — R. D. SHORT NOTES— INDOOR. Kepottinir Cam»nias.— The best time for repottlrg Camellias is tlie luuuths "f .June andJuly, after the plants have made their growth. Strong growing plants may be re- potted before tlieir wood is lipe or their buds set; weak ones, after setting their buds. Plants without buds may be repotted any time before (.)ctober. - E. N. Aralia Sieboldi.— The best way in which to get dwarf well-rurnished plants of this Aralia— say about 18 inches high and L' feet wide— is to sow its seeds in April. They soon germinate, and the young plants may be pricked off into pans or boxes .is soon as they can be handled. By the beginning of July they may be placed in :ij-ii.ch pots, and after a few days put out-of-doors in a shaded place where they may remain till late in November. In winter they nnist be kept as cool as possible to avoid starting them into growth. In the beginning of Stay they may be planted out- of-Houis in well prepared beds, .and after being planted, mulched. When growing they like once a week to be watered with liquid manure. They may be out till Septem- ber, when they should be potted and put into a cool house. -E. N. ■ - Epiphyllum Gibscni. -This is described in the Iti I'lii J/viliiole as Leing a charming addition to Epi]ihyllums. It is nearly allied to E. trun- catum, requires the same culture, and may be propagated in the same manner. The flowers, which are produced in bunches at the end of the .shoots, are of a fine orange-red, a colour certainly quite distinct from that of any other member of the genus. M. Carriere suggests that by cross- ing it with the varieties of truncatum, some dis- tinct varieties would be obtained. — Byfleet. Hybrid Eegonias. — In no London nursery ha\e I met with hybrid varieties of incarnata so beautiful as at Lyons. The flowers of these hybrids are much larger than those of the ordi- nary B. incarnata and of various colours. The kinds called M. Chomer, M. Crosse, M. Ed. Pynaert, M. Eug. Vallerand, and M. Jean Sisley are all pretty, as are also Caroline Schmitt, Mme. Fanny Giron, Mme. Thibaut, JI. Louis Van Houtte, and Victor Lemoine. They force well in winter, and in summer succeed outdoors in beds ; they are also useful plants for windows, as they do not need large pots and they flower very abundant!}'. Their culture is easy. They may be propagated at any time of the year in moderate heat ; for this purpose they must be cut down in order to get young shoots, because when they once begin to flower it is difficult to get shoots for cuttings. — Pol.'INDEk. Kitchen Garden. SPRING CABBAGES. Small early hearting sorts of Cabbages are the best to select when ^\anted as early as they can be had. There is no lack of reputed sorts that answer this description, but if their history «as traced back, we should find that all of them are selections from an old well-known variety called Atkins' Matchless. Of sorts offered by the trade. Early Heartwell Marrow, Stuart and Mein's No. 1, and Daniels' Defiance are all good. Cabbage seed, to produce plants for an early spring supply, should be sown from the middle of .July to the end of the first week in August. For the northern counties the middle of July may not be too early, but in the west of England I find a fortnight later quite early enough. In this matter we must remember that the character of the weather during autumn and winter has a good deal to do with the beha- viour of the plants in spring. After a mild winter it is more than probable that many of the e.irliest sown plants will "bolt" in March. For that reason it is safest to make two sowings at intervals of a fortnight, and to use half of each to fill up the space, or what I consider to be a better plan is to put out the plants of the first sowing 2 feet ajiart, and as soon as the next lot is ready put another lot between them, so that if any, or all, of the first lot " bolts," there will be enough left to form a crop. Should neither lot " bolt," it is an easy matter to thin them out if too thick. It is a common practice to sow Cabbage seeds too thickly, and the result is that the plants stand so close together in the seed-bed that they get drawn up weakly. Much stronger plants are obtained when plenty of space is allowed for the seed lied and when the seed is scattered thinly over the surface. All seeds of the size of those of Cabbage or Broccoli shoidd be sown in shallow drills, or if sown broadcast be covered with finely sifted soil, but drills 9 inches apart are best. If the weather should be dry, the bed must be kept regularly moist, or the seed will not vegetate so soon as it ought to do. Respfcting GROUND for Cabbages, I need hardly say it must be deep and fairly rich. Nothing is gained, however, by making the soil too rich for any member of the Brassica family that has to stand through the winter ; strong manure forces on growth, and growth obtained under such circumstances is not so hard as that made in poorer ground. On the other hand, in the case of the early crop, we all know that Cabbages are gross feeders, and that to insure tender-hearted THE GARDEN. [July 3, 1886. plants their growth must be made quickly, which cannot be eft'ected if the soil is not fairly rich. A fairly good dressing of manure is therefore neces- sary. Cabbages should not be planted on land that has been recently occupied with any of the same family or the result will not be satisfactory. They should follow Potatoes, Peas, or Onions. Many of us might get earlier Cabbages if we were .to devote a small space on a south border to them. .The number of plants put out need not be many, even a couple of score of plants would extend the season. The main crop must, of course, occupy open quarters, as each jilant takes up a good deal of space. The first planting sliould be made early in October and another a fortnight later. Should dry open weather occur during .lanuary tread the ground firmly about the roots, draw up some earth all round the stems and in sufficient quantity to prevent wind-waving. J. C. C. each perhaps being represented by from eight to twelve tubers, will need considerable space in a small garden tlie second year, and at the lifting time some more must be relegated to the kitchen, not more than one-half, perhaps but half-a-dozen sorts, must be saved for further trial. All this work is exceedingly interesting, and to those who have faith in their labour as well as intelligent appre- ciation of its usefulness, much enjoyment is found in it. Having regard to tlie fact that no seedling Potatoes need be wasted, and that no labour ex- pended in raising them is wasted either, there is perliaps even more to attract amateurs in Potato- raising from seed than is found in that of many other garden products. A. D. POTATO FERTILISATION. Were we dependent upon the seed of Potatoes for the production from year to year of our Potato crops we should ha\'e to vary our cultivated sorts materially, for many of tlie best Potatoes produce no seed whatever. On the other hand, kinds that do not rank as first-rate are often great seeders. But little inquiry is needed to show that whilst such remarkably free seeders as Wood- sfock Kidney, Grampian, Bedford Prolific, and Radstock Beauty are far from being disease-re- sisters, such kinds as Magnum Bonum, Chancellor, Reading Hero, &c., all very robust growers and comparatively disease-iesisters, are yet absolutely non-seed bearers, indeed, producing seed only when blooms are artificially fertilised, and not otherwise. Why some kinds of Potatoes should have in their blooms such a liberal supply of pollen whilst others have none is one of those things hard to understand. What is probable is, that modern kinds develop such tuber-producing properties that material which otherwise might go to the production of pollen and seed is now diverted to tlie formation of tubers. We find lack of pollen specially marked in the American kinds, but very few indeed producing enough naturally to set blooms ; indeed, all our best new kinds, products of Anglo-American crosses, have resulted from the application of pollen from home-raised kinds to the flowers of American sorts. To all anxious to try their 'prentice hands at Potato cross-fertilisation, it is not possible to recommend better seed pai-ents than some good Americans, and better ]iollen jiarents than some good English sorts. Last year there seemed to have been an unusual lack of pollen in many kinds which, as a rule, give some, resulting most likely from the heat and drouglit. For that reason cross- fertilisation was difficult, and in some cases where blooms were set the seed-balls fell ere mature, owing to the drought. This year Potatoes look already so well, and early kinds are showing bloom so freely, that ample ojjportunities should offer to any wishing to take a turn at Potato raising. It is perhaps rather a drawback that they find tlie field already pretty well occupied with sorts all fairly, if not suijerlatively, good. Perhaps the superlatively good ones may yet be produced by some enterjirising fertiliser who can devote time and attention to the subject. If but some half- dozen kinds be so fertilised, and but one seed-ball obtained from each, there will be found during the winter, when the decaying flesh of the seed-ball allows the seed to be cleared out, enougli of the latter to produce quite one hundred seedling plants. These are readily raised by sowing the%eed in pots or pans in fine soil about tlie middle of April, as with ordinary care the sjcdling j)lants may then be strong enough to ])lant out in rows in good free-working soil early in the month of June. If of so many some few are not deliberately set aside as undesirable the first year, these seed- lings may the second year prove a serious trouble ; hence it is advisable to saciifice the first year all but the most promising, and those should not ex- ceed twenty diverse ones. That quantity of sorts, KITCHEN GARDEN NOTES. Early Peas. — We had two varieties of Peas ready for gathering on a south border on June 1 ; one was American Wonder, the other a new sort wliicli -He had on trial. We have sowings of other early Peas, including Ringleader, William the First, and some other American and Canadian varieties with great pretensions as to earliness, but the two just named have beaten them. The American Wonder only grows about 1 foot in height, and although very prolific for its size, there is not much of the "gather-and come-again " character about it. It is good for one early gather- ing, and that is all. The new one is better in this resjiect, as it grows ,3 feet in height, is equally early, exceedingly prolific, and a most valuable first-crop Pea. Telegraph, now in pod, is earlier by several days than Telephone, and Duke of Al- bany is later than either. Ringleader and William the First are as nearly equal as possible. We have lately heard of many Peas being bought in the market which were quite void of flavour, and I am inclined to think that this must be the re- sult of the fermenting process which they undergo in their transit to market, as when large quanti- ties of them are placed in boxes or baskets to- gether they heat like newly-mown firass, and then the flavour must deteriorate. Anyone gathering Peas from their garden who has the least regard for flavour must avoid this. Seakale. — This being a favourite vegetable in winter and spring, many arc anxious to grow it well. About this time of year all plants of it above one year old show a great disposition to run to flower ; they throw up strong stems and then produce ma.sses of white flowers. These are excel- lent as bee flowers, but that is the only good pur- pose which they serve ; they are indeed injurious to the plants, and the whole of them should be re- moved as soon as formed. What may lie termed fruiting crowns will then be produced, and should more flowers make their appearance, they must all be cut oft' as before, as large leaves and flowerless crowns give the best returns next spring. Early Turnii'S. — Of all the sorts we have ever grown Early Milan is the earliest. We had nice bulbs of it on May IS from a patch sown in the open in March. It bulbs wonderfully quick, and is not over-burdened with top growth. It is a white with a purple top, and exceedingly good in quality. Early Turnips are always most accept- able, and the aim should be to grow only the earliest as a first crop, and that is undoubtedly the one in question. Rhubarb flowerinc. — All sorts throw up long stems and flower at this season, but flowers are no advantage to the plants — imleed, they are injurious, and all who ^\ish Rhubarb to do well must keep it constantly free from flower-stems. Hoeinc. — This must be followed up vigorously now. Hand-weeding any \acant space where a lioe can be used is slow woik. Apart from the ready way in which weeds may lie destroyed liy hoeing on a fine sunny day, the operation opens up the surface, and this is very beneficial to the crops. Even where there are no weeds the hoe should still be run amongst crops now and then. Young vegetables are especially benefited liy lioe- ing. Onions, Turnips, Carrots, &c., should be hoed once a fortnight until the leaves obstruct the work. Corners containing odd crops are veiy apt to be neglected at tliis season when other work presses, but on no account should weeils be allowed to run to seed in such situations. If they cannot be raked ofl' they should be hoed over at least, and if timely attention is given to this, weeds will almost ceas^e to be troublesome. MuLCiiixG Pe.as. — The advantage of mulching is that it retains the moisture about the roots, keeps the top growths fresh and growing, and the Peas tender', sweet, and juicy. Peas mulched j also bear longer than Peas unmulchtd, and if a I long succession is desired from a row, mulching 1 must be resorted to. It is during the warm, dry summer months when the practice is most benefi- cial ; some use good manure for mulching, others J only light material of any kind. If the Peas arc I to be watered artificially, rich manure is of much service, as the richness is washed down to the roots ; but when rich manure is [lut on and never watered all its liest qualities are lost, and there- fore, any kind of material, such as lawn mowings, lialf-decayed leaves, &c. , may be used for mulching, as they will retain the moisture in the soil as well as anything; mulching saves watering and averts mildew. Early Lettuces. — The Paris Market was our first Lettuce this season. It is a Cabbage variety, grows very dwaif, produces fine heads, is very tender, exceedingly crisp, and altogether a grand sort. Midseason Lettuces are very plentiful, and new ones are annually being introduced, but I do not know of any new early one to equal the Paris Maiket. Veitoh's Perfect Gem follows it. It is of much the same type, but larger and darker green in colour. It well deser^•es its name. Late Cabbages. — Wlien grown to come in new and fresh about October, Cabbages are really very acceptable, being as tender and nicely flavoured as in early spring. When old plants are kept on to produce sprouts in autumn they furnish a large quantity of green material, but the produce of old roots and stems is not half so tender or well flavoured as tlie heads which form for the first time in autumn. To secure these seed should be sown in .June, and the plants transplanted and grown on in the ordinary way when ready. Cutting AsrARAtius. — There is always a danger of cutting too late. As soon as Peas are ready many cease to expect Asparagus, but where Peas are late and other choice vegetables scarce the temptation is great to cut Asparagus later than is good for the roots or the permanent success of the beds ; those who are inclined to cut on will find out that ultimately there is no profit in this. Cutting should never be carried on after there is danger of depriving the roots of all the best growths, as some of these should always be allowed to I'eni'ain to strengthen the plants for the succeeding year. The middle of June is late enough in all cases to cut, and in some parts where the crop was early cutting ought to have been given up before that time. Autu.iin Onions flowering. — In some seasons the majority of autumn-sown Onions run to flower before they begin to bulb ; if allowed to go on and seed no bulbs will form and tlie crop will be spoiled, but if the flower-stems are brokun ofi' as soon as they begin to appear fresh ones will not take their place, and the bulbs, although they will not be so large as the non-flowered ones, will nevertheless reach a useful size. J. MuiR. Marrjam, Smith Wn/fs. SHORT NOTES.— KITCUEN. Karly Peas.— Soil, season, :ind situation have much to do witli gutting l^e: s early. My earliest tliis season has been Early (.'liampion. I sowed it, American Wonder, Sunrise, ai-d William the First on February 5. Early Uhampiun was ready on tlic IS'th of June, and American Wonder three days later. I think the Champion superior to the Amerit.au Wonder, as it is a better cropper. — W. A. C. Ked Cabbage.— 'I'li^^oli ^ "^^ ^■it'^ t^ plant Red Cabbage, yet it may still be done If planted among rows of Pot;xtoes, the lattir should be at least 3 feet apart. Fork in a little artificial mamu'c, .and plant at once ; but the Cabbages will not be large. To grow early Potatoes to come in soon after Christmas, the pit must be heated with hot- water pipes ; both top and bottom-heat should be supplied. — H. July 3, 1886.] THE GARDEN. Orchids. CCELOGYNE CRISTATA MAXIMA. There is not a more popular, and there could scarcely be a more lovely, Orchid than the old Cado-jyne cristata, which for nearly half a cen- tury has been an occupant of English hothouses. It is one of the few Orchids that have found their way into general cultivation. Like the ever popular favourite Dendrobium nobile, it is to be met with in almost every good garden, and, like the rest of what may be termed everybody's Orchids, its culture is of the simplest kind. There are now about half a dozen varieties of it in cultivation, more or less distinct, one of the most recent additions being maxima, of which we herewith give an illustration. This variety is undoubtedly the largest flow- ered of all, its blossoms being much largerthan those even of the Chatsworth or Trentham varie- ties, which until recently have been looked upon as the largest. The flowers of maximaarequite a third larger than those of the ordinary form, and as many as eight or nine are produced on a spike. One can, therefore, readily imagine what a lovely object a large specimen of this Coelogyne must be. The engraving was prepared from a photograph of a plant which flowered in the St. Albans Nur- sery in February, and is said to be the largest speci- nien of the variety known. When out of flower it may be recognised by its bulhs, which are large and trun- cate, and by its foliage, which is very deep green in colour, while the Chats- worth variety (major) has more pointed bulbs. The other named forms of this Orchid are holo- leuca or alba, a kind with snow-white flowers, and which it is the desire of every orchidist to possess, and Lemoniana, which is equally beauti- ful on account of its primrose-yellow lip, not orange- yel hi w, as in the ordinary form. This is also a scarce variety, and always commands a high price. It was named after the late Sir Charles Lemon, of Carclew, with whom the vaiiety originated, and not on account of its lemon- coloured lip, as is generally supposed. The culture of Cuelogyne cristata is so well under- stood, that little need be said respecting it. It requires a greenhouse temperature, and is best ■when grown in pans on account of the spreading tendency of the bulbs. These are apt to become very crowded ; it is therefore a good plan to cut the old bulbs away, otherwise the flowering bulbs become weakened. The plant likes plenty of water during active growth, which commences just after floweriog ; at no time, indeed, must it be allowed to get dry, otherwise the bulbs shrivel. It tiowers in winter and early spring, and no Orchid is more valuable at Christmas-time than is this fine variety of Cudogyne. SUMMER NOTES OX ORCHIDS. Cattleya norsE. — May, June, and July are busy months in Orchid houses. We begin at one end of each house, and closely examine and attend to the wants of every plant till the other end is reached. This season our plants of Cattleya Trian;e flowered very late ; the last of them were in blossom wlien the first flowers of C. Mossia; opened. Coelogyne criata'a maxima. Engraved for The Gaedes from a photograph. harm is the result; indeed, I have ripened many pods of seeds on Orchids, and never could observe any harm that seed-bearing did tliem. I never, however, allowed an unliealthy Orchid to ripen a seed-pod, nor interfered with plants on whicli seed-pods were developing. Plants of Dendrobium Wardianum, D. nobile, D. thyrsiflorum, D. Farmeri, D. Dalhousianum, and others which flowered late have now been potted. The young growths of most of them had started about an inch or so, and new roots had begun to push out freely from their bases. They root freely iu the new potting material, which causes them to pusli rapidly and make good growths. Some may not need repotting ; in that case they ought to be surface-dressed, as is done in the case of Cattleyas. If the plants cannot be placed in a warmer house, they ought to have the warmest corner of the Cattleya house. During the operation of repotting, basket'ting, &c., great care must be taken not lo injure any of the young roots. It is undesirable to saturate these plants with water, but the surface ought to be kept suffici- ently moist to keep the Sphag- num Moss in growing condi- tion ; if this be- comes dried up, the plants never succeed so well. Aerides odo- ratum and Field- ing! grown in this house, and some of the Vandas, such as V. trico- lor and V. suavis, not potted in the spring, have now all been repotted. I have frequent- ly potted such jilants in June, and none of them have been any the worse for it, though it would have been better to have done so earlier. Odonto- glossura vexilla- rium should now be repotted, i.e., as soon as it is out of bloom. It then begins to grow and should be repotted, though I liave re- potted it in July, August, and even as late as Sep- tember without any bad results. Cypripediums we generally repot as thej' go out of bloom, and altogether we have had plenty of work amongst Orchids during these last few weeks. In the cool house all repotting was done early in spring, and the plants are now rooting freely. The whole of the.se cool Orchids seem to thrive best when tli^ surface of the potting material is Such plants of C. Trianae as required repotting were all attended to ; others were surface-dressed with the best fibrous peat and a little live Sphag- num, working in amongst the compost lumps of charcoal and clean potsherds. Under careful at- tention to watering and keeping up the right temperature and atmospheric conditions, the young healthy roots soon set to work amongst the compost, pushing along freely on the surface and i covered with healthy, growing Sphagnum. One immediately under it. We are even now repotting Cattleyas and La;lias that have just gone out of flower, and, not to delay the work, some have been repotted that are yet in full bloom. Lajlia majalis has flowered well with us this year, and one plant of small size has had on it two beautiful blooms. It was equally fine last year, and one of the flowers of last year ripened a fine pod of seeds. Orchid growers asserted that the pod of seeds would cost the plant its life; but no apparent of the most successful growers of cool Orchids with whom I am acquainted told mc that he clips the Moss from the surface of the compost in which established plants are growing with a pair of scissors whenever he wants any with which to sur- face-dress other plants. All that is required in this house at present is to keep the plants free from insect pests, and to attend to ventilation, which ought to be ample night and day ; in calm nights the ventilators may be quite ojitn, us THE GARDEN. [July 3, 1886. out-of-doors the night temperature is now quite warm enough for the phmts, and tlie moist night air resuscitates tliem after they have passed tli rough a hot day. Oncidium macranthum is now in flower, and its long spikes, the flowers on wliioh take at least six months to fully develop, greatly exhaust the plants. The best way is to treat them liberally, and occasionally to give them a season's rest before flowering them again. In the wak.mkst house there is not much re- potting to be done at present, except in the case of plants of Odontoglossum Roezli ; these may be repotted either now or during the two following months. I have also repotted them in September and they have afterwards made exceedingly good growths. This is a jjlant which requires a good season of growth ; water must be freely given it, and it also requires to be kept drier at the roots in winter than when growing. The Cypripediums wliich thrive best in the warm house, such as C. Lowi, C. Stonei, C. hevigatum, C. superbiens (Veitchi), C. Dayi, &c. , may also be repotted. Some of them were potted a month ago, but a few still remain to 'be done. They do not seem to suffer even if potted during any month of the year. J. Dougl.\s. The Vanilla Orchid(OW S'lih.). — Information is asked in The (iARDen* as to how tliis plant should be treated in order to induce it to fruit. It flowers freely, he says, but tlie flowers do not set. In order to induce them to do so, he must resort to artificial fertilisation. My plan is as follows : Re- move the anthers carefully with the finger and thumb, and with a small camel's-hair brush transfer the pollen to the stigmatic surface. In order to do so, it is necessary to raise the rostcllum, which protects the latter. Thus treated, our plants set fruit quite freely. Some recommend that the rostellum be entirely removed, but I consider such a practice unadvisable. — (.!. C. Cattleya gigas Sanderiana. —Two magnifi- cent flowers of this Orchid ha\ c been sent to us by Mr. Fowler, of Ashgrove, Pontypool. They represent the finest form of it — that with the largest flowei's most richly coloured. The flowers sent measure over 8 inches across ; the sepals are 2A inches broad, deep lilac veined with deeiier colours ; while the lip is '2-h inches broad, and of the richest crimson magenta imaginable, intensi- fied by a dash of pale yellow in the throat. This variety of C. gigas is certainly the most satisfac- tory of all, as it grows and flowers freely, and the colour is so much finer than that of the other forms. Cattleya Gaskelliana. — Some flowers of this superb new Cattleya, the first we have seen this season, have been sent to us by Dr. Duke, of Lewisham, who thinks highly of it. This Cattleya is doubtless one of the most valuable introductions among Orchids of late years ; its flowers are not only most lovely, but they come in at a time when other Cattleyas of similar character, such as Mossia? and Mendeli, are going out of bloom. Dr. Duke's flowers represent two distinct forms, one a very large flower with pale mauve sepals and petals and a crimson-purple lip stained with yellow ; the other a much smaller flower, with mauve sepals of oval outline and a lip of the richest crimson-magenta, broadly margined with pale lilac and with a dash of primrose yellow upon it. There will, no doubt, be many varieties of this Cattleya, as there are among other varieties of the variable C. labiata ; already there is a white and several distinct pale forms. Masdevallias. — "B." (p. 593) justly remarks on tlie similarity of the flowers of the pretty triaiistella group of Masdevallias. Like as they may ajjpear to be, however, to the casual observer, there are many unmistakable differences by which they may be determined. If he refers to the figure of M. triaristella in the Bo/anlra/ 3faownes and Muscat of Alexandria. The bunches of the latter require a fair an oant of sunlight to colour them well ; hence the lateral growths on these are more severely stopped back than is the case with black (! rapes generally. Began layering Strawberries for forc- ing ; our soil is rather a poor light loam, and to make amends for the former, a small proportion of bone-dust and animal manure Js mixed with it, and in lieu of adhesiveness the soil is extra well pounded in the pots. H.\nts. HAKDY FRUITS. The season is now sulticiently advanced to enable us to form an opinion of the crops of tlie various kinds of hardy fruit which we may hope to harvest should the weather prove favourable to swelling and ripening. So far the elements, though not dead against us, are not so decidedly with us as we could wish, and the time lost in the spring is still in arrear. Ordinary fruits will, of course, ripen, bvit unless the weather becomes much warmer and the sun gains the mastery of the cold winds and floating vapour which inter- cepts its rays tlie fruit must be vapid and deficient in flavour. This is the more to be regretted, as crops generally are plentiful, and, as far as my observation extends, we have not been so free from aphides and other insect pests for many years. Our first crop to ripen is the Strawberry, and, judging from the prolific bloom and the way ii which the fruit has set, the yield will be .satis- factory, but decidedly late. Of early sorts we grow Hericart de Tbury, La Grosse Sucri%, and Princess of Wales. Last year the Vicomtesse wag the first to ripen in the open air, and La tirosse came in second. This year the tables are turned, and although first in flower the order of ripening is reversed. A correspondent thinks tlie N^icomtesse is only fit for forcing, and that early. With us, the crops it produces in the open air are enormous, and its bright colour places it fairly well on the list for preserving, but for quality, colour, and flavour the old Elton beats it out of the field altogether. La Grosse produces finer fruit, both in the forcing house and in the open air, and although a lighter cropper, size, earliness, and brilliant colour will always insure it a pro- minent place in every garden. Our next Straw- berry to ripen is President, a most prolific and delicious variety when not overfed into the production of a profusion of foliage, and the plants are placed at least 2 feet apart. When crowded and the fruit cannot have full exposure to sun and air we find it subject to mildew, a parasite which is speedily conveyed to other varieties by the pickers. Sir Joseph Paxton stands well amongst hardy, handsome varieties ; it is a good cropper, and stands packing and cariiaje well. British Queen and Doctor Hogg by some are considered mifty in closely walled gardens, but a Strawberry garden is no more complete without them than a set of vineries is complete without Muscats. The best site for Queens is a broad open quarter in the centre of the garden where the plants can have full ex- posure to sun and air and the soil is deep, well drained, and heax'y. Then to secure fine fruit and avoid unsightly gaps from sudden deaths, three-year-old plantations should be destroyed, and an equal breadth of young ]ilants put out on fresh ground every year. If the soil is not naturally heavy, a spadeful of suitable loam placed round the ball of each runner at planting time and good mulching will te found a profitable investment. Under the impression that Queens require coddling, many [leople put them out on warm south borders, and allow them to remain too long on the ground. In course of time the soil becomes dry and exhausted ; spider and mil- dew attack them ; and the queen, truly, of Strawberries is voted a failure, because she dies or becomes unfruitful under unskilful treatment. Where the Queen is well grown it cannot come in at the wrong season ; a host of good all-round sorts may be in use at the same time, but both for dessert and exhibition, a dish of Cockscomb- shaped Queens, whose points have been turned up to the sun, always heads the list. For late use, Elton Pine and Oxonian on north and east borders are invaluable. The first, a sub-acid Strawberry, deeply coloured to the core, is grateful in hot weather and makes the best of all preserves, as it is neither mawkish to the taste nor liable to smash during the process of boiling. For this purpose the plants should be grown and treated as Queens on open quarters where they can be well mulched and have full exposure to the sun. Oxonian on a north border is the most profitable variety I have met with. I grow it extensively in front of Cherries and wall Currants ; truss or tie up all the plants to keep the fruit off the ground, and kill two birds with one stone by netting from the top of the wall to the top of a breadth of wire- netting, 1-iiicli mesh, secured to stakes along the front in a perpendicular position. A few slating laths keep the nets clear of one's head ; they merely hang over the top of the wire netting, but quite clear and safe from decay, as they do not touch the ground. Pickers can move freely beneath them — no unimportant matter where all hands are fully occupied. Two Strawberries I have omitted which ought to be included in every selection where high quality is allowed to make up for a somewhat waywai-d tendency to sudden death in hot, dry seasons. These are Frogmore Late Pine and Loxford Hall Seedling. Like the Queen and Dr. Hogg, they rejoice in deeply trenched ground out in the open quarters, where they can be clear of shade from trees and buildings. A few ro%vs should be planted annually early in August, and a corresponding number destroyed when the third crop has been picked. Half a foot cube of fresh loam at planting time, good mulching, and plenty of water are essentials which should not be over- looked. Bush Fruits. Currants and (iooseberries, an abundant crop and free from blight, thanks to repeated winter wash- ings with soapsuds, now require attention. Bush trees of the first from which we pick our earliest fruit have been divested of a portion of the young wood to let in sun and air, and the long rows will be netted before the berries change colour, a con- dition for which the birds are patiently waiting. We sometimes see the whole of the buslies closely cropped before the wood is half ripe and this mode of treatment hastens the ripening process, not only of the fruit, but the soft immature leaves, so suddenly and ruthlessly exposed to the scorching influence of a July sun, receive a shock from which they never recover. Early Currants are, of course, needed for use with Raspberries, but we do not require all at one time ; and good fruit that m ill keep until November and do good service through the autumn months should be but sparingly ex- posed before it is full}' developed and the ripening process has set in. Then by all means thin freely to insure the perfect maturation of the young growths and spurs, and let in light and air so essential to the preser\ation of the fruit. Goose- berries we do not find it necessary to prune in summer, as the choice dessert varieties on rather tall clean stems always keep best under a good covering of foliage. Birds with us, w hose name is legion, we can keep in abeyance by timely double netting, strained clear of the head, over the cjuar- ters and supported by wires secured to stakes driven into the ground a few yards apart. All our feathered friends we do not ]jrofess to exclude, as we have red-billed cunning blackbirds capable of defying the skill of our most expert netters. I always protect these charming creatures until they are able to top the highest walls, when they be- come legitimate game for the netter and the fox- terrier, who understand and enjoy the early morn- ing's sjiort. Our worst enemy is the relentless wasp, not unlikely this year to be terribly troublesome. Much, however, depends upon the weather, as I have known a plentiful wasp spring like the past to be followed by a waspless autumn, and vice i-erg(1. Hexagon netting is the best protecting material, but many owners of gardens think it too expensive for use on an extensive scale, presumably overlooking the fact that a dish of well-grown Warrington or Ironmonger is often enjoj'td by the wealthy when Grapes are left untasted. R.ISPBERKIES are too often left to take care of themselves from the time they are mulched until the fruit is ripe ; but this is not good treatment, as some varieties throw up a profusion of suckers, which rob each other and overcrowd the fruiting canes. These we find it necessary to thin out to five or six to each stool, and run a piece of matting rather loosely round them to {prevent injury from wind and rain when growth is very rapid. Raspberries, like Strawberries, require close netting in wooded districts, otherwise the colour of the fruit would not be seen. When grown in squares, the cheapest protection is a permanent enclosure of galvanised netting 6 feet in height, well secured to Larch posts or stakes with a wire door for entrance. Stout wires strained from post to jiost form a skeleton suiiport for square-meshed twine netting large enough to cover the whole of the plantation. If well tanned when new and jiut away in a dry store room as soon as the crop is over, such nets last a number of years, and pay over and over again for the original outlay. Raspberries, it is well under- stood, resent the introduction of the spade or fork, and revel in heavy mulchings and copious supplies of water during a continuance of dry weather: moreover, they pay for being kept free from weeds, but nothing more penetrating than the Dutch hoe should ever be introduced amongst them. Apples, as forward leafing and backward flowering led me to anticijjate, are not a regular all-round crop. A great number of trees, it is true, are heavily cropped, but others, especially those which were in full flower when the heavy deluge of rain fell in May, are thin, and in some orchards fruitless. The air temperature since that time has been low, and hea\'y land being still cold and wet, the fruit swells slowly and will ripen late, if it does not thin freely by dropping. Pyramids and bushes in gardens are also partial ; the latter, where the spreading branches shaded the roots during the long-continued drought last year, with us are carrying good, in some instances immense, crops, wliile pyramids which did not receive a corresponding degree of shelter are thin by reason of their having been sparsely set with perfect flower-buds. Cordons are good, and we have commenced pinching to keep the spurs close at home and get them forward. These w ith us, and with growers generally, produce the finest fruit ; but in this there is nothing remarkable, as we always find this class of trees well mulched and in other ways receiving special attention. Pyramids July 3, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 11 in course of formation may now be pinched to keep them in sliape and force the sap into channels \\here it is most wanted. The manipulation of larger or full-sized trees comes next, but it must be borne in miiul that this work should be per- formed gradually, as a complete sweep of soft and tender growth in cold or wet seasons especially results in a forest of spray instead of flower-buds. In ordinary seasons it is a good plan to thin the fruit early and freely, but this operation this year may well be deferred until all that are to drop have fallen ; then, with a liberal hantl, thin well and follow up pinching to let in sun and air throughout the remainder of the season. Peaks on walls, especially those facing full south, it is to be feared, will be a light croj), and unless we have a decided change, and that soon, it is doubt- ful if the choice and tender varieties will ripen properly. JIuch may be accomplislitd by timely stop[jing to force the fruit forward and let the sun into the spurs and walls, which, if composed of brick, will absorb a great deal of heat on bright days, and remain through the night several degrees warmer than others which are shaded by spray and foliage. Pyramids and standard trees, as far as quantity goes, promise to be most i)ro- fitable —that is, on the assumption that the weather will improve, and varieties usually grown in this way will have time to ripen. At the present time the fruit is quite a month behind, but this will not justify carelessness or neglect, as there is yet a long growing period before us, and, aided by good management, the trees may make up for valuable time apparently lost. Continue, then, to remove or pinch back the vigorous shoots, not only on Pears, liut on fruit trees generally. Always commence at the top and work down- wards, as the shoots near the apex are the most forward and rolj weaker growths near the base. Pinching, it is hardly necessary to repeat, should bo performed piecemeal, little and often, and the nailing or tying in of young shoots should never be attempted until they are free from insects. Cherries in orchards and on walls at one time promised a most abundant harvest, and may j'et yield a quan- tity of fruit, but on our cold, heavy land the rain- fall at a most critical time was too much for them. \Ve generally succeed in ripening and keeping until a late period a quantity of the better kinds of dessert Cherries on norlli walls. May Duke, Late Duke, Bigarreau Napoleon, tJovernor Wood, Black Eagle, and Elton do well on a north aspect; but then the borders are thoroughly drained and the roots are confined to the 4-foot pathway. This spring they set the heaviest crop I have yet seen, but some of the trees now look starved and yellow in the foliage, and I fear we shall not have the i)leasuro of much hand - thinning. When Cherries on cold, heavy soils become gross they are apt to gum, but by planting in rather thin beds of good loam resting on deep drainage, and laying in young shoots on the extension principle instead of spurring back, this troublesome disease does not make much headway. Many shoots must, of course, be removed, but these we pinch when we commence searching for grub and black aphis early in the spring. Black fly with us has not yet put in an appearance; indeed, fruit trees of all kinds are cleaner than I remember having seen them. This happy relief is the more remark- able, as we generally find myriads of insects follow- ing checks and chills, of which the trees have had many this season ; but my freedom I attribute to the persistent washing of the trees and walls with soapsuds throughout the winter. Cherries on walls must now be netted, and if any of them are wanted for a late succession, broad (;oping boards, from which the nets may hang, will be found in- valual)le in wet weather. If Morellos have not been well waslied, the hose should now be laid on to free them from stoneless fruit and tilth, as the time will soon arrive for netting. Many gardeners nail in their trees in July, but it is a question if this is not a superfluous operation, as I find the fruit keeps best where due regard is paid to the removal of a portion of the young growths, and those intended for nailing in are allowed their freedom until the autumn or winter training. Nailing is not an essential to the ripening of the wood, as we find pyramids and bushes producing heavy crops of fine fruit annually. Peaches and Nectarines are now making excellent growth, and the trees are quite free from insects. My own trees have been nailed in rather loosely ; I never tie, as the shoots lose the benefit of so much warmth from the bricks. Although the dividing space on wired walls may not exceed half an inch, still it is suiB- cient to prevent the bricks and shoots from touch- ing, and the backs of the leaves and wood are more or less exposed to cold currents of air. The fruit has been repeatedly thinned, but not finally, twenty per cent, or thereabouts having been left over my usual number. These will be taken off shortly, and when finished each tree will carry as many Peaches as it covers square feet of wall with foliage. A light crop, some may say, but many j'ears have elapsed since I first made Peaches a specialty, and I find my trees cannot carry more year after year in succession. A\'hen once nailed or tied in, summer training must receive constant attention, and each shoot must have plenty of room for extension and the full development of its foliage. All leaders and side growths cannot be kept too close to the wall, otherwise the main object, perfect maturation without having re- course to stopping, will not be attained. A few, perha])S, above the breast line may become too gross, but this inclination to take tlie lead can be seen at a glance, when the points can be pinched to throw the sap into weaker growths below the line. Shoots so pinched generally throw out laterals, all of which, with the exception of one at the extremity, must be pinched and re-pinched, whilst the leader may be secured to the wall to increase the size of the tree and draw the sap forward instead of forcing it into breast growths, which sometimes start near the v orking. By adopting this plan the largest trees will require very little autumn pruning beyond the removal of shoots from which the fruit has been gathered, and the centres will be abundantly furnished with healthy bearing wood. Two iioints the ex- tension trainer should never lose sight of; the first is liberal disbudding to make room for sum- mer growths ; the second is close training to secure well ripened wood. If not already done, all wall paths should now be well mulched with good stable litter to keep in moisture and draw the working roots to the surface. Up to the present time the borders have been wet enough and cold, but a hot .July sun, combined with the rapid action of thousands of perspiring leaves and a full crop of fruit, may soon exhaust the supply. This year the outdoor Peach grower has a good start, for his trees are clean, his borders have been thoroughly moistened. All that is now needed is bright sun and copious supplies of water. Easliwr Cnxll< , LuVmnj. \\. Coi.EMAN. The Potato crop in North-east Suffolk. — Potatoes have not looked so promising at this season for years past as they do at iiresent, both in gardens and fields. Their tops have not been cut off or injured, as in former years, by late spring frosts ; consequently they are looking strong and healthy. The last frost which we had likely to do any injury to vegetation was on May 1, when but few Potatoes had shown themselves above ground. The iirincipal sorts grown in the cottage gardens along the Waveney valley are Early Rose and Magnum Bonum. A few others are sometimes grown, but none find so much favour as RosL's and Magnums. — H. F. The winter of 1885 6 —Upon looking ,at my meteoro- logical remaster, I find that liere at Fulham Palace I registered lOii" of frost fiuiu Oftulier ti (tlie tirst night of frost liere)to December yi, issr, ; and tliat from Jannary 1 to May r> (the Ust night of frost here), :ii>l'-'— matting a total of ftOO" of frost for the winter of iss5-. The question is easily answered. A chemist's nicety may not have been observed in the preparation of the wash or mixture ; the plants or trees may have been carelessly pre- pared, or most likely neglect after the applica- tion may have led to serious injury or destruction. I'limigating with Tobacco or Tobacco paptr, as all know, is one of our oldest remedies for the destruction of aplii'les, and hundreds of pounds are consunieJ daily by men who know what they are about with the best possible results; but this does not do away with the fact that the tender and valuable occupants of many a house are ruined by its injudicious use. Tobacco paper is, nevertheless, a valuable article, and experienced cultivators will not discontinue to use it because a score of bunglers have introduced carbonic or sulphuric acid with their igniting coals, or have allowed the sun to shine on the plants and run up the teinptrature before they were syringed and shaded. In the same way a wash or solution applied over-night after the sun has gone down and well syringed otf before it rises may be found efl'ectual, while neglect the following morning may prove I'atal to the foliage of plants and fiuits under glass. My object in offering these lemarks is plain and straightforward, and if I succeed in drawing the attention of the inexperienced to the fact that all life-destroying remedies should be applied with great caution and under well- proved rules and conditions, the end I have in view will be attained. Some two years ago a gentleman residing in the midland counties in- troduced Sulphide of potassium as a well-proved, sure, and safe remedy for the destruction of mildew, green fly, and .spider. A small quantity of the sulphide was sent to me for impartial trial, and the result proving highly satis.'actor}', I have repeatedly recommended its use through the pages of The Garden and privately. My first experiment was made upon some old winter Cucumbers badly infested with mildew. Two dressings cleared them ; they starteil into new growth and bore good frnit for months after- wards. I did not, it is hardly necessary to say, allow the sun to catch them in their sulphur bath, but syringed well the next morning and shaded until the foliage was dry. 1 next tried it upon an old Vine touched with mildew and just coining into flower; bunches, foliage, and every part of the structure received a thorough drench- ing, for I had made up my mind to the loss of the crop of Grapes. Early next morning tiie Vine was sj ringed with pure water and shaded; mildew disappeared for the time, and the Grapes set and finished well. My next application was to a very tender Melon plant, about .3 feet high, and badly infested with green fly. The fly dis- appeared, and the plant grew away freely with- out a blemish. Early in the autumn I again observed a tendency to Cidium on the laterals of my Vine, and, knowing what a subtle enemy I had to deal with, every house then clear of Grapes was thoroughly syringed more as a pre- 12 THE GARDEN. ventive than an antidote. The result was satis- factory, and I felt quite justified in giving the sulphide my warmest commendation. Early this spring a leading gardener wrote me to the elTect that the Vines in his metallic houses always •became badly infested with spider, and expressed a wish to try the sulphide. I sent him the necessary information, and soon by parcel post received a few leaves which he slated were badly affected with mildew. I examined them care- fully, and arrived at the conclusion that they were free from spider and mildew, but badly scalded. Leaves afterwards found their way to the office of a contemporary, and the answer was a full corroboration of mine. Anxious to ascer- tain the cause of the scalding, I applied for full information respecting morning syringing, shad- ing, and ventilating, but the rejily has not yet reached me. In a late issue of The Garden Cpage .588) "R. M." states that he has used sulphide of potassium for the destruction of mildew on his Peach trees, and complains of the loss of the leaves. Now, a bad attack of mildew, brought on by imperfect ventilation or want of water, would be sufScient to destroy the leaves ; but sul- lihide having been used, " R. M.'' will greatly oblige me, and, I have no doubt, the thoroughly practical and scientific gentleman who introduced it, by kindly stating how and when the chemical was applied, and what steps were taken for the protection and safety of the trees the following morning. If sulphide of potassium was really dangerous when carefully and properly applied, I should be the first to make the amende honour- able by publicly withdrawing every word I have written in its favour ; but having proved to my entire satisfaction that it can be used with safety, and when properly understood will prove a great boon, not only in gardens, but in Hop yards, I shall esteem it a favour if others will give it a fair trial on a small scale and publish the result. Not so many years ago gas tar, forsooth, was in- troduced as a remedy for mealy bug on Vines. People who had been scraping, and painting, and slaving half a lifetime were horrified, and re- solved on giving it a wide berth. A band of tar pure and simple drawn round the stem of a growing tree means certain death, but, applied as gas tar is now applied to the rods in winter, it is tound one of the most efficacious remedies ever introduced, and although it may have proved a sharp-edged tool in the hands of those who will not pause to weigh and consider, scores of intelli- gent men have exterminated bug by it in their vineries when all other insecticides have failed. Paraffin in the same way is an excellent ser- vant, but a bad master. When properly used amongst plants and the syringe is well plied as soon as it has done its instantaneous work, there is a speedy disappearance of bug and filth, for the fir.-t melts on being touched by mineral or vegetable oils, and the excrement is loosened and washed away by pure water. The judicious u--e of insecticides is not, as a rule, studied as it ought to be, the majority, I suppose, consoling them- selves with the thought that their plants or their Vines will never suft'er as their neighbours' suffer, anil so they live in a fool's paradise until the Philistines are down upon them, when, overtaken by terror, they fly to dangerous expedients, or act upon advice, sound enough in itself, but death-dealing when the usual common-sense pre- cautions are neglected. W. Colkman. Eastnor Citstle, Ledhurij. [July 3, 1886. garden is. overrun with slugs, and when plant- ing out winter greens, such as Brussels Sprouts, Cabbages, or in fact anything on which slugs prey, I put a good ring of fresh sawdust round each plant, and this plan I find to be very effectual as far as keeping tliem off the plants thus surrounded is concerned. Slugs do not venture to crawl over the sawdust, of which enough must always be used to prevent the first shower of rain washing it away. A good plan is, after rain, to go round and destroy all slugs that can be seen ; a few liands at this work lor an hour or so will destroy thousands. Going round at niglit with a lantern and scissors woulcl doubtless answer admirably in the case of a small garden, but going over acres is quite another matter. — \V. A. (Took, Hunts. The slug pest. ^I should dislike killing .slugs after 10 o'clock at night by means of a lantern and scissors, as suggested by "T. P. N." I would rather resort to " f). T. F.'s" plan of dosing them with soot and cpieklime. In a rainy season our Flower Garden. GENTIANA ACAULIS. It has been asserted that this is easy to grow, but it is nevertheless a fact that in many places it will not even live in the natural soil. I tried it for years in our soil and I could never get it to grow ; indeed, it wasted gradually away until I adopted the loUowing plan: I took out the natural soil several inches deep, and filled in with good loam, with which I mixed a little leaf-soil, some mortar rubbish, and pounded brick in pieces the size of a nut. I pressed the soil in very firmly round the roots, and towards the surface I embedded some small stones. When I did this my plants were on their last legs, but the change of soil operated magically ; they regained almost at once their healthy hue, and after taking a season for convalescence they are, I see, hard at work re- newing the growths of which chronic invalidism had to a great extent deprived them. So many have complained to me of a want of success with this lovely little flower, that I am induced to chronicle my experience in the liope of helping those who have hitherto failed with it. In good loam and mortar rubbish the Gentianella is sure to thrive, and a good spadeful of this mixture will suffice to cure debility in a fair sized specimen. I know an enthusiastic amateur grower of hardy flowers who, for the special accommodation of this Gentian and its little congener, verna, pulled down an old cottage for the purpose of getting a good supply of suitable material. I know, too, that tins grower has made verna tractable, and that acaulis flourishes weed-like with him. Truly, these two little alpine gems are lovely enough to warrant such a sacrifice of time and material ; their beauty is unique, their vigour perennial when they find a home to their liking. It is in rich, firmly retentive loams that G. acaulis succeeds best, but it is in very liglit soils tliat it does worst. The mechanical as well as the chemical nature of the soil no doubt much influences its well-being, and I have therefore thought that the sinking four or more bricks level with or projecting slightly from the soil would be helpful. If the bricks stand out only a little, this would allow of a can of water going directly to the roots in hot weather, and the tJentian's special food would thus be better kept away from greedy neighbours. The unsightliness of the bricks would be overlooked for the sake of the exuberant (jentian growth. Moreover, old bricks could be used, and in time the exposed surface would become either mossy or overlapped witli tJentian slioots. In very porous soils I believe this to be the only safe way of growing the tfentianella. The roots are fibrous near the surface, and in a soil wliich quickly parches they are burnt up in tlie hot summer- time. Four bricks and a spadeful of loam and mortar rubljish will make a happy home for the Gentianella. J. C. B. Hepatica angrulosa-— I have Ijeen more thau once dining tlic piist few years surprised to see liuw admirably this Hepatica tlirives in the Messrs. Hooper's nursery garden at Twickcnhant. The soil is deep, but very light and porous, and this ilepatiea seems to revel in it, producing big clumps and line licads of foliage. No other kind thrives so well. The position is a warm one. There is cjuito a big bod of it, and in early spring it is very b"autiful.— A. D. . SOWING STOGK SEED. June is the proper month in which to sow the seed of perennial Stocks, and in dry, well drained soils in which the plants stand through the winter unhurt, few hardy flowers are more attractive than a good strain of Brompton Stocks. It Is useless attempting to disguise the fact that cottagers excel even skilled gardeners in the culti- vation of this class of Stocks. Why that .should be so I cannot explain, except that in gardens the soil may be too rich for them, thus rendering them more susceptible of frost and damp. In my own case damp and a rich soil are fatal to them. Even in ordinary winters I lose two-thirds of my plants. The difterent varieties of the Brompton Stock are general favourites m ith cottagers here- abouts. They sow the seed about the middle of June, and transplant as soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, and the most successful grower with whom I am acquainted lifts all his plants again in October. He simply places a trowel under the roots, lifts the plant out of the ground, and puts it back again in the same place. His motive for doing so is to check the growth and to harden that already made, wliicli is con- sequently in Ijetter condition to resist any un- favourable influences than that of plants which are allowed to keep growing until frost overtakes them. Be that as it may, lie has a fine show of Stocks every year, while I, who have to deal with a rich hea\'y soil, have to lament the loss of most of our plants. A place in an open spot should be prepared for the seed. The ground should be made rather fine, the seeds being small. Drills half an inch deep should be drawn to receive the seed, and should be filled in with some fine sandy soil. In order to prevent the surface from be- coming too dry, a few green branches should be laid on the bed to shade it, but they must be re- moved as soon as the plants appear above ground. 1 ought to say that the seed cannot well be sown too thinly; if the plants stand thickly in the rows they get so weak that it' is long after they are put out before they get suflicient strength to make good growth. On the contrary, if allowed suffi- cient room in the seed bed they get strong and sturdy before more space is required, and then they feel the moving less, and consequently make much the stronger plants. The scarlet and white are tlie most vigorous of the Bromptons, but the purple variety is also very useful. J. C. C. NOTES ON HARDY PLANTS. Anemone Kobinsoniana. — No more convinc- ing proof, I tliink, could well lie had that this form is distinct from nemorosa and its so-called blue varieties tlian the fact that all its foliage shrivels up almost as soon as the flowers fade, while in the others it remains more or less green for two or three weeks after they have flowered. Such are the differences which occur in the case of plants that have grown side by side for two years, and wliich are otherwise phieed on an equal footing as regards soil and other conditions, so far as I can judge. Geranium eriostemon.— What a grand flower — large and richly coloured— this plant produces ! Each flower is 2 inches across, and practically a violet-blue or purple, though the lower parts of the jjetals are paler or inclined to reddisli purple. Why is not this showy Crane's-bill moi-e largely grown ■; I have liuown it to last nearly three months in good form, all the while affording valuable material for cutting purposes. It grows about 18 inches high, and is erect and robust. Plant- edgings of a permanent character are more or less grown in every garden ; every- body must have an edging (ilant, be it only Thrift or London Pride; of the latter there are at least a dozen sorts, and the kind known as Saxifi-aga -Egilops is truly a gem for the puipose. In the case of Thrifts, too, why not plant the biilliant and exceedingly neat Armeria Lauchcana instead of the worst variety'.' There are plants well adapted for edgings near G rass, and others for ordi- nary •\\alks; the Saxifrages and Stonecrops asso- July 3, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 13 ciate admirably with stones, and tall broad-leaved Thrifts and dwarf Grasses for bold borders. Milk- worts and creeping Phloxes do well for fringing shrubberies. Sun Roses, preceded by the jileasing purple of Aubrietias, have both the useful pro- ))erty of wreathing sunny walk sides with masses of flowers, and the two together maintain a large amount of gaiety from April to August. For sub- tropical borders might be used the finer-foliaged Heucheras, choicer Megaseas and Asarum euro- pa'um, all being evergreen. It is unnecessary to do more than thus hint at the endless variations which might be adojited in the case of edging plants. Camassia esculenta. — This, to be fully en- joyed, should be seen like Bluebells in quantity. The comparison, however, reminds one that the spikes of rich blue of the (^>uamash would be more appreciated if they came a little earlier, or a little later, so as not to be "in" with the Bluebells, which, in effect, they so much resemble. May I suggest that those who intend planting the Ca- massia should use only the variety which goes by the name of C. esculenta atro cierulea? Its flowers are larger than those of the type and darker in colour. They are produced a little earlier, too, and in greater profusion. Margyricarpus setosus. — This is worth plant- ing in a front position un rockwork. Its pearly fruits are most persistent, and, owing to their great quantity and the small size of the foliage, they form an attractive feature. When these drop on clean moist soil, they germinate freely, and by the following spring become thrifty little plants. If on flat cold soil thej- are apt to damp oil' ; the}' should, therefore, be set in sunny places, with their roots in deep black mould. Dianthus petrseus. — I often wonder why this is not equally as much valued as alpinus, neglectus and the glacier Pink. It is as easily grown as any of these, and certainly not inferior to them in beauty or neatness, though a little taller in the flower-stems, which, however, do not exceed 5 in. or G in. when grown fully exposed to sunshine. Moreover, it is a reliable Pink — one which when once got into growing condition is not apt to "go oft" in such a manner as to make one suspect thit it is but of biennial duration ; on the contrary, it widens its rigid glaucous tufts year after year, without leaving dead patches in the middle, and year by year the bright rosy red flowers become more numerous. It will thrive well in such soil as suits the commonest Pink. Two alpine plant pests give a deal of annoy- ance in the early summer months. These are green fly and what is kno^^"n all over the country by the name of cuckoospit. Seldom do Androsaces, Drabas, Arenarias, or Pinks escape the fly. The yellow hue assumed by alpines in summer is often caused by aphides when allowed to get the upfier hand. Fortunately, a handy remedy is to be found in tobacco dust, puffed upon both the spit and fly with a puft'-pot. When thus operated on they dis- appear in a day or two. This remedy will not, however, be of much use if the pests are allowed to exhaust the plants before it is applied. Tropseoluin speciosum. — The wet, cool season which we have had has suited this plant well. It doubtless likes moist weather as well as a moist position, for its tender stem-skin is soon scorched by hot sunshine. Nor is it a difficult plant to establish, jirovided a cool spot is selected for it ; but slugs infest such quarters, and attention must be paid to keep them from eating oft' the young shoots. So fond are slugs of this plant and its roots, that they will eat it down as far as possilile. This Trop.-uolum likes to overrun living twigs rather than wires or dry material, the latter being unsuited to its tender skin. J. W. Chrysauthemum segetum.— Tliis yellow field flower shows under cuUivatinn a considerable tendency to grow large in size. The ordinai-y dimensions of the flowers are aboTlt 1^ inches in diameter, out I have occasionally had blooms :!| inches across, and as the petals arc longer and less formally placed, laige blooms are more pleasing than sm.all ones. I have no douut wh.atever that in a few years we shall find this Chrysanthemum rivalling other members of the family in the dimensions of its flowers.— D. Societies. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL, LIVERPOOL. Ji'XE 29 TO July .5. This great exhibition may be termed the first of a new series of provincial horticultural shows which the Royal Horticultural Society intend to hold — a movement which cannot fail to be pro- ductive 'of much good. The success that has attended the present show will serve as an encouragement to hold such gatherings, for a success it undoubtedly is. No exhibition of such importance has been held since 18t)6. It is in every sense of the word a representative show ; in it one sees something of everything connected with gardening, although, of course, some depait- inents have been better represented elsewhere. It is held in the Waverlree Park — a wretched recreation ground about two miles out of Liver- pool— and adjoining the Botanic Garden, which for the occasion has been turned into a pro- menade— altogether a capital arrangement. The park is wholly occupied by the tents, plant houses, garden appliances, boiler trials, and the display made by the Bee-keepers' Association. The principal department of the show is, of course, the plant tent, a capacious structure 260 feet long by 120 feet wide. In this the plants have been effectively arranged by Mr. Barron on ground 1 lid out in a natural style with irregular mounds and undulations, so disposed as to break the monotony inseparable from a flat surface. The eftect would, perhaps, have been enhanced had the tent been higher, but there was a difficulty in the way of sinking the paths. Brilliant colours are gathered into distinct groups — those, for instance, of Pelargoniums and Orchids which contrast strikingly with groups of great Palms and Ferns. There are also large groups of beautiful-leaved plants, such as Crotons, other mounds being occupied by miscellaneous gatherings of plants chiefly from the great London nurseries at Chelsea and LTpper Holloway. Altogether, one scarcely ex- pected to see so bright a show at the end of June as this is. Its chief features are the Orchids, especially those from Mr. Hardy, of Pickering Lodge, Timperley, who is second to none in every class in which he exhibits ; the Crotons from Messrs. Ker ; the Pelargoniums, both show and zonal, the hardy Ferns, and the hardy flowers, paiticularly those in pots and alpines, from Messrs. Backhouse, of York, and Messrs. Paul, of Cheshunt, and the cut flowers. The fruit show, too, is good, better even than was expected considering the season. Yegetables are excellent ; in fact, the fruit and vegetable ttnt, though large, is filled with as fine examples of good gardening as could possibly be seen at the end of June. There is a great gathering of cut flowers, but among them nothing particularly new, and there is almost an entire aUsence of new plants that have not already been exhibited in London. The schedule contains no fewer than 133 classes, exclusive of the implements and art sections ; we can therefore do little more on this occasion than advert to such salient features as we consider noteworthy, especially as we publish in another column a full list of the awards. Orchids. A great show of Orchids was expected, and the display of them is certainly \ery good. Those who admire homl-jiili- specimens may see some of the best examples that could be grown, while for variety we imagine that almost every popular (Drehid in bloom at the present season is repre- sented. The finest group in the show is that which Mr. Hardy, of Timj)erley, furnishes, and wins with it the silver cup and flO, given by the Liverpool Horticidtural (/ompany. There are twelve {)lants in the group, every one being a mar vellous example of good culture. The largest specimen is a mass of Cattlej'a Mossia^ in a shallow basket ; it is over 4 feet across, and carries nearly 100 flowers. The next remarkable plant is one of Dendrobium Devonianum, a pot specimen, \\ith about thirty hanging growths, each wreathed with blooms. Other plants are C'attleya Warneri, with fifteen flowers: C. Mendeli, with fifteen flowers; another variety, with twenty-five flowers ; C. Sanderiana, with thirteen flowers ; Odontoglossum vexUlarium, two plants each, nearly a yard across and covered with bloom ; Cypripedium superbiens, with nineteen flowers ; Dendrobium .Jamesianum, a mass of white bloom, a yard through ; and Cypri- pedium Stonei and Brassia Lawrenciana, both good. The class for a dozen Orchids from amateurs is best represented by Mr. Hardy, who has one of the finest groups we have ever seen. The most remarkable specimens are Dendrobium Wardi- anum, 4 feet high and a yard across, full of bloom ; Cattleya Jlossia;, two plants each 4 feet over ; C. Sanderiana, three spikes, four flowers in each; Odontoglossum vexillarium, two plants, a yard across ; Cypripedium Paiishi, eleven spikes, four flowers on each. Jlr. Harvey shows the second best dozen, which includes some note- worthy specimens — for instance, Cattleya Leopoldi, with three spikes, one carrying fifteen flowers ; Masdevallia Harryana, two and a half feet across; a highly coloured Odontoglossum vexillarium ; Cattleya Mendeli, with a score of blooms ; Phal;e- nopsis speciosa, with six spikes; and Aerides crispum, a deliciously scented species, the only plant in the show. In the third group, from Mr. Thompson, of St. Helens, is a plant of the rarely seen Cattleya labiata, with five spikes, carrying twenty-one flowers. This collection also contains the most remarkable Orchid in the show, a species of Schomburghia, presumably undulata. It has growths like those of S. tibicinis, and a long spike bearing about a score of large flowers, with wa\y petals and sepals of pale yellow and a claret-tinged lip. The class for twenty-five Orchids, arranged for effect with Palms, Ferns, and other fine-foliaged plants, is a good feature, being quite a change from the usual style of showing Orchids. There were three exhibits, and it is not difficult to single out the finest, which is that from Mr. Hardy's garden. He shows not only fine plants, but numerous varieties, including among them huge plants of Ca,ttleya3 and Odontoglossums inter- mixed in a tasteful way with greenery. Among the less common kinds are Vanda Denisoni, Aerides Veitchi, with branching spikes, and Saccolaluum prsemorsum. Tlie choice Orchids shown in the other groups are Odontoglossum cordatum aureum and Kiena3tianum,from Jlr. James; and Oncidium Lanceanum. A remarkable specimen among the Orchids is a specimen of L:elia purpurata in a bushel basket, from Mr. Boscawen's garden in Cornwall. The variety is a magnificent one, the lip of the flower being ii inches across, and of the deepest velvety crimson. There are two spikes on the plant, one with six, the other with four, flowers, and the lai'ge bulbs show exceptionally fine vigour. The best twelve Orchids from nurserymen are from Mr. Cypher — a fine group containing several remarka''le specimens, the most noteworthy being Dendrobium Dearei, 3 feet through, Epidendrum vitellinum majus, Anguloa Clowesi, iJendrobium suavissimum, and Odontoglossum vexillarium. In .Mr. James' second group are the rare Lielia Schilleriana, a near relative of L. elegans; Den- drochilum filiforme, with several scores of elegant spikes ; and Aerides Fielding!, with a spike 2 feet long — a superb object. Jlr. Hardy shows the finest six plants from amateurs, and, like his silver cup collection they are magnificent. There are Cattleya Jlossiie, 3 feet through ; C. Jlendeli, 3 feet ; Odontoglossum vexillarium, .'{ feet, covered %\ ith bloom ; Cattleya Sanderiana, with eighteen flowers (a splendid specimen); Dendrobium crassinode Barberianum, and Cypri|>odium barbatum. In the second group 14 THE GARDEN. [July 3, 1886. from Mr. Harvey are the rare Epidendruiii Wallisi, with a spike of a dozen flowers, and Oncidium crispum grandiflorum, a very fine variety. The great Orchid emporium at St. Albans con- tributes a small group of its choicest things among Odontoglossums, Cattleyas, and the like. There are great round-flowered forms of O. crisjjum, superbly-coloured forms of Cattleya Mendeli, Mossi:e, and Warneri, besides a specimen of the rather uncommon C. Aclandia', which, by its dis- tinct colours, stands out conspicuous from all the rest. Among the hybrid Odontoglossums are some exquisite forms, but one can scarcely at- tempt to describe them. Among other choice kinds are the true Oncidium Rogersi, wliich is at once i-ecognised by the large lips of the flowers over 2 inches across, and of a clear yellow. Mormodes eburneum, with large curiously-shaped ivory-white flowers, is also a noteworthy plant in the group. The Liverpool Horticultural Company shows a group of Orchids containing numerous uncommon kinds, among them being Vanda Roxburghi, with mauve-coloured lips and beautiful tessellated sepals ; Aerides crassifolium, one of the finest species in the genus ; Chysis aurea ; the true Miltonia Weltoni; an extremely fine form of Odon- toglossum nebulosum, one of the finest we have seen, in fact ; some great plants of various Cat- tleyas, including an exceptionally fine form of C. Eldorado with a lahellum almost wholly yellow. Fine-foliaged Plants. Crotons are unquestionably one of the features of the show, for a finer group than Messrs. Ker, of Liverpool, show has perhaps never leen seen in Europe. The group occupies a prominent posi- tion at the entrance of the big tent, and therefore gives visitors a good impression of the plant exhi- bition. Each of these Crotons is from 4 feet to 5 feet through, glorious masses of subtle colour- ing, from the strongest yellows to the richest crimsons, arranged in a hundred styles of variega- tion. The finest plant is Mortfontainense, one of the trilobed group, crimson and gold with green veins ; Evansianum, Newmanni (both bright carmine-crimson). Countess, Aigburthense, and Interruptum aureum, all being narrow-leaved kinds of high colour ; mosaicum, Weismanni, Sinitzianum, with elegant long foliage ; Berg- mani, a huge mass, with lea\'es like those of Mag- nolia grandiflora, yellow mottled with green ; and Hawkeri, yellow broadly margined with green, are other remarkable plants in this splendid group. One of the chief points about these plants is the entire absence of sticks, all being vigorous young specimens, the oldest not more than three years. Mr. Cypher shows the second best dozen Crotons, all fine plants, but not neai'ly so large nor so rich in colour as those from Messrs. Ker. The best among them are those named Frank Selliere, Thompsoni, and Baron James de Rothschild. C.iL.iDiujrs are shown grandly from London, Messrs. Laing, of Forest Hill, having a group of six which, for size and high quality, could scarcely be equalled. The sorts, too, are of the best — per- haps the best half-dozen one could grow. They are, Ornatum, Ferdinand de Lesseps, Mad. Fritz Kiechlin, Luddemanni, Leopold, and candidum, the latter a huge mass of silvered foliage. CoLEUSES are admirably shown by Mr. Colton, of Birkdale, who has six specimens, Mushroom- sha[)ed, and each 5 feet across. The sorts are (iloire de Rougemont, bright crimson ; Marquis de Nadaillac, Magnifieus, Mrs. O. Simpson, Matter- horn, and Mrs. Baxter. A finer group of Coleuses we have rarely seen, and if these plants could be always shown in such fine condition, they would be an important feature of an exhibition. Pitcher plant.s are not remai-kalle, except those from ilr. Schloss, of Bowdon, who shows some half a dozen specimens of Sarracenia purpurea which could scarcely be better, also S. iiava and S. Dnimmondi; but the judges thought these fine specimens inferior to the nine small Nepenthes which they placed first. They are good, healthy plants, but small and poorly pitchered. Tlie classes for Sarracenias and Nejienthes should have been distinct, (iroups of fine-foliaged plants from nurseries are shown best by Mr. C'ypher, who lias some monster Crotons, well coloured, also Palms andCycads, and a capital plant of the true Cordy- line indivisa. There are two classes for Palms, but neither represents any remarkable examples. Among the kinds shown may be seen the new Lieuala grandis, the noble Pritchardia grand is, Phienix rupicola— -the latter a most graceful Palm that is likely to snpplant others in a similar «'ay. Bromeliads are shown by Messrs. Ker, the only collection in the show, and a very creditalile dozen they are. Ferns. These are plentiful, there being several classes set apart for them, and their cool-looking foliage helps greatly to produce a fine ett'ect in the great tent, as they tone down the gay colours of such things as Pelargoniums. The Ijest nine plants in the open class come from Mrs. Horsfall's garden at Aigburth, the finest examijles being Dicty- gramma variegata, the best plant we have seen of this extremely elegant Fern -which looks like a magnified Pteris cretica. There is also a plant of Davallia buUata a yard across ; Adiantum for- mosum, 5 feet ; Davallia Mooreana, 7 feet ; Microlepia hirta cristata, and a magnificent plant of Alsophila Moorei, one of the finest of all Tree Ferns. The second nine are remarkable fijr a lai-ge specimen of tliat most graceful of all Ferns, (ioniophlebium suljauriculatum, with fronds hang- ing like a curtain on all sides of the pot, some being quite G feet long. The amateurs show some grand specimen Ferns, especially Mr. Schloss, of Bowdon, who has the best half- dozen. These include Gleichenia rupestris, 7 feet through; G. rupestris glaueescens, (ifeet through; G. Mendeli, not much smaller ; Cibotium regale, with immense drooping fronds ; Brainea insignis, with a central tuft of copper-tinged new fronds. Mr. Barlein, of Didsbury, has in his second group of six some noble Tree Ferns, including the South African Cyathea Burkei, one of the best cool house Tree Ferns one can grow, and a plant of Davallia divaricata, two yards across, a beautiful object, as the stalks of the deep green fronds are of a vinous purple. In other groups the most noteworthy are Adiantum Veitchi, whose young fronds wear such a lovely coppery red tinge when young ; Gymnogramma argyophylla, the best silver Fern ; Adiantum farleyense, A. Williamsi, the golden Maiden-hair Fern. Hardy Ferns, so seldom seen at London shows, or, in fact, anywhere in the south, in anything like a creditable condition are here among the most noteworthy plants in the show. There is one large group spread over one of the rising mounds in the large tent which, for the numljer of kinds re|)resented and their excellent growth, has seldom been equalled — certainly not excelled. The group comes from the noted Fern growers, Messrs. Birkenhead, of Sale. Here one sees plants of all the choicest kinds. The best group of fifteen kinds comes from Mr. Bolton, of Carnforth, who has a wondrously fine collection, consisting of Athyiium Filix-fcemina plumosum and Stansfieldi, a plant 4 feet high and like a huge mass of ostrich feathers ; Trichomanes radicans, '2 feet across ; Osmunda regalis cristata, Scolopendrium \-uIgare crispum, Lastrea Filix-mas grandiceps and ramo- sissima, Lastrea dilatata grandiceps, Polystichum angulare venustum, and Pateyi. These are the finest specimens of this group, and they could scarcely have been finer. Among the four other collections of hardy Ferns shown there are some exceptionally fine s)iecimens, and one wonders in lo(jking at them that so much \ai-iety can exist among hardy Ferns. The Filmy and other Ferns from the York Nurseries are a centre of attraction, which, like the al]iines from the .same place, are admiraljly grown and arranged. Among the most noteworthy are Trichomanes exsectum, T. mei- folium, T. reniforme, T. Lusehnathianura pul- clu-ura, Hymenophyllum pycnocarpum, tamarisci- forme, H. cruentum, H. peetinatum, H. dichoto- mum. One of the most remarkable plants in Messrs. Backhou.'e's group is a miniature Fern (Rhipidopteris peltata gracillima), an exquisite little plant different from any other Fern. Inter- mixed with these dew-bedropped Filmy and other Ferns are brilliant flowers of Cattleya gigas and other Orchids, which produce a charming efl'ect. Stove and Greenhouse Plant?. On account of the late date for the early summer flowering kinds, tlicre are not many collections shown. In the class for twelve, six in flower and six foliage, there are three collections, and the judges had no difficulty in selecting the best, as Mr. Cypher's group is a long way ahead of the rest. All the flowering plants are huge speci- mens finely flowered, the best being Erica affinis, Allamanda Hendersoni, Dipladenia amabilis, Ixora regina. Erica tricolor Wilsoni, Anthurium Scher- zerianum. Among the six fine-foliaged plants are great specimens of Latania torboniea and other Palms, and two grand Crotons, Prince of Wales and (jiueen Victoria. The second piize group in this class, from Mr. Mould, contains a well-flowered Bougainvillea gla- bra; and in the third, from Mr. .James, is the beauti- ful Allamanda grandiflora. In the class for nine, Mr. Cypher is first. He has brilliant Ixora Pilgrimi and Williamsi, Allamanda Hendersoni, Azalea Bril- liant, a huge untrained bush (i feet through, and Anthurium Seherzerianum Cypheri. The class for si-x plants is best represented, the specimens being fresher and more uniform in quality. The first group, from Jlr. ^^■atts, of Wavertree, con- tains three large Ixoras ; and the second lot, from Mr. Schloss, includes ai)lant of Stcphanotis, about 5 feet high, and the pretty Boronia elatior. Mr. Cypher shows the best six Heaths : his group includes the lovely E. Parmentieri, a plant 4 feet through, E. depres=a, E. ampvdlacea, E. ventricosa grandiflora, E. tricolor Wilsoni. Taken altogether, it will be seen that there is absolutely nothing novel about the stove and greenhouse plants -no extraordinary examples of culture. Hardy Flower?. Hardy flowers, loth alpine and border kinds, are uncommonly well shown, esjiecially compared with what is usually scon at London shows. One sees here great masses of such noble things as Lilies, Pieonies, Irises, Spirjeas, Pyrethrums just as | vigorous as one sees them in the open border. The two groups of fifty kinds make a fine display and occupy a prominent position — not an out-of-the- way corner, as is usually the case. The first prize group is that from Messrs. James Dickson, of Chester, whose chief plants are Lilium speciosum and candidum, huge specimens covered with bloom ; Spir;ea Aruncus, Mimulus cardinalis and varieties, Campanul.TS, Phloxes, Spiraea palmata, Delphinium nudicaule, Irises, bulbous and bearded, large-leaved Funkias, and a host of other things, including Sprekelia formosissima, which we hardly recognise as a hardy flower. An Ixia is also shown; but what of its hardiness at Chester? A brighter, and in our opinion a mmh finer, group is shown by Mr. Harvey, of Aigl urth, who is placed second. He has grand )ilants of herbaceous Pa;onies, reminding one of bushes of Roses, one in particular being like La France. There are also numerous fine plants of Pyrethrums — perhaps too many; Iris sibirica, Mimuluses, Erigeron auran- tiacus. Campanula glomerata, azurea, nobilis, Phlox ovata, Ajuga genevensis, Achillea tomen- tosa, and double Rocket. Alpine or rock plants are shown best by Messr.». Paul, of Cheshunt, who have a group of fifty, all well-grown plants, representing such beautiful things as Lithospermum petrieum, Andi-osace lanugino.sa. Campanula muralis, Erigerr n glaucns, Dryas oetopetala. Campanula turbirata ai d pulla, Gypsophila cerastioides, Ramondia jiyrinaica. Messrs. Backhouse show a maivellously fno group of hardy flowers, border and alpine, ar.d contains a selection of the finest kinds, among the most conspicuous being the following: .'■'ii.\i- fraga lantoscana superba, a panful bs inches acrots; Chrysanthemum Puy de Dome, a large ma-:s ; July 3, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 15 Lilium tenuifolium, about twenty flowers ; Gaul- theria nummularifoliiim, '.i feet across ; Polypodium vulgaro var. trichomanoides ; Dianthus cruentiis ; Gazania longiscapa, (i. 1. aurea, H. Pavonia major; Cypripsdiiitn acaule, three flowers ; Linum i)ro- vinciale, tine; Potsntilla nitida var. atrorubens, 12 inches across : Linn;x;a borealis, large pan in ilower ; Asplenium marinum var. plumosum, new; Philesia buxifolia, grown as a hardy plant ; Silene aoaulis, '2t inches across; Saxifraga s.mcta, Cistus forraosus, Pernettya s|)eciosi, covered with white Lily-of-the- Valley-like flowers ; Cypripediiim spsc- tibile, Rhododendron azaleoides, Aster alpinns albus, Pentstemon ovatus, Darlingtonia call- fornica, Campanula speciosa, fine pan ; C. puUa, large mass; C. (1. F. Wilson; Rosa pyrenaica, a large mass; Achillea argcntea ; Athyrium F. -f. Kalothrix ; Centaurea nervosa, flower large ; Silene pstrafa, new ; Lithospermum graminifolium, deep blue ; L. tinctorura ; Ourisia coccinea ; Azalea Maximowiczi ; Saxifraga lingu'.ata, larga miss ; Hieracium pilosum : Campanula turbinata, pan ; C. neglecta, C. al|iina; Menzicsia bicolor, two- coloured; Anthericum Liliastrum majus. Tree Carnations from Slough make a pretty group, the plants being quite up to Mr. Turner's high standard of excellent culture. The group consists of about half a hundred of Souvenir de la Malmaison and its lovely pink variety, all liig flowers, quite a foot in circumference. Inter- mixed with these are a few choice sorts of the taller Tree Carnations, the cliief of which are the ohl Prince of Orange, a beautiful large flower, yellow ground edged with carmine. A new white. Lady Rose Molyneux, named after Lord Sefton's daughter, is the finest white yet raised among tree sorts. The flowers are 3 inches across, snow- white, and plentifully produced. A large and very beautiful group of Souvenir de la Malmaison Carnation from Mr. Leopold de Rothschild's gar- den at Ascott is a great feature in the great tent. About a hundred plants of it are shown, all with flowers about 4 inches across and in rude liealth. The group as a whole does great credit to Mr. Jennings, the gardener. Annuals are admirably shown by Messrs. Carter, of High Holboin, who not only take the first prize for twenty-five plants, but also have a large group of brilliantly coloured kinds, such as Trop:eoIums, Chrysanthemums, Clarkias, Corn- flowers, Sweet Peas, Rhodanthes, and Convolvidi. The priza group is a beautifully grown collection, the most remarkable kinds being Phlox Drum- mondi, Clintonia pulchella, Kanlfussia amelloides, Rhodanthe Manglesi, Candytuft, Silene pendula compacta, Sphenogyne spjciosa, Leptosiphons, Schizanthus, and Tagetes— a capital selection for flowering in pots. New Plants. We certainly ^expected to see a fine display of these ; but, as it is, there are verj- few plants shown that are new to us, the majority having been exhibited in London. The chief exhibitors of new plants are Messrs. Veitoh, of Chelsea, Mr. B. S. Williams, and Messrs. Ker, of Liverp joI Some members of the floral committee met on Wednesday, when the following plants were awarded first-class certificates ; From Messrs. Veitch. — Gymnogramma schizophylla gloriosa, Philodendron grandidens, Nephrolepis rufescens, N. tripinnatirtda, Pteris tremula foliosa. Rhodo- dendron Aurora. From Messrs. W. and J. Birken- head.— Nephrodium Sangwelli, Lastrea montana coronans. From Messrs. Kelway and Sons — Pyre- thnnn (double), Sambouburgh, Gaillardia Or- monde. From Messrs. Ker and Son. — Croton New- manni,C. Aigliurthiense. FromMr. B. S. Williams. — Araucaria Vervaetiana. From Messrs. Back- house, York — Polypodium vulgare trichoman- oides, Asplenium marinum var. plumosum. Chry- santhemum Leucantliemum Puy de Dome, Hyme- nophyllum pectinatum, Trichomanes meifolium. From Messrs. Cannell, Swanley. — Lobelia King of the Blues. From Mr. E. Claxton.— Tea Rose, Madame Cusin, was commended. The competition in the class for new and rare plants sent out during the past three years is | very limited, and only two local exhibitors repre- sent the class. These are Messrs. R. and P. Ker, who take the first prize for a group including Adiantum cuneatum deflexum, Ficus elastica albo-variegata, Davallia fieniculacea, Anthurium ^'eitchi, Adiantum rhodophyllum, Croton Aigbur- thiense, Gymnogramma schizophylla gloriosa, An- thurium carneum, Medinilla Curtisi, Croton ru- berrimum, Selaginella viridangula, and Vriesia hieroglyphica. Messrs. W. and .J. Birkenhead, Sale, show Adiantum Mariesi, Davallia tenuifoiia Veitchi, Nothochhvna Aschenborniana, PelUea pulchella. Anemia Dregeana, Nephrodium Sang- welli, Nephrolepis Bausei, Cheilanthes leucopoda, Adiantum Neo-Caledoni;e, a species of PelUea, Adiantum Collisi, and A. digitatum. Miscellaneous Groups. These contribute largely to tlie importance of the plant show ; indeed, one of the chief features in the great tent is the extensive mixed groups from Messrs. Ker, Messrs. Veitch, Mr. B. S. Williams, and Messrs. Birkenhead, of Sale, whose group of Ferns is one of the finest we have seen, so well grown and so rich in variety. Messrs. Veitch's group is very handsome, and occupies one of the central positions. It is made up of some of the finest plants in their Chelsea Nurseries, exclusive of Orchid:?, the most prominent plants being the following : Among Aroids are Anthu- rium Veitchi, Warocqueanum, Rothschildianum, and ferrierense, Dieftenbachia Jenmanni, Philo- dendron grandidens, and a pretty new Caladium named minus erubescens. Among the Ferns is the lovely new Nephrolepis rufescens tripinnati- fida, one of the best Ferns ever introduced ; also Davallia tenuifoiia Veitchiana, Gymnogramma schizophylla gloriosa, Osmunda japonica corym- bifera, Pteris tremula foliosa, Adiantum Weigandi, and Selaginella Emiliana. A number of the finest kinds of Pitcher plants (Nepenthes) are a con- spicuous feature of the group. These include N. Mastersiana, with great pitchers, N. Veitchi, Wrigleyana, intermedia, Sarracenia Swaniana, and niilanorrhoda. Among other finefoliaged plants are I>raoa?na Lindeni, norwoodensis, Goldie- ana, Aralia Chabrieri, Tillandsia zebrina, and Phienix hybrida. A small group of insectivorous plants is interesting to the visitors ; it includes Drosera binata, capensis and spathulata. Darling tonia californica, Cephalotus follicularis. All these are interspersed with flowering jjlants, such as (Gloxinias, of which there ai'e numerous new sorts; Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora in great masses ; H;emanthus hirsutus, Exacum macranthum, and Caraguata angustifolia. Mr. Williams' group, which also occupies one of the central mounds, is briglit with flowering Orchids and other plants interspersed among a large collection of fine-leaved plants, altogetlier forming a beautiful display. Among the less common Orchids may be seen the rare Cyi)ri- pedium Druryi, HouUetia odorati.ssima, a splen- did Cattleya Mossia' named grandis, Oncidium Krameri, 0. Jonesianum, Masdevallia Schlimi ; while among other flowering jjlants are the beau- tiful hybrid Amaryllises of the reticulata section, like Mrs. Lee. Messrs. Ker's miscellaneous group, which won the first prize for effective arrangement, is made up chiefly of Crotons, which they grow so wonder- fully well. These were made to rise from a groundwork of Ferns, and intermixed with groups of flowers like Lilium longiflorum. The group is exceedingly eH'ective, as is also the whole of Messrs. Ker's exhibits, which almost entirely oc- cupy the largest mound in the tent. Messrs. Birkenhead's Fern group, though it lacked bright- ness, is, nevertheless, very tasteful, and certainly quite novel. There are some very pretty arrange- ments of groups in the cut-flower tent, which are quite above tlie ordinary style of plant arrange- ment by amateur gardeners. Messrs. Dickson also show a mixed group in a prominent position in the large tent. Trkks axu sHRriJs are poorly represented as regards numbers, but finer groups of specimen Conifers and Hollies than those which are shown by Messrs. Barron, of Elvaston, could not be seen. The Conifers, the only group shown, include fine examples of such beautiful kinds as Abies ajanen- sis, Parryana glauca (8 feet high), concolor, mag- nifica, lasiocarpa, polita, Douglasi glauca, Tsuga, Pinus parvifiora. Golden Yew, Cupressus Law- soniana intertexta, Cedrus Deodara alba spica, and others. The Hollies include the finest sorts, and one named latifolia nova is particidarly note- worthy. The show of ornamental deciduous trees and shrubs is poor, and what there is is put under the large tent, which is perhaiH the best place for Japanese Maples, which form the bulk of the two groups shown, and which do not cer- tainly represent the wealth of beauty to be found among trees and shrubs now-a-days. Bright-coloured flowers, such as Pelargoniums, Begonias, Petunias, and Gloxinias, are plentifully shown, and in most cases in admirable style. We have .seldom, if ever, seen finer (iloxiniasthan those shown by Mr. Agnew, while the tuberous Begonias from Messrs. Laing, of Forest Hill, are equally remarkable, and it need scarcely be said they won the first prize in both classes set apart for these flowers. The show Pelargoniums from Mr. Turner, of Slough, though not so fine as we have seen them earlier in the season, are nevertheless very fine and by far the best in the .show, while the zonals are as fine as could be seen. Mr. Turner's small pot Roses are much admired, and likewise the group of miniature kinds like Mignonette and Paquerette, which form a group by themselves, from the Liverpool Horticultural Company's Nur- sery. Cut FLOWER.S are plentiful, a large number of classes being provided for them. There are cut Orchids, stove and greenhouse plants, hardy florists' flowers and Roses, which are the chief features in this tent, being shown splendidly by the Cranston Nursery and Seed Company, Here- ford, who are first in the principal class. Mr. Prince's Tea varieties are unsurpassable, and the amateurs' class is best represented by Mr. Claxton, of Allerton, who is, we think, one of the best Rose growei-s in Lancasliire. His blooms were very fine, particularly a boxful of that lovely newish Tea Ros3 Madame Cusin, whicli is finer than we have ever seen it. Hardy flowers are shown admirably, the Pansies from Mr. Forbes, of Hawick, the Violas from Messrs. Laird, of Edinburgh, the Pyrethrums from Messrs. Cocker, of Aberdeen, the P;eonies from Messrs. James Dickson and Sons, of Chester, and the grand dis- play from Messrs. Kelway, all the way from Somerset, being the most remarkable. The bouquets, wreaths, and other floral devices are numerous, but we saw no new feature among any of them. A large collection of flower paintino-s is to be seen, and among them some are good. Gold medals were awarded to Messrs. J. Veitch for a miscellaneous group of plants ; to Messrs. J. Backhouse for Filmy Ferns and herbaceous plants ; to Mr. B. S. Williams for group of plants ; silver medals to Mr. Alexander ; to Messrs. J. Carter for annuals ; to Jlr. C. Turner for a group of tree Carnations : silver gilt medals to Mr. Jennings ; to Liverpool Horticultural Co. ; to Messrs. W. Cutbush and Son for a group of plants ; to Messrs. F. and A. Dickson and Sons for group of stove and greenhouse plants ; to Jlr. F. Sander for a group of Orchids ; bronze medals to Jlr. E. Bridge for show and fancy Pelargoniums ; to Jlessrs. .). Dickson and Sons for a group of succulents. A gold medal was also awarded to Jlessrs. Sutton, of Readin)", for their extensive display of garden produce, which included seeds, models of roots, beautifully executed, miniature lawns, illustrating the growth of their lawn Grasses. Besides these there were fine examples of fruits and vegetables, such as Cucumbers, Jlelons, &c. Jlessrs. Sutton's exhibition formed quite a feature in the open ground. Fruit and 'Vegetables. A special tent is set apart for these, and a very creditable show they make, considering the sea- Ifi THE GARDEN. son. The fruit is excellent, and the vegetables could scarcely have been tiner. There are a good many classes set apart for them, but the comjicti- tion is not numerous, and, of course, it cannot bear comjiarison with the great fruit shows we have seen of late years in September, such as at Edinburgh, Manchester, Dundee, but it may be called a thoroughly representative display. The finest classes are those for Pines, Poaches, Nec- tarines, and Strawberries. The collections of fruit are few, the best eight kinds being these from Impney Hall, which include, of good Grapes, Black Hamburgh and Foster's, some very tine British Queen Strawberries, Pitmaston Nectarines, and a capital dish of Noblesse Peaches. Lord Normanton's gardener (Mr. Richards) shows the second collection, which contains some first-rate dishes. The smaller collections of six kinds are more numerous, and Lord Cork's gardener (ilr. Iggulden) heads the list with a very creditable display. He has Peaches and Nectarines, Melons and Strawberries, President being noteworthy. The second collection is from Rood Ashton, and the third from Elvaston Castle. The Grape classes are moderate only in quality. Among the eight sets of Black Hamburghs, Lord Harlech's gardener shows the finest bunches, not large, but admirably finished for a midsummer crop. There are some other excellent bunches shown of Black Ham- burghs even amongst those not in the prize list. The best Madresfield Court bunches come from The Quinta, Chirk, from which garden Mr. Lou- den also shows excellent Black Hamburgh?. There are no really good Muscats ; none shown are rijje, though fairly good in bunch and berry, and the other white (irapes are not remarkable, except Golden Champion, from Mr. Louden, and some fine bunches of that much-criticised, but hand- some Grape, Duke of Buccleuch. Peaches are first-rate throughout, the most pro- minent sorts being Stirling Castle and Early Albert, which are the best varieties (from Mr. Divers), Royal George, Grosse Mignonne (second), while Bellegarde, Violette Hative, Hale's Early are among other prominent sorts in the class for two dishes. The best among nine single dishes is a fine dish of Crimson Galande, from Mr. Wallis, of Keele Hall, one of the finest dishes in the show. Nectarines, too, are good, the leading sorts being Lord Napier, Elruge, and Violette Hative, Pine- apple, and Balgowan, which latter heads the class for single dishes. Among Strawberries there are very fine examples of President, which sort (from Lord Eversley's garden at Heckfield) heads the list in the single dish class. Other prominent sorts are Marguerite, Sir J. Paxton, British Queen, and Sir Charles Napier. The best Melon among about three dozen is Longleat Perfection, which has a high reputation for fine quality. Otlier favourite sorts are shown, including some that are new. The Melon com- petition for Messrs. Sutton's prizes brings out fine examples of tlieir Scarlet Invincible and Imperial Green Flesh, and Hero of Loekinge varieties, all fiist-rate sorts. Cherries are not numerous, and only standard sorts, such as Black Circassian and Elton, are shown. Some excellent late-keep- ing Apples are shown from Messrs. Cheal, of Crawley, who also display their excellent styles of cordon fruit trees. One of the most remarkable exhibits in the fruit show is a group of pot fruit trees from Messrs. Rivers, of Sawbridgeworth. The trees are perfect examples of what orchard house trees should be, being loaded with fruit in ditferent stages of ripening. They include Peaches, Nectarines, Cherries, Pears, Apples, and Plums, representing some of the finest sorts and several that are new. Vegetables are shown by some of the best gardeners in the country. The finest collection of eight kinds is that from Mr. Miles, Lord Carington's gardener at Wycombe, so well known as a successful exhibitor. Mr. Richard's second collection from Somerley is a credit to him, and among other collections shown are some uncommonly fine examples, and all are remaik- able for the adnurable selections of sorts. The classes for Pears arc good, and the finest cxhibi [July .3, 1886. on varieties are shown grandly. Potatoes, Onions, Cauliflowers, and Tomatoes are good. Another is a good competition for Messrs. Sutton's prizes for collections of vegetables, the most suc- cessful exhibitor being Mr. Miles. Further com- ments upon the fruit and vegetables we must leave for a future number. Implement Show. MEDALS AW.\KDED. There is a great exhibition of garden structures, api)liances, and implements — one of the largest displays that have been brought together by the society. The exhibits occupy nearly the whole of the park, and we imagine that there is scarcely an article that has the remotest connection with horticulture that could not be found. As the ex- hibits are so numerous, we are only able to give a list of those exhibitors in the various classes who have i-eceived awards up to the time of going to press. The gold medal for the largest and best display is taken by Messrs. Foster & Pearson, of Beeston, who occupy a large area with a multi- tude of structures and appliances. In the class for the best modes of heating a small conservatory, Messrs. Halliday have won the silver medal with their "Perryshire" boiler, while Messrs. Messenger take the bronze medal in the same class. Mr. Watson, of St. Albans, is awarded a certificate for his new gas stove and apparatus. The awards of the larger boilers will not be made until after the boiler trials, which are still taking place. In the class for hot-water piping, modes of fixing it, Messrs. Foster & Pearson win the silver medal, and Messrs. Messenger take the bronze medal. The silver medal for a plant house, vinery, cr orchard house is taken by Messrs. Foster & Pear- son, the bronze medal in the same class by Messrs. Peel & Sons, Wood (ireen, London. Another bronze medal is taken by Messrs. Stewart & Jack for their cheap portable plant house, while Messrs. Halliday are commended. The judges selected for a sliver medal the ornamental conservatory shown by Messrs. Richardson & Co., Darlington, and a silver medal is also awarded to Messrs. Halliday for their ornamental conservatory. A bronze medal is taken in the same class by Messrs. Wrinch, of Ipswich. In the class for mo^■able plant pits or frames, Messrs. Halliday & Co., of Middleton, are awarded a silver medal for some excellent structures, to which we shall allude in a future number. Messrs. Foster & Pearson and Mr. J. Webster, of Waver- tree, also take silver medals ; while bronze medals are taken by Messrs. Crispin, of Bristol, Messrs. Wrinch, and Messrs. Richardson. The silver medal for improvements in glazinj is awarded to Mr. S. Deards, of Harlow, for his Victoria Dry Glazing, and Messrs. Crespin take a bronze medal. Lawn mowers are very plentifully shown, but no awards were made in those constructed for horses. Hand mowers are shown by about a dozen exhibitors, a silver medal for lightness of working being awarded to the Chadborn & Coldwell Manu- facturing Company for their " Excelsior " ; Messrs. Barford and Perkins, Peterborough, take a silver medal also for their new "(iodiva" machine; The Standard Manufacturing Company, Derliiy, take a bronze medal for cutlery, which includes a great variety of tools. In the class for garden pottery, Mr. Matthews, of Weston-super-Mare, has a large display, and wins a silver medal, and Mr. Crute is also awarded a silver medal for his new "Chrysanthemum pot" and other patterns of pottery. For garden tools, Messrs. Glassey, Liverpool, take a bronze medal, as do also Messrs. Leedham and Heaton, of Leeds ; while Mr. Swete, of Worcester, and J\Ir. Drummond, of Bridgnorth, are commended, the latter for his patent turf-cutting machine. Messrs. Bramham, of Liverpool, take the silver medal in the class for wirework, and Messrs. Brooks, Manchester, and Messrs. Peake, of Liverpool, win bronze medals in the same class. The silver medal for garden seats is taken by Mr. Ciesar, of Knutsford, and the bronze by Messrs. ^^'rinch. The only exhibitors of meteorological instruments are Messrs. Joseph Davis and Co., Kennington Park Road, who win a silver medal. A bronze medal for garden engines, &c., is taken by Messrs. Barford and Perkins for their "water ballast" barrows, and Messrs. Crispin are commended for their patent syringe. A bronze medal is awarded to Messrs. Halliday for decorations for conservatories, which consist of ornamental tiles for flooring. Messrs. White, of Edgware Road, take a silver medal for garden tenting, shading material, &c., and Messrs. Richardson are commended for their Parisian greenhouse blinds. Mr. Pinches, of Oxenden Street, London, takes a silver medal for his now well known stamped zinc labels. In the miscellaneous class, bronze medals are awarded to Messrs. Bennett, Liverpool, for wirework, to Jlr. Freeman, Stockport, for ornamental rockery stone ; while commendations are accorded to Mr. Har- kin for teak Orchid baskets, &c. ; to Mr. Sydney, Liverpool, for " parcel post " flower boxes; to the Horticultural and Agricultural Chemical Com- pany, Tonbridge, for a new insecticide and syring- ing stand ; to Messrs. Richai'dson for various ex- hibits; to Mr. Bloxham, Bletclilej', for a new fumigator; to Messrs. Blake & Mackenzie, Liver- pool, for postal flower and plant boxes. A prize list is given in our advertising columns. ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY'S FETE. The annual fete of the Royal Botanic Society took place on Wednesday evening last, under most favourable auspices. The weather was delightfully fine, and the grounds, conservatory, and marquee were crowded with visitors. The illuminations were never more brilliant, no fewer than 30,000 lamps being brought into use. The exhibits were of the usuil character ; prizes were offered for the floral decora- tion of the dinner table (several classes), arrange- ments of flowers for sideboard and for recesses, hanging baskets, bouquets, & -■. In the awarding of the prizes for the arrangement of the dinner table the judges seemed disposed to favour quiet colours ; most of the arrangements were neat, though in some cases somewhat crowded. Mr. Peacock, of Sudbury House, Hammersmith, brought together a very fire collection of Orchids (consisting chiefly of Odonto- glossums, Masdevallias, and Cattlpy.as), which received much attention. A similar exh bi ion was also made by Messrs. Sander, St. Albans, and Mr. William Rumsey, Waltham Cross, showed a nice group of Roses. There was the usual extensive exhibition of vases for the purposes of floral decoration, and some table aquariums attracted a large share of attention. NOTES OFJTHE WEEK. Calanthe natalensis. — This new introduction is now in flower at Kew, where it flowered last year for the first time in Europe, and was figured in the Bofaiiieal Mai/aziiie. It belongs to the same group of the genus as C. masuca, C. veratri- folia, and C'. furcata, but is distinguished by its ])ale violet flowers, which are borne on erect tall spikes springing up with the new foliage. It is a pretty plant, and quite equal in beauty to tho above named sorts. Olearia macrodonta and 'Veronica Haasti. I send you herewith flowering specimens of these two shrubs. The first was sent to me two years ago by Messrs. Veitch, under the name of Olearia dentata, but I at once saw that it could not be that species, as its foliage in nowise resembled that of the plant figured under that name in vol. xcviii. of the Botanical Maijazini:, t. 51173, and the correct name has been since determined at Kew. My plant jjroduced a single truss of bloom last year, but failed to open properly ; this year, however, it is covered with bloom, and is an exceedingly orna- mental shrub, and seems to be perfectly hardy. The little Veronica is from New Zealand, and came to me under the name of \'. Colensoi, but I believe Haasti to be its correct name. — W. E. G. Acineta densa. — This is one of the hand- somest of the eight species of Acineta now known, and it is also one of the easiest to keep in liealth if planted in peat and Sphagnum in a roomy teak basket, and suspended near the glass in a tropical July 3, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 17 house. A plant of it at Kew is now bearing two tine drooping spikes of flowers, which are as large as the tiowers of the Dove Orchid, but from eighteen to twenty-four flowers are borne on eacli raceme. The colour is bright yellow, with nu- merous jieppery dots of crimson on the inside, and blood-red blotches on the lobes of the lip. The flowers usually remain fresh on the plant about a month. A remarkable feature in this species is the length of time the flower-spikes take to mature after hrst aiipearing, the plant at Kew having pushed the spikes just now expanding as early as last December. The Acinetas, Stanhoiieas, Bate- raannias, and several Peristerias develop their flower-scapes at the extreme base of the pseudo- bulbs, and they grow downwards ; it is, therefore, necessary to grow such plants in open baskets, so that the spikes may grow on unimpeded. -When pots or pans are used for these plants it often hajipens that their flower-scapes are ruined before the discovery is made tliat they have grown down into the pot. Oncidium Lanceanum. — There are very good and also very bad varieties of this noble Oncid, Lut fortunately the former are oftenest seen in gardens. If some one could tell us what it is exactly that this Orchid requires to keep it thriv- ing in this country, what a popular plant it might become, as no one could resist the rich beauty and delicious odour of its flowers. The leaves also are not unattractive, being very large, thick, and leathery, and thickly mottled wdth purple-brown on a green ground. The flowers have the excel- lent quality of keeping perfectly fresh on the plant for over a month after they open. A speci- men of this species may now bo seen in flower at Kew, along with various other handsome-flowered Oncidiums. Scuticaria Steeli and S. Hadweni are both of that class of Orchids which are peculiar in having long terete foliage growing downwards, and ot which these and Oncidium .Jonesianum are the most attractive as flowering plants. S. Steeli has a zigzag rhizome, from which spring numerous long flagelliform leaves, their length on strong plants being from .S feet to 4 feet. The flowers are developed from the base of the ripened growth and are on short scapes, two or three tiowers being the usual number on each ; they are as large as the flowers of Cattleya intermedia, their colour being cream-yellow with numerous large blotches of reddi.sh brown, except on the labellum, which is striped with deep crimson. S. Hadweni has shorter leaves (about \h feet) and one-flowered scapes, the flowers being smaller, darker in colour, whilst the lip is blotched instead of striped. Both species may now be seen in flower at Kew. They are natives of South America, and require an intermediate temperature with a damp atmo- sphere during early summer when they are in active growth. The plant of S. Steeli at Kew is an exceptionally fine variety. GrifiBnia Blumenavia. — There are seven or eight species of tliis genus of Brazilian bulbous plants, and most of them are in cultivation with us, though one seldom sees them in flower. The best of the lot is the species here named, which has been known for about twenty years, and which flowers freely in midsummer if grown in a stove and kept moist all through the spring, with- holding water from September till February, when the plants should be placed on a dry shelf in a temperature of 55° or 00°. It has oblong lanceolate foliage G inches long, dark green, the nerves prominent and suggesting the Lattice plant. The flower-scape is erect, shining, brown-red, and bears an imibel of six or eight flowers, which are 2 inches long and wide, Amaryllis-like, except that the lowest petal is smaller than the others : the colour is white, with streaks and veins of purplish rose. The anthers vary in length and are curved upwards at the points. A plant of this species is now in flower in the Btgonia house at Kew. G. hyacinthina has blue and white flowers 3 inches across. Dasylirion aorotrichum. — A specimen of this saw-leaved Mexican Lily is now in flower in the succulent house at Kew. It has a stem 5 feet higli, hidden by the persistent dead leaves which liang about it, and bearing a large head of dark green serrated foliage, which is straight as Yucca leaves, and bears upon its tips tufts of brown fibre; hence the name acrotrichum, which signifies bearded tips. The flower-spike is at present 12 feet high and the upper half of it stands above the roof of the house. The flowers are all female and are not unlike the fruit of Rhubarb, being arranged on numerous erect branchlets, and having winged angular ovaries. A plant of the other sex flowered in the same house last year. The growth of the flower-scaije is very rapid, careful measurements showing that this specimen now at Kew grew from 5 inches to G inches every twenty-four hours. Thysanotus multiflorus is a jiretty flowered plant belonging to the same section of the great Lily family as Arthroputliuni and t'yanell.a. There are some score of species of Thysanotus, all of them Australian, and several have been introduced into this country at various times, but have proved unsatisfactory, owing to the fugaciousness of their flowers, which do not expand, except under the influence of bright sunlight, and then last only a few hours. T. multiflorus forms a tuft of linear grassy foliage with a thick keel and about a foot long, and they are clustered in the same way as an ordinary Rush. The flower-scapes are nearly erect, as long as the leaves, and bear crowded tufts of flowers 1 inch across ; the petals are broad and spreading like a Marica, and their margins have a deep fringe of soft silky hairs so prettily arranged that the flower seems more like the extravagant work of some milliner than Nature's handiwork. When in flower this plant is a very beautiful object. We saw a fine potful of it at Kew tlie other day in the Cape house. Ardisia mamillata. — The only species of Ardisia that may be termed a garden plant at present is A. crenata (generally written crenulata), although a great many other kinds have been in- troduced at various times, and a few of these, such as A. japonica, a hardy little shrub, with numerous stems and bright red berries, A. polyceiihala and A. humilis, both tropical Indian jilants, which bear black, shining Currant-like fruits, maybe met with in a few collections. At Kew, these and other kinds are cultivated, and to the numerous species there represented the above named new species from Hong Kong has lately been added. It grows to a height of about 4 inches, and has an erect stem, clothed with ovate, thick woolly leaves, the surface of which is covered with thousands of raised dots, each crowned with a silky hair. The flowering branches are axillary, as in A. crenata, 3 inches long, with a few small leaves near the end, where tlie flowers are arranged in umbels ; they are bell-shaped, half an inch across, ivory white, with small rose coloured dots, the little pyramid of anthers in the middle being yellow. There is much beauty in the foliage of this plant, and in the flowers, too, which though not large, are jirettily formed and coloured. It requires stove treatment. Cliantlius Dampieri (Sturt's Glory Pea). — It is only rarely that this plant flowers in places generally accessible to gardeners, and we there- fore note with pleasure a fine flowering specimen of it in the conservatory at Kew. No plant, perhaps, has tantalised cultixators so much as this, for it is apparently easily grown till nearly ready to flower, but there it usually stops and suddenly dies, turning black at the base and perishing at the root in a few hours. No one has yet accounted for this sudden fatality in this plant, but whatever its cause it is obvious that now and then it is avoided, and a beautiful flowering plant is (he result. Someone wrote that by grafting this species when in a seedling stage on to a young plant of C. puniceus success in flowering it would be almost certain. The suggestion seems good and worth a trial. C. Dampieri is a native of the desert regions of Australia. It forms an erect herbaceous shrub with pinnate silky leaves anil axillary peduncles of large bright scarlet flowers, with a large shining black boss at the base of the standard. Such a plant is incapable of being seen by means of a description, and to those who have lieard of Sturt's Glory Pea, but have not seen it alive, the specimen at Kew would be worth a long journey to see. ftuisqualis indica is a scandent stove shrub with long main branches, from which are developed short branchlets with the leaves arranged opposite in pairs, so that at first sight one would call. the plant pinnate-leaved, and not unlike Wistaria. The flowers are in a terminal bunch on these branchlets, and they have long thin tubes with a, spreading limb 1 inch across, and formed like Ixoras, but having five instead of four petals. On first opening, the flowers aie creamy white, and about half the size of mature ones, which are coloured a beautiful Indian red, margined with orange. A delicious fragrance is given off by the flowers, particularly after they have been cut and pUiced in water, so that on this account alone they are worth growing. Unfortunately, how- ever, the plant is a shy bloomer in this country, although in India, where it is a common garden plant, it flowers most freely. A large plant in the Palm house at Kew is now blooming', but it is in an exceptionally sunny position, and is never shaded ; whereas plants in a less favoured aspect have ne\er borne flowers. The genus is closely allied to the Combretums. Its peculiar habit of changing the colour of its flowers from white to red is remarkable. In India it is known as the Rangoon Creeper. QUESTIONS. SiO;.— Grey Moss on Rhododendrons.— Can any ot your readers tell me the e luse of fjfrey Moas appearing some- times on the wood of Rhodorlendrons and hardy .Azalea-S? What is the best euro for it ? — Sl'otia. 5.^.0ij.— Stocks in Hyde Park.— A lady tells me that when in London last mouth she saw the g.irdeners in Hyde Park bedding out in one bed some very strong dwarf jmrple Stocks, then in flower, mixed with Mignonette plants. I shall thank some of your readers very mueli if they will tell me what Stocks they were and how they arc managed so as to have them iu flower at l>edding-out time. -R. 5 .07.— Runners from "blind " Strawberries.— I shall be glad if some of your readers could give me an answer to the following query : 1 made a good plantation of British Queen Strawberrie-s last year, but they were Kate, as the season was so dry. They have grown well, however, but are throw- ing up no ttower buds. If I take eirly runners from these blind plants, .arc such pi \nts .likely to become blind them- selves?—E. M. LATE NOTES. Yellow Scotch Roses (-Vra. irifimii). — Verybciuliful flowers ; tiner than we have hitherto seen. Seedling Single Rose {ii. Lc-Jhaiiu-i). — Flowers were so withered on arrival, that we could not form an opinion of the variety. Books ( ^f>-^. tl. ). — We do not know of a work of the descrip- tion you mention. Johnson "s "Gardener's Dictionary " may suit you, but it is much above the price you name. Seedling' Pansy (.J., Cn/i'mm).— Your T. M. B.ames Pansy i-s bright in colour and large in size, but defeeiivc in form— at least, from a fl..>ri:t's standard. Odontoglossum crispum (0 S. Crairi>lia!i).—A\i extremely pretty variety, which may be best described as an edged petaled roseum, the broad white margin being so con- spicuous In contrast with the violet-purple body colour. The Odontoglossum seems to be O. Ebreubergi. Papaver orientale.— Can sorceone learned in Poppies set us right as to the nomenclature of the two grand-flowered, but undoubtedly distinctive, Poppies grown imder the designations of bracteatum and orientate? I call the large orange-scarlet kind bracteatum. and the dtep crimson- scarlet orientale. and yet I have doubts as to the corrcetness of t'lese appellations. — A. Names of plants. — If. B. //.—I, Reseda luteola: '2, Fu- maria officinalis : 3, Stellaria Holoste.a. C, Jl. — 1, Tr.ides- cantia virginica ; 2, Campanvila glomerata ; :i, Biiddleia globosa ; 4, variety of Iris variegata. C, C— Calyeanthus occidentalis. IC. .V, — Lycaste Deppei. ^f, S. {Tudii/).— 1, Dicentra e.\imia ; 2. Dimorphotheca pluvial is ; 3, Agplc- nium Adiantum-uigrum; 4, apparently Aira ca^spitosn. /. JC. A'.— Luzula nivea. A/. A't»'/i(>/,srt/i.— Eutoea viscida. R. V. li- .y.— Habenatia chlorantha. A'. /*<>*»/<.— Scilla peruviana. St. ratrlct: -OxhHs acetosella. 1, Cami>a- nula pusilla ; 2, 1 Veronica longifolia var. ; :i, species of Achillea; 4, I^ysimacbia ciliata. 7. D. - Pajony had shed. its petals, so could not name. PiKU atStanstead Park, Forest Hi. I. James Lainc lato of, Tarbut, Koss-shiro, and brother o£ John I.aing, aged & years.' THE GARDEN. [July 3, 1886. WOODS & FORESTS. PINES FOR PROFITABLE PLANTING. For between twenty and thirty years now the Corsican Fir has been more or less planted up and down the country, and the testimony of those who liave grown it or seen it grown has been almo.st uniformly in its favour. Both in The Garden and in its contemporaries, too, has this tree been highly praised of late as being the best Fir to plant for timber, and everywhere nurserymen are multiplying their stock of it as fast as they can, and in not a few cases not last enough, to meet the demand. When, therefore, one reads statements like those of "J. F." (p. 589), to the effect that this Fir " will not compare in quality with the Scotch Pine, except one, and that ornamental only," one is driven to the con- clusion that the writer is totally unfamiliar with the qualities of the tree he cimdemns. So far as I have seen or heard, the Corsican Fir is not more ornamental than the Scotch, for there your correspondent is in error also ; but in England, and especially in the midlands, where I am best acquainted with it, it beats the Scotch Fir as a rapid grower iu bulk of timber for the same time, and it will grow either in the shelter or exposure as well or better than the Scotch, and this I can prove to anyone who is open to believe the testimony of their own eyes. As to the quality of the timber, it is admittedly superior to the Scotch where used, and its much more resinous habit in a young state in this country indicates tliat much also. I would like your correspondent, "J. F.," to find, if he can, a Scotch Fir of the same age as the Corsican at Kew (and lately shown in The Garden) and grown under similar conditions that will match it for size and symmetry. I offer also to procure him oppor- tunities of seeing the Corsican Fir on some of the most bleak moorland spots in Yorkshire, not hundreds, but a thousand or more feet above the sea level, where it beats the Scotch Fir, except in one thing, and that is, that it grows so much faster in such situation^, that it is sooner blown to one side by the wind, unless planted thickly. I was over our hitjh moorland planta- tion the other day, and could not help admiring the fine free growth and lustrous foliage of the Corsican Fir, planted alternately with the Scotch, and everyone who has seen our plantations has done the same. I took one of the best known of our nurseiymen tree growers over these planta- tions last year, and he said to me that he, too, had had doubts about the Corsican Fir, but the sight of our plantation had dispelled them for ever, and he writes me that he is doing every- thing to multiply his stock. I am not so sure that "J. F.'s" fine sounding phrases about "acclima- tisation" and "legitimate naturalisation"arewoith so much as he would have us believe. I believe I am correct in stating that the oldest and best Larch forests in this country are those that have been acclimatised — that is, raised from foreign seed — while those younger plantations from home- raised seed are the most diseased. It is not the earlier, but the later plantations that are most affected as far as I can learn, and I do not suppose there is any data to show that Firs from home- raised seeds, i.e., legitimately naturalised, are any better, if as good, as those raised from foreign, but more perfectly matured, seed. The testimony of nurserymen goes to prove that good foreign seed of most kinds of trees produces the finest plants for the first few years at least, and there is no evidence to show that they become worse than the others later on. This was told me once when I was remarking on the height and vigour of a cpiarter of young Oaks from French seed compared to another quarter from Englisli seed the difference being remarkable ; when I after- wards saw a heap of French Acorns lying in a shed in the same nursery and compared them with our own, the explanation was clear, for the French Acorns were very much larger and finer in every way. It does not stand to reason that a starved or debilitated race of trees or animals can produce a healthy offspring, however much they may be naturalised. It is observed by authorities on such subjects that the first generation of transplanted members of the human family are, as a rule, the most vigorous, and that the off- spring degenerate afterwards, as witness the European in India and other countries and vice- versa, and in all probability the rule applies also to trees and plants. Yorkshireman. The time to fell Oak.— "W. B. H." last week, in speaking of Oak bark, indirectly raises a rather important point, viz., the time at which Oak timber should be felled. It is, I presume, pretty generally conceded that the only ground upon which felling Oak late in the spring is carried on ii for the sake of the profit to be derived from harvesting the bark. The prices given last week will, I believe, very fairly represent the range of the bark market this season. If so, where is the profit after all expenses have been defrayed ? There is something in what "VV. B. H." says about givinij all the employment possible to the hands on the estate, but if bark-peeling leaves no profit, it would be as well to divert the labour into some other channel. The question is cer- tainly one for consideration. When bark was realising £5 or £G per ton, it would have been, without doubt, a bad policy to have cut the trees so as to lose it : but now the circumstances are entirely different. The objections to felling in the spring and peeling are, I take to be, that the work is going on when the hands could be em- ployed about other things, and the damage done to the Grass and crops in the field and the young growth in plantations. On the other hand, it will not, I suppose, be disputed that the wood of the winter-felled tree is at least equal in quality to that of the spring-felled one. That the sap-wood of the former is more durable is pretty generally accepted. In addition to these points, horse labour is generally more available in the winter season. When the price of bark lises enough to leave a fair margin, the stripping could be resumed, but at present I fail to see the advantage of con- tinuing the system of spring felling. — D. J. Yeo. Variety in the Firs. — I see someone is writ- ing elsewhere to further multiply the " varieties " of the Scotch Firs. It has long been believed that there are a red and a white-wooded variety in the north of Scotland, and the red-wooded kind is believed to be the better of the two, but it is doubtful if they are constant. Both sorts are said to come from the seed of either variety. Nursery- men do not select their stock, and in every planta- tion of Scotch Firs several varieties, as indicated by the foliage and general appearance, may easily be picked out, and if anyone chooses to give them a name, plenty of "varieties" could be found. Mostly all kinds of trees vary considerably, but it is more apparent in some of the Firs than in others, and noted botanical authorities have even dis- covered as many as three distinct species — s^>cfje.s-, mark you— from examples from one and the same tree, the specimens having been gathered from the top, bottom, and under branches. This hap- pened in the case of the Japanese Fir (Abies firma), dried specimens of which were respectively labelled as distinct species before the exjjlanation was given. Experts might easily be puzzled also by examples of the growth of the Austrian Fir, and even by examples of the trees. We could show half a dozen different varieties of this I'ine within sight from almost any one spot in our young planta- tions, the trees being over 20 feet in height. Some are very dense in habit, short-jointed in the trunk, with a rounded top and distinct foliage, while others more resemble the Corsican Fir, with all shades of difference between. As timber trees it would certainly pay to select the varieties of this Fir, because while some are comparatively worthless in that respect, being slow growing and knotty, others are tall and clean. The Larch, too, is prolific of varieties in the young state, but such differences to a great extent clisappear as the trees grow old, and probably there is not much dif- ference in their timber.--YiiKKSHiRE.AiAN. OVER-THINNING IN PLANTATIONS. I HAVE before dwelt on this subject and pointed out that the main object of foresters should be to plant and establish forests of useful timber, and leave cultural matters like thinning to after con- sideration, not being of nearly so much im- portance as some seem to think. There can be no doubt of the fact that plantations of trees of similar habit can be grown to maturity without any thinning at all, and we will even go so far as to assert that in numbers of instances our planta- tions would have been far better left alone in that resjject to thin themselves. I have lately ■ had an opportunity of discussing this subject with Mr. Maries, who has studied to some purpose both ■ the natural and other forests in Japan, produced in a climate like our own, and who has also had even bnger experience in India in both the high- lands and lowlands there. His opinion is, that we thin our woods far too severely. I said to him, "That is exactly. the subject under discussion at present among foresters and of the utmost con- sequence in the future management of our woods, and I shall be glad if you will, as near as you can, give us an idea how thick the trees stand in a natural forest of mature age." We went into tho woods, and coming to a young plantation in which the trees are about 10 feet high and eroiakd, as some good English and Scotcli foresters would think, Mr. Maries observed, " That is about as thick as the trees stand. In the natural Fir . woods the trunks are perfectly straight, and for 70 feet or 100 feet without a branch or a knot, the tops of foliage healing but a small proportion to the length of trunk, and so crowded as to form a tangled interlacing mass that makes it almost dark underneath near the ground." Pointing, in another place, to two Oaks with a quarter girth in the middle of 1'2 inches or more, and about 6 feet asunder, he said, "Firs of these dimensions are never farther apart than that, if as much ; in some places trunks are so close you could not squeeze your body through between them, and the ground is a tangled mass of roots." He also in- forms me that the Japanese foresters indtate Nature, being great tree jjlanters, inasmuch as they plant thickly and do not thin. From all I could gather, there is no reason why our timber trees in this country should not be allowed to stand as thickly on the ground as they do in Japan, the species, climate, and all the conditions being very much alike in both countries. Look- ing at some tall young Corsican Firs twenty-two years planted, and 3 feet or 4 feet in cubic bulk, I reckoned that at the above rate 1200 could have been accommodated on one acre of ground at least, and at the present low price of Larch their value would have lieen about £120 — not a bad investment on land which, previous to being planted, fetched less than £40 in rental in the same time. But, whatever these calculations may be worth, the facts related show that some, if not the most, of our plantations are over-thinned in their youth, because the trees are left much further apart than the distances stated above, and hence the need for pruning, that should be obviated altogether. Yorkshikeman. Wood of the Ailanthus. — Of trees introduced into the United States, s-iys an American paper, the Ailanthus is said to be a much more valuable one than is generally admitted. For potts uo timber ia better suited. The testimony of many farmers shows that it is nearly as good as locuit, and for fuel is equal to Gak. It is hardy, grows rapidly, and is said to be well adapted to growth on the prairits in the western ITnited States. In its native county (China) it often attairs a height of 17.'> feet. THE GARDEN. 19 No. 764. SA TURDA Y, July 10, 1886. Vol. XXX. " This Is an Art Which does mend Nature : change It rather : but The Art itself is Nature," — Shakespearg. SUMMER FOLIAGE TINTS. At the end of every summer we generally hear a good deal about autumn tints, but it is not often that the same subject meets with much attention in summer, although tree tints then are quite as interesting as in autumn. I have been watching for the past few weeks the effects of changes of colour on a richly-wooded landscape, and it has been a source of much gratification to witness from day to day the varying hues of the different trees. In Somerset the Larch is the first to herald the approach of spring with its refreshing green. It seems to start into life and beauty with much less effort than many other trees, and it lights up the distant landscape in a way that is quite delightful. The Sycamore and Beech come ne.xt, and add depth of colour and importance to their surroundings. The Oak quickly follows, and then day by day the scene changes. The variation in the conditions of the first stage of development in the Oak is somewhat remarkable in different trees. Many of them unfold their leaves with a strong tone of greenish yellow. In others a bronzy aspect is maintained for a time. Taken altogether, no trees differ so much in the earlj' stages of their leafing as Oaks, and this, I may remark, extends thoughout the sunmier, although in a lesser de- gree than during spring, according to the character and the nature of the soil in which they are growing. As a matter of fact, I do not know any forest tree whose foliage is so much influenced by soil and season as the English Oak. In the deep sandy ground resting on the red sandstone in this county it is not unusual to see it clothed with light golden foliage, and this occurs more frequently in dry summers than in wet ones. I do not for a moment imply that soil alone makes this difference in the colour of the leaves, but soil and climate together develop it. Trees which partake of this golden character are also perhaps slight variations from the normal type. However that may be, I can p(iint to examples upon the estate from which 1 write, whose characters are conspicuously different from those of the common variety ; and I look upon them as valuable on account of the variety which they afford in the summer landscape. On the Chest- nuts there is a wonderful wealth of foliage, that adds considerably to the general effect, especially when viewed against a background of Scotch Fir. If we turn from plantations to park scenery, or the more immediate surroundings of the pleasure grounds, the materials for observation are not only more numerous, but, owing to the greater care bestowed upon their disposition, their effects are more varied and striking. Intending planters may, therefore, do worse than take a survey of a place noted for its collection of trees, in order to watch their aspects both in spring and summer. A mind capable of receiving im- pressions will be able to store up much useful information therefrom that should prove valuable for future use. As an example of the kin.l of impressions I mean, I may instance a beautiful group of trees which I once saw, the effect of which remains indelibly fixed upon my mind. It had in the foregoing a copper Beech, a variegated Sycamore, and a Huntingdon Elm, planted pro- bably about fifty years ; therefore they were stately trees, and in perfect health. In the back- ground were a fine green-leaved Beech and a grove of Spanish Chestnut, with an undergrowth of evergreen shrubs of various kinds. The strong contrast which the copper Beech made with the variegated Sycamore against the light green foliage of the other trees in the background is more easily imagined than described. For my own part, I have never seen another instance of ornamental planting that made on me such a lasting impression. So far as I have seen, no place in England contains better examples of park scenery than Knole Park, near Sevenoaks. In that park there are many judicious blendings of trees of fine growth and handsome foliage, well distributed in regard to space ; and so much has been made of the various surface undulations, tliat trees of all forms and hues combine to make it a scene of quiet grandeur. At Beauport, again, may be seen what may be done with such a simple subject as the Silver Birch. There it is planted on the brinks of charming dells, into which its graceful branches dip in a most pleasing manner; and I might go on multiplying in- stances where pleasing effects and good combina- tions have been secured by a judicious disposition of suitable subjects ; but sufficient has been said to show that good effects invariably follow wise selection and treatment. A tree in itself may be beautiful, but its beauty is further enhanced when its surroundings are such as to render it still more conspicuous. A variegated Sycamore standing alone is only a second-rate object ; but, associated with other trees different from it in colour, it becomes strikingly beautiful. In order to secure a full measure of success in planting for the purpose of creating distinct features in the landscape, it is necessary to know something of the characters of the trees it is desirable to use. I may therefore mention a few groups of trees which, in point of habit of growth and colour of foliage, are capable of creating diverse features. The first I sliall mention con- sists of Ilex, Cedar of Lebanon, Weeping Birch, and English Elm. "Whether this group is seen close at hand or in the distance, the subjects of which it consist are of such a diverse character, that they cannot fail to please even the most critical. The Deodar, Turkey Oak, and green Sycamore also make a distinct group. Ilex, Fern- leaved Beech, Picea Nordmanniana, and the English Oak likewise make an imposing group. The Balsam Poplar, Silver Poplar, Horse Chestnut, and scarlet Maple are also interesting trees for this style of planting, the last-named being particularly conspicuous both in spring and autumn. The evergreen Oak, Horse Chestnut, and Huntingdon Elm make a picturesque group, both as regards habit of growth and colour of foliage. The peculiar grey-green which over- spreads the Oak is as distinct from other trees as tlie tree is remarkable in outline. Tlie devia- tions amongst the forms of trees when judiciously disposed are very striking, and when to that is added diversity of foliage, strong contrasts are the result ; and there is no time in the whole year when these are so conspicuous as in the leafy month of June. The same principles in regard to grouping alsn apply to low-growing trees and shrubs, and es- pecially to Conifers, which are as diverse in the colour of their foliage as any genus of plants which we possess. One group I may mcntiim is particularly effective, viz., Picea Nordmanniana, with its strong tone of dark olive-green ; Pinus excelsa, whicli has silvery grey leaves ; and the handsome Picea nobilis, with its distinct glaucdus colour. These and the Weeping Hemlock (which has not inaptly been called tlie queen of ever- greens) have a beauty of their nwn rarely seen in other trtes. These four subjects, if judiciously placed, are capable of making an interesting group. Many more might be mentioned, but I must be content to merely briefly direct atten- tion to a few subjects with golden foliage that cannot be passed over being capable of creating fine effects. Amongst deciduous subjects the most striking are the golden Acacia, golden Elder, Catalpa syringa;fo]ia aurea, and the golden Poplar. In the evergreen class there is a wonder- ful variety suitable for almost any soil or posi- tion. Amongst these may be named the golden form of the Lawsoii Cypress, Thuja aurea, Eeti- nosporas. Biotas, Hollies, Osmanthus, and Eheag- nu3. With such a variety of subjects, most nf which are of a thoroughly reliable and hardy character, it is clear that our ornamental grounds need not be destitute of summer tints as well as autumnal ones. No one would wish to say a word against deciduous trees, whicli do so much to beautify the landscape ; but the superabund- ance of them should not preclude the use nf others not so well known, but equally valuable for landscape effect. J. C. C. Rose Garden. OWN-ROOT ROSES. " D. T. F." must have misunderstood my state- ment in reference to this subject. I may now say that last year I destroyed a bed of worked Paul Neyron under glass, and replanted it with plants raised from cuttings. I have also a few plants of Gen. Jacqueminot on Briers in my early Jacque- minot house, but they are never so good as the plants in other parts of the house : the flowers are about the same, but I do not get nearly so many from the same space. I have imported quantities of worked Roses, and also Roses on their own roots, and after making allowance for overfed plants from a nursery, the plants from cuttings were the most satisfactory. The Manetti stock I detest ; it fills the ground with suckers, which one may cut and dig out everlastingly and never be free from them. The Brier stock gets burnt up in hot weather, and will not stand the winter here. I have no doubt that many of the best flowers in England are cut from Roses on tlie Brier or Dog Rose, a natural circumstance seeing it is a native; but I may also mention that in unusually cold winters without protection the Roseitseif gets killed if thestock happens to escape, which it seldom does here. As regards the strong shoots of La France with a number of buds and single flowers on them, I may mention that we tie our shoots of that Rose down ; thus treated they break from every eye, and as a rule produce one large flower on each shoot. The large upright shoots I mentioned start from the base and never yield very fine flowers individually, although more in number than on shoots tied down ; but as these large Roses here are all required with long stems many buds must be sacrificed. Roses from cuttings will root as freely as Ver- benas, and every eye will make a plant. The young plants can be either grown on in pots or planted out during summer and potted if required, or they can remain in the ground the same as worked plants. As regards the query about Gloire de bijon, to which I alluded in a ]irevious communi- cation, I may say that some plants of it were standards, probably 5 feet in height, trained on a west wall ; others were in a bed with a west ex- posure, on stocks about a toot high. I believe they were all on Brier stocks, but I only speak from memory. We have hundreds of acres of Roses here planted under glass, and unless Roses are requiriul in pots tor a special purpose, I consider that way of grow- ing them to be waste of time and labour. It also appears strange to us to read the list of varieties recommended in England for forcing. I am aware that some of our large growers for the Nc«- York cut flower market have grown some of such kinds as Gloire de l>ijon, Reine Marie Henriette, and Madame Faloot, but the trade can get on without 20 THE GARDEN. [July 10, 1886. them. Alba rosea is not often seen ; Catherine Mermet and The Bride are, of course, indispensable ; hut of what use in the trade are such varieties as David I'radel, Devoniensis, Etoile de Lyon, Mdme. Lambard, Marie Van Houtte, Perle de Lyon, and Celine Forestier ? Niphetos is, of course, indis- pensable. T. Taplix. Maywood, New Jersey. CLIMBINa EOSES. It is unfortunate that so many of our best climbing Roses are of such exuberant growth that they need so much pruning to keep them in order. Even Marechal Niel, which might be said almost to bloom itself to death,"so profusely does it flower, produces wood in such abundance, that probably more'plants, especially where they have ample room, suffer more from want of pruning or thinning than from too much of it. But the other day I cut a barrowdoad of wood from some strong-growing plants in a cool house, and yet they are now full of new and almost luxuriiint growth, showing that not only do the plants like the knife and ample room, but also that more thinning will have to be done later on. Madame Berard, Lamarque, and similar good climbers literally cram a house with wooil, so that space cannot be found for it, whilst the quantity of bloom is far from being proportional. I found Eeine Marie Henriette, though producing rich, deep coloured buds early under glass, pro- ducing them sparingly proportioned to the wood, and I have cut it out, and indeed all other strong growers, leaving only the Marechal, which seeras to find in these coarse growers admirable stocks. On the other hand, whilst the Marechal does not thrive well out-doors, even on a south wall, Reine Marie Henriette does admirably, and so well that I shall plant a good quantity of it next autumn. It blooms eailier than most others, has with its flowers nice long stems, fairly free of thorns, plenty of petals in the flowers, and opens well. I wish I could write as highly of the over-praised Nipheti s, as some others can. Here, on a warm south wall, it is rather bushy than free, and is exceedingly spiny, so much so, in fact, that it is quite unpleasant to handle. I should say that, planted a foot apart in good soil, plants of this Rose would rival Blackthorn in the formation of fences. Then I find fault with the colour of the outer petals of the flowers, wLi;h are so much tinted with colour, that they detract materially from the purity looked for in iSTiphetos. Would that Rose raisers stopped producing creamy and buff -coloured Roses, of which we have so many, and give us in lieu thereof a pure white Tea, that is of good, robust, ytt not absolutely excessive growth, blooms profusely, and has flowers as long enduring and as solid as those of Marechal Niel. Homere is a capital house Rose, though really not a climber, because it never ceases gi-owth, and no sooner has produced one lot of blooms than it pushes other shoots and a fresh lot of flowers, and so on all through the season. That, with a couple of plants of Catherine Mermet, one of the loveliest of Teas, are all that I tolerate in the Hose house now besides the Marechal ; for where the market has to be regarded, quantity and value must be fully regarded. Safrano, usually so ready to burst to pieces," has in the recent dull weather, on a south wall, been exceed- ingly well behaved. A. D. and that the famous Vale of Severn once more became the scene of another, but let us hope not the last, battle of the Roses. Rose growers on all hands tell us that the past has been one of the most trying wintei's for Roses on record; Hybrid Perpetuals as well as tender Teas have suli'ored terribly. This may be true, but, judging from the size, build, and magnificence of the Hopend and Cranston blooms, one might imagine that it has been peculiarly favourable, or otherwise the plants have been wintered under glass. Such, however, as far as Mr. Grant is concerned, is not the case, for he has no glass, nor does he require it, as he assures us that all his finest Teas are cut from plants clear of walls or hedges in the open ground. A handsome prize was offered for one hundred blooms in not less than ten varieties, and the class being open to all comers there was a strong con- test. Mr. Grant was, however, well to the front with a magnificent exhibit consisting of twenty- five varieties well staged and tastefully arranged. The second prize fell to the King's Acre exhibitors, who had also a grand lot of blooms wliich must have given the judges some trouble ; but when we state that the Rev. Mr. Cam was at the head of the trio, there e.xists but little doubt as to the righteousness of the decision. In the same open class Mr. Grant was again placed first, with a splendid box of choice Teas, also for a bouquet composed entirely of Rose-buds. In the nursery- men's class all the prizes fell to the King's Acre exhibits, Mr. Grant occupying a similar position at the head of the amateur classes. Messrs. Smith & Co. made a fine display with Roses, Irises, and herbacfous flowers, for -Hhich their nur- sery is now celebrated. Messrs. Rowe had extremely fine blooms of A. K. Williams. Mr. White sent from the Haywood's Nurseries Roses, herbaceous plants, and florists' flowers. Messrs. Lewis and Sons also proved how well the pure Malvern air, combined with skill, suits Roses, Clematises, herbaceous plants and florists' flowers. Equally good w'as the display of their now well- known Pelargonium, Duchess of Albany, a profuse bloomer, and admirably adapted for forcing and furnishing. Smaller exhibitors came out well with Roses, and the brilliant uniforms worn by their Generals and Marshals proved at a glance how they feed and flourish on the (letrilim of the grand old hills. The new Assembly Rooms and grounds are a great boon to visitors and a credit to those who at great expense ha^-e created them. W. C. ROSES AT MALVERN. The first Rose show of the season in the west midlands w^as held in the new Assembly Rooms, at (ireat Mah-ern, on Thursday, the 1st inst., and was well attended. Had the managers of this recently erected building, with its tastefully laid- out grounds, depended upon local growers, their first gathering in honour of the queen of flowers would have been a brilliant success ; but when it is, borne in mind that the Rose nurseries at Wor- cester and the famous Rose grounds at King's Acre are within an hour's run by rail, and the redoubt- able exhibitor, Mr. fJrant, is located on the deep loam of the old red sandstone on the Herefordshire side of the hills, no one will be surprised to hear that flowers of the finest quality were exhibited, Kose Earl of Pembroke.— We have recently cut several fine blooms of this variety, .and I am of opinion that it is by far the best I have yet grown of Mr. Bennett's hybrids. It opened its blooms much more quickly than any of tlie Hybrid Perpetuals placed at the same time in an early Fig house, and we hope to work up a good num- ber of plants for forcing. The blooms, wdiich are freely produced, are large and full, of a rich crimson colour, and sweetly jierfumed. It is a vigorous grower. Half-ripened flowering shoots, if taken off with a heel and placed singly in small pots filled with loamy sandy soil, and plunged in a moderately strong bottom heat, will strike root in about a month. — W. I. M. SUORT NOTES-ROSES. Diseased Roses (/*. I>. D. and A. D.). — Your Roses :irc infested with I'cd lust or Orange fungus of g" = Genista elata. — This is a tall-growing variety of the common native Genista tinotoria, but is very different in habit of growth, the latter being a low- trailing shruh. G. elata U a useful shrub, as it blooms profusely at this se.ison when few other shrubs are in flower. Every s-Iender t«ig is covered with a nmltitude of tiny yellow flowers Some specimens of it have been sent to us by Messrs. Veitch from their Coombe Wood Nurseries, where it is now in bloom. Clematis coccinea.— It may not be generally known that there are good and bad varieties of this distinct-looking Xorth American Clemati-'. Those who ha\-e seen only the inferior variety have but a poor opinion of it as a garden plant, 'but the best variety should be seen, such as that which Messrs. Veitch send us from Coombe Wood. The flowers of this variety are over an inch long, of conical shape with spreading sepals, and wholly of a bright blood- red colour. It is a beautiful and most interesting climber and quite hardy. Strictly, it is regarded as a variety of C. Viorna, but in the garden C. coccinea is the best name. Souvenir de la Malmaison Carnation.— At Alderbrouk, C'ranlcigh, there is just now a grand display made by means of this Carnation. It consists of about 100 specimens, all two-year-old plants, in 9-inch pots, and each plant is producing from five to six blooms perfect in shape and ipiality. The average size of each bloi^m is from 4 inches to 5 inches in diameter. There are also about 200 one year-old plants in :!-inch and 4-inch pots. The y.ung plants in the 4-inch pots produce much larger bl loms than "Ider plants, some of them measuiing as much as IS iuchts in circumference. — P. W. H. Philadelphus grandiflorus. — Some flower- sprays of this beautiful Mock Orange, the largest flowered of all the species, have been sent to us by Mr. Kingsmill, of Eastcott, Pinner. They are won- dei-fully fine ; indeed, we have never before seen such vigorous shoots or fuch l.irge flowers— presumably the result of the close system of pruning which Mr. Kingsmill practises. Th-^ leases are over 4 inches broad and (he flowers are -Ih inches across, snow white and deliriously scented. It would be ditticult to name a lovelier flowering shrub than this, and the hint with regard to pruning m.ay be useful. Boiler trials at Liverpool. — The following competitors hive been successful in obtaining awards at th-^ Riyal Horticultural Society's recent show at Liverponl: For a boiler capable of he iting 2000 feet : 1. Me>sr-\ F. & J. Mee, Liverpool, silver medal Heating 1000 feet : 1, Mr. S. Beards, Harlow, silver medal ; 2, J. Witherspoon, Durham, bronze medal. Heatmg 500 feet : 1, Mr. S. Deards, Harlow, sUver medal ; 2, Mr. J. G. Wagstaff, Manchester, bronze medal ; equal 2, Mr. T. Wood, Bristol, bronze medal. Odontoglossum Alexandrse. — I send you a flower of tliis Orchid to show you what a fine variety it is. There were two flowers on the spike, the mea- surement of both being 4^ inches across, upper sepal 1 J inches wide, petal lA inches wide, lip 1 inch. The flower was gr. iwn at my g.arden at New-Hall-Hey, Rawtenst dl, so it had to travel over 2'iO miles. — G. W. L.VW-SclIOKlELD. *^* An exceedingly fine variety, as large as we have seen, and perfect in form. — En. FRUITS AT THE LIVERPOOL SHOW. These were scarcely so good as one would have expected, a circumstance attributable, perhaps, to the early date of the show, but there was also an absence of well-known exhibitors. Only three competed in collections of eight kinds of fruit, and there was not a really conspicuously good dish amongst them. The majority were presentable, but nothing more. In the six varieties there were more competitors, and here the Melons, Straw- berries, and Cherries were better than in the preceding class. In Grapes there was not a bunch that would e.xceed 3A lb., and the majority were much less. Bunches below medium size and berries of very ordinary type predominated. Black Hamburghs were the most plentiful, eight lots of three bunches were staged. The first prize lot were large in berry, slightly rubbed, and one of them, the middle bunch, very red. The second three were badly formed bunches with berries of various sizes, but black. The third prize three had small berries, too much crowded. Three bunches from The (,)uinta. Chirk, were of uniform shape, jet black, spiotless, green in footstalk, slightly loose, but as near perfection as possible, and yet they were unrewarded, a circumstance freely commented on in the fruit tent. Jladres- field Court had a class to itself, and was repre- sented by three bunches. These were well coloured and shown in fine condition. Muscats were poor in quality and deficient in numbers. The first pi'ize lot was quite green and the berries so round as hardly to indicate the Muscat type ; none but the judges seemed to know in what their merits consisted. The second prize lot showed more of the Muscat type, but hardly more of a matured character. The third, although somewliat loose, were true Muscats, good in berry and golden in colour— so much so, indeed, that look at them as one would the impression remained that they were undoubtedly the best Muscats in the show. Foster's Seedling was favoured with a class, and was represented by eighteen bunches in six lots. The clusters were not large and the berries were below the average in size, but the winners, especially the first, were beautifully ripened. In the class of any other variety Golden Champion secured the first piize, the bunches of it shown being very good : the bei-ries were unusually large, but they were hardly ripe, and little black spots were visible on some of them. The second prize went to Duke of Buccleuch, the bunches of which were rather small, but the berries large and spot- les.s. The Trebbiano which gained the third prize was small in bunch and unripe : indeed, it was a mistake to show this variety at this time of the year. Pine-apples were good throughout. The speci- mens corajieting in pairs were all (Jueens. The first prize brace weighed together 9 lb. ; the second prize pair would weis^h about 3 lb. each : and the third prize lot 10 lb. the two together. These were tall, fine, conical fruit, perfectly fresh and well coloured. How they came to be placed third, and the preceding pair second, was a mj'stery. We heard one of the judges observe that their crowns did not match, one crown being 3 inches in length and the other 'Sh inches. Now a o lb. Queen with a crown of either of those dimensions surely merits attention. The first prize fruit in the single t^lueen class was decayed at the bottom, while the second and third specimens were equally large and without blemish. One fairly good Black Jamaica was the only specimen shown in the "any variety " class. Readies numbered twenty dishes, and were very good. In the two dishes Early Albert and Stirling Castle were first. Royal George and ( Iros Mignonne second, and Royal George and Bellegarde third. All of these were finelj- rijiened and beautifully coloured. In the single dish class very large specimens of Galande were first, and equally fine ^'iolette Hiitive second. Sea Eagle was shown in one instance in the shape of fruits weighing from 13 ounces to }5 ounces each, and very handsome ; we do not remember to have before seen this late variety shown at this sea-on of the year. Necta- rines were, if anything, better than Peaches. They were very uniform in size and highly coloured. Pine-apple and Lord Napier were first in the two dishes, and Lord Napier and Downton second. Balgowan was first in the single dish class, Violette Hiitive second, and very fine Lord Napier third. This is a very good show variety at this season, but we question if it would figure so highly if judged by flavour. Strawberries were just in their prime. The finest by a long way in the show was the new variety named Noble. A large dish of single fruits of this kind was shown, and a large traj'ful of clusters to show its manner of cropping, and in both instances the specimens were very fine. Those shown singly would average about 2 oz. each, quite firm, and very highly coloured. Its flavour is equal to that of President, and in earliness it comes in with Black Prince. As seen here it may be briefly desciibed as one of the earliest, largest, most showy and ferti'e varieties extant, and it well merited the first-class certificate that was awarded it by the fruit committee. President, Sir .J. Paxton, and Marguerite were the winners in the leading class, and a magnificent dish of President, from Heckfield, was first amongst a multitude of single dishes. Cherries were few, not more than half-a-dozen dishes being shown in two classes. Black Cir- cassian was the most attractive variety, and also one of the best. Figs were more numerous, and chiefly consisted of Brown Turkey, Lee's Prolific, and Negro Largo. Melons were in strong force, and one of the judges stated that he had never tasted so many inferior fruits at a sliow before, a remark, however, that does not apply to those that gained prizes; on the contrary, the Longleat Perfection, which gained first prize, and Hero of Lockinge, which was second, were exquisite ; of the two, the latter is perhaps the best, having a really pileasing flavour, without too much sweetness. The first prize fruits were large and handsome. A collec- tion of last j'ear's Apples shown from Sussex was wonderfully well preserved, the French Crab, < Gloria Mundi, and Alfriston being amongst the best. Notes on this department of the show would not be complete without reference to the magnificent collection of orchard-house trees, in pots, from Saw bridgeworth. They numbered five or six dozen, and consisted of Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, Pears, Oranges, Cherries. Figs, &c. They were all compact trees, the majority not more than 4 feet in height, with strong young w-ood, clean, healthy leaves, and bearing astonishing crops of ripe fruit. "Oh! how I would like to have an orchard house," exclaimed many, and certainly this unique collection will do more to popularise orchard houses than anything else that could have been shown. ■Vegetables. These were sufficiently numerous in some classes but deficient and poor in others. Potatoes were very much so, hardly one of the tubers being fully grown, and anything hut well formed. The Onion class only contained three dishes, and the bulbs were but of medium size. Collections were the strongest in ]ioint of quality. Large bundles of Asparagus, more than one could take conveniently between their two hands, figured conspicuously in several of the collections. Carrots were backward , OQ THE GARDEN. [July 10, 1886. Cauliflower small, and Kidney Beans ■vyell de- veloped ; Cucumbers were more varied in form tlian usual, and all somewhat deficient in form. Teleplionc, Telegraph, and Stratagem were the leading kinds of prize I'eas, all being remarkably well filled. They -n-ere so numerous, too, that the judges got confused amongst them, as in the first instance, and until some outsider corrected the mistake, the society's first prize for three dishes of Peas was awarded rightly, then the second was awarded to a special prize group, and the third came back to the proper quarter. This might easily have been avoided by the judges counting the number of dishes in each class before begin- ning to judge them, and also looking to see if the numbers on the cards corresponded with the class which they were judging before awarding the prize. Tomatoes made a capital show, but al- though exhibited under a dozen or more names, there were not really more than two or three dis- tinct varieties there, and the only one perfectly distinct was Dedham Favourite. C.^jibrian. NOTES ON PLA.NTAIN LILIES. DiRlNG the past few years the different species of Plantain Lilies (Funkias) have gained great popula r^ty with gardeners, owing, in a great measure, to the extensive use made of some of them in the London parks and other places where what is known as sub- tropical gardening is carried out. This anyone acquainted with the genus will not be surprised at, for to the value of its species as fine-foliaged plants is also added the good quality of being free and hand- some-flowering herbaceous plants, all of which produce spikes of bell-shaped flowers. Another point in favour of plants of this kind is that they thrive in almost any soil, although, like many others, they are seen to the greatest advantage when grown in well-drained sandy loam. All the species are easily multiplied by means of division, an operation that may be performed either in spring or in the autumn. One of the most useful and ornamental species of this genus is F. Sie- b;ildi, a plant which is known in gardens under various names, the most common of which are sub-cordataand glauca. It grows from 1 foot to 2 feet in height, and has large, somewhat heart-shaped, glaucous leaves, and bluish or pale lilac flowers. Good sized tufts of this are very miposing in borders or on tuif, and beds of it are liken ise attractive — a fact proved by some that have been planted in Battersea Park within the past few years. It may also be used advantageously in mixed beds of foliage plants, such as Melianthus major, Acanthus latifolius, the dwarfer C'annas, &c. F. japonica, commonly known in gardens as F. grandiflora, is a species,which grows from 1'2 inches to 18 inches in height, and which produces numerous large, handsome, pure white, sweet-scented flowers in August and September. Its leaves are of a clear pale green, and are much smaller than those of the preceding kind. In some places this species is used as a flowering plant for edgings ; but it is seen to the greatest advanta£;e when planted in tufts, iu beds or borders, in a well-drained sandy loam. Another desirable kind is that known as F. ovata, which forms a neat tuft from 15 inches to 20 inches high. Its leaves are large, broadly oval in outline, pointed at the tip, and of a dark shining green colour. This inakei a useful edging plant for sub-tropical beds or borders. Besides the above, which are all qiute dis- tinct, there are numerous variegated kinds that form desirable edging plants. Of these I would recom- mend the varieties of F. ovata, lancifolia variegata, and albo-marginata. S. Double-flowered Myrtle indoors. — Every- Viody acquainted with flowers knows the lovely double-flowered Myrtle, which is a very desirable plant both for bouquet work and for decorative purposes generally. A neat bushy plant of it looks well when in bloom, but its beauty is much enhanced if trained as a standard with a stem about 2 feet high. However, as the double-flowered Myrtle grows rather slowly, it is a good plan to graft it on the common broad leaved kind (Myrtus communis), of which rooted cuttings, when planted out in suitable soil, make in one season plants tit to be grafted on at tie above mentioned height. The best time to per- form this operation is in the end of August or begin- ning of September, when the branches of the Myrtles are sufficiently ripened, and the plants must be kept close until the scion has taken, after which period they may be treated as is commonly the rule to deal with plants in such circumstances, that is to gradually harden them off, to untie the ligatures, and to cut away the branches of the stock. It must be under- stood that all the brancht s must not be cut clean off at once, as that would very likely cause the death of the plant, while, on the other hand, these branches assist to strengthen the trunk until the scion has grown sufficiently to consume all the nourishment the roots furnish. Care must be taken to get a well- shaped crown ; therefore stopping of the branches must be made in time, and they must be pruned annually in spring. Plants grown in this manner may often be seen in (Jontinental nurseries. — G. Heather edgings. — Few have any conception of what an effective edging for large beds or borders can be formed of the common Heather, or Ling, as it is often called. The more choice kinds are much used in clumps in shrubberies, but, until the other day, I had no idea that the wild Ling could be effectively employed as an edging plant. A friend of mine has a short drive up to the house, and on the right hand side is a wide border filled with standard Roses and backed by a hedge of the same trained against wires ; under the standards are bedding plants, the whole being finished off with a wide border of Heather next the narrow band of Grass which separates the drive from the border. On the left side is the lawn, along the edge of which is a nairow ribbon border about 3 feet wide, along the centre of which is a row of standards. Each side of the band is edged with Heather, next the Heather are Calceolarias, and in the centre a row of single purple Petunias. The effect of this arrangement as a whole is very good. The Heather used iu this case was got from a common near at hand, care having been taken to see tliat it was all of one variety, and that it was cleared of all weeds and Grass. — A. H. Sedum carneum variegatum. — This pretty Sedum makes a very desirable little drooping plant with which to face the edges of flower-stands in drawing-rooms, ball-rooms, or corridors, and it re- tains its freshness a long tune without requiring to be changed, unless a change should otherwise tie de- sirable. It is also very useful for giving a dressy appearance to, and for hiding the wirework of, liang- ing baskets filled with plants, whose growth may not have so decided a drooping tendency. Its long elegant growths have a light and pretty effect when used sjiaringly round the upper tiers of tall glasses either for dinner-table or drawing-room decoration. I have always found the more frequent the changes of materials and style in this class of decoration the more satisfactory it is. Too much repetition of any- thing, even when tastefully done, palls and satiates. This Sedum, like many others of the same family, also makes a very desirable hardy bedding plant, either for edging on the flat for covering the edges of raised beds, or for furnishing undergrowth for tall succulents or Palms, Dracjenas, &c. ; and it is also a useful plant iu the rock garden. It is easily propa- gated in heat in spring, when every little bit will strike root freely. — E. H. Mimuluses in pans best. — The variety of striking colours to be found in the flowers tf Mimu- luses should be sufficient to recommend them; but if we may judge from the few gardens in which they are found in satisfactory condition, it is evident that they are not so popular as one would imagine plants of such ea«y culture should be. It is a simple matter to raise a stock of plants from seed in three or four months' time ; if a commencement is made in sprin: thrifty little specimens may be had that will produce a good number of flowers. They are, properly speak ing, spring and early summer flowering plants — seasons at which the flowers not only last longer, but are larger than those produced during the usually hot months of July and August. It an old plant or two ha^e been carefully brought through the winter, plenty of young shoots will be produced by them in February. Many of these may be taken up with roots attached to them, ready for potting. Those who recpiire large specimens should grow them in pans from 6 inches to 8 inches deep, and from 10 inches to 20 inches in diameter, according to convenience. Mi- muluses are moisture-luving plants, and therefore a good substantiil loam is the best soil for them, and only moderate drainage is required. They are equally well suited for growing -in pot?, but pans are best for large specimens. People who have young pieces that will form plants should dibble them in 3 inches apart, and then the pans may be placed in an ordinary greenhouse. When they begin to grow they will want plenty of air ; if much con- fined, the growth will be weak and the flowers small. Unless there should be any plants making more growth than ordinary, they require no stopping ; but they will he the better for having some neat sticks placed to the strongest stems, as the flowers are often so large and heavy that the stems are unable to support them. They require a rather libera' supply of water when making growth, and they should also be shaded from very bright sunshine. Those who have to raise a stock of plants from seed should be careful to save it from a good strain of flowers, and there are plenty of such in the country. It is best to sow it thinly in a rather large pan of fine sandy soil, so that the plants may have room enough to grow to a good size, as in that case they can be transferred from the seed pans to those in which they are to flower. Seedlings require a little more nursing while yo\mg than plants from cuttings ; but as soon as they have grown 2 inches high, they may have the same treatment as rooted plants in pans. Three seedlings put into a fi-iuch pot make pretty little plants fur greenhouse or conservatory decjration. — J. C. C. Winter-blooming Carnations. — In some places enormous ([uantities of these flowers are re- quired, and must be supplied. Plants and cut flowers must be had for rooms, the dinner-table must be pro- vided for, and bouquets for button-holes must be abundant. For the latter purpose nothing surpasses these Carnations, of which there are now several fine winter-flowering varieties that everyone ought to grow. Among these I consider tlie following the best for the winter months, viz. ; Monsieur Baldwin, Lady Frances, Garibaldi, Vulcan, Van Houtte, The Bride, Napolein III., Empress Eugt'nie, and Miss Joliffe ; the last ij the best of all. Since I first began growing this variety I have kept yearly increasing my stock of it until now I grow it by the hundred. It is such a profuse flowerer that one may cut an im- mense quantity of blooms from it daily, flowering, as it does, as freely in pots as the old dark Clove does in the open border. The raiser of this useful variety was Mr. Keen, gardener at Campsey Ash, Wickham Market. To be successful iu having a plentiful supply of flowers through the winter, I find it best to get the cuttings rooted in good time ; therefore I generally put in a good batch of them early in March, in a gentle bottom-heat ; the plan I adopt is to place a couple of hand-lights on a bed filled with leaves in our Rose house where the Roses are plunged, and then put in the hand-lights about 4 inches of sandy soil, which is made quite firm, and the Carnation cuttings inserted. A good watering is then given and no further trouble is required until they begin to root, when air must be admitted by degrees. I have never found this jilan fail ; the night temperature of the house is about SC. I use ti-inch and .'Sl.-inch pots for flowering them ; if larger pots are employed the plants do not flower so freely. — W. A. QUESTIONS. 550S.— White Cucumbers.— Can my reader of Tjie Garden tell me tiiL- cause uf Cucumber.s coming almost white .ind very soft V They are watered every day. The tempera- ture is kept at about I'O'^ in the daytime with sim-heiit, and at about 70° at night, the bottom-heat being about SO". — A. N. ■i50'.i.— Premature ripeningr in Vines —I have .«ix Gr03 Colmar Vines that were struck in .January, 18S'), and phmtcd in May of that year. l>uriny the la.st few weeks many of the bottom leaves are discolouring — indeed, have be- come autumn tinted ; iu fact, some of them have dropped off. The rods were eut back last December to a foot from the ground. They started again iu March, and have made canes about 10 feet long, and about the thickness of one's finger. What, I want to know, can have caused the prema- ture ripening? The tempci-ature of the house is kept up to aljoutSO" with sun-heat, .and TO'' at night. The Vines ,are syringed every day at 4 o'clock— at least iu time to allow the heat to rise up to i'O", when the house is closed. — C. K. July 10, 1886.] THE GARDEN. effective, and all who take a delight in skele- tonising should Introduce them into their work. — Cambrian. Garden in the House. BOWL OF MEXICAN ORANGE-FLOWER. This noble shrub, with its wealth of clusters of I GARDENING IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE. Orange-like bloom, yields a bountitul supply ot flowers for cutting. The glossy foliage, of great The Blue (ium tree appears likely to prove a Rood substance, forms a rich setting to the solid white "«"d *« «»,"ers of gardens m districts which . , ; , ij 1 1 ti, rpK „ border the Mediterranean, ihe great bar to the petals and pa e gold-coloured anthers. The en- ^^^^^^^^^^^ ^„lt^,3 „f tender exotics in that graving of a handful of flowering sprays loosely ^,„„,,„,.nt region has been want ot shade and arranged in a glass bowl shows its value as a cut shelter, and this the stroiio-er growing kinds of flower, and also the good eS'ect of one distinct Eucalyptus can supply. They thrive apace in flower arranged simply by itself with its own positions where much difficulty has been found in foliage. inducing the production of vegetation having the I requisite protective power. In a climate where Dahlias in a cut state. — Finding Dahlias, { the thermometer never falls to freezing point and especially whites, such as Constance and Little where the summer heat is high it is natural to Gem, and scarlets or crimsons, such as Jaurezi, so infer that a large number of exotics which in a useful for cutting both earlier and later than they more northern latitude require constant protec- are ordinarily to be had, we last season grew a tion from cold would be happy. Orchids, amongst quantity of young spring- struck plants in pots for ~ ^ late flowering, and as the out- door supply was cut off very early by frost, they proved to bemost useful, keeping well in a cool or- chard house until Chrysanthemums came in. They weredriedofl'and cut down just be fore Christmas, and laid on their sides in a cool place just free from frost until March, when they were again brought out and started into growth. After taking off what cuttings we re- quired the tops were allowed to grow unchecked, and, by gradually hardening them off like ordinary bedding plants, we had fine bushes full of flower - buds by the time it was safe to plant them out. The result has been that, in- stead of having to wait until Au- gust for flowers, we have cut a good many in June, and an abund- other things, are mentioned as having been tried ance is coming on. If planted in good soil and with good results, and as it has been found that The Mexican Orange-flower (,cbui.sya ternata). From a photogr.aph. the blooms cut, as soon as they are fit for use there need be little fear of Dahlias ceasing to bloom from exhaustion. During the hottest wea- ther when fragile flowers fade quickly, it is no small boon to liave a good supply of Dahlias to fall back upon, and amongst them may be found nearly all shades of colour required. — -J. Groom, ilo^port. Skeletonised Nepenthes. — In the charmin collections of skeletonised leaves anil flowers shown at the recent Liverpool exhibition, the Nepenthes were very conspicuous, several very fine pitchers a considerable number of species actually enjoy being in the open air in this country during the warmest months of the year, we are justified in assuming that they would do even better where the average summer heat is higher than with us. The experiments that have been made in this direction are sutficiently satisfactory to warrant the hope that the south of France will one day be a happy home for a large number of plants which we are compelled to keep most of the year under cover. French. sal.\ds. — Every Frenchman seems to having been successfully subjected to this process. | know how to make an appetising salad, probably This is the first time in which I have known these I owing to salads being considered in France to pitchers to be skeletonised, and as they show a i possess considerable nutritive value. I do not very close network of fibre and retain their natural exaggerate when I say that a French workman shapes, they certainly rank amongst the most will make a dinner on a salad and a piece of bread desirable of all forms of vegetation for skeleton- and be quite satisfied therewith. This will not ising. They are remarkably curious and very appear strange when the amount of oil consumed j is taken into account. The quantity of oil that a ' French workman will eat at a meal would sur- priss those who are accustomed to a very moderate use thereof. It little matters to a Frenchman whether the basis of his salad is formed of Lettuce, Corn Salad, or Dandelion ; only give him plenty of good oil and a variety of herbs, and he will make a dift'erently flavoured, tasty, satisfying salad, for each day in the week. The great fault commonly committed in this country is the too free use of , vinegar and the absence of herbs, also want of ; careful preparation of the esculents employed as a ' basis. It is a curious fact, and one that illustrates the importance attached to salads in Franco, that they are not eaten with flesh, but always with bread alone. If we were to eat salads for their own sake we should make them better, and in hot summer weather they are certainly more whole- some and palatable than meat. I never cared for salads until I eat them abroad, and I have rarely found them to my liking in this country, princi- pally, I think, because the deli- cate flavour which a judicious admission of herbs gi\'es is wanting. Cream and Cucumbers have been men- tioned as forming ingredients in French salads, but I never saw either used in that way. The utmost care should be taken to secure the purest oil ; some kinds of oil sold by grocers in this country are coarse and often rancid, the sufh- ciently free use of which pro- duces nausea. Flower shows. — The flower show held in con- nection with the Agricultural So- ciety of France in February last was remarkable for the variety and high quality of the produce ex- hibited. The Messrs. Vilmorin obtained the grand prize {prix d'honneur), their collection of Cinerarias, Hya- cinths, Cycla- mens, Violets, and Primulas being extremely fine. JL Truffaut showed cool Orchids. M. Jlil- let, the largest grower of Violets in France, ex- hibited a collection of this fragrant flower, con- spicuous in which were two varieties of his own raising — Madame Millet and Armandine Millet, the latter having variegated foliage. JI. Dugourd, of Fontainebleau, had a varied collection of hybrid Hellebores raised by him; and M. Salomon, of Thom^ry, who i.'' facile prinrcps among French Grape growers, had a whole glasshouse devoted to his exhibition, consisting of Grapes of the pre- ceding year and Vines in pots bearing ripe fruit. M. Salomon appears to have brought tlie art of keeping Grapes to perfection, for on more than one occasion he has exhibited Chasselas de Fon- tainebleau in May as fresh as when first ripened in autumn. At the exhibition of the French National Horti- cultural Society M. Bleu's new hybrid Bertolonias were much admired, the best of them being cd iui iHt OAKDi..N' 24 THE GARDEN. [July 10, 1886. Mademoisi'lle cle Freyeinet, a kind with greenish brown {lAm'^e distinctly reticulated and spotted with brilliant metallic carmine ; Marguerite Wilson, much veined and spotted with silver on a dark ground ; and Alice Van (Jeert having very large leaves greenish white, with rose-coloured veins. Tlie same exhiliitor had also some new hybrid Caladiums of exceptional beauty, a^ well as a hybrid Begonia of great promise, but cum- brously named villosa argentea purpurata — the result of crossing B. stigmosa with the variety Otto Forster. Messrs. Chantrier's Croton^ and Dracaenas were of the usual excellence, amongst the former being some good seedling?. A superb specimen of the typical Anthurium Andreanum and a group of its varieties were also exhibited by this tirra. M. Taillet had a fine collection of tree Pfeonies, of which he makes a speciality; jirominent amongst them were Louise Jlouchelet, Heine Elizabeth, Zenobia and Athlete. M. Le- moine showed some of his new double Lilacs, such as President (irevy, Horace de Choiseul, and Michel Buchner. Jl. Salomon staged two lots of Chasselas Grape, one composed of forced bunches, the other from the crop of the preceding year. As regards freshness and colour, there was little, if anything, to choose between them. The Compagnie Continentale exhibited some tine novelties at the 100th annual exhibition of the Royal Floral Society at Brussels in May last. Noteworthy among them were Alocasia Lindeni, the lively green hue of the foliage of which con- trasts agreeably with the w hite foot-stalks and veins; A. Augustiana, with large green leaves and red foot-stalks striped with red; A. nigrescens, marked with blackish grey on a green ground ; and A. regina, exhibited last year for the first time. Amongst new Orchids there were Cattleya Malouiana , having very large llowers, with magenta- rose sepals and petals, and an extremely large and showy lip; and Spathoglottisangustorum, a species with tall stems, which keep blooming continuously for three months at a time. Other plants of special merit exhibited on this occasion were a new Aphclandra from Brazil, one of the most singular of coloured-leaved plants ; Cycas ton- kinensis and Bellefonti; Sagenia mammillosa, a distinct and curious Fern ; i'andanus Kerchovei, and Heliconia albo-striata. M. de Smet, of Ghent, exhibited a variegated form of Areca Baueri, and il. Vervaet had a fine variety of Odontoglossum Pescatorei named Vervaetianum, the flowers of which are strongly markerl with large violet-red spots. J. CoKN'lIILL. NOTES. In summer time we have green trees and soft fresh turf, Poppies and Roses, Pfeonies, Irises, and white Pinks in masses in every garden, and, best of all, hot sunshine ane to remove weak or old branches to make room for the strong shoots that push up annually. All Deutzias, Eibes, Lilacs, Syi-ingas— in fact, we may say most of the species named — should be treated in the same way, as the whole of them only manifest a disposition to flower profusely, or at all, when the strong branches have run out their natural length and become twiggy. Care must be taken to prevent crowding. It is right enough to plant thickly at first, because the thin- nings will transplant readily in another two or three years, and be better than newly bought plants for extending shrubbeiies, but thinning out must be attended to in time. J. H. SPIR.EAS IN FLOWER. The most select of these beautiful shrubs in bloom now are the following: Spira-a ariiefolia is a free, bold-growing shrub— indeed, one of the stoutest of the .Spineas. The flowers are, when first ex- panded, of a creamy white colour, and though they become of a purer tint afterwards, arc never thoroughly white. The large feathery terminal panicles in which they are arranged render a spe- cimen of this kind, when in full bloom, a most beautiful and graceful object, and one very diffe- rent from all other shrubs in flower at the same time. This species has in some places been in blossom for weeks past, while in others it is just now at its best. .S. Douglasi forms a mass of closely-packed shoots, each terminated by a dense spike of pretty rose-pink coloured blossoms. It is a most beautiful shrub, and will flower for months together. Of this the different individuals vary a good deal in the colour of the blossoms .as well as in the quantity of pubescence on the foliage. S.' salicifolia, in general terms, may be said to re- semble the last in many particulars, but the foliage is glabrous, and the colour of the flowers varies from whitish to pale [liiik, never being of so deep a. hue as S. Douglasi. What is commonly regarded as a variety of this, under the name of S. salicifolia paniculata, has the blooms arranged in large branching panicles, and their colour is pure white. It is certainly very distinct from the type, and is well worthy of a place among the best. S. tri- lobata is a neat, compact little shrub, at most i-eaching a yard in height, and is now covered with small flattened corymbs of i.nire white blos- soms. The habit of S. callosa is that of a somewhat open bush, with pointed foliage and branching corymbs of bright rosy red coloured blossoms. It is very efl'ective from the rich hue of its flowers, which are almost rivalled in colour by the young leaves and shoots. S. sorbifolia is a stout-branched shrub, very prolific in the production of suckers and clothed with pinnate foliage, thu^ suggesting the name of sorbifolia. The flowers are borne in loose terminal iianicles, and are of a whitish hue. There is a variety known as alpina, Pallasi, or grandiflora, which is dwarfer in habit than the species, but with larger flowers, which are pure white in colour. This pinnate-leaved Spira'a and its variety especially need a ccol, moist sjiot, for they are natives of .Siberia, and therefore, itnless so situated, the hot dry weather generally experi- enced during summer is apt to try them very much. An extremely pretty Spiraa, and one just now at its best, is S. splendens, which is, I believe, of garden origin. It is of dense bushy growth, reaching a heii;ht of about a yard, with terminal clusters of rich reddish pink coloured blossoms. These blooms are borne in dense flattened heads, and in such profusion that a specimen of it pre- sents the appearance of one mass of flowers. H. P. The Azalea season.— Hardy Azaleas, in my opinion, surpass even the Rhododendron in several waj's. Their flowers are more enduring; they are delightfully fragrant, and of rich and varied colour. At this season they are the most con- spicuous dwarf flowering .shrubs in our long hardy plant borders, and we oidy wish we had more of them. With the comparatively new Azalea mollis— which, however, is quite scentless we have now crimson, rose, Hhifc, purple, light yellow, deep rich yellow, orange, red and white, besides intermediate shades : and when a mass of varieties is in flower together, with the young and tender foliage just bursting the buds at the same time, I question if we have any shrub, or mixture of shrubs, that could produce an equally fine effect. Rhododendron planting has mono- polised the gardener's attention hitherto, almost to the exclusion of the Azalea, which I strongly recommend for garden borders and shrubberies. This shrub possesses a value which the Rhodo- dendron does not ; it is one of our most orna- mental foliaged plants in autumn, its leaves almost rivalling the colours of its flowers in spring ; it presents the richest shades of crimson to be found among autumn tints, some varieties assuming tlie true bus of the .Japanese Virginian Creeper, while others are of the richest crimson. To produce an effect, however, either in summer or autumn, a good mass of the dift'erent varieties should be planted together, either in beds or clumps. In the trade these Azaleas are known under the name of Ghent and Engli.sh Azaleas ; and the Japanese vaiiety mollis resembles them in every way, excejjt that it has better formed and more varied coloured flowers. All are deciduous, and flower before the leaves push, or contem- poraneously with the breaking of the leaf buds. Some of the white varieties prod\ice flowers with the leaves, and all late ; they are also amongst the best. — J. S. Genista elatior. — Every season numbers of large bushes of this Genista, especially in the vicinity of the Pagoda at Kew, are the admiration of everyone, and deservedly so, for they flower so profusely as to be quite a mass of bright yellow blossoms, which seem to light up the Laurels, Rhododendrons, and other subjects wifh which they are associated. xVs a flowering shrub, this Genista, indeed, should occupy a prominent place, yet, strange to say, though the .sjiecimens under notice have been in their present position for years and are so much admired, it is quite a scarce shrub, and is seldom or never planted for ornamental purposes. Its propagation is of the simplest, as seeds are freely produced, and grow readily enough. — T. Philadelphus speciosup.— \Vith the long list of Mock Oranges to be found in various catalogues the selection of one or two is rather puzzling, but to anyone needing a thoroughly good form perhaps the best is P. speciosus — at all events it will not prove a source of disajipointment, foi' it forms a handsome bush, is most prolific in bloom, while the individual flowers are largo and of the jmrest white. A specimen of this kind when in bloom jioints particularly to its value as a lawn shrub, for it is of pleasing outline (in no w.ay stiff or formal) and will thrive in drier spots than many other shrubs. A specimen here of the jjretty little P. microphyllus,with small Myrtle-like leaves and flowers about as big as a shilling, is growing with greater freedom than it hitherto promised to do, for shoots nearly a yard in length are pushed up from the base, and the i)!ant is still in full growth. Altogether it is a neat little shrub, and its conspicuous blossoms are just commencing to expand. — H. P. Calycanthus floridus, or Carolina Allspice, as this is called in North America, is a veiy crna- mental hardy shrub, and one very dissimilar from most of those in cultivation. It foims a rather compact-growing bu.sh, with deep green leathery foliage, and peculiar fleshy flowers borne in the axils of the leaves. The blooms are about 1 1 inches in diameter and agreeably scented : indeed, the wood, bark, and leaves all emit a pleasant odour when I ruised. The foliage is deciduous, so that it possesses no special attractions during winter; but in summer, from the fragrance of its blossoms and ornamental foliage, it is well worth the atten- tion of planters as a desirable shrub where strong- growing subjects would occupy too much space. A fairly cool, moist spot seems to suit it best, but it is not very particular as to soil or situation. 'I'bere are several varieties of it, b>it a strong 30 THE GARDEN. [July 10, 1886. family likeness runs through the whole of them therefore, unless for the purpose of forming a cal- lection of them, one or two kinds will suffice. The Carolina Allspice is nearly allied to the sweetly- scented Japanese Ghimonanthus fragrans. — T. LATE-FLOWERING THORNS. Though the majority of Thorns are now out of flower, some of the latest are still in bloom. The Tan.sy-leaved Thorn (Cratjegus tanacetifolia), of which a coloured plate was given in The Gaede.s' last year, is a desirable late-flowering species, which, from the hoary character of its deei)ly cut leaves, can be readily distinguished from all others. It forms a stiffer-growing tree than the common Hawthorn, and the individual blooms are larger, though borne in rather smaller clusters. They are, however, produced so freely that a tree of this species in bloom is as white as a sheet. The Cockspur Thorn (C. Crus-galli) and its numerous varieties, though rather past their best, are still in flower ; the different forms of this Thorn have glossy foliage, which contrasts strik- ingly with that of thb preceding. The varieties of the Cockspur Thorn differ widely from the large bold-growing C. arbutifolia and from the tabuli- form-shaped C. linearis. This latter often pushes out its branches in quite a horizontal direction. The Fire Thorn (C. Pyracantha) is now blooming most profusely; indeed, a specimen here raised from a cutting of the variety called Lselandi is quite a mass of white. The North American Heart-shaped Thorn (C. coi-data) is a free-growing kind, and forms a handsome small tree with deep shining green foliage, while in autumn the fruits, though small, are very bright. Another American kind now in flower is C. pyrifolia, whose large clusters of white blossoms are now at their best. This forms a medium sized tree, with, especially in the case of young vigorous specimens, unusually large lea\es. Of quite a different character from any of the aliove is C. parvitolia, a much branched bush about a yard high, with dark green ovate leaves and solitary flowers, with which it is thickly studded. In some specimens the flowers are nearly an inch in diameter ; their large size and the dwarf habit of the plant render this Crataegus very distinct from any of the others ; indeed, it resembles more a dwarf form of Mespilus grandi- rtora than a Hawthorn. The last I will mention is one that has been in flower a long time, and of which a woodcut illustration recently appeared in The G.^rden — viz., a variety of the common Hawthorn known as C. O.xyacantha semperflorens. This forms a much-branched dwarf shrub, and flowers more or less continuously throughout the summer months. In miniature gardens it should find a home. H. P. Magnolia fascata.— This Chinese Magnolia needs the protection of a greenhouse, or in spe- cially favoured spots the protection of a wall, to enable it to pass through our winters without injury, and, generally speaking, it blooms better under glass than in the ojjsn air. The best treat- ment for it is that which suits Camellias. Its flowers are in no way showy, and being hid, as they are, under the foliage, renders them still more inconspicuous, but their fragrance is such that even a single bloom will fill a whole house with an agreeable odour. Tlie flowers are purplish brown in colour. Another point in favour of this Magnolia is the fact that it will often bloom for months together throughout the summer, and oven small bushes of it will flower, especially those in-opagated by means of cuttings or grafts. Un- like some other Magnolias, this one is not difficult to increase by cuttings, formed of the half-ripened shoots, dibbled flrnily into pots in open .sandy .soil, and kept in a clo.se case till rooted. — H. P. The Mexican Mock Orange.^This some wbat rare shrub ( f'hiladelphus me-xicanus) ia well grown by Mr. Walker, (if Thame, who lately sent us Slime flowering fprays of it. It is a good deal like the common I', coronarius, but the flowers are smaller more numerous, and arranged in less crowded clusters. They are, moreover, devoid of the strong perfume which some think objectionable in the Mock Orange. P. ine.\icanu3 is, unfortunately, not hardy, but it makes a pretty greenhouse shrub for flowering in early -June. Mr. Walker tells us that he places the pots out of doors during the summer, standing them on bricks or tiles to prevent the roots from protruding to the soil below. Abo\i'. November he takes the plants to the greenhouse, where they never fail to make a beautiful display. MARKET GARDEN NOTES. After a vegetable famine of more than ordinary duration, it is cheering to find once more a full supply. Potatoes have, however, been fortunately both good and cheap all through the year. Old kinds are now nearly over, but new ones are already plentiful. The greatest demand at first is for kidneys, especially the Ashleaf , Walnut- leaf, and Myatt's Prolific; these are firmer and have a better flavour than the early American kinds, but the latter fill the baskets quickest; and in towns American Rose, Beauty of Hebron, and similar kinds, if cheap, supersede the kidneys, and are cleared off in time to allow a crop of autumn Cauliflowers or Broccoli to be taken oft" the ground. Cabbages are now good and realise fair prices, the difficulty of getting plants in spring having prevented planting to such an ex- tent as to cause a glut in tlie market. Cold frosty winds in March made plants scarce in this locality ; they got partially uprooted and withered up. Lettuces, both Cos and Cabbage, are plentiful and good. The custom of sowing thinly and avoiding transplanting is now very generally followed, the small extra outlay in the way of seed being more than counterbalanced by" the saving of labour effected and the quicker turning in of the crops. Paris White Cos and All the Year Round Cabbage Lettuces are good old sorts. Vegetable Marrows are now making rapid pro- gress; they like plenty of heat. I find the Bush Marrow to be hardier than any of the others; where both kinds were put out at the same time plants of the Bush variety are now coming freely into bearing, while the others have made but little progress. Winter Broccoli, Kales, Savoys, &c., are now being planted as fast as ground can be got ready for them; the prospects of another dry season like that of last year make growers anxious to get their plants out before the soil loses its moisture. Sowing of main crops of Cabbages is now claiming attention ; Early York, Wheeler's Imperial, Early Rainbow, and Early Fulham are the sorts in most request. James (iROOm. Goaport. Hssmanthus insignis and H. cinnabari- nus are beautiful flowering plants Mhich should be grown in every jarden where there is a warm greenhouse, both species requiring a little extra heat when making their growth, thougli during summer an ordinary greenliouse or frame would suit them. H. insignis has about a dozen leaves with folding bases forming a kind of stem or neck. The flower-spike is pushed up near the side of this neck from between the bulb-scales, and it attains a height of about 8 inches, its large spheiical head of cinnabar-red flowers measuring 6 inches across. The flowers are packed very closely together and are composed of narrow segments and long stamens, the latter being the attractive part ; the anthers are pale yellow. H. cinnabarinus belongs to the same section, but its leaves are broader and longer, and its flowers are not so numerous nor so closely packed on the scape. In these the petals are 1 inch long and a quarter of an inch wide, and the stamens are very thick and curved ; their colour is pale scarlet. Both these jilants are now in flower at Kew, as also is H. Kalbreyeri, a crimson- flowered tropical species, and H. albiflos, which, as the name signifies, has white flowers. Phaius bicolor. —This handsome plant is now in line flowering condition in the Orchid hou.se at Kew, where it has been in cultivation for a long time, but has never attracted the attention of Orchid growers as much as it should. Of the section of the genus represented by the stately P. grandifolius and P. Wallichi it is by far the most desirable kind, its flowers being large in size, numerous on the stout tall scapes, and lasting much longer than those of any other species of Phaius. The spikes are 4 feet long, and bear each a dozen or more flowers ; these have the sepals and petals arranged regularly like a fan, and 2 inches in length ; their colour is pale green at the back, pale chocolate in front. The lip is cucullate, spreading at the top, and crisp edged, whilst the base is narrowed and formed into a hooked spur. The tubular portion is pale yellow, whilst the spreading part is wholly pale magenta. For its cultivation this species requires the same treat- ment as its near relatives named above. It is a native of Ceylon. The chief points of interest in this kind are its flowering season — June to October — its lasting character, and the beauty of its colours. Of course, it is not so gorgeous a plant as P. tuberculosus, but it is superior to it in its free and vigorous habit. Garden Flora. PLATE 552. CISTUS LADANIFERUS MACULATUS.* Of all the species of the geuus Oistus — Bentham and Hooker estimate the number of these which are specifically distinct at about a score — C. ladaniferus is one of the most beautiful and bears the largest flowers. The type, which seems by no means common in gardens, has white flowers, each petal being tinged with yellow at its base ; in size, too, they are larger than those of the variety here figured. The accompanying plate represents the variety maoulatu.?, which difl'ers principally from the type in each petal being marked at its base with a rich dark brownish crimson or blood-coloured' blotch. C. ladaniferus is a native of South-western Europe, and the name was given it by Linnoeus under the mis- taken impression that the plant yielded the labdanum of commerce, a medicine largely used during the prevalence of plague. Labdanum is in reality obtained from C. creticus and other species from Crete, Cyprus, and the Levant. Most of the Ci.-tuses, or Rock Roses, thrive best in dry sandy soil, and under such conditions withstand much better the severity of English winters than when grown in rich damp soils. Seeds are ripened freely enough in most seasons, but the readiest method of propagation is by cuttings. A somewhat full account of all the species of Cistus in cultivation is given in The Garden, Vol. XXVIL, p. 570. Geo. Nicholson. Thunia Marshalli.— This easily grown and very free-flowering plant deserves to stand as much in favour as a garden plant as the Calanthes, for it is as beautiful as any of these, though perhaps not quite as lasting. A few roots planted in gootl turfy loam and manure and placed in a moist stove to start will make stems •2 feet high in about three months, when each stem -nill bear a large [lendent bunch of snow- white flowers with a richly marked yellow lip. After flowering the bulbs should be ripened by exposing them to bright sunshine and fresh air, a frame out of doors being the best place for them ; they should then be removed to a dry place in a temperature of about 4.5" for the winter. They usually show signs of new growth about February, when they should be shaken out of the old soil and repotted. There is another very beautiful Thunia with coloured flowers. This is T. Ben- soni.'c, which has a habit of growth like that of Marshalli, but its flowers are smaller and of a soft lilac-rose colour. * Drawn in Dr. Lowe's garden, Woodcote, Wimbledon Park, in J\ily, 1SS5. THE GARDEN. CISTUS LADANIFERUS. VAR.MACULATUS July 10, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 31 WORK DONE IN WEEK ENDING JULY 6. Jr.sE 30 TO JfLY G. A COMPLICATION of circumstances having prevented the daily posting up of the diary, our notes of work done must be made from memory. On each and every day of the week the heat has been intense, and watering has been the one great item of labour, for, having a good supply, it has been put on without stint. Peaches, Apricots, Plums, and Pears on walls have had a fair share of it ; so have flower-beds and Roses and indoor fruits a full supply. We mulch all borders with long litter or manure, and this aids in the keeping of the foil moist should anything intervene to prevent the application of water at the proper time. The restricted amount of labour has not admitted of our watering vegetable crop?, except recently planted winter greens and Broccoli, which work has been compulsory to keep them alive. All these we plant in deeji drills, a plan that enables u.s to water quickly with large-spouted pots, and as soon as well established the soil is filled in to the ground line, and thus forms a mulching that keeps the soil about the roots moist, and which, except in long-continued drought, renders further watering unnecessary. The tierce sunshine scorched a few \'ine leaves and berries of Grapes in the latest houses ; we therefore deemed it atl- visable to api)ly a slight shade of whiting and water, and no further injury in this direction has taken place. Free ventilation in the early morning, increasing it as the day goes on, will, as a rule, prevent scalding, but the conditions— sud- den heat after a long sunless time — are this year so exceptional, that shading is no doubt the safest plan, and we have applied it to all houses in which the occupants were deemed likely to sutler from the sudden advent of such tropical weather. On the 3rd inst. we gathered Strawberries in quantity for preserving; a week previous to that date they were so late, that we did not anticipate their being fully ri|)e for another fortnight; this will indicate how suddenly summer has come upon us, and how- necessary it is to take precautionary measures in respect to shading to prevent injury, either from scorching or lack of root moisture. Red and Black Currants, also Raspberries, will a few days hence be quite ready for gathering, and mean- while we have been compelled to net them over to preserve them from birds. I'revious to netting the new growths were partially thinned out to admit of all fruit ripening alike, and to let in daylight to all parts of the bushes, which ^^•ill aid the ripening of the wood, and at the same time contribute to longer preservation of the Currants should rainy weather set in. As regards Raspberries, we gather all fruit as soon as ripe, and rely for suc- cessional supplies on an autumn fruiting variety. Pulled up suckers of these, and only left sufficient newgrowths to furnish the e.spalier fence to which the new canes are to be tied next winter. Layering Strawberries ; about half our quantity, all Vicom- tesse Hericart de Thury, is now finished. They require watering twice a day, for, though the pots are plunged in the soil beside the mother plants, the bulk of soil in [lOts is so little tliat it rapidly dries up, and if once it gets very dry, root forma- tion is a very slow process. Cauliflowers have shared alike with fruit in rapidly attaining ma- turity, and to keep up regular supplies we have lifted some and put them in a cool shed, with tlieir roots in water. Cleared off Lettuces, and exhausted stocks of Peas and Spinach, and the ground, having been hoed and raked, is now ready for sundry kinds of winter greens as soon as rain comes to aflmit of our planting them out. Staked Dahlias, and pegged down a few of the most branching and dwarfer of the single varieties that we use in tlie summer bedding arrangements, in which garden, too, we have completed most of the pegging down of the plants that form the frame- work of designs, and have again clipped all edg- ings of Herniaria, variegated Thyme, variegated Alyssum,and picked the flowers ofl' Stonecrops and Saxifrages. Sowed under handlights on a south border Brompton and Ea^t Lothian Stocks, Pent- stemons, Antirrhinums, Canterbury Bells, Del- phiniums, and Wallflowers. Made the last sow- ing of Sweet Peas for this year, and ofi' our ear-liest batch all the ilowers and seed vessels have been picked, also the jioints out of the haulm, which, combined with the mulching of manure and soak- ing of water that we hope to apply soon, will give them a new lease of life. Tying out bush Chry- .'anthemums, potting on winter-flowering Carna- tions, Bouvardias, and tuberous Begonias have also to be included in the work of the past week. H.^NTS. FBTTITS UNDEB QliASS. The ORCH.iRi) HtirsE. When the late Mr. Rivers commenced growing Peaches and Nectarines in pots under the shelter of his hedge orchard houses, he little thought the early varieties he was about the same time raising from kernels would be the flrst instead of the last to ripen their crops of fruit. Such, it ap(jears, is now the fact, as there are not a few gardens in which the hedge orchard house has been super- seded by a light, elegant, efficiently heated struc- ture, from which the earliest fruit of the year is gathered, and the original Peach houses are allowed to come on later and keep up a running supply until the end of October. Where size, colour, and quality must be unsurpassable, the old lean-to or span roof with trellises 16 inches to 18 inches from the glass will always stand first, and few gardeners who know the cost in time and money of erecting and establishing bearing trees in a good lean-to would willingly convert such structures into orchard houses. Modern houses in modern gardens are, however, constantly spring- ing up in dill'erent parts of the country, and many good cultivators for two reasons now apjirove of having at least one house fitted for the culture of Peaches and Nectarines in pots. In the first place, handsome pyramids and bushes of all the leading early kinds can be purchased at a clieap rate ready for starting on the day the house in- tended for their reception is finished, and ripe fruit in plenty can be gathered from them long before the anniversary of laying the foundation brick comes round. This, when time is of more importance than money, is a great gain and a good reason for embracing pot culture. In the second place, the system enables the fruit grower to keep pace witli the times by making himself acquainted with the new varieties whose names are distressingly numerous, and to thoroughly test a great number under pot culture before he condemns or honours them witli the chance of a twenty years' lease on the orthodox trellis. Forty years ago our best early Peach was Early Anne ; then came Acton Scott, Early Rivers, Early Alfred, Early Albert, Early Beatrice, Early Louise, and others, whose chief recommendation was their extreme earliness. All of these I have grown, but for reasons which it is unnecessary to explain they have been given up, the last to go being Early Louise, and better varieties have been allowed to extend, or in other ways take their places. The next batch included Alexandra No- blesse, Crimson (ialande, Doctor Hogg, Magdala, Rivers' Early York, ABec, Early GrosseMignonne, Hale's Early, Stirling Castle, and many more, but these I have thoroughly tested, still grow, and should duplicate to any extent if refurnishing. Of recent in 'reductions, we have Amsden June, Alex- ander, and Waterloo, extra early varieties. The first two I have tried on walls and under glass, but their tendency to become adhesive and their thin watery juice render them useless to me. The third, I am told, is really first-rate, but I have not tested or even purchased it. \Vith me, on a good heavy loam, which grows Roses and Strawberries well, the following new and old varieties are special favourites, and, like the Scotchman's ox, bad to beat : A Bee, firosse Mignonne, Early Grosse Mignonne, Large Early Mignonne, Belle Beauce, Belle de Done, Bellegarde, Barrington, Crimson Galande, Doctor Hogg, Dymond, old Noblesse, Alexandra Noblesse, Magdala, Royal George, Sea Eagle, Stirling Castle, the Nectarine Peach, Wal- burton Late Admirable, Yiolettc H;itive. Hale's Early makes up an even score, but I have not yet been able to join in the high praise which it has received, as it is greatly inferior to A Bee and the Mignonnes. Nectarines, fortunately, are not so numerous as Peaches, but Sawbridgeworth has swelled the list, and some of the new varieties are very fine and great acquisitions. Taken alpha- betically, I can recommend thefollowing ; Advance, Albert Victor, Darwin, Elruge, Hardvvicke Seed- ling, Humboldt, Murrey, Pitmaston Orange and its offspring Pine-apple, Lord Napier, known and grown by everybody, Stanwick Elruge, Violette Hative, Victoria, under glass. Growers who ap- preciate the delicious Stanwick flavour should grow the first and last, also Darwin, Improved Downton, Milton, Newton and Spenser. Some, I may say all, of the new race of Nectarines having been raised by crossing older varieties with the Stanwick or Syrian blood, grow to an immense size ; some taken from pot trees have weighed 8 ozs. to 10 ozs. each. They are free growers, hardy, rich in the peculiar almond flavour, never crack like the parent, and look like delicate models in wax when grown under glass. Few, very few, private growers cultivate half the varieties enu- merated in the preceding list, but having drifted into the giving of names, I have made a selection from which the amateur may again select, or he may grow the whole of them, Peaches and Nec- tarines, without running the risk of getting a second-rate variety. Cultural nmarki. — Assuming that the amateur has forced a few of the earliest of these Peaches and Nectarines, and the fruit has been gathered, the question is, what is the best treatment to insure a crop from the same trees, not only another, but for the next score of years? Well, the main points for the present are thinning out old fruit-bearing wood to let in light and air, good syringing to keep the foliage healthy and free from insects, and liberal watering with weak liquid to fill up the flower-buds before the leaves fall. If in small pots and a shift is thought desirable it matters little how soon preparations are made for carrying out this ojieration, as the trees can then be kept under glass, well syringed, and shaded if need be, until the roots have taken to the new compost. When trees are merely shifted out of small pots into others a size or two larger the balls should be \\e\\ soaked and divested of crocks and straggling roots before the compost, in a somewhat dry state, is firmly rammed about them. This ramming, be it borne in mind, is very important, as loose potting round a firm ball is the deathlilow to many a good tree, and why? simply because the loose soil allows water to pass by the solid ball ; the latter becomes dry and the tree dies. When firmly potted, a good watering carries the soil home to the roots and a rather close moist atmosphere, pro- duced by light syringing and early closing with solar heat, speedily restores them to a growing condition. All the parts of a liealthy tree being active, ten days or a fortnight in a moist, growing atmosphere will set them right, when, lest the prominent buds should start, more air and per- haps more water will be needed until they are fit for jjlacing in the open air. When larger and older trees require reducing as a preliminary to repot- ting in the pots they have previously occupied, a little more care becomes necessary, as the opera- tion is more severe ; but the same rules apply, and, provided they are not over-watered and tlie house is kept moist, trees whose roots are completely washed free of old compost will speedily start into new root action. Pots, crocks, compost. — The first and second should be quite clean and perfectly dry when they are taken into use, and a 12-inch pot will not be ovcrcrocked with 2 inches of broken pots, bones, or rough charcoal placed over the drainage aper- tures. When firmly rammed with the potting stick and a little soot has been introduced to keep back worms, the pots may be set aside until the compost is ready. This may consist of heavy- loam — if naturally rich and calcareous, so much the better; old lime rubble one part to five, and bone dust one to ten of the loam. If light and 32 THE GARDEN. [July 10, 1886. very poor, marl and well rotted manure may be added, but soils which make good wood without the latter always answer best, as they contain nothing that can become sour or get out of order. It should be used in a dry, rough state, and very firmly rammed into the |)Ots to pievent the possi- bility of water passing through without entering the old balls. Fnii/ing orchard hoiiseK. — A most remarkable change having set in within the last few days, 80° in the shade with a clondless sky, doors and venti- lators may be set open to their full extent, and water in abundance through tlie hose must be spread over the floors and amongst the pots to keep the roots cool and the atmosphere moist. Let all root watering be performed every evening before the trees are syringed, and be guided by the period at which ripe fruit is wanted in sliut- ting up and giving night air. Under any circum- stances it is always well to err on the side of safety, as Peaches will now swell and colour to perfection in the open air, while those which are over-forced will be pale and flavourless if tliey do not ripen up when they ought to be commencing the last swelling. Now is the time to lay on the top-dressing or mulching, as trees in pots will take any amount of liquid food, and constant watering soon carries away not only the essence, but the sub- stance also. As often as this disappears replace it with more fi'om the store shed, and resort to pnre water only when the fruit begins to show signs of transparency and a slight aroma is perceived in the house. If the trees in mixed houses are becoming crowded, I would suggest the removal of Cherries, early I'lums and Pears to a suitable situation where they can be plunged in the full blaze of the sun in the open air. In a position of this kind they will take more water than would be good for them in a glass structure, as the atmosphere will be constantly drawing on the foliage, but heavy mulchings, which must be moistened with the hose every evening, will keep them clean, cool, and healthy, and the fruit will be perfect in colour and flavour. Steaweereies. Where a regular system of putting out runners every year is not practised, and old beds are depended upon for stock, the supply for forcing will most likely run short ; certainly they will be late, as this dry, hot weather is against old stools, wliich cannot he expected to perform double duty. A plentiful supply of water is, of course, a great help, but a dripping time is always most favour- able to the production of vigorous runners, wliich root quickly and soon become fit for removal from the parents. Where the old system of layering into 3-inch pots is still in favour, the incessant watering which tliey will require will dictate the importance of getting them taken ofT as soon as they ai-e fairly rooted, but viliy use small pots when much time can be saved and a better stock secured by pegging on the fruiting pots evenly and firmly filled with suitable compost? The transfer of young plants from small to large pots requires a certain amount of skill, as nothing can be more detrimental than loose or strangling potting; but once prepared, handy men or boys can fill the fruiting pots with compost, peg down the runners, and keep them sup]jlied with water. Anotlier advantage which should nut be lost sight of is the elevated pofition, clear of shade, which the 7-inch pot gives over the small one, independently of the fact that a runner which sits on the top of the compost is always furnished witli short petioled leaves and firm plump crowns whose colour and appearance give promise of early maturation and successful forcing. Plants in small pots we must have for making new plantations in August, and these can always be secured where Stiawberry culture is conducted on the three or, at most, four-year system. The ground for my August planting was broken up two spits deeii and manured in June. It is now well pulverised, and will give a suc- cessional supply of the finest Cos Lettuce through- out the season. The rows of Lettuce are sown thinly 2 feet 0 inches apart, and thinned to the proper distance when large enough. Deep tilth and manure enable them to set dry seasons at defiance, and they produce a certain amount of moist shade when the Strawberries are turned out between them. These remarks may be considered slightly digressive, but, knowing how difficult it is to keep up a good supjily of large, crisp Lettuces in hot, dry seasons, this hint to some may be quite as valuable as a cut-and-dry Strawberry calendar. Melons. The weather of late has been all that the most fastidious Melon glowers could possibly desire, and the plants in all stages and positions where they can enjoy the full blaze of the sun are making rapid growth and finishing very fine fruit. Where very late fruit is in demand, seeds of suitable varieties may still be sown and the plants grown with every chance of success, always ])rovided they can have plenty of top and bottom heat turned on when the fruit is finishing. Late Melons should always be grown in pots or confined troughs placed immediately above the hot-water pipes for aiding the fermenting material when shar]) dry heat becomes necessary. At all other times, especially through the early stages, well- worked Oak leaves, occasionally renovated, will keep the roots progressing, and the moist genial heat which they impart to the atmosphere, aided by early closing, will enable the grower to dis- pense with fires until the end of August. Melons of late having become so numerous, the choice of varieties adapted to early and late culture is some- times a difficult matter, the more so as growers who save their own seeds know they cannot keep them true whei'e a number of sorts are tested in the same house or even in the same garden. For many years I depended ujion Improved Victory of Bath, a quick grower and a good setter, for my first and last crops, but this is now beaten out of the field in point of earlines;!, not in quality, by others whicli I have this season tested by its side. Last season I obtained true stock from Messrs. Veitch of an old friend, (iolden Perfection, which I grew more than thirty years ago, and, being much pleased with it, I have again given it a prominent place in all my mixed batches. In my earliest house it was first to ripen, some of the fruits, the colour of virgin gold and beautifully netted, wei^hin.; 0 lbs. each, from 1'2-inch pots [)lunged in Oak leaves. Highcross Hybrid, a good Melon, but a bad colour, came in a few days later, closely followed by Reading Hero, a very hand- some round, slightly flattened Melon in the way of Golden tlem. The netting is, however, broader and heavier, and the plant being a more compact grower and a free setter, its handsome appearance and medium size should secure it a prominent place with market growers. Several plants of these three varieties in my second house having already yielded ripe fruit, whilst Victory of Bath is still green and now netting, I can strongly reconunend them for early and late use. For home consumption where quality is the true test of meiit, Veitch 's Golden Perfection with me carries the palm. Pits and Frames. The weather until quite recently has been the reverse of favourable to this mode of culture; in- deed, for several years past good crops from frames have been anything but satisfactory. This falling off we now generally attribute to the elements, but it is questionable if a portion of the blame does not rest with the hot-water engineer, who has given us such facilities for the quick growth of Melons from May to December, and Cucumbers all the year round. This advance is a great boon to the majority of fruit growers, who have almost forgotten, if ever they had learned, the art of mak- ing up sustaining manure beds, but a few there are who must still plod along in the old groove or give up Melon growing altogether. To these I \\ ould say, put in your annual plea for cheap hut water, and if you do not obtain the grant follow up instructions contained in previous papers, and the brilliant weather we are new enjoying \iiU yet lead to success. Do not allow a few fine days to interfere with the slightest detail, but keep up the heat in the linings by renovating the back and front alternately, and mat the lights as soon as the sun leaves them at night. Keej) the frames clear of useless spray to give the main leaves and Vines the full benefit of sun-heat and air, fertilise all female flowers until a good set is .secured, then pinch at the first leaf beyond the fruit, and be satisfied with fair crops which the plants can carry to maturity. If this fine weather continues, give a little air veiy caily to let out impure gases and superfluous moisture ; gradually increase it until a rising thermometer touches 8.5°. Manipu- late and regulate before 4 p.m., and shut up with moisture and sun heat that will run up to !)()'. When the fruit has attained the size of hens' eggs, elevate them on inverted pots until they can be seen peeping through the foliage, and feed liberally with diluted liquid by flooding without wetting the collars of the plants or foliage. On non-feed- ing days .syringe freely with water at 8(1" to 90°, and shut up with full sun heat immediately. Eastnor Castle, Ledbury. W. Coleman. Fruit Garden. GOOD STRAAVBERRIES. Could not someone with plenty of land and time at their disj osal get together all the known sorts of Stiawberries, whether of English, Conti- nental, or of American origiu, and test them Ihorougbly, especially with regard to the follow- ing points : — 1. Vigour or robu-tness of constitution. 2. Time of flowering, and al.so time of ripening. This would include also notes as to liow the fruit colouied, and whether all the crop ripened e(iually well, there being a dif- ference in this respect, some kinds lipening all the fruit off of a gocd size, others leaving a residuum of no particular value. .3. Size, texture, and flavour, these being the most important of all. At present, in many places too much praise is given to mere size. Very often large fruits are soft and flabby and travel badly, the last named point biing an important one. The owner or manager of such a Strawberry garden as this would be would soon become posse.'-sed of information that would benefit us all. New varieties mjoht be raised in wliich - the merits of the good old soits might be blended witli the greater size and robustness of constitu- tion that modern kinds po.?sess. Something might also he done to improve our alpine and Hautbois Strawterries. — E. HonPAY. The British, ftueen. This wouhl appear to be the most fickle of all known Strawberries, yet so superior is it in point of flavour that all who cultivate Strawberries ought to attfmpt to I ring it to peifection. I have worked in gardms where it provt d as profit- able as any variety grown, and that, too, without any special treatment; while in the very ntxt situation I held it could not be induced to grow or bear freely, and further experience inclines me to take the same view as "Taunton" does in The U.arden (p. 2). In a fertile, deep, loamy soil it ought to thrive, but it does not always do so, and tu succeed there would app(ar to be something special required inalmcsteveiy .garden. For instance, in a Sussex garden in which I v.a.% employed only the old plantations of I'ritish Queen were at all prolific, and the plants that yielded us most and best fiuits were said to be twelve years old. They were kept well thinned out, and received annual rich surfacings of loam and manure, especial care being taken to mould well up to the plants, so as to eftVctually bury the old stems, which otherwise woidd soon be- July 10, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 33 eome exposed to all weathers— a fre()uent cause of failure with old Strawberry plants of Dr. Hotrg and other somewliat weakly grDwing sorts. Much the same treatment has long been given to Straw- berry plantations generally by a friend in E^sex, but in this case sewage water is freely distributed among the plants through the winter and spring months, and this would appear to maintain suffi- cient vigour and to induce the plants to produce some ot the finest fruits and heaviest crops in a noted Strawberry-growing district. Libtral treat- ment of young plants has frequently the effect of causing a heavy giowth of foliage, but not much fruit, and those who cannot succeed to their own satisfaction with young plants should try what can be done with them after they have become older and weaker. What at first would appear to be almo.'it incredible is the fact that not only British Queen, but also all other sorts will in some gardens fail completely after the first year, no matter how liberally tliey may be treated. This proved to be the I'ase in a Middlesex garden of which I had charge for a time. Every season a fresh plantation had to be formed, or no fruit fit to eat would be had. The ground was double dug, care being taken to bring up little or no London clay, which thereabouts was much too near the surface, and after the ground had been well trodden the plants were put out as early in August as possible. Strong layers in pots were planted, and these, being subsequently well attended to, grew to a great size, oftentimes as large as many have Ihem at double the age. Heavy crops of fine fruit were invariably ob- tained, and are, I believe, to this day under similar conditions, but each time the plants were left to bear a second time nothing but small flavourless fruit was the result. It is the j'oung plantations of British Queen that are also most profitable in the garden now under my charge, and this season the two-vear-olds are also par- ticularly well cropped. — W. I., Somerset. Two-year-cld Strawberries best. SrR.iWBERRiEs can be grown on nearly any kind of soil, but some kinds need more attention than others. In shallow light soils they require more watering than in deep rich loams, but in any case in order to have very fine fruit thinning must be resorted to, and a good soaking of manure water given two or three times a week. New beds should also be made every two years, two-year-old plants being the best. After that time they begin to deteriorate; the fruits become infei'ior in quality, and the plants die out liere and there. Good fruit may be obtained in one year provided the plants are put out sufficiently early, and the necessary attention is given them in the way of mulching and watering, and keeping them free from weeds. Our earliest Strawberry this season was Dr. NecaissB, which is bearing a good crop and good in flavour. The next was Keen's Seedling, which seems less suited tor our ground: it makes too much foliage. Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury does very well, but is rather later than usual. President does well, and is producing a grand crop. Sir Charles Napier does fairly well, but not so well as President. Countess is a Strawberry which I very much admire ; it acquires a good useful size, colours well, and is rich in flavour. For forcing, none are better than Keen's .Seedling, Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, and President. Our soil is very harsh and hungry, resting on a clayey subsoil, and in dry weather it cracks baiUy. The few warm days which we have already had has caused it to crack deeply in places, and so widely that one might nearly get one's foot in the cracks. — W. A. Cook, Holme Wood. Early and Main-crop Strawberries. Here we only grow four sorts of .Strawberries as main-crop varieties, others only being grown in small quantity or on trial. Our first is Black Prince, then come Keen's .Seedling, President, and James Veitch. Black Prince is not so much grown as it deserves to be. It is invariably ripe a fortnight before any other variety, and though small compared with President and some others it is an enormous cropper, and iti good soils the fruit will average two to the ounce. The colour is deep and rich, and as the flesh is very firm the berries Ijear transit well. Last year we gathered quan- tities of it in the open air on June 1, but this season it was not ripe until .June 10. As a first crop under glass I know of none to equal it; I prefer it, indeed, to any variety I have tried for forcing. It is the fault of the cultivator, and not that of the sort, if it does not attain a good size and prove in every way satisfactoiy. Keen's Seedling is a charming Strawberry for home use, but it is too soft when quite ripe to bear transit by rail. It is a second early kind, produces an abundant crop, and invariably at tains a good size; its colour, too, and flavour are both good. It forces readily as the days begin to lengthen, and becomes richly flavoured under glass. President is so well known as to require no description, but I consider it inferior in point of flavour to either of the pre- ceding. It bears heavily, and its fruits have always a good appearance. James Veitch is hand- somer still, slightly less prolific, and not so high in flavour. It is a robust grower and very hardy. Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury we have discarded, as its fruit never swelled up uniformly, and in flavour only fourth-rate. Dr. Hogg surpasses them all in flavour, but it bears so thinly as to be quite unprofitable. .Sir C. Napier, owing to its inferior flavour, we discarded. British Queen has also been discarded, as, although good in flavour, as a rule it is such an uncertain bearer that few would care to grow it extensively. Fortunately, we have just secured our main crop of Stiaw- berriei' for this year, as the plants are now suffering from drought. In later gardens in Wales than ours three parts of the crop are failing to swell or ripen owing to the drought. — James MtriR, Mar- •jaiit, (Thiinonjan-ihire. PACKING STRAWBERRIES FOR MARKET. Mr. Coi.em.\.n''s statement that Strawberries for market are gathered before they are quite ripe does not apply to forced fruit. The beauty of a Strawdjerry lies in that perfect finish and rich colour wdiich distinguish the fruit of the best growers for Covent Garden. This fine appear- ance is only acquired after the berrits aie red, so that gathering them then would rob them of much of their market value. Moreover, it too frequently happens that the market grower has no inducement to pick bis fruit before it is fully ripe. Hohling fruit back a few days will some- tim< s, esp^ciall}' during May and up to the middle of June, add considerably to its value, as I'rices about that season are constantly fluctuat- ing. Take this year, for instance ; the trade was so bad during the few days preceding and follow- ing Whit Monday, that we kept back all the StraW'berries we could until the latter end of the week, when better prices were realised. If growers of forced Strawberries did not study to hit the market, but always gathered their fruit as soon as ripe, they would often fail to make the most of it. Packing in layei's and wrapping each berry in a Itaf is the best mode of packing when small packages of Strawberries have to be sent long distances. The Strawberry is such a soft fruit that, if loosely packed and subjected to rough treatment, the berries are sure to lose much of their beauty. Market growers, however, in the neighbourhood of London make special arrangements whereby such risks are avoided . At one time we packed according to a system of our own invention. Cratfs were made of common plasterer's laths and half-inch boards. The latter formed the end^, the laths being nailed to them in the shape of sides and bottoms. Punnets sufficiently deep to allow of the berries to come just below the rim were used : a row of punnets was placed in the bottom and covered with leaves, then two laths were laid along on the top of them ; on these another row of punnets was placed, and so on till the crate was filled. Each basket of fruit was enveloped in paper and the crates were made to hold ten pounds. Three laths nailed on the top fixed them in firmly, and stout string made all secure, and formed a handle for cairiage. These crates looked rather fragile when filled, but although we have sent nearly half a ton of fruit packed in this way in a season to Covent Garden, only once had we any injured, and that was under exceptional circumstances. We do not pack in this way now, because salesmen said good fruit should not be hidden, as in a measure it was, in the deep baskets which we were obliged to use. We now employ baskets sufficiently shallow to allow the topmost layer of berries to come rather above the rim than below it, and thus the beauty of the fruit is much better seen. The punnets, which are packed iu boxes, are not lined with leaves, but two or three are put at the bottom. The boxes are matle to contain \-2 lb. in half-pound baskets. These are arranged in three layers, the two shelves on which the two top layers are placed resting on pieces of wood nailed" on to the inside of the box. Towards the end of each shelf or false bottom there is a hole large enough to put the finger through, and this facilitates removal. On each b.isket a whole Strawdjerrj- leaf with a portion of the stalk attached to it is carelessly laid, and the shelves are so arranged that they gently press on the leaves without crushing or bruising the berries. When the boxes come into the salt-man's hands all that he has to do is to take oft' the lid and remove the leaves, an operation easily and quickly performed, and the fruit is at once exposed to the inspection of the purchaser. Fruit grown under glass is nearly always put up in half-pound punnets, a size which meets the requirements of the London and sub- urban fruiteiers better than those of large dimen- sions. The lid is fitted with a narrow piece of wood all round the edge and fits on the box, and a strong cord keeps all firmly in position. The cord is an important item iu the arrange- ment, as it provides an easy means by which the boxes can be lilted carefully. If the lids are nailed or fiistened down in some similar way and no cord is used, the box has to be grasped on each side, and is thus often tilted in cairying it to the guard's van at railway stations. At the terminus a porter from the market awaits the arrival of the train, undoes the cord, and examines the top layer of fruit ; if any are injured he directs the attention of the authorities thereto, and a claim is made for damages. If the fiuit should be spoilt it is left at the terminus, and notice given immediately to the company to that efl'ect. It is, however, rarely that any damage is done ; the attendants soon get used to such packages, and where a grower sends a quantity of fruit from a railway station ever}' year his goods are looked for atthe proper time, and are carefully used. It is chance packages of fruit to which damage is most likely to occur. By this system of packing we can gather fifty pounds of Strawberiies in a morning, and get them into market as fresh as when gathered Ijy 9 a.m. \A'e begin at break of day, two pick- ing the fruit and one punneling it; we never gather anything but the small fruit over night, and we do not grow much of that. The celerity with which the picking and packing are accom- plished depends much upon the quality of the fruit. We endeavour to get ours as large as possible, as the smaller the berries the longer it takes to fill the baskets. A good deal of our 34 THE GARDEN. [July 10, 1886. fruit has run this year at the rate of about ten to the half pound, and when one gets berries of this size the work of picking and punneting goes on briskly and pleasantly. Every package should have a label on it, not written, but printed in bold type, and the train by which it has to go should be specified thereon ; the date should be added, and the words "to be called for" in a conspicuous position. AVith little variation the generality of the London Strawberry growers send their fruit to market in the manner here recorded. Byfleet. PACKING MATERIAL. It takes a long time to perfect a crop of any kind of fruit, and therefore when sent to a distance it ought always to be carefully packed. Moss as a packing material for Peaches, Nectarine.?, and Orapes is in great favour with many fruit packer.s, and where it can be procured, no cheaper material can be had, but I am not so much pleased with it as some of my friends are. Unless it is both soft and springy it is liable to bruise Peaches, esijeci- ally wlien these are fully ripe. A well ripened fruit suitable for eating directly it is received is most tender; even its weight alone, if merely wrapped in tissue paper resting on Moss, is almost certain to injure its base. If Moss must be prin- cipally used it should not be in a stinted way : instead of placing the fruit on a shallow bed of it the box should be filled with it, and holes formed in it with the hand for the fruit. In this way the surrounding Moss partially supports the weight of the fruit, and bruisino; it at the base is thereby prevented. As neither market salesmen nor fruiterers care to receive very ripe fruits, these both travelling and keeping badly, consigners should gather such fruits before they are soft, and these uiay safely be wrapped in tissue paper and packed tirmly in Moss. But for immediate use the fruit must be nearly or quite ripe when packed, and for safe carriage we prefer for packing cotton wool to Moss. This we pull into strips, which wlien folded skin side outwards are rather wider than the fruits are in depth. Each fruit is first wrapped in tissue paper and then the strips of wool are bound somewhat firmly round them. They are then closely packed together, the wool keeping their bases just clear of the bottom of the box, and unless exti-a deep the lid shuts down tightly on the material without touching the fruits. In this manner the latter are kept quite clear of any hard substance, and, unless very roughly treated indeed, will travel without a bruise. All cannot have boxes made specially for any kind of fruit, and if those employed are too deep, a bed of Moss, or other springy material, may be placed in the bottom and a strip of cotton wool laid on the top, the lid closing down tightly on to this. Nec- tarines are usually packed similarly to Peaches, -but in shallower boxes. Notliing in the shape of divisions for each fruit is advisable, either for these or any other kind of fruits. We have a large number of tin boxes of various sizes and for all kinds of fruit. They are divided accord- ing to the size of the respective fruits to be ])acked, but we find tliat they are of little use. They are cumbersome and awkward to pack in, and we found that the fruit travelled indiffer- ently in them. Clean deal boxes are best, these being light, yet sufficiently strong, notably the lid, to bear rather rough usage. Plenty of such boxes, suitable for holding a single layer of fruits, whether these be Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, Figs, Strawberries, or Cherries, can usually be bought from grocers and confectioners. Care, however, should be taken not to use soap boxes, as the scent from these might affect the flavour of the fruit, especially that of Strawberries. We prefer good home-made boxes for sending fruit to the town house, but these are too good for market use, or for sending fnut in as presents to people, who rarely return the boxes. Figs travel badly in spite of careful packing. They should not be over-ripe, or they will be found to be partially rotten on arriving at their destination. Wo wrap each Fig in a square of soft tissue paper, after- wards in a strip of cotton wool, and they are then laid in thickly in a shallow box. Stk.\wbei;ries travel better than might be ex- pected, but they pay for being carefully packed. We always send them in single layer, eacli fruit being enclosed in either a limp .Strawberry leaf or a Kidney Bean leaf and packed closely together. They rest on a thin layer of either cotton wool or soft dry grass; over them are jjlaced a few Grape leaves picked from an open wall, finishing off with a strip of cotton wool. The fruits ought to be gathered when quite cool or early in the morninj^ in order to insure freshness, without which their value is diminished. Those gathered in open fields for market are placed direct in the punnets, a few of the best fruits being reser\'ed for the top. The punnets in their turn are packed in airy boxes, either in one or two layers according to the value of the fruit, and in this state are sent hundreds of miles in fairly good condition. I recently saw large quantities thus packed travel- ling from Saltash to (Jlasgow, a great distance to send Strawberries; later on the Scotch growers will supply the southern markets. From another south-western district Strawberries are now being sent northward, packed in small cross-handled baskets in which the fruit is well papered over, the baskets being slung in sixes on strong stakes. Another way is packing the fruit in large deep punnets, which are firmly fixed in a large flat lidless basket furnished with a cross liandle for convenience of lifting. Railway officials know what these packages contain, and on the whole handle them with as much care as time will per- mit. For packing Pine-apples, Melons, Tomatoes, Pears, and Apples, paper shavings are most suit- able and much cheaper than cotton wool, and the best substitute for either shavings or Moss is short well-dried lawn Grass. That from the mowing machine is usually too dirty ; we get ours from banks which are mowed with scythes and not so often as the lawns. If this is well dried it can be stored away in cjuantity and will be found both soft and springy, surpassing all but the very best Moss. It lias the merit of being within the reach of all, whereas Moss cannot be procured in many places. The choicest fruits are first wrapjied in squares of tissue paper and then firmly bedded among the Grass in one or more layers, the box being then well filled with smaller fruits, as it is imperative that the lid should close down tightly. Cut flowers travel badly during hot weather, especially if cut in the daytime and paclied in masses. In a few hours they \\ill have heated badly, and when unpacked are quite useless. They ought either to be cut over-night and placed in water, or early while yet cool and laden with dew, and then, if packed closely in a single layer, or at the most in two layers and divided with paper, no room being left between the flowers and the lid, they will usually reach their destination in good condition. Roses, if cut when only about half expanded, can be packed very closely together, and will travel well either by post or rail. Not much jiacking material is lequired for these or otlier fairly robust flowers, and on no account should cotton wool come into contact with them. Last spring I had sent to me a large box of button- hole bouquets to be sold at a bazaar, but instead of these being taken out of the box when received over-night, it was thought they would keep better undisturbed, the consequence being the ruin of the flowers, causing a loss of about £5. Cotton wool was the packing material used, and this robbed the flowers of what little moistuie they contained. If it must be used, and it is a difficuP- matter to pack Euoharises, Stephanotises, and other choice white flowers without it, the stems should rest on damped portions, and in most in- stances a sheet of tissue paper should be placed between it and the flowers. For Roses and simiUvr flowers we prefer Spinach lea\'es placed above and lielow each Layer of Roses. If Spinacli is scarce. Lettuce leaves with crushed stalks are substituted, either kind serving to preserve tlie freshness of the flowers. Cardboard boxes are frequently sent by post, but they are not the cheapest or best, simply because they are oftener crushed than light wooden or tin boxes. Moistened flowers or soft fruit, such as Strawberries, are apt to saturate the sides or bottoms of these boxes, and this soon ends in a collapse. I have frequently sent fruit, flowers, and plants by post, and they usually arrive at their destination safely, but then the boxes are always strong enough to stand a fair amount of pressure, will not be softened by mois- ture from the inside or outside, sufficient packing material is used to keep the contents firm and steady, and the address is always plain, and to a certain extent indestructible. Many seem to think that boxes to be sent either by rail or post will always be kept upright, and pack accordingly ; whereas they are often wrong way upwards, or on their ends or sides. A box properly packed may be carried in any position without injuring its contents. W. I. CROPPING VINES. Allow me to say a word or two on this subject. Rules have often been laid down on this point, Ijut they are not often applicable to particular cases, for the Vine varies much in its behaviour under different circumstances as regards culture, soil, and situation. I should say no general rule can be laid down for the weight of fruit allowable to' the rod, and experience shows that the quantity of crops tliat may be carried to a good finish can only be ascertained after the capabilities of Vines have been jjroved. Both strong and weak Vines will rijaen Grapes of ecjual quality as regards colour and flavour if cropped proportionately. Some of tlie finest coloured Grapes which I have ever seen were all borne by two Vines which filled a small hou.se, all the bunches being perfectly black, well finished, and well flavoured, and the crop good for the Vines, which were ^^'eak, the leaves small, but healtliy, and retained quite green till the fruit was ripe. The late. Mr. Robert Thompson said that some cultivators could grow good Grapes occasionally, but all of them could not grow good leaves — and there is more in this than appeals at first sight. I would be disposed to give the fol- lowing general advice on this point, viz. : grow good leaves on your Vines, and keep them on year after year till they fall naturally, and the crop of fruit, if estimated by the general vigour of the plant, will be sure to be good for many years in succession. I have noticed this in instances well worthy of record. How to take care of the foliage of Vines grown under glass is, however, the rub. Some Vines endure forcing and indoor culture much better than others, but there can be no doubt of the fact, I tliink, tliat cultivation under glass is exhaustive to all. All the conditions tend to weaken the vitality of the plant — hot-water pipes, exhaustive evaporation from the leaves at night wlien they ought to be at rest and covered by dew-, and, above all, sudden transitions from dull weather to sunshine, through glass, in a still atmosphere, which exerts a destructive effect upon the tissues. I do not think gardeners ever accu- rately estimate the effects of these matters. Of course, they understand the necessity of shading, syringing, and damping, &c., but I am speaking of the actual effects produced by the above-men- tioned conditions while they last, and which no after-treatment can altogether counteract. The therniometei gives one but a faint idea of the actual conditions in a hothouse. The plants them- selves tell us, but it is by the signs of su tiering they exhibit, as a rule, after the mischief is done. I w,as looking, the other day, at some A'ine foliage that had been actually burnt up during a blink of tierce sunshine, but did not show it till the follow- ing day, when a broad, brown margin round each leaf, as dry and crumpled as a piece of tinder, showed how excessive evaporation had been. My idea is that, although shadings are very apt to be abused, they should be used far oftener than they .are. Some cultivators would ridicule the idea of shading Vines, Peaches, or Melons, &c., but such ridicule shows ignorance. The foliage and flowers of none of these are in a condition to stand fierce sunshine, even for half an hour, through glass in July 10, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 35 an artificially heated house during May and June, after a spell of dull cold weather during which the leaves have been expanding their thin tissues under a forcing teniperarure. Hence it is that one so often sees burnt or brown f.iliage, red spider, and poor or ill-linished crops. The cause is the jiartial paralysation of the growing functions of the plant. The ditiiculty with shadings is that they are not graduated sulhciently in "texture to suit plants, and are so expensive and troublesome to use, otherwise it would be a good plan to have them on all houses and pits, if only the gardener would learn to use them judiciously. S. W. Hamburghs, Muscats, Madresfield Court, Alicante, Muscat Champion, Barbarossa, Lady Downes, and Gros Colmar wilh the syringe, and with good results ill each case. Let those who are afraid to use tlie syringe just try it upon half-a-dozen bunches and mark the result.— W. A. Cook. SETTING GRAPES WITH THE SYRINGE. This is doubtless a good way of distributing tlie pollen of shy-setting Grapes, but is " T. B." (p. 3) not slightly in error with regard to its efficacy in the case of Alnwick Seedling? According to my experience, this variety sets very indirterently when operated on with the syringe alone ; in fact, the plan may be said to be a complete faihn-e. Unless the tiny globules of viscid matter are re- moved from the points of the embryo berries, no amount of pollen w-ill effect a good set, and if we syringe with sufficient force to dislodge them we also wash away every particle of pollen. True, ■we might substitute foreign pollen, but then the very simplicity of syringe-setting is at once done away with. It is the hand-set bunches that are the most perfect, and we now set them in no other way. We find the blooms to open very irregularly, and therefore have no fixed time for setting, but simply pass the hand lightly over the bunches two or three times a day, or when we notice a considerable number of glistening drops developed. The hand both removes these and distributes the pollen, and this, it should be added, is as potent as that produced by any other Grape. Will "T. B.," or any other reader of The Garden, mention where a good crop of syringe-set Alnwick Seedling is to be seen ? There is no disputing the fact that other varieties, notably the Muscat of Alexandria, may be most evenly set by means of the syringe, and even the Black Hamburgh, Alicante, and iladresfield Court will have, other conditions being favourable, more perfectly stoned, and therefore larger, berries than they would have if nob syringed when in bloom. At the same time we must not o%erlook the fact that the syringe is only one important factor in the production of a crop of perfect (!rapcs, as what may apparently be a good set may yet prove most disappointing. Much depends upon the vigour of the Vines and the composition of the border. Even the very quality of the loam has much to do with the formation first of plenty of good bunches, and subsequently properly stoned berries. We may try all sorts of metliods of effecting a good set and yet fail, simjily because the Vines are in a weakly state or are too crowded. Strong, well-formed blooms from wliich clouds of pollen escape are most essential to a good set, and where this is secured a sharp tap on the laterals is frequently all that is necessary. The bunches of Muscats in a crowded house are certain to be much drawn and thinly set, and consequently the rods ought at least to be 4 feet apart, ami the laterals not less than 1'2 inches apart on each side. About half these distances are allowed in many vineries— why I fail to see, as it is possible to grow a much more valuable crop when each rod is given its proper space. In our vineries we have numbers of well set bunches and numbers that are thinly set all under precisely the same treat- ment. In the former case the Vines are in good order at the roots, while the others are not, and will not be cropped again. " T. B." doubtless knows that various agencies are at work in the production of good examples of shy-setting Grapes, but at present he evidently prefers giving much of the credit to the use of the syringe. — AV. I. M. I have proved over and over again that Grapes may be well set by means of the syringe — better, indeed, I think than by the old camel's-hair brush or rabbit's tail which some use. I have set RENOVATING OLD TREES. Ix very old trees restorative measures often fail to produce any lasting improvement. But in the case of trees that are still comparatively young, and which may be suffering from neglect of .some kind, and are not deficient in vitality, renovating measures are often attended with most satisfactory results. It takes time, however, and patience must be exercised. What has been going wrong, maybe for years, will require a proportionately long period to be put right again, but the progress of rmprovement will be more rapid every year. This is owing to the peculiaiities of tree growth. Improvement always, of course, takes the shape of better growth, healthy foliage, and stronger wood. These in turn deposit fresh layers of tissue, wliich promote a more active circulation of the juices eveiy season, the effects of which are ob- servable in the more rapid distension of the trunk and limbs, and a proportionate increase in the roots, till, in time, the tree grows out of its debi- lity antl recovers. Old fruit trees are oftener operated upon in this way than other subjects, and there are few gardeners who are not familiar with examples of old or feeble Vines or Peaches, &c., that lia\e, so to speak, been made to renew their youth in the course of a few years. Feeble- growing and unhealthy trees are, as a rule, the result of starvation, bad soil, or unfavourable con- ditions of the atniospheie, climatic or otherwise. When a tree dies from old age the signs are plain enough, and very little can be done to help it, except taking great care of the scant foliage it puts forth each year, and encouraging young growth by every means to sustain the flickering vitality ; but in other cases the same signs are ob.servable in young trees, the causes of which may be found and removed. One of the surest signs of debility i?- the pushinu of adventitious growths from the trunk and main branches, and the dying off' year by year of the twiggy terminal shoots. The sap does not circulate freely to the extremities, but chiefly about the trunk, putting out a feeble growth on those parts, which grow stronger the nearer tlioy approach the root. Old Laurels often aflbrd \-ery good examples of this. When the tree is healthy the top is luxuriant; when it is weak or old the top dies, or makes little or no growth, and small shoots sprout out all over the trunk. Very often, when such bushes are cut over, they push from the base and do well, and it aided by a good soil put to the roots the result will be all the more satisfactory. In fact, renovating measures may be said to consist in the judicious removal of the feeble decaying tops and branches, and encouraging fresh root action. The trees should be pruned rather late in the spring, when growth is about commencing, and only the really diseased or dead portions should be cut away. This having been done, the roots should be ex- amined, and, if there be reason to suppose that water stagnates about them, the site should be drained thoroughly. In such a case, that of itself will effect a cure. We remember once a case of several young trees that were mysteriously dying off year after year at the extremities of their shoots, a wet soil not being suspected as the cause, because the whole ground had been drained years before. The accidental digging of a pit near where they grew, however, revealed the water standing within l."i inches of the surface, owing to the main drain having been choked up. We need not say the obstruction was removed, and the soil and trees both presented a better appearance afterwards. But it is not so often that want of di-ainage is the cause of trees dying. In thin indifferent soils the cause is simply want of suflicient nourishment and drought — both bad in themselves ; and the cure is a good layer of fresh soil, common manure, leaf mould, and the like laid over the roots, and thorough watering during the summer whenever the ground is the least dry. Only those acquainted with such matters know how dry the soil becomes where the roots of trees abound, anil it takes much water to soak it afterwards. The fresh soil and the water will work wonders. The effects will not be very apparent the first season, unless it be in the production of numerous buds and small growths from the older wood ; but the next year and years following the progress v. ill be very marked, till the tree quite fills up with young healthy growtli again. This is observable in the case of all Ever- greens, but especially in Yews, Hollies, and Rhododendrons, &c. Conifers, too, reciprocate such generous treatment, but they must not be allowed to go too far, as it would then be almost as well to plant fresh trees. At the present time, or perhaps next summer, we need not be surprised to see many trees show- ing signs of debility, because the soil got too dry last year, and in many places has not yet had sufficient rain to soak it thoroughly. tlonse- quently, unless the rainfall of the coming months is sufficient, deep rooting trees will suffer, not only from drought, but from want of food, because without water the roots cannot avail themselves of the food that is in the soil. We have frequently noticed trees that have shown the first signs of decay the season after a long drought, as in 1868, which was succeeded by dry seasons. For want of sufficient moisture, a tree may starve with its roots in the midst of plenty. No plant affords a more striking example of the effects of renovating measures than the A'ine. Old plants that have become bark-bound will, after being lifted at the root and allowed more development at the top, rend their old bark in all directions, and swell up to twice the thickness they were before, and that in two or three years — the leaves and crops aug- menting proportionately. We have seen feeble old Vines eighty years old quite restored in this way, and produce fine young wood of greater girth than the old stems, and bear remarkably fine fruit that took prizes at exhibitions. J. S. Diseased Strawberries. — I shall be much obliged if you can enlighten me as to the constant failure of Strawberries in my garden. My neighbours can grow them, hut for years and under every treatment our crop always fails. The ground is clay, and grows other fruits and vegetables to perfection. The plants flower well, and generally fruit well, when, just before the fruits get ripe, they die off like the three samples sent herewith. — E. V. I)., Eomwy. * ^* The Strawberry fruits sent are attacked by a fungus named (ila^osporium Ueticolor, common on Melons and various succulent fruits and vege- tables. The ordinary mildew of Strawberries is Oidium Balsami, common on Sainfoin, Turnip _ foliage, &c. It is remarkable that whilst your neighbours grow Strawberries successfully yours always fail. Possibly in your garden the fungus is well established on other plants besides Straw- berries. Glaiosporlum, which is probably an imperfect .state of some other fungus, is extremely common this year. It should be burnt wherever seen. Why do correspondents pack succulent objects like Strawberries in wool V It is very easy to wrap them in wool, but extremely difficult. to get them out. The wool fibres add greatly to the difficulty of a microscopical e.xamination, without which no answer can be given. — W. G. S. Vines {a. r.). — It is impossiljle for iis to .say why some nf your canes die at the euds and then pusli out a lateral, ■' whicli throws away well," especially as you say the Vines aro " pL-rfcctly healthy," and carry a "fair crop." There uiu.st be soniL-thint,'' anius in the mode of cultuiv, bvit not being on the spot to see, we cannot say what. — W. G. S. Cold Peach house- — I am building a cold Peach honre, and .should much like the opinion of some of your readers as to ]»lanting it. It will be 18 feet wide, the back wall will bo 1 1 feet high, and the house will be 3S feet long, with a high ghis.s front. I should grow Tea Roses on the back wall (at least at first), so 1 should not let the Peaches go to the top of thegl-iss. I intend to have a border all round and a bed in the centre. Could I not plant two rows of trees— low dwai-fs against the glass front and the secoml high standards ? — H. W. 36 THE GARDEN. [July 10, 1886. Garden Destroyers. CROP-DESTROYING INSECTS. Another annual report on injurious insects has recently been puljlished by Miss OrineroJ con- taininj^ the reports oF various observations made last year. This is the ninth annual report, and it is quite as interesting and full of intormation as any of its predecessors. It is not quite so large as that published last year ; but tliat dealt very fully with two noted pests, the Hop aphis and the warble fly; to the latter, however, is devoted several pages of the present report ; twent^'-ftve different insects are reported on, no less than nineteen were not reported on last year, and nine have not hitherto been noticed in these reports. In the preface Miss Ormerod says : "The chief features of the insect attacks of the past season have been the great amount of aphiiles or plant lice which swarmed on most crops in consequence of the long drought being favourable to their increase. ■ Surface caterpillars also were unusually destructive throughout the autumn, and but for the snow, which in melting brings wet alternately with frost to bear on them (a state of things especially destructive to them), a farther visitation was to be expected this spring. Some kinds of injurious crop insects not pre- viously mentioned in these reports have been brought forward, and amongst various notes of habits, means of prevention, &c., which have been reported, I wish particularlj' to draw atten- tion to the observations at p. 21 on absence of injury fi'om daddy-longleg grubs where the land was thoroughly trampled Ijy animals. The ob- servations of each year show more and more the importance of autumn — measures to destroy in embryo the pests that, if left, alone, raise (as a regularly recurring loss and trouble) the various attacks which devastate crops sown alter broken up pasture." She also alludes to the rearrange- ment of' the cases of injurious insects at the South Kensington Museum, " which is now in progress, and promises to be of practical service. The insects exhibited are for the most part those which are serious in their ravages, and as far as possible they are shown in their various stages, either by specimens, models, or drawings asso- ciated with samples of the injury done by them. The plan now followed of placing the various kinds of insects which attack anj' individual crop (or kind of fruit, &.C.), together with the name of the crop or fruit in plain letters at the top of each case, removes all ditticulties as to reference. An inquirer has only to look for the word Apple, Cabbage, Oak, or whatever it may be, at the top of the case, and then may see, or rather will be able to see, when the cases are duly placed, the common kinds of attack, and if he has brought a specimen with him, to name it by comparison." This method of arranging an economic entomo- logical collection I cannot consider a good one. Many insects attack several kinds of plants, and if the specimens, drawings, &c., are given over and over again under each plant which the in- sect attacks, much expense and a much larger amount of space would lie required. There are other disadvantages, too, which cannot now bu discussed. The Bean aphis appears to have been very abundant last year. The Beans seem to have fared best on land which had been previously dressed with gaslime. The difficulty of know- ing when and how much gaslime to apply is mentioned, and the following extract from a pamphlet by Dr. Voelcker, which is of consider- able interest, is quoted : " With regard to the quantity of gaslime that ought to be put on the land no general rule can be laid down, for the quantity should be regulated by the relative deficiency in calcareous constitutents which different soils exhibit. Speaking generally, how- ever, two tons may be used with safety, and in many instances a heavier dressing will not be amiss. The proper time for application is autumn, or during the winter months when vegetation is at a standstill. On arable land gas- lime should be applied to the stubble spread out evenly, and left exposed before ploughing up for three or four weeks ; on grass land it should be- spread during the months of D ecember or Janu ary, or, at any rate, before vegetation is making a fresh start." The next insect which calls for comment is the small or garden swift moth, or, as it is perhaps better known, the common .swift moth (Hepialus lupulinus), the grubs of which are no doubt very injurious to the roots of manv kinds of plants. Parsnips, Lettuces, Potatoes, Celery, Beans, and Strawberry plants are men- tioned. The coin aphis (Siphonophora granaria) seems to have been particularly severe in its attacks ; no means at present are known for pre- serving our corn crops from this insect. The leather-jackets (the grubs of the daddy-longlegs), as usual, were very troublesome. Turning cattle into fields in the autumn as much as possible seems a practicable way of dealing with tljis pest. A correspondent gives his experience, which is very favourable to this plan. Eating the Grass down short and the trampling of the cattle are apparently most useful in destroying the eggs of this insect, and the shelter which long Grass gives to them, it is also mentioned as a corrobora- tive fact " that the hindland never suffers to the same extent from the fact that it is closer grazed and more trodden in shelter of the fences." Some experiments are quoted wdrich Miss Ormerod instituted to ascertain what effect rape cake had on wireworms. Many persons assert that they will feed on it until they burst, and this fable is again and again brought for- ward every now and then. These experiments show that the wireworms wdiich had access to the cake were remarkably healthy, and were even longer than usual belore they underwent their change to chrysalides (a very far from desirable result). Tbe rape cake undoubtedly draws the wireworms from Oats, for in these experiments two boxes of Oat plants treated ex- actly in the same way, except that one only had pieces of rape cake in it, fared very diflere'ntly ; in the one in which there was no cake the orts suffered considerably: in the otlier they were hardly touched. Tne black Currant gall mite is reported on for the first time. 'I his ery minute creature is the cause of much injury to the bushes which it attacks ; it infests the buds and sucks the juices of the young leaves: the buds swell and sometimes open to a certain ex- tent, but the leaves never come to perfection. This pest is usually well established on the bushes before its presence is noticed, for if only a few buds fail to open in the usual manner no sus- picion is aroused, and it is not until so many prove abortive that attention is called to the state of the bushes that persons are aware of the attack. In the spring, when the bu'ls are open- ing, if any fail to ing stems frcm your plmt, top-dress with some good soil, water well, and str. ng liealthy new shoots ought to soon show themselves. The species requires a cool greenhouse and plenty of root-room ; planted out it always does well. — B. CONSTRUCTION OF CHEAP GLASSHOUSES. Economy in the construction of these houses is the order of the day, and probably at no time have prices been so low, and, it may be added, in numerous instances, the wood and workmanship so inferior. Timber is cheap, how-ever, and has been for some time, so that there is less excu.se for either the builder or the owner putting up houses with v,'ood of inferior quality. If the -wood used is not sound to begin with, much trouble and disap- pointment will result in a few years. It is a serious matter when a glass structure begins to give way at its knees at all points, and it becomes a question of rebuilding or I'epairing on an extensive scale. I lately saw a range of fruit houses, fifteen years built, that were all in this condition, and in order to keep them upon their feet the proprietor is now tying the joists together with iron cramps. It is not a question of paint, as some builders insist, but sound timber. Regular painting is of much importance, no doubt, but the-quality of the wood is the first consideration. We have old houses standing sound in the rafters, and even in the slender astragals that hold the glass, that will see our new houses ended, although the former have been up eighty years and the latter less than twenty. The difference between the two is due solely to the quality of the wood, which in both cases is red deal, but of very dift'erent quality. For the rafters of glasshouses not an inch of " sap" wood or outside wood of the tree should be used, and it is easily detected by its colour and texture, which are white and soft, incipient decay being quite often visible at the edges of the planks in the black streaky fibre. None of this should be used. It is specially important that all the main bearers be sound, and also other portions where any morticing has to be done. Above all, pass no timber that has receiied the " first coat of paint, ' which hides most deficiencies, and is usually put on before the timber leaves the works. We" have on occasion taken up bar after bar of shelvincs in this state, and broken them over the knee, to find the wood of the worst description, and actually so black that the colour shone through the paint. So much for the quality of the materials, and now for cheapness in the planning. Now-a-days, in houses for the culture of plants and flowers, masonry is dispensed with as far as practicable. The great point is to admit as much light as possible, and this means glass instead of brick- work. Except where there is a back wall, there is really hardly any need for masonry, unless it be in the pillars that support the house, and these are, or should be, out of sight. Dispense with stone paths, curbs, and pillars wherever possible, which only take space that can be better employed. Have few angles, gutters, and gables, and contrive to have the houses all joined to each other for the sake of appearance, convenience, and economy in heating them. A glasshouse with a cold outer end or gable will consume more coal than one which has its ends abutting on other houses, just as inner rooms in dwelling houses are warmer than those having outer walls. As to heating itself, that should be schemed to save needless junctions, valves, and pipes, which increase the cost im- mensely. The simpler the plan the better. The use of pipes is to heat the air of the house uni- formly, to do which they must be distributed in rows over the floor in such a manner as not to interfere with the paths, doorways, or borders. Have the Ijoiler near its work, and as few pipea under ground and in inaccessible positions as possible, and so save a hundred per cent, when repairs become necessary. In glazing the roof, use good broad and long panes, but no outside putty. The warmest roofs are still those in which the glass is bedded in putty, because they keep the cold winds out ; but there is no need for putty outside, only one copper sjirig on each side at the top and bottom of each jiane. Lastly, it is not necessary to use heavy rafters for any sort of glasshouse. He w ho does such work by contract will not recommend them ; but he who does the work by the day, and by measure and value, may. The bearers must be strong enough for their 38 THE GARDEN. [July 10, 1886. place, but staying by means of iron rods has now superseded iron posts, pillars, and heavy rafters, thus leaving more space inside, and rendering the house lighter as well as more elegant in appear- ance. J. S. W. ALPINE FLOWERS. We have just received a letter from a friend travelling in Switzerland, wherein he describes the exquisite beauty of the alpine plants he has met with in flovvcr on the Swiss Alps. At this season the Gentians, he says, dye square yards of rocky cliff with blue, and of the same hue is that little gem, Eritrichiura nanum, which we spend so much thought upon in trying to grow freely. Saxi- frages are going out of bloom, but some of the Campanulas are in the height of beauty, and so is the curious Phyteuma comosum and the little trailing Toadflax (Linaria alpina), which is the one most commonly met with. The Edelweiss has been in bloom for some time, and another Com- posite, Leucanthemum alpinum, a near ally of our Ox-eye Daisy, together with the mountain Avens (Geums), are long lasting flower- ers. Primulas — those jewels of the Alps — have been profusely in bloom, and the dead flower-stalks of other early flowers show how beautiful the slopes must have been in May. The majority of English tourists miss much of the beauty of alpine flowers by de- ferring their visits to August and September, when iiowers are past and fruits are ripening. Every alpine plant grower should see the Alps in early summer, when they will learn an impressive lesson, which will often assist them in the management of their gar- dens at home. boiled and roasted, instead of striking downwards, vegetables, such as Peas, Cauliflowers, &c., which which they would have done if left to eater for cannot be had in good condition in a dry, hot themselves. The earth is the storehouse of plants, ' summer unless the land be well attended to. A and if a good supply of food be there ready for light mulch to fruit trees, especially to those their use, the result will be more satisfactory than carrying heavy crops, is a great help in keeping the roots near the surface ; but we do not want to keep out all solar heat ; we have not had too much of it lately ; it is the only thing lacking to make our climate perfect for fruit growing, as without it the wood will not ripen, and the whole question of fruit growing hinges on this. No one ought to require to be told that, if we water at all, enough must be given to reach the bulk of the roots. Yet there is generally a want of thorough- ness in work of this character that detracts from its value, and, in fact, often renders it worse than useless. E. H. Kitchen Garden. COUNTERACTING DROUGHT. People are now complaining of the heat ; but bright warm summers are more enjoyable and more fruitful than those of a dull damp character. We cannot have too much sunshine if we prepare for it aiight, but the first and great preparation cahnot be improvised ; I mean, of course, deep working of the soil, which should be systematically done. If this be neglected, no amount of surface stirring will compensate for depth of soil. Stirring is a valuable expedient when the roots have plenty of room below ; but if cramped in their action we have no right to ex- pect .a favourable result. Where the .soil lacks depth, then mulching is better than earth stirring, as it not only keeps it cool and imparts nou- rishment, but on deeply worked, well-manured land, the hoe, worked deeply all over the surface, lireaking it up to a fine ash-like consistency 2 inches or so deep, will answer the same purpose without robbing the land of solar warmth in the sam3 way as mulching does. Of coursa the mulch saves labour, and that is an object sometimes ; but I have found, with a deep, well-manured soil and a loose surface, the warmth of even our summer days is beneficial rather than otherwise. Jlulchmg on shallow, imperfectly worked land is invaluable- in fact, indispensable to many things. Watering permanent crops is not an unmixed good ; it tends to carry off the fertilising matters from the soil Sowing' Parsley. —If I had to depend upon one sowing in the year for our supjily of Parsley, I should sow about the lOth of July in an open situa- tion, thinning the plants to 5 inches or 6 inches apart when large enough to handle, and planting the thinnings on a warm border at the foot of a south wall or a warm thick hedge. One of the advantages of sowing now is the fact that a large proportion of the plants will not run to seed next year. The few that do seed may be drawn out, and still a good Parsley bed will be the result. — E. Hobday. Beet Spinach. — This Beet should be sown some time in the month of June, or at the latest in the first week in J uly. Those only who have a large demand for green vegetables in eai-ly spring will appreciate the merits of this so-called Spinach, as if sown in a sheltered corner it will be available for use when ordinary Spinach is withered up by cold winds and frost. I find it best to sow it rather thickly, and let it remain so all winter, as then the plants shelter each other. In our strong soil we find, if it is sown in drills 1 foot apart and the plants left 3 inches asunder in the rows, that they pass through the winter better than where they have more room. It is very desirable that the bed should be in a position sheltered from east and north winds. If sown in the open, probably it would not prove more hardy than ordinary Spinach. I do not say that this Beet is equal to ordinary Spinach for table purposes, but it is useful when other garden produce is scarce. — J. C. C. Cropping witliout digging. —Wishing to sow quickly eaily in the year, under press of time and a lack of labour just then, a piece of ground some ."0 rods in extent with Peas of various kinds, I had some portion prepared by merely forking it up ready for the rows a spit wide at inter- vals of 3 feet, leaving the intervening space to be dug at some future time. The soil is a stiff clay, and whilst left by the winter's frost after Potatoes n'ere got up last autumn with a fairly friable sur- face, I found that the bottom came up very stifl' if they A tuft of Saxifrages, Pyrolas, aud Veronicas. to mouth on the I and lumpy, rendering the drawing of drillsdifEcult if given in sulficient quantity to be of any use, limited supplies which can be given to them in and the"i)roper covering of the seed more so. I and if the surface only be moistened the roots are dry, hot weather in the shape of surface moisten- thei-efore allowed the forking to be dispensed wi'li kept near the top, where they are alternately par-l ing. I have been speaking more especially of and simply drew the drills on the surface, getting Jdly 10, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 39 them a fairly loose soil some 3 inches in depth ; the result has been better than if all had been dug. The seed germinated well and the rows through- out proved true and even. All the kinds have made capital growth, quite exceeding my best anticipations, and are even better where the soil was not forked at all than where dug ; certainly, some two years ago the ground was half trenched, but still it had since borne crops of runner Beans and Potatoes. E.xperiments of this kind, when successful, are worth detailing, as it may happen that others similarly plagued with a stiff clay may hesitate to do what sometimes is obviously best, because contrary to common practice. Still, the ]ilan might hardly have been safe had there been no ]irevious trenching. — A. D. Horn Carrots. — A sowing made now of the Nantes Horn will ]iroduce Carrots that will prove useful in winter, sweet young roots being always in demand. The border from which early Potatoes have been lifted will do admirably for Carrots ■with no other preparation than a sprinkling of soot hoed in and the surface well pulverised before the drills arc drawn. Thin the plants from 1 inch to '2 inches apart when large enough to handle. — E. Hobday. Farly Cabbag-es. — The best early Cabbage I krow of is E.u-ly Gem ; seeds uf it were sown on Marcli 9, their produce was planted out on April 20, and was ready to eut on June IS. It bears small compact he.ads, and is beautifully green in colour. — W. A. Cook, JLiltiu: Wootl, Warted Cucumber roots (E. M. G.).— Your Cucum- ber roots seem attacked with a, disease very similar to club- root in Cabbages, ic, and is, no doubt, caused by a fungus. Remove all the earth the Cucumbers have grown in, and burn it or bury it deeply.— G. S. S. Societies and Exhibitions. THE CRYSTAL PALACE ROSE SHOW. July 3. Tins annu.al exhibition was not only considerable in extent, but the Roses were in most instances \ery tine, though the intense heat soon began to tell upon them. The main part of the show was under the central transept, the flowers being arranged on lines of tables in the usual manner. Along the nave Mr. Head had arranged tables of cut Roses, with Palms, &c., in the centre. This broke up the monotonous arrangement usually seen on these occasions, and also distributed the crowd of visitors. In the nurserymen's class for 72 varieties, Mf B. R. Cant, nurseryman, Colchester, was first, and Messrs. Paul and Son, Cheshunt, second, and the same exhibitoi's took similar positions in the class for 4S varie1ie>, 3 trusses of each. In that for •21 \arieties, .'S trusses of each, Mr. C. Turner, Slough, was first, and Messrs. G. Cooling and Son, Bath, second. In that for the same number of varieties, single blooms, Mr. (i. Prince, Oxford, was first, and Mr. C. Turner second. Of the Hybrid Perpetual Roses, the following were finely shown in these classes: Abel Carriore, Alfred Colomb, A. K. Williams, Baroness Rothschild, Beauty of Waltham, Camille Bernardin, Charles Darwin, Charles Lefebvre, Countess of Ftosebery, Dr. Andry, Dr. Sewell, Due de Rohan, Duchesse de Vallomlnosa, Duchess of Connaught, Duke of Teck, Dupuy .Jamain, Emily Laxton, Etienne Levet, Ferdinand do Lesseps, Fisher Holmes, Francois Michelon, Gen. Jacqueminot, Hippolyte .Jamain, Horace Vernet, .Jean Soujiert, .J. S. ilill, La Franco, La Rosicre, Le Havre, Louis Van Houtte, JIadame (Jabriel Luizet, iladame Hip|)o- lyte .Jamain, Madame Lacharme, Marie Finger, Madame Montet, Madame Victor Verdier, Marie Baumann, Marie Rady, Marquise de Castellane, Maurice Bernardin, Merveille de Lyon. Mons. E. Y. Teas, Mons. Noman, Mrs. .Jowitt, Pride of \\'al- tham. Prince Arthtir, Prince Camille de Rohan, Reine du Midi, Reynolds Hole, Star of Wal- tham, Ulrich Brunner, Violette Bouyer,and Xavier Olibo. Of Tea-scented varieties, Anna Olivier, Belle Lyonnaise, Catherine Mermet, C'omtes?e de Na- (laillac, I^evoniensis, Etoile de Lyon, Hon. Edith (JilVard, Innoccnte Pirola, Jean Ducher, La Boule d'Or, Latly Mary Fitzwilliam, Madame Bravy, Madame Hippolyte .Jamain, Madame Lambard, Madame de Watteville, Marie Van Houtte, Ni- phetos. Perls des .Jardins, .Souvenir d'Elise, Sou- venir d'un Ami, and Mart-chal Xiel. The class for 18 Tea and Noisette Roses brought some lovely flowers, Mr. George Prince being first, and Mr. G. W. Piper, nurseryman, Uckfield, being second with such fine varieties as Alba rosea, Francisca Kruger, Princess of Wales, La Boule d'Or, Niphetos, Catherine Mermet, Jean Ducher, Marie Van Houtte, Souvenir d'Eli.se Vardon, Anna OUivier, Innoccnte Pirola, and Madame H. Jamain. The class for a collection of yellow Roses was a very attractive one, and all shown were Tea-scented and Noisette varieties. Mr. (Jeorge I'rince was to the fore with beautiful blooms of .Jean Ducher, Princess of Wales, Francisca Kruger, Etoile de Lyon, C'omtesse de Nadaillac, Perle des .Jardins, Madame C. Kuster, Marie Van Houtte, and Amazone. Other good yellow Roses were Anna OUivier, Boule d'Or, Belle Lyonnaise, and Princess of Wales. In the class for white Roses, Mr. B. R. Cant led the way with Edith Giftard, Niphetos, Devoniensis, Jean Fernet, Madame I^a- charme, very fine, and Madame Bravy. Anna OUivier, Alba rosea, and Innoccnte Pirola were also shown in this class. Messrs. Paul and Son had the best crimson Roses, setting up fine blooms of JIadame G. Luizet, JIarguerite de St. Amand, Madame Montet, Madame Hippolyte .Jamain, Monsieur Noman, Pride of Waltham, Baroness Rothschild, Catherine Soupert, Princess Beatrice, .Julie Touvais, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, Marie Finger, Duchesse de \'allombrosa, Madame Cusin, &c. Messi-s. Paul and Son were first with crimson Roses, chief .among them being A. K. Williams, Duke of Edinburgh, Dr. Andry, E. Y. Teas, Gen. .Jacqueminot, Duke of Teck, Ulrich Brunner, Comte Raimbaud, Marie Rady, Marie Baumann, Madame Victor ^'erdier, and Camille Bernardin. Mr. B. R. Cant had the best velvety crimson Roses, showing Duke of Edinl lurgh, Fisher Holmes, Prince Arthur, Dtike of Marlborough. Dr. .Sewell, and Matirice Bernardin. Louis Van Houtte, Rey- nolds Hole, t'harles Darwin, and Prince Camille de Rohan were also shown in this class. And in the classes for varieties, Marechal Niel was grandly shown by Mr. B. R. Cant and Mr. G. Mount. In the class for any Tea or Noisette Mr. Cant had IS beautiful blooms of Souvenir d'Elise, Mr. Grant coming next with Marie Van Houtte. The best of the Marie Baumann type was Ferdi- nand de Lesseps, from Messrs. Keynes and Co. ; of the Prince C. de Bolian type, Abel Carrii're, from Messrs. I'aul and Son : of the Francois Michelon tvpe. Marquise de Castellane, from ^Ir. W. J. Grant. Mr. H. Bennett had the best 12 blooms of Lady Mary Fitzwilliam; Mr. deo. Prince, of A. K. WiUiams; the Rev. .J. H. Pemberton, of W. A. Richaidson, finely coloured; and Mr. B. R. Cant, of Niphetos. Messrs. Paul and Son had the best collection of Rosa Polyantha. having Ma Paquerette, Perle d'Or. Simplex. Mignonette, and Anne Marie de Montravel. Cecile Brunner was also .shown in this class. Messrs. Geo. Cooling and Son, of Bath, had the best trusses of Rosa rugosa and its white variety. In the amateurs' classes the leading exhibitors were Mr. T. B. Hav%\-ood, Reigate; .Mr. A. T. Waterton, Reigate; Mr. J. W. tyrant, Ledbury: and the Rev. Dr. King. Messrs. Laing exhibited a group of tuberous-rooted Begonias in flower. Cut flowers of Carnations, Picotees, and Pinks were also limited. The leadingr prizes were taken by Mr. C. Turner, Mr. J. Douglas, and Mr. H. Hooper. First-class certificates of merit were awarded to Picotees Agnes Chambers and Annie Doufflas, two yellow ground varieties shown by Mr. J. Douglas. A fine collection of Roses, &c., was sent liy Messrs. W. Paul and Son, Waltham Cross, who had two seedling varieties. Great Mogul and Silver Queen. NATIONAL ROSE SOCIETY^ KENSINGTON. SOUTH July 6. The show of this society held in London is now looked upon as the representative Rose show of the season. It took place in the Royal Horti- cultural Gardens, the conservatory in which was filled from one end to the other with cut Roses. It was a great gatherinff, but, as like former shows, as two Potato shows are like each other, the same long lines of boxes, the same exhibitors, the same familiar sorts of Roses. Nobody looks for novelty in a Rose show, and yet no flower shows are so popular. Novel features, however, might be introduced into a Rose show, and par- ticularly into such large shows as the National one is. The only attempt at arrangement occurs in the class for "a basket of Teas or Noisettes," but even in this class the arrangements have long since settled down into such a stereotyped aft'air that they have become insipid. Who is responsible for this other than those who frame the schedule, wherein it is stated that "all exhibits are to be shown in one uniform wicker flower-stand on legs." How can exhibits be other than monotonous under such conditions. Three or four classes for arrange- ments of cut Roses could well be substituted for others included in the bewildering number of classes, extra, closed, and open. These open classes, however, represented what seemed to in- terest the visitors as much or more than the classes for the ordinary Hybrid Perpetuals. Among the classes were some for garden Roses, for Moss and Provence Roses, for Roses suitable for "button-holes," for new Roses, and for Roses of particular colours. As regards the quality of the blooms throughout the show, it was, according to the general opinion, decidedly below the average. Some very fine blooms were to be seen in the best stands, but the uniformly high quality usually seen at this great London show did not prevail, for even the great trade exhibitors, like the Cants and the Pauls, with their acres to cut from, could not muster large collections of uniform quality. A good many of the blooms in even the prize winning stands were second rate, and the weather being so hot did not tend to improve them. In the nurserymen's cla,sses, Mr. B. Cant was, as usual, unapproachable. He showed the best six dozen single trusses and the finest stand of four dozen treble trusses among seven, while in the class for two dozen Teas or Noisettes, Mr. Prince, of Oxford, stood out conspicuous from the rest, his blooms being superb. In the smaller classes for nurserymen, the most successful were ilessrs. Curtis and Sandford, of Torquay, whose blooms from that mild quarter were of remarkable excellence. Mr. Mount, of Canterbury, also showed well, and the best Teas in this division also came from Oxford, from Mr. JIattock's nur- sery. There were seven classes set apart exclu- sively for nurserymen, while the amateurs enjoyed the privilege of competing in thirteen clas.ses in either of the two ilivisions. On the whole, the amateurs' exhibits we considered superior to the nurserymen's; and though Mr. Pemlierton's chal- lenge trophy collection of forty-eight trusses did not represent the high quality which we have seen in foimer years, when such rosarians as Mr. Baker and Mr. Jowitt competed so spiritedly for the trophy, yet this year's collection was highly creditable. The flowers were large, full, of high colour, and of uniform quality throughout the stand, whilst the .selection of sorts was excellent; the light and dark colours, as well as the propor- tion of Hybrid Perpetuals and Tea varieties, being well balanced. Among other prominent amateur exhiliitors were the Earl of Stanhope's gardener (Mr. (iray), Mr. Grant, the Rev. Dr. King (who showed the finest bloom of a Tea variety in the exhibition, a mar- vellous Souvenir d'Elise ^'ardon), Mr. Watcrlow, Reigate, and Mr. Claxton, who showed so finely at Liverpool last week. The exhibitors came from widely-separated points, as far north as Liverpool, but the finest blooms came from the gardens in the 40 THE GARDEN. [July 10, 1886. home counties, particularly Essex, Kent, Surrey, and Sussex. There must have been thousands of blooms shown, and these were chiefly of popular sorts, there being comparatively few new or uncommon kinds in the collections. Running tln-outrh the nurserymen's cla.sses, we singled out the followin.' as the most conspicuous: The lovely new Lady Mary Fitzwilliam was shown numerously; every large collection included it ; and on tlie whole it was shown admirably. Its large and finely-formed flowers and their exquisite colour — a delicate blush-pink — captivated everyone. VioletteBouyer, in the way of the old Madame Lacharme, was also finely shown; but a better white Ro.se, and appa- rently a greater favourite, is Merveille de Lyon, which was perhaps more plentiful than any other light Ro.se. Ulrich Brunner is another sort that has rapidly become popular. It has a fine bold flower of a bright crimson-red. Mr. B. Cant had it fine in one of his large collections. Madame (lalniel Luizet, M. Isaac Perriere, and Queen of (Queens are now established favourites, and there were some grand blooms of the latter Rose wliich Mr. W. Paul considers one of the best he has .sent out from Waltham Cross. Mons. Fillon was one of the biiglitest-coloured Roses, the centre of the flower being almost a scarlet. Throughout the show A. K. Williams reigned supreme as a dark Rose. It was a matchless Hybrid Perpetual in the amateurs' classes, and a faultle.ss bloom of it shown by Mr. Pemberton was selected by the judges for a medal. Many consider this the finest Hybrid I'erpetual of its colour yet raised. That excellent dark Ro.se, Reynolds Hole, was in superb form; indeed, we have never before seen so many fine blooms of this Rose at a show before. The present season seems to just suit it, for none of the other daik Roses, such as Abel Carriere, Prince de Rohan, could come up to it. That curious, yet beautiful new sort. Pride of Reigate, recognisable at a glance by its flaked petals, was shown beautifully by sevei-al, but finest from the ganlen at Reigate, where it originated. William Warden and Penelope Mayo, of about the same age, are proving to be fairly good Roses, and so is another named Heinrich Schultheis. Among Tea varieties in the collections, the most noteworthy among the less common sorts were Etoile de Lyon, which is fast rising in popularity, for although there are so many Tea varieties of a similar stamp, it possesses a beauty peculiar to itself, the faint golden glow in the flowers being so beautiful. Peerless among coloured Teas was Madame Cusin, which, though a comparatively new Rose, was plentifully shown. It is undeniably one of the loveliest of all Rosss. Its flowers are made up of broad crimply petals of a .soft rose- pink, and their fragrance is delicious. The new Madame do Watteville was shown well by several. It is a good addition to Tea Roses, being different from any other, having excellent flowers, both as regards size and colour, while each ivory-nhite p.'tal blushes with pink. Another similar variety. Princess of Wales— one of Mr. Bennett's seed- lings, we think— was shown by one exhibitor in beautiful condition, but we have never seen it so fine since Mr. Betmett showed it first. Other Teaswe thoughtspecially noteworthy in th"! collec- tions were Souvenir de Paul Neyron, Souvenir d'Eiise Vardon, Sunset, the new American Rose; Marie Van Houtte, exquisitely coloured ; Uavid Pradel, and Madame Hippolyie Jamain. We do not int md now to inflict upon our readers a list of the sjrts in each winning stand, so we will pass on to the open classes, which were more in- teresting. New Roses were not plentiful, only three col- lections of twelve being shown. The first prize lot was that from Messrs. Paul, of Che.shunt, who had fairly good blooms of the following, viz , Longfellow, a good dark colour: Pride of Reisrate, Ella (iordin. Baroness Nathaniel de Rothschild, Marshall Wilder, in the way of Alfred Colomli ; Victjr Hugo, a very dark velvety crimson, which will probably come to the front; Madame Julie Gautier, Madame de Watteville, Etendarddejeanne d'Arc, Madame Norman Neruda, and Grace Dar- ling, the latter, a Tea variety, and one of promising appearance. Messrs. Curtis & Sandford's second prize collection contained President Senelar, in the way of Abel Carriere ; Madame Massicault, of a similar stamp to the old La Reine; Madame Norman Neruda, Souvenir de la Reine, Leveque, Aliihonse Soupert, bright carmine-crimson; Gloire Lyonnaise, like Niphetos ; Caroline Swailes, General Appert, a good dark sort ; Madame de Watteville and Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild. Mr. B. Cant's thirtl collection was made up chiefly of the fore- going sorts, besides Prince Bearni and Directeur Alphand. Mr. Girdlestone showed the best six now Ro.ses sent out since ISSt. He had for sorts Madame de Watteville, Joseph Matral, Gloire Lyonnaise, Grace Darling, Souvenir de (iabrielle, Drevat, and Lady of the Lake. There was no award made in the class for seedling Roses, but Mr. Turner showed his new dark sort The Colonel. Messrs. Paul & Son had the (irand Mogul, a rich crimson-scarlet, and another called Silver (jueen, pale pink. (i.uiDEN Roses, as distinct from exhibition Roses, formed a class of themselves. There were several collections, coinposed of a great diversity of kinds ; some had Howeis of sorts' rejected by exhibitors, and not included in the society's catalogue; others had Rosa rugosa and Polyantha, which presumably come under the term garden Roses. Mr. Pember- ton's fir^t priz3 collection comprised the follov\ ing : Rosa rugosa, the old China ; Paqnerdtte, W. A. Richardson, Maiden's Blush, Rosa Mundi, Aimee Vibert, Felicite Perpetue, Homere, Juno, Jules Margottin, Charles Lawson, Celine Forestier, Captain Ingrain, and Gloire de Dijon. It would be well to have a clear definition as to what con- stitutes a "garden Rose." Are they worthless Roses for the e.xhibition table, or do they belong to classes other than Hybrid Perpetuals, Tea-^, or Noisettes'; Moss .\ND Prove.n'Ce Roses were a goo.l feature, and a very fine lot was set up by Messrs Paul, of Cheshunt, who showed a beautiful collection for the first prize. It compris3d the following : Baronne de VVassenaer, a beautiful deep rose sort, very mos.sy, raised about thirty years ago ; Blanche Moreau, a rather new white variety; Comtcsse de Murinais, white tinged with flesh, a very old sort; James Veitch, deep violet-crimson; Lanei, red; Batli, white tingetl with flesh ; and White Pro- vence. Messrs. Bunyard showed the next best lot,- having Lanei, Reine Blanche, Crested Moss, Blanche Moreau, common Provencs, Little Gem, and Selina. BfTTON-iiOLE Ro.ses wcrc shown by two only — Mr. Mattock and Messrs. Bunyard — both good collections, and many considered that from the latter the best. The sorts included in the stands were W. A. Richardson, Homere, Mad. de Watte- ville, Perle des .Jardins, Mad. Falcot, Comtesse de Nadaillac, Souvenir de Paul Neyron, Caroline Kuster, Marie Van Houtte, Jean Pernet, Niphetos, and Amazone. These were selected as being beautiful in the bud state, and therefore most suit- able for button-hole bouquets, but there are scores of other sorts equally suitable. The classes for Roses of particular colours were interesting. The twelve best blooms of a yellow Rose were shown by Mr. Grant, who had some superb flowers of Marie Van Houtte, while Maruchal Niel won the three next prizes, and was shown by six competitors. The best white Rose was Niphetos, from Mr. B. Cant, while Merveille de Lyon (shown by five) was second, and Nijihetos third. Other white or pink Roses shown in this cla-s were Alba rosea. Captain Christy, Duchesse de Vallombios.a and Souvenir de la Malmaison. The crimson Rose which won the first prize was A, K. Williams, from Jlr. B. Cant, which was shown by five, and took the second and third prizes also, while Alfred C'olomb was fourth. Le Havre was also shown in this class. The best (lark crimson was Reynolds Hole, shown S|)lendidly Ijy .Messrs. Keynes. Xavier Olibo was second and third. Prince Aithur fourth. Charles Lefebvre, Abel Caniore were also shown in this class. The best twelve trusses of any Rose were shown by Mr. H. Bennett, of Shepperton, who had superb blooms of his new Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, which was shown by six others. Among the sixteen com- petitor;, Ulrich Brunner, from Messrs. Curtis, was second. Souvenir d'Eiise Vaidon third, and Xavier Olibo fourth. Bareness Roth.schild, Xavier Olibo, and Comtesse de Nadaillac were also .shown. The medals for the best blooms in the exhibition were awarded as follows : Among nurserymen, Mr. B. Cant had the best Hybrid Perpetual, a splendid bloom of Boieldieu ; and the same ex- hibitor also showed the finest bloom of a Tea^ Souvenir il'Elise Vardon. Among amateurs, Mr. Pemberton showed the best Hybrid Perpetual, a perfect flower of A. K. Williams ; while Dr. King had the best Tea — Souvenir d'Eiise Vardon. Full lists of awards of both of the above shows are given in our advertising columns. Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution. — Th-e annual dinner of this institution took plac-^ at the Albif)!! Hotel; Aldtr.«gate Street, on Friday evening last. Mr. N. N. Sherwoid presided, and there was a large c impany present. The chairman, in proposing the toast of the eveuing. gave a brief sunnn:iry of the history of the institution, the origin of which dates from 1838. It did not prosper at first, but matteis began to improve in 1842 The proceeds of the first anniversary dinner in 1843 amounted to £40; since that time they had never retrograded. an lit- ens; 4, Caiiijwiiula latifC«) e. Rose Garden. TEA-SCENTED ROSES. Anyone who visits Rose exhiliitions will have noted how very popular the beautiful Tea-scented varieties are. People crowd about the stands of them and admire their delicate colouring, sweat scent, and exquisite build. Since Rosa odorata was introduced from China in 1810, and the old yellow Tea-scented Rose in 1824, what a marvel- lous progeny has sprung from the union of these two. That Tea Roses are tender is well known, but some are hardier than others, and probalaly we may be getting near the day when we shall have a group of sweetly perfumed Roses that retain their delicate colours and are as hardy as Hybrid Perpetuals. Sweet-scented as many of the latter are. Tea-scented varieties beat them in point of fragrance, a circumstance which makes them such favourites. jMoreoser, they can be grown in pots, planted in conservatories or against walls ; in the last named position, if established in suitable soil, they flower profusely, and among Teas are to be found some of the finest autumn-blooming varieties we possess. They also do well planted in beds, but the tender character referred to makes it needful to give some protection, such as Fern or hay, during winter when the weather is unusually severe. As to soil, they do well in any good loam, but ill whatever position they are placed, it should be a warm one, and the soil well drained. The following is a selection of the best varieties made at the Rose shows. They are, Anna Oilivier, rosy flesh ; Belle Lyonnaise, a charming yellow of the (iloire de Dijon typ3 ; Catherine Mermet, light flesh coloured, one of the most charming of Tea Roses ; Comtesse de Nadaillac, a variety that colours in some districts more deeply than in others. At the Longworth ISTurseries this variety comes remarkably fine. Devoniensis still main- iiins its position, but it does not always come large enough to be included in a stand of twelve blooms at a Rose show. Etoile de Lyon, sulphur yellow, deeper in the centre, should be noted as a \ery fine pot Rose. Hon. iHss Edith Gifl'ard comes almost pure wliite at times, though in its usual clia- ractcr it is slightly tinted in the centre with sal- mon-red. Innocente Pirola is at times pure white, at others slightly tinted with pink : a lovely Ros3, and one that should certainly be grown for exhi- bition purposes. .Jean Ducher is another most useful and beautiful variety, yellow in colour, shaded with salmon, the centre bein? sometimes rosy peach ; a large full Rose, and good in form. •Jules Finger is one of the red class of Tea Roses, distinct and good. La Boule d'Or I regard as tlie best yellow Tea Rose grown ; its flowers are large, double, and in form most exquisite, but to have them in their best condition the plant should have a warm and rather dry situation. Madame Bravv bears grand flowers, large and full ; Jlr. B. R. Cant invariably shows this beautifid variety in its best character ; it is cream coloured, but at Col- chester it comes almost pure white. JIadame Cusin is a deep pink or pale rose-coloured Tea, the petals of which are sufl'used with colour, but more deeply towards the edges than elsewhere ; the centre is always perfect, but the outer petals curl some- what; nevertheless it is a beautiful flower and one which is eft'ective on the exhibition table. In Madame Hippolyte Jamain, a charming variety, the circumference of the flower is white, the centre coppery yellow, and the edges of the petals tinged with rose. Madame Lambard is sometimes l:irii;ht ro.se and sometimes pale pink ; it is change- able in colour, but at all times pleasing. Madame de Watteville is white tinted with salmon, and eaeh petal is bordered with bright rose ; a eharm ing flower, but the outer petals curl somewhat. Marie Van Houtte is one of the most lovely of Tea Roses ; its colour is pale yellow, rather deeper in the centre than elsewhere, and the outer petals are bordered with bright rose ; a dozen blooms of this at the Crystal Palace Ruse Show, shown by Mr. Cant, appeared to be as near perfection as they well could be. Jloire, rosy fawn, with a deeper shade, is occasionally remarkably good. With Niphetos all of us are well acquainted ; in the bud state it is one of the most use- ful of Tea Roses. Souvenir d'Elise, also one of the most perfectly-formed Tea Roses grown, is creamy white in colour, tinted with deli- cate rose. Souvenir de I'aul Neyron, creamy white shaded with salmon and bordered with rose, is, like the last, large and full; and Souvenir d'un Ami, pale salmon, shaded with rose, is always reliable for show purposes. In the small group of Hybrid Tea and Hybrid Noisette Roses, Lady ilary Fitzwilliam stands at the top. Its flowers are large and globular, and of a bright, yet delicate, flesh colour, and it is a variety that yields a number of finely formed flowers. I have scarcely seen a good bloDm of Cheshunt Hybrid or Reine Marie Henriette on a stand this season. Of Noisette Roses properly so-called (for I think the Hybrids will in course of time be absorbed into the Hybrid Perpetuals), there are few that have made a name as exhibition varieties. Is not that most glorious of all the Noisettes— Mari-chal Niel — to be found on every stand ? Bouquet dOr is sometimes to be seen in fine condition, with its deep yellow circumference and coppery centre. Next to Mariichal Niel comes Madame Caroline Kuster, a beautiful pale yellow Noisette, large and full, generally finding a place in every dozen Teas and Noisettes. Lamarque is a lovely Rose to o-row against a south or south-west wall, where early in tJie season it will come almost or quite pure white. At Shimdda Hir, Mr. Samuel Bar- low's place in North Wales, it does remarkably well, and in the bud state is an almost perfect white Rose. The seedling Brier is undoubtedly the best stock for Tea-scented Roses: it is the most lasting and reliable. I suppose we shall go on planting standard Roses in forecourt gardens for years to come, but there is no reason why we should not grow Tea Roses more than we do on the walls of our dwellings, or pegged down in beds. Many appear to like a glare of showy red Roses in their gardens, as if this was the only colour Roses attbrded. Let them root out some of the stan- dards and plant Teas on the seedling Brier as bush specimens in their places. They may need a little protection in winter, and the exercise of a little more care than is necessary in the case of the more robust Hybrid Perpetuals; but if they succeed, as they are pretty certain to do, no one will regret planting them; and it will be admitted that for making a display in their proper season, for yielding flowers in the autumn, and for use for bouquets and general decorative pur- poses they are unequalled. R. !•• ROSES FROM CUTTINGS IN SUMMER. CfTTiSiis of Roses are often planted in sandy soil, but that is a mistake. A porous soil requires much water, while all that the cuttings need to insure a good strike is an equable condition as regards moisture. A partially spent hot-bed having a temperature of 1^" covered with a frame and lights (it being essential for the cuttings to be kei)t close) will make a good summer striking bed. On this bed place 0 inches in depth of partially decayed Cocoa-nut fibre and press it dow-n firmly. AVhere Cocoa-nut fibre cannot be obtained I "have used sawdust from hard wood that had lain in a heap for some time exposed to the weather. These substances are easily kept in an even, regular condition without the use of the watering pot. In summer j^ropagation, to which my remarks now refer, the cuttings should be taken when the buds on tlie young wood are plump and well developed, but not started. They will then be acquiring a certain degree of firmness, and the danger of damping off will thus be diminished. The cuttings may consist of single buds or eyes, with 2 inches or so of wood at the base. If cuttings are plentiful greater length may be allowed, and if convenient they may be taken with a heel of older wood. They may be inserted as thickly in the bed as the foliage will permit. When inserted, the sawdust and fibre shonid be pressed firmly round them. They must be kept close till signs of growth are visible and shaded from bright sunshine. All the water that will be needed will be a light dewing over with a fine-rosed pot to keep the foliage fresh, and this attention will only be required in very bright weather. A great deal depends upon keeping the leaves left on the cuttings from wilting. If al- lowed to flag they will prove a source of weakness ; but if kept fresh they will be a source of strength, as they encourage the formation of roots. As soon as they have made roots a quarter of an inch long they should be potted into small pots, and be plunged in fibre in another frame till established ; then they should lie hardened off and planted out. Most of the plants will produce a flower or two in the autumn if the sorts are Perpetuals or Teas. Of late years a great impetus has been given to the culture of Tea Roses. They are delightful for cutting, and with a dozen varieties planted on a warm border well mulched with manure, no one need be without blossoms from early in .June till at least November; and, with a warm greenhouse in adilition, they may be had, more or less, all the year round. E. H. Proposed Rose congress. — We learn from M. Sisley, of Lyons, that it is proposed to form a congress of rosarians under the auspices of the Central Horticultural Society of France, its ob- ject being to judge all new seedling Roses before they are put into commerce. The project, we hear, is not altogether apjiroved of by the French horticultural press, though, if properly carried out, it would appear to be a step in the right direction. Licuala Veitohi. — It will be remembered that the beautiful I\dm which was first introduced under the name of Pritchardia grandis flowered a year or two 1 ack at Kew, where it was re-named and figured in the Botaiiiral Maija-.ine as Licuala grandis. About the same time Messrs. Veitch fntroduced a somewhat similar Palm which they called the true Pritchardia grandis, but this, like the preceding one, was not a Piitchardia at all. A plant of it is now in flower at Kew, and it proves to be an undescribed species of Licuala. No doubt the name under which this most beauti- ful Palm has already been made known in gardens will be adopted by the authorities at Kew. The flowering specimen referred to is only small, the leaves being about 18 inches in diameter and regularly plaited, the texture being stifl'er than in L. grandis. Stove floweiing' shrubs. -In the porch of the Water Lily house at Kew are three handsome flowering stove shrubs, all of them old acquaint- ances, b'ut, [jerhaps, in most gardens nearly, if not quite, forgotten ; they are the large semi- dcuble-flowered scarlet Hibiscus (H. rosa sinensis fl.-pl.), Lasiandra macrantha, now called Pleroma, and the Indian Lilac, Lagerstromia indica. The first is so easy to manage and so free flowering, that it requires more skill to keep it in bounds than to make it tlirive, whilst its flowers are graceful as well as large and brilliant. True, they are of no value for cutting, but surely we may admire plants and find a use for them, even though their flowers will not live long in water. There is not much difterence in taste between a lady who judges flowers by their fitness for adorn- ing her bonnet and a man who values them only when thev are useful for cut-flower purposes. Nor can the flowers of Lasiandra 1 e employed in this way, anil yet they are among the very choicest of handsome stove flowers. Indian Lilac may be cut and placed in water, whore it lasts a good deal longer than our own Lilac : but for our 44 THE GARDEN. [July 17, 1886. part we wnuld prefer to see the flowers left on the plant. In an intermediate hou.^e, or even a warm greenliouse, these three ])lants are tlioroughly at homo and alile to take care of tliemselves, par- ticularly if planted out. NOTES OFJTHE WEEK. A large white Bellflower from Messrs, Hackhniise, of York, under the iianic of t.'auipaiivila pcr.sicifolifi alba grandi- tlora, is an e.^tremely liandbonie plant, having flowe-s a good deal larger than u.siial, snow white and produced on tall -stems. It is an excellent border flower. Strawberry Bothwell Bank.-- Weh.avc received from a garden in Kent some fruits of this little-Known Strawberry which the gardener tells us is the best sort grown there. It is a fine looking dark red fruit of good flavour, though more acid than mo.st others. Perhaps some of our readers can tell us more about it. Orchis maculata superba.— This is so much finer in cver3' way than the common f flowers and buds. Tliis speaks much for its floriferous habit. The flowers are said to be wliite, but there is too much green in the petals to entitle it to be called a white flower. Roupellia grata, the Cream Fruit of Africa, is now flncly in flower in the I'alm house at Kew. It is a scandent shriib with succulent dark green leaves, and bears terminal bunches of creamy- white bell-shaped flowers as large as Canterbury Bells, with a ring or corona compo.sed of ten teeth just inside the bell. The flowering of this plant is of rare occurrence, although in tropical countries where it has become naturalised it is a most prolific bloomer. Iris juncea. — There is such a brilliancy about the yellow of tlie flowers of this Iris, that it can never be mistaken, even if there are no visible means of identifying it by its elegant and very distinct growth. It is one of the bulbous group (Xiphion) and has flowers as large as our common waterside Flag of deep clearyello-w. Itis considered not an ea.sy plant to manage, but the New I'lant and Bulb Company send us numerous finely de- veloped flowers, but no note accompanies them respecting the con^^old frame may be brought on in convenient parts of England cut short by dry weatherin a work. As he told the writer once— in a wet batches in a moderate greenhouse temperature, so way that dojs not often occur SOLOMON'S SEA.L INDOORS. As pot plants for indoor decoration in late winter j fine. Leaves so arranged will preserve their beauty and early spring nothing is more useful than during the whole of the winter, this graceful wood-plant. Its singular nobility, j Kitchen Garden. PEAS IX DRY WEATHER. Six or eight crowns ■ L.vst summer the Pea crop, after the produce of refinement, and delicac)', both of form and colour- ing, make it highly suitable as a room ornament. Flowered under glass, its leaves are more tender in colouring, an onward, iheen- or drains consisting of earthenware pipes are : graving shows a polful so treated in an old em- sooner detected by the twig than iron water I bossed Venetian copper bucket. pipes ; although when Mullens was here he was ] _ ■ Leaf ornaments for window screens. — The following may afford amusement and pleasure to those who take a delight in domestic decorttions : An exquisite transparency may be made by arranging pressed Fern or other handsome leaves on a pane of window glass, laying another pane of folomon's Seal as a 1 k in pi. ml. Ei ^1 .w [iDEK from a photograiJli, so" frequentlystumbling over the numerous iron mains and branches from the reservoirs, which he found almost in every case, that our water-man had to follow and mark these to afterwards dis- tinguish them from the natural springs. S. W. Everlasting Peas. — Of these there are several fine forms, and foremost among them must be put Lathyrus grandillorus. It is a very handsome 111 the southern jiuities the rows were liter- ally burnt up before the con- tents of the pods had reached ne.uly their proper size, so that by the end of July in many places Peas were over. The parched condition of the groyind and recent intense sua iieat make it look as if the present season, so far as relates to Peas, is about to be a repe- tition of the last. There is no vegetable of which gardeners lind it more necessary to keep up a continuous supply for as long a season as possible than Peas. Those who have had to grow vegetibles will not require to be told that there is even more difference in the length of time during which the Pea crop can be made to hold out in autumn in some places than there is in the time when the earliest Peas come in. The character of the soil has doubtless a good deal to do with this, for in some jiaits of the kingdom, under ordinary cultivation, mildew sets in early to such anexteut that late Peas are unobtainable. 1 n old gardens, wdiere the soil is light and dry and contains much humus, in addition to being over-sheltered, mildew finds the conditions most favourable to its development. In places so circumstanced the crop is generally over long before it conies to an end in localities more suited to the growth of Peas. "V et some- thing may be done to lengthen the supply, even where soil aud other matters are not tavourable. Plants that are subject to fungoid growths are less liable to their attacks when vigorous than when weak, and therefore the best way of prevent- ing their attacks is to take means to secure strong healthy growth. Peas are deep rooters, pushing their roots much the same size over it and binding the edge with lower down than many plants, and consetpiently ibbon, thus leaving the group imiirisoned be- tween them. Use gum-tragacanth in putting on the binding. It is well to_put a nanow strip of .species, with flowers much larger than those of paper under the ribbon. The binding should be the ordinary Everlasting Pea: the standards are gummed all round the edge of the first pane, and lilac and purple and the keel and wings white, dried, before the leaves are arranged ; then it can Once planted, it will endure for years, making be neatly folded over the second pane without quick and rapid growth in spring, and flowering dilficulty. To form the loop for hanging up the exrly and w ith great freedom. It is not very par- transparency, paste a binding of galloon along the ticular as to soil, but a somewhat open sunny spot edge, leaving a 'J-inch loop free in the centre, should be devoted to it. The common bright rose- afterwards to be pulled through a little slit in the they require the suil tn be loosened deeply. In common with other things that make much growth in a little time, they cannot be kept moving Ireely in poor ground. To enable them to succeed in a hot dry summer their roots must find fiiod wliere- ever they penetrate, forthongh it is the numerous lateral fibres emitted from the main descending roots that principally sustain the plants, still the deeper the latter are induced to descend, the more feeding fibres they produce. The course some- 50 THE GARDEN. [July 17, 1886. times ii'lviseil of f^'rowing Peas u-ithout tiianuro in ground that lias been manured for a crop of some kind tlie year before may answer for early sowings, or in new ground that is more than ordinarily well adapted to the growth of Peas. But it is not the way to get the ) est results in the case of summer and autumn crops where the soil is of a light or ordinary description. Jly own practice with all except the earliest crop has been to open trenches similar to those used for Celerv, and then to dig in a spit deejer a good dressing of ma- nure, with where the soil was light 3 inches or 4 inches of marl. When the latter was unobtainable, clay pulverised by exposure was substituted. This with thin sowing, and the rows far enough apart proportionate to the height to which the varieties grow, good soak- ings with water during dry spells and mulch- ings with litter for about half a yard on each side of the rows, will keep Peas growing in hot dry seasons in such a way as to enable them to ward otf the attacks off mildew, and secure a supply much liter than could have been procured under the oi'dinaiy course of cultivation. One of the commonest mistakes in Pea growing is thick sowing ; where too much crowded in the rows it is scarcely possible, even with the help of water, to keep the crops going in dry seasons so as to admit of their lasting out as they should do. The roots crowded together as they are under such conditions have not enough good material within their reach to maintain growth, the re- sult being that the crop, such as it is, comes in all together. I liave said nothing about the differ- ence that there is in the quality of Peas that have been grown freely and others produced under opposite conditions, but I may add that even the best varieties when imlifferently grown are hard and often very deficient in flavour. T. B. Late French Beans. — An early kind of dwarf habit, such as Newington \Vonder or Osborn's Forcing, planted now will probably prove useful in the autumn if (he frost should cut off the Scarlet Runners. They should be planted on a warm south border, where it would be easy to shelter them if required. By the aid of an old canvas blind I have often kept this late-planted crop of dwarf Beans going till quite late in the autumn. A slight framework of lath should be erected just before frost is expected, and an old blind or one of Brifctain's nets may be drawn over it at night, and removed in the morning in a very few minutes. A very slight covering sutiices to shelter tender things from early autumn frosts. — E. Hoiiii.w. Summer-sown Carrots. —|I was pleased to read Mr. Hobday's note respecting Horn Carrots. Gardeners, with their constant succes.sion of crops and ample help in the way of labour, can easily find a patch of soil, if but half a rod in extent, upon which to make a sowing of Carrot seed now, and they b,i\e themselve.s to blame if from the middle of October till tlie end of the year they have not a liberal supply of delicious young Car- rots, as well as a stock of larger ones for winter use. But it is a matter for surprise that market gardenei-s fa\-oured with rich, light soil do not strive to obtain a good c'roi) of tliese for the autumn. Just now, when early Potatoes are being t4ken up, the soil is left in admirable condition for receiving Carrot .seed, and a few pound.s mixed well with sand and sown thinly in drills 10 inches apart might yield a very profitable crop. It seems certain that we shall have plenty of all the Cab- bage and Broccoli tribe, for plants of these have been put out largely and are doing well. The re- sult, doubtless, will be a glut of hardy vegetables in the markot. On the other band, small Carrot.s, clean, young, and tender, would cost little to bunch, and, compared with C'abbages, would not be very bulky to market. Moreover, a Carrot crop so short a time on the ground would not absorb one tithe of the nutriment from the soil that Cabbages would do ; hence all round it docs ®cem as if summer-sown Carrots would prove a capital crop. Add to these winter Spinach, sown early. Rosette Coleworts, neat, firm, medium-sized Brussels Sprouts, and good late ( 'aulitlowers, and really high class vegetables are ensured. — A. D. PEA TRIALS. I.M the following trials, made in Ohio, the Peas were sown on May 2 in drills .') feet apart. The seed was placed ;? inches apart in tlie row and covered wdth .3 inches of soil. The season was very favourable, especially in the earlier part ; hence the record of nearly all of the early varie- ties was uncommonly good. The following table is intended to show the comparative earliness of the varieties named. It does not show the first mature pods found upon the plants of any variety, but shows how many pods were fit to pick at a given date. The first [licking was made in every case before any of the Peas were too hard to use, and all the pods mature enough to pick at that time were taken. In fact, the pickings were made just as though the Peas were intended for market or table use. This method shows just what it is desirable to know about any variety, viz., the length of season and time of largest picking. Ac- cording to this method, the earliest variety is the Name of variety. Nc . of pods d from 25 * plants. ti} CO >> a ■d hn ti ^ hn H bt) ,« - a M M :s ^ 3 'a •a S" ft'-3 u Ti ft ja TJ ^i^ a T! r "o E=^ 02 H i^ tS American Wonder Andes Bliss' Abundance Bliss' Everbearing Carter's Premium Gem Cleveland's Rural New Yorker . . . . Champion of England Dwarf Champion of England Dwarf Marrowfat Early Daniel O'Rourke Extra Early (Everitf s) Extra Early (Benson & Co.'s) Extra Early (Ferry & Co.'s) Extra Eirly (Burpee & Co 's) ^-'xtra Early (Vick's) Extra Early Philadelphia Express Early Pearl Excelt-ior iFirst in the Market iFirstand Best First and Best (Hiram & Co.'s) jFirstof All Family G.irden lOardcn Pride ^Hi.rsfi.rd'.s M;irket Garden Cru-;.s Iiiiinjrial and Cljiimpion lloi^kin's \'ci munh Wuuder Improved Stratagem Kentish lavicta Landrcth's ExIim Early .McLean's Little Gem McLean's Advancer \laudS Marrowfat Cross uf American Wonder and Sun- rise Now Atlantic. No. 10 New Pride of the Market ; Pride of the Market I Prince of Wales I Perpetual Hiv.a ' "t.i of June J ci atagem (.Stratagem (Kural New Yorker) ... |stratageni (Livingston's) jJSniilax I Tom Thumb I Telephone (Livingston's) Telephone (Landreth's) Vick's New Dwarf , Wni. Hurst , Yorkshire Hero 53 j 30 00 ISO 43 40 1.W 40 ■i06 21-2 S3 39 ■29 44 ■250 1o.> 28.') 22 24 31i 37 30 26 31 35 lOB 231 21 (i M) 31 31 24 33 I 41 52 23 76 24 56 •24 33 32 28 (»l) 30 25 07 23U 231 .SI 20 .1.50 00 2(; f. 22 15 1 20 10 20 2li 20 40 20 22' 20 IS 20 ..' 10 50: 20 24S' 20 lO' 18 10 40 SI 24'257 1171141 70 l218l SI 214 102 394 1 168 272 '22« 63 31 lOo! so 160'l07 144; OS 70 •204 53 h7 70 173 70 210 63 62 53 4S 70 403 one that shows the greatest number of pods at the first picking and yields its crop in the .shortest time. The season being less favourable for the late than the early sorts, the former do not make as good a shelving, comparatively, as the latter. The length of season or number of days in bear- ing given is undoubtedly too long for some of the early sorts and too short for some of the late, but the length of season seems to be quite variable with most varieties, and is inlluenced greatly by the weather, depth of planting, and time of plant- ing. Before the picking was commenced twenty- five plants were counted otf in each row, and the same plants picked from each time. In the next table is given the whole num- ber of pods picked from twenty-five jjlants, also the number of Peas. It will be .seen that the relative weight of shelled Peas is much smaller in the smooth than in the wrinkled sorts, being from 1.") to '20 per cent, greater in the latter than in the former, the only exceptions being the early wrinkled sorts ; but even they stand higher than the smooth varieties. In some of the late sorts the shelled Peas weigh more than the empty pods, but in some of the smooth early sorts the weight of empty pods is more than twice that of the shelled Peas. I jSg S-S'" 0,5 t :;me of variety. .D a .s a 'A 7^ American Wonder Andes Bliss' Abundance Bliss' Everbearing Carter's Premium Gem Cleveland's Rural New 'i'crker . . . . Dwarf Chr.mpion of England Dwarf Marrowfat Early Daniel <")'Ronrke Kxtra Early (Everitfs) Rxtra Early (Benson & Co.'s) Extra Early (Fetry & Co.'s) Ex'ra Early (Burpee k Co.'s) Fxtra Errly (Vick's) Extra Early Pliiladelpliia Kxpress Early Pearl Excelsior First in the Market First and Best First and Best (Hiram & Co.'s) . . . . First of All Family Garden Garden Pride Horsford's Market Garden Cross Imperial and Champion Hoskin's Vermont Wonder Improved Stratagem Kenti-sh Invicta Landreth's Extra Early McLean's Little Gem McLean's Advancer Maud S Marrowfat Cross of American Wonder and Sun rise New Atlantic No. 10 New Pride of the Market Piide of the Market Prince of Wales Rival 17th of June Stratagem Stratagem (Landrcth's) Stratagem (Livingston's) Smilax Tom Thumb Telephone (Livingstori 'a) Telephone (Landreth's) Vick's New L)waTf Wm. Hurst Yorkshire Hero 1.17, 739 370 1302 67S 1934 411 1419 234 10: ItiO 814 490)511 607 1933 128 683 174' S.54 143| 722 138 666 5'20 2875 115] 475 143! eo4 145' 667 145j 634 920 995 941 669 052 2466 955 2376 1966 849 2085 790 792 2022 1873 70S 1S44 S o 202 971 4682008 268 1259 299 1633 406|19S(i 662 1648 622 2386 154 "14 367 15S3 301 1422 242 1305 642 ^2354 161 785 226 1193 287 1394 203 796 15!) 799 541 1911 .30J 108 21i 258 533 4-2} 2^2S 58f 34§ 64 72i '■5 96 84 915 223 82 821 loi OU 27J 77? 32i 30a| llj 26|| SJ O o € ft Of the early sorts. Cleveland's Rural New Yorker Everitt's, Maule's, Ferry's and Vick's Extra Ear- lies, Ferry's and Sibley's First and Best, Hender- son's First of All, Livingston's First in the Market, Early Pearl, Eaily Philadelphia, Excelsior, Land- reth's Extra Early, and 17th of June are essen- tially the same. Some of them may have been grown with greater care than others, but all of those named show careful selection, and all that is c'airacd for them as to earliness is true. Bur July 17, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 51 pee's Extra Early wa? quite different from the others, being taller and more productive, but nine days later. It was the same as a variety under the erroneous name of Early Philadelphia from the same source. Stratagem maintains its reputa- tion, and Alexander's Improved Stratagem seems really to be an improvement, so far as productive- ness is concerned, ^'ick"s New Dwarf is promis- ing, and may prove to be superior to American Wonder. Bli.ss' Abundance is an excellent variety, but Bliss' Everbearing is a misnomer. It is only fairly productive, and yields its crop at two pick- ings. For a varifty that continues long in bearing and yields heavily, Horsford's Market (warden seems to have no superior. It i.s unrivalled for family use. Smilax is very promising, also Early Pearl, if upon further trial it should prove to be as early as it appears to be. TOMATO TRIALS. In the following trials the seed was sown on a hot- bed on April 20. The plants were once trans- planted and put in their fruiting quarters on June 2. The Tomato is quite variable as to earli- ness ; the variety that is earliest one season may not be so the next. It will be seen that Acme seed taken from the first ripe fruit produced plants that gave fruit earlier than that taken from the last rijie fruit. Doubtless, the plan of saving seed from the first good fruit, or from plants that give the most early fruit, is a good one. It has been observed that the finest, if not the earliest, fruit is secured by this method of selection. There was no difference observed between seed saved from fruit affected by rot and that saved from sound fruit. Seed saved from green fruit failed to germinate. .^ (M CO 3 ^n a a *-• *! < < ■< "t^ a Name of variety. 2 t a- 5P '3 s . ;- o al o, u u ..-^ •c % s s ■?s » -: a s tl 3 l> " p. — to ■m >5 tr, < <) Acme— seed from first ripe fruit Aug. 3 ■26 27 .13 .") Si Acme— extra selected .... 3 17 17 42 .■i sf Acme -seed from la^t ripe fruit 10 5 16 22 ■»v "t Acme — Landreth's 11 17 16 28 .■) 8 Alpha 2 37 4!) 39 3V 7* Advance 3 2(i 24 74 3l 7V 6 8 12 30 14 3 8 7 3 44 23 9 4 5 0 7i Climax ChaUenge Cardin,al 10 ."1 3 6 .I 8 Essex Hybrid 10 12 11 12 a 7J Early Richmond ti 32 15 26 ■*r s* 12 17 1(1 1'' 6 9 Gulden Queen 10 11 0 17 6 9 Mayflower 10 12 5 12 5 1 8 JIarket Champion 10 11 2 12 5 S ( )pt;mus 10 24 17 20 5 71 Paragon 10 11 1(1 23 .■> S Perfection s n .'-.'- 8 Perfec- ion— seed from first ripe fruit 3 s 12 «!.S ■H S Perfection— seed from last ripe fruit 6 13 f) 12 h 7 Precursor 8 4 11 0 7 0 13 ■»T t' 8 H 10 Queen Rochester 12 ;• 2 s fi Hrandard Maruet and Ship- 8 '4 1) 8i N'ew Tree Tom.ato 21 Golden Trophy 10 14 12 29 fi 9 Trophy 12 fl 9 '0 ft 9 Wonder of Italy 12 7 10 47 2 6 Advance is rather larger and not so rough as the Alpha, but not large and smooth enough to be- come a profitable market variety. Climax is a fine smooth-fruited kind, much resembling Favourite. Cardinal has fruit of good form and colour, but it rots quite as badly as Acme. It is not superior to that variety, except for markets where its colour is in its favour. Market Champion resembles Cardinal, and, whether identical or not, is a fine variety or strain. Optimus i-esembles Perfection in colour, and may be identical with that variety. Of Precursor the fruit is quite irregular, and scarcely better than that of Canada Victor. Of Rochester the fruit is quite large, but somewhat irregular, and ripens unevenly. Standard Market and Shipping regular and smooth, but resembling Perfection. The new Tree Tomato is identical with the Upright Red ; its fiuit is too rough and late. Wonder of Italy is small and worthless. — Ohio Ex-perimetUal Sfatiot). THE RIDGE CUCUMBER. This is a crop which often repays a little attention. Up till the time of writing, the present season has not been very favourable to its growth. During the greater part of the month of June the temperature, especially at nights, was too low for any real progress. The last few days of the month and the early dajs of .July have, on the other hand, been scorchingly hot. On the whole, however, where the plants were fairly well established before the spell of hot weather, and have been looked to since its commencement, there are marked signs of better growth. Where the plants are not at once available, or already planted out, it will be too late in the season for much to be done during the present j'ear, but where the plants have been grown and are placed by this time in the open, much will depend upon the subsequent treatment. With regard to raising the plants from seed, the precise time at which the seed is sown must be to some extent governed by circum- stances, and also by the situati-'U for which the plants are ultimately intended. Frost is the great enemy to be guarded against ; therefore it is useless to set them out until there is reasonable ground for hope that the frosts are past for the season. Earlier than the middle of June for most positions I could not recom- mend for planting out. To obtain strong plants by this time it will be necessary to sow under glass dur- ing April. The way I generally procted is to plunge some broad pans or boxes, 3 inches to 4 inches in depth, into a partly spent hotbed, and sow the seeds singly in these at a sufficient distance apart to allow of room for rooting and subsequent removal without disturbing the soil round the plants. The boxes or pans should, howevt r, be drained, as the free escape of superfluous moisture is a great point towards secur- ing healthy plants. As the season advances I remove the glass entirely during the dayt'me, and for the last week or so before planting out leave no protec- tion but that of the frame itself. In planting out, the sehction of the site will have much to do with the amount of labour requisite to cultivate the crop successfully. With such a mois- ture loving plant as the Cucumber, little or nothing can be done if there is not easy access to water in one form or another. A favourite spot of mine for raising ridge Cucumbers used to be some small beds in a back garden. These patches of soil sloped con- siderably to the south-east, and along the bottom of them there was a small mill si ream, which, duriu';; the hottest si-ason, afforded a supply of water. On the north and west on hia^her ground there was a small copipice, which afforded capital shelter. To- wards the stream the soil was too moist to produce ordinary garden crops to perfection, if I except Runner Eeans, which did remarkably well; but, on the whole, it WaS about the best spot for raising riJge Cucumber.s that I have met with. In such a position, however, it was important that the ground should be ridged, otherwise the drainage would not have been sufficient. It is not al- ways one has the command of a place so naturally favoured, and this season I am obliged to grow my Cucumbers on a spot in many respects just the reverse. The situation is high, the soil incapable of long retaining moisture, and the water has to be raised from a well. The best way for such sites I find to be to place some well-rotted manure in a trench, and cover it with soil (i inches in depth, finishing off the soil at about the general level. If I deviate at all from this, I would prefer to have it below rather than above the surrounding soil, as to attempt to grow ridge Cucumbers on a ridge in such places wotdd be an error. This season, however, I have had no opportunily of trenching the ground in this way, es the only place I had available was one which has all the spring beei occupied as an old C.ibbage bed, necessitatecl by my young plants being killed by the winter's frosts. To economise the space, I have loosened the soil as deeply as possible in spots some IS inches or 2 feet in diameter, and worked it down to a fine tilth. In the centre of these spots I have placed my plants acd worked in rotted manure round the margins of the little circular patches. In this way I have bicn able to save some of the Cabbage beds in the spaces between the plants, but they will, of course, be removed as the Cucumber plants grow on and need the room. I have my earliest row of Celery at one end of this bed. As raising water directly from a well and app'ying it at once to the jjlants did not commend itself to me, I have placed a large wooden trough in a convenient p(jsiti"n on the edge of the bed, and into this have thrown several pailfols of solid excreta from the ] ig- stye — the same kind of thing from the sheep-fold would be quite as desirable if to be had — and with tids I daily mix enough water to supply my Cucum- bers, Celery, and other plants which require stimu- lating. The actual outcome will, of course, depend much upon the season, and the treatment will have to be varied accordingly, but unless the weather has bon very abnormal I have never failed in getting a fair return for the trouble expended upon it. In growing ridge Cucumbers, as with others, there is very much to be gained by pegging down at the joints, and in thus gttting them to take anew hold ujon the so'l. When a p! int has to depend upon a single root, it is seldom ic pro -luces a very heavy crop. D. ooOS.— White Cucumbers (.-1. N., p. 22).— Cucumbers are not aquatic ; consequently their roots under ordinary cukure, do net require water every day. Your temperatures being right, the deficiency in chlorophyll or colouring matter may be due to incessant watering, combined with insufficient food. This, however, is only conjec- ture, as you omit the most important part of your case, viz., the compost in wdiich they are struggling for existence and the mode of culture, whether in pots or on hills, in frames or a Cucumber house proper. Read notes on Cucumbers in thi.s week's calendar, and if the remarks therein contained do not help you, examine the bed, as it is more than probable the soil has becom .^ sour, and the roots are unhealthy and incapable of performing their duty. Should this jirove to be the case, cut off all the imperfect fruit, thin out the Vines and a few of the aged leaves to make room for fresh young growths, cleanse and limewash the structure. Meantime, prepare fresh compost, consisting of medium turfy loam, say five parts, rough char- coal one part, and old lime rubble one part ; mix thoroughly, and place it in the sun to warm and sweeten. When ready for use remove the mulch- ing, also as much of the old soil as can be taken away witli safety, and top-dress with a layer 2 inches in thickness; make this firm, and water rather sparingly until the roots have taken hold of it. Renovate the fermenting material with Oak leaves, if available, to prevent the bottom heat from sinking below SO", shade slightly if the plants .show siiUS of flagging, and .'syringe twice a day nilh warm soft water. Avoid the use of all animal manure, but stimulate the foliage and roots by syringing every part of the house three times a week with very weak soot water, and give diluted liquid when the roots .show on the surface of the new compost. Examination of the old compost having revealed the condition of the roots and drainage, your own judgment will be the best guide in giving water, both as regards quantity and (juality. Constant saturation of the soil and daily driblets are alike pernicious, and heavy feeding, when roots are neither plentiful nor healthy, is worse than useless. Therefore to avoid these extremes water copiously when this element is needed, ply the syringe freely on non- watering (lays, and grow the plants without shading when they are re-est ib ished. If any of the compost lemalns over, cover it up with fresh stable manure 52 THE GARDEN. [July 17, 1886. for future use, as all mixtures of this kind improve by keeping. Soot water is an excellent insecticide and stimulant when used in moderation, but, like all other powerful fertilisers, burns the foliage and roots when applied too strong and frequently. Old soot which has been kept for a time is less fiery than new, and for this reason should be preferred. Half a peck placed in a ba:^, and sunk in a tank containing, say, one hundred gallons, will make a supply which should be diluted for a few days at lirst, but when the tank has been once or twice tilled up, it may be used without the addition of pure water. — W. Coleman, East nor Castle, Led- bunj. The reason why " A. N.'s " Cucumbers be- come white is probal^ly because seeds of the white orcream coloured variety have been planted. White Cucumbers a'e seldom produced on plants consist- ing of the ordinary green-fruited varieties. — J. D. Ferns. INDOOR FERNERIES. Ix the construction and arrangement of an indoor fernery, there is abundant scope for the exercise of taste and skill. There is no class of plants which submits so readily to such a variety of dis- similar conditions as Ferns, and the question of temperature has less significancy in their case than in that of most plants. It is true that to grow some species care must bo exercised, but many of the so-called stove Ferns will succeed in a warm greenhouse, and all the greenhouse species will flourish in a warm house. Even hardy Ferns will acquire a freshness of tint under glass which does not always belong to them in the open air. Most Ferns are considered to do best in a shady position. To a certain extent this is true, but I am convinced that more shade tlian is necessary is frequently given them, especially if we want any of the fronds for bouquet making or for mix- ing with ilowers, or if wo wish at any time to move the plants out of tlie house in which tliey grow, which most people do at some time or other if grown in pots. Fronds grown in the shade in a high temperature heavily laden witli moisture are of no use for cutting, nor yet are the plants grown under such conditions of any use for decorating rooms, for the least blast of cold air shrivels up the delicate pinnules almost immediately. In constructing a fernery, we must first take into consideration what is our aim and object. If we want plants to be moved into the rooms, or fronds for cutting to mix with flowers, they must have plenty of light and as low a night temperature as is consistent with healthy growth. If, on the other hand, we simjily want to enjoy the plants as they grow without thought of removal, then the natural system of arrangement is decidedly the best. In such a case, pots and tubs may be dis- pensed with. The fernery should be as large and as lofty as the means will admit, for no fernery will contain a representative collection that does not include some of the Australian Tree Ferns, and these will require a considerable amount of siiace upwards and laterally, for their fronds are far-reaching. In a natural fernery the outline of the beds and borders sliould have as picturcstjue a surface as can ha given in a limited space ; winding paths will be formed of some sober coloured material, cement being very appropriate. The Tree Ferns may be grouped in the guUic-s or indentations, and lower growing species on the banks, which may be aided by naturally arranged rookwork. This plan will give more head room for tall species, and will bring small kinds more into prominence. Mosses and other creeping things will fill up bare space, and cover all with a living natural growth. In making the borders drainage is essential, and it will add much to the interest of the house if a quiet pool can be intro- duced at the base of a mound of rock, down the face of which a tiny stream might ripple. Tlicre should be no bare walls visible; in some way they should be clothed with suitable vegetation. A'irgin cork is sometimes used for this purpose, but its chief fault is its lack of permanence. I have seen clinkersand large piecesof hard furnace cokecovered with cement used with good ellect; and there are creeping plants, such as Ficus repens and others, that will cover quickly any naked wall with living greenery, clinging to the stones in a natural man- ner without aid. The culture of Ferns in pots is not attended with more difficulties than are found in the case of ordinary plants. If the fronds are required for cutting, which in most gardens some of them are, I have generally found that a proportion of loam in the compost gives strength and substance to them. Indeed, some kinds do best altogether in loam, and for greenhouse Ferns, especially for plants which are required to possess a good deve- lopment for furnishing corridors, rooms, &c. , and which must at the same time be grown in limited sized pots, loam as turfy and fibry as it can be had is the best material for them. It may be lightened with peat or leaf -mould if too hea\'y, and sand and charcoal dust will be useful if it lacks porosity, for in no case must stagnant water linger in the soil. It may be taken without saying that the pots musCi be clean and well drained, and the soil in a healthy condition when used. The ball of the plant must be neither wet nor dry. The best season to rejiot is in spring, just before or about the time when growth begins. At that season Ferns may Ije divided — may, in fact, be cut up into little bits and begin life afresh in the smallest of fragments, though in such cases a close moist shady place will be of great value in encouraging early root action, without which some may, jierhaps, perish. Though the general potting should be done in spring, yet young growing specimens may be shifted at any time during summer. Ferns in baskets look well, and this is an ex- cellent way of growing all the naturally trailing or drooping species: indeed, all Ferns will grow as well in basliets as in pots, but it may not be either convenient or expedient to have too many grown in that way. Still, ii. few to hang abiiut the liouse will improve its appearance, and they are very useful to move into the dwelling-house to hang up in the hall and corridors, &c., on par- ticular occasions. The simpler the form of basket used tlie better, as whatever kind is employed, none of it should be visible when the plant which it contains is full grown. We make our own baskets of dillerent sizes, to suit the different objects we have in view, due weight being given to the requirements of the plants. \\'hen the liaskets are made at home the cost is \X'ry small, as wire is cheap, and a handy man, after a little practice, can make them on wet days, the only tools required being an implement to cut the wire and a pair of pliers to bend it in the right direc- tion. Two sizes of wire are used, one stout to form the groundwork of the basket, and the other of lighter substance to bind all together ; after- wards a coat of paint is given to preserve the wire from rust. E. H. of the very ancient Egyptians, though he identi- fied the latter only in the mural paintings of the temples. — W. Botting Hemslev. Eg'yptian Lotus. — Mr. Woodall (p. -iO) is naturally surprised that I should have repeated in the catalogue of the " North "(lallery the error that the Lotus of the ancient Egyptians was Nelum- bium, and so am I, because it was I who trans- lated Schweiufurth's manuscript on the subject, v\'hich appeared in Xn/itre in 18S;i. When I wrote the first edition of the catalogue I was unaware of the discoveries of archaologists, and the last edition was finished oil' so hurriedl}', that I had not time to reconsider every statement. As long ago, however, as the time of Herodotus Nelumbium was jn-obably cultivated every here in Egypt, and was then known a* the Lotus ; how or why the name was transferred from Nymplvea to Nelumbium is unexplained. I may add that Nymphaa J>otus i-i not blue, as stated by Mr. Woodall, but cither white or some shade of red. The Egy|)tian blue Nymph;va is one of the varieties of \. stcllata, and commonly known as N. ca-rulea. .\ccouling to Schweinfurth, both N. Lotus and N. ccrulea occur in the funeral wreaths Garden Flora. PLATE 553. MALVA LATERITIA.* Generally speaking, the Mallow family is not very popular in gardens, i.e., if we take into consideration the number of species of which it consists ; but this we know, that amongst the lew that we cultivate are some of the finest of garden plants. These include the Hollyhock, the Hibiscus, the Aljutilon, llie annual Malope, and tliat charming little trailer, Modiola gerani- oides. Of the Malvas themselves much cannot be said, though what have we more beautiful than the white satiny-liowered variety of M. mosrhata'r The Malva herewith illustrated is also a pretty plant, and one that we hope will become more generally known than it now is. It is uncommon, but cannot be called new, since it was first sent to this country from Entre Kios, near Montevideo, by Tweedie in 1836. Nothing more was heard of it until 1840, when Mackay, then of the College Botanic Gardens, Dublin, who had received seeds from the same source, fiowcred it in September. It is generally described as being only (_i inches in height, but with us many of the stems rise to the height of a foot or more after running as much or more on the ground. The flowers, as represented, are produced on long peduncles ri-ing from the axils of the uppermost leaves. They are mostly set down as brick-red, but they .'cem to be flesh or salmon-coloured, and not unlike the flowers of Geranium lancastrien.'re. The upper leaves are three-lobed, haul, and slightly rough to the touch. A light sandy soil and full sunshine appear to suit this plant either on a rockery or in a bonier, the former being ju-eferred. There it .should be allowed to ramble at will, without being crowded or shaded by taller plants, and if otherwise well attended to it will produce a pro- fusion of its salmon-coloured flowers from June to September. It is easily propagated by means of the prostrate branches whicli often root as they spread, or from cuttings which can be had in abundance in autumn. It ripens seed but sparingly, unless in exce|.)tioiially warm seasons, and if sown when gatheied it will furnish sturdy little plants by spring. The C'allirhoes, of which there are three or four good species in cultiva- tion, belong to quite a ditt'erent type; generally they have a procumbent or prostrate habit of growth, and they are more suitable for a rockery than a flat border, as on rockwork their trailing stems and bright flowers can be shown ott' to much better advantage than on level ground. Modiola geranioides, or, Uiore [iroperly, Mal- vastrum tiilliesi, is also of this type. In low- lying localities it is often lost during winter, but in rich sandy soil on an exposed rockery it with- stood the last severe winter uninjured, and is now beginning to (lower as vigorously as ever. D. K. Spdrmannia africana-— -Thi.s f Id-fjishioncd gi-ceu- liousc I'hiiit is nut til he dcspiaed by those who Wrtiit flower., during winter, ;ind have not convenience for growing more delicate and showy subjects. In a fairly warm green- house it will begin flowering in axitunni, and continue to do so until lute in spring ; in fact, it is hardly ever without flowers, fte grow it in the shape of various-sized plants, ranging in height from ir> inches to 4 feet ; but the Uu'ger the I'lauts the more etlective they are, and if their tiowers are nt)t striking, their formation is certainly singular. The yojng lups (if the slioots strike root freely iu spring, and they will succeed in any ordinary garden soil. — TaL'ntox. "" Drawn in the Royal Gardens, Kow, by Miss Lowe, July, 1SS5. ^4 - > I — I I — I Jdly 17, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 53 WORK DONE IX WEEK ENDING JULY 13. July 7 to 10. Thk drought continues, but the heat is not so intense ; watering is still our principal work, but it i^ a poor substitute for rain, yet it must be done to keep the i)lants alive till such times as we are favoured with rain ; all the recently planted winter Greens, Lettuce, and Celery have to be included in this category, and when time attbrds, Peas, French Beans, Onions, and Tomatoes also have their turn. Fruit trees on walls have a drenching once a week, and as all are heavily mulcheil this watering sutHces to keep them in good condition. As a matter of course, the borders of fruit houses— inside and out — are never stinted of water, and in such weather as this all have to be done once during the week. For kitchen gaiden crops that it is not practicable to either mulch or ^A■ater, deep stirring of the soil with hoes assists growth iramensely, not to mention the destruction of weeds, so that as time can be atibrded this woik goes on. Flowei- gai-dening for summer and autumn effect we have to make a special study; hence this drought is causing us a serious amount of labour in watering to get the plants up to their usual sunmier standard of per- fection. Cocoa libre refuse is our friend, and we use it for mulching all small beds and [jlants, and so save a certain amount of water- ing, and yet the growth of plants continues. It is a grand invention for this purpose, leing cleanly, of a nice colour, and the birds do not peck it about as they do other mulching materials in their search for food. Pegging and pinching of low-growing plants, and tying to stakes tall-grow- ing kinds and keeping the turf edgings in trim order are jobs that in this department have been in the ascendant this week. Herbaceous plants, in spite of drought and with but a scant amount of watering, still present a gay appearance; for, now that Paonies and Pyrethiumsare nearly over, in their places we lia\e the several varieties of Delphiniums, Veronicas, Potentillas, and .Spiraeas, and thus the round continues, not the least inte- resting part of the matter being the constant change or succession of flowers of various species of plants. Roses have had a h.ard time of it, for fierce sunshine, however liberal may be both mulching and watering, does not suit the flowers, and three days is about the utmost limit that they continue in fair condition. We cut them off as soon as over, and thus assist the plants to make an earlier growth, which ensures better autumnal flowering. Besides watering, the work connected with houses has been the kee|)ing of laterals in vineries within reasonable bounds. Late vineries now make a great amount of growth, which we never like to cut or pinch back all at once, but prefer rather to do it at intervals of two or three days ; thus we avoid a sudden check or derange- ment of the ordinary functions of the \'ines, and thereby to some e.\tent the disease called shank- ing, which, though it may be caused by other irregularities, such as cold currents of air, a stagnant atmosphere, and by attacks of mildew and red spider, I believe is most frequently caused by the wholesale removal of lateral growth at one time. Early Peaches have had their growth thinned out, the better to admit of sun- shine to ripen the wood ; the trees are well syringed twice a day, and the house constantly remains open during this hot weather, there being no prospect of immaturity of wood, else the house would be closed up early in the afternoon and fire-heat given, which we have sometimes to practise in respect of later houses to get the wood well ripened. To Melons and Cucumbers we apply the same rule as to the timely removal of lateral growths, as in the case of Vines, and once a week at least we find it necessary to go over these to pinch back and tie them to trellises. To Cucumbers in full fruit we give rich top-dress- ings, a little being added most weeks throughout the rapid growing season. Melons we grow in good loam, the only admixture being a few- crushed bones, and the only top-dressing a little fresh droppings applied as soon as the crop of frui). has set. We never allow the soil to become dry. wliich state is a certain precursor of the loss of foliage, and it might as \\ell be of fruit, too, for any good it is, so far as quality is concerned, for good fruit cannot be had without good foliage. Layering Strawberries for forcing, as well as for forming new plantations ; potting Poinsettias, tiardenias, Eueharis, Tree Carnations, and Bou- vardias, and keeping pinched out the side shoots of (_'hrysanthemums and the main shoots tied to strong stakes, and on this last-named date gave all houses a thorough clean out. Thus ends as hard a week's labour as has ever fallen to our lot, and till rain comes there is, unfortunately, in store for us the prospect of its repetition. July 12. The longed-for rain has at length and unex- pectedly arrived, 0'4.S being our register as having fallen since !l p.m. yesterday to the same hour this evening. It made us extra busy between the showers putting out Bi'occoli, Cauliflowers, Savoys, and Curled Kale, also thinning out Leeks, Salsafy, Beet, Lettuce, and Turnips ; ])ulled up second early Peas that were nearly over and planted on ground late varieties of Broccoli. The ground Ijeing free of weeds nothing needed to be done beyond the removal of sticks and haulm and the drawing of drills in which to put out the plants. The ground was trenched for the Peas, and as all the Cabbage tribe do best in firm land, digging was not necessary. Sowed Turnip Radishes and Blaek-seearticularly York.shire, Cheshire, and the sea- board of Lancashire, Pears are set much fuller than usual. Respecting Plums, it is even a rarer occurrence to have them in abundance two seasons together than in the case of Pears, but, loaded as the trees were last summer, they seem fuller of fruit this year; in many localities the branches are already bending under their load. In the (Jreen Gage section I have never seen trees with more than half the ero)) that they are now carrying in many gardens for some distance north of London. Tlie quantity of fruits is indeed such that where they are not thinned they will be small and poor. Plums, except the commonest hardy varieties, do not succeed nearly so well in the northern half of England as in the south, but 56 THE GARDEN. [July 17, 18.^0. this season the crop appears to be a full one. Apricots, in common with other fruits that bloom early, were unusually late in the spring, and in parts of the north of England in which they succeed they appear to be carrying a heavier crop than ordinary ; the same remark holds good with Peaches in all the gardens both north and south that I have seen, except a few places more than ordinarily exposed where the cutting frosty east winds that occurred at the time of blooming appear to have defied anything that could be done in the way of protection. Cherries in districts where they do best are again plentiful, and so far as I ha\e had an opportunity of judging in locali- ties where they do not succeed so well they are this year more plentiful than usual. Strawberries appear to be much below an average, generally speaking. In districts in Kent where such vast quantities are grown they are set down at about half a crop. The effect of this is seen in the much higher prices that Strawberries have this season fetched in London than for some time back, notably last year, when in the leading provincial towns to which the Kent growers send such quantities the jirice-s lealised were so low, even more so than in London, as not to cover the cost of gathering, carriage, and sale. As an evidence of the extraordinary lateness of the season, I may mention that a grower with whom I am acquainted got 10s. a pound in Covent Garden on June 10 for British (^)ueens grown under glass without tire-heat. It is thus evident that within a week of midsummer there were no outdoor Strawberries, otherwise such a price could not have been realised. Raspberries, which vary less in yield from one year to another than most fruits, seem to be about an average. Gooseberries and Currants in all places that have come under my notice are plenti- ful. White Muscadine Vines growing on the south side of a house within half-a-dozen miles of London, well sheltered and fully exposed to the gun, were not in bloom until the 5th of July; while last season, although late, they were nearly three weeks earlier. As to the fruit ripening, it is out of tlie question, as, however protracted the summer may happen to be, the time is too short. T. B. WOOD ASHES AS A FERTILISER. Some of our fruit-growers, says the Pacijh- Rural, are making good use of T\ood ashes, both as a source of home-made lye for washing fruit trees for insect pests and directly as a fertiliser. When we consider how large an amount of vegetable matter is represented by a small amount of ash, the value of wooil ashes for manure becomes evident. Thus only ten pounds of ash remain from the combustion of a cord of hard wood, and only five pounds from a cord of soft wood. Eleven tons of (iooseberries, (irapes. Blackberries, Peaches or Apples would each contain only 100 lbs. of ash. Seven tons of Cherries, Plums or Raspberries con- tain only 10(1 lbs. of mineral matter. This gives some idea of the large amount of orchard produce represented by a small weight of mineral matter. But small as is the amount of ash, it is still indis- pensable for the production of fruit and other crops, and must be present in the soil in available form before profitable cultivation is possible. Let it not be supposed that the a.sh in all these crops is identical in composition. The ash of each class of plants has a composition peculiar to itself, differing in some respects from that of other clas.ses; yet there is a certain similarity in the asli of all culti\'ated plants. When the ashes of vegetable substances are served up for any plant by mixing them with the soil, such plant does not of necessity require every item on the bill of fare, but selects such materials and in such quantifies as are adapted to its wants, and leaves the bidance for some other guest. If any soil is naturally deficient in any of the ash constituents, or has been impoverished by excessive cropping, the restoration of these materials in the form of wood ashes appears to be a natural and safe pro- cess, because they contain all the minerals of vegetable growth. Hard wood ashes were taken from our kitchen stove, the fuel being a mixture of Beech and hard Maple. Small fragments of charcoal were scattered through the ashes and a little sand from dirt adhering to the wood. Ninety-three per cent. was soluble in dilute hydrochloric acid; the pot- ash constituted 1'2| per cent, and phosphoric acid 0 per cent. ; of soft wood ash 50 per cent, was soluble in acid, and so much soluble silica was in the ash that, when treated with acid, it formed a jelly-like mass of precipitated silica ; the ash contained 12 per cent, potash and 4 per cent, phosphoric acid. In general terms it may be said that the ashes of w'ood and of plants of every kind are of value for manure on every kind of soil which has been reduced by cropping ; but the greatest benefit is shown upon sandy and porous soils. On these light soils crops of every kind, but especially root crops, will be benefited by a dressing of wood ashes. Fruit trees and fruit- bearing plants having a woody structure will be benefited by wood ashes. Thirty to fifty bushels to the acre of fresh ashes will be a full dressing, and three or four times that amount of leached ashes may be applied with permanent benefit. Old Apple trees and drought. — Apple trees suffer more from drought than either the Pear, or l^lum, or Cherry. In many gardens and orchards last year the Apple trees— especially old trees — received a severe check, owing to the dry weather which prevailed last summer. The drought of the present season, though less pronounced as yet, has made its mark. This may be seen by the sraallness of the fruits and the almost entire ab- sence of young growth, and they have a starved, impoverished look. It will be better to leave the old trees unpruned this year and encourage them by giving them liquid manure. The best way in which to apply rich liquids is to make holes with a crowbar a foot deep and 3 feet apart, and widen them till they arc (i inches in diameter at the top. These should be made all round under the tree as far as the roots extend, and they should be filled up with liquid manure three or four times a day till tlie whole soil has become saturated. Such treatment cannot fail to in\igorate anything not gone too far wrong. But, let me remark, we have far too many old ti'ees, and such young ones as are planted are often too carelessly dealt with, both as regards the preparation of the land before planting, and also the attention given afternards. — E. Hur,D-\Y. Premature ripening in Vinesf'C. Ji., p. 22). — It is no unusual occurrence for the foliage of (iros C'olmar to lay on the autumn tint early in July in hot seasons, neither is it surprising to hear that a few of the lower leaves have already fallen. If the ^'ines in question and their roots were not thoroughly ripened befoie they were so severely pruned back to within 1 foot of the soil in December, it is more than proljable that the shook caused many of the soft roots to die back during the three months they were dormant. The natural consequence would be a weak, or a comparatively weak, start, but the rods would gradually improve as the season advanced, and possibly stojiijing at 10 feet would cause them to thicken to an extent which would force the Hrst formed leaves from their holding. Then, again, the weather has been intensely hot ; the border at some jieriod may have lieen allowed to become dry ; and the heat — 70" by night, S0° by day, and 00" after closing — to say the least, has been high, certainly higher than I should care to recommend through the early stages of the growth of this variety. When young Muscat A'ines are forced from moderate into strong growth as the season advances they sometimes behave in the same way, but no serious mischief follows. Keej) the border well nmlched and moist, and do not let the roots feel the want of water. If laterals exist where the main leaves have fallen or show signs of ripening, carefully preserve the young leaves in a fresh healthy state to draw the sap into the base buds, as this is your only chance of getting them properly formed and fed through the autumn. If the Vines generally show a disposition to ripen, and the canes are turning to a nut-brown, give more air through the day and close later. Syringe well to keep the foliage fre.sh and clean, and having plenty of time before you give night air to favour steady and perfect maturation of the wood and foliage. As this process goes on give sufS- cient water to keep the border moist and in a growing state, and place more light non-conduct- ing mulching on the surface. — W. C'oleman, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury. Flower Garden. CANTERBURY BELLS. When, some few years since, the curious cup-and- saucer or Calycanthema forms of these flowers were introduced they w-ere not only limited to white and blue colours, but of the ordinary forms we had then only singles, and those limited to the colours just named. The Canterbury Bell has progressed or, more properly speaking, developed since those not very remote days, and now we find form remarkably varied and hue of colour of the most varied character too. I have for several years tried to keep both ordinary and Caly- canthema forms distinct, but circumstances are against my doing so. The old single forms have developed doubles of the most absolute kind, and many of the Calycanthemas are also double whilst still retaining the hooded calyx. Not a fewvof the flowers found in this latter section are remarkable both for size and form, and are far ahead of those which when originally shown obtained for the raiser a certificate of merit. In the original strain some of the finest bells are those of a semi-double form, that is, having one bell fitting closely within the other, but with the edges over- lapping. Some have three or four bells, thus pro- ducing elongated flowers, whilst, again, others have the bells so crowded within the outer one that they are very niassive and solid. These latter, owing to the choking or disruption of the organs of fertility, rarely seed, and I invariably select from the best semi-double flowers only, because these seed freely and also give me all the variety which may be looked for. Plants pro- ducing these double flowers often need support, as theyareso heavj'. They are now absolutely portions of the strain, and apparently cannot he got rid of if desired ; still many are pleased to have them. Since the beautiful rose coloured form was intro- duced many variations of colour have followed, and between pure white and purplish blue we find probably a dozen diverse shades, perhaps more, and these hues are gradually increasing. Pro- bably very many ^\ho have gardens and have dawdled along with the old blue and white singles have any conception of the grand forms and variations now found in a good strain. Whilst some plants will bloom two years in succession yet few can be trusted to do so much ; hence it is wisest to sow seed every year and thus raise a stock each season. I sow seed always under glass, although so much trouble need not be taken in every case, as in some fine soils small seeds will germinate freely enough in the open ground. My soil is not of a character to encourage me to do so much ; hence I prefer to sow seed in shallow boxes and raise it under glass. Sowing is done in April, and as the boxes are placed in the open after the plants are strong they transplant readily into the open ground, where summer showers favour the l)lanting. If not convenient to plant out where they are to bloom at once, then the plants will transplant with the aid of a fork in the autumn. Few gaiden biennials show such remarkable advance as do Canterbury Bells. A. 1'. Cornflowers in masses. — I have seen nofliing prettier in the \\ay of hardy flowers this year than some large busli-like masses of variously coloured Cornflowers in a cottager's garden. It often happens that the happiest effects in the flower garden are obtained in a chance way, and in this instance the careless throwing about of some plants with seeds on tliem in autumn gave a JuLT 17, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 57 large number of seedlingi', which were strong ere leaving the roots too long in the soil after they winter set in, and which increased exceedingly as have flowered. They ought never to feel the the days grew longer. These plants have for a influenoi of the autumn rains, as they then long time been a mass of charming colour, and as they have grown to a height of quite 4 feet, they are very eti'ective. Cornflowers sown in spring cannot compare with those sown in autumn, and a few weakly isolated specimens give no true idea of the charms of this hardy flower when proprely treated. What a grand contrast is attbrded by a plentiful sprinkling of blue Cornflowers amongst crimson Clover, the two colours setting oB' each other to advantage. — J. C. B. SILVERY-LEAVED ALPINES. People who liave travelled on the Alps, or passed the winter in the Mediterranean region, are always struck w'ith the green appearance of plants in our gardens that with them are (juite silvery. Our climate doubtless does something towards ett'ecting this change, but we are inclines to believe that the manner in which such plants are treated has most to do with it. Potentilla nitida is a good example of what is here meant. Plant it in a rich border, and the result is luxuriant foliage, but wholly or almost green, and of flowers there will be few, if any. R im it tight between the bricks or stone.? of an old wall, and it will become bright and silvery, and bear flowers in profusion. There are not, of course, old walls in every garden, but a substitute for them, in which the presence of old lime rubbish and broken bricks should form the major part, can be as readily made as a rockery. This done, the conditions to provide the desired effect will be within measurable distance of attainment. Silvery-foliaged alpines for rockeries have been almost wholly neglected — not that we are without sucli plants, but they do not receive proper treat- ment. A dozen or more kinds with variously cut or shaped leaves occur to us at the moment, hardly one of which we ever see in perfection, and yet | they are very effective in brightening up our rocic gardens and old walls. The plant here represented, Artemisia mutellina, is much more in character when found grow- ing on limestone than when in ordinary garden soil ; and the same may be said of A. glacialis, argentea, maritima, discolor, " and many others. Salvia argentea, if the flowering shoot is kept pinched, makes an excellent silvery-leaved plant, as do also Tanacetum Herderi, nubigenum, bractea- tum, &c. ; Cerastium tomento?um and Boissieri, Achillea umbellata, Anthemis Aizoon, Helichrysum serotinum, litoreum, &c. ; many of the Gnaphaliums, Pyrethrum cinerari;efolium, Antennaria tomen- tosa and the Aizoon section of Saxi- frages, many of the Sedums, and a few of the Sempervivums ; while Onopordon, Cnicus, &c., supply specimens of a larger type. D. K. the winter. As soon as the foliage dies oft they should be lifted and stored away in a dry, cool place until planting time. Ranunculuses require a good friable soil and well rotted horse or cow manure that has been turned over and over for a year or two. Rank manure would be almost sure to cause the foliage to turn yellow, especi- ally in wet weather. In the case of stitt' soils it is well to draw deep drills and fill up with light mould. — J. C. B. NOTES ON HARDY PLANTS. Pinks. —It would indeed be hard to even imagine a more handsome or more serviceable Pink than Dianthus alpinus. D. neglectus and glacialis lival it, but until we learn generally how to grow them into larger specimens than is generally /^/J/^ Ranunculuses resisted the intense heat and drought lately experienced better than many hardy plants. Some I noticed bore expanded blooms in good condition quite a fortnight, although not watered and growing in rather poor soil. It is seldom that one .sees this really fine flower well grown nowa-days; indeed one may go into many gardens without .seeing either a Turban or a Persian Ranunculus. The named kinds are many of them rather dear, but good seedlings can be bought so cheaply, that a good sized bed can be had for five shillings. I bought some this spring at the rate of five shillings per Artemisia mutcllir.a. 100, and tliey turned out very satisfactory f they plump up a^ain and throw out roots, and, unlike were, I believe, imported roots. A mistake that , many hardy flowers that die d..wn after bloom- many make in the culture of the Ranunculus is ing, they should not be left in the ground all f seen, they are not likely to place alpinus in a .second, much less a third-rate position. There are, how- evei, several less known kinds worthy of note. The slender-stemmed and small-flowered D. pulchellus is a pleasing Pink ; it has white flowers of good substance, with a distinct maioon star-shaped eye. It grows 6 inches or S inrhes high. Another form, kindly .sent to me by Mr. Wolley Dod, is an eflective and most enduring flower. It may be described as a magnified form of D. neglectus. With me, giown in a pot, it is about twice the size of that kind. It reproduces itself by underground stems of moderate vigour. Even in hot sunny weather the flowers have kept fresh and good for ten or twelve days. Another kind somewhat in the same way, but still larger and with higher coloured flowers, is grown under the name of D. superbus H:eltzeri. It is a very desirable Pink for the rock garden. The flowers are nearly 2 inches across and extravagantly beautiful, the intensely crimson petals being deeply lacerated, and fall like a fringe. Then there is the little white D. fimbriatus, with arching stems like a thread ; let the florist try these flowers in an epergne or bouquet ; for delicacy or perfume few (lowers are better. In cultivation the plant is free from all the weaknesses which characterise the neglectus class, and its neat grassy cushions keep perfect for years, one here being five years old and nearly 2 feet across. The gay Maiden Pink (1). deltoides) is now a host of beauty in itself, owing to the myriads of flowers which it produces. The latter range from white to crimson. It makes a good decorative plant for walls and the rock garden in July. On old walls it seeds freely, and if there are ledges connected with them ever so narrow, there will appear seedlings by the hundred. In such positions during very hot, dry weather a little water should be given it, or it may perish. Of course, much will de];)end on the aspect and amount of (KhrU with which the ledges are filled. The Cheddar Pink (I). Cicsius) is not only well adapted for similar situations, but the typical form of it is, perhaps, the most fragrant of its family. I say type studiedly, because there are several dwarfer varieties of it which do nol so well develop this desirable quality. Saxifraga tricuspidata is an intermediate spi'cies, so to speak, between the rigid and pointed forms, such as Burseriana, and the smaller mosay kinds. Its habit is neat, but it is a slow grower 58 THE GARDEN. [July 17, 188G. and spai'se flowerer. The cosy way in whicli it adapts itself to the stones in rockworl^, and the pleasing tints which it develops in summer, most commend it. Just now, the tiny three-pointed leaves are becoming a fairly good yellow tipped with red. The plant reminds one of some of the Drabas. Moreover, it is one of the least common of the numerous family to which it belongs. Rosa minima. — Under this name I received a charming little double Rose — the smallest plant and smallest flower I ever saw. Its colour is varied like that of centifolia ; the petals are pointed, and the scent spicy and strong : my specimen of it, which is flowering a second time this season, does not exceed 3 inches in height. It grows bushy from the base, and the flowers are pro- duced singly. I have only as yet tried it in a [lot in a cold frame on which air was left all last winter, and where several times its roots must have been frozen hard, for the pot was not jilunged. If it should prove hardy it will be a gem for the rock garden. Codonopsis (Glossocomia) cvata. —This is a little tuberous-rooted Bell-wort, with greyish downy foliage set on slender stems. Its big bells, which are produced singly, are leaden blue in colour and prettily veined. Its structure and painting inside are indeed a study, being won- drously beautiful. I will not try to describe the ivory-capped columns, or the angular rings of ricli colours at the liottom of the cu|), but I would urge all to grow it, for it is perfectly hardy; use plenty of splintered or sharp wood charcoal, for this, I fancy, keeps ground pests from eating its long tuberous roots. I also find that in light soils it has the habit of drawing itself down deeper and deeper every year. Whether this is for it or against it I cannot .say, but in three years it gets to a good de()th, though originally set near the surface. Some roots kept in small pots were so persistent in this habit, tliat they deviated from the erect position, bent themselves round the bottoms and escaped by the holes tail first. This sort of thing occurs in many Liliaceous plants Alstrtemeria lutea being a notable example. Ramondia pyrenaioa. — Last year I spoke about rooting tlie leaves of this choice alpine. I have just been going over some that were inserted as cuttings two years ago ; they lifted with a nice tuft of roots attached to them, and they had thrown up from two to four young leaves, the cutting leaf being still green. They were pricked into decayed Cocoa fibre, sprinkled with a few seeds from the short velvety wall Moss. The latter soon germinated and formed a nice mulch- ing, and, as I suppose, helped to keep the little pan of leaves cool and moist. Just about a year ago a friend sent me a handful of seedlings of this plant in some nice fresh Sphagnum. My man seemed to care more for the Moss than the Ramondias, so he had the Moss, but in it he took by accident one of the jjlants, which, together with the Sphagnum, was placed on the surface of a basket of Stanhopea, and, of course, hung up in the stove near the glass. After a week or two it made rapid gi'owth. It remained in that position, and it is there now, healthy and strong. This Ramondia is found wild in cool, deeply shaded places, while the position into which this plant has got is just the reverse, but, of course, very moist, and this evidently balances the other con- ditions. Papaver bracteatum and orientale. — The distinctions between thuse are such that no one could mistake them after once seeing them. The colours form the chief distinguishing [loints, for though there are others, they are not always re- liable. As, however, it seems desii-able that, if possible, the two kinds should be identified when not in flower, one or two features may be noticed. The leaves of bracteatum tiegin to appear earlier than those of orientale ; they are more sparsely covered with grey hairs and more erect ; they begin to grow freely in winter, and, like the flower- stems, are stoutci- and more erect than those of orientale. In the matured state, indeed, the leaves are a grass-green compared with the greyish green of orientale. When in flower the stalks of bracteatum are not only stouter and more erect, but they are better furnished with foliage ; they support the flower in an upright [rosition, ncA-er bell fashion or looking sideways, as in some varieties of orientale ; the leaf-like bract imme- diately under the big crimson flower is never absent. This, however, is sometimes present on the orange-red flowers of orientale, but it rarely occurs on all the flowers alike of the same jjlant. It is on account of this bract in orientale or some of the varieties which run rather close to brac- teatum in all but bloom colour that many become puzzled. I may also mention that from five difi'erent sources I had orientale sent me for brac- teatum, and I believe the latter (true) is not generally yet in cultivation. Another striking distinction is the fact that the flowers of brac- teatum last twice as long individually as those of the oriental species, and each petal, by comparison, may be termed wedge-shaped, whilst those of the latter may be called balloon-shaped in outline. The capsules, too, are markedly dissimilar ; the seed-head of br.acteatum is wineglass-shaped, that of orientale more round. The Dryases are just now in very happy form, having made new and shining foliage which has just become sufficiently ripened to show its true character. Some fine flowers are still to be seen, and the seed-heads both in the twisted and downy condition are also present. D. Drummondi is the lirgest, but though its flowers are yellow and thsrefore desirable, it is not so free nor is its habit so pleasing as that of octopetala, which, taken altogether, is by far the best and most useful Octopetala minor is a counterpart of the type, but more shy as regards bloom and smaller in all its parts. Its tufts of foliage are very pretty and make a dense mat. Much difiSculty has been experienced in establLshing fresh patches with material taken from the old plants. I do not thin'c such would happen if an etl'ort were made to secure it at the present season. Just now the new growth has become set and partially ripened ; last year's wood has sent down its rootlets, and if rooted twigs were slipped off' now they would start into growth at once. The foliage should not be turned wrong side to the sun. A little later on will not do so well as now, because not only will the second growth have begun to lengthen, but there will hardly be time enough for the plants to make as many roots as they will require with which to pass through the winter. Place the rooted twigs on moist peat and loam, scatter over them a good covering of the same, and lay a heavy stone over the ro jts, then give one good wa':ering and leave them alone. In tlie pot cultvire of alpines wild Spergula is a plague. There is one little matter which I would like to point out in reference to this Sper- gula or Spurry. Owing to its small size it is not objected to until it has made itself a nuisance; people then begin to pull it out as well as they can. Now where it has grown freely it is not enough merely to pull it up; let anyone turn the soil out of the pot and it will be found that a paper like mat of its roots will have been formed between the soil and pot, greatly to the injury of the roots of the rightful occu| ant, and if such is not removed the plant never thrives as it otherwise would do. Thei'efore, if Spurry is growing among alpines in pots, remove it, ami be sure you clear the soil of its roots. Some Gentians may be propagated by root- lets, the stronger kin(ls, for instance, such as lutea, punctata, purpurea, &c. I noted this fact in the case of the latter where a rather strong plant had been starved in a small pot ; the roots had run round and cropped above the morsel of soil where an eye formed, and when taken off it grew freely. As regards lutea, I have cut its roots like those of Seakale, and made plants from them in moist sand and peat. Saxifraga ohioensis is as pretty when in flower as it is uncommon. It belongs to the same section as rotundifolia, having roundi.sh, but largely toothed, leaves, which, however, are not thick or downy, but thin, somewhat leathery, and glistening ; the leaf-stalks are very slender, and the little plants when in flower do not exceed Ij inches or S inches in height. The flowers ai-c of crystal whiteness, small, and borne in lax sfjread- ing panicles. It is a gem for rockwoik, and during these past four years it has withstood the severity of our winters. Aster alpinus and its varietiee.— Unless these are constantly propagated from cuttings like Chrysanthemums no idea can be formed of the beauty and size to which the flowers may be grown. The plants will be in their prime the second summer from the cutting stage, and it is a mistake to place them in the poor worn-out soil of rockwork, where they often get, and which is, moreover, too dry. Under liberal treatment the flowers are not only better as regards size and colour, but they last longer. The white variety is especially amenable to high culture ; it then becomes larger than the typo and the ray florets trebled, thus giving this shorter-stalked variety a massive efl'ect. We have noted also the ruby coloured kind under the name A, alpinus ruber, but my experience of it is so brief, that I can only say it is very hardy and a robust grower'. J. W. LILIES IX FLOWER. In order to forrrr soirre idea of the beauty and variety to be found arrrong Lilies, a collectioir of therrr should be inspected now when the nrajority of them are in bloom. L. Thuirbergianum or elegans and its difi'erent varieties make a goodly show, and, what is nrore, they supply a wide range of colour, varying from the orange-buff tinted Prince of Orange to the deep blacki.sh crimson- coloured cruentum or ha;matochroum. This last is the deepest coloured of all Lilies, that known as the Black Lily excejited, but that by some is classed with the Fritillaries. Other desirable forms of L. Thunbergianum besides the two just rrrentioned are bicolor, a large bold reddish apricot-coloured kind; Van Houttei, rich crimson; and sanguineum or biligulatum, brownish red. L. bulbiferum is a pretty Lily with erect heads of cup-sliaped, reddish orange flowers. This species is I'eadrly distinguished from all others by the small bulbils that are produced in great quantities in the axils of the lea\'es. The common Orange Lily (L. croceum) is just now at its best, and when seen in a mass a tine display it makes. The old White or Madonna Lily (L. candidum) is known to almost everyone, and, though so common, is secorrd to none as I'egards purity and beauty. When once established it dislikes being disturbed, a renrark which also applies to L. chalcedonicum, one of the Turk's-cap section, with intensely bright scarlet-crimson blossoms. This kind will ofteir absolutely refuse to grow the first seasoir after- being planted : the bulbs renrain in the grourrd throughout the winter, and flower the followiirg year-. The brightly-coloiu-ed L. porrr- ponium verum has been very fine, but it is now past its best. It is a most eft'eetive early-flowering Lily, but has such a faint snrell that it cannot be used in any way for indoor decoration. Several of the North American Lilies are now irr bloom, notably the Panther Lily (L. pardali- num), L. parvum, and Ilurrrboldt's Lily (L. Humboldti). Variable as some Lilies are, this last is eveir more so than rrsual ; some blooms of it, except towards the tips of the petals, are thickly studded w-ith small dots, while in others they are fewer in number, but become comparatively large blotches. The extreme form of this latter is often irret with under the name of L. Bloomerianum, and an extremely pretty variety it is. Another North American kind is L. I'arryi, the beautiful golden blossonrs of which, delicately poised on a slender stem, are adrrrired by everybody. The white trumpet-shaped lilooms of L. longiilorum and its varieties are just commencing to expand. Harrisi, eximium, and Wilsoni are all too much alike, but a pretty fonir of longiflorurrr is albo- ' mar-ginaturrr, in which the leaves are broadly margined with white. The fragile-looking L. July 17, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 59 Krameri is most deceiving in the size of its bloom ; its appearance during the earlier stages of growth would lead one to expect but a miniature flower, but in reality tlie blossoms are comparatively large. The delicate pinkish hue of the majority of them is most pleasing, but unfortunately it is a difficult Lily to keej) in health— so, at least, I find it to be, but I hear of others who grow it most successfully. Here, in rather a light well- drained soil, imported bulbs flower well the first season, but less satisfactorily tlie second, and by the third year few indeed will bloom. The beautiful L. Browni, with its lai-ge tube-shaped flower suffused heavily on the outside with chocolate, is just ojiening, and revealing the waxy white interior. When fully expanded the dark- coloured anthers are most conspicuous, contrast- ing strikingly as they do with their delicate sur- roundings. Of the Turk's-cap Lilies, mention may be made of the ordinary form of L. Martagon, with its spike of gracefully reflexed purplish blooms; but the finest in this class are L. Martagon dalmati- cum, a variety in which the flowers are of a deep shining erimson-purple, and album, with pure white blossoms. Some forms of these two last- named Lilies are gi-eatly sujierior to others. Another nearly allied to the Martagon is the Japanese L. Hansoni, but its rich golden-coloured blossoms being earlier in expanding than the others are now past their best. L. monadelphum I take to be a remarkably fine Lily — that is, when it does well, which is not always the case. My experience is that it is useless to expect a good show of bloom during the first season, for, gene- rally speaking, many of the plants do not appear above ground till the second year. Its blooms are borne on large pyramidal-shaped spikes, and are most gracefully retlexed and delicately tinted. Their colours vary from deep yellow to pale whiti.sh sulphur, and they are more or less studded with small dark coloured dots. L. testaceum, which when growing reminds one to some extent of L. candiilum, is a fine Lily, and especially noteworthy from the distinct nankeen tint of its gracefully reflexed blossoms. They may be used in a cut state, as their scent is agreeable and not too powerful. No notice of Lilies would be com- plete without mention of L. auratum, the earliest blossoms of which are just exjianding. Like most of the others, this Lily i.s very variable, some forms of it being greatly superior to others. Alfua. BORDEE FLOWERS AND HOT WEATHER. TnE recent hot weather has been most trying both in t c kitchen and flower garden. The ground was dry before it set in, and after that everything suffered. The plants first affected were those in herbaceous birders, suc'i as Phlo.'ies, Pyrethrums, Irises, &c. ; in fact, the leaves of the Irises became yellow. I visited a garden ten days ago containing thousands of English and S[nnish Irises 'duriug the hottest part of the day, and their flowers were iu a sad pl'ght ; they were drooping in the brijht sunshine, and the heat reflected from the hot, dry red earlh was even trying to one's eyes. A surface watering under such conditions would have done little good — iudeed, might have done harm. We cannot avoid the blaze of sun- shine, even if desirable, but we can mjintain a moist condition round the roots of these and all other plants by giving a thoroughly g lod watering, and imme- diately thereafter mulching the ground with Cocoa- nut tibre refuse, or short manure if well decayed. Watering in dry, hot weather should be done tho- roughly. Enough should be given to reach, if pos- sible, all the roots, and to prevent ev.iporatioa mulch with sjmething. Roses suffer very much in dry weather if the snil is light and the subsoil gravel. They cannot be maintain' d in good health unless they are kept grow- ing. I have seen them with the sap almost dried up, so much so, as to prevent the bark from rising when slit with a knife for budding. Such Roses become a prey to green fly, mildew, and even red spider. This last is the worst of all, as it causes the leaves to be- come brown, and ultimately to drop off. Such disas- trous results would not happen if the ground in the first place was trenched and manured, and also mulched in winter with manure, and again in sum- mer as soon as hot weather sets in. Syringe well overhead at night, and then in the morning every leaf will be furnished with a row around it of gli>tening dewdropi — a healthy sign either under glass or out of doors. Perhaps none of O'jr choice garden flowers suffer sooner from the lack of water than Gladioli; they require the same treat- ment as Roses; they should never be allowed to get very dry at the roots. At one time I used to grow thousands of named varieties and seedlings. Our plan was to give them a thoroughly good watering twic3 a week, and every hot day they were well watered overhead with the garden engine. If this was not done, red spider would attack the leaves and cause them to become brown. Syringing, however, does not dislodge the maggots which inhabit the axils of the leaves, crawl out at nigbt and devour the flower-buds. They can be discovered ia their hiding- places by day, or, by the aid cf a g.jod lamp, lie found feeding at night. Phloxes ought to be well watered and mulched, and the same advice should be followed in other cases. It is a good plan to plant some spread- ing low-growing subjects to cover the surface of the ground in mixed heibaceous borders. This retains moisture and has a pleasing appearance. J. Douglas. Trees and Shrubs. TREES AND SHRUBS FOR WATERSIDE. In planting near water the following shrubs may be named as suitable for planting in the neighbour- hood of w'ater. The Alder, kept low by occasional cutting, makes a fine fringe, and forms a strong barrier for the margins tif water when the current is liable to wash away its banks. The common Whitethorn, Bramble, hedge Rose, red Dogwood, Honeysuckle, and Blackthorn, artbrd proper mar- ginal decoration for water in natural scenery. Trees best adapted for positions nearest the water, where the ground is liable to be moist, must con- sist of the common Alder, various kinds of Willow (including the Weeping and Rosemary-leaved Willow), AInus cordifolia, Norway Spruce, de- ciduous Cypress, and Hemlock Spruce. Such trees are also quite proper for the islands; but in order that the roots may not lodge too much in the water, the parts of the islands to be jilanted should be raised irregularly, or in a natural manner, with stones, roots, sods, &c. , mixed with suitable soil, a few feet higher than the level of the M-ater. The five last-named kinds of trees are most appropriate for beautifying water in well- kept grounds. Amongst the larger trees employed, not exactly for fringing the margin, but at a moderate dis- tance from the water, the Wych Elm is the most elegant, and should always be planted in exten- sive places ; its elegant massive twigs and pendent branches entitle it, above all other large trees, to tliis distinction. Nevertheless, the English Elm, Lime, Beech, Weeping Birch, and Larch would be appropriate. Every kind of Poplar should be excluded, except, indeed, the Lombardy, of which two or three may be planted so as to rise out of the midst of masses of other trees. In planting, room should be allowed for walking near the water's edge ; sometimes close to it, and at other times with a bush or grou[) of shrubs interposing. Swans, by all means, must be introduced, as well as other water fowls. W. Elder and Dogwood. — Just now the most noticeable tree in llower in the hedgerows is the Elder, and abundant as the blossom of this tree generally is, this season it seems to be unusually profuse. By the roadsides it is seldom the hedges are allowed to grow on long enough for the trees and bushes of which they are composed to approach to anything like perfection or maturity of growth, but in some places in this neighbour- hood there are hedges which have not been cut for many years, and in these the Elder seems to have supplanted many other species. Where these large bushes occur at very frequent intervals for long stretches on each side of the roadwaj' they present a vista of masses of flowers seldom equalled except in positions which have been arranged for the sake of the efl'ect. Hereabouts there is another hedge bush which grows largely by the roadside, the common Dogwood (C. sanguinea), and this is now showing a great mass of blossom, and very often comes into the view with the Elder.— 1). Rhus radicans is a very suitable shrub plant for the woodlands ; when allowed its own way it will climb among shrubs and low trees, and take perfect care of itself. In sheltered places its leaves do not change colour, but more in the open they turn bright yellow in autumn. I remember seeing a plant which had climbed among the branches nearly to the top of a tall Cypress, at the edge of a wild piece of shrubbery. It formed a jjerfect picture, its lai'ge, bold foliage Ijeing set in a framework of glaucous green. — G. The 'Washington Cedar. — As is now tolerably well known, the Mammoth tree of California — Sequoia (Wellingtonia) gigantea — was at first supposed to be a new genus, and named Washing- tonia by Dr. Kellogg. Lindley also supposed it to be distinct, and, either ignorant of or ignoring Kellogg, named the supposed new genus Welling- tonia. But neither of these determinations stood the test of botanical rule, aiul the plant was finally referred to a genus already established, namely, Sequoia. Dr. Kellogg, however, claims, at least, Ijriority for his common name, Washingtion Cedar. He says, "As historic truth demands it, it is but just to state, I, my.self, took Mr. Lobb to the California Academy of Sciences, and showed him the first specimens he ever saw of this marvellous, now world-renowned, Washington Cedar, which was so named by me before he ever saw the tree. The fact is well known to the old charter members of the Academy, several of whom are still living. It is, therefore, the earliest among common names, and claims precedence, by all courtesy, in point of time, as also in appropriatenes.s of honour. Our relations to its earliest identification we leave to the historian of the future." The Judas tree (Cereis Siliquastrum).— This tree is indigenous to Turkey, Greece, and Judea, where its flowers, owing to their agreeable acidu- lous flavour, are highly esteemed for mixing in salads, and they are also frequently pickled for use in the same way \\hen fresh flowers cannot be had. Its foliage is very distinct from that of most other trees in shape and colour, the latter being bluish green on the upper surface and grass-green underneath. When old, the Judas tree forms a broad, round, flatfish head, somewdiat similar to that of an Apple tree. The wood is not considered valuable, although it is hard and capable of taking on a good polish. As an ornamental tree in spring, it ranks as one of the most attractive, owing to the singular and beautiful appearance which it presents when its old, as well as young, wood is literally covered with its purplish pink blossoms clustered together in small bunches before a leaf is visible ; and when associated with Laburnums, Lilacs, Flowering Currants, Azaleas, and other spring-blooming subjects, it forms a charming con- trast in colour, blooming, as they all do, at the same time. The Judas tree is also well suited for planting on a lawn, either to form a standard bu.'^h or as an isolated specimen. — (J. Pruning Picea Nordmanniana. — This Coni- fer is inclined to produce strong side-shoots, fre- ipiently stinting the growth of the leader to H inches in height per annum. Seedling plants of P. Nordmanniana rarely put up nUire than one leader, and it is wrong to allow this leader to be robbed by the superabundant growth of the side-branches, now that it is shown that no harm w ill accrue from a judicious use of the knife. During the period when the P. Nordmanniana was scarce, the plants were generally increased by cuttings, grafts, and layers. This pruning was unintentionally the means of causing the leaders of the original plants to assume an ujiward growth. It is surprising to 60 THE GARDEN. [July 17, 1886. see many of the early produced plants from cuttings, grafts, and layers, although eighteen or twenty years told, growing procumbent, and, if upright, somewhat fan-shaped. The only way to induce a leader on such plants is to cut oft' all the branches and peg the stump firmly to the ground. By this means, one, two or more leaders will be produced from the lower part of the stem. By the removal of all but one, it will in time become a well-set leader, and ultimately make a vigorous tree. The leading shoots removed will make excellent cuttings or grafts, by retaining their leaders, which is not the case with the ])oints of side-branches. The same remarks are, I find by experience, applicable to many other species of Picea when produced by cuttings and layers, such as P. nobilis, P. robusta, P. amabilis and P. grandis. — J. JI. The Spruce. — There is not a more elegant ti-ee, I consider, than the Spruce Fir (Abies ex- celsa), which, planted in a northern exposure to- wards the foot of a hill where the soil is loamy and damp, presents a most beautiful appearance, its hoi-izontal branches touching the ground, laden with its large handsome cones in the proper season, and displaying such a lovely mass of green foliage from growing .so closely that its stem cannot be seen, and which, if left untouched, will remain so for sixty years. But plant a Spruce upon a dry sandy soil that would be appropriate for a Pinaster or Scotch Fir, al- though it may possibly thrive for five or six years, when it has attained an age of twenty years, its under-branches will be found withered and destitute of foliage, the bark covered with Lichen, and the whole tree at a complete stand- still.—W. H. A. Erica cinerea. — Of this pretty Heath, which does nut seem to feel the effects of drought, there are several varieties, some of them differing widely from each other, and also from tlie type. For in- stance, in atro-purpurea the flowers are much richer in colour than the ordinary form, while in alba they are pure white, thus contrasting well with the ])receding. In pallida the colour of the blossoms is of a pale reddish hue, and in coccinea they are a distinct shade of crimson. The St. Dabeoc's Heath (Dabieeia polifolia), with its spikes of comparatively large bell-shaped blossoms, is also in liower, and with it the two varieties, viz. , that with white flowers, and the other in which the blooms are parti-coloured. — H. P. The Beech in Denmark. — lb may interest your readers to know under what circumstances the Beech (Fagussylvatica) grows herein Denmark. The Beech is the commonest and at the same time the most beautiful forest tree with us. Fascinating and lo\ely beyond all description is a Beech forest, or even a single tree in early spring, when the delicate, glossy, bright green foliage has just un- folded itself on the graceful, hanging branches. Formerly the Oak ((^)uercus Roburj predominated in the Danish forests, but are now fast disappear- ing for the Beech. Young self-sown plants of this beautiful tree grow very luxuriantly even if they are quite overshaded by the crowns of the Oaks, and when they grow larger the Oaks must give place to the Beeches. The European Beech (Fagus sylvatica) is, however, distinguished from the common American Beech (Fagus americana or F. ferruginea) by a more slender growth, with more hanging branches and smaller, but more glos.sy and bright green foliage, and very likely its claims to soil and .situation are also a little different. The Beech in this country grows best in a somewhat heavy clay and chalk mixed mould with a mode- rately moist subsoil. When these conditions exist the tree reaches its finest development. It also does better in low (places in the neighbourhood of lakes and rivulets and on northern slopes than in higher localities and on southern slopes. In sandy soil deprived of chalk and in a dry situation it will either not grow at all or it becomes stunted in growth. A soil and situation that is favourable for the growth of Evergreens in geneial will also be suitable for the Beech. — R. H. CRAFTIXG CONIFERS. As the season for grafting Conifers is at hand a few words upon the .subject may be useful. Conifer grafting may be performed either about the montli of August or early in spring. For this purpose two-year-old stocks are preferable, as it is desirable that the stock and scion should be as near of a size as possible. They should be esta- blished in 3-inch pots, and if it is intended to use them early in the springthey should be kept during the winter in cold frames. There are several methods of grafting Conifers, but ordinary side- grafting is in most cases the best. This operation consists in making a clean cut in the stem down- wards about an inch in length, then at its termi- nation making a transverse cut, thus removing a piece of the bark-wood clean away from the side of the stock. The scion should lie cut oft' clean and square at the end, and a jiiece of the wood should be shaved off about equal in length to the cut on the stock. The butt-end of the scion should then be placed upon the notch cut in the stock, taking care that the bark on one side meets ex- actly the whole length of the cut. The great aim in this operation is so to cut the scion and stock that the former when fitted on nearly replaces the piece removed. The scion being thus fitted must be held firmly in its place by the thumb of the left hand and tied on with bast or wool so that it does not afterwards shift. ^Vhen the scion is very small, or the stock much out of proportion to it, another method may be practised. This consists in simply making an incision obliquely in the stock, the scion being so cut that one .side of it forms a sharjj edge, in order that it may be easily inserted therein, the bark of the scion thus coming level with that of the stock. This is a neat anlunt tlnee years asro fioni Messrs. Rodger and MeCleiland. It is qnite Invrdy liere. — T. M. Bur.KELEY- OwEN, 'J'ttf^mon' Hall, U'es^cltmi, Shrojishin. July 17, 1S8G.] THE GARDEN. 61 Societies. KOVAL HORTICULTURAL. JriA 13. A BETTER meeting than this has not been htld here this season. There was a capital fruit and vege- table show— could hardly have been finer ; haidy flowers were neversh own more extensively nor of greater excelltnce, acd added to these were a large gathering of cut Roses and a miscellaneous display of plants, including Orchids and new and rare plants. 'J'hese latter were more numerous than usual, and no fewer than thirteen plants were certificated. First- class certificates were awarded to the following : — Dexukoiiiim Wn i.ia5isi.\ni,m — This, the rarest and most beautiful Orchid shown, has long been heard of, but seen in flower by very few. It is a New Guinea plant, belonging to the group of which 13. bigibbum is a familiar example, but it is different from any other in cultivation. Its growth is most like that of I), bigibbum, but more slender. The flowi rs are about "J inches across, with jnire white sepals and j ctals, and a shell-ike hibellum < f the richest royal jiurple colour. Su h an extremely beautiful Orchid attracted much attenlion. It wa.s e.xhiljiled by Mr. IV S. Williams, who introduced it ?ome years ago, and after whom Rtichenbach nametl it. Odontoc,lo;^siji crispii.m Hrtrr.v.vxrji. — An extra- ordinary vaiiet}' of the .^potted-tlowcreil or guttatum group. It can only le compiare 1 with such as A'titchianum and Sanderianum. The flowers are large and finely shaped ; the broad sejials and petals are white and very heavily marked with irregular blotches of a rich chestnut colour. The plant was shown by Raron Theodor Ilruhy, of Austria, and b -re Severn! flowers on a long, graceful spike. • >i)ONT0i:u)sstM cnisPL'M Mrs. DnKM.\x. —.-V lovely variety', very similar to an oMer one called virjiinale. It has large and symmetrically formed flowt rs, and spotless white sepals and jit tals. Kxliibited by Mr Uorman, The Fir.--, I^awrie Park, Sydenham. Phahs lIuMBI.OTI. — A new species from Mada- gascar, refembling the better-known P. tubcrculusus, and though not so beautiful as the latter is a very showy Orchi.l. The flowers, produced on erect spike.«, are about '2 inches across, with pale claret petals and sepal.-", while the large and briiad lip, i[uite an inch across, is white on the upper part, the lower lobe being stained with a deep port-wine colour. The spikes are few-flowered and about a foot high, and the foliage is long, narrow, and ribbed. Shown by Sir Trevor Lawrence, Eurford Lodge, Dorking. OxC'iDH'M MA(R.\NTHl'M (Soutbgate's variety). — This closely reseuibles, if not the same as the variety named "Williamsianum by Reichenbach some time ago. It differs from the typical form in having the petals stained with a large irregular blotcli of purple. It is the liandsomest and most distinct variety of thi< Oncidium yet seen. Shown by Mr. Southgate, Sel- borne, Streatham. I.MPATIENS Hawk>ri. — A marvellously fine new Balsam, srimewhat in the way of the popular I. Sultani, but greatly superior to it both in the size rf its flowers and tlieir colour, a brilliant carniine-criinson. It appears to be tpiite as free in growth and bloom as I. Sult.ani, which it will no doubt supplant in course of time. Kxliibited by Mr. W. Pull, of Chelsea, who reeintly inlndu cd it from the S.uith Sea I'l \nds. ArnF.1 .sNinA < ma ni.-^.- A hariJ>ome plant re- sembling A. fascinator. The leaves are broad, of a deep green, and marked with parallel bands (jf sih ery white. The flcjwers are produced in a dense terminal spike about (i inches long, and these, as well as the braels, are of a clear canary-yellow. Exhibited by Mr. W. Bull. Pter[s shERULATA (Xaylor's Crested). — This is different from the numerous crested forms of this Pteris previously raised, the fronds being more finely divided ; indeed, the plant looks more bke a tuft of translucent seaweed, as finely cut as garden Parsley. It will prove a specially valuable plant for the market grower. Shown by Mr. Xaylor, Harrow. PELARooNirM Eoen Marc'IIE. — A new Fiench variety of the double-flowered Ivy-leaved class in the way of Mons. Crousse, but with larger, more double flowers. It is free in giowth and very floriferous. Shown by Mr. W. Bealby, Roehampton. P.\PAVERNUDICAIILEMINI.\TUM. — A biiiliant orauge- red-flowered variety — a beautiful contrast in colour to the yellows and the whites also found among seed- lings of the Iceland I'oppy. Exhibited by Mr. T. S. Ware, Hale Farm Nursery, Tottenham. Rose Grani> Mcoii..— Said to be a seedling from that splendid Rose, A. K. WiIliaTs. The flowers of the Grand Mogid ha\'e the size, form, and substance of petal of the older sort, but the colour is much deeper and, if possible, ri her. It is sure to become as popular as A. K. William.s. Some superb blooms of it were shown by Mtssrs. W. Paul ami Son, Wa^- iham Cross. Stock S.sowki.ake. — A Ten-week Stock with dense sjukes of flowers, very double arid pure white. Shown by Messrs. J. Vcitcli and Sons, Chelsea. Among oth»r exhibits the most noteworthy was a gioup of (Jrchids from .Sir Trevor I^awrence, which was composed for the most part of species not often seen, aed a few extremely rare. Besides the Phaius Humbloti certificated, there were the following : Spathogb ttis angustorum, a beautiful terrestrial Or- chid, with long, narrow, plicate leaves and slender flower-spikes some 2 feet hi^jh, terminated by crowded clusters of about a dozen flowers. These are about 1 .; inches across of a delicate blush pink. Tricho- pilia Galeottiana, a distinct and vtry fine flowering .'■peeies, a gooil deal like others in the shape and size of flowers, which are yellow blotched and spotted with brown on the labellum ; Aerides roseum, in the way of A. Fieldingi; Masdevallia Djyana, a very rare species, more curitms than showy ; the flowers re- semble snake's heads, and are creamy white chequered with brown, like a Snake's head Fiitillary : and M. infracta purpurea, a \"ery fine variety of what is gene- rally regarded as an unattractive spiecies. In addition to these the Burford g.irden coritcibuted a plant of Cypripedium caudatum with three flower-spikes, which the committee considered worthy of a crd- tural commendation, inasmuch as the plant had been grown in a cool house. A variety of ( >dontoglossum vexillarium was shown by Mr. HolUngton, Forty Hill, Enfield. It was named Hollingtoui, ami differed from ordinary form? in having the lateral petals broader than usual. Baron Schneder showed a plant of the old, but rather rare, Galeandra Bautri, which is the way of the commoner G. Dviyana, but has yellower flowers and a deeper stained lip. Froui the Karl of Forti scue's garden at Castle Hill came a very fine spike of that showy Orchid, R nanthera coccinea, which so few can grow and flower successfully. Col. B rkeley, of Market Harboru', sent a fine flowering specimen of Phahenopsis speciosa, one of the small- Uowered group after the Luddemanniana stamp, and with bright carmine purple flowers. A choice groirp * f plants of Odontoglossum crispuin came froirr Mr. iJorman's collection, all being cf the finest type as regards size and form of flower. Mr. Measures sent from his garden at Cainbiidge I^odge, Cambtrwell, a Urge and select group of Orchids, consisting chiefly of L'attleyas, (Vlontoglossums now in season, besides a good many out of the-common things, such as Ladia xinthina, C}]iripedium concolor Regnieri, C. Parisbi (a fine >peciiuen}, (.'. (■odefroya:', and a wonderfully fine variety ■ if that little-known species, dacidiuru stelligerum, remarkable for its large shii.vy lip, white and claret colour. Some seedling Popjiies, \arieties of Papaver Rhieas, raised by the Rev. W. Wilks, of Shirley, Croyelon, attracted some attention, as they were so beautiful, the crumpled and satiny petals of their flowers being of all colours, from white to deep crimsoir. The delicate Rosts and I'inks were vei-y lovely. Messrs. Veitch showed a small group of seedling Gloxinias, which n^a'V- an attrac- live group. Out of the eight or nine sorts shown, we thought that Ii-ma, brilliant scarlet ; Vestal, delicate pink ; Lueinda, freckeil purple ; The JMoor, deep purple, and Riiby were the truest. Messrs. Veitch likewise showed a pretty Carnation name! Mrs. Mason, a sort of salmon-pink colour, and an exten- sive collection of Iris Ksenipferi varieties, which in- cluded some wonderfidly fine sorts, some with flowers S inches and 9 inches across. Mr. Gordon, of Twickenham, also showed some good sorts of this Iris. Messrs. C.rrter showed some well-flowered plants of their new double-flowered Silene pendula eompacta, which promises to becoure a valuable jilant for borders. A firrely-flowered specimen of Fuchsia General Roberts was shown by Messrs. Cannell, who had with it a birnch of that most b:;autiful of all yellow L'arnations, Pride of Penshurst. A fine Hybrid Perpetual Rose named Eu.ene Frirst was shown by Air. T. Bun)ard, of Ashford. It is of a dark crimson colour and with blooms tif good quality. Mr. R. Dean, of Ealing, exhibited .some sjiikes of Ten-week Stocks, the sorts being Giant Crimson .and Mauve Beairty — the latter a most beautiful sort of a soft mauve colorrr. lie also showed a ]iale (ink variety of the Everlast'ng Pea named l>elicata, the white Musk Mallow, and a new Carnation of a flesh pink colour named Etfie Dean. Me srs. Vilrnorin, of Paris, sent a gathering of their mixed seedling Car- nations representing all colour.", and some as large and double as named sorts. S^rne seedling Pelar- goniums were sent by Mrs. Kingsbury, Bevis ^^alley Xuisery, Southampton. One was named Mrs. P.rrker, with silver edged leaves and double flowers of a soft pink ; the other, Kingsburyana, with silver- edged leaves and double scarlet flow'ers. Roses were plentifully shown by Messrs. W. Paul, of Waltham, and by Messr.s. Paul, of Cheshunt, who h.id blooms even finer than at the great Rose show a week previous, and a mrrliitude of first-rate sorts Were represented in perfection. Among the new sorts shown by Mr. \V. Paul wcs a wdiite sport from Catherine Mermet which we thought excellent, and a new Hybrid Perpetual named Silver (^ueen, pale pink with deeper centre. The new Madame de Watteville was also splendidly shown. IIakhy ki.owers vi-ere also abundant, large and varied collections being shown by Mr. Ware, Alessrs. Paul, Messrs. Kelway, and Messrs. Barr. The first prize for the finest collection was won by ilr. Ware, with a group as fine as he has ever sir »wn at Soirth Kerrsington. Lilies were its chief elemerrts, and of these there wtre lurge masses of tall spikes shrrwirrg the natural grace of Lilies to perfection. The most noteworthy among theui were L. candidrrrn and its striped variety (striatum), testaceum, the nankeen- coloured Lily, croceurn, pordalinum, Parryi, Hum- boldti,columbiarmm, lucidum, Mart.agon dalmaticum, canadeir-e, besides large gatherings of early (Jladioli and other bulb-s and a choice selection of Inrdy perennials. Messrs. Paul's group was a very fine one too, and most effectively arranged. They had great masses of showy things like Lathjrus latifolius varieties, Centaurea moutana and the golden macro- cephala, Erigerorr glaucus. Spiraea palmata, Plrlomis Russelliana, Lythrum Saliciria superbum, C rrrrpanula lurbinata, and a host of other alpines arrd Lilies. Messr'. Kelway 's gi-rmp consisted chiefly of Pyre- thrrrms, Gaillardias, Alstriemerias, white Agapanthu", Plrloxes, &c. Messrs. Barr excelled, as usua', in bulbous flowers, of which they had an extensive collection. Fruit. —\\'ith trilliug exceptions, itirely has there been a better display of fruit at any surnmer show tharr was to be seen here on Tuesday. There were about a-dozerr classes and tire competitiorr generally was good ; in sonre instances unusually so, arrd if the remaining shows of the seasoir present the sanie ad- rrrirable features, they will prove worthy of the Society. Grapes were exeellerrt, especially the black kirrds; the best three bunches of Black Hambur'ghs, stout, handsome, and well Hiiished. came fronr Woohrrer Forest antl frour Sir A. Macdonald's gardeir, so Ad- mirably nranaged by Mr. Taverner, who i;enerally turrrs out Gr\ipes well. Other good samples came frorrr IChastcnr ami Bickley Park. Ther-e were eight lots in the class. Birt the class for any other black kind had most interest, because it brought sorrre grarrd bunches of that delicious Grape, Muscat Hambirrgh, supei-bly finished, and as good as usrrally seen, frour Mr. Goodacre, who merits the highest praise for this exhibit. Gros Maroc, fro n Mr. Miles, of Wye imbe Abbey, medium bunche.s, but very handsome, if not quite up to size in berry, and what w'ould in arrother month be superb Alicautes, from Chertsey. were the piick of this class. It was a surprise to find so late a 62 THE GARDEN. [July 17, 1886. Grape as Alicante shown to early, but in no case was it fully coloured. Muscat of Ale.xandria came up moderately. The best were still lacking colour, and the second best, though good bunche?, still pale green. It is very rare indeed that good examples of this fine Grape are seen early. Peaches were in grand form; the Grosse Mignonne sample from Mr. Sejniour was as fine as could be wished for; and Mr. Wallis, of Keele Hall Gardens, had rich-coloured Crimson Galande that were perfect. Not only other Grosse Mignonne, but Violette Hative, Sea Eagle, Royal George, and Barrlngton were well shown in the fourteen dishes staged. Of Nectarines, finer than the dish of Lord Napier, from Mr. Roberts, of Gunners- bury, have rarely l.ieen seen — quite up to Peach size and richly coloured. I'itmaston Orange was also well shown ; there were thirteen dishes of these. Cherries were fairly good generally, but Mr. Hudson's two dishes of Black Cirossian and Eigarreau NajJoleon could hardly have been excelled, they were so fine, glossy, and superbly coloured. Mr. Roberts had good samples of the latter and Black Tartarian ; and amongst others shown were Elton, May Duke, Black Eagle, and Governed Wood. Sonre capital Pines came from Wycmbe Abbey, the pair of Queens staged by Mr. Miles weighing 10 lbs., and they were handsome, well coloured, and even. The first piize Pine, which also came from the same exhibitor, was not less good, and weighed 5 lb. "2 oz. (.^uetns were most favoured, only one lot of Smooth Cayenne being shown. Melons were plentiful, sixteen pairs being shown, but were a singularly uneven lot as far as tize was concerned, and even the first prize brace, Blenheim Orange, was not first cla-s, though handsome. Hero of Locldnge, Sea let Prenuer, Imperial Green Flesh, and Read's Scarlet Flesh were well shown. Some very fine brown Turkey Figs came from Woolmer Forest; indeed, of the eight dishes staged this kind largely pre- dominated. Strawberries were very fine, and gave little indication of the drought which so recently pre- vailed. There were ten pairs of dishes in the one class, and fourteen single dishes, the British C^lueens and Dr. Hogg from Greenford showing how admir- ably the soil in the fertile v.alley which lies between Ealing and Harrow suits these uncertain, but deli cious kinds. Mr. Garlandvoy always does Straw- berries well. Curiously enough in the single dish class, fine British Queen from Gnnnersbury Park, and Dr. Hogg from Bicldey Park, were the best dishes. Of other kinds shown well were President, Eleanor, Sir J. Paxton, Sir C. Napier, and Eclipse. Of miscellaneous fruits there were furnished by Mr. Ross, Welford Park, a seedling Grape very much re- sembling Muscat of Alexandria, but said to be a seed- ling from the Black Monukka. It has fine berries and received a commendation. Also from the same exhibitor dishes of Duke of Devonshire, Stiirmer Pippin, and Alfriston Apples and Catillac Pears f,airly well preserved; also a basket of faiily good Biickland Sweetwater Grapes; and from Mr. E. D. Lee, Aylesbury, a basket of Lord Napier Nectarines of fair si/.e and coltjur. Vegetables were also remarkably good, and no less than ten collections of eight dishes were staged, the best growers competing. The honours in this case worthily fell to Mr. Richards, of Somerley Park Gardens, though run very close indeed by Mr. Miles and others. The leading kinds were London Cauli- (iowers, Telegraph and Telephone Peas, Perfection and Stanifordian Tomatoes, Snowdrop Potatoes, New Intermediate and Matchless Scarlet Carrots, White Elephant Onions, Globe Artichokes, Asparagus, and Moore's Cream Marrows. In other collections were beautiful Nantes Carrots, Pen-y-byd M.arrows, Duke of Albany Peas, in several collections and very fine ; Leviathan Long-pod Beans, &c. The best dish of Tomatoes, of which tight lots were staged, came from Mr. Farrance, Chadwell Heath ; in it were fine Trophy, and Stamfordian, a beautiful sample, coming next, and Hackwood Park third, whilst Acaie, Read- ing Perfection, and Trentham Fillbasket were also good. Cucumbers were but moderate in quantity and quality — Purley Park Hero, Mode), and Tele- graph coming in this order. Special prizes.— Messrs. Carter offered for com- petition on this occasion some valuable prizes for their undoubtedly fine Peas, Telegraph, Telephone, Strata- gem, and Pride of the Market, ten collections, generally fine samples, being staged. It was rather odd that Messrs. H. Marriott, sen. and jun., of Boston, should have come in fir.,t and second, and the sam]]les were througliout literally as like as two Peas. It is due to the I^^yal Horticultural Society that Messrs. Carter and Co. should satisfy themselves that these exhibitors are distinct, and grow their samples in different gardens. In the class for a single dish of House's Perfect Marrow — prizes given by Mr. Hou*e, of Peterborough — only six dishes were staged, the Marriotts coming first and third with fairly even samples, another Bo.ston grower, Mr. Cook, taking secind place. This Pea is somewhat of Veitch's Perfection sh.ipe and style. For Messrs. Webb and Son's prizes for AVordsley Wonder Pta there was poor competition, the samples being rather small and sword-shaped. Whatever may be its tripping merits, it is not a striking Pea on the exhibition faille. Mr. J. C. Muudell, of Moor Park, Rickmans- worth, showed several dishes of Peas, fairly good samples, including the old Bunch Pea, put up as the Egyptian Mummy Pe.x. Mr. T. Laxton, Girtford, slowed a colltction, including such good kinds .as Ameer, Walton Hero, Sensation, &c., chiefly his own kinds. From Messrs, Carter came a coUec ion of about eighty dishes, including nil the best kinds in cultivation. The finest of these seemed to be Alfred the Great, Duke of Albany, Telegraph, Pride of the Market, Prodigy, and Telephone. A quantity of Sweet Pea flowers in bunches seemed to prett ly decorate this exhibit. Fruit committee. — The chief exhibits con- sisted of new Melons, a crop of seedling sorts, sent by various growers for the opinion of the committee, but none were considered superior to old sorts. Mr. R. Gilbert, of Burghley, sent one called Her Ladyship's Favourite. Mr. Ross, of Wtlford Park, sent one called General Gordon, and another n.imed Semper Fidelis ; and Mr. Howe, of Benham Park, showed his rink Perfection. Messrs. Viccirs Collyer and Co,, Leicester, sent some excellent specimens of the new Blackberry, named Wilson Junior, which were quite equal in si/.e and productiveness to the illustrations that have been published of it. Mr. Barron exhibited, from the society's gaidens, Chiswick, a dish of a handsome Strawberry named Waterloo. The fruits are large, round in shape, and of a deep blood-red colour, and of good flavour. Some fine Canadian Apples were shown in good preservation, the sort King of Tomkins County being the handsomest. Some excellent Lord Napier Nectarines and Uoy.al George and Noblesse Peaches were shown, and Mr. Wai-d, of Longf.jrd Castle, showed some capital samples of Webb's Chancellor Peas, and Mr. Turner, Tonbridge, furnished four dishes of Carter's Peas, Telegraph, Telephone. Stratagem, and Pride of the Market. A silver Knightian medal was awarded to the commissioners for the Cape of Good Hope colony for a fine selection of dried fruits, including Peaches, Pears, Apricots, Apples, llaisins and Cape Goose- ben ies. The stewed Pears prepared from the dried fruits were elelicious, scarcely distinguishable from fresh fruits. calathinus and triandrus were one and the same species. MitsdiraJlla Dinjinut. — Mr. O'Brien alluded to this interesting species, in which the three sepals ceihere by their tips, leaving, however, lateral apertures through which insects may enter, as in M. fenestrata. The peduncles originate from the top of the shoot, and not from the base, as in others of the genus. A botanical certificate was awarded to the plant. Fungus on Mangoes. — Mr. W. G. Smith alluded to a fungus, Capundium mangiferum, which he had re- ceived from INIr. G. S. Jenman, of Demerara. The fungus occurs also in India, but there attacks the leaves only. In Guiana it bursts through the bark of the trees. Sdi.nipcd'u'iii and I'ropclium. — Dr. Masters ex- tiibited a drawing by Mr. W. G. Smith of a speci- men, interesting as confirming the notion that Ilro- pedium is a monstrous state of Seleniiiedium ; and a monstrous form of Cattleya Loddigesi was also shown ; and Dr. Masters showed a spray of Mistletoe wi'.h ripe berries. Fire lUjlil in Pears. — Dr. Masters exhibited sjieci- mens of this di ease received from Professor Arthur, of New York Agricultural Station. The diseise is attributed to Bacteria, and happily has not yet been notice! outside the United States. To the naked eye the young slmots look dry, shrivelled, and black as if scorched by fire. A prize list will be found in our advertising columns. Strawberry Laxton's Noble.— Mr. I.axton, of Girt- ford, reruiuds ii« that we omitted to note tile fact that his new early 8trawtcrry iKinicd Noble was awarded a tirstclass certificate at the Royal Horticultural Society's recent show at Liverpool. Cabbage grub (B. If. //.). -Allow me to make a slight cmrectietD, as the alteration uf one word makes a good deal iif difference to ray meaning. I wrote (perhaps not very legibly), " linwover, it should be known .as the Cabbage-fly, as it is rcaltif the same as the Cabbjge-fly," but in print it reads, " as it is lunr/)/ the same." — G. y. S. Alnwick Seedliner Grape-- Just at the moment I canimt witli < ei taiiity inf>> in ■" W. I. M." where he will sec cxuHiple.s of tliis Grape that have been set by means of the syringe, but the best and eveiicst bunches of this variety tliat i have «ecn were syriiige-.'et. and I cannot understand how " W. 1. M." has failed in setting it by thismethod.— T. C QUESTIONS. Scientific committee.— The following were the chief .subjects of interest discussed at this meeting; — Itlioilmlmdron pontirnm rar. nii/rt if' ilium. — Mr. G. Maw doubteel this being a true nati\'e of Gibraltar, as stated at the last meeting. At the same time Mr. Maw mentioned that R. ponticum was wild at Alge- siras, where it grew in company with Balantium Culcita, both cases affording instances of isolation. Ciftus lailaniftrus. — Mr. Maw remarked that plants of this with blotched flowers grew in Spain in cmi- pany with others in which no blotcli was perceptible. He had also seen a few instances of blotched and uiblotcheil flowers on the s.ame plant. Mr. Maw also suggested that Digitalis lutea and grandiflora might be dimorphic forms of one and the same species. Daffodils. — Mr. Maw rejiorted on the occasional occurrence of erect flowered Dafl"odils. He also stated that N. mininiu? of Botanical .Maijannc, t. 6, was ieientical with N. minor, anel abundant in Central Spain at liigh elevations. Drawings of \ arious hybrids were shown, anel the eipinion expressed that X .5.')0S. — Slug's.— Wliat is the best w.ay to get rid of slugs in Strawberry beds? Perhaps some reader of Tue Garden will kindly .say.— Fawlev. 5500. — Crickets. — I am very much annoyed by crickets in my greenhouses, Melon houses and vineries, and I sh:dl be glad to hear of anytbing to destroy them. — F, M, T, 5:dO— What to grow profitably under glass — I have a heitcd spaien.ofcd house CO feet by II feet, thirty miles from London and eight niile-s from a lailway statiuu. I should lie glad to know what I could plant it with tha*-. would be easy of culture ami realise the most money. Will some reader me under the following circeuiistaiices : I have a very fiiic plant of Cyinbidiuiu cburncuiii which flowers freely, but unfortunately the t ips of the leaves as soon as formed become spotted iuid gradually die back, rendering the plant when the decayed parts are cut off, to say the least, unsightly. 1 have alsu in the s.ame house Plcionc higenaria, niaculata, and Wallichiana which go in the same way, but in their c.a.sc the bull's do not grow, I think, to their full size, nor do they pritpcrly ripen. They .arc shaded with caiiyas bliiiels when the sun shines ; the iii.jht temperatu e is 70s\ and the atmo- sphere moist. The Cymbidium is potted in Fern tibre, fibry loam anel Sphagnum, mixcel with crocks and charcoal. -J. E, R. Names of plants.— H'. li — l, send better specimen ; -2. 8pir;ea aria-fe'lia ; :^, Spr.'ea callosa alba ; 4, Scduiu fpiiriuni, C, F. y. — 1, Cassia coryrabosa ; 2, Diplopappus chryso- phyllus ; 3, Staphylea pinnata ; 4, Polystichum angulare var. .V. SAe//»rr(o».— 1, Cypcrus loDgus ; 2, Hi'lcus ninllis ; 3, Kcstuca elitior; 4, llordeura niurinum. L /iinali_'lio.^clt. — I, Crassuli Septas ; 2, Phylica stipnlaris ; :;, lirunia sp. ; 4. I'^rica Thunbergi ; 5, Stiuthiola longiflora ; 0, Aristca. All these except No. 4 were named by us for you last year. /i\ Cox. — Acokantliera venenata. Sdnpnhun. — Ela?agnu3 horten^is. .4. A'.— 1, Milla Jlurrayana ; 2, Datura, too much withered to name. I'lease send leaves also. Jt M. — 1, Cephalaria ta^.-irica ; 2, IrU sibirica. 1^. Btvi.riints would record the result of their observations. That soil has much to do willi tlie f[ualily and progress of timber cannot be diisputcil. The variation in curtain trees, say, between the coral rag and the Oxford clay, next in order to it and here adjoining it, is in some cases very sti iking. 1 do not liere propose to give any account of the particidar trees in which the most noticeable differences occur, or to make a list of those which are common to the soils, but merely to raise tlie whole (|uestion to ascertain the views of those to whom such subjects are both a recrea- tion and a serious study. As a great encpiiry like this must be in some way subdivided, so that it shall be intelligible and unmistakable— a com- mon language, so to speak — to observers where- ever stationed, I do not see any better basis than that of the geological strata. It is a thing which I have long desired to see taken up and treated in a thoroughly exhaustive manner, and I cannot conceive a better channel of communication than throughthecolumnsof a journal like The G.\H HEN. The information elicited would without doulit be of as much value to the gardener pure and simple as to the fcjrester. There has been so much said and done on the forestry question, which is .so wideof any practical purpose (n(jte the paragraph, p. 42, on the evidence given before the forestry committee), that it would be a relief to get upon some fresh ground from which data could be gained, which would be permanent ami leliable. I do not now intend to pursue the matter further, but shall be glad to hear opinions expressed as to the practicability of some such plan. D. J. Yeo. THE BEST WOOD FOR POSTS. C.vx you inform me (1) which may be considered the best British grown wood for posts, and (2) what kinds would be likely to last for a fair length of time without the use of any protective agent? — W. H. L. *_,* By far the most widely used British wood for the purpose of posts is unquestionably the Oak, and there is a general agreement amongst men of experience that it is the most durable. On tlie other hand, tliere are men who are intimately acquainted with woods and their uses who jirefer the Spanish Chestnut or the Acacia. The com- parative scarcity of both these trees, however, [irecludes their being very largely used. With regard to the durability of the Oak, much will flepend upon the age of the wood, the soil upon which it grew, and its freedom from sap-wood. For common mound posts, /.r., such as are used for fences for the protection of young hedges, &c. , the smaller branches of the Oak, if there is a fair proportion of heart- wood, will, in most cases, last as long as they are required. Small sapling trees may also be used, and they are generally straighter, but, on the wliole, I would prefer the tops of more matured trees. As .to the second part of the question, there is a very wide .selection of woods which are used for posts, but next to the Oak the Larch is the most common. Scotch Fir, too, is sometimes employed, but I cannot very highly recommend it. It is only fit for tempoiary \mv- poses. Now and again Elm is used when other wood is not to be had, but it is not well suited to the work. Ash and Beech should be quite avoided, especially the latter. There are other hard woods which may be used under certain circumstances, such as the Maple and trees of that class. In other cases large Willow sets may be made to answer, as they will often grow on instead of de- caying. These, however, are matters more for individual decision than for especial recommenda- tion. When it is considered what a very wide range of ground the term post covers, it will be seen that unless it was definitely stated the nature of the work for which they were required, it would be impossible to say precisely what would be the most suitable material. It you could inform me whether the posts are for a build- ing or merely for fencing, and the kind of soil, I could [irobably assist you further. — D. J. Yeo. 'Waste land in Scotland. — "Be aye sticking ill a tree, .luck,'' was the Liird of Dunibiedyke's advice to his sun, and the advice should not be lo.st upon the present generation of Scotchmtn who, by adding to the Fir woods of their country, enhance the value of tlie cultiv.ated land, and .add .ilso to the beauty of the district. The rapid growth of the Scotch I'ir where it has been extensively planted in the north is a proof of what I state. It is impossible to conceive the extent of the ancient Scotch forests until one carefully examines the niovmtaiiis and hills now bare and treeless, where the relics of the trees that once flourished upoa them lies concealed in the soil or peat ; and it is very evident that if these ex- tensive wastes are to be clothed with verdure, the hand of man must do it. — J. T. Trees for towns. - It has been found that the Plane, which does better that any other tree in London siuoke. will not grow at all in that of I.incashiro ; but, on the other liand, the Beech, Sycamore. Birch, Wych Elm, and Turkey Ctak thrive well, but the Lime doe? bast of all. THE GARDEN. 65 No. 766. SATURDAY, July 24, 1886. Vol. XXX. "This is aw Art Which does mend Nature : change it rather ; but The Art itself is Nature." — Shai-c^pcarc. BORDER CARNATIONS. It is satisfactory to see these beautiful midsummer liowers becoming more and more popular. Kut a few years ago wliat are now called border Carna- tions were comparatively but little liiiown and as little sought after. Tlioy were thought to be so inferior to the orthodox Carnation of the old school florists, that they were considered unworthy of attention. They were held to lack size, symmetry, and refinement. The border Carnations of to-day are, however, very beautiful, and jiopular opinion respecting them is changed from wliat it was; it seems probable, indeed, that in course of time tliey will quite supplant the old show sorts, not- witlistanding the fact that their blooms are fault- less in form. The once-despised border varieties, or at least their descendants, have developed into a most important, and in fact indispensable, class of open-air garden flowers. Since the raisers of new varieties began to meet the demand for r.cw kinds the list of lirst-rate sorts has lengthened considerably, and every season brings with it a crop of novelties superior in some way or otlier to older kinds. Every year one may see during the end of -July and beginning of August a grand dis[)lay of all the sections of Carnations and I'ico- tees in the Royal Exotic Nursery, t'helsea, which is tlie more remarkable because the plants are grown in a populous neighbourhood, where one would imagine that open-air flowers would have but little chance. The (.'arnation is, however, proverbially one of the best town flowers one can grow, especially those vigorous border kinds which can witlistand a town atmosphere better than the more refined, but much more delicate, show varieties. The Chelsea Carnation show this year is indeed very tine, notwithstanding the fact that the season has not been one of the best for Carnations. The cold dry winds which blew so long in April flere much against them, and before they had recovered tlicmselves there came the dry, hot weather which we had a few weeks ago. The result is that some of the more delicate sorts have not been able to cope with the weather, and tliis is especially noticeable with the yellow-flowered sorts, nearly all of which, strange to say, are much less robust than the whites, or high-coloured kinds. The Carnation ground has a finer effect than usual, we think, because sorts of like colours are planted in largemasses, which bringsoutthecont last of colours more strikingly. Besides a full collection of what are called border sorts, there is to be seen here a large selection of the very finest show sorts — flakes and bizarres, and all the finest Picotees of their various sections. But it is to the border sorts that we wish to direct most attention, be- cause they are most popular, and because so much is said and written about the show section now that tlie Carnation show season is at hand. Messrs. Veitch, as wehavesaid, group theirborderkindsinto sections, accordingto their colours. Thereare white, yellow, scarlet, crimson, purple, pink, androse .selfs, besides a class for fancy varieties, that is, those sorts wliicli have a mixture of colours in their flowers. Of whites there are about a dozen named liinds, and these seem to be all so good, that it is a ditfi- cult matter to say which is best, but, speaking as we saw the sorts together, we thought the best white was Duchess of Connaught, the flower being good and pure, and the growth excellent and floriferous. The favourite, W. 1'. Milner, so long considered the finest, is well represented; while other first-rate whites are those named Miss Marianne North, The Bride, Ossian, and Virgo; the latter rpiite a gem, the flowers being small, very compact in form, and snow-white. Gloire do Nancy, the white Souvenir de la Malmaison, is a first-rate white, especially considered as a large flower, but it is not nearly so floriferousasthesmaller sorts. Among deep crimsons there is still nothing finer in flower or habit than the old Crimson Clove, of whicli tliere is a great mass, but for brilliancy it is eclipsed by a new sort much of the .=ame stamp as regards habit of growth. This is called Masterpiece. Its flowers are smaller than those of the old Clove, more refined, and of a vivid blood- red colour, which, seen en i»ax.ti\ is very striking. Masterjiiece is bound to make a way for itself among the finest border (tarnations. Another good crimson self is General Stewart, which is thought very lu'ghly of, and favourite sorts still are Robert Burns, Sparkler, and Sambo. Scarlets arenumcrous, and perhaps beyond all others themost cilective, the great masses one sees of them here being very brilliant. Tliere are about a dozen and a half sorts represented, but even among such a number it is not difBcuIt to single out those which make the greatest show. Brigadier is about tlie best, being the freest in liloom, and one of the most brilliant in colour. Then follow Fire-eater, Illuminator, The Lord Mayor, Vivid, and Lucifer. To our mind the very best is Magnum Bonum, wliich, moreover, is the most distinct of all. No one can mistake it, for it has such a dwarf, com- pact habit that you can discern it a hundred yards otl'. It is also most floriferous. This is the stamp of CJarnation that raisers should improve upon. Being dwarf and stocky in growth, the plants want little, if any, support, and it must be owned tliat one of the drawbacks to border Carnations is tlie number of stakes with which they are associated in nine cases out of ten. Beauty of Whitby is another new sort, a brilliant scarlet, which is superior to some of the others. Passing to the pink and rose sorts, the queen of tlie group is Celia, which everybody says has eclipsed that popular sort Mary Morris, which it most nearly resembles. The flowers are very large and full with smooth petals (always a point with florists), and the colour is a most exquisite clear rose-pink; a bed of this is one of the chief features in the Chelsea collection, and as it may be seen by Mary Morris's side, one can judge for oneself. Other pink or rose sorts of superlative merit are Gertrude Teigner, Elysian Beauty, (jiueen of the Roses, Corsair, Cornelius, and Blush Clove, the latter a sport from the old Crimson Clove. Its flowers are large, and the colour, a delicate blush- pink, which, combined with a spicy fragrance, makes it a much-prized sort. I'urple selfs are not numerous, only about half a dozen sorts being catalogued, but most all of these are good. There is none finer in our opinion than one called Walter Ware, which has smallish flowers, compact and of good form, and of a brilliant purple, It is extremely floriferous; in short, we should rank it among the most select of border Carnations. In a similar way is Royal Purple, while others to be recommended are Auctioneer and Improvement, both first-rate. Coming to the yellows, we can say the least about them, for, as we before remarked, they have been almost a failure at Chelsea tliis year ; they seem to be different from the whites and coloured sorts, more delicate in constitution, and altogether more capricious. There are but few- decent beds of yellows ; some of tliese consist of an aprieot-yellow sort, named Florence, which is unquestionably first-rate in every respect, and one can overlook its undefined colour when its growth and floriferousness are considered. Among the clear yellows is Primrose (^Hieen, which in a good season would have made a very ell'eetive bed. Of the new Pride of Penshurst there is a bed, but the plants have done but indifferently ; perhaps other causes besides the weather have brouglit this about, for of new sorts nursery- men cannot usually aff'ord to keep large plants long without mutilating them for cuttings. The new Belle Halliday is perhaps the best of all the yellows now in bloom in this nursery. It is of good dwarfish habit, very free in flower, and of a soft sulphur colour. Everybody who sees this variety likes it, which is a pretty good indica- tion of its beauty. Among what are called fancy varieties there are few really fine kinds, the best, we think, being Sir Beauchanip Seymour, a sort raised by Jlessrs. Veitch at their Langley Nur- seiies. It has large, full flowers of a flesh-red colour, mottled and streaked with lighter anddarker hues. In a similar way is Sir Frederick Roberts, also first-rate. The Earl of Beaconsfield is among the cream of the collection. Its large, well-shaped blooms are bright scarlet, flaked with crimson, and, moreover, it is very floriferous and of good habit. The above are some of the best of the border varieties; but we do not mean to say that they are the only kinds of Carnations and Picotee.s suitable for borders, as there are scores of sorts, bizarre and flaked, as well as of Picotees that are quite as beautiful, but far less effective in the 0[ien borders ; in fact, their bizarred colours pro- duced an undecided ett'ect, and in order to be enjoyed must be inspected closely. One may see in this nursery a selection of the finest sorts side by side, so that one can compare their merits. In addition to the Carnations, there is a Pink to which we should like to direct attention, as it is tlie prettiest self-coloured sort we have seen ; in- deed, it is said to be the only self Pink yet ob- tained. It is named Rose I'erfection ; its blooms are bright rose, and ])roduced freely. A mass of it is quite as effective as that of some of the Carnations. FLORISTS' CARNATIONS AND PICOTEES. Wk are now upon the threshold of the two southern exhibitions of this favourite flower, one of which takes place at South Kensington on Tuesday next, and the other in Mr. Dodwell's garden at Oxford on August :i. The latter will include flowers from districts further north than the show at South Kensington. I have not yet learned the date of the Manchester exhibition, but it will in all probability be a week or ten days, at least, later than the Oxford meeting, for the flowers are very late in blooming in the north. At the Royal Nursery, Slough, there can be seen some "itiOO jilants now under glass, and the fine liead of bloom can now be seen pretty well at its best, being protected from damage through rains. The plants are singularly clean and vigorous in growth. There are three classes of bizarre Carna- tions, the scarlet, crimson, and pink and purple ; the two last so nearly approach each other, that it almost requires the knowledge of an expert to separate them. The bizarres have tw-o and three colours on a white ground, and the scarlet bizarres are of the highest value and most strik- ing, being extremely showy, and when in good character very beautiful. The flaked flowers have, in the ca.se of purjile flakes, dashes of this colour; scarlet flakes, scarlet; and rose flakes, ro.se, on white grounds. The purple-flaked flowers have the highest value : the scarlet flakes are singularly bright and efl'ective ; and the depth and brightness of colour in the case of some of the rose flakes cause them to very nearly a|ii)roach the scarlet in colour. Picotees are divided into three main divisions : red edged, purple edged, and rose or scarlet edged ; in each case there is a beading of colour on the margins of the petals ; these are again sub-divided into heavy and light edges, according to the density w-ith which the colour is laid on. There is a fourth class of Picotees, the yellow grounds, in which the colour forming the edge varies, and while some of the petals are of a pale yellow colour, others are deeper in tint. A statement of these divisions will, perhaps, enable the visitor to a Carnation and Picotee show to understand the classes in the schedule of prizes and the flowers exhibited in them. The following are now in fine bloom in the Slough collection— Scarlet bizarres : Robert Lord, .lames Mcintosh, Master Stanley, Lord Napier, Charles Turner, and .\rthur Medhurst. Crimson bizaires: Rifleman, Harrison Weir, Crimson Banner, E. S. Dodwell, and Mrs. Maclaren. Pink and purple bizarres : Twyford Perfection, Sir 6G THE GARDEN. [July U-t, 18Sfi. (Jarnet Wolseley, H. K. JIayor, Sarah Payne Sq\nie Llewellyn, Falconliridge, Princess Beatrice, and Joe Bogstock. Purple flakes : Spoi'ting Lass, J vino, James Douglas, Mayor of Nottingham, and Florence Nightingale. Scarlet flakes : Royal Scarlet, Figaro, John Baylcy, Dan (iodfrey, John Ball, Jupiter, Henry t'annell. Scarlet Keet, and Bailey, junior. I!ose flakes: Lady Gordon, Loi-il Chelmsford, Miss Erskine \Vemyss, James Flowdy, Rob Roy, Stapleford Hero, Mrs. Matthews, Mrs. Tomes, Sybil, John Keet, and AVilliam Newman. Picotees — Red -edged: Blanche, Princess of Wales, Dr. Epps, and William Summers. Purple- edged : Norfolk Beauty, Her Majesty, Princess Dagmar, and Clara Penson ; the latter has a fine broad jietal and delicate edge of purple. Rose and scarlet-edged: Evelyn, Louisa, Miss Horner, Constance Heron, Duchess, and Favourite, the latter a somewhat new and beautiful variety. The fancy Carnations and Picotees are so bril- liant in colour in many cases, and so handsomely marked, and the self-flowers are scarcely less attractive, that it is not to be wondered at they have become such great faxourites. Many of these are what are known as " run " {lowers; that is to say, the flower of a Carnation, instead of be- coming a bizarre or a flake, as is its jiroper cha- racter, becomes self-coloured, or the white ground is rose, scarlet, &c. It is ditticult to account for the phenomenon of running; it is one of those .subjects that seem to defy explanation ; but it is generally thought that soils, more than anything else, have to do with it. Run flowers seldom re- vert to the proper character, and therefore they are not propagated by nurserymen, except to pre- serve the particular sport. Just now there is also a good bloom of Carna- tions and Picotees in the open air. I have a lied of seedlings of a very attractive character, and I am pleased to find among them some flaked flowers of excellent quality. The flower-stems should be tied securely to stakes, and the numerous buds thinned out a little ; the former to keep the blossoms from being damaged by wind ; the latter, that the plants may carry only a reasonable number of flowers of a good character. R. D. MOTES OF_THE WEEK. A Helianthus from Japan, shown the other day at ^loiUh Kcn.sinyton, and which we suspect is H. japunicus of Ijotauists, is one of the finest Sunflowers introduced of late years. The colour of the flowcva resembles that of II. cucumerifolius, but this new .species has the advantage of being a perennial. It (^rows about 2 feet in height, sturdy, and bears a i>rofui^ion of bloom. Ornithog'aluin aureum. — It is to bs regi-cttcd that this is not hardy or capati'e of being cultivated with the .aid of X'rotection din-ing winter. We have nothing in the open air at this season to compare with it. unless, indeed, it be Cyclobothra pulchella, and that does not always grow satis- factorily. O. aureum is well worth growing by those who have accommodation for it, its flowers, both in colour and qu.autity, being all that could be desired. Statice Suwarowi, as wc saw it the other day, both in the Cape hou.se at]d on the rockery at Kew, is likely to be a favourite when better known. It grows ordinal ily from 1 foot to "2 feet in height, with branched spikes of charming rose coloured flower-!, set as closely together as they can be on the spike. Half-a dozen plants together of this St dice have a grand efteet. Jr. seems better adapted for pot culture than for planting out of doorp. Inula glandulosa.- This is undoubtedly Ihe best of tljis genus finks; Florence Paul is bright crimson-scarlet, and has numerous reflexing petals. New recreation g'round. — During the week the Baroness l»urdett Coutts has opened a recrea- tion ground at Sayes' Court, I'eptford, the gift of Mr. W. J. Evelyn. Saycs' Court is an old sijuarc red-brick building, which is the site that was once the residence of Peter the Great when he was learning shipbuilding in the English Royal Dockyards. The estate, which has been in the possession of the Evelyn family for upwards of two centuries, consists of about ninety acres, the greater part of which has been built upon. A portion of the remaining open space has been generously bestowed upon the public, and yester- day was consecrated to their use. Tastefully laid-out grounds have been formed by the membeis of the Kyile Society, and embrace flower beds, gravel walks, a kiosk, and numerous seats, form- ing a pleasant retreat for the meclianics and their families after a long day's labour. This is an example which might suggest imitation to some of the more wealthy proprietors of property in and about London. Bulbine 'bulbosa is one of several species of this genus which are natives of Australia, the bulk of the number being found at the Cape. The above was obtained from the Darling Downs, in (Queensland, where it was found along with Calo- stcmma luteum, the Australian Daffodil. The leaves of B. bulbosa are almost fistulose, as in the Onion, 1.") inches long, and they spring from a rhizome. The flowers are on erect spikes, '2h feet high, the upper foot bearing numerous star-shaped flowers 1 !, inches across, bright yellow in colour, and sweetly scented. All the Bulbines have the filaments of the stamens hidden liy a covering of long hairs, and most of the kinds are fragrant- flowered. B. latifolia and B. narcissifolia are sometimes met with in gardens. These three species may now be seen in flower at Kew. Hemipilia calophylla is a small terrestrial Orchid with the habit of an Ophrys, and related to the Satyriums and Habenarias. It has a fleshy tuber as large as a Date stone, and a cordate soli- tary leaf about 3 inches long, beautifully mottled and netted with brown-red. The flowers are pro- duced on an erect, thin peduncle, 0 inches long, and bear about half-a-dozen flowers, each as large as the flower of Ophrys apifera, the sepals and petals white with green tips, and the large flat lip a beautiful amethyst-purpile. There arc two species of Hemipilia, both natives of India, the above being found on limestone rocks in Moul- mein, from whence tubers were obtained for Kew about two years ago. Our description is made from one of these which we saw in flower a few days ago. The species is not big, but its flowers are beautiful jewels, and the leaf is as prettily marked as that of an Anaectochilus. It thrives in a loamy toil, planted in a pot, and placed on a shelf in a warm house. Huernia brevirostris. — The Huernias were once called Stapelias, but they are now in a genus by themselves ; and, if on no other account, they deserved to be taken out of the company of the vile-smelling Carrion plants — as Stapelias are called — because they hax'e lost, or nexer had, that objectionable character found in all true Stapelias. In form the Huernias difl'er from Stapelias in their shallow bell-shaped corolla tube. They are all large flowered and very prettily marked, H. oculata, which has an almost black velvety flower with a pure white eye, being one of the most gem- like of all. H. brevirostiis has short, thick, five- angled stems with serrated angles ; the flowers are 1-^i inches across, five-lobed, and in form sug- gestive of a Primula ; the colour is ycUowith white, with numerous small brown spots anil papillose hairs, the stigma at the base of the bell being five-rayed, black, and set in a disc of purple colour. Nympheea biradiata- This rare Water Lily is now in flower in the Water Lily house at Kew. It is a variety of our own native species (N. alba), and is found only in Central Europe. As a garden plant it does not equal the beautiful variety known as N. candidissima, nor is it superior to the plant which grows in our own ponds. Its chief interest lies in the number of its stigma r.ays(fivo to eight), and in the stellate blotch which is found in the centre of the flower. This blotch is composed of numcruus small piirpli.sh glaiuls on the surface of the lower half of the rays, the uiiper half being July 24, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 67 blight orange ; and it is owing to the Uind of double star thus formed that tlie name biradiata has been given to this variety. In size the flowers are not so large as the common English Nymph.-ea; tlie sepals are very broad, green below, whitisli above : the petals are correspondingly broad and pure white, and the stamens are bright yellow. The leaf is 7 inches long by Ij inches wide, the sinus at the base being about 2 inches wide, narrowed to a point where it is attached to the stalk. Phoenix hybrida. —Mr. Bull exhibited a Palm under this name at South Kensington on Tuesday last, the same plant, or one under tlie same name, having been exhibited by iMessrs. Veitch about a month previous. ^\hen it was certificated. We should like to know the history of this Palm. Is it one of the hybrid Date Palms raised in Calcutta by Mr. Scott ? or does it belong to the numerous forms of 1'. spinosa now known, and of which P. leonensis and P. canariensis are examples ? There is a close resemblance between this last-mentioned kind and P. hybrida— so close, indeed, that we suspect they are one and the same plant. He «'ould be a bold man who tried to set the names of the ditferent Pluenixes in order, but we are not quite sure that the name hybrida is not another addition to the synonymy of these plants. The Garland Flower.— AVhen treated lil^er- ally, the Hedychiums grow into very large speci- mens, their t.all leafy stems springing up in great [irofusion from the underground rliizomes, and each one bearing a large head of graceful Orchid- like flowers having a delicious fragrance, and always delicately coloured. The commonest of them is the almost hardy H. (lardncrianum, which is iDcautiful both in flower and fruit, and even the leaves have a freshness and thrifty look which is valuable in large houses. The more tropical kinds and those best known are H. coronarium, whose enormous heads of ivory-white flowers are all grace, fragrance, and beauty ; H. flavescens, with pale yellow flowers ; and II. thyrsiforme, whicli may be called a canary-coloured coronarium, its flowers being as large and as fragrant as those of that species, the habit of the two kinds also being the same. These three species may now be seen in flower in the Water Lily liouse at Kew. Thunbergia afiinis.— The genus Thunbergia, including Meyenia and Hexaeentris, contains about HO species, most of which are handsome garden plants, a few of them being amongst the most popular of stove climbers. II. affinis deserves to be added to this select few, as it is a free, clean grower, has foliage of a good green, and bears large violet-purple flowers. In T. laurifolia, T. Harrisi, and T. mysorensis the flowers are de- veloped on the ends of the shoots, but in T. affinis, T. natalensis, and one or two other cultivated kinds the flowers are borne singly in the axils of the leaves. The two last named kinds may be called climbing Meyenias, the leaves and the (lowers being similar, but much larger than in M. erecta. The calyx of T. atiinis is green and large, and tlie corolla tube is 2 inches long, with a spreadinj; limb of over 2 inches in diameter, the whole being of the same colour as the flowers of Clematis .lackmanni, with the addition of a blotch of yellow in the tliroat. Tliere is a plant of it in the Palm house at Kew, and this, along with T. natalensis, T. alata, and T. erecta, arc now in flower. Ipomaea Bona-nox.— The Moon Creeper, or (iood Xight, is a beautiful plant which should lie grown in every stove, becau.se of its peculiar habit of opening its flowers only in the evenin?, to remain expanded till the following morning. The Bindweeds generally close their flowers as soon as the sunlight leaves them, the name "Morning (Jlory " no doubt having originated in the habit of the flo-.vers opening to the morning sun. I. Bona- nox is the largest flowered in the genus, which is saying a great deal for it. We saw a plant of it in flower at Kew a few days ago, and on measur- ing one of the blooms it proved to be (>}, inclies across, the length of the tube bung about the same. If a circle is drawn with a "diameter of iU inches, the size of these flowers will be better understood. The pure white and fragrance, to- gether with tlie size and the night expanding habit of the flowers of this plant, invest it with an in- terest and value as a garden plant, and we should recommend everyone who has a stove to grow a IJlant of the Moon Creeper, which is as common in India and other tropical countries as the white C. sepium is in our own hedgerows. Lourea Papilio is a new name for an old garden plant, well known to botanists as L. vesper- tilionis, or the Bafs-wing plant. An example of it under the new name was shown at the last South Kensington meeting, and the only excuse we can find for the substitution of the former name for the latter is that it is shorter and quite as descrip- tive of the appearance of tlie foliage as the other. Still, the practice of changing names is a bad one much too freely follo'ned now-a-days. There are two or three species of Lourea, and they are com- mon roadside weeds in many parts of Asia and Australia, just as the Sensitive plant and the Telegraph [ilant are. Like these, too, the Loureas are Legumes, annual, small, and have curiously formed leaflets. The species named above has a large terminal leaflet 2 inches wide, and shaped just like a common butterfly when its wings are spread out; it is coloured green with stripes of brown-red along the principal nerves. The flowers are of no account. As a curiosity, L. vesijertilionis is worth a place in a collection of stove plants. New Lachenaliae. — Amongst the collections of Cape bulbs distributed and sold from the Bo- tanic Gardens at Cape Town la^t year were some unknown Lachenalias, numbered from one to six. A set of these was obtained for Kew, and four of the kinds have just pushed up flower-spikes. Mr. Bak':r has named these as follows : No. 1, L. fistulosa, leaves two to each bulb, erect, green with slightly spotted bases ; flowers on erect scapes 9 inches high, bearing about twenty flowers, in which the segments are equal, half an inch long, and coloured ro.se with purple tips. No. 2, L. orchioides, a yellow-flowered form of it, the most attractive one being that known in gardens as atroviolacea, in which the flowers are dark purple. No. 4, L. contaminata— this has tufts of grassy- green leaves and short scapes of white flowers with bro^^n tips and orange anthers. The segments are equal in length, but only about quarter of an inch long. No. (3, L. unifolia— as the name denotes, this species has only one leaf to a bulb, and this has incurved edges, and is green above, zoned be- low with brown on a white ground. Flowers on an erect slender spike, rather sparse, nodding, pale rose at the base, then white, the tips being gi-een. As garden plants thi'se four Lachenalias are not in themselves of much value, but they are worth the attention of such cultivators as Mr. Cam, Mr. Rawson, and M. Max Leichtlin, who, we believe, are crossing the various species of Laelienalia with a \iew to obtaining more variety both in form and colour. A useful insecticide. — As considerable diffi- culty is sometimes expeiienced in finding an insecti- cide that is not injurious to foliage and at the same time is destructive to insect life, I send a recipe that came under my notice some two or three seasons back, and whicli has been u?ed ever since with ex- celltnt results. Put half a puuiid of soft soap in one pint of hot water, and stir until it has dis- solved; add one pint of p.arattin ; wlitn that is thoroughly iiie irporated, add similar quantities of water, soap, and paratfiD, .and mix until all traces of suft soap have di-appeared. The mixture will then be of the consistency of thick cream ; then add two more quarts of water, place it in a jar and cork tightly. Our dose is one J-iiich (small (jn\ polful of this mixture to three gallons of water, and this we have found to be perfectly harmless to all outdoor folhige, while at the same time it is cert.ain death to all fiirins of aphidts, Ihrips, .and red spider. — B. Lace-winged fly. — I send herewith some leaves and stems of a p'ant on which you will observe long hairs ending in a small whitish substance attached to them. Is this a fungus, or what f I have not found it on ariy other plant, and but little on this. The plant is very much shaded by [au Apple tree. — T. Palsieb, Klnystiin, Hill. *,j* The long hairs attached to the plant you for- warded are the eggs of a very common and m ist use- ful inject, the l.ace-winged fly (Chrysopa peria). This insect, wljen about to lay its eggs, settles on a leaf or stem, which it touches with the end of its body, from which exudes a viscid fluid, which hardens very quickly on exposure to the air ; then, raising its body, a thread is formed of this secretion, at the end of which an egg is laid. It is the empty egg-shells which you have noticed at the end of the threads. The grubs hatched from these eggs feed upon aphides .and destroy great numbers of them. The lace-winged flies should always be encouraged ; they do not fly well, although they are provided with two pairs of lar"e greenish gauze-like wings. They almost always lay their eggs on plants infested with aphides.— G. S. S. Indoor Garden. BERRIED PLANTS FOR WINTER. Bebkt-ue.munc! plants are very handy, tither for the decoration of the conservatory or sitting-room, and have the advantage of lasting in beauty for several weeks, and not unfrequently months, in succession. They are, as a rule, very easily grown, and form an agreeable contrast when grouped tastefully with Chry- santhemums, Cyclamens, scarlet Salvias, and Perns. Some are well adapted for cutting, and help to create variety in the drawing room vase, while their value in church decoration of all kinds is well known. AucuBAS. — These, when covered with a crop of shining scailet fruit, make fine winter decorative plants, and they are easily grown. In mild sheltered localities, small bushes in the shrubbery or private nursery may be fertilised, when in flower, by pollen from the male plants, and these cm be taken up and potted in the autumn. Plants in pots generally flower more freely than those planted out, and are handier than the latter for tertili.sing purposes. Large plants in sunny positions outsiile have a beautiful ajipearance whe-n fertilised — an opera'.ion which is most readily done, either by grafting a male branch into the female tree, or by setting a male plant in flower in close proximity to a female one. We have now numerous varieties, both green and variegated, which furiii noble wiater decorative plants. Auculjas, like all other smooth and glossy-leaved plants, do well in towns and smoky districts, simply because they are readily cleansed by every parsing shower. EoL.VNlMS. — These are well-known plants, which are easily propagated either by means of seeds or cuttings in ths spring. Young plants may be planted out in a warm sheltered border in May, and if Lberally supplied with water, will make clean, fresh, little speeimens for decorative purposes during the ensuing winter. They should be carefully lifted and pottedin Oc'ober for removal indoors, and if taken inside and kept in a moist close atmosphere for a week or so, they will establish themselves and ripen off their bright orange fruits with >ut losing a leaf. S. Capsicastium and 8. pseudo-Capsicum are the most useful, but Yellow Gem is very distinct and effective when well grown, bearing large ribbed or contorted fruit of a bright ghissy yellow colour. The Egg plant i.s very ornament.al, and grows well in an orelinary fr.ame or greenhouse. There are both white and purple varieties. Cabsicims. — These, although generally grown for culinary purposes, are far from being uninteresting as decorative plants. We have several species in our gardens, all bearing bright scarlet or yellow fruits, which contrast well with their deep green folhage. Care must be taken to syiinge these and Solanums freely when growing, in order to keep red spider in check, a pest to the attacks of which they are very liable. Skim-MIAs — These are dwarf shruls with broad Lanceolate smooth foliage, and bvar clusters of small Holly like berries. S. oblataand S. japonioa .are both well adapted tor pot culture, .and look well all winter in a cool house. 08 THE GARDEN. [July 21, 188G. RiviNA (humilis) I..KVIS. — This well-known stove plant bears small inconspicuous white flowers and drooping clusters of shining berries. Small plants of it in pots are very pretty, or it may be trained up the back wall of a stove, where it will grow, flower, and fruit all the year round, forming an interesting object of permanent beauty. A bright yellow-fruited woully- leaved species of Kivina was introduced by Bowman a few years ago, but it appears to have been lost. NuitTEiii DEPRE.ss.\. — This is one of thesmalles'i and at the same time most interesting, of all berry- bearing plants. In habit it is very dwarf anil spread- ing, rarely exceeding 1 inch in height ; indeed, it may not inaptly be compared to a plant of Selaginella densa, sprinkled with coral heads. The foliage is of the freshest green imaginable, the berries being of a brilliant orange-scarlet. It is readily grown in a light compost of peat and sand either in the stove, green- house, or under a glass shade or Wardian case in the sitting-room. CoTOXEASTKRs. — These include some of the finest of all hardy berry-bearing shrubs for planting along a sunny wall. C. Sii'uonsi, trained up the front nt town houses, along with small green-leaved or gold and silver \ariegated Ivies, forms a brilliant picture in the autumn and winter when studded witli bright scarlet berries, the latter being very freely produced along its slender branches. C. microphylla, a well- known small-leaved evergreen species, bears berries of a deeper crimson, and is one of the most useful wall shrubs we have. Trained up the front of a hoiise, or over the porch or balcony, it has a cheerful appear- ance even in the depth of winter, and is particularly beautiful when the ground is covered with hoar frost or snow. It also does well as a low bush on the lawn if cut in closely every year. Of this, Lindley says, " Its deep glossy foliage, which no cold w'ill impair, is, when the plant is in blossom, strewed with snow- white flowers, which, repusing on a rich couch of green, have so brilliant an appearance that a poet would compare them to diamonds lying on a bed of emeralds." Ariiist.v. — This is one cf the prettiest of all pot plants when well grown. It is easily propagated by means of seed, and plants about a foot high bear nice crops cf berries the second year. Seedlings should be potted off in loam, leaf-mould, and sand, and if placed on a shelf near the glass in a moderately warm greenhouse temperature, they make dwarf vigorous little plants. Even when not in fruit the plant is ornamental, its oblong foliage being of a rich glossy green colour, elegantly wavy or crenate along the margins. The species common in gardens is A. crenulata, bearing bright scarlet or crimson fruit the size of Peas. There is, also, a yellow-fruited variety, well worth growing for variety, although not so effec- tive as the normal kind. PEHNETTV.iS. —These are pretty little shrubs for pot culture ; in habit they closely resemble the Coton- easters, and, like those plants, have deep green glossy foliage and a rich profusion of berries during the autumn and winter months. For greenhouse, con- servatory, or drawing-room decoration they are in- valuable, taking the same place indoors that the Cotoneaster occupies outside. I have only seen three species, all of which are beautiful. P. mucronata bears deep crimson berries, something like those of Cotoneaster microphylla in both size and colour. P. microphylla bears immense crops of purple or lilac berries, and is, perhap'^, the most distinct and orna- mental of the whole group. P. speciosa is very dwarf and compact in its growth, and bears deep crimson berries. CB.iT.EGU.s Ptkacanth.v ( Pyracanth or Fire Thorn). For covering the fronts of town houses, or the .side walls of greenhouses or stoves, nothing can be prettier or more effective than this plant, especially if trained among gold, silver, or green leaved Ivies. It may be freely propagated by means of layers, and small plants from 2 feet to 3 feet high bear heavy crops of brilliant scarlet berries. Nearly all glossy- leaved plants do well in towns for reasons already stated, and for such purposes this plant is one of the best. . Callicaki'A Pl'RPUHEA. — This is an old greenhouse plant, well deserving culti\ation, although rather straggling in habit. Its shoots are clothed with opposite serrate lea\'es, and it bears axillary clusters of small purple or amethyst coloured berries very freely. It may be propagated freely either by means of seeds or cuttings, and joung plants grown as recommended for Ardi-ias are best ; old plants lose their bottom foliage, and become " leggy " and un- sightly. LEUCOCAiirA ALATA.— If grown io a poor, sandy soil, and fully exposed to the liglit, this makes dwarf plants 1 foot to 18 inches in lieight and as much through. It has light green foliage and thick winged stems, and, when well grown, hears heavy crops of white berries. If grown in rich soil it is little better than a rank-growing weed, but, treated as above, it makes a variety — white-berried plants being rather scarce. Bekberribs. — Among other large-growiog hardy beriy-bearing shrubs we must not forget the common Arbutus, with orange-scarlet, and Berberis Aqui- folium, with bluish ]iurple fruit in massive clusters. B. vulgaris, liaving elegant drooping clusters of bright scarlet oblong berries, forms a noble object on the margins of shrubberies in warm sandy soils during the autumn months. The berries of both the last- mentioned species are often preserved in svrup, or in salt, for garnishing purposes during winter. Hollies are too well known to need much comment, but small bushes, 2 feet to 3 feet high, may be grown in pots, or taken up from the ouiside and potted, when they come in usefully for the decoration of churches, front halls, conservatories, or even for ordinary apartments during the Christmas season. The common Snowberry bears heavy crops of large jjearly-white fruit in some districts, and these cut from the plant and tastefully grouped in bunches, wreaths, or vases, along with the fruit-bfaring branches of Hollies, Berberis, Solanums, Cotoneaster?, Crataegus, and the bright -coloured autumnal foliage of Maples, Berberis, and Oaks, have a highly pleasing appearance, while they are specially valuable for church decorations of all kinds. We have many other fruit-bearing plants, but the above list comprises the best known for decorative purposes during the winter season. B. VIOLETS FOR WINTER FLOWERING. These require careful management at this time of year, and if they do not receive it no amount of attention when they are required to flower will induce them to do so. Assuming that young plants were put out in April, they will now be making rapid growth, and pushing out runners in abundance. Now, it is of the utmost injportance that these runners be removed at once, for if allowed to extend they soon monepolise a large share of the energies of the plant, and the crown does not swell up thick and ready to burst with flower-buds as it does if the runners are kept closely cut off. The best implement for removing them is a pair of Cilraiie scissors. The plants should be gone over several times during July and August, and also frequently surface-stirred with the hoe, and if the weather is dry a good soaking of water should be given, and after hot days a good tlrenching overhead will help to keeji red spider in check. Liquid manure is of great assistance at this stage of growth, and in showery weather a little dry powdered manure shaken on the surface to be carried down to the roots Ijy rain will help to keep the plants healthy and growing vigorously, as it is when growth is checked that red spider attacks them. Soapsuds, a good hi)raely remedy for spider, should be applied copiously about this date. The new double white Comte Brazza's Violet appears to be a robust grower, producing large healthy foliage ; the older Alarie Louise, too, is still one of the most useful of Violets, and has to a great extent suiierseded the Neapolitan. J. (i. H. .ffichmea falgens. — Many Bromeliads are ex- tremely elegant in hahit, require but little attention to grow them in perfection, and form very effective decorative plants for the greenhouse, stove, or draw- ing-room. r?ome species are very hardy in constitu- tion, and remarkably tenacious of life : indeed, they may be grown with less trouble than any other class of plants, if we except succulents. The leaves of -E fulgens are bright green, robust in character, and gracefully recurved. Its flower-spikes continue in per- fection for several weeks at a time, and form conspic- uous objects. Nearly all the Bromeliads grow vigor- ously in good sandy lr)ani, to which a little leaf-mould may be added, and they should be liberally supplied when growing with water at the roots. A little clear manure water, too, strengthens them in a marked degree, and assists them in producing strong flower- spikes. Bromeliads are easily propagated by taking the offsets produced by the old flowering plants, and potting them at once in small pots, which may be plunged in a gentle bottom heat until well rooted, after which they may be encouraged to make good growth, and will generally produce flowers the second year ; but, for decorati^'e purposes, this plant is always handsome either in or out of bloom. — t^. FRUIT TREES IN VILLA GARDENS. Bei'^ore many years have passed I feel sure that I'ruit trees of variou.? kinds will be much more freely planted in ornamental grounds tlian they hitherto have been. The okl prejudice against anything of a useful character being introduced into the ornamental portions of the garden i.s rapidly vanishing. In suburban garden.s espe- cially fruit trees may already' be seen on lawns — reninanfs of old market garden orchards now converted into villa gardens. These old fruit trees yield both shelter and shade, and impait a cheerful, furnished look to grounds that would otherwise be comparatively bare — at least as far as ancient trees are concerned. I have lately seen several gardens in which all the trees of any size were old orchard trees, promoted in their old age to the rank of ornamental trees, and right well they lookeel amid their new surround- ings. In one garden rustic seats had been put around their trunks, and their wide-spreading tops furnished ample shade, that in summer was most agreeable, antl a plentiful supply of Apples in autumn, as well as rosy blossoms in spiing. Pear trees of the ordinary orchard kinds also make noble specimen.? either on Grass or gravel ; Cherries, too, do especially well on turf, as they dislike having their .surface roots di.sturbed. Plums, including Damsons and Bullaces, are all avaihible for the same kind of decoration. In fact, after the first few years, there ran be no doubt lliat all the.se fruit trees are benefited by liaving turf permanently over their roots. Mul- berries, Medlars, and Figs make capital lawn trees, and on the south coast very fine examples of the Fig may be found fruiting freely as standards, and even against walls they make fiiie- foliaged plants. Boundary walls indeed of villa gardens are everywhere being more generally covered with fruit-bearing trees than hitherto, displacing even in some instances the Honey- suckle and Jessamine. Hardy Vines are, I need scarcely say, both useful and ornamental, their fruit over a great portion of the kingdom arriving at maturity. Reel, White, and Black Currants anel Gooseberries luake good and fruitful cover- ing for walls, and give but little trouble. The walls should be wired, and the main shoots securely fastened thereto with tar string. Crab AppL s nuike beautiful colour- pictures in autumn. In fact, with a little care in selection, one might combine beauty and usefulness to an extent hitherto unthought of in this phase of gardening. James Guoo.m. Striped Provence Rose.— to niy coUeetion of old- fashioucd H(i.si.:s 1 am liappy to s;\y 1 have tliis one. I was fortiniatc cinaigh to meet witli a plant of it la.-^t year, after liaving lost sigUt of it fur a very long time. It has .ill the eharacteristies of the Caliljage Rose, except scent, and may tic deseriljed as a striped vaiicty vi that Ko.se. The prevailing colour is white, with delicate stripc-s and splashes of pale pink. The tluwers arc very full, but do not expand well, which 1 attrilnite to the weak condition of my plant, which is as vet rather small — C. July 24, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 69 Rose Garden. A BUNCH OF TEA ROSES. Many are the beautiful forms that have been produced in this lovely section of our cultivated Roses ; their beauty is undoubtedly of a more refined order than that of the Hybrid Perpetuals, while their individual characters are, as a rule, more clearly marked. Triomphe de Rennes, the subject of the present engraving, is a Rose of eminent merit, excellent in form, most delicate in colour — warm white deepening to full lemon colour— and unusually distinct in foliage. The leaves are deeply tooth- ed and of a dark glossy green, with a character- istic waving or twist- ing, so that the identity of the bush cannot be doubted when out of flower ; these features also give it a distinctly ornamental aspect. Its liigh value as a cut flower when easily ar- ranged in a .simple glass may be seen in the engraving. To be quite correct, Triomphe de Rennes is a Noisette, a subdivision commonly classed under the head of Tea Roses. semi-double striped variety. It is growing in a neglected border, and the position being somewhat shaded, the blos- soms appear to come with a greater depth of colour than when the situation is fully exposed to the sun. When the flowers of this Rose are about half expanded, there isabeauty about them peculiarly their own ; the two colours (white and pink) blend so well together, that uo one fails to admire them.— J. C. C. ROSES IN SO.VIERSETSHIRE. Our best Rose this year lia.s been Souvenir de la ilabnaison. Contrary to previous experience, this fine old Rose yielded a great number of the most perfect blooms I have ever seen it produce in the month of June. They possessed the usual plate- like flatness common in the flowers of this Rose; Larire-headed Roses — As a rule, I dislike standard Roses ; their heads as usually seen are too meagrely fur- nished to be effective, and, in most instances, they are too short-lived. We do not care to lose our Roses almost as soon as we make their acquaintance ; there is, however, no rule with- out an exception, and in the |)resent case we would carefully pre- serve those kinds which develop large spreading heads. A standai'd Rose with a wide-spreading drooping habit always forms a pleasant picture either singly on Grass or in borders. Doubt- less, some of the new Roses are capable of ful- filling these conditions, but all the Roses I know of large size and wide- spreading habit are old- fashioned ones. Gloire de Dijon is always good everj'where. Aimt'e Vibert, with its large clusters of white flowers, makes an efl'ec- tive standard, even though the individual flowers are poor. Bouquet de Flore is another good growing free-blooming clustered Rose, that cpiickly assumes large propor- tions. .Jules JIargottin, La Biche, and CV-line Forestier are also suitable for standards, and all are hardy enough to withstand our severest winters. They should be budded on sound, liealthy Briers, from 4 feet to ih feet high. If taller than this they are liable to' be injured by wind. E. Hobday. York and Lancaster Rose. — Amongst Roses now in flower, none, in niy opinion, are more pleasing than this old A bou'iuet of Tea Roses (Triomphe de Rennes). Eogr.,ved from a photograph for The Garden'. but they were both large and full, and the petals expanded so as to show the most perfect outline. This Rose has thus shown its gratitude for an in- creased amount of good soil which we gave its roots eighteen months ago. Comtesse de Chabril- lant is an old Rose, but exceedingly beautiful this season. The flowers have been large, finely cupped, and full of petals. It has been the nearest approach to a good pink that ever I saw. Its fragrance is not the least of its merits, there being not many sweet-smelling pink Roses. In Merveille de Lyon the colour is a little vaiiable. Our earliest blooms came tinged with pink, but the later ones ha\e been suflSciently pure to be pronounced the best white we have. They are very large on strong plants, and their form ex- cellent ; but I am afiaid that it will prove to be a fine weather Rose. Captain Christy is another fine weather Rose. Therefore, taking into account what wonderfully warm and dry weather we have had for the last fortnight or so, there is nothing perhaps remarkable in its being so fine this yeai'. In a general nay one downpour of rain, and a day or two of low temiierature just before the flowers are ready to expand, are sufficient to wholly spoil them. The fact is, the flowers are too full to be reliable during all weathers, although I admit that, when in good condition, few Roses of the same colour surpass it. Queen of Queens proves to be a grand Rose, vigorous in growth, ample in foli- age, and a thorough perpetual. Notwith- standing the number of pink Roses which we now possess, this sort stands out con- spicuously. It is bold in port, and I shall be surprised if it does not take a foremost place as a garden Rose. It is not an early Rose ; but that is perhaps in its favour, and, being a full flower, it no doubt opensbetter in dry seasons than in wet ones. Its blooms are not so perfect as those of some kinds, but a peculiar blush shade pervades them that is both distinct and pleasing. Madame Sophie Fropot is a re- liable Rose, and a most useful one. It grows well on the Manetti stock, and flowers with great freedom. Its blooms are above the medium size, moder- ately full of petals, and the form is excellent. The colour is a soft rosy pink, which, when looked at from a short distance ofl', has a sa- tiny appearance, which is quite charming. In our case it has proved, amongst rose-coloured sorts, to le the finest Roseoftheyear. Ulrich Brunnerhasbeen grand in growth, foliage, and blooms. The latter have been exceptionally large, one, when fully expanded, measuring 17i inches in circum- ference, and the colour a clear and bright cerise. Seeing that it is a seedling from Paul Neyron, the size of the flower is perhaps not noteworthy ; but size, taken in conjunction with its other qualities, is a recommendation to those who are fond of large Roses. Marie Baumann, no experienced rosarian will be sur- prised to hear, has been in its best condition, and certainly one of the most beautiful Roses in our collection this year, (irown as dwarf plants, which most of our Roses are, this variety rarely grows satisfactorily, but this year it has done well and produced many perfectly-formed flowers. The colour, too, has been most brilliant and the individual blossoms large. It has certainly 70 THE GARDEN. [^■uLT 24, 1886. this year made up for its disappointing be haviour with us in previous seasons. Pompone Blanc Parfait is a miniature Rose, remarkable for the exquisite form of its flowers and the freedom with which they are produced. We have it grow- ing on a low warm wall, and it has been quite a sheet of white, so numerous have been its flowers, which are produced in large clusters on short, sturdy branche.'-. They are pale flesh-coloured, quickly pas.sing to pure white. For button-holes or for the boudoir this little Rose is well suited. Buke of Albany, without doubt, is one of the grandest of dark Roses of English origin. It is probable that its flowers may be too full to open satisfactorily in wet cold seasons ; but one can afford to wait a year or two, if at the end of that time we can obtain a few perfect flowers of this Rose. It is large and excellent in form, and the plant is a fairly good grower — altogether a grand Rose. Abel Carriere has been the best amongst kinds having maroon-coloured flowers. The latter are produced with great freedom, and in form perfect, the substance of the petals being all that could be desired. Mrs. Baker this season has been unsurpassed in its particular line of colour. Not only have the flowers been exceptionally large, but their lively carmine-red colour has been more con- spicuous than I have ever seen it before — a cir- cumstance which shows that Roses of this colour do not object to heat if the roots are well supplied with moisture. This Rose has always been such an indifferent grower with us, that one cannot fail to notice its changed condition this season ; it is clad in large and healthy foliage, and is making very satisfactory growth. .J. C. C. NOTES. "Groi the Collier." — Miss H. Gatty in writing the life of her sister, the late Mrs. Ewing (author of " Jackanapes '' and other stories) says, " One of the unwritten stories which I most regret is ' Grim the Collier ; ' this was to have been a romance of tlie Black Country of coal mines in which she was born, and the title was chosen from the description of a flower in a copy of Gerard's ' Herbal,' given to Mr.?. Ewing by Miss Sargent." This, according to Gerard, is the English name of the plant we now grow as Hieraciiim aurantiacuni, but which Gerard calls H. hortense latifolinm sine Pilosella major, golden Mouse-ear, or " Grim the Collier,'' and he further states that " the stalks and cups of the flours are all set thicke with a IjlackLsh downe or hairinesse, as it were the dust of coles ; whence the women who keepe it in gardens for noveltie's sake have named it ' Grim the Collier.' " It was Mrs. Ewing who formulated the aphorism, "a garden of hardy flowers is essentially the garden for cut flowers," and in one of her last " Letters from a Little Garden,'' in "Aunt Judy's Maga- zine," speaking of amateur gardeners, she said. " Others, again, among whom I number myself, love not only the lore of flower.^, and the sight of them, and the fragrance of them, and the grow- ing of them, and the picking of them, and the airanging of them, but also inherit from Adam a natural relish I'or tilling the ground whence they were taken, and to which they shall return.' The aljove Las given to me quite a new interest in a plant, the colour of which is, I believe, unique, an indescribable sort of reddi-sh orange, and whenever I look on a plant of " tJrim the C'ollier " I shall think of " Jackanapes," and regret the unwritten slory of the mines. The divining rod. — I neither alHrm nor deny what has been said from time to time in the gardening periodicals under the above head, but I agree with " S. W. ' (p. 49) that a seance by Mr. John !\Iullens would lie an agreeable addition to the Usually prosaic trials which take place at our horticultural exhibitions. I should also like to ai-k wherein lies the supposed power of the stick i For example, any sort of rod, Hazel or Thorn, .seems equally suitable to Mullens, so that I presume the power is in the man rather than in the rod employed. But can any man use the rod successfully, or must his name be Mullens? I should like t) Ije one of a jury of twelve to test this water witchery, believing as I do that miracles of this kind are explainable on purely physical grounds. I do not doubt what " S. W." says, but I wish to know how the stick and the man and the water act or re-act on each other. Could " S. W." hold the stick as Mullens held it and find water, or did he try and fail ? I certainly second the proposal that Mr. Mullens be invited to some horticultural exhibi- tion, and that he there do display his water- finding powers. An irrespon.sible person at my elbow suggests that if the water was not found at such a trial, Mullens and his stick might be made t ) re-act on each other in some other amusing way ! Seriously speaking, if " S. '\V.'' believes in the water magic of Mullens, he ought at least to aft'ord us his opinions as to how it is done, or, better still, perhaps Mr. Mullens will himself explain. Geranium sanguineus!. — As a rule, our native plants are neglected in the garden. This Gera- nium, however, is quite beautiful enough to be- come a marked exception to the rule. On dry, rocky banks near the coast, where it is starved into dwarfness and coloured by a blazing sun, it is difficult to picture any alpine plant more beautiful than is this native of our own seashore. It is really a plant well worthy of careful culture in the garden, but like many other of our wild- ings it loses in beauty by being planted in deep, rich soil, and a system of judicious starva- tion is necessary if its fullest and richest beauty be desired. This is one of the secrets of the rock garden, and more especially of the pockets of the wall top garden, wherein the plants are fully ex- posed to sun and to wind, and are not overfed into leafy exuberance. Let us take the Edelweiss, for example. Planted out in a deep, rich border, you have a mass of leafy growth, and great bracts are the result, but the silveiy beauty is gone, and this alpine is not more beautifal than a tult of Sage leaves. On the other hand, plant it in sandy loam and lime rubbish on the top of a wall, and its bracts become as sih'ery as if from the limestone crags of its sunny home in the mountains. It is especially so with many of our native plants, which require fall exposure and a hard diet in the garden in order to develop their highest beauty, as we see it by the roadside or among the stones of the mountain-side. As planted amongst stones, old lime rul>bish, or granite rubble in full sunshine. Geranium san- guineum is one of the best of garden plants. LiLiUM TESTACEUM. — No Lily now in blossom surpasses the pure white L. candidum, but it is not always an easy plant to grow. One little secret in its culture is to transplant it soon after its flowers fade away, as so treated every two or three years we find it by no means hard to manage. One of the tallest and best of all good strong growing garden Lilies, however, is L. testaceum, as seen 8 feet in height, with from twelve to fifteen of its bulf-rellexed bells on a stem. It is a good example of the added vigour sometimes observable in hybrid plants, for, as is well known, this variety is the result of a cross ett'ected between the common Madonna Lily (L. candidum) and the scarlet Turk's- cap (L. chalcedonicum) (see " Flore des Serres," vol. i.). We are pretty sure of this parentage, since Col. Trevor Clarke has repeated the cross, and, as a scientific resurrection, raised L. testaceum over again. As a good serviceable garden plant I consider L. testaceum one of the best, since it grows well almost anywhere, and increases quite rapidly from its bulb scales which form flower- ing bulbs in two or three years, besides which its usual rate of bulb increase renders division absolutely necessary every other year. Some good masses of this Lily are now opening their soft elegant shaped flowers, and being backed by the towering stalks of some dark blue Del- phiniums they show themselves to the best advantage. The dark claret-purple Martagon is also in flower (L. dalmaticum Catani), and is most beautiful. A good mass of it along with the ivory-white flowered kind would make a picture fair to see even in the time of Koses. Gladiolus Colvillei albus. — It is not too much to say that this is one of the most beautiful and serviceable of all the flowers which can gia:e a garden. If forced, now is the time to pot up bulbs for flowering next March or April, after which the outdoor bulbs begin to flower in May in warm positions near sunny walls, while they linger on through June and even into July in cool and open or in shady places. Less than ten years ago this plant was well-nigh unknown in gardens ; now it is grown by tens of thousands every year. Who can tell us the history of this white Sword flower? Parkinson mentions a Corn Flag with snow-white flowers in his " Para- disus," but it is doubtful if it is referrable to our present plant. All the early flowering Gladioli force well, but there is unfortunately a dearth of white-flowered varieties among them ; but this is a drawback which the Dutch bulb growers may remedy for us at no far-off date. The Corn Flags as a class are woefully neglected in many of our best gardens, although wherever a col- lection is gi'own some of them will be in bloom for at least nine months out of the twelve. One' very useful variety at least, viz., Gloire de Ver- sailles, may be had in flower all through No- vember and December, along with the Chry- santhemums, but of the whole genus as at pre.sent known none are more welcome than G. Colvillei albus, surnamed The Bride. Daffodils. — Now is the best time to plant or transplant these bulbs if the best results are ex- pected next spring. With home-grown stock this is practicable, but it is by no means easy to obtain bulbs thus early from the shops, and so much valuable time is lost to those who like to keep ahead of their planting work. Bulbs of any of the really good sort.s, such as N. Hors- fieldi, N. princeps, N. obvallaris, N. maximus N. Regina Margheiita, N. pallidus prascox, or even N. nanus, may now be potted and placed under ashes in an open sunny place, and suc'i bulbs may be expected to flower during next February and March at the latest; indeed, N. pallidus pr^ecox, N. Regina JIargherita, and N. Ard Righ, or Yellow King, might be forced into bloom soon after Christmas Day. As a rule, however, the less, fire heat used in forcing these golden flowers of spring the lietler. All that is requisite are good, sound, early ripened bulbs— if from Italy or the south of France so much the better— and these in a sunny frame or greenhouse only will be in flower weeks before their name- sakes out in the open borders. Good, strong, well-Woomed pots of Dall'odils are always wel- come indoors in spring, and now is the time to make preparations. for such a floral display. Calysteoia syi.vatica. — This is a strong- growing Convolvulus with white flowers, and is sometimes known as the Hungarian Bindweed. When establi.shed in good rich soil it will grow- to a height of 20 feet to 30 feet in a single season, forming a fresh leafy mass or screen of growth, covered with great bell-shaped flowers. Beauti. ful as it is, however, beware where you place it in a garden. At the foot of a dead tree or near railings on the Grass it soon becomes at home, July 24, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 71 and the mowing machine or the scythe keeps it within bonnds ; but if it once gets into a deep, rich linrder, among otlier things, it becomes a pest dillicult to eradicate, and proves most de- structive amongst other flowers. Planted at tlie foot of an Ivy-covered wall, it cannot do any harm, and its white bells are very beautiful from this date until the frosts of November cut down its stems. Three or four years ago we planted a few of its roots at the foot of a dead Fir tree in a corner, and the result is a leafy column :3li feet in height every year. This corner is devoted en- tirely to such troublesome, albeit lieautiful, plants such as JIusk, giant Hemlock, Comfrey, Oriental Poppies, &c., and the effect of all these massed together is a good one for the most part ot the year. There is also a rosy-flowered Caly- stegia which is well worth a place with this giant kind. Meconopsis Wallichi.— The blue Himalayan Poppies are again in blossom, but not nearly so fine as in former years, owing, doubtless, to the incessant hot, dry weather of the past five or si.\ weeks. These Indian Poppies are never quite happy with us, except during a wet season, when they grow 6 feet or 7 feet in height, and are striking objects covered with their soft blue flowers. The yellow variet}', M. nepalensis, is a very good companion for the above, but both are a little capricious, and can only be well managed by rear- ing seedlings every year. The seed itself is not easy to procure, and does not germinate equally well, even although sown as soon as the pods open at their points. It is a curious fact, that although seed ripens here quite freely, I never could raise plants from it ; whereas that ripened in the Edinburgh Botanic Garden invariably yields us a good crop of healthy seedlings. When well grown we have no Poppies quite so deli- cately lovely as are these Meconopses with their satin-lined cups in which the golden anthers tremble at a touch, or as moved by the lightest breeze. They are biennials and die away after flowering. The smallest seedlings sometimes stand over until the third year ere they bloom, a by no means undesirable thing, seeing that these plants are very pretty in their rosette-like or leafy stages of growth. Iris aurea. — -A tall-growing rhizomatous or Flag Iris which, in stately habit of growth, re- minds one of I. ochroleuca ( — 1. gigantea of some gardens), but its flowers are of a clear pure bright yellow colour, poised like great butterflies on leafy stems or stalks fully r, feet or C feet in height. Iris ochroleuca is also a fine Iris wherever it grows well, its flowers being white, with a yellow disc or blotch on its fall petals. Both deserve a place in deep rich border.s, since they flower at a time when other rhizomatous kinds are past their best. I give the palm to I. aurea, because it flowers quite freely every year, while its congener above alluded to is more chary of its beauty, perhaps, however, because our soil is too light and dry, for I have seen great clumps and masses of it quite showy about this season on the stift' clay soil of the Thames valle_y. Both species are strong and free growing, 'and are readily increased by divi.'iou in August after flowering, or in spring before their growth is far advanced. Some Iiisesare much more tloriferous if divided every second or third year, as they soon e.vhaust the soil near them, and it is a good plan to divide some of the Flag Irises every year. This season some of our old-established clumps did not bloom, while quite small divided plants did so. This is a hint we shall remember. Dip.SACus i-AcixiATus.— AVherever tall and stately habited foliage plants are admired this is well worthy of a place. It is, perhaps, the most beautiful of all the Teazles, easily reared from seeds, and in deep rich soil it attains a height of 8 feet or 10 feet the second year. The opposite leaves are cut or lobed in a pretty way, and are connate at the base, forming a cup around the fluted prickly stems. These cups are full of water after every shower, altliough the ntility of these natural water tanks, or reservoirs, is not quite so clear, unless, as in the case of some Bromeliads, they serve to isolate the flower-stems, and so prevent useless, or it may be injurious, creeping insects from reaching the blossoms. All theTeazlps are interesting plants, and the FuUei's variety ( D. Fullonum) is more especially so since its hooked bracts serve a particular purpose in cloth-dressing, and, so far, all attempts at imi- tating their action by mechanical means have failed. If seeds are sown as soon as they ripen, the young plants may be transplanted the fol- lowing spring to the positions where they aie to flower, or seeds may be sown at once in such places, care being taken not to leave the plants in too crowded a state. The flowering stems, if cut and dried, are useful for grouping along with dried Grasses, ifec, for the decoration of large vases indoors during winter. Veronicas.— All the Veronicas are good garden plants when well grown ; even the Germander Speedwell is worth a place in the garden, or its seeds may be scattered in meadows near the house for the sake of its Forget-me- not-like blo.ssoms among the Grass during May- time. On a dry and sunny bank this plant will make a lovely cloud of blue, and if planted in the garden, let it be in amongst stones where it may not grow too rampantly into mere leafage instead of fliowers. Just now one of the most effective of all the species is V.- e.\altata, an herbaceous species with erect plumes of soft lilac-blue flowers. As seen in masses along with taller and deeper hued Bee Larkspurs it affords a perfect harmony in blue. Th". numerous forms and hybrids of the V. Andersoni section are well known and are useful shrubs in mild sea- shore localities, and then of late years we have quite a collection of species from New Zealand, some showy in flower, and others curious in habit. The golden green V. salicornioides looks mui.h more like a Thuja or Retinospora than as being anything related to our native Speedwells, and there are others which remind one of Ericas or Eiiacrids in their habit of growth. One of the prettiest of all for the alpine or rock garden is V. Lyalli, forming massej of white or lilac flowers. V. saxatilis is also a beautiful blue- eyed .species, quite at home among half-buried stones. AcT.EA RACEMOSA.— This jilaut is not at all common, although long ago introduced and grown in gardens uuder'the name of Cimicifuga racemosa. It is now very striking, as its feathery white plumes stand up among the blue spires o( its first cousins, the Delphiniums, and the Aconites or Monkshoods. Planted out in a deep, rich, partially-shaded border, this plant forms masses G feet or more across. Its leaves are of a fresh green colour, and above these rise the slender, Spirtea-like spikes to a height of 5 feet or 0 feet. It is especially useful, as it succeeds Spira'a Aruncus and its varieties, which aie of somewhat similar port and effect. Our present plant, however, belongs botanically to the Butter- cu]is ; and its allie.s, the soft, yellow-plumed Thalictrums also deserve notice, since thev are uo.v most efl'ective, as contrasted -with Lilies, Foxgloves, and tall Mulleins, of which by far the best is just now Verbascum olympicum. All the above are worthy of a note, being in their way strong growing and effective plants for a shrub- bery border, where there is ample space for their due development. Acta;a spicata is readily in. creased by division, but as it takes a season to become well established, we generally adopt the old-fashioned plan of dividing one plant or two only every year. This is a good plan to adopt in dividing all sorts of garden plants, and may l)e taken as another reading of the old adage, " Don't place all your eggs in one ba.^ket." Spir.ea ari-Efolia, — Either as a wall shrub or as a bush on the open lawn this Spirnea de- serves culture as a beautiful thing. It is just now at its best, covered with oatmeal- coloured flowers forming feathery plumes as graceful in their way as an ostrich feather. The motion of these plumes in the wind is most interesting. I remember once a Wiiter describing the plumes of this Spir;ea as lieing as white as snow, and a friend replied at once that the whiteness, if that of snow, was of fnow before a broom I Cuttings of the young wood planted in autumn root freely, and soon form strong plants, or if a plant be cut down it suckers up from the roots so freely that there is no great difllculty in obtaining stock. Planted judiciously, this shrub is most eftective in the garden, especially so as contrasted with the purple-leaved Hazel or Beech. If it be so planted ;i3 to escape the mid-day sunshine, its feathery plumes will not fade so soon as they usually do. This is, indeed, the one great draw- back to all the Spiraeas, their fading so quickly if e.xposed in a hot position. Planted on an eastern or northern wall it grows well. A well- flowered mass of it on a wall here, topped with crimson Snapdragons, has been much admired. Centaureas. — In the days of Parkinson and of Rea these plants Vfere known under the homely name of Blewbottles, and some of the blue-flowered species are pretty enough in their way. Still more uncommon, however, is C. glastifoli:i, the half-developed flower- buds of which are just now of a silvery grey colour, glistening in a manner reminding one of large grey pearls. To my mind, it is inore beautiful in this state than when its shining involucral bracts are hidden by the yellow flowers. The plant has hoary leaves, and its flower-stems are branched and about -2 feet in height, each branch- let tipped by a great silvery bud. A handful of these pearl-tipped stems form a really unique ornament. Another robust-habited species now in flower is C. macrocephala, which bears golden brush-like flower-heads 3 inches or 4 inches in diameter. Planted in deep, rich soil, the whole plant grows (1 fVet in height, each leafy stem Ijearing at its top the bright yellow, boss like flower-head. The fir-st-named plant is really well worth growing in quantity for cutting, but the latter is best adapted for some out-of-the-way coiner, or for a sunny nook in a shrubbery bor- der, where its rampant growth may not" be a danger to plants more delicate. Both are easily propagated, either by division or by seeds sown as .soon as they ripen. Wall-top gardens.— Wherever low dividing or rttaining walls exist, or are necessary in gar- dens, there may provision al-o be made" for the growth of many pretty alpine plants. Bare topped walls are never strikingly beautiful, and theie is in the gauK-n no necessity for thtir existence. Among the jilants wdnch naturally f"Jo.y growing on rough walls are Arabis, Aubiietia, Erinu.*, ('orydalis lutea. Wallflower.', Snapdragons, Valerian, and a host of other things too numerous to name. All these, however, will establish themselves on any ordinary wall from •seeds quite readily. Other good wall plants are the Sempervivums and many Sedums. There are many less eftective plants in our gardens than Sedum acre and its golden variety. A good clump or mass of the common Houseleek (Sem- pervivum tectorum),made firm on a wall or ridge THE GARDEN. [July 24, 1886. of the roof with a little mortar, will grow and flower freely for many years. But wherever a little trouble is taken to form pockets of rough stones on the tops of low walls in gardens, tliere one may grow not oniy Cacti and succidents of ni:iny Icinds, but also some of the choicest of all the alpine flowers. The Edelweiss is (piite at home on such a wall, so also is a mass of Ramondia pyrenaica, wliicli bore in all over seventy blos- soms, and some of tlie Fig Slarigolds in seaside localities grow and flower on such dry walk better than they do in pots indoors. I saw the crimson Valerian glowing like fire on the old walls of Conway Castle the other day, and in Anglesey the Foxglove was of a vivid ruby- crimson colour on the old walls and among the boulders on the (irass ; and so in the garden some plants ai'e much improved liy the semi- starvaiion of a garden on the wall. Seed-sowing. — A good deal of trouble would be saved in gardens if wooden boxes were sub- stituted for the pots or pans in which seeds are sown. Again, whenever practicable, seeds should be sown at once as soon as gathered, and for hardy and many half-hardy plants the best seed bed is one specially prepared in the open air. A bed of 4 feet wide and any convenient length can be framed with boards and filled with the refuse soil from the potting benches, or with garden soil to which a little sand and leaf-mould have been added. In sucli beds the seeds can be sown in rows and, as a rule, germinate better and grow more vigorously than when coddled in pots or pans. We have two or three of these seed beds, and seed-sowing goes on in them all the year round. As one batch of seedlings is planted out a little fresh soil is added, and the whole is freshened up with a fork and raked level, and then in go more seeds. Now and then a batch of seeds does not grow, and that patch is forked over, and in go some other .seeds, and it not unfre- cjuently happens that after this .stirring the original crop appears. The old plan of saving up a lot of .^.°',?"-i';iiL'° ^"'^I'.l^."^ "Jl™^: the petals are so much larger. I have found ^ ^ blooms 3 inches across. Once established in gar. dens, it gives ample plants yearly, and is less difficult to eradicate than Centaurea Cyanus, which seems to seed so abundantly, that no sooner is one lot of seedlings removed than others burst up. For this reason the Cornbottle should be restricted to some out-of-the-way corner where it can bloom and seed as it will from year to year. Without doubt in its case plants that have stood the winter Still, it has bold, well-formed flowers. These Irises are not particular as to soil, provided it is fairly dry in winter and not too heavy. Ours were planted last September, and they have given us no trouble since. — Tauntun. Show Pelargoniums out of doors. — I re- cently saw a good sized bed of these treated exactly the same as ordinary zonal varieties, i.t., old plants were carefully hardened oft' in spring and planted out in May, with the result that they ever, in old gardens Williams are ever in place proliSc in the way of dark colours : in modern ones lighter hues prevail ; but still the dark hues may be h.ad if need be. Light flowers show a greater variety of marking than dark ones. No one could describe fully the variations to be found in the colours and markings of Sweet Williams nowadays. Auricula-eyed flowers may have white eyes, and red, carmine, purple, violet, or some other coloured ground, and a thin margin of white. There may, moreover, be ringed forms, as in Hunt's strain, the ground colour being more narrow and bordered by a broader margin of white. There may also be found white, pink, red, scarlet, crimson, or purple selfs, but far beyond these come the mottled or flaked flowers, which are almost endless iu variation and yet very beauti- ful. The.se mottled flowers are, I think, the most striking of the whole. In any case a good strain should have the greatest variety allied to size and quality and broadness of truss. Plenty of kinds now have pips 1 inch across ; any good strain, too, will protluce some double flowers, but these are more curious than beautiful, and can never take the place of good singles in a stand of Sweet Williams at a show. It is pleasant to find Sweet Williams so widely encouraged at summer shoMs as they still are. As to seed- sowing, my own practice is to sow towards the end of April in the open ground, and I am now awaiting a little more lain to enable me to plant out about a thousand plants from such sowings 7i THE GARDEN. [JuLi 24, 1886. iinto beds consisting of five rows each, so that they :raay grow together in masses, and thus when in .bloom serve to hold each otlier up. Plants put .out now, if strong and in good soil, will throw up some half-dozen or more heads of bloom, and -thus form an almost solid mass of flower. One -drawback incidental to hybrid Dianthuses is that they fail to give us seed, or, if they do so, in no great quantity. The old mule Pink furnishes evidence of this defect. One of the prettiest Pinks we have is the single form of Dianthus plumosus, .the flowers of which have deeply laciniated edges and rinjed or coloured centres, the ground hues being white and pink. This seeds freely and is well worthy the attention of all who have to deco- rate vases, epergnes, &c. For this purpose it is ■one of the lightest and most elegant of flowers. I propose to see how far it may be possible to en- graft the rich hue of Dianthus Heddewigi Bril- liant upon this hardy perennial. Could we get -rich-hued flowers upon it, I am sure that it would prove to be one of the most popular of border plants. A. D. NOTES ON HARDY PLANTS. CEnothera macrocarpa.— This is one of the neatest and showiest of the evening Primroses, and one which deser\-es to be largely grown. It is not, however, at all common, and one often hears complaints that it cannot be increased very readily. That it is not easily divided is true, but besides seed raising, it may be got in quantity from cut- tings. These should be taken, slip-fashion, from the crown before the growths get long or show buds. On strong plants many shoots will now he .3 inches or so in length, and just suited for root- ing. If put in a close frame for a week roots will be made, and there is plenty of time to grow them into strong plants before winter sets in. Lithospermum petrasum is a brave little shrub in our trj ing clinrate if the plants are grown strongly before they are exposed. Its ex- quisite flowers need no praise, but are, alas I too seldom seen. It loves the sunshine and the breeze ; one or two plants of it forwarded in shelter are promising seed. On this, liowever, we are not alone dependent, though it is said cuttings are hard to strike, but in my opinion they need not be so; the mistake too often made is that they are kept close and moist in the same way as most other cuttings. The foliage of this species will not stand moisture scarcely two days without injury ; the coating of adpressed hairs turns soft, and the leaf is soon covered with fungoid growth. The better way is to take short, but titm, youno- wood with a "heel;" such cuttings or slips should be set firmly in sandy soil and in a warm place ; the leaves will flag and perhaps shrivel, but the results are better than are obtained under confinement and moisture. Ii. graminifoiiuin.— This is a distinct and charming species with a spreading or forked raceme of highly coloured flowers, not unlike those of L. petra-ura. It stood last winter well in the open, and may therefore be considered to be fairly hardy. It makes (Jrass somewhat freely, and it may be increased by division as readily as the summer Forget-me-not. The Ferulas. — In jilanting these conspicuous and showy foliaged plants it is as well to stiidy their leafing and fading periods, or objectionable gaps may occur just when and where one would least desire them. We are all delighted with the early verdure of F. communis, but it does not last through a dry summer. The variety gigantea is scarcely more reliable. The foliage of tnigitana is not so finely cut as that of the two former, but it is both bold and lasting. Why are not the Fennels more grown in borders and shrubberies than they now arc ? They belong to that class of garden objects which, when once tried, are felt to bs indisp^n^aljle. Primula Rasbyi, referred to but a week or qwo ago in tliese notes, is found to be a succes- sonal bloomer, a feature in a Primrose which, at this advanced season, is worthy of note. The smallest plants seem to be floriferous, sending up mealy scapes and violet-purple, but spare-flowered, heads more freely than capitata. The scent is rich and agreeable. P. obconica may not be hardy enough for the open air all the year round, but I find that .self- sown seedlings of it under hardy conditions grow as freely as weeds, and it will be interesting to watch if these plants stand the winter any better than those otherwise raised and nursed. .ffithionema coridifolium.— This stood out all last winter in pots plunged in sand, but oHier- wise quite expased. Our plants of it, now three years old, are finely in flower. I have always found the age of ])lants belonging to this genus to be a chief jjoint to be observed, as there is a tendency amongst them to be biennial. Anyhow, so far I have alv\ays found it best to raise plants from seed, and treat them as we do ^\'allflowers. Campanula valdensis. — This is a most desirable variety. It is early, showy, and lasting. It may be described as intermediate between C. c.Tspitosa or pusilla and rotundifolia. It is about!) inches high and the perfection of neatness. Its stems are numerous and .slender, but though the glistening pale blue bells are large for such a small i)lant, they are always well held up. It has none of the weedy habit at the root whicli charac- terises rotundifolia ; in fact, though free the growth is but moderate, and in dryish, sunny places, which it seems to enjoy, it proves a model alpine, so far as cultivation is concerned. Its flowers have been ojien five weeks and are still in good condition. I should say that few things are better suited for exhibition in pots or pans than this Bellflower. Hitherto I have alwajs divided it as soon as done flowering, placing a pinch of the roots in o-inch pots, with some grit and leaf- mould : the ])ots soon fill with roots, and the plants flower well the following season. Calceolaria Kellyana.— What a grand little plant this is for a cool, moist crevice in rockwork, or to place between taller plants with sparse tops and a compact habit. It thrives in a stilli-sh loam and flowers more or less from June to September. I used to winter some plants of it in a frame, but from some cause or other they did not thrive there so well as in the Ofien ground, where, in the worst of winters, I have always found this Cal- ceolaria alive, tliough sometimes much injured. The Master-worts (Astrantias) are fast be- coming favourites ; the flowers of even the com- monest seem to be liked where cut material not of glaring colours is in request. The clustered varie- ties mix well with leaves, and the one or two- umbelled stems of A. maxima associate charmingly with Orasses. I mention this use of the floweis, because in the borders they are anything but ertective. and there, if allowed to seed, they soon become trying weeds. I find also that the flowers develop Lest in partial shade, and therefore it might be as well to give them a suitable corner to themselves, or associate them with plants of simi- lar requirements. The tips of the involucral leaves are very liable to turn brown ; an umbel will last in good condition for a week or a fort- night. 1 at often on the second day these blemishes will ujcur. It is a good plan to cut the flowers early ; if before they are quite open, no matter, t'.if'> will expand in water. Gilltnia trifoliata. — This, as seen in flower, nodding between some Hollies, which protect it from the midday sun, but which do not over- shadow it, is much fresher and fairer than when more exposed. If not a showy plant it is both effective and beautiful, especially when cut for the table. Unless sheltered in the way just stated, it does not grow freely, and the flowers and leaves are wanting in size and freshness. J. \V. Monstrous Foxglove (i^. f'.).— The boll-like flower of the Foxglove .sent is a monstrosity, not unusii.il iu the case of the Foxglove. It is no doubt caused by the fusion of sever.il flower.^ into one fit the termination of the spike. Wc need hardly udd tlmt the occurrence has notLing whatever to do with the Camjianulas that grow, as you say, amongst the Foxgloves. GLADIOLUS COLVILLEI ALBUS. Frkijuent complaints are made that this Gladiolus cannot be induced to flower properly ; but such complaints only show that the treatment is wrong. No plant can be more easily cultivated success- fully than this when its requirements are under- stood. The chief, and probably the only, cause of failure arises from keeping the bulbs too long out of the ground. In the case of imported bulbs, they .should be obtained along with Hyacinths in autumn, and potted as soon as they come to hand. Continental bulbs complete their growth earlier than those of English growth, and that being so, they suffer from long confinement in drawers or paper bags. The first lot of roots of this Gladiolus I ever dealt w ith came from Holland in January in the shape of dry bulbs, but they had grown out in some cases as much as 4 inches, and all had started into growth more or less. As I wanted them for flowering in the open ground, I had them potted at once, putting seven bulbs in a 0-inch pot and then placing them in a cold pit, where they « ere secure from frost. There I allowed them to remain until the middle of May, when they were planted out where they were to flower. Even under this kindly treatment they did not, however, flower so satisfactorily as home- grown bulbs. When one has once got a stock of tins Gladiolus, it increases rapidly, and if it is to be grown altogether in pots, it must have plenty of root moisture until the foliage gets quite yellow. The best place for it to stand during summer is in a cold frame, from which the lights are removed during fine weather. When the leaves have died down cut them off close to the pots and pack the latter away somewhere under cover, for if moisture gets into the soil they will start into growth again in September. They will not sustain any harm if kept dry until the end of October ; but they must not be neglected at that time, or the bulbs will be weakened. They must have fresh soil every year; therefore, all the old material must be shaken away from them. If the plants are taken to a warm greenhouse early in Apiil, they will be in flower by the end of May. ]'. some gardens this Gladiolus will live in the opei. if planted near a warm wall and the position is somewhat sheltered. But I find if it is planted in exposed beds, that if a warm moist time occurs after it has rested a few weeks, it commences to grow again, and if a hard winter follows, the growth thus made is killed and the bulbs permanently injured. If, however, I take the bulbs up early in September, and keep them dry for about two months, and then put them in pots for the winter, to be transferred to open beds late in the spring, they succeed satis- factorily. J. C. C. Diseased Humeas.— I send you a stem of Humea elegans killed by .some disease, concerning which I know nothing. Can you kindly help me in the matter? I have grown Humeas for over tw enty years as easily as we grow- ('abbages, and almost to any size, but for these last seven or eight years I have not been able to grow a decent plant. Our treatment and soil have been the same from the first. The plants show signs of distress just as they begin to flower, and, finally, go off' altogether, which is a great loss to us, as we grow thera specially for standing under a large front portico, and for that purpose, when «ell grown, they are most graceful. For any information respecting the cause and remedy I shall be greatly obliged. — WiLLi.\.M S.^xcwiN, TnlitxicL; Truro. *,.* We regret our inability to explain the cause of sudden death in Humeas. Their disease and death ai'e, however, but too well known to culti- vators of these plants. We have repeatedly ex- amined exanqjies under the microsco()e, but have never seen either fungus, insect, or nematode likely to be the depredator. We have never seen anything like a Peronospora ; the fungus threads (sometimes present) belong to acremonium. Death arising from this disease in Humeas seems to be sim])ly a sudden failure of vitality. When we get the plants for examination, all parts, from the tips of the rootlets to the tips of the newest lea\'es, are July 24; 1886:] ^HE GARDEN. 75 quite dead. If our correspondents would send us examples just as the disease is putting on its fiist appearance, some cause might be found, but this possibility is, to us, doubtful. It is a case of sudden and complete disorganisation and n, and in i ther directions nearly as much : and the height was found to be ab.>ut 47 kct.—\V. Cryptomeria elegans. — This differs extremely in habit and general appearance fi-om C. japonic;!, but jiroduces cones wLich — as we learn frtun Veitch's "Manual of Coniferoe" — are indistinguishable from those of that species ; C. elegans is in mpny respects a mure desirable tree. In the first place it is much hardier than its relation, and will succeed in places where the other alinnst refuses to exist. The remark- able change in colnur from the bright green of the summer months to the bronzy crimson of the winter, and its pleasing habit of growth, place this tree amnngst the first r'ank of ornamental .subjects (f 7G THE GARDEN. [July 24, 1886. email proportion?. In Messrs. Veitch's manual there variegated forms are well worth a place in any is a good illustration representing a iine specimen at collection. Linton Park, near Maidstone ; this was 20 feet high in 1881 ; it would be interesting to have the present measurements together with the history of this tree. To the late Mr. J. G. Veitch is due the credit of having introduced this useful tree ; he sent it from Japan in 1861, but never found it in a wild state ; according to the work above quoted, it was only met with in cultivation in Japanese gardens. ORNAMENTAL JUNIPERS. Amunt; the Junipers are some of our most orna- mental as well as useful shrubs. Upwards of twenty species are known, most of which, like our native Junipers, are of low stature, although a few species often attain the height of ordinary trees, and afford welcome shade, as in Syria and several other warm countries. The common and dwarf Junipers (J. communis and J. nana) are the only species indigenous to Britain, of which, how- ever, several well marked and distinct varieties are commonly cultivated. The common Juniper (J. communis) is chiefly found growing in England on sandy or chalky soils or on open downs, while in Scotland, its native home is amongst the granite or trap hill and mountain sides. It is, with us, usually low and small, seldom much larger than the Furze ; but where it attains some size the wood is very tine and compact. It is now seldom used, al- though in former times spits and drinking vessels were made of it, as it was thought to impart a pleasant flavour to meat or liquid. The dwarf Juniper (J. nana) is a very dis- tinct and pretty plant, seldom found over a foot in height, but more commonly lialf that size. It is of a low, dense mode of growth, and soon spreads to a great width in proportion to its height, thus rendering it a plant well adapted for rockwork. It is less common than J. communis. On the high Welsh rocks above Ogwen Lake I have frequently met with this plant, but never very abundantly. The Irish Juniper (J. communis hibernica) is a most desirable and highly ornamental variety, and of inestimable value in landscape gardening generally. The growth is close and compact, as in the Irish Yew, and the foliage of a peculiar silvery-grey tint. It succeeds best on rather damp soils; indeed, the finest and healthiest speci- mens with which I am acquainted are growing on well-drained peat soil, on an estate in the north of Ireland. A dwarf and very compact variety of this Juniper, named compressa, is extensively used for rockwork planting. The Weepini! Indian Junipur (.J. recurva) succeeds well at Penrhyn, and frequently attains a height equal to that in its native habitat. At Brynmeirig, near the Penrhyn slate quarries, there is a number of this gracefully-drooping plant, which, for size and healthy appearance, are per- haps not excelled in Britain. The soil is composed of loam and peat in equal proportions, and resting on shaly slate rock. The situation is shadj', and has a northern aspect, which, by-the-by, seems to suit not only this species, but the male form (J. recurva densa) as well. This ornamental shrub deserves to be cultivated more extensively than it is at present, especially where a suitable soil and situation can be conveniently provided. It should, however, never be planted on dry warm soils, as in such situations it presents a misei'able dusty ap- pearance, and soon dies out. The winter-flowerinc! Juniper (J. chinensis). — This is certainly the most ornamental of the genus; indeed, in this respect it is perhaps not excelled by any evergreen shrub in cultivation. During winter or in early spring, when covered with its golden male flowers, this slirub is particu- larly beautiful. It is perfectly hardy and of the easiest cultivation, succeeding well on good loamy soil and in a partially sheltered situation. Several beautiful and distinct varieties of this plant are in cultivation, amongst M'hich the golden and silver The Frankincen.se Juniper (J. thurifera). — In this species we have another distinct and highly ornamental plant — or rather tree — for in its native country it frefjuently attains a height of 40 ft. As a lawn specimen it is invaluable, and from its dense, conical shape associates well with trees of a more loose and spreading appearance. It should be extensively planted, for, apart from its value as an ornamental tree, it is uninjured by any amount of frost in this country. The Prickly Cedar (J. Oxycedrus) is by many writers supposed to be the tree rather than the so-called Cedar of Lebanon, from which the Cedar- wood, so famed in former times for its durability, and of which statues were made before the use of marble was introduced, was obtained. It is found plentifully along the Mediterranean coast, and is highly valued, as well for its ornamental appear- ance as efl'ect for planting in groups. Perhaps, amongst the whole range of Junipers none is more highly esteemed tor its utility than The Red Cedar (J. virginiana). — It is of the easiest culture and seems to succeed in almost any situation, though attaining greatest perfection when planted near the sea-coast. It is a native of North America, where it becomes a large tree, with a bright red, aromatic wood, the value of which is well known from its use in cabinet work and the manufacture of pencils. A. D. Webster. the evaporation of moisture from the roots, which, probably, during an extremely dry, burn- ing summer, would suffer so much from drought that the trees would be found to die outright. There is no better plan for planting ornamental trees and shrubs than turning the soil and sub- soil to a depth of at least from IN inches to 24 inches, and a yard or two more in diameter than is required for the roots when planting, turning out stones, roots, on very bad subsoil, and replacing them by fresh soil or turf, well chopped up and stirred in with the original soil. On stitt' clayey lands inclined to be wet, the trees should be planted on the surface, covering the roots with fresh soil so as to form a slightly raised mound over the roots, and outside or beyond the latter, not less than a yard or so. The method of surface-dressing trees every few years with turf, leaf-mould, or other enriching material and gradually forming easy mounds, is preferable to planting on mounds at the outset. --0. F. Wellingtonias as nurse trees. — I should like to see the ^Vellingtonia planted as a nurse tree, as has long been done with the Larch. Independently of seeds, which can be got and often imported in very large quantities, no tree of recent introduc- tion can be propagated faster, as it grows very readily from cuttings, which soon make proper and handsome specimens. From what I know of the Wellingtonia I feel satisfied that if planted and brought up amongst other trees it will do better than planted singly on Grass lawns, as we are accustomed to see it. It is said that the wood is soft on account of its free-growing nature ; this may be the case in its native country, but in a climate like this it grows more slowly, and its wood, in consequence, may be fitted for many useful purposes. —J. M. N. Poplar hedges. — The black Italian Poplar is admirably suited for a fence in moist soils. Plants one year old, which are generally about 4 feet in height, will form a tolerably good hedge the first year. If the soil is dug over and manured several months previous to planting, strong cuttings may be inserted about a foot apart, and these will make shoots varying from 3 feet to 5 feet in height during the first season. At the end of the second year, during the month of November, the top of the fence should be regularly reduced with a hedge-bill to the height of 5 feet. This will strengthen the sides of the fence, and conse- quently increase the stability of the stems. A very good plan is to tie rods of wood to the young trees at 2 feet or 3 feet from the ground until they have become sufficiently strong of themselves to resist the pressure of cattle. When properly attended to, by keeping them free from weeds and trimming them regularly every autumn, these fences become highly useful and ornamental, and are at once amongst the cheapest and readiest of any that can be raised. The form of the hedge should be the same as that of the Hawthorn, only a little wider at bottom, and trimmed up in a wedge-like shape, which renders it firm and neat in appearance. — J. Planting trees on mounds. — It is somewhat remarkable that even practical men of experience advocate the method of planting trees on mounds. I maintain that it is altogether unnecessary as far as success in planting is concerned, although it may with advantage be carried out on a modified scale on naturally wet, stifl', clay soils ; on dry, light soils, mounds are wholly unnecessary, particularly abrupt, higli mounds, which would be detrimental rather than otherwise by encouraging Garden Flora. PLATE 554. HARDY HYBRID GLADIOLL* The accompanying plate represents two and a glimpse at a third variety of these most fiee- blooming, easily cultivated, and very beautiful hybrids, which have been all raised by M. Victor Lemoine, of Nancy, from seed obtained from a variety of G. gandavensis as seed parent fertilised with the pollen of the hardy .species known as G. purpureo-auratus, and sent out by him during the last five or six years in batches of from eight to ten varieties each year. As to the respective merits of these beautiful Gladioli, I have furnished the result of my observations and comparisons in a series of descriptive notes contributed to the columns of The Garden during the autumns of the last five or six years. For full descriptions of the varieties here figured, I may refer your readers to Volume XXVIII. of The Garden, page 364, for the two first named, and for the third to page 314 of Volume XXVI. As to culture, 1 find the following simple method answers best. Never dry off the bulbs, but plant again the same day as they are taken up (fur the le- moval of offsets and spawn bulhlets which are most abundantly produced) in a bed of light rich compost made up of leaf-mould, sod mould and a little sand. They increase very rapidly, both by offsets and seed, the production of which does not seem in any way to weaken or fatigue the bulbs. I have never known them to be affected by any kind of disease, and they bloom in so small a state, that frequently small oftVets forgotten in the bed send up nice flower-spikes the following year. The best time for taking up and replanting I find to be from the middle to the end of the month of October. My first flower to open this year is Clcopatre, which ex- panded its first bloom yesterday, and from this onwards for the next six weeks or thereabouts 1 hope to have a succession of beautiful blooms. The set of novelties for this year is an unusually large one, numbering no fewer than thiiteen varieties, as to which I shall hope to have some descriptive notes to send to The Garden about October. W. E. Gumbleton. BcUjntve, QuecnstoK-n. Camellia General Pescette.— In the journal of the Royal Tuscan Society of Horticulture is published a coloured plate of a new Camellia named General Pescette. Signer M. Grilli, who describes it, states that it is " floriferous, and has the merit of constantly maintaining the characters that distinguish it; every flower opens regularly and presents the same form and dimensions, the Drawn in Messi'e. Voit*;h's nursery, King's Road, Chelsea, Aug. 2.'), 1.SS5. T HE GART'EN NEW HYBRID GLADIOLI, 1. LA FRANCE. 2. L'ALSACE. 3. MASQUE DE PER. July 24, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 77 same streakings with red and carmine on petals' with a flesh coloured ground." He strongly re- commends this variety, which he terms a grand acquisition, and urges that Camellias as a class are more worthy of special attention than t'hry- santhemams, which just now find so much favour. Flower paintings. — The practice of ottering prizes at flower shows for flower [laintings by amateurs, especially ladies, merits much wider adoption than it has hitherto done. From the first establishment of the Chiswick Horticultural Society jjrizes have been offered for paintings, and the competition has been invariably good. Fruits and foliage as well as flowers are invited, but of fruits few have been shown. Probably it i.s more difficult to depict fruits well than flowers. At a recent exhibition of this society about a score of plates, tiles, vases, &c. , were submitted for competition. Some few were of a rather elemen- tary school-of-art-instruction kind, and showed none of the finish of the real advanced artist. The colours were laid on too thickly, and in some instances were what may be termed dauby. On the other hand, some were admirably done, notably a large round platter, painted by Miss A. Finch, of Wimbledon, but which was by the art connois- seurs, who acted as censors, put third. This artist had selected white Clematis flowers asso- ciated with foliage of one of the spring blooming kinds, and added autumn-tinted sprays of the foliage and vine of the \'irginian Creeper; the combination naturally was incongruous, but ar- tistically it was charming. The hrst prize went to Miss Matthews, of Richmond Hill, for a very faithfully depicted portrait of L.-elia purpurata, stiff, hut true, even the spots on the leaves of a badly grown plant bein^ rendered. Mrs. Harry Turner, of Slough, worthily came second with a fine vase, upon which was beautifully depicted flowers and foliage of a mauve Clematis. — A. D. NOTES FROM KNOWSLEV. Orchids, notably Odontoglossums and other kinds that thrive bejt in a comparatively cool atmosphere, are cultivated here by hundreds. A lean-to house attached to a north wall would appear to suit them best, the staging or shelves facing the south, and as most of the species require but little space, quite a small house holds a large quantity of plants. A few good Cattleyas and other Orcliids were blooming strongly in a mixed plant stove, conspicuous among them being a good plant of Oncidium crispum. This had formed a strong erect spike bearing about thirty- six large coppery red blooms, and was very hand- some. No drying off is advisable with this useful Orchid, and, in common with several of the Oncidiums, it well repays any trouble taken with it. A small-flowering plant of Epidendrum radiatum quite scented the whole house, and is worthy of cultivation for that property alone. J.iSMixu.M GKACiLLiMUM. — A good many growers have failed to properly manage this lovely and most useful stove Jessamine, but at Knowsley no such ditticulty has been experienced. One large plant of it trained over a balloon-shaped trellis is never out of flower, and its trusses of large pure white blossoms, expanded at the time of my visit, were stronger than with us. It delights in a rough peaty soil, and the less fibre there is in the lumps the more need of a plentiful admixture of charcoal and large crocks. The plant just men- tioned is growing in a large, well-drained pot, and this would appear to answer better than small brick pits. Fragrant white flowers are always in demand, and those who have hitherto failed with this Jasmine ought yet to give it another trial. EucH.\Ris AMAZONiC-\. — An extra large quantity of this is grown, and all are in a very healthy state. They are repotted rather oftener than many may think advisable, but this does not prevent their flowering as often as they do anywhere. It seems to me that if kept free of disease, and rooted in a fresh loamy mixture, no difficulty whatever would be experienced in flowering it when most wanted. It likes plenty of water when growing freely, but this must pass away readily, or many of the roots will perish. Here it is, I believe, re- potted annually, and it is never dried off. Before flowering, rather less water is given than at other times, and this induces the formation of flower- spikes, which either an increase in the water supply or a slightly raised temperature fully develops. Many of the plants have been recently repotted, not necessarily shaken out and divided, this being practised only when the pots are getting too crowded with bulbs. Table plants. — Large numbers of these are required, and abundance of very suitable plants are prepared for such purposes, amongst which many narrow-leaved Crotons, one of the best being C. interruptum aureum, are now in capital colour, yet the majority of them have been propagated quite recently. Strong, moderately firm tops are taken ort' and placed singly in small pots, then they arc placed in a close, hot frame, where, if kept shaded from briglit sunshine, they strike root in a very short time. They do not lo.se their lower leaves, and are therefore nearly large enough for table work directly they are rooted, but a small shift further improves thera. The tops of Draca?nas can be converted into handy little plants in a similar manner. The elegant Reidia glau- cescens is much liked for table decoration, and when well grown it certainly is a most desirable plant for such purposes. Strong tops of this are also rooted in heat, and this is a much quicker and better way of securing serviceable plants than by raising them from root-cuttings, or even side- shoots. Pandanuses, Geonomas, Cocos Wed- delliana, and other elegant Palms, Ferns in variety, and large quantities of the pretty close- growing Selaginella apoda are all prepared espe- cially for house and table decoration, and are all in excellent order. They are not crowded amongst larger plants, but all receive fair play, and are in a presentable condition accordingly. GREENHorsE CLIMBER.S. —There are few good gardens in the country where an attempt has not been made to grow Lapageria alba, but in very many cases the result has been anything but en- couraging. It is a lovely flower, and ought to be in everj' conservatorj' or greenhouse in which climbers are grown. At Knowsley it is equally as vigorous as the red variety ; in fact, the two are indistinguishable except when in bloom. Lapa- gerias are really shade-and-moisture-loving plants and should be treated as such, and not placed on a di-y shelf and in full sunshine, as is too often done. Two years ago several were planted against the north wall of a cool house, the roots being confined to a narrow raised border, and already the wall is fairly well furnished, the young growths now forming being exceptionally strong. Another example, planted three years, now well covers a roof area 1.") feet by 6 feet, and blooms most abun- dantly. This plant is rooting in a small brick pit. Lapagerias must have abundance of water at the roots, but anything approaching stagnation sours the soil and ruins the plants. Only the most fibrous portion of either peat or loam should be used, the two in about equal portions, and to this should be added a good sprinkling of charcoal, broken crocks, and half-inch bones. Lumps of sandstone also serve to keep the compost open and sweet. Lonicera semperflorens is rarely out of flower at Knowsley, and this also is worthy of more extensive cultivation. With us it is much liable to be infested with small green and black aphides, but here it is clean and healthy, although growing in the neighbourhood of decorative Pelar- goniums and other consen-atory plants. It is very elegant and showy, and particularly good in a cut state. Justicia flavicoma. — It is not often that this old-fashioned greenhouse flowering plant is met with in good condition, but at Knowsley it is grown extensively and well. It produces its bright yellow plumes or spikes of bloom for at least four months during the very dullest part of the year in an ordinaiy greenhouse temperature. Cuttings of young wood strike freely in heat, and these after being stopped once or twice make neat plants the first season, but are more useful the second year. At present the whole batch of plants is growing freely in frames, where they will remain till late in the autumn. C.\sxAs. — In this country these are not largely cultivated for the sake of their flowers, but at Knowsley they are employed extensively in the conservatories. They appear to be particularly well adapted for mixing among Camellias, Palms, Ferns, and other flowering and fine-foliaged plants ; either planted out in large beds or grouped on the ground level, Cannas are not to be despised as fine- foliaged plants, but some of the newer varieties introduced by Continental nurserymen also flower freely and continuously for several months, the spikes being stron-j and branching, while the Gladioli-like flowers are large and handsome. C. Noutini with rich crimson blossoms is the best I have yet seen, and C. Ehemanni is also very fine. The latter has Musa-like foliage and deep crimson flowers, while C. grandiflora picta with yellow flowers is also effective. To these several other new sorts may well be added, and even some of the older varieties grown for open border decora- tion may be given a trial. They pot up safely from the open borders, and in an ordinary con- servatory temperature will flower for several months. They delight in a rich loamy soil and require plenty of moisture at the roots. IvY-LEAVED PELARCo.MirMS. — We are often in- formed that these are particularly well adapted for hanging baskets, but we rarely meet with them in good condition. At Knowsley not only are baskets well covered with their growth, but the suspending wires are also beautifully furnished with them ; and a series of baskets in full bloom hanging round one compartment of the conserva- tory proves most attractive. All are semi-double sorts, which never fail to bloom well when given plenty of light and air. Under these is a good assortment of noble conservatory plants. Foxgloves ix shrcbberies. — A long walk lead- ing from the mansion to the lake was at one time most monotonous, but near this has been placed at intervals large beds, and these are planted with a great variety of handsome, rare deciduous and evergreen shrubs, amongst which are interspersed Foxgloves, and very effective they now are. Seed- lings raised early this year grow into strong flower- ing plants for the following year, and with a very little trouble they are thus made to beautify the shrubberies. Grape-growixg. — Of Grapes a supply is main- tained all the year round, and several well-designed vineries as well as some that are very old-fashioned are devoted to their production. In one of the earliest houses Black Hamburgh and Foster's Seedling are bearing grand crops, both bunches and berries being good and well finished. Muscat of Alexandria, Alicante, Lady Downes, Gros Maroc, and Madresfield Court are the sorts prin- cipally grown for the later supplies. For bottling. Lady Downes is the favourite, and for this pur- pose rather small, well-thinned bunches of this firm, long-keeping sort, as well as of other late varieties, are much the best. All at different times have undergone a renovating process in preference to a complete change of both border and Vines. Those that last autumn had their roots lifted to within about 3 feet of the stems and relaid in a nearly fresh compost are cropped lightly this season, and have formed remarkably good wood, which should produce extra fine crops next \"ear. Where the sorts are worth preserv- ing this plan of thoroughly renovating Vines both at the roots and top is preferable to a com- plete clearance followed by the formation of new borders and the planting of young Vines. It is much the cheapest, and by no other plan can a whole house of Grapes be so quickly and simply secured. If done properly early in the autumn while the foliage is green and sound, a light crop may safely be taken from them the following year, and a full crop the next. The best of borders and the best of Vines wear out in time, and ilr. Harri- son's method of renovating ju^t recorded should THE GARDEN. coramencl itself to other Grape growers who find their crops falling oft' both in weight and quality. The Peach and Nectarine trees at Knowsley are the largest and best I have yet seen. There are several fine Peach houses, and throughout the trees are good, and the crops, where' still un- gathered, jierfect in every respect. Every year the whole of the trees are partially or wholly lifted, commencing with the earliest some time in August, and finishing all before the leaves lose vitality. Being an annual proceeding, the trees do not receive a very severe check, as all are furnished with abundance of fibrous roots about the reserved balls, or say at about i feet from the stems, more or less according to the size of the trees operated upon. Very little fresli soil is added to the borders, the principal motive for lifting being to loosen the soil, though the opera- tion is accompanied by other good results. It may seem strange to advocate looseness of soil for Peach and Nectarine trees, but Mr. Harrison is of opinion that when a Ijorder becomes close and hard it cannot be sutticiently moistened to meet tlie demands made on it by the roots— it becomes impervious, in fact, to both air and water ; whereas a loosened border absorbs moisture readily, in- cluding fertilisers. The lifting of Peach trees annually is new to me, but the results fully bear out what has been said about its eflScacy. Cross- ness is nowhere apparent, yet some of the young growths are a yard long or more, and the foliage is remarkably good. One of the finest trees, a Violette HAtive Peach, occupies a trellis space fully 24 feet by 14 feet, and several others are nearly as large, all being well furntshed throughout. A seedling Peacli jilaced ncai-ly three years ago where it is now growing covers a space 14 feet by 14 feet, and would, if permitted, soon fill a large'house. FiG.s AND OTHER FRuiT.s.— A range of lofty and wide lean-to houses is devoted to the culture of Cherries, Plums, and Figs. The bulk of the trees are bash-shaped, and these are kept clear of each other, all perfecting heavy crops of good fruit. One house of Cherries had been cleared, but the trees in the next compartment presented a most beautiful appearance. Under good treatment failures never occur, and what is more tempting than a handsome dish of choice (Cherries? There are also numbers of bush-shaped Fig trees which are always fruitful. Given a roomy house and a fan- amount of space, these bushes are more profitable than trees trained either on the roof or up the back walls. . YoiiNi: Carrots and Watkrcresses. —I have linketl tliese together simply because they are both cultivated in one quiet corner. A long row of frames is first cropped with early Potatoes, and as these are cleared oft' the frames are sown with French Horn Carrots, the latest being now just coming up. Watercresses are cultivated here in ordinary frames, and at the present time these present a rather seedy appearance. A short time before the Cresses are xvanted in the autumn (he beds are taken in hand, and a cleaning o\er and a good soaking of water quickly put new life into the plants. Any fairly rich soil will grow them, and they like plenty of moisture at the roots, but there is no necessity for them to be constantly in water. In tliese frames the Cresses grow quickly, are jierfectly clean, and are most tender. Tliey can be easily raised from tops, root cuttings, or seeds, and there is no reason why every private establislnnent in the country should not be well supplied with Watercresses, even although there is no running water in which to grow them. - W. I. Choice bulbous plants. -A gathering of flurhood of Mont- lignon. It is said to be exceptionally fertile, and the quality of the fruit, which is of moderate size, is stated to be exc 1- lent, the flesh being white, tender, jnicy and very agreeably ALPINE CROWFOOTS. With the exception of the Primrose, perhaps no genus represented in our native flora is more familiar to us than the Buttercup, which is a good example of the Crowfoot fiimilj. The genus taken as a whole is an extensive one, being repre- sented largely in nearly all temperate countries. The prevailing colour of the flowers is yellow, but there are also some good whites, of wliich R. alpestris may be taken as an illustration. Some are dwarf and creeping and well .suited for rockeries ; others are large and well adapted for flower borders and beds ; under this head may be included the Persian Turbans, amongst which are some of our choicest flowers, and although rather difficult to manage successfully, we have ueverthe- le-is seen very creditable shows ot them in many places, even in the neighbour- hood of smoky Lomlon. Some also do well as bog plants, in- cluding that New Zealand won- der, R. Lyalli, whicli has flowered at Kew in a cool house, but we believe it also shows signs of blooming in the open air there. The water-section of the genus which inhabits our lakes and streams, and clothes them with sheets of white flowers during summer and autumn, is well worth the attention of all who have artihcial waters. The species known as Bachelor's Buttons (R. aconitifolius) may be seen of various sizes in almost every cot- tage garden, as well as R. asiaticns, of which there are a few really handsome iorms. The alpine section, including R. glacialis, the species here represented, is largely grown in our gardens, so much so that we could ill dis- pense with it in spring. The great difficulty with alpines gene- rally, and Ran unculi in particular, is the want of pure air, a want o course most felt in the vicinity of large towns, and, what is just as important, keeping them in a comparatively dry s-tate during winter. Choice of a position should be carefully made ; the highest and driest fully exposed situation ha-i proved to be the best. In the soil, which should be gritty, sand should predominate. Many alpine Ranunculi ripen seed witli us, but the readiest way of increasing them is by division, which they stand to almost any extent. Autumn, alter the leaves have become brown, is the best time for the operation. The divisions should be simply dibbled in at the required distances apart ; care will, however, be needed in the case of E. glacialis ; it forms fingei'-like tubers that are readily damaged. R. aniplexicaulis is a very ornamental species, and a very desirable one ; it grows about a foot high ; the upper leaves, which are of a pretty glaucous colour, clasp the stem, which is surmounted by large delicate white flowers. It is a native of the Pyrenees and flowers in April and May. R. auemonoides, which is rather a new species and dwarf in habit, has finely divided leaves, which, formin;^ .".s they do a dense tuft, are of themselves ornamental, and the flowers, which are produced freely, often measure over an inch in diameter. They are while tinged with purple or rose, and very handsome when 82 THE GARDEN. [July 24, 1886. about to open. This species, which flowers in early spring, does well on rockwork in a H.£;lit position in fine gritty .soil. R. montaniis is a well-known garden plant of dwarf growth, very easily managed, and well worth growing in large quantities. It has lai'ge yt How flowers and forms a good companion to the tine white-flowered K. alpestris. Amongst others may be nameil E. ophioglossifolius, parnassifolius, rutiiiifoliu.s, and Thura. K- Kitchen Garden. POTATOES, EARLY AND LATE. At present it is douVjtful whether or not we shall secure very good crops of Potatoes. Many of the second early sorts especially are ripening prema- turely, and the very latest, notably Magnum Bonum and Scotch Champion, are, as a rule, making poor progress. The weather at the commence- ment was very much against tliem, the ground being both wet and cold, and then before they had properly recovered a L^ng spell of hot and dry weather completely stopped their growth. In our district we have not yet had sufficient rain to well soak the ground, and unless we get more soon the tubers generally will be much smaller than usual. In many cases the rain came too late to benefit early and second early varieties ; in fart, it has done more harm than good, as where left undisturbed they commenced growing again, and two crops of tubers together is almost worse than disease, as they cannot be separated ; nor are they really tit to eat. Our plan, and one which others should also adopt, is to anticipate the second growth, either by lifting or storing at once, or by drawing up the haulm — the former preferably, as, if they have already started, drawing up the haulm may not completely check the tendency to grow again. The worst offender in this respect is the Edgcote Purple. On examining the row.s of this variety about three days after the rainfall on July 12, we found that the majority of the tubers had already sprouted badly. In the southern and midland counties I should say all early and second early Potatoes may now be safely lifted and stored for future use, as they are sufficiently ripe, and if left on the ground are both liable to become diseased and to form a second growth. According to my experience. Potatoes never were better in quality ; even the soapy American va- rieties, including the old Early Rose, which some of the cottagers still cultivate, are fit to eat. Par- ticularly good are the A.shleafs, and on the whole these are the most profitable ; we have this season some of them even larger than we care to send to table, and all of them are cropping heavil}'. Where garden ground is of limited e.ttent growers will do well to plant the Ashleaf varieties exten- sively ; they require but little space, mature early, and keep well. We have had them of excellent ([uality at midwinter, and so convinced are we of their superiority that each season a larger piece of ground is planted with them than previously. True, they are more liable to disease than sorts with stronger haulms, but it frequently lia]>pens that they are ready for lifting before disease makes much progress. By early lifting we avoid the evil, and the ground is ready for being planted with Strawberrie.^, Broccoli, Savoys, and winter greens, or for being sown with Turnips, Spinach, Endive, Lettuces, and other i|uick-growing vege- tables. Home-grown seed best. — Many advocate a change of seed, and in the case of the rounds and late sorts genei'ally it may be an advantage, but I much prefer to save ni}' own fets of tlie Ashleafs, as well as of Lapstone Ividney and any sorts resembling that good old Potato. Trade growers necessarily store in large heaps. and consecpiently the valuable first sprouts are spoiled, or if stored thinly they cannot, or do not, attempt to preserve the sprouts when pack- ing the tubers. We always try to plant the kidneys just named with the strong central sprout intact, all others being rubbed oft", and if this is not injured by frost an early and extra good crop is tlie result, while if damaged by frost it yet recovers, though a lighter crop is the consequence ; thi.s, however, is superior to that obtained by planting sproutless and previously weakened sets. My advice, therefore, is to save as many of the medium-sized tubers of the Ashleafs as can possibly be spared, or if these be scarce to buy at once while they are yet cheap and plentiful, and to store them thinly in boxes or on shelves in a light airy shed or room. No attempt to green them by laying them on the open ground for a few days should be made, as if disease is at all prevalent it may affect them, and, besides, nothing is gained by greening sets. If the old Ashleaf can be procured, that is the best for frames and early borders, and this season it has been remarkably gnod both as regards weight and quality, but this good old sort is not fit lor use long after it is lifted. The next best for frames, warm borders, and open quarters is Veitch's Improved Ashleaf, and of this well- known sort we have lifted six sacks of tubers for use and seed purposes. Myatt's Ashleaf is usually a heavier cropper than the last named, but this season the tubers are somewhat smaller. They are, however, still quite large enough, as we always prefer medium-sized tubers of any variety to large ones, unless they are to be baked. If the true Myatt's Ashleaf is obtained it is sure to give .satisfaction ; both this and the old Ashleaf have been cultivated in a large garden near here without a change of seed for fourteen years, and the crops are as heavy and good as ever. According to my experience, Mona's Pride and Veitch's Improved are synonymous, but an experienced cultivator assures me that they are quite distinct. Mona's Pride is a great favourite with him. Of early rounds I prefer Eirly Border ; this forms but little haulm, and produces a good crop of hand- some tubers of exctUent quality. Sutton's Early Regent, as a successional variety, is also worth cultivating, as it matures early and the tubers are of extra good quality. The Dean, a round purple-skinned kind, grown for the first time this season, is cropping heavily, and the tubers are very handsome. Amongst new sorts it is one of the nmst promising, and if it proves of good quality it should be grown extensively. The well-known Reading Russet has also dune remarkably well, and we have abundance ot handsome tubers of it fit for exhibition. Lap- stone, Cosmopolitan, Welford Park, and Wood- stock Kidneys are all clean and good this season, and if our later sorts turn out equally well we shall have no reason to complain. Successional crops. — Our late varieties of Potatoes are cultivated principally outside the walls, and are liable to be attacked by all sorts of game and vermin ; only the early and second early sorts occupy ground that has to be cropped a second time in the same season. The Ashleafs are in rows 3 feet apart, and between some of the rows are planted Broccoli of different sorts, while the stronger growers just mentioned are given another 6 inches between the rows. Be- tween the latter also we plant winter produce, principally Broccoli, and directly the Potatoes are lifted, if the weather is dry, the Broccoli re- ceive a soaking of water (liquid manure might be given with advantage on poorer ground than ours), and they are then heavily moulded up, which serves to preserve the moisture and to steady the plants. Then, as the Broccoli do not retjuire all the space, the ground previously occupied by Potatoes is planted with a row ot either early Savoys or Coleworts. These, as well as the Broccoli, derive much benefit from a sprinkling of superphosphate, which was given to the Potatoes when planted, and which has not been much exhausted. Our successional crops are really of more value than the Potatoes, but they take more out of the ground, and this fact must not be overlooked by those who are anxious to maintain their garden in a fertile, and there- fore profitable, state. Where it is intended to follow early Potatoes with a new Strawberry plantation, all that is necessary is to level the ground as the crops are lifted, breaking it up finely and clearing off all rubbish. Then if the ground is well trampled, shallow drills can be drawn, which may be filled with water if the ground is dry and "nubbly," and in the course of a few hours the plants may be planted firmly and properly. This will be found a better plan than manuring and deep digging at this time of year, as wdiat manure the Strawberries eventually require may be given in the form of mulchings and top -dressings. Ground just cleared of Potatoes is usually very dry, and when sown with seeds of Turnips, Lettuces, Endive, and Spinach, much time will be gained by well watering the drills prior to .sowing the seed. This insures a good even start, and is much preferable to watering after the seed is covered. Somerset. W. I. JI. WINTER SPINACH. Next to a good breadth of Brussels Sprouts for furnishing a supply of green vegetables during winter is a corresponding space devoted to winter Spinach. For this an open position is desirable, as drip from trees is very injurious to it in winter; a moderately rich and deeply moved soil is also essential. In naturally retentive soils it is desir- able that means should be provided for allowing surface water to get freely away, for ground under Spinach is necessarily much trodden upon in all weathers, and if very moist it becomes pasty and unfit for root growth. In the early part of my experience I used to sow my winter Spinach in drills 1 foot apart, but in strong ground I found that width to be a mistake, as the leaves extended on each side of the rows so far that it was impossible to get between them without injury, which, in winter when the plants are grow- ing slowly, is a loss. When, too, the rows are so close together the leaves have not room to grow- so large as they would otherwise do, and at any time one large thick leaf is better than two small ones. I now place the drills l(j inches or IS inches apart, according to the character of the ground, and I get more satisfactory crops every way. With regard to the time of sowing, there should no doubt be a difference between the north and south of the kingdom. For the latter the I"2tli of August is the old-fashioned date, but I need hardly say that a few days either way — before or after — do not make much difference, and no doubt a week earlier than the date just given would best suit the north. From experience I am satis- fied that where there is a large demand it is best to have two sowings, one a week later than the other, the first in the open quarters and the other on a border facing the west. That in open quarters should be the first to be used, while that on the border should be reserved for use early in spring. I like a reserve in a sheltered place ; although frost does not, as a rule, injure the plants the cold north and east winds do, and often so wither up the leaves as to render them use- less. A border facing the west and sheltered by a good wall will often furnish a supply of Spinach when there is not a green leaf on more exposed plants. If gi'ound on which it is to be put has been recently dug u|) it is best to tread the surface along the lines where the rows are to be in order to firm the soil, as if the surface is loose and the weather dry the seed would be long in gee- ' July 24, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 83 minatin?. The plants should be thinned as soon as tliey are large enough to liandle. I like them to stand (i inches apart. In gardens in which wireworra is troublesome it is a good plan to sow a little soot along the bottom of the drill before the seed is put in. If soot does not drive them away altogether it at least checks their attacks. The variety of Spinaeli with prickly seed is supposed to be the hardiest ; I have, however, tried both that and the round-seeded sort, and I have not found any ditl'erence between them. J. C. C. TOMATOES AS CORDON'S. After trying various plans witli Tomatoes, I am decidedly in favour of the single stem, or cordon, which does away with the growth of useless wood and leaves, and thus concentrates the energies of the plant on the crop. If all side shoots are kept cut out directly they are large enough to get hold of, nothing is left but stout single stems clothed with large leaves from base to summit ; after these stems attain a height of about '2 feet they cease to grow rapidly, but make very short joints, at each of which there are bunches of flowers, so that thei-e is no ditticulty about getting the requisite quantity of fruit. Few crops are more easily grown than Tomatoes, whit'h come in well for tilling up i^lass structures that may not at the moment be required for other purposes. Our plan is to sow the seed in February, and to grow the young plants on in a genial temperature until they are in U-inch or Tinch pots and beginning to set their fruit. We then till boxes of any kind witli rich soil, and, after making the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot sutliciently large for the roots to pass readily through, we plunge the pots half way into the soil, and by this means can g-it a good crop on stages, or in any position where it is not possible to plant out in regular borders. I; matters not what the receptacle into which they are plunged is so long as a good rooting ground can be provided for them. We have a double row of huge plants in 7-incli pots, rooting through into large flat baskets tilled with rich .soil, and as a catch crop I do not know of anything so useful. We have several varieties, both new and old, but the main thing is to get a good large, smooth Tomato with- out the deep furrows so conspicuous in the im- ported kinds, and in this respect we do not find many to excel a good selection of the old smooth Red. It is good in colour, and all that can be de- sired as regards quality when well grown. Toma- toes are not usually ditficult subjects to keep free from insect pests, but a sharp look out should be kept to check the first symptoms of aphides, as it is surprising how soon they disfigure the young fruit if they happ-n to get established on the plants while the fruit is small and tender. "Pre- vention is better than cure," and, therefore, slight fumigations should be given before any fly is visible. We find liquid manure from the stable or cow house to be one of the best and safest stimu- lants that can be given for increasing the weight of the crop ; failing this, a siirinkle of guano or of any highly concentrated manure sold in a powdered state, and watered in, will be of much benefit. As regards water. Tomatoes like an un- limited supply during bright weather. Of new sorts that promise well may be mentioned Earliest of All. Tliis crops well under glass, and it is also said to be exceptionally well suited for open-air culture, but of this it is too early yet to speak Uosport. J. t!Ro(.ni. Peas, old and new. — I am this year growing amongst other Peas some Champion of England. It is not long since this Pea ranked amongst the best and most popular. Now it is seliloui giowD, a cir- cumstance not to be wondered at when we compare its pods with those of the newer sorts. It is as prolific as the best as far as number of pods is con- cerned, but we want bulk as well as number now-a- days, hence in Telegraph, Telephone, Duke of Albany, Proiigy, Giant Marrow, President Garfield, Reading Giant, .and other tall Peas we find in addition to fair quality in some really excellent quality in others, all having fine pods. Duke of Albany has been shown on several occasions in very fine form, and it seems to be a first rate Pea. Mr. Eckford has re- recently come to the front as a Pea raiser, and has produced some fine kinds, both tall and dwarf. Mr. Laxton has given us quantities, good and otherwise ; and Mr. Culverwell some superb Peas; therefore, there is no lack of sorts ditficult to excel, and I feel sure that all Pea growers will say that for all par- poses their pods are big enough ; indeed, if varied at all, they may he if longer rather thinner, as big Peas in the pods are not desirable. It is strange that in the matter of first early kiuds for general cultivation we should have made so little progress. I find that market growers who have tried the later novelties all complain that the pods are too small, and that none are so good as a well-selected stock of Sangster's Xo. 1 for their purpose. It is of little use to provide small poddei Peas of which so many are required to fill the bushel.— A. D. WASTE OF GARDEN PRODUCE. At the present time, when things are ripening off so rapidly in the kitchen garden, it may be well to remind our readers of a fact to which we have before drawn their attention —that is, the great loss of vegetable produce in its best state, owing to our habit of not cutting things when they are ready. We think people would be surprised If they knew the amount of loss that takes place owing to this. Even in the small gardens of poor people one sees lines of Peas and other valuable produce allowed to ripen otf and become useless. It is too often the custom not to cut the crop until it is too large, and inasmuch as two or three hot days sulfice to make it useless when it arrives at that state, the major part of many crops is often lost. The remetly is, we think, to use things generally in a much younger state than is commonly the case. Many things are not half so good in quality when allowed to get old as when young — l-Uadishes, Caulifiowers, Cucumbers, Peas, and Beans to wit. But even this way of using things when very young is not enough. We think that in many cases the only way out of the difliculty is to gather all the vegetables ready, whether they are wanted or not. To merely depend on the order of the cook or housekeeper for what is to be gathered is a mistake ; she may not know what is in the garden. No amount of care in urging on gardeners that things should be eaten young will suffice. If we wanted to eat gardeners or human beings, it would be easy to convince people that three-year-old babies were more toothsome than old tough adults ; but it is extremelj' ditficult to explain to them that the diB'erence between young and old vegetables is quite as important. We have known men lose their places because they would persist in sending up things when too old. The whole thing is bound up w-ith the ridiculous false estimate as to the value of size and ^\eight. The best plan is to lay down a rule that in summer time all crops that quickly perish should be gathered daily, whether wanted or not. In large places it w ould he well worth while to have a woman or boy continually engaged in gathering the produce, which should be placed in some cool or pleasant place in or near the house, and submitted to the cook. Then, after she has taken all she wants for the day's supply, it will be better to give the rest away as presents, or to adopt some such mode of preserving green vegetables as the Dutch do, than to let it destroy itself in the garden. It is not only the loss of the present day's crop that is to be deplored when daily gatherings are not made, but there is the injury to the successions which should follow, because, if we allow vegetables, such as Marrows or Peas, to ripen, there is little left in the plant for the young crops. Readers who have any doubts in the matter could probably soon set them at rest by making a few experiments in the garden. — Fivld. Tomatoes for winter. — This is a good time to put in cuttings to make plants for bearing early in the new year, as unless well attended to old plants that bear heavily all through the autumn will be exhausted by Christmas, and under any circumstances I would rather begin the year with young vigorous uncropped plants than old ones. Insert the cuttings, which should be taken from strong leading shoots, in small pots singly, using light sandy .soil, setting the plants in a close frame, and shading them till rooted. Shift them into larger pots as required, and keep them in a sunny position in the open air till the end of Sep- tember ; they should then be placed in a warm greenhouse and trained near, /.(., within 12 inches of the glass. During the time when the plants are going through the preparatory stage in the open air, a stake should be iilaced to each plant, as if blown over and the stem injured the growth will be weakened. — E. H. BUSH VEGETABLE MARROWS. It is singular how slowly really good things spread amongst horticulturists, while worthless novel! iea are found all over the kingdom in a very short time after their introduction. This variety of Marrow is not new nor rare, but it is apparently very little known. During the past season I have received scores of inquiries as to where it can I e procured. I do not mean to say that it is better than other Vegetable Marrows, but I can safely assert that it possesses qualities that commend it for general use. In the first place, I have proved it to be the hardiest Marrow I \\a.\e grown. This spring we have put out plants of this variety, the custard, the long white, and the green strii^ed ; the nights were extremely cold and the days parchingly dry ; consequently Marrow's made slow- progress ; a good many, indeed, of the three just named died outright, and tlie rest looked more dead than alive until a sudden outburst of tropical weather infused fresh life into them; but durino- the whole time the Bush variety made steady pro- gress, and anyone, even at a distance, could tell by its dark green look that it had withstood the chilly blasts much the best; moreover, as soon as warm weather set in, we had plenty of Bush Marrows fit to cut, but it will be some time before fruits of the other varieties are tit for use. Thus much as to hardiness, and I find its ability to withstand heat and drought is just as freat. Last season when ;ve had a vegetable famine by reason of the protracted drought, Vegetable Marrows were the only things we could get at a price to suit all-comers, and the Bush variety was then brought prominently into notice through great quantities of it coming into market. It is grown here in the open fields without any ridges of manure or special prepara- tion, but simply jilanted between rows of early Peas about 4 feet apart each way. The Peas give shelter during the early stages of growth, and when cleared away the Marrows soon form larf e tufts of leaves resembling at a distance RhubaTb clumps. This variety does not send out runnirg shoots; on the contrary, the fruit is borne in clusters, lying in heaps around the stem on short stubby shoots. For anyone desirous of growing a full supply of a good hardy vegetable capable of withstanding the trying character of our fickle climate, I can safely recommend the Bush Marrow. For amateurs with limited convenience as regards glass structures, or for growers for market, it is of the utmost importance to have vegetables that can be grown fully exposed after the middle cf ilay ; this season, however, those who exposed ordinary Custard or long Vegetable Marrow be- fore the end of June found them to make but little progress. Marrows of any kind do not re- quire nearly so much manure as is generally sup. posed tjhey do ; they are, in fact, more fruitful on good kitchen garden soil than on a manure hear. They should be planted in good soil and mulched with half decayed manure, which keeps the roots cool and moist, and helps the swelling crop. Gomort. .1 f'Kn, J. Groo.1i. American Tomatoes.— lu tlie account of tlie Ameri- can Tomato trial published in The Garden- la.^t week quite ball tbe sorts were unknown to mc. .'ionic of these at least must be good, judging by the results of the trial. Would it not be worth while for some of our seedsmen to introduce some of the best sort.s there named ?— G. 84 THE GARDEN. [July 24, 1886. MARKET GARDEN NOTES. HyDRANOEA PANICrLATA CiRAN'DIFLORA. — One of the finest floral displays that I have ever seen was a large houseful of this Hydrangea in fine bloom last May. The plants were in li-inch pots about IS inches high, were furnished with well developed foliage to the rim of the pots, and canying from two to four large heads of pure white blooms. As regards perfection of growth, each plant was the counterpart of its neighbour, and the effect of this mass of white blossom was almost indescribable. This Hydrangea is propagated from cuttings of the partly ripened wood, taken off in August, and inserted a dozen together in G-inch pots in sandy soil, placing them in frames or in a cool house, giving a good bib of air in the morning when mild, and at night in very hot still weather. In this way ninety per cent, of the cuttings strilce, and being wintered quite cool they are potted oil' the following year and grown along in the open air, becoming well established by the autumn in 4i-inch pots. Early in the year they are pruned in rather hard, and when they come into growth are shifted. During the early months of the year a temperature sufticiently high to keep them moving is maintained, and when the days increase in length they get from 6o° to 70° by day, according to the weather. At this time and especially when 'developing their flower trusses, they re- quire abundance of water, and from the time the roots touch the sides of the pots they get constant supplies of weak liquid manure. Without this constant feeding such a vigorous habited plant as this Hydrangea could not be grown to such large dimensions in small pots. Managed in this way, plants are in fine bloom ready for market by the end of May. As the flowers of this Hydrangea are very persistent, it is not so necessary to keep up a succession of bloom by the introduction of fresh batches of plants into heat, as is the case with many other flowering plants. If a portion of the plants are removed to a cooler house as soon as the flowers begin to expand, and especially if they are shaded from hot sun, the season of blooming may in this way be extended over a period of two months or more. Another mode of propagation is to take the tips of the growing shoots made in warmth in spring. In a good bottom-heat these will make roots in the course of a month, and if they are potted off and grown along in a genial tempera- ture till June, hardening off gradually and getting them into the open air about the middle of that month, they will make nice plants by the end of the season. Good loam, with a liberal ad- mixture of rotten manure, is the most suitable compost, which should be pressed in firmly. New yellow Carnation. — I lately saw in a large London market garden a yellow Carnation, which has undoubtedly a great future as a market kind. I cannot give its name, as this is kept secret ; but I know that f.'iO was given for half the stock, which is a sufficient proof of its supe- riority. The habit is good, the flowers are large and of a bright clear yellow, and it is said to bloom more freely and continuously than any other yellow Carnation now in cultivation. The grower alluded to is increasing it for the express purpose of growing it in pots for cut bloom for Covent Garden in winter. Up to the present time no yellow Carnation has quite fulfilled the requirements of market growers, but this one is said to do so, and to be the very thing so much wanted. Carrots. — These, the dry weather notwith- standing, look uncommonly well. In most of the large breadths of Long Surrey Carrots grown in the neighbourhood of Weybridge and Byfleet, in Surrey, the plants are set out, and one may go over many acres of them without finding a tliin place. During the last few days there has been a welcome change in tlie weather, and refreshing rains have exercised their usual effect, and the long rows of tender green leafage have a pleasant appearance and indicate, by their perfect ver- dure, a crop of good roots. Nothing is more wished for by the grower of Carrots for market at this time of year than good rains, as these give the young roots a start which in a short time places them beyond the reach of the grub, which is their arch enemy. If the weather is -very dry during July the roots remain so small, that a single grub will destroy a dozen or more of them tlie course of a week. Although the Carrot grub has always been known, its ravages have increased wonderfully during the last few years, and it is now by no means uncommon to see a field in which two-thirds of the crop are destroyed. This is, of course, a great loss, as the hoeing and thin- ning out of Carrots is a costly affair, involving an expenditure of £2 per acre. There is no remedy known to growers at present but hand-picking, which is, of course, a tedious process, and is performed by taking the rows through, pass- ing the finger round the crown of each plant just underneath the soil, as it is just at the union of the leaves with the bulb that the grub makes its attack ; did it work from the point of the roots upwards, there would be no means of grappling with it. At one time Carrots were " cut out" to nearly 6 inches apart : now they are left very much thicker, so as to allow for loses ; and some growers endeavour to make sure by not thinning out at all, merely going along and pulling the weeds out of the rows after they have been "flat hoed." The roots do not, of course, come so large as when each plant gets more space ; but better a crop of small roots than none at all. Moreover, big, long Carrots do not take the fancy so much as formerly in the London markets. A few years a^o it was useless to take anything but long, straight, bright-coloured roots into London ; now consumers have found that the eye may be gratified at the expense of the taste, smaller kinds, such as the Intermediate, being of laetter quality. Peas. — Pea culture this year is not likely to have proved satisfactory to market growers. The inclement winter was against the early sowings, the majority of which were complete failures, owing to the melting snow, which kept the soil in a sodden condition during the first two months of the year. When Peas are once through the soil they are able to take care of themselves; it is just when they are swelling that they are in danger, a period of cold , very damp weather at that critical time being fatal. The unusually unfavourable weather had the effect of throwing the season back quite three weeks, and it is probable that for many years London has not been so badly sup- plied witli Peas from the middle of May till the end of June as this year. Those who happened to sow later were this year better off, and there were plenty of buyers for moderately well- cropped breadths at £7 per acre. The Peas which supply the London market are partly grown by market growers and partly by agri- culturists, wlio do not market them, but sell to the middlemen, who furnish the pickers or " podders," as they are called. As times go, the price above named maybe considered to be good, as the vendor has the haulm left, which makes good feed in winter for the cattle. A Pea crop at from £0 to £8 per acre will certainly pay better than any Corn crop that can be grown at the present time, although it should be borne in mind that Peas are an uncertain crop. Still, if a Pea crop fails there is always time to get in some Turnips or Swedes, so that the season need not be lost. The hot, dry weather of late has been against late Peas, which are likely to be scarce. During the last year or two a considerable quantity of late Peas has come into London from the northern counties, principally from Yorkshire. Last year on one day 500 bushels came into Covent Garden from there. It is useless sowing late Peas on any other than good holding ground ; in light soils they go off' before they can turn in. J. C. B. Paris Daisies.— I grew this spring plants of Etoile dOr in 4-inch pnts is inches through, and they carried con- tinur.usly fur tln-ce months from two to three dozen good blooms, and from a plant in a 6-inch pot I should think that I cut during winter and spring nearly 500 good blooms. I may add too that the colour of this variety much depends on the culture and feeding which it gets. Starved plants give pale atr.aw-coloured blossoms, but in the case of liberally grown specimens they become almost golden. — J. C. B. Books. HOW I MANAGED MY ESTATE.* Thi.s is a more than ordinarily useful little book, and one which deals with many things likely to interest our readers ; the author seems to understand what he is writing about, and the only fault that we can find with the book is, that there is not nearly enough of it. Not- withstanding the use of what printers call " bumping out " and of large type, it is only a small book, consisting of little more than a hundred pages, in which many subjects that would prove useful to country people are left untouched. The author seems to have done very well with his estate after improving it for some years ; but this, in times when estates generally are going down in value, is doubt- less a matter of luck. He was fortunate in getting a good price for his timber and in making things pay. We quote the chapter on timber as a sample of his work. There are three principal points to be regarded in the management of the large timber of an estate — ornament, profit, and the way in which it aflects the profit of underwoods ; and as my timber was thick where it should have been thin, and thin where it should have been thick, I was compelled to consider these points well. The planting of thin wood for timber is involved in planting up the underwoods ; the healthiest young trees being left, when the first crop of underwood is cut, at intervals of from 20 feet to 25 feet apart. The relative values of tiinber and underwood differ greatly in different parts of the country. In Hop-growing counties like Sussex the underwoods are of more consequence than the timber ; and, therefore, as a rule, the Sussex woods do not bear much more timber than is necessary to make them look like woods. Nothing could look more rich and beautiful than my woods, yet the large timber averaged only about £24 an acre. An acre of land, however, under the best circumstances of soil and aspect, and if planted all at once and kept duly thinned, ought to carry eighty Oak trees, worth £10 each, at the end of about fifty or sixty years ; that is to say, the crop would be worth £800. Such crops have been in England ; but they will probably never be again, for no one in his senses would dream, in a state of political instability like ours, of planting any of lis land in this way. Oak timber is, indeed, quickly disappearing, and fast- growing " soft wood " taking its place. An Oak tree which at fifty years might be worth £10 is probably not worth above a shilling at twenty; but Fir poles are useful at all stages of their growth. People in general do not know how quickly the destruction of Oak is going on, for th-; reasons I have just noted ; theie is little difference in extfrnal appear- ance bftween an Oak wood worth £2 1 an acre and one worth £800. Sussex Oak rarely grows large, but in quality it is the finest in England. I have seldom seen a Sussex Oak ^o large as one which grew on m}' ground. It was 13 feet round; but this would not be a great size in some parts of the countiy. Not only is Sussex Oak exceedingly soimd and hard, but it is fast-growing during the comparatively brief peiiod it takes to ripen in this county. I felled one Oak which was more than 7 feet round at 5 feet from the earth, and there were only thirty-five rings of annual growth in it; two or three of these lings indicating a growth of more than 2 inches in the diameter of the tree in one year. In some years the growth of timber, as tested thus by the tings, is three or four times as great as it is in others. Very interesting statistics, concerning the growth of timber and its relation to weather and soil and other condition", might be arrived at by the simple method of collecting and polishing discs out of the trunks of various trees, dating the rings and com- paring thair breadth with the meteorological records of each year. For aught that I know, this may " London; George Bell & Sons, Y-.rk Street, Covent Garden. Jdlt 2 1, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 8 5 have been done in GernianV) where woodcraft is a science ; but I liave never heard of its having been even suggested. The action of Ivy in diminishing the size of timber is very great. A lieavily Ivy-bound Oak loses about one-third of its natural power of e.xpansion. Few woodreevcs attend to this. I did so myself, going through the woods with a bill-hook and chopping through the Ivy-stems carefully, so that the bark of the tree should not suffer, as I found it often did when I left this work to others. Another work I found it expedient to take into my own hands was the measuring of the timber. The usual way, I found, was for the woodreeve or bailiff and the timber merchant to go over the timber together, the merchant measuring the "girth" with his own string, and the bailiff taking note of the size and markiEg the trees. In selling some timber, I myself accompanied ihe party, and observed that there were several disadvantages in this plan. The merchant's measuring string was an old and very much frayed cord, which would stretch 2 inches or S inches in as many feet if tightened strongly ; as I fancied that it was when applied to the tree, but not when applied to the measuring r d or line. Again, there was generally a dispute about the ipiantity of timber in the 'head" of the tree— that is to say, above the point at which the "girth" of the trunk i^ seriously diminished by the departure of the first Large branch. This part of the tree, which often contains a considerable proportion of the whole contents, is always meas\ired by sight ; and the eyes of the merchant generally saw less thnber than those of the baililf did. So I resolved to dispense, in measuring and setting value on the timber, alike with bailiff an.l merchant. I went through the woods with someone to hold my measuring rod — a lath of 1 S feet or in feet long, used to ascertain the height of tl]e main trunk when it is above reach — and the little .sliding-rule whicli gives the cubic con- tents of the tree from the measure of tlie circum- ference; marked the trees, put the numbers and sizes in my note-book, set my own price upon them, and found that I had never any difficulty in getting it. Not only did I thus sell the timber at my own measurement, but I found that, somehow or other, timber-buyers would always give me some twenty- five per cent, more than they gave to big proprietors in the neighbourhood, who left the transaction wholly in the hands of their reeves. I never had any per- sonal haggling or any other direct communication with buyers. I gave my bailiff njy notes of measure- ment and price, and the mercliant took or i-efused the offer as pleased him best. The price ..f standing Oak at the time I am writing of was about 3s. tid. a foot, but I believe that it is less now; not, probably, through any legitimate fall in its value, but througli a better understanding — such as now prevails among butchers— between the purchasers of timber. A ripe Sussex Oak seldom exceeds in its contents a "load " of 50 cubic feet. By the time it has reached that size, in my part of tlie county at least, of which the substratum is the " Hastings sandstone," its roots are conmionly checked and probibly more or less poisc.ned by the "iron pan," wbich usually intervenes between the soil and the rock. An intelligent and somewhat practised eye is required to decide upon the fitness of an Oak for felling. A tree with only 10 feet of timber in it may have quite done growing, while another of five times the contents may be putting on a great bulk of wood every season. A " ripe " tree has always a " stodgy " appearance, especially about the topmost branches, among which small leaHess twigs will begin to show themselves. If the work of selecting trees for felling bs left to sub- ordinates, the biggest, not th"? ripest, trees will gene- rally be chosen. "But this involves very Eeriousloss ; for the larger a tree is the more wot>d it will put oii every year, if it is still " growing ; " and, since an Oak IS usually not timber at all uutil it is twenty-five or thirty years old, every additional year's growth, up to fifty to sixty years of its age, ought to be reckoned as containing two years of its entire increase. Another point requiring the eye of the master is tlie thinning of trees when thev stand too close together for free growth. I found this a serious problem sometimes. There were belts of Scoth Firs, Spruce and Inarch extending for about half a mile on either side of the high road. They had been planted about fifty years before I came into possession, and had never been properly thinned. Th'-y had there- fore run up to a great htiglit, but three out of four of them were fit only for scaffolJ-poles. The stronger trees would have still grown into good bulk had it been safe to thin them ; but I found it best to leave them alime, for I had quite ruined a two-acre planta- tion of similar trees by the attempt. The mass of tall thin trees was able to resist the south-westerly storms only so long as it stood against them altogether. As soon as I had removed a few of the trees from one comer, the wind got in amongst the rest ; and the whiile plantation had to be felled, much to the dis- figurement of that part of the estate and of the view from the house. There are comparatively very few well-timbered woods in .Sussex. 1 hey are commonly either griev- ously under-timbered or as grievously over-timbered. ( ine healthy tree, fifty or sixty years old, standing with a dear space of 'J.'i feet about it, will probably be worth ten times as much as ten trees growing together upon an equal area. When a public road runs through an estate, it is a considerable point of economy as well as beauty that belts of timber shou'd run alongside of it. The trees throw their roots to the centre of the road, and utilise the ground as iffectually as if it formed part of the estate. A mile of road means probably five acres of land, and these may be considered as being practically added to the pro- perty by timber so planted. I acted upon this con- sideration in my planting operations. A stream, like a road, may be made very producti\e in timber. The white Fojilar fells at a high jirice, and grows at a wonderful r.ate in good soil and near a .stream in a sheltered position. I sold one only thirty-five years old for £10, but I did not plant any, becau.se they spoil the look of the adjacent timber, soon over- topping and dwarfing all other trees with their great sparse-leaved grey heads. Grubbing timber is a matter of considerable im- portance in the management of a heavily wooded estate — especially at this time, when everything tends to render the retention of woods immediatelv un proBtable, and we see grubbing operations going on every w here on a large scale. 'I'he process will not improbably, and at no dist.rnt period, end in practi- cally denuding Kogland of its woods, and in changing its climate very much for the worse, as has already happened in large tracts of Spain and other countries — tracts which have been converted into deserts by the lo.=s of the moisture-absorbing and moisture- supplyicg power of forests. This fat.al wood-destroying process received a strong impulse from the strange and most ignorant legisla- tion in the matter of woodlands some dozen years ago. I remember well the character of the debate, though I do not remember the year of it. It ended in rating woodlands — which, for good reasons, had not been rated before — at the agricultural \alue of the cir- cumjacent land which was under culture. Had a single sensible woodreeve been among the members, he could have turned the debate. He could have told the House that many thousands of acres of woodlands do not pay one penny to the proprietors, being in such low condition that they do not return the expense of hedging and ditching. " Why," the inveterate Cockney would have asked, "not put them in better condition ' " Because it involves a large outlay, for which not a farthing can be expected to come back for at least twenty -five years, at the end of which no one knows what will have become of the land. " Why," responds the Land Reformer, "not grub your unprofitable woods and put them under the plough ? " Because, answers the wood- man, to do so would cost, in many cases, the fee- simple of the lard, of which in many parts of Sussex the agricultural value is not i'lO ; and, furthermore, because a large proportifm of woodlands is upon hill-sides and rough ravines, old quarries or gullies, or other uneven places, where nothing else would grow. But there was no woodreeve in the House of Com- mons, and so the English woods were voted to de- struction. Ferns. TASSKLLEl) AND CHESTED FF.RNS. I AM somewhat at a lots how to account for the abnormal forms among our native Ferns — forms which we do not find among exotic spenies. What, therefore, causes Ferns that grow in British soil and in a British atmosphere to sport in the remarkable manner in which they have done with us durin<^ the last fifty or sixty years ? These are questions diffi- cult to answer in a satisfactory manner. I have heard it asserted that we at home are not in a posi- tion to say, with any degree of accuracy, that foreign Ferns do not sport into the crested and tasselled forms to as large an extent as our indigenous species do, bee tuse their habitats have not hitherto been so thoroughly explored by collectors as tlioss of our native Ferns, a statement in which there is certainly some truth ; but it h not sufficiently convincing to satisfy me, for, having had fret^uent opportunities vi examining large herbaria, I cannot bring myself to believe that exotic Ferns (although subjejt to great variations) are liable to become altered in form to the same extent as our native kinds are, or we certainly should have received some of them from our numerous plant collectors long ere this. This fact was deeply impressed upon my mind a few years back during a walk over hill and dale between Halifax and Todmorden, especially in the' neighbourhood of Luddenden Foot ; there I saw Ferns growing everywhere, particularly Athyrium Filix-fa'mina, but although nny amount of varieties were to be found, it was quite an exception to see the recognised normal state of the plant; there were forked fronds, tasselled fronds, depauperated fronds, miniature fronds, and gigantic fronds ; it, therefore, occurred to me that if exotic Ferns varied to this txtent we must have received abnormal forms from our collectors, who are ever on the outlook for new plants of commercial value. Some assert that we are indebted to the Fern cnltivatur for the numerous varieties of British Ferns which we possess, and to some extent this is true ; but yet some of the most beautiful and distinct of our crested and tasselled Ferns have been originally found in a wild state, the same form, in some instances, occurring in widely separated localities. I have previously stated that X am inclined to believe that the majoiity of these forms have sprung up during the i)resent century ; and one of my reasons for this belief rests on the fact that old Briti-h botanists are silent upon the subject. Had such varieties been known to them, some records of them would have been left behind. True, some few varieties of British Ferns are noticed ; but that only serves to strengthen my t^uppo?ition in regard to the non-existence of the great number of varieties which now serve to beautify and adorn our rocks and glens, and which, when tastefully arranged, produce such a charming effect in our rock gardens during the summer months. Another re- markable fact, and one which goes far to support a notion which I entertain that changes in form, such as have been recorded, are brought about through some peculiarities existing in the atmosphere f this sort bodily out of the ground. On the olhtr hand, in such places as this, where a public right t f road exists, it i-i well that a little thought as to general convenier.Ci should be given. Thereat object of thebiirierat all in such instances is cf course t' e prevention of trespass by cittle. When the path is completely feiiCed in for the whole distance the form of stile is not so great a consideration, but wheu the interior of the wood or plantation is entirely unprotected, it becomes imperative that the barriers at each end should be capable of without any doubt answering their purpose. In the first case, what is known as the " Yeirkshire " stile, formed of two almost vertical, but slightly curved, posts, will answer as well as anything, but iu the case of the open interior, a thoroughly substantial barrier can only be made of strong vertical posts and hoiizontal rails. The less sawn wood there is used in erecting stiles the better. To have sawn posts is quite unnecessary. Sawn under rails may be used, but I prefer a round or a half round rail for the top — if the latter, with the rounef side uppermost. Any knots or excrescences should, of course, be removed, anil the surfaca made as smooth as pos-ible. Stiles made in this way often last for very many years, and when it is necessary to replace a rail it can be done wiih little difficulty. Gates rec(uire to have more labour expended upon them, and when made entirely of horizontal rails all the wood must be sawn. When vertical pales are added — and it is necessary they should be for planta- tion gates — it is optional whether the framework only be sawn or the pales as well. In any case the frame- work must be. With respect to the vertical pales, these m ly either be sawn out about an inch in thickness, or they may l:ie made of half-round sections of Larch p lies. For plantations this does very well — in fact, lj--ing so finished, with the rough bark upon the poles, is often preferable to sawn and painted work. The size and, to some extent, the form of gate must be egulated according to what it is wanted for. For a mere bridle path, a gate wide enough to comfortably allow a horse and horseman to pass through will be quite enough. Where carts and wagons have to enter, of course a much wider gate will be wanted. If the traffic i? at all considerable, it is very often better to have a pair of gates instead of a single long one. Asa rule, any entrance over 10 feet should be supplied with double gates, as the strain upon a single post and a single set of ironwork becomes too much. A short stump post in the centre of the gateway is the GAME COVERT IN IRELAND. Ix Mr. B. Hartland's pamphlet on reafforesting Ireland he gives some pertinent remarks on the game coverts. He says: "Beyond doubt our country, if planted, would form the most valuable coverts for game in the kingdom. In passing from Killarney to Kenmare before daybreak, over the mountains near the Upper Lake, I saw in the early dawn large numbers of deer ; they were in front, crossing, and at both sides, bounding to the woods. On Mr. Buckley's splendid preserves I have seen whole herds ranging the lofty moun- tains, pheasants abounding in the lowlands, and crossing your path at every turn, while hid among the covert, with abundance of running streams, the cocks ilock in surprising numbers, ranking the Galtee Castle preserves among the finest and most valuable in this country. Again, Sir Henry Beecher's famous duck preserves, with flocks wdiich positively darken the sky when hovering round, are another illustration how waste moor lakes can be converted into grand preserves by planting. " It is only necessary to name the splendid cock woods at Muckross (Killarney), Glenbower (near Voughal), Castle Cooke (near Kilworth), as they are each famous for the numbers of birds that are annually shot, and are commercially of great value. Unquestionably our bill-sides and shel- tered glens, abounding in running streams, if planted, would in a few years give shelter to the immense flocks of cocks which every winter pass over our island to the French and German woods, and alighting here would afford the most magni- ficent shooting, and prove a source of very large revenue to the owners. I speak from experience, having many a time at dusk, or at night, watched great flights of these birds, jiositively countless in number, passing low and noiselessly away to the south, and doubtless the waste and barren state of our country drove them to better sheltered lands. The reader will pardon my laying so much stress on this subject, but I believe it to be one of far ureater importance than is generally supposed. Our winter climate being so mild, and feeding grounds abounding everywhere, Irish cock pre- serves would soon rival our neighbours' grouse moors, and could bo annually let for very large sums. A few years ago I was asked to purchase a winter's shooting, and £30(1 was paid for a very indifferent one in Kerry, and for another small one near me the same party paid iVSO a year during three years, but here the woods, though not extensive, aftbrded excellent sport." THE SCOTCH PINE. My oiiiuion is that if the cold and wintry up- lands of the north are to be brought into culti- vation, it will be by the aid of this tree, either in heilges or strips, or in larger masses as nurses to other trees. In no soil does it refu.se to grow. Ill peat, sand, gravel, granite, and all thin soils it rises rapidly, and forms a strong rough fence in the course of six or seven years. In the neiglibourhood of Thetford and Newmarket, in Suffolk, where the soil is miserable, it is quite common as a liedge tree ; but in those places it is pruneil iu the same way as the White Thorn, which is certainly disadvantageous, it being well known that of all trees the Pine is the most im- patient of the knife. It is only where a better tree, as a fence, will not grow that I am led to recommenel the Scotch Pine, and this 1 do, as alreatly stated, because it is admirably adapted for ameliorating the climate in exposed situations previous to the introduction of others. My plan with this tree is as follows : The soil requires no preyiaration whatever. The plants to be used shouM be four years old, and they can be had of nurserymen for 4s. or 5?. per 1000. Those plants July 24, 188G.] THE GARDEN. 87 I insert in a straight line at 2 feet apart from eacli other, so tli.it when they get up, the stems niav form the chief part of the fence. Phmted at this distance, there will be very little room for branches between the trees in the lines, but Ihey will push out luxuriantl.v on each side and produce sufficient spray to keep the plants in a healthy state. The tips of the strongest side- brandies should be cut olf, se dispensed with, but in addition to keeping the timber olf the t ;o moist soil, it greatly facilitates subse(iuent removal to have them a few inches off the ground. The same fact would, of course, be true of other trees than the Oak. With regard to the Elm : although a tree which would not stand so long neglect as the Oak, there is a wide difl'erence in the length of time it will lie unsawn without being appreciably damaged. A very material thing in its favour in this respect is the season at which it is almost always felled. There are two advantages in this direc- tion. As the bark has no commercial value, there is no reason or necessity for waiting until the sap rises, therefore it is cut when there is little or no activity in the sap, and what is, perhaps, more important, the bark itself remains upon it and serves to protect the wood. It will have been observed by those who have given attention to the point, that mendiants ami others, who have to keep unsawn timber for any length of time, are always particular to preserve the bark entire as long as possible. It will in almost all cases become loosened alter the first season, but so long as it co^'crs the wood it saves it from the effects of sun and air. In this connection a word of caution may not be amiss, and that is that whenever possible. Elm timber should either be drawn to the }'ard, where it has to be sawn, when it is green and the bark firmly ailhcres to it, or if it is left until the bark has become loose, and a large proportion will be detached in transit, it should be sawn up immediately it is brought in. A couple of months' exposure in the yard, with the baik absent, would probably harm the wood a great deal more than a whole year with the bark upon it. There is not only this, but the condition with respect to age and soundness to be looked at, If a tree is in a vigorous state of health when felled, it may safely lie left a longer period before being sawn than when it has passed maturity and has begun to show signs of incipient decay. I am not sure that this rule would hold good with very young trees, but &\ai with them I would prefi-r to run the risk, to having to do so with very old timber. The Ash in many respects is a difleient tree, as although it very soon damages under unfavouralile conditions, and becomes .split and torn with the weather, it will renia'n unsawn a very consider- able time without actually going to decay. As with the Elm, it of course makes a very appre- ciable difference whether the tree is in health or is on the road to decay. In the latter case a little lying about is the last blow to its useful- ness. I have advised, where the situation is dry enough, the leaving of Oak in coppice or covert, and I think the same treatment would ajiply to the Ash. A very great protection to it is its liark, which the Oak ordinarily does not possess ; but screening it from the direct effects of sun and air by means of foliage is an additional advantage. Where this is not po-sible, in open yards for instance, I have often seen the practice of white- washing the butts adopted. Tliis may do if we lack anything lietter, but on estates it will be seldom necessary to resort to this. If the trees cannot be kept in the covert, there is generally an abundance of branches and other green stuff which may be thrown upon the trees during especially trying weather. Such a plan as this could not of course be very largely adopted, but occasionally a single day's work for a wooclniaii may be the means of saving ten times its cost. The Beech is a capricious wood to deal with as regards keeping in the round state for any great length of time. If necessity compels it, however, it should, if possible, be kept either wet or dry, that is to say, not in a moist position or where it will be alternately wet and dry. I do not in this sense speak of the alternate wetness ami dryness caused by rain, which of course cannot be prevented out of doors, but of its lying in low, moist spots where water may sometimes collect, and at others be absent. Kept eiitirelj' under water Beech «'ouhl probably last for an indefinite length of time, but this plan would be impracticable beyond here and there a log. I remember the case of some Beech trees a few years ago which w-ere left for perhaps a couple of seasons in a small watercourse. One section of them was completely buried in the grit and soil of wliich the bottom of it was composed, whilst the upper section was alternately wet and dry, as it was only after rains and in the wet season that there was any water in the ditch. The result was that the sections which had been buried and were kept from the action of the air were tolerably sound, whilst the upper parts of the trunks were entirely decayed. The Sycamore belongs to still another class, viz., one where the colour of the wood being preserved is a great consideration, and if this is lost the value of the timber, if otherwise sound, falls very materially. This being so, it is well to make fairly sure of a market before the felling is etl'ected. It has been said by some one that from the way Sycamore often lies about, it would ap- pear that it cannot take much damage in this way. From tliis I differ, and I have no doubt that on ottering it fcr sale the vendor would readily enough discover the fact that Sycamore which has laid about long will most probalily have lost almost a half of its value. The use the Lime is generally put to does not make it quite so important that the colour be preserved ; still, for the most choice uses, if it is discoloured and otherwise damaged, it cannot be expected that so much will be realised for it. The Plane falls into something the same group, but commercially this and the Lime are not so important as the Sycamore, as the character of the woods make them unsuited to many of the purposes for which Sycamore is used. Another impor'aut group, 88 THE GARDEN. the keejiitig qualities of which have to be con- sidered, is tliat which comprises the Larch, Scotcli, and Spruce, the ty])e of Conifers whicli in this country have a timber value. So much lias been said and written about them — too much, probably, in comparison to the attention given to our common British woods — tliat it will not be necessary to dwell at length upon them, but the question of preserving the trees in the round, between the time they are felled and when they are sawn out, is worth attention. The Larch as a timber tree undoubtedly comes first, and no doubt the amount of exposure it would bear before it becomes damaged is greater than either of the other two ; but it is a mistake to assume, merely because Larch timber has been known to last a long time, that it has a complete immunity from the action of the weather. The reverse is true, especially with young poles, and if they are left as they tall fora season or two in many cases they will be spoiled. I have had plenty of such cases come uiider my notice. Larger trees, where the wood has matured, a\ ill generally stand a longer delay in cutting up. Between the Scotch and the Spruce in the matter of damage by lying about, I should not like to draw too marked a line, as I believe the differ- ence in positions wdiich they may respcclively occupy, their age, and the soil upon which they were grown, would be quite enough to make any remarks which may be made upon them inter- changeable, or, in other words, that sometimes the Scotch would decay before the Sjiruce, and vice rersci. In this glance at the keeping quali- ties of woods, I suppose it would be unfair to pass the Acacia entirely unnoticed, as though so comparatively rare, tliere can be no gainsaying the fact that it lasts for very long periods under very trying conditions. Besides all that has been written about it, I have had enough personal ex- perience of the wood to know that it mei'its a great deal of what has been said about it in respect of its durability. A totally different class of woods are the Poplars and AVillows, and although they are looked upon as very second-rate kinds of timber, the length of time they will sometimes keep sound after being felled is rather surprising. I do not mean to imply by this that they may safely be left for an unreasonable time lying about haphazard ; but I have met with trees of Poplar and Willow which have lain for years ap- parently without serious injury. The Birch and the Alder do not generally attain a very large timber size, but generally go off as poles. " Their character is somewhat analagous to tlie Poplars and Willows, and in respect to the time they will remain uninjured are practically the same. "Such woods as Walnut, Apple, Pear, and Cherry vary considerably, but each of them will stand a fair amount of keeping, the Walnut probably the UKjst, as the sap-wood, being of comparatively little worth on account of its lack of colour, may decay, but the heart-wood will be intact. If possible, however, the bark should be kept on to jjrevent its siditting. T). J. V. Warm coverts.— I am afraid that the stumbling- block of many keepers, and not a few woodmen, in tlie matter of providing shelter for game, especially pheasants, the most expensive to rear, is the want of a little knowledge of the natural history of the sub- jects they have to provide for. I believe that on gentlemen's estates where pheasant rearing is carried on extensively, the success attained varies very greatly, all things being equal, except covert, and perhaps Eoil and situation. There is not much difficulty in keeping plieasants and other game in any wood in the summer time, but when the deciduous trees shed their leaves the game will not stay in it of their own accord, unless it has plenty of evergreen shelter in he shape of Spruce, Holly, Yew, and other ever- [Jui.Y 24, 1886. green trees, nor will they remain long in a wood lying in a northern aspect. At this season of the year it is warmth the birds are in search of, and where they find that they will find also most natural food. In planting for covert, therefore, Evergreens should always form a large portion of the wood, and it should be well distributed throughout its extent, and occupy the warmest spots as well as shelter the cold ones. The birds come to the sunny margins of the coverts at this season to bask in the sun when there is any, and to seek warmth, and whole coveys may often be found at such places when few are seen anywhere else in cold weather. — Y. WOOD FOR RUSTIC WORK. There is a considerable amount of wood u.sed in rustic garden structures, such as summer-houses, out-door seats, trellises, porches, arbours, and the fVs a general rule, the less labour bestowed like. in preparing the wood the more satisfactory will lie the result. The work of the axe and the saw should be as little seen as possible. It is, how- ever by no means uncommon to see wood which, although used in its natural state, is entirely out of harmony with Nature through being used in tlie wrong way. The great principle to be observed is to so use it that the object for which it is em- ployed be at once apparent, and the work itself useful and in harmony with what may be seen in Nature. Some people have a great notion as to the ornamental properties of old tree stumps or roots. In some cases they are quite admissible, and even desirable, but a great deal lies in the way they are used. I have occasionally noticed the roots of old trees turned entirely upside down on the borders of lawns, the surface where the tree was sawn away being in contact with the ground. The idea is utterly absurd, as such a thing would never occur in a natural forest. If, bowe\-er, this same tree-root had been laid upon its side in the way in which it would remain if blown down in a gale, and the sawn surface buried in a bank or otherwise so concealed that the fact of its being severed from the trunk could not be seen, the impression, instead of being that of something incongruous, w-ould be that the root was lying where it bad fallen. The proi)agation of suitalile plants in the soil between the roots could just as easilj' be carried out in this position as the other. I only mention this as an illustra- tion. The same thing can be seen over and over again with other objects ■v\'hich, though proper in themselves, become ineffective and an eyesore through the want of a little thought in their arrangement. It is not, of course, possilile to place everything in the position in wdiich it grew, but when it is not it is better to make no attemjit to do so: a bad imitation is always a palpable failure. In some cases it is best to leave the bark on the wood ; in others it is better removed. The objections to the use of the wood with the bark upon it are that the bark has a tendency to har- bour the damp, and consequently hasten the decay of the wood, and it also pi'o\ides an asylum for vermin. On the other hand, wdien the bark is left intact it certainly has a more natural appearance. The smaller branches of the Oak is material which has always been much used for garden purposes, and from this the bark is in most cases removed for the sake of the product itself. It is probaMy better for the wood that it should be when it is formed into garden structures. The amount of heart-wood is relatively so small, that there is little but the sap-wood to be depended upon. Were the space, therefore, between the bark and the wood constantly full of moisture, the whole would soon become so rotted away as to be useless. It is for garden-seats and rough trellises that this Oak wood is mostly used, and the contorted way in \x hich it grows adds to its value in this respect. The Yew is a capital wood for posts for garden struc- tures, as it is durable and has a good appearance. For corner-posts of arbours or summer-houses there is scarcely anything better. It is not always, howe\'er, that it is to hand when wanted; when it cannot be obtained, the Scotch Fir is not a bad substitute. Both Scotch and Larch wood comes in well for trellises and screens, and when the work lias to be finished in straight lines it has the advantage of growing in a more convenient form for using than the Oak. When it is intended to cover the erections with Ivy or any other kind of climbing plant, rougher or less durable material ma_y some- times be pressed into service. I do not much like the idea of Elm and Ash for such work, but some- times small Ash poles may be used. In thinning in shrubberies or ornamental ground such woods as the Laburnum and many others of a similar class have to be cut away. Discretion, of course, must b^ exercised in these cases as to what may or may not be ]>roperly used. In some cases Maple, and even Elder, may be made to answer where it is difficult to obtain better. Woods such as the Beech, which damp will rapidly decay, it would be more profitable to leave to their more legiti- mate use. I>. REMARKABLE GROWTH OF SPRUCES. TiiKRE is an interesting account of the growth of some remarkable trees in Dallally Den by "J. F." (p. 570, June HI). He also Mi-ites about a peculiar growth of a Siiruce, which had taken the form of an upright stem, as also throwing out fresh roots from the prostrate stem at 14 feet from the ground. In visiting woods in various parts of Scotland, I have observed many such trees in all stages of growth similar to the one "J. F." describes. The most remarkable tree I have seen is one growing on an old turf wall at Muirward Wood, Perth- ■shire. The original stem having been blown dow'n, the root remained intact, and maintained the growth and circulation of the sap, which continued with more or less acti^'ity, according to the quantity of roots left to support it. Those branches which were most upright then took the form of suckers, and some ultimately attained gigantic proportions : one or two even grew as large as the parent stem, while the remaining branches either became much spread and fiattened, or ultimately died down altogether. The probable explanation of this occurrence is this: when the original tree stem became embedded in the ground it gave rise to the formation of roots, which as they increased in development, ultimately supported the newly-formed stem, giving it a great stimulus, which would not be attained were the stem only depending upon the original roots. This newly- formed stem and its new roots became, therefore, independent of any assistance from the parent roots, and, were it considered necessary to cut away the original stem on each side of the young stem, the original tree would live on as formerly. Such trees as these are often to be found in the priiiKcval forests, and have led travellers and ex- plorers to greatly exaggerate the age of some of our remarkable Conifer*, which have been found, as they described, with a young tree growing over the prostrate stem of an old one; whereas, by careful observation it might have been found to be exactly the same as I have described. Again, I have observed in cases where trees have been torn up by storms in Scotland of late years, more especially in glens, dells, and hillsides, that where dehria and other rubbish has fallen on the steins, roots of considerable size liave been formed at all parts of the stem, which have led me to believe that roots could be produced on any part of stem or branch, provided they are brought in contact with soil favourable to their development. Along the coast side in Aberdeensliire, where some young plantations were formed some years ago, the Larch became partly covered by blown sand, on its removal, it was found that all the branches bad taken root. Here, in this moist and favourable climate, I find that the Larch, Spruce, Beech, and some other trees, which are covered round the stems by a rank growth of herbage, has in a great many instances developed roots from latent buds, which have taken root in the ground at various distances of from IS inches to ,":!0 inches on the stem, espe- cially in glens and .such like places. RoBEKT Ciu'PAR Forester). Axhford Caiith, Co. Oa/irai/. THE GARDEN. 89 No, 767, SA TURDA Y, July 31, 1886. Vol. XXX. "This 18 an Art Wliich does mend Nature : cliange it rather ; but Tub Art itself is Nature." — ShakesjKdic. THE FRUIT CROP. We are enabled, thanks to our correspondents, to publish this week returns concerning the state of the I'ruit crop from nearly every county in England. From these it will be seen that on the whole Apples are not so plentiful as early in the season they were expected to be. The blossom, though abundant, did not set well, and now the fruit keeps dropping very much. Apples are, therefore, a thin crop. Pears, though not over plentiful, are better, and promise to be good in quality. Plums in most districts are a heavy crop ; so heavy indeed in places, that the branches have to be propped up to keep them from breaking. 'Cherries, too, have been abundant, but small. Bush fruits, especially Gooseberries, have been good and plentitul. Concerning the Strawberry, to which special attention has been directed, much useful information, both as to varieties and culture, has been furni.shed. The best early kind, generally speaking, seems to be Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, and the best late sorts, O.xonian, Elton, and Frogmore Late Pine. As to culture, most of our correspondents agree that no plantation ought to be allowed to stand more than three years. After that the fruit begins to deteriorate, both in size and quality. The ground for the new plantation should be well manured and trenched, and planted either with plants that have been forced, or with prepared runners obtained from fruitful parents. Few new kinds seem to be grown, with the exception of Pauline, which is said to be ten days earlier than any other sort. The wood Strawberry, red and white, from thin soils on limestone rock is reported to be finer this year than usual, and to be liked as a breakfa,^t fruit, as are also the red and white alpines. The following, from Mr. Coleman on fruit prospects in Herefordshire, will, we are sure, be read with interest ; — In nine seasons out of ten fruit growers have occasion to lament the effect of a killing spring frost which decimates the crops, and not unfre- quently oxerlook the fact that there are other con- ditions equally fatal. This year we have not had a sharp blossom-destroying frost since the earliest Apricots commenced unfolding their flowers, and yet we learn from all parts of tlie country some fruits, notably Apples, are extremely partial. In this there is nothing veiy remarkable, as the past, which may well be termed tlie great aphis year, was perhaps as unfavourable to the formation and perfect maturation of the Hower buds as one can imagine. Apples in this part of a great Apple district were a heavy crop, and quite suthcient to prevent the trees from bearing two years in suc- cession, but this was not the only drawback ; a long drought set in, and insect pests literally destroyed the foliage. Rain at last came and many trees pushed a late growth which did not ripen. A long trying winter and a cold sunless spring fol- lowed ; the foliage shot ahead of the flowers, a sure sign that the latter were imperfectly formed and badly ripened, and the last feather was laid on by torrents of rain which turned our valleys into seas when the bulk of the trees were in full blossom. All the trees, fortunately, have not suffered, as we find some that were heavily mulched in gardens and others in well-managed orchards carrying fair crops of fruit. These, it is true, are very backward, are thinning themselves severely ; the hot dry month just terminated came upon them at a critical time, and it is now questionable 'f the finest autumn will carry choice sorts to maturity. The outci-y that we shall not have many Apples comes round as regularly as St. Swithin's Day, but with one solitary exception during a period extending over more than a quarter of a century our Herefordshire orchards have turned out better than the prophets pre- dicted. This year in some places will prove no exception to the rule, but the trees generally look starved, out of health, and the reverse of pro- mising. Our best fruited trees include Kes- wick Codlin, Lord Sutfield, Echlinvillc, Stirling Castle, Blenheim Orange, tiolden \Mnter Pear- main, the old Herefordshire Pearmain (two con- stant bearers), Claygate Pearmain, Sturmer Pippin, the (,luoinings, and an excellent culinary Apple raised at Eastnor called Moss's Seedling. Worcester Pearmain, Irish Peach, and Keriy Pippin also look fairly promising. Cox's and Ribston Pippins are a light crop. Pkaks, as a rule, look more healthy[than Apples, and all the trees which produced flowers are carrying fair average crops. A few have requh'ed thinning ; others which bore heavily last year are barren or, like the standards, too backward if they stand to be worth storing. Pitmaston Duchess, of which we have a number of trees on walls, Williams' Bon Chretien, Beurrc d'Amanlis, and Marie Louise are bearing good crops, and ha^•e made considerable progress since the hot days gave place to gentle showers. The following have required much thinning : Marie Louise d'lJccle, Beurre Clairgeau, Knight's Monarch, Josephine de Malines, Beurrc Ranee, the old Crassane, Belle de Noel, and Louise Bonne of Jersey. OrPLUMstheir name is legion.and, notwithstand- ing the fact that the trees last year were literally devoured by aphides, they are still perfectly clean, but decidedly late, (ireen Gages and the old (iolden lh'0[i seem to vie with each other in the crops they are carrying, and as nearly all the other varieties succeed where these do not fail, your readers may gather that Plums in the west mid- lands will be too plentiful for the grower if tliey ripen. In the Avon and Pershore districts the thousands of trees of Mctoria and the commoner Egg Plum are already weighed down with fruit. The thinning of such vast quantities is, of course, out of the question; consequently the quality, which must be poor, will be compensated for by quantity. Cherries in orchards and gardens set, or appa- rently set, an abundance of fruit, but, owing to the cold, wet state of the ground and the unfa- vourable weather which prevailed up to midsum mer, they have thinned a great deal, and those which have stood are small, deficient in pulp and juice, and sour or flavourless. Jlay Duke and Elton, two varieties which do so well here, are this year not more than half their usual size. Bigarreau Napoleon, one of our hardiest and best Cherries, although very late, is the only variety which promises to come up to the full standard ; whilst Black Eagle and some other less luscious kinds are positively neglected by birds. BrsH FRUITS of all kinds are clean, plentiful, and good ; indeed, much finer than usual. We deferred thinning the wood during the continuance of the tlry weather, and the warmth and shade favoured the swelling of the fruit. The w'ood of some of the trees will now be thinned to let in sun and air, but the bulk of our Currants being required late in the season, checks, followed by loss of sud- denly-exposed foliage, are avoided. R.\SFEERRIES at One time looked hard and unkind, and all the strength of the stools appeared to be running into young canes. The quarters in our own garden were well mulched and hosed quite up to the colouring, and fine fruit is now plentiful. Peaches and Nectarines on south and wfest walls set an enormous quantity of fruit, and, unlike other kinds, the latter, now thinned down to a Peach to every square yard of foliage, is swelling well. The trees have made excellent growth, are quite free from blister, and, with one solitary ex- ception, fly has not been found upon them. In this cold valley, not considered favourable to the culture of Peaches, I check my trees at the root every year early in October, and give the short- ened roots a small quantity of fresh loam cor- rected with lime rubble. Early in January they are loosened from the walls and nailed in, not tied, just before the blossoms open. I cannot very well enumerate any special varieties, all my trees having required thinning. I ought to say all my borders are heavily hosed as soon as the fruit is set; they are then di-essed with old lime rubble and mulched with fresh stable litter. Figs in this part of the country may be pro- nounced a failure. Well protected trees still hold a few fruits, but they do not look promising. Nits were at one time considered a failure, but the rains of the past week have brought forward a fair half crop of Cobs and Filberts, and I believe the common wood Nuts are equally plentiful. NOTES FROM FRANCE. SoREUs Do.^iiESTicA. — A Writer in the journal of tlie French NationalHorticultural Society directsattcn- tion to the numerous large-fruited varieties of this tree, the generality of which seem scarcely known to i>lanters. In some parts of France, notably in the neighbourhood of Bordeaux and Toulouse, the berries have a marketable value, and are sold from October till January, either half ripe or in that semi-decayed condition to which the Medlar comes before we consider it eatable. It is in the last- mentioned state that the berries are most often eaten. Two varieties, much superior to all others in cultivation, are strongly recommended, both on account of their ornamental appearance and the quality of their fruits, one of which is named after il. Dufresne, in whose estate at Bordeaux it has been discovered ; the other was also found growing spontaneously in woods belonging to M. Lafitte at Agen. The first has large pyriform fruits of a carmine-yellow, produced in large bunches, and excellent as soon as they com- mence to mellow; the other has very large berries, the colour of which is at first pale yellow, changing to bright rose when fully ripe, tirafts of these two kinds can be obtained on remitting the amount of postage to M. Glady, Pont du Cosse, prcs Agen. The Service is so distinct in growth as to be worthy of more attention than it now gets, its only defect being its slow growth ; but to those who can afford to wait the value of the wood makes up for the length of time necessary to bring it to maturity. It is much sought after, on account of its hardness, for the manufacture of cabinet-makers' tools and for other purposes. It commands even a higher price than Oak. The bark is in request for the transformation of wine into vinegar, and the berries have considerable medicinal qualities. DorBLE-FLOwERED CvcL.i.MENS. — It is not Un- common to see Cyclamens with supplementary petals, although I think that they are much more rarely to be found in the large-flowered strains than in the older ones, which were in general culti- vation a few years ago. I have at various times raised plants bearing flowers of this description, but I do not remember to have seen one like those recently figured in the Hii-ne HortkoUi. The illustration in question might easily bo taken as representing some double form of Narcissus, the ordinary petals being increased in number and more or less twisted, whilst the stamens are con- verted into petaloid segments, these being also much contorted. The flowers have, therefore, a confused appearance, but the manner in which the petals tw'ist imparts a quaint, informal, and altogether novel character to them. I am inclined to tliink that in time w'e shall obtain a race of double-flowered Cyclamens having considerable decorative value. In the case of the varieties raised by me the duplication consisted in the pro- duction of a double row of petals, one being rather smaller than the other. These double- flowered kinds were all w bites. I never observed any tendency to doubling in the coloured varieties, but M. Bruant, of Poitiers, with whom the 90 THE GARDEN. [July 31, 1886. double-flowered forms originated asserts that duplicature is not confined to the white Ivinds only. It is stated in reference to these double Cyclamens that they are most agreeably and strongly perfumed, the odour much resembling that of Orange flowers. B£(;uNi-\ Arthur Mallet. — This new hybrid Begonia, as represented by a coloured plate in the Rerii,/ Iloiikol', is a most attractive variety, unique in colour, and will undoubtedly become very popular. It has something of the habit of B. metallica, the leaves being of the same shape and apparently about the same size, but the colour is violet-rose with a strongly defined, almost black, venation. The coloration is not, however, uniform over the whole surface of the foliage, but shades off imperceptibly here and there into much lighter tints, which produce a most pleasing effect. The flowers are disposed in umbels, the buds being of a deep vinous red, the exterior of tlie petals being carmine-rose, whilst interiorly they are of a pale flesh colour, thus affording a charming con- trast of colour. This Begonia was obtained by M. Lionnet, gardener to M. Arthur Mallet, of Jouy-en-Josas, by crossing B. subpeltata with B. Eldorado. From the sa.me sowing another fine kind has been obtained, which has been named Noemi Mallet. E.-iRLY YELLOW \V.iLLFLo\v£R,s. — A Variety of Wallflower having pure yellow flowers is much grown by market gardeners in the neighbourhood of Montreuil, Bagnolet, and Romainville. It comes into bloom by the beginning of November, and in mild seasons continues to bloom on through the winter. I am not aware whether this Wall- flower is known in this country, but I should say not, as its culture appears in France to be con- fined to the districts mentioned. Its only defect would seem to be a tenderness of constitution, which places it at the mercy of hard winters, but it would probably answer the purpose of those who grow hardy flowers for market in this country, as when autumn frosts cut off' tender flowers there is often a dearth of bloom from November on- wards. A good breadth of \\'alI9owers well in bloom at that time woidd presumably find a ready sale in Covent Garden. Tricolor Beech. —Messrs. Transon, of Orleans, possess a Beech which came as a seedling in their nursery, and to which they have given the cum brous name of Fagus sylvatica latifolia purpurea tricolor. It is a variety of the common purple Beech, but the leaves are bordered with bright rose striped with white. It is said to ha\e a very ornamental appearance. J. C Bi/Jktt. NOTES OF_THE WEEK. Gunnera manicata. — A grand specimen of this noble plant is growing here, the largest leaves of wliich measure 7 ftet 3 inches across, on stallcs from 5 feet to 6 feet long. It is carrying immense spikes of fruit nearly i feft high. This is truly a noble plant fur a sub-tropical garden ; it is easily grown from seed or in- creased by division of the crowns, and it requires only a deep riob soil with plenty of moisture to grow in, and a little dried Bracken to protect the crowns in severe wintt-rs. — W. S.VNoriN. Nymphsea stellata variety. — Under this name there is now flowering among the tropical Water Lifies at Kew one of the most remarkable Nymph«as we have ever seen. The number of flowers one usually sees open at one time on a plant of Nymphn?a is from two to six, the latter number being considered exceptional, though sometimes found on N. zanzibarensis when well managed. Curiously enough, this free-flowered plant was sent to Kew as N. zanzibarensis. It has foliage as in N. stellata, the common blue Water Lilj', and the flowers rise in great numbers from the centre of the plant; they ha\e stalks 1 S inches long, and tlicy stand up erect a toot or more above the water. The calyx lobes are 1;J inches wide by 3 inches long, green above, green and pale blue below, and they recurve back to the stalk; the petals are 3 inches long and three- fourths of an inch wide, the tips cucuUate, and they number about twenty in each flower, their colour being a clear lavender-blue. Diameter of flower, C inches. The stamens form a corona 3 inches across, the filaments being bright yellow, as also are the stigma rays ; the anthers are pale blue. On Friday last there were no fewer than twenty-three flowers open on one plant of this kind, and it is rarely that less than eighteen flowers are found open upon it. Wliatever grounds there are for the opinion that this Nymphiea is botanically only a form of N. stellata, it must be evident from our description that it possesses cha- racters which horticuUurally place it far above any other blue Nympha?a, not even excepting N. zanzi- barensis, of wliich grand Nymph«a several plants are now in flon-er at Kew. We should like to see this free-flowtring Water Lily introduced into all gardens where an a juxrium for indoor plants e.vists. Amaryllis Akermanni.— Mr. Burbidge has sent us from the Trinity College Botanic Garden, Dublin, a fine four-flowered spike of this showy Amaryllis. It was cut from a plant in an open bor- der, near a hot-house wall with a southern aspect. In this place Mr. Burbidge says it is perfectly hardy, and has been undisturbed for the past ten years or mere. The flowers are large and funnel-shaped, and of an intensely deep scarlet- crimson colour, Such a brilliant flower must have a fine effect in the open border. Carnations without sticks.— Stress is laid in last week's Garden on the importance of raising a race of liiorder Carnations which shall support their flowers without the help of sticks. I send you two stems — cut to their extreme base to show their full length — of a Clove Carnation, of which I have now over 200 plants in full bloom, all the piroduce of two little bits sent me three years ago from a Worcester- shire cottage garden. This Carnation is large- flowered, good in coluur, most fragrant, and blooms abundantly until frojt sets in. But its mo-t delight- ful charactfristic is that it carries its flowers on short st'^nis as stiff as ir.m wire, which no combination of wind and rain ever beuds or breaks. The Grass is almost as glaucous as a Sea Thistle, and altogether I consider this Carnation one of my most valuable pos- sessions.—G. H. E.MiLEHEAET, Apphshair, Aiuloni: *\* With this, Mr. Engleheart sends flower-stems of a beauliful Carnalion, which may be called an im- proved Clove. The above note describes it so well, that there is no need for further comment. The value of a Carnation with stems rigid enough to hold themselves erect without support cannot be over- rated.— Ed. Trichinium Manglesi.— A more liberal treat- ment than was once considered essential to the welfare of this plant has resulted in the discovery that, under cultivation at all events, tliis native of the dry s.aDdy deserts of Australia delights in what market growers call fat treatment. We have it stated that in its native haunts this plant is leafless when in flower, but \\ith us it retains its leaves till the flowers have all faded. On asking what was the .secret of the man-igement of Trichinium as grown at Kew, we learned that it was siuii)Iy cow manure ! — the soil employed for it at Kew being loam two parts, cow manure one part, with a good sprinkling of sand. The plants are potted early in spring and placed in a sunny frame, where they get plenty of air on favour- able days and are freely watered. After the flowers wither, which usually takes place in October, the plants are shaken out (.if the old soil and repotted in a fresh mixture, and at the same time numbers of the thick roots are cut into lengths of about an inch and pricked into pans of very sandy soil ; from these a batch of young plants is obtained. That the treat- ment adopted for this plant at Kew is right is proved by results which may be seen in two large pans, each bearing about thirty fine flower-heads, and standing in the Cape house there. The Swamp Magnolia (M. glauca). — Among the smaller growing M.agnolias there are none to sur- pass this in beauty and fr.agrance of flower, and as it flowers at this season, it is the more valuable. The Sw.amp Magnolia, as this is called, frequently throws up several stems from the base, and forms a good- sized shruli, while at others it is of a low treelike habit. The leaves generally have a silvery untler- surface, Init in this latter respect individuals vary to a certain extent, os they also do in the ret'Mition of the foliage, some being almost evergreen, while others are quite deciduous. This latter character will, of course, also be influencetl by the situation in which they ai-e grown. The flowering season is spread over a considerable period, while the ivory-white ei-'loured lilossoms are deliciously fragrant, especially during sunshine. Another point worthy of note is the fact that, owing to the comparatively low stature of this M.agnolia (and even then it flowers freely in a, for it, small state), the blooms are brought more pointedly under notice than is the c.'ise with the large strong- growing kinds. The Laurel Magnolia, as it is c.dled, is a native of a considerable tract of country in the United States, preferring damp swampy spots, which circumstance should be borne in mind when planting it in this country, though here it does well in a cool, fairly moist part of the lawn, where the soil is certainly by no means swampy. Carnation shows. — We are reminded by the Rev. E. D. Horner that the annual show of the northern division of the National Carnation and Picotee Society will be held in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Manchester, on Saturday, Aug. 14. The schedule is much the s.xme as that of the smthern division, exc-'pt that the competitors in the classes are defined. Thus the first two classes are open to all, the next two " to growers of 500 pairs or less," and the last two classes are for six Carnations and six Picotees for growers of 250 pairs or less. This, we think, a good arrangement, as it places large and small growers on an equal fooling. We have also received from Mr. Dodwell a schedule of the exhibi- tion of the Carnation and Picotee Union, which is to be held in Mr. Dod well's garden at Stanley Road, Oxford, on Aug. 3. The competition will include all the sections of Carnations and Picotees, and good prizes are offered in the various classes. The Zenobias. — These belong to what are col- lectively called American plants, among which (here are few more beautiful or more elegant in growth. They are summer flowering deciduous shrubs, forming dense bushes with neat foliage, and bear a profusion of white Lily-of-the- Valley-like flowers. The bloom i are larger than those of most of the Audromedas, and very agreeably scented. A considerable amount of variation exists among different individuals of the Zenobia or Andromeda, as it is often called ; but by far the most dislinct is the variety pulverulenta (the Andromeda dealbata of Lindley), in which the foliage is covered with a beautiful silvery glaucous bloom, while the flowers are rather larger than the form generally met with. These Zenobias, like most of their class, do best in leaf soil and in rather a moist situation, for if too dry the fine hair-like roots soon suffer. The dense mass of delicate fibres common to most of this ( )rder allows the plants to be moved at almost any season without injury, if kept well watered after the operation, and consequently this Zenobia may be lifted in the spring, and when potted, it can be flowered under glass if needed. The variety pul- verulenta is the best for this purpose, as the foliage is quite as distinct as in the open ground, and its . peculiar hue renders it a very conspicuous feature. Mixed climber?. —How strikingly effective are some combinations of climbing plants, the shoots of which have been allowed to interoaix with those of other plants. Near here may be seen a magnificent mass of the golden-leaved Honeysuckle over which a jilaiit of C'lematis Jaekmanni has sjiread in all direc- tions. The masses of soft golden shoots set off the deep purple blossoms (tf the Clematis to excellent ad- vantage. We have also a wall covered with Irish Ivy, amongst which a white clustered Rose has been trained and then allowed to grow as it likes. A third example is a fence covered with such a wealth of white -Tessamine, that it loads the air with its fra- grance. At its base arc some self-sown Nasturtiums, which have spread out into a broad mass, and are now covered with gorgeous blossoms, while stray flowering shoots have run up the fence, and contrast strikingly with the white Jessamine. Endless other mixtures might be enumerated, all beautiful and well worth imitatiim. Who, for instance, with any appre- ciation i.'f the beautiful ci.iuld allow bare walls to July 31, Ism.] THE GARDEN. 91 L-xist when, by plantinij^ a few wull-eelecttd climbti-j, they could be renJereil sn much mure urnanieutal '. — J. G. H. Orchids. DECKPTIVE GROWTH IN ORCHIDS. No class of plants that reiinire to be grown under glass are so deservedly pojtular as Orchids, and it is more than liUely that the r.anks of their admirers will keep on increasing. Fi.r a long time .after the intro- duction of many of the representative species there were several reasons which caused m.iny whoadmiretl them to hesitate before undertaking their cultivation. The high price which nearly all the kinds that were worth growing cnmm.anded was in itself a serious matter ; .ind to this might be added the uncertaintv that existed as to their growing after large sums had been spent in procuring them. And though with many peojile there is a fascination attached to any- thing that is uncertain, still, when plants th.at had cost as many pounds as they now realise shillings, were found to liie out in quantity, as they usually did where the disease known as spot set in, it was no wonder that many of those who had essayed the cultivation of Orchids were induced to give them up. The first cost of any article has naturally much to do with the price at which it can be sold, and in times p;ist importing Orchids was an exjienbive and a risky proceeding. Little was known of the countries where most of the best species exist by those who went out to procure them, whilst there was a like absence of knowledge as to the right seasons for collecting them; the best modes of packing had to be learnt, carriage cost much more, and was often very much slower than it now is. All this tended to increase the value of the p'ants when they came through the ordinary channels, and if any- one depended upon frieml-i who happened to reside in countries where the plants were indigenous to procure them, it was often found to be a very vni- satisfactory way of getting them, as more frequently than not the kinds sent, if they came alive to hand, were worthless. Now all this is changed, and the greater nundjer of the favourite kinds reach this country with so comparatively little injury that quantities are able to produce flowers from the fir. far decep- tive, that their condition is deemed s.atisfactory, until .all at once there is a bre.ak down, disease m.aking its apperirance. Ouly recently I saw a case of this kind. Some four years since several new houses were built with a view to being occupiel by a collection of these plants. No expense was spared in the construction ; in fact, if ihe outlay had been less the plants might have fared better. .Vs it was, the hftuses were built 3 feet or 4 feet higher than they should have been, and a still gi-eater mistake was made in placing them close to a number of big trees that interfered much with the light. In due course the ]ilants — an exten- sive c(dlection in good condition — were placed in their new quarters, where the bulbs made were Itmger, and the leaves much larger than the plants had produced before ; this went on for two or three seasons, when spot in its worst form attacked the collection. When I saw them, with the exception of the cool kinds and such of the warmer species as liad been hung up near the roof, they were in a state that made it painful to look upon them. As will be easily understood, the kinds that require little heat had not suffered in the way that the different species that need a higher tenq.ierature had, on accoinit of their growth being made under less exciting condi- tions, and through the greater amount of air given them. The cause of failure in this case was directly traceable to the unsuitable character of the houses and the dark position in which they were placed, either of which alone would have been much against the plants making the right kind of growth to render them able to keep in a healthy condition. But the two adverse influences combined were such .as wouhl have enabled anyone possessed of sutficient knowledge of the nat\U'e and requirements of Orchids to have told beforehand what would happen. It is not so pleasant to mention failures, like those named, as it is to speak of instances where successes have been attained. But the causes that bring about such failures are the rocks on which Orchid culture is often wrecked, and it may be well now and then to give a note of warning to those who, with little experience, undertake to grow them, of the causes through which failure is most likely to come. Orchids, with few exceptions, require abund- ance of light, and to attempt to grow them in house that are darkened by trees or buildings is the height of folly. In the case of houses that are too high, and where consequently the plants are too far away from the glass, there is no safe way of proceeding, except by being content with slower progress than is attainable in low, suitable houses. When Orchids are grown in houses that afford less light than the plants require, more air should be given than is necessary where there is plenty of light. This will to some extent make up for the deficiency. But, as a natural consequence, an extra amount of air means slower growth, yet under conditions of insufficient light any attempt at hurrying in a high temperature is toleraljly sure to end in failure. T. B. M-iRKET GARDEN NOTES. M.\nKLT G.iUDENERS are now busy gathering and marketing both fruits and vegefablts, clearing off ex- hausted crops, and getting others planted or sown. We have lately had copious rains ; therefore the soil is in first-rate condition for cropping. Potatoes have made grand progress since rain fell. Premature ripening need not now be apprehended, and at present the tubers are quite free from disease. Warm dry weather is, however, now needed for this crop. Digging and marketing eaidy sorts go on briskly ; the sooner they can be cleared now the better will tlie second crop be. Peas and Broad Beans are clean and good, but not very heavy crops. Early and second early sorts are those mo=t in favour, as they can be got off in time for Turnips or Broccoli. Late sorts seldom pay ; they occupy the ground too late in the season to allow other crops to be sown with advantage after them. Runner and dwarf Btans are just coming into use. In open fields runners are nearly all grown without stakes, and very prolific they are treated in this w.ay. The rains have come most op- portunely, as, if dry at the root, the bloom falls off without setting. Dwarf or French Beans are already plentiful, and no sorts appear to be more popular for the m.ain crop than Canadian Wonder, and Osborn's for the earliest. The last is a very dwarf, early, and prolific variety, and just as good in the open field as under pot culture. C.VBB.viiES are now being cut in quantity, and still realise fairly good prices. Growers for market do not, as a rule, let the stumps stop in the soil to pro- duce a crop of useful greens for winter, as is done in private gardens ; on the contr.ary, they clear the crop right off, plough the land, and put in another crop 92 THE GARDEN. [July 31, 1886. directly. Main crop C'abba6;es are now being sown. Early York, Early Rainham, Battersea, or Eulham and Enfield Market are the sorts most largely grown, and better crops of Cabbages than those grown under open field culture it would be impossible to find. Turnips are plentiful and good ; a moist season and rapid growth make them mild flavoured. Sowing for winter goes on brisldy; white-fleshed sorts are those most in favour ; they succeed well after Peas and Beans without disturbing the soil much. Broccoli, K.\le, and indeed all kinds of the Brassica tribe are being planted in quantity. The scarcity last winter, and the high prices obtained this spring, make growers anxious to get out a full supply. Autumn Giant Cauliflower is planted largely in this locality; the early crop of it is already growing freely, and by planting in succession this fine Caulifiower can be had for a long season. Brussels Sprouts are also put out early, for the longer and stouter the stalks the heavier is the crop. Scotch Kale and late and mid-season Broccoli are planted until quite late ; for if a mild winter follows it is surprising how well late-planted crops succeed ; the soil being light and well drained, they keep growing with scarcely a check from start to finish. Onions, consisting of large kinds transplanted in spring from .autumn-sown crops, are now first-rate in quality, and there is such a constant demand for good Onions, that the quantity ^grown in the aggre- gate is very large. Sowings are now being m.ade of the White Spanish for drawing green during winter and sjjring, .and large quantities of these luild- flavoured Onions are used in this way. The main sowing for transplanting will be made shortly. The Giant Rocca and Tripoli varieties are most in favour, as they make very large bidbs and do not run to seed prematurely so readily as some of the smaller kinds. R.\DISHES are largely sown about this date for winter use. The China Rose and Black Spanish are the kinds liked by market growers. Vegetable M.vkrows and Ridge CUcumbers are now growing freely, .ilthough the early part of the season was unfavourable for them. The iSush Vege- table Marrow is by far the best this season, quantities of it being tit to out before the fruits of any of the other kinds are ev.^n formed. The Long Ridge Cu- cumbers are now running freely over the beds ; they meet with a ready sale towards the end of the season, when the supply of Telegraph and other frame sorts is exhausted. Parsley is sown largely about this date for a win- ter supply, and sheltered spots are selected for it. The seed is sown in drills about 1 foot apart. Lettuces and Enhive for winter salading are now being sown. The old Brown Cos, (irand Admiral, Cabbage Lettuce, and green curled Endive are the sorts for market. Bush fruits are plentiful and of good quality. Red, White, and Black Currants are very fine and clean. As regards Black Currants, it may safely be said that since Black Naples and Baldwin have be- come leading market sorts the berries are nearly double the size they used to be. The great drawback to Black Currants as a market crop is that they must be gathered as soon as ripe, or the tinest berries drop off. The Red and White varieties hang well, and therefore realise higher prices, as they need not be forced on the market. Gooseberries are a medium crop ; Golden Drop is a great favourite as an early dessert kind, Warrington and other rough reds being the best for a late supply. Raspberries are plentiful, the rain having come just in time to save the crop; that on the young growths will now swell np, and it is generally more valuable than the first few gatherings. Apples are a thin crop and continue to drop very much; the best are on dwarf bush trees. Pears are a good crop, and more evenly distributed over the whole of the trees than last ye.ir ; although late, they look like swelling off to a good size. Plums are by no means a regular crop ; indeed, taken collectively, the crop of fruit this season does not promise to be up to the average. The Strawberry crop has been very disappointing in character — in fact, as regards season, one of the shortest we have had for years. IrospoH. J. Groom. AVARREN HOUSE, COOMBE WOOD. Were we askeil to name a few of the gardens within ten miles of Charing Cross which exem- plify tlie best styles of pure English garden landscape, and also possess most interest in the way of trees and shrubs, we should have no hesi- tation in including in the list the garden at Warren House, Lord Wolverton's suburban resi- dence. It stands conspicuous even among the crowd of beautiful gardens that are to be found around that delicious strip of woodland known as Coombe Wood. It contains more commendable features and fewer blemishes in design than other gardens we have seen in its neighbourhood ; while as regard the trees and shrubs which it contains, it is perhaps uniiiue. This arises from the fact that some years ago a portion of its grounds belonged to the late Mr. James Veitch, about the time when his son and other collectors were exploring Japan, California, and other countries in search of trees and shrubs sufficiently hardy to stand our English climate. This place, it appears, was made the trial ground for these new introductions, the consequence being that a host of the original trees then planted have re- mained undisturbed up to the present day. Need we say, therefore, that many of them are niatcli- less specimens. There may be seen here towering trees of such Conifers as Cupressus Lawsoniana, two of which are over 50 feet high ; a Tliuja Lobbi higher still, and fully 2.3 yards round, looking more like a gigantic mass of Fern or Lycopod than a coniferous tree. Associated with these are lofty Wellingtouias, Silver Firs, Deodars, and Atlas Cedars, one of whicli is the glaucous variety, probably the finest specimen in the country. It is an extremely handsome tree, which in the sunlight looks not unlike a pyramid of frosted silver. It appears to have sufl'ered at one time from overcrowding, but now it forms a conspicuous object on the lawn in view of the principal windows of the liouse. To a lover of Conifers this tree alone is worth going a long journey to see. C>f smaller things in the way of trees and shrubs there are charm- ing specimens of the Japanese Maple, so elegant in foliage and so rich in colour. They are losing their brilliancy at tlie present time, but the examples of sanguineum and otiiers have been objects of great beauty — in fact, the most attractive feature of the lawn. Then there are great bushes 6 feet higli or more of that beautiful Chilian shrub, Eucryphia pinnatifolia, which in the course of a week or so will be in bloom. It has large blossoms like those of the common St. John's-wort, but pure white. Near it is a standard Wistaria, not a common object, which when in bloom has a striking efi'ect viewed fi'om the house against a background of evergreen growth. Among other conspicuous shrubs one notices just now is Berberis Darwini, of which there are great spreading bushes loaded with bluish-purple Car- rant-like fruits. The otherwise llowerless shrub- beries are lit up now with Spirreas and the bright yellow Bush Broom (Spartiuin junceum), which has branches like a Rush, wreathed with large Pea flowers of the brightest yellow. The Bam- boos and Pampas Grasses also contribute not a little to the beautj' of this garden. Of Bambusa Metake, now proved to be the hardiest of all and most suitable for our climate, there are huge clumps several feet high, and one might say yards through. Tlie largest Bamboos are in proximity to the great Lawsoii Cypresses and Thuja Lobbi, and these, together witli the Pampas Grasses and Ferns, make a garden picture whicli it would be difficult to surpass. Why Conifers, Bamboos, Grasses and Ferns succeed so well in this spot it is not difficult to imderslaud. They are planted in or near a little rill of water which is con- stantly running, as an overflow from a pool in the higher ground, and this is sufficient to keep the ground always moist ; in fact, the soil close to the Bamboos, Grasses, and Ferns is quite spongy. Although no attempt has been made to mention all the out-of-the-common trees and shrubs, enough has been said to show that the garden has been richly planted. The mansion, like most others in the neigh- bourhood, stands in a very good position. It is built just on the outskirts of Coombe Wood, which is overlooked from the front of the house, while beyond the wood the view extends across Wimbledon Common right away to the Crystal Palace at Sydenham, whose towers are plainly seen. In the other direction lies a beautifully wooded country, while behind, but a few yards distant, is the great Richmond Park. The house, which is modern and built with red brick, asso- ciates well with the surroundings. From the front of the house the lawn falls away in a gentle slope — here running into long vistas to the distant background, there receding into darkened nooks among the intricacies of the shrubberies and plantations — creating that play of light and shade wliich is the distinguishing characteristic of an artistically designed garden. Polislied and unpolished portions of the grounds here meet in striking contrast. Groups of great trees, remnants of the old Coombe Wood, mix with Gold and Silver Hollies and trimly clipped Golden Yews, which at this season are about the only things that light up the garden with colour. Beyond the Japanc'^e garden is another stretch of woodland, left to Nature, except that the paths are kept mown. Here one sees the beauty of the Silver Birch to perfection, also of the Holly and other native growth. The cunningly-designed path through this part leads to a point where one comes upon a full view of the polished gar- den, with the house in the distance ; in fact, just the point from which the illustration on the oppo- site jiage was taken. Two plots clo.se to the house are reserved for the only display of colour. These are not elaborate in design, but massive and simple. Gnarled Oaks, elegant seedling Birches, and a host of other native trees and shrubs are left to themselves, and rising, as they do, from a carpet of Bracken and Bramble, their wild aspect is the more noticeable. From this point, the walk that encircles the place leads to what is called the Japanese garden, but the term is inappropriate now, because, besides Japanese vegetation, there are ornamental trees and shrubs from other regions ; in fact, more from C'alifornia than else- where. The view from the high ground in the Japanese garden is very fine, as it extends right away to Wimbledon Common, with a richly planted garden as a foreground, and the beauti- ful valley in the mid-distance. A large pool in this part is densely crowded with shrubs and plants — in fact, left to Nature, and these contrast strongly with the pyramidal Hollies, the etlect being in harmony with the house and the rest of the garden. The plant and fruit houses as well as the kitchen garden are on a scale proportionate to the importance of the place, and the whole is maintained iu a high state of keeping by Mr. Woodgate, the gardener. W. G. SHOUT NOTES.— VARIOUS. Pansies (J.S.).—Wry jn-etty blooms, varied in colour and, ;iw you remark, delightfully fragrant. Gilbert's Champion Br.TCCOli. — I can conscientiously .say a goml wnni for this Brnrcoli ; it produces tine large white heads and its flavour is exculknt. and this l:)eing planting time, it might be tried with advantage. — J. C. C. Spiraea palmata. — This, growing in a very damp corner of the rock garden at Kcw. is more intensely red than any I ever saw. When grown in borders like ^>. japonicait is often very pale in colour, and as I was assured tliat the Kew plant was only of the ordinary type, I can only attribute its extra bright colour to its semi-aquatic position. — J. MeiR. July 31, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 93 Fruit Garden. GOOD STRAWBERRIES. Your request that fruit growers^ generally in ' persons who rush into print will do some {rood, but to settle the matter thoroughly and reduce land east of the Malverns, the crop usually so when the plants have borne three crops, this pest good is a failure ; on the Herefordshire side of the —one of the principal causes of degeneration- hills it is the best I have seen for a number of can be partially, if not entirely, stamped out. I years. Promiscuous mformation from the few different parts of the country will forward notes on varieties and culture for publication in Tun Gaudes is a step in the right direitiun, taken not a whit too soon. Alreatly many useful remarks have appeared in print, and more, no doubt, will follow, tliat is, if growers who make a specialty of tlie Strawberry will kindly give their e.vperience of the nen- or little-known varieties which they have tested and approve of, or that have been found wanting. If we enter a .score of pri\ate gardens, we do not find more than half that num- ber of varieties grown, and yet more must have been tested and discarded by men capable of forming an opinion as to whether they were likely to displace old and well- tried favourites. The lists of Strawberries, like those of all other fruits, have become far too long and require reducing. One, by no means the largest I have seen, now before me contains over sixty varie- ties, but, judging from experience and the few names which have already appeared, a small percent- age only of these are grown, and yet nurserymen are expected to pay high rents for their ground and keep all these varieties true to name. By all means let us have lists of the best kinds for flavour, for bearing, for coming in eirly, and for keeping up a supply until the season is over. Then, in order to benefit the trade and enable them to give us a better article for less money, a list of varieties which have been tried and found wanting should be published. This outcome no private individual or society can secure, as we find many kinds doing well in one part of the country and failures in others, but by getting up an election of sorts their general adap- tability to certain districts could be settled by experi- ence. Take, for instance, the British Queen variety, which perhaps ninety out of every hundred gardeners have grown or tried to grow, and if it is found that the majority of good culti- vators in any particular district have left it out of their lists, we may con our bulky lists to decent proportions, I would sug- gest the distribution of simple forms to be filled up and returned by the leading growers in eveiy county. Strawberries heoeveratin'o — A correspondent have adopted the exchange principle and the three years' .system for a great number of years, and so marked is the growth of introduced stock, that one can tell to a row where the plants terminate. Exchange alone, it is hardly necessary to say, is only one factor in the sum. I make a point of trenching my Strawberry ground when it is dry and warm early in the summer ; grow inquires it Strawberries degenerate, and goes on summer Lettuces upon it in seed drills 2 feet to say he has been obliged to give up the growth G inches apart and plant in Auaust, giving each of several of the leading varieties after a short Strawberry plant half a cubic foot of heavy cal- period of four or five years. If grown on the careous loam, rammed as firm as rammers can make three years' system, it is hardly possible that they it. Mulching and watering play a very import- can have become tired of the soil; he must, there- ant part, and the Dutch hoe is the only imple- ment used for destroying weeds. Varieties. — Our heavi- est-bearing early Straw- berry is Vicomtesse H^ri- cart de Thury; the next La Grosse Sucr(^e, closely followed by Crimson Queen. These produce immense crops, and the plants are always free from mildew. Sir J. Paxton produces heavy crops of handsome fruit, slightly acid in cold seasons, but it has a good constitu- tion, is well adapted for the main midseason crop, and the fruit travels well. President is a grand Straw- berry for home use, and produces enormous crops of tine fruit when planted o feet apart every way. For late use I find the oli.l Elton a very profit- able variety, and the best for preserving. Oxonian is a large, rather coarse Strawberry, but an im- mense cropper ; it does well on north borders, and pays well. Moreover, it is a variety which will stand longer than any other before it shows signs of declining vigour. British Queen, Dr. Hogg, Loxford Hall Seedling, and Frog- more Late Pine stand first for flavour. La Constante, Lucas, Marguerite, Jlr. RadclyfJe, and Carolina superba are good Straw- berries. Souvenir de Kieflf and James Veiteh I have given up; they are good for the punnet, but too coarse for our use. — W. Coleman, EaMnor Castle, Ledbury. Lawn view at Warren House, Coombe Wood, Surrey. Engraved for The Gardes from a photograpfi by Miss Antrobus. Strawberries in the North. The north of England suffered as much from elude that experiments should precede extensive fore, set down his failure to some other cause — planting. Take yet another delicious old variety, : possibly the bad seasons which have prevailed for Sir Charles Napier, at one time and possibly now ' some years. Strawberry plants are so easily pro- a favourite with southern growers for the London pagated, and many growers depend too much drought as the south and south-we-stern counties market. But why is such a bright fresh kind so upon their own gardens for their annual supply and Strawberries were much crippled in conse seldom inet with throughout the kingdom? Simply of runners; whereas, were they to work upon the quence. A friend has supplied me with a few because in cold heavy soils it is not only an un- exchange principle, they would find that the same facts concerning the different varieties cultivated fruitful variety, it positively shrinks away and variety might be grown for any number of years, there, and it appears that Vicomtesse Hericart de dies. Seasons, again, as well as soils have great When Strawberry beds become infested with Thury is one of the best for all purposes ; while on influence over the Strawberry, and not unfre- mildew they should be chopped up and burned, light soils Black Prince, if not allowed to remain quently the effect of certain climatal conditions — No one on any account should be allowed to have after the second year, is still a profitable variety, say m two districts, the one good, the other in- a runner from them, neither should the pickers In many gardens President is a total failure, going ferior — is the revei-se of what might be expected. | be permitted to cany the fungus into clean beds all to leaf, and in five places out of six Elton Pine A remarkable instance of this kind this season is ' in other parts of the garden. Diyness at the root behaves much in the same manner; but Frogmore is the main cause of mildew, and old beds are LatePinepromisestobemoreprofitable.thougheven more subject to it than young ones ; but by this is not spoken very highly of. Among several making new plantations on fresh ground every new sorts tried at Aldin Grange, Durham, Lox- year and destroying an equal breadth of the old ford Hall Seedling promises to do well; and John now within my own knowledge. A late variety called Oxonian, sent out by the late Mr. Turner, has long been a great favourite in Worcestershire. At Madresfield Court, and along the warm red 94 THE GARDEN. [July 31, 1886. Powell, a sorb in the way of Keen's Seedling, but more prolific, is also liked. Empress Eugenie, a rather coarse sort, and, as a rule, not highly flavoured, also finds favour with some of the "Durham cultivators. Sir Joseph Paxton there, as elsewhere, is very popular. It was shown remark- ably well at the late Newcastle show. Duke of Edinburgh is a great favourite with a market grower, who considers it the most profitable sort in cultivation. It is a vigorous grower, very prolific, and the fruit large, richly coloured, firm, and fairly good in quality. This sort ought to eventually become very popular among north country growers, and especially where Straw- berries are cultivated principally for the markets. — W. I. Strawberries in peat and sand. Would you give me some advice as to making a newStrawburrybedV What sorts would you recom- mend for general planting — not late sorts. This house is about one mile from Ascot Heath, and the soil is very poor — a mi.xture of peat and sand, and, consequently, requiring much water, which is rather scarce in dry weather. — G. H. M. *.,.* If your ground lies high and dry, and the addition of correctives is likely to elevate the bed too much, wheel off a quantity of the worst, either from the surface or lower spit, and trench two good spades deep. Make the surface fairly level and apply a heavy dressing of rotten manure from the cowsheds or piggeries. Thoroughly incor- porate this with the soil, working it well down to the bottom, and ram the lower spit as the second turning over is proceeded with. This will give a sound sustaining base for the lower roots, but something more is needed. You must have marl, or, lacking thi?, clay will be the next best substi- tute. Of one of the.se obtain a sufficient quantity to surface the bed to the depth of 4 inches or G inches ; if dry and pulverised, so much the better; if otherwise, spread it roughly and loosely, and then leave it until the weather has gone through it. On a dry day, beat and pound the lumps until they are completely reduced, and fork it in with- out disturbing the lower stratum of peat and manure, already as solid as rammers can make it. When the finely-broken marl and surface spit, already containing a good quantity of manure, are thoroughly mixed, again ram until the whole mass is as solid as an old pasture ; make the surface perfectly level, and the bed will be ready for planting. If the manures named cannot be ob- tained, rich manure from the farmyard will do ; but that from pigs and cows being cool, solid, and rich will suit a peaty soil best. It is hardly necessary tu say, the land should be clean and free from roots and weeds, and preparatory operations should be carried on in dry weather. Pl.\ntix(;. — August is the best time to plant, but rather than hurry the work, drying and breaking the marl into fine particles especially, planting may be delayed until September. Should this be the case, and the young plants are likely to become pot-bound in 3-inch pots, turn them out into a nursery bed and give them a good soaking of water. Here they will make fresh roots, and lift with good balls whenever they are wanted. When the plants and beds are ready set out the rows 2 feet (i inches apart each way with small pegs, and draw shallow drills from peg to peg crosswise ; then reverse the line and drill in the oppo.site direction. This will throw the whole of the ground into squares, the intersecting points being the stations. Having decided upon the number of rows of each variety, each row to run from north to south if practicable, lift the plants with good balls and let them in with a trowel, one at each angle, make the soil very firm about them and wash it home with a good supply of water. If, on the other hand, the bed can be got ready in reasonable time and the plants have been kept in pots, let them be thoroughly soaked before they are turned out, loosen the matted roots with the fingers and ram firmly with a potting stick, leaving half an inch of soil above the tops of the balls when all is finished. \\'hen planting is finished mulch well with short manure to draw out surface roots, as well as to prevent the soil from parting away from the balls, and keep the plants supplied with water until autumn rains render this attention no longer necessary. Peaty beds prepared in this way with marl and manure and made as firm as a board will grow good fruit of all the leading kinds, including British (^lueen, for three or four years, when they should be broken up, and the ground, for other crops, will never forget the preparation. A few rows of young plants shoukl be put out every year when the labour will become light, and an equal number of the old can be destroyed without reducing the breadth under cultivation. Winter .\n-d spkinc; m.4.-n'.\gemext. — The beds from the time they are planted must be kept free from weeds, but no harm will be done by allowing the plants to throw out runners. This, during the remainder of the season, can be accomplished by hand-weeding or very shallow scutHing, but on no account from first to last must the roots be mutilated by digging or forking. When growth ceases, cut off all the runners, repeat the ramming, add more mulching, and the plants will be safe for the winter. Early in the spring, as soon as severe frosts are over, all deaths must be made good from the reserve, every plant must be again firmly rammed, as many of them will have been disturbed by frost lifting the soil, and a slight dressing of soot, avoiding the crowns, will do them no harm in March. When growth sets in, water being scarce, a heavy mulch of fresh, but well- worked, .stable manure will keep the roots cool and moist, and the straw, washed clean and sweet, will form the best of all mediums for the ripe fruit to rest upon, (iood plants put out in August give the finest fruit the first year, and the greatest quantity in the two years following. V.\RiETii:s. — These are now so numerous, and vary so much not only in quality and flavour in ditt'erent parts of the country, but also in their positive refusal to produce fertile flowers under certain conditions and ti-eatnient, that one is in- clined to say. Look round, make inquiry, and ascertain what kinds do best in the neighbour- hood. But this matter of growing Strawberries in a manufactured compost in a peat district is slightly exceptional, and some kinds may prove a success where in cold heavy districts they are a comparative failure. The mode of preparation being expensive, I should .say, do not try experi- ments with floubtful varieties, but plant Vicomtesse Ili'ricart dc Thury and La (irosse Sucn-e for the earliest fruit; C'omte de Paris, Sir t'harles Napier, President, Sir. I. Paxton, Crimson Queen, Carolina superba (a good, but neglected Strawberry), Mr. Radclytf'e, and British (Jucen. The last may or may not succeed, but so decidedly is it the (jueen of Strawberries, that it is worthy of the most at- tentive culti\-ation. Heavy soil and plenty of mulching are the great factors in its culture, and if, in addition to the marl, a spadeful of good loam can be given to each plant at the time of planting, this vaiiety in two senses will prove grateful. — \V. Colejun, Fa-it nor Ca^th-, l.eiUiury. Little-known Strawberries. I H.WE recently had an opportunity of forming an opinion concerning the merits of several sorts of Strawberries not in general cultivation, though not new. Of these, one of the largest is Kitley's (Joliath, but in this case size is its principal recommendation. It is grown in the neighbour- hood of Bath for market, and is found to be a very profitable late sort. Its fruits vary con- siderably in form, but, as a rule, they are thick and wedge-shaped ; the seeds are deeply imbedded in the surface, the colour of which is bright red, and the flavour somewhat poor and flat. It is a strong grower, and on firm good ground crops heavily. The Countess, one of Dr. Roden's seed- lings, is a very distinct variety. It is vigorous and prolific, and produces large, very flat fruits of a deep red colour. Its seeds are very thick and prominent ; consequently it has the merit of being a good traveller. The fruits of it that I tasted were firm, but somewhat too acid to be pleasant; I at any rate, I much prefer either Sir J. Paxton or President to it. Souvenir de Kieft' is a fine hand- some sort, good for either market or exhibition, and the flavour is brisk and pleasant. It is a vigorous grower, and on deeply trenched or rich loose ground it is apt to form too much foliage ; on the whole, however, I am pleased with it. Loxford Hall is more generally cultivated than either of the foregoing, and may be termed a really good late Strawberry. This season, owing to the dryness of the ground, the flavour is naturally more acid than usual, but it is much superior to Oxonian, or Eleanor, as it is often called, especially as regards flavour, and it is quite as late as that variety. — W. I. HEDGEROW FRUITS. There will to all appearance be an abundance of hedge fruit tliis season. With regard to some kinds, the Blackberry, for instance, it is too early to speak, but in the case of others the fruit has been so far formed as to afford a pretty good indi- cation of the crop. Of Hazel nuts there is a large quantity. There are a few hedge Sloes. For several years past this crop has almost entirely failed. This season there was reason to have ex- pected more fruit than we really have, as it will be remembered that the extraordinarily sharp weather in the early part of March kept the Blackthorn from coming into blossom so early as usual. Of haws there is an abundance. The blossom of the Hawthorn was very abundant, and it now looks as if almost every blossom had set. The Elder has not long pasted flowering, but with trees which come into bloom so late in the season there is not much doubt of a crop, unless something very abnormal takes place. The Elder bushes have been a wonderful picture this sea- son. There has been a great profusion of Dog Roses, so there seems every prospect of large numbers of hips. Out of all this immense bulk of fruit there seems to be very few sorts which may really be called edible. Practically, the Nuts and the Blackberries are about the only ones. It is true that hedge fruits have quite a legitimate use in providing winter supplies for the birds, yet it does appear strange with so many hundreds and probably thousands of miles of hedges that little or no attempt is made to turn them to account for fruit pioduction. Farmers would not then require to devote all their farms to raising jam, as has been advocated by a hi^h authority, but could obtain it from their hedgerows, Seriou.sly, in many places there seems no reason why the Gooseberry bush, for instance, should not be employed instead of the Hawthorn. It is spiny enough in all conscience, and if kept cut in proper form would make quite as dense a hedge as the other. There is obviously no end of fruit trees which could be grown in hedges, but the number of dwarf trees or bushes which would be suitable to make up the fence itself does not seem to be so many. The (Jooseberry is certainly one, and a valuable one, as it is just as easy to raise young Gooseberry bushes as young Hawthorns. I do not mean by this that we want hundreds of miles of Gooseberry hedges, but enough could be established to supjjly families with this useful fruit all the year round, as by means of preserving and bottling it can be made to last from one sea- son until the ne.xt. CJurrant trees alone would be hardly suitable, but mixed with the Gooseberry there seems no reason why they should not be occasionally adopted in hedges. There are, no doubt, many drawbacks to such a plan of fruit raising, especially that of its liability to be stolen, but in many cases a little discretion in the choice of positions woukl materially lessen this danger. D. Pruning Gooseberry bushes. — I am pleased to find attention drawn to this subject, as I am convinced that (ioosebcrries get, as a rule, too much pruning. When severely thinned the loss of even a few buds by birds makes a serious gap in the crop; whereas, if left tolerably thick, loss in that way is scarcely felt. I recently visited a garden in which a grand crop of Gooseberries was July 31, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 95 hanging, and the gardener assured me that he liad never pruned the trees thus furnished with fruit for years, and they never tailed to produce good crops. His plan was to plant young bushes, and let them grow without any pruning until they began to show symptoms of failing, when they were done away with and a fresh lot planted. Although it may not be desirable to dispense with pruning altogether in the case of (Jooseberries, I feel sure that if only shoots that grow down on the ground or that cross each other are removed, much better results would be obtained than we now get. (hound on which Gooseberries grow should never be dug deep enough to interfere with the roots ; it should simply be kept free from weeds in summer and lightly forked over in winter — just enough to bury the old top-dressing of manure that is put on annually. The firm soil checks undue luxuriance and promotes fertility. — J.\.MKs Groom, Gosport. NOTES. White Popi'IEs.— The big red Poppies of the Papavcr orieutale section are so well known and so highly appreciated by gardeners, that I am quite willing to leave them to their care, with this added caution, viz., keep only the very best forms and dig out all the bad ones, other- wise, supposing you wish to rear seedlings, all j"our seed is likely to be spoiled by pollen from the bad. Ilowers. How comes it that the true great-tiowered and great-fruited P. somniferum is so rarely seen in gardens I Even in botanical gardens a spurious smaller form of P. somniferum is often grown under the specific name. Quite recently Dr. Mahatl'y, the Greek historian, made a little tour up the Nile to Thebes and Luxor, and he kindly brought me seeds of a white Poppy which has recently bloomed here six weeks after the seeds were sown. ilr. Baker tells me it is the P. setigerum of De CandoUe, and in all proba- bility the wild plant from which the Opium Poppy originated. A similar Poppy was grown by the people of the Swiss lake dwellings, and it is now grown for oil in the south of Europe. It has hairy flower-stems and a six-rayed de- flexed stigma. The true Opium Poppy, with pure white flowers of satin-like texture nearly () inches across and almost as beautiful as those of Romneya Coulteri, has ten to thirteen rays to the stigma, and the common garden or spurious Opium Poppy has rays varying from eight to ten as a rule. The true Opium Poppy, again, is very distinct in its fruit, each being about the size and shape of a King of the Pippins Apple, and there are rarely more than from one to three flowers on each plant. It is, as I fancy, the most stately and effective of all the white Poppies. Fruit from abroad. — Tlie Australian fruits in the Colonial Exhibition will open our eyes a little as to the possibility of preserving and carrying fruit for long distances — in fact, from one side of the world to the other. In Singa- pore, for example, there are the finest of ti-opical fruits in abundance, such as Bananas, Mangoes, Durian, Langsat, Duku, Litchi, and Mango- steen, and yet when I was there a few years ago there was quite a furore because an Australian boat had arrived with a cargo of Apples on board. I had never eaten an Australian Apple before, and enjoyed their freshness and flavour alike as eaten beneath a tropical sun. There are a good many fortunes in the foreign fruit trade, and I often wonder why our preserved fruit manufac- turers are so lethargic in the matter. You see Pine-apples by the bullock cart-load lying about in Singapore and other Eastern ports, liut it is only quite recently that they have reached our markets in a canned state. Surely it is possible to preserve Mangoes and Mangosteen, even if it be not possible to carry them fresh to our shores. Fortunately, we can eat Oranges all the year round, and all who have eaten Mangoes iii India will regret that they cannot be imported to our market.s. The day is not far distant when the Chinese will send us all sorts of tropical fruits in ^yrup, just as they send Kumquats and Ginger now, and tliose who deal in the last named preserves might do a little by stirring up the Chinese traders in the matter. Lotus and Papyrus.— The Lotus of the Nile seems to have been Nymph^ei Lotus, a rosy Water Lily, the flowers of which were used in the funeral wreaths of the ancient Egyptians. It is a fragrant blossom, varying from white to deep rose, but the .soft blue fli.pwers of N. stellata and N. cajrulea were also used in these appendages of burial. Nelumbium is the flower of Buddha, and is highly esteemed to this day as a sacred flower by both Indians and Chinese. If ever the Nelumbium existed in Egypt, it was most probably as a cultivated plant, and when introduced it was doubtless accompanied by traditions which soon led to its becoming popular, even if it did not, as some believe, sup- jilant the native Lotus, or Nymphsea, a.s a sacred flower. The Egyptians had attained to such a state of culture, luxury, and wealth, however, that, no doubt, they were able t

but owing to the climbers overhead dew is prevented , , .. '^ t n c -t ■ » • *i, = - - ^ days later I saw a small group of it in pots m the White Lilies. — These have been com- mon everywhere of late. Here in Wales they may be seen in all sized gardens, and about ten days ago they were the best flowers in the London markets. They are growing abundantly in all the parks, and the florists use them largely for indoor de- coration. The variety istheold L.candidum, and I would like to ask those who find it so useful if it would not be a great advan- tage to grow some other good varieties of Lilies in large quan- tities for such pur- poses. In several notable decorations I saw blooms of L. Harrisi, and in each instance the effectwas better than that pro- iluced by the white ones. In such a grand and extensive family as the Lilies it is to be regretted that pub- lic favour should run on one variety alone, and that the most common one. — J. M. Statice Suwarowi. — This is peihaps the best annual introduced for many years. At the Bristol summer show held on July 14 many excellent collec- tions of annuals and perennials were exhibited, atd this Statice, although only shown in one instancr, all. Two or three from falling. The fact is, this neat little plant enjoys dryness, and we should do well to take advantage of that circumstance more than we do, for we often find such positions as it could fill quite bare of vegetation. Gentiana ornata. — This is again in profuse blossom ; how it revels in moisture and warm sunny weather ! Not only is this shown by the manner in which the buds quickly develop, but also by the way in which the stems root where they touch the soil. C.Ioss across the lower end and place the first fruit ; keen it in its place with the left hand and follow with more .Moss and fruit, never withdrawing the hand until the first row of four is finished. Then form a division with more Moss, and proceed until the box is full. Each Peach will then be resting on a soft nest of Moss nearly an inch from the bottom, and the same distance apart, with room for a good layer of packing on the sur- face. The Moss being very light and elastic, some little judgment will be needed in placing the finishing layer, as safety in transit depends upon the degree of tightness secured by pressing do«n the lid. Having turned over the half-sheets of paper, press down the lid, nail lightly, cord tightly, and advise the salesman to meet consign- ments at the railway terminus. Pot Vines. Growers who still depend upon pot \'ines for their earliest crop of Grapes will not need telling the canes should now be fit for free exposure to the elements by day if not forward enough for turning out of the house to finish ofi' against a south wall. Nurserymen and many private growers pressed for house space, not unfrequently against their better judgment, turn their most forward canes out far too goon, wlien the roots receive a violent check and the foliage gets battered about by wind and rain long before one or the other has properly performed its office. When this pennj'- wise-and-pound-foolish system is attempted in cold wet seasons, disappointment or partial failure frequently follows. The loss of a few pot Vines and their crop from a commercial point of view is not much, but under other aspects the gardener's failure with Vines which he has not himself grown is often attended by most serious con- sequences. Let all those who would succeed with their pot Vines strain, not one, but many points to keep them under glass until the wood and roots are thoroughly ripe and the foliage begins to change colour. Then, the house being wanted for other purposes, they may be removed and made secure with shreds and nails against south or west walls. If he must buy his Vines, let him see them growing and choose eailj- from a stock which has had the benefit of light and air as well as heat, as canes suddenly removed from bottom heat and I'ipened out of doors cannot be depended upon. Yoini'jer canes as well as recently planted Vines now making grow'th must still be encouraged by means of good syringing, mulching, and watering, with plenty of heat and air to fill up and ripen the lower buds. The grooving season will, of course, continue for some time yet, but when the canes begin to turn to a bright nut-brown, the lower laterals may be taken out where the main leaves remain fresh and capable of filling up and feeding the buds, while the laterals above the point at which the canes ha\e been stopped will require more freedom of growth to keep the sap in motion and prevent the base buds from breaking. It is no unusual thing to see these laterals rambling all over the upper part of the trellis in the wildest confusion, often blocking the ventilators and form- ing fine breeding centres for red spider; but this leave-alone principle may be carried too far, as growths and foliage which cannot have full ex- posure to light are of little use. Moderate stop- ping and regular tying should therefore be prac- tised, and when the upper wires are covered gradual reducing «ill cause the canes to thicken rapidly without endangering the base buds. Planli)!'! rams. — If these are still in bottom-heat the pots should now be gradually raised until the bottoms rest upon the surface of the bed, where they will require more water for a time ; but having the benefit of sun and air, the roots will be less active and the young rods will soon begin to ripen ; 0 feet to S feet in length being quite sullicient for ordinary planting \'ines, the most forward should be pinched at this point, and weaker canes intended for cutting back to one or two eyes during the winter may be sto[)ped at .S feet to .") feet. If at all crowded, a portion of the most forward may be drawn out and placed on the borders in light airy houses where the foliage can be kept near the glass and fully exposed to the sun. In order to prevent a sudden cheek and keep the I'oots evenly moist, the pots being small, they may with advantage be covered up with old leaves or litter, and the foliage must be regularly syringed to keep it fresh and free from spider. W. COLEM.V.N". Indoor Garden. NIGHT-BLOOMING CACTI. (ECIlINOrKKKrs EYRESI. ) The attention of Cactus lovers should be called to this easily-grown and interesting species. An old plant here bloomed on the evening of the Sth, opening simultaneously a coronet of five trumjiet- shaped blossoms of the purest white, each .S inches in length. It is impossible to describe the extra- ordinary loveliness and purity of these blossoms, whose only demerit is their evanescence. The plant is one of the ribbed Melon-shaped species, and belongs to the night-tlowering section. It takes up but little room in a greenhou.se or or- dinary window, and needs but little care, beyond that of being placed in a sunny position, and kept moderately well supplied with warm water during summer. In winter, any dry corner .safe from frost will suit it, water being entirely with- held, or nearly so, from October to March. Small plants, which are apt to cluster about the base of the parent, should be removed, or flower- ing will be considerably retarded. These should be potted in single pots, and shifted into larger ones, as they require it. Ordinary potting soil with a liberal admixture of coarse sand answers well for all Cacti ; if a proportion of broken char- coal can be added, so much the better ; but efficient drainage is of almost more importance than soil. It takes some time for a young plant to reach the blooming size. When, howevei, it has attained that point, I ha\-e never, under the above treatment, known it fail to produce its blossoms annually — sometimes, indeed, several times during the year. The development of the flower-bud is curious. It appears first in the form of a small, shaggy, brown knob, which re- mains stationary apparently for many weeks. Suddenly in examining the plant one becomes conscious that increased activity is taking place in these small excrescences, and in a week or ten days, according to atmospheric conditions, they reach, as before stated, a length of fully 8 inches in a mature plant. The rapidity of the growth of the flower tube during the last two days before opening is very remarkable and in- teresting. The full perfection only lasts, at the longest, for less than twenty-four hours, but during that time the flowers are marvels of beauty, which must be seen to be realised. The plant here alluded to is at least ten years old ; how much more I cannot undertake to say. It inhabits an S-inch pot, is 17 inches in circum- ference, and will, in all probability, bloom once or twice during the season. A small plant sent to a friend in July, 1884, opened its first bloom during the present month (July, 1886). It will be seen that though E. Eyresi may not be showy enough to please the million, it is essentially an object of interest to true plant lovers. ')rt/-H«/'«, S. Wahs. K. L. Davidson. Abutilon vitifolium album.— I shall be happy to send a few seeds of this shrub, so far as they w ill go, to anyone who would like to have them. My plant is about 1 1 feet high, and was covered with flowers throughout the month of June, and appears to be quite hardy against a wall. I take this opportunity to acknow ledge the receipt of a plant of the lilac vitifolium sent to me by an unknown friend last year ; if this should meet his eye, I beg to say that it will give me much plea- sure to return the compliment by sending him a young plant of the white variety. —J. H. Arciiek- HiND, Coombefsliairi IfoJsi , Xtirlon Abbof. Tuberous Begonias from seed. — These popular flowers, both single and double, are readily raised from seed, and I may add that they are of nearly all shades of colour. We have now amongst them clear whites, yellows, jiinks, and crimsons. Last season I procured a large packet of double Begonia seed about this date. I sowed it at once in light sandy soil, and as soon as the ynung plants were large enough I potted them off into very small pots ; they were set on the top shelf of a warm house, and before winter set in they had made nice little bulbs. They were then dried off and packed in ashes in a large box, where they remained until they began to show signs of growiuf; in spring. Then they were repotted into 4-inch pots, and they are now coming into bloom, quite half of them being doubles and the cither half good singles of various calours, and the fieedom with which they flower makes them most welcome. A rich light soil suits them perfectly, but they are not difficult to deal v ith in this respect ; even if planted out in the flower garden in any faiily good flower-bed soil they grow with surprising vigour. But few flowers show more marked improve- ment iu every way than these Begonias have done during these past few years. A good strain of seed- lings eveu may be relied on to surpass what were considered to be at one time the vtry best named sorts.— J. G. H. The Moon Creeper (Ipom;ea Bona-nox). — This chaste and be.autiful climber is occasionally met with, but its property of fluwerir g at night no doubt inter- feres with its more extended cultivation. It is a tender annual, and does well in a low span-roofed stove-houss, where it can run along the roof. The flowers open soon after dusk, and are in the fulness of their beauty in the dead of tte night, and they continue expanded till nearly noon the next day. There is such an exquisite delicacy about the shining whiteness of the flowers, that it is a matter for wonder it is not more generally cultivated, its uight- flowering property notwithstanding. There is no difficulty in obtaining seed, and they should be raised in a moist brisk heat in April, grown on quickly, and potted into a large pot to flower, or be planted out m a small pit or any convenient place, and trained along a wire or any such support under the ridge of a span-roofed house, or in any suitable place. — K. D. Calla sethiopica planted out. — We always plant out our entire stock of this Calla after it has done flowering. The plan which we adopt is to shake out the plants, and separate them all into single crowns ; even small suckers, if planted out in June in good soil will make fine flowering plants by October, and anyone basing pots crowded with bulbs of various sizes will do well to divide them at once. They will make but little progress if left to compete with strong bulbs. Those planted out in June are now shedding their old leaves and pushing up sturdy spikes of fresh foliage from their crowns. Callas are plants of fhe easiest culture; all they need is good lieh soil and plenty of water, and they will make fine plants for lifting in October. We put one crown in a ti-iDch pot, and three in 7-inch and S-inch oDts, using plenty of manure in the soil, and they always produce very large as well as numerous spathes of the purest white. As decorative plants few are so generally useful. The foliage being so ornamental, they can be made ferviceable even when 100 THE GARDEN. [July 31, 1886. not in flower for conservatory decoration. There can be little doubt that by this way of treating C'allas finer spathes are produced than by the old plan of leaving the plants in pots all the season. In lifting them we take steel forks and raise the soil carefully, so as to get all tiie ruo*s we can. When potted they are set in a cool shaded position, and kept syringed overhead until the leaves will bear full exposure without flagging. They are kept in a cool house during winter, and introduced to gentle heat according to the time at which they are ret(uired to be in flower. Manure water is given freely when the flower Bpathes are being pushed up, as the size and substance of the flowers depend upon liberal feeding. — J. G., I/ants. Trees and Shrubs. TOP-DRESSING RHODODENDRONS. I HAVE been told of an instance where the annual mulching of Rhododendi-on beds with the short Grass from the lawn .sufficed to change a fiowerless into a fioriferous condition. There is no doubt that the Rhododendron, like many other hardy shrubs and plants, suffers from the neatness which it is considered necessary to observe. The old foliage is cleared away as it falls, and Nature's way of keeping up the fertility of the soil is not compensated for by a top-dressing of any kind When Rhododendrons are planted in a depth of good peat, or in suitable loam, they do not so much feel the need of nourishment in this way ; but where, as is frequently the case, these advan- tages exist in a modified degree only, the growth in the course of several years after planting be- comes too stunted to admit of the formation of good flower-buds. I lately saw some Rhododen- dron beds which had come into this condition ; the plan tsvverehealthy, but wantingevidently in vigour, and consequently gave scarcely any bloom. They were growing in prepared soil, but it was easy to see that the roots had long since taken possession of the whole of the compost. Looking among the branches, which w"ere rather bare at bottom, I could see a clean, even surface, from which the rain must run off away to the side when once it becomes dry. Had the leaves which drojiped been allowed to remain they would have served to return to the soil what the plants took from it, and would, moreover, have preserved the surface in such a porous, open condition as to allow of the free entry of the rain. There are many soils, including those of a poor, sandy nature, where Rhododendrons will make plenty of roots, but which require the addition ot some form of nourishment. Mulching with short Grass or lea\es will in a great measure do this, as it is not nitrogenous food that these Evergreens require, but rather decayed vegetable matter. Mulching, too, will sustain and promote freedom of growth by helping to retain moisture, and it should be remembered that Rhododendrons are moisture-loving subjects; they really require a large amount of water when in full growth. J. C. B. Eucryphia pinnatifolia. — This beautiful Chilian shrub is at the present time in flower, and there being but few other trees or shrubs ill bloom it is the more conspicuous. It is a, rather slow-growing deciduous bush, with pinnate leaves and flowers that bear a good deal of resemblance to those of a Hypericum, except that they are pure white in colour. The blooms are from 2-1 inches to .'5 inclies in diameter, composed of four large petals, and a dense cluster of stamens just as in the St. John -;-wort. AVhen the flowers first expand the reddish coloured anthers are very conspicuous, and scarcely less so after a day or two when they become bright yellow. It has proved perfectly hardy in Messrs. Veitch's Coombe Wood Nursery, near Kingston, in Surrey. I was much struck recently at seeing it successfully grown in a pot and employed for decorative purposes, the treatment accorded it bsing to plunge the pot in the open ground till the flowers were on the point of expanding, when the plant was removed under glass. It was potted in an ordinary mixture of loam, peat, and sand, while when grown out of doors it does not seem very fastidious as to soil, provided it does not get too hot and dry. This shrub was fii'st distributed by Messrs. A'eitch a few years ago, but it is still very rare, no doubt owing to the fact that it grows rather slowly, and also that it cannot be increased to any great extent. Pro- pagation may be effected by means of cuttings, but those that strike are usually so few that such a mode of increase is not to be relied on. Layer- ing is the method generally employed for the purpose, but this can scarcely be carried out in the case of small plants. — T. Fine Poplars. — In order to form an adequate idea of the grandeur of the black Italian Poplar (Populus monilifera), which is so much planted at the present time, such fine specimens as those at Syon, near Brentford, need to be seen. They are considerably above 100 feet in height, and have a stem girth of about 15 feet. Their massive forked limbs tower above those of the surrounding trees very majestically, and the huge bole, with its rugged bark, riven and torn by age, has an extremely picturesque appearance. A Lombardy Poplar, upwards of 130 feet high, rears it head above its fellows, and breaks the sky-line of the round-headed trees with fine effect. The true black English Poplar (P. nigra), not often seen planted as an ornamental tree, is represented by some grand specimens. It is a tall, quick-growing tree, which readily assumes a somewhat pyramidal form, with triangular, tapering leaves, and is a capital tree for growing in wet places, such as in water-meadows, by the borders of streams, lakes, &c. Of P. heterophylla, P. alba, and other Pop- lars there are equally remarkable specimens. — W. G. Eng'lemanii's Spruce (Abies Englemanni). — According to Professor Sargent, this tree forms a shapely, tapering spire, from 60 fpet to SO feet high, with a trunk slender for its height, and which is covered with a thin, scaly, reddish-gtey bark. In gene- ral appearance A. Englemanni resembles the Black Spruce of Eastern America, for which it was mistaken by all botanical travellers in the Eocky Mountains until Dr. Parry detected its specific distinctions, and dedicated it to the distinguished botanist whose name it bears. Of its merits as an ornamental tree, its resemblarce to one of the common trees of the East will probably work against its general popularity, while its alpine character, and consequent habit of starting to grow in very early spring, will render it unfit for cultivation save in the extreme Northern States. In St. Petersburg A. Englemanni succeeds perfectly, in spite of the extreme cold of the Russian winters, and as heretofore the only Conifers available for planting in Northern Russia have been the Scotch Pine and the Siberian Spruce, its general introduction there is considered of the greatest value and import- ance. By far the most valuable of the Colorado Spruces, as a timber tree, and the equal in this respect to the Black Spruce, it is not improbable that Engle- niann's Spruce will some day form an important ele- ment in the formation of artificial forests in Northern Europe. It is the most alpine in character of the Colorado Spruces, forming in the Southern Rocky Mountains vast foresls abo\e 8000 feet, and reaching even 11,500 feet above the sea-ltvel. SHORT NOTES.— TREES AND SHRCBS. Piuus austriaca for seaside— The Black Austrian Pine 18 an excellent £ea-t'->ast tree, and the rich massive fnliage preserves its somewliat sombre, but healthy green in all situations. It should be planted in masses, as when is il.ited as a specimen, or standing singly among deciduous trees, it is rather apt to lie overturned by storms, because the roots are rather spreading than descending, and the head of the tree becomes very heavy and branching. Variations in Coniferae.— It is only when Conifers of the same variety are grouped together that one is able to fully appreciate the variety of form and colour that exists amongst them. The different gradations between young and old foliage is remarkable, a fact fully exemplitied in Cupressns T.awsoniana and its varieties.— J.' Garden Flora. PLATE 656. THE HIMALAYAN ANDROSACES. (with 'a coloured figure of a. lanuginosa.*) Next to Primroses the Androsaces interest culti- vators of hardy plants perhaps more than any other class of alpines. They are, especially the European kinds, found in alpine regions, close to the snow line ; and although part of the year covered with snow, tliey are ever ready to shoot into flower directly it melts. Such species as A. glacialis, A. helvetica, and others some- what puzzle the grower as to how to establish them satisfactorily ; indeed, unless great care ia exercised they can hardly be kept alive for any length of time. Fortunately, those from the Himalayas are all comparatively easy to grow, and they flower so abundantly and are so pretty, that plant lovers, even with limited accomoda- tion, would do well to have at least a few of them in their gardens. The early period at which they flower is another inducement, succeeding as they do the Primroses, and continuing in bloom during a time when other kinds of flowers are not over-plentiful. To be successful with them, they must be kept dry in winter; the majority of them being more or less shaggy, they naturally hold moisture, and if the drainage be at all defective they will not succeed. They may be propagated either by means of runners, cut- tings, or seeds, which in dry seasons they ripen freely. Seventeen distinct species and many varieties are enumerated as being natives of India, and three of thera, viz., septentiionalis, villosa, and Chamsejasme, are also represented in Europe. The following are all that have been as yet introduced : — A. CHAM.i:.j.\SME. — Thiswell known garden plant has a very wide distribution. It is found plenti- fully in Western Tibet, Barjila, and Karakorum, at elevations of from 12,000 to 15,000 feet above sea level. It also extends to Arctic Russia, Central and North Asia, Arctic America, and is found plentifully, travellers tell us, in the European Alps ; indeed, it is from the last named source that the plants now cultivated in gardens are derived. When well grown, as we have seen it on a shady rockery, it has a charming appearance when covered with its pretty pink and white flowers. It requires a good porous soil, well mixed with old lime rubbish, and during spring and summer it must be well attended to with water. It is easily propagated by division, but as this is always risky in the case of an establi.shed plant, seeds had better be resorted to. It forms nice light green tufted masses, the central rosettes in which are generally twice as large as the outside ones ; the flower-stem seldom reaches more than a few inches in height, and the flowers are less than half an inch in diameter. They are at first white, but afterwards change to pink, or even rose, and generally have yellow, but often reddish, rings round the eye. The flowers appear in May and continue until July and even August. Two in- teresting varieties belonging to this speties ate found in the Himalayas; one called uniflora has one or two flowers on a stem, and densely tufted leaves, the other called coronata has shorter and narrower lea\-es, and a corolla with a prominent ring round the eye. A. i4KRANiFnLiA. — This i,- a new .species belong- ing to the stoloniferous section j the stolons, whicli are said to be a foot long, are very slender; the leaves are from 1 inch to 2 inches broad, and the flower-stem from (i inches to nearly a foot in height. It is apparently a really good garden plant, and one which is likely to prove quite hardy, being found in damp woods at Lachen at 9000 feet and 10,000 feet elevation. * Drawn in Messrs. Paul's nurser.v, Broxhoume, in Septem- ber of last year. 9 :5 o 3 o <^ o Q July 31, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 101 A. HooKERiANA. — This is also a comparatively new species, havino; been introduced to our gar- dens only a short time ago. As far as we can at present judge, it is likely to prove an acquisition, and seeing that it reaches an elevation of from 1-2,000 feet to 11, 000 feet in Lachen, little doubt as to its hardiness need be entertained. It be- longs to the stoloniferous set, and forms rigid rosettes of Hat, blunt-tipped leaves, shiny above, and with few or no hairs on the margin. The tlowerstem, which is about 3 inches high, supports a loose umbel of pretty pink flowers of consider- able size. A. L.VNrGiNos.\. — A good idea of the general appearance of this plant may be gleaned from the accompanying plate. It is perhaps the oldest Himalayan Androsace in cultivation. Seeds of it were sent to the Trinity College Gardens, Dublin, by Dr. Roy le about fifty years ago, and plants raised from them flowered in the open border in August, 1842. Since then it has been cultivated largely in our gardens, both from seeds ripened in this country and from fresh importations from India. It is perfectly hardy, but, like most Androsaces, very liable to damp off in the winter unless special attention is given to guard against this calamity. In some ^ai-dens. and especially in those of Sir ^V. Bowman at .Toldwjnds, it grows as freely as a weed, covering large areas on dry sunny banks, and making a magnificent show during the late summer and early autumn months. Where the soil is heavy we mix with it plenty of lime rubbish, raising small mounds and planting on the top of them. This species is readily distinguished from all others by its long leafy stolon-like branches and by having small scattered rosettes. Its leaves are lanceolate, and the whole plant is covered with long silky hairs. The branches, although stolon- like, never root, as in sarmentosa. A variety called oculatahas a distinct purplering round the eye, and when well grown is very effective. It ripens seeds freely, and may be propagated in that way, but it also strikes freely from cuttings, and we find this the quickest mode of rai'ing a stock of it. It is found on the Western Himalayas, from Kumaon to Kashmir, at 10,000 feet elevation. A. ROTr.N'DiFOLiA — In our gardens maybe found various forms of this plant, none of which are equal to a poor Herb Robert, ('.<:., if we except their large and singular calices, which quite eclipse the flowers. We are told, however, that the corolla is usually much lai-ger than the calyx in some of the forms — a treat in store for us when the best of them shall have been introduced. A. s.\RMENTOSA. — This seems to be the most variable of all the Himalayan Androsaces, re- sembling, in the form most commonly cultivated in gardens, villosa on the one hand, and differing in the variety called foliosa on the other, from any other Androsace, although there seems to be a gradation from the variety Watkinsi, through grandifolia, and primuloides to foliosa. The line between sarmentosa, villosa, and some forms of Chama'jasme is, we believe, very difiicult to define when in a dry state, and especially if we take the Himalayan forms of the two last-named species, but in the garden the difference is wide, and may be detected at a glance. The great difficulty with sarmentosa is to keep it through the winter, a? even in situations where it has grown and flowered well through the .summer months it will go oft' in winter, /. '. , if it should be at all damp. In naturally well-drained soils it may be planted on the flat ground ; but if otherwise, the more perpendicular the position chosen for it the greater ■will be the success, and if under a projecting rock or ledge so much the better : the soil should be light and gritty and the position exposed and sunny. No difficulty will be experienced in pro- pagating this plant ; all the stolons form little rosettes at the nodes, and if these be simply pegged down, either on the ground or in small '2i-inch pots, they will emit roots and be ready to cut away from the parent plant in a few weeks. It forms tufts which, if left undisturbed, will cover a wide area ; the rosettes are silky-haired, the stolons leafless, and unless pegged down near the parent plant become in time unsightly. It grows 6 inches or more in height, and carries a round head of handsome rosy purple flowers, with a distinct yellowish eye, raised a little above the corolla. The following varieties have, we believe, no precise limits, viz. : A. Watkinsi, a form with no stolons. Its leaves are an inch long, lance-shaped, and almost sessile on the stems. Grandifolia also has no stolons. It is stout in habit, and the leaves are very large, often measuring an inch across, and narrowed into long or short stalks. It is found at Tungu, at 14,000 feet elevation. A. primu- loides resembles the variety Watkinsi, but gene- rally has stolons and more slender flower-stems. A. foliosa, introduced a few years ago by the late Mr. I. Anderson-Henry, has a fine sturdy habit and no stolons ; its leaves are an inch in diameter, and the flower-heads, which rise well above the foliage, consist of pretty rosy-purple flowers, larger than in sarmentosa. It is perfectly hardy, and is readily propagated by means of cuttings. A. sE.MPERVivoiDEs. — This is a charming little species, which we have only once seen. Its leaves are densely packed in small rosettes, from which grow the stoloniferous branches, forming, as in sarmentosa, an easy means by which it may be increased. The flower-stem is solitary, and the flowei's small and darker than in the above-named species. It is a native of Western Tibet, Scinde valley, and Kashmir. It is probably hardy, but requires a somewhat shady position. A. VILLOSA. — The form of this plant which inhabits the Himalayas is widely difterent from the one which we see in the Alps, and which is the form commonly cultivated in gardens. The Indian one is densely haiiy or villose; the leaves are arranged in larger globose rosettes : the flowers, too, are larger and fewer in a head. They are purple, and have a pronounced conica,l swelling round the mouth. It has sto'ons, closely beset with small rosettes resembling sarmentosa on a small scale, and. as in that species, rooting when pegged down. This plant generally is more easily managed than most of the other Androsaces, a sunny position on a gentle slope suiting it admir- ably. It requires copious waterings during sum- mer, but care at the same time should be taken to see that the drainage is perfect. It flowers in May, .June, and often in -July. It is found in the Western Himalayas, in the drier regions from Kumaon to Kashmir, W. Tibet, Affghanistan, Caucasian Alps, Asia Minor, and elsewhere. D. K. The divining rod. — I cannot tell "Veronica" wherein lies the power of either the stick or the man, nor does the man Mullens himself pretend to explain the mystery. He is a plain, unpretending, working-man, and has no theories on the subject, but uses the giftwhich he undoubtedly possesses for practical purposes, and in that sphere has con- founded all the experts and others who have tried him. I do not doubt myself that he would even consent to "Veronica's" conditions that in the event of his failing to discover water "the stick might be made to react on him in some o^hcr way ; " but being accustomed to such proposals, he generally attaches the reasonable proviso that the "stick" be applied to the other party should his operations with the twig be successful. If " Veronica's " irresponsible monitor asrees to this performance at a public seance, I should be pleased to assist in arranging the preliminaries. To " Veronica's " other question. "Is the power pos- sessed by other people? " JIullens tells me it is possessed in some degree by many people, and there are several professionals in Somersetshire be.sides himself. He has a family, but he is the only member of it who can "work the twig," a circumstance which he much regrets. Those who wish for further information about the man should apply for his testimonials and vouchers, of which he has a volume from gentlemen of position and education in all parts of the country — some of whom acknowledge ha\-ing saved thousands of pounds by employing him, and who are willing to back up their testimonials still further if needful. -S. W. Fruit Crops. SOUTHERN DIVISION. Claremont, Esher.— Peaches and Nectarines are exceptionably heavy crops in the gardens here and the trees healthy and vigorous ; they had the usual covering of fishnetting (triple thickness) whilst in bloom and the weather being at that time cold and stormy, the covering was not re- moved until the fruit had reached a considerable size. If sufficient of this netting had been on hand, I fancy Plums and Pears would have been equally good ; as it is, they are very thin, and in the case of Pears partial. The advantage of diff'erent aspects for choice varieties is this year noticeable ; the crop is best on a north-east w'all, where the bloom was later. Apricots ai-e a complete failure ; my experience agrees with that of many others, ('.c, that the bloom buds rotted without expand- ing. Of Cherries, both dessert and Morello, we have very fair crops. Apples are thin, and the foliage in many cases almost destroyed by maggot. Wall trees have been very free this season from insect pests, especially the Cherry and Plum fly, of which we have seen but little. Small fruits of all kinds are plentiful, and extra quantities will doubtless be required for pre- serving, to compensate in a measure for the lossof the Apple crop. CJooseberries as dessert fruits increase in favour year by year, and wire-trained trees are in great request, I would particularly recommend this system to all who have not given it a trial for many reasons, viz , great variety can be grown in little space, and the season may be thereby prolonged : the fruit is kept clean, and can be easily netted : the picker is able to do his work quickly ; and the yearly crop from this restrictive system is very hea\y. W'e throw a net over some Warringtons, planted under a north wall, and by this means make our (iooseberry season last some two or three weeks after all other fruit is removed from the trellis. In order to secure a long season for Red and White Currants, they are planted on south-east and north-west walls, as well as in open quarters. As to Straw- berries, fruits have been plentiful, but the season short.— E, BURKELL. Deepdene, Dorking. — The fruit crops in this neighbourhood are not quite satisfactory, though of some things, such as Currants and Gooseberries, we have abundance. The Apple crop is not what was expected ; many trees have a sprinkling on them, but scarce any are bearing a full crop. Pears are thin, except Pitmaston Duchess and Marie Louise, which are laden both on walls and pyramids; Apricots are thin; Peaches and Nec- tarines a moderate crop; Plums of all kinds are a very hea^•y crop ; Cherries are a fine crop and good in quality ; Gooseberries and Currants are bearing very heavy crops, and the fruit is clean. The Strawberry crop is very much under average; our favourite kinds for flavour are British Queen and Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury ; our best croppers are probably Sir Charles Napier and Sir" Joseph Paxton, and our best early sorts Vicomtesse Heri- cart de Thury and Keen's Seedling. Black Prince we cannot grow on account of its liability to mil- dew. Sir C. Napier and Frogmore Late Pine are the best late sorts. The most certain plan by which to insure regular crops is to plant out the old forced plants, grow them for two seasons, and then destroy them. Our favourite Strawberries for forcing are Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, Sir C. Napier, and a few Briti.sh Queens.— .J. BrR-VETT, Leonardslee, Horsham. — Apples in this dis- trict are under the average. On some few of our bush and pyramid trees, such as Warner's King, Cox's Orange Pippin, Keswick Codlin, Lady Henniker, Lord Suffiekl, we have average crops. Pears with me are an average crop, but in this district they are under the average. Plums are fair crops all round ; Chei-ries a very large crop in this district; 102 THE GARDEN. [July 31, 1886. Morellos also very good. All kinds of small fruits are large crops and good. Strawberries are abun- dant. Kentish Filberts are a large crop and very fine. Of \\'alnuts we have a few ; they are under the average. Apple orchards on this estate I find will yield scarcely a third of a cro[i. As to Straw- berries, the following is a list of the kinds which I grow, and all are good, viz. : Keen's Seedling, Alice Maud, Sir C. Napier; these I grow in pots for forcing in the order just named, and also largely out of doors. Vicomtesse Hi'-ricart de Thury is an excellent bearer and good all-round Strawberry. Alpha is delicious, and one of the best for forcing. British Queen, Empress Eugc-nie, .James Veitch, President, Sir-T. Pa,\ton,andKitley'sGoliath ripen in the order in which their names stand. Eleanor is the latest of all ; it has been in grand form during these last three days ending July 22 — which is good for this southern part of the kingdom. The best plan by wliich to secure good and regular srops is not to let the beds stand over the third year. We plant 2 feet apart every way, and get plenty of fruit. By the end of the season I daresay I shall have taken 350 quarts ; in some seasons I have taken 400 quarts. — Sidney Ford. Longford Castle, Salisbury. — Apples and Pears are not so good as they promised to be. The frosts which we had early in May, followed by a low temperature and east winds for several weeks at a stretch reduced the number of blos- soms and embryo fruit to a considerable extent. However, there will still be fairly good crops of both kinds in this district. Apricots, Peaches, and Nectarines are also fairly good, and Plums are more plentiful than I have known them to be for a great number of years. Bush fruit of all kinds are most abundant, and Strawberries, though not so heavy a crop as last year, have been pretty plentiful and good. Tlie varieties grown here are Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, Keen's Seedling, La Grosse Sucree, Sir Charles Napier, Sir Joseph Paxton, President, James Veitch, and British tjueen for early and general crops, and Elton Pine and Oxonian for late crops, on a north border. 1 should not like to say which of the above-named varieties is the best flavoured, but James Veitch — the largest —is the worst. We also grow a small breadth of Hautbois and alpines — the former more on account of its rarity and peculiar flavour than for its usefulness, and the latter by reason of its yielding a supply of pleasantly flavoured fruits for months after every other variety has ceased to bear. The best way in which to secure good and regular crops is to plant a given number of forced and properly hardened-off plants every year as early in the spring as possible, laying on a good mulching of short manure between the rows and the plants afterwards, and annually destroying a like number of the three-year-old plants after the fruit has been gathered. The Strawberry delights in a stiti' loamy soil. — H. W. Wakd. Goodwood, Chicliester. — Fruits in gijneral in this locality are good average crops, with the exception of Apples and Strawberries, which are much under the average. We find the most use- ful Strawberries to be Pauline, a good early kind for general cropping ; Vicomtesse Hericarb de Tliury, Sir Charles Napier, Keen's Seedling, Dr. Mooie, James Veitch, and Elton Pine, the last a good late sort. Such kinds as Dr. Hogg and British Queen, although excellent, do not succeed well on our light soil. The main way by which good crops of Strawberries may be got is deep trenching, well manuring, and planting out plants which ha\e been forced. These rarely fail to pro duoe good crops. — F. Jutland. Basing Park, Alton. — Apples here are a good crop and the trees are looking well. The kinds that bear best are Keswick Codlin, Irish Peach, Lord Sultield, King of the Pippins, Kerry Pippin, Striped .Juneating, Boston Russet, Blenheim Orange, Cox's Orange Pippin, Margil, Worcester Pearmain, Northern (Jreening, and Dumelow's Seedling. Of Pears we have the heaviest crop that I remember for many years, and the trees are very healthy. The foUoAving kinds do well here, viz., Williams' Bon Chretien, Citron des Carmes, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Glou jNIorceau, Marie Louise, Marie Louise d'Uccle, Winter Nelis, Passe Colmar, Seckel, Van Mons Leon Leclerc, Alexandre Lambre, Duchesse d'AngoulC-me, Beurre de Capiaumont, B. Bosc, B. Diel, B. Ranee, ICnight's Monarch, and Catillac. Plums are a good crop, and the trees are clean and healthy. The best kinds here are Orleans, Pond's Seedling, Diamond, Coe's (4olden Drop, Jefferson, Magnum Bonum, Washington, and Green Gages, early and late. Damsons, too, are a first-rate crop, and the trees clean. Of Peaches and Nectarines we have good crops, and the trees look well. Apricots are quite a failure. Of Gooseberries we have a very heavy crop, and also of Currants of all kinds. Raspberries are good in every way ; Nuts also good. Strawberries are all but a failure ; the late winter injured them very much, and the hot, dry weather which we have had completely ruined them. The kinds which usually do well here are Black Prince, Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, Keen's Seedling, President, and Sir Charles Napier. These all force well, and are good early kinds for the open ground. Later sorts 'are British Queen, Dr. Hogg, Eclipse, and James Veitch. The latest of all are Frogmore Late Pine and Elton Pine. \\'here good plants are ready or well rooted, runners can be had : the sooner they are planted now the better, but I prefer using plants that have been forced, which always yield good crops the first year after planting. P.eforc planting I always have the ground well manured and trenched, and plant in rows .'? feet apart and IS inches asunder in the rows. The soil round the plants is made quite firm and kept watered till the plants have got well established. H the weather happens to be dry when the Strawberries are in bloom I give them a good soaking with manure water ; then I mulch with litter, which keeps the fruit clean. I find it best to make new plantations about every four or five years, as after that time the fruit gets small and the plants require a change of ground, more particularly the class to which the British (^)ueen and Dr. Hogg belong ; much, however, depends on the character of the soil. At Elmham Hall, Norfolk, a bed of Keen's Seedling Straw- berries was, I remember, over twenty years old, and always bore good crops of fine fruit, but that was on a good rich stiff' yellow clay, or rather loam. Early Potatoes are excellent, both in quality and quantity, and as yet quite free from disease. They will soon be ready to take up ; the late kinds, too, are looking well — never better. — W.m. Smytiie. ■Wycombe Abbey. — In this district crops of Apricots, Apples, and Strawberries are somew hat below the average, but all other fruits are good average crops. As to Strawberries, I consider Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury one of the most useful kinds in cultivation and the best of all for early forcing ; under fair ordinary treatment it is a safe setter, and when ripe at an advanced season its quality, in my opinion, is superior to that of any other kind ; if we except the old Grove End Scarlet, too, which may have a slight advantage over it in point of colour, it is unsurpassed for preserving, and, moreover, its earliness in a natural way and its hardy constitution make it a most desirable variety. As a successor Keen's Seedling is pre-eminently good in every respect, and this variety is succeeded by President, Sir Joseph Paxton, and Sir Charles Napier ; James Veitch we grow on account of its large size ; next in order comes Oxonian, and last of all the old, but still highly esteemed, Elton Pine. The fore- going sorts constitute the collection grown here as being best suited for our requirements. New varieties also find a place until such time as their merits are ascertained, after which they are either retained or discarded. PoT.iTOEs look remarkably well, and as yet there is no appearance of disease either on the haulm or in the tubers. The early crop, though not over-abundant, is excellent as regards quality. As to late crops, the yield will doubtless in dry positions be under the average. — G. T. Miles. Beechwood, New Forest. — Of Pears we have the heaviest crop in open borders on pyramids and dwarf bushes that we have had during these last twelve years ; that on walls is not so heavy, last year's crop being above the average. Apples are the lightest crop we have had here for several years ; in a few sheltered spots may be seen a fair sprinking. Plums are a good crop, except Damsons, which are a failure in this locality. Of Cherries we grow May Duke and the Morello ; the former is above the average, the latter below it. Gooseberries are a very light crop— the lightest in my remembrance. Currants — Black, Red, and White— are heavy crops, and the fruit large and good. Raspberries good and up to the average. Mulberries and Nuts are good, and of Cranberries we have abundance. Strawberries have been good, but of short duration, owing to the drought. I have grown several varieties here, but have discarded them for President and Eclipse ; the former does well iji this soil and bears large, handsome, well-flavoured fruit. It is also a good forcer. Eclipse is a good bearer, but the fruit is not so large as that of President. It is, however, good in flavour. We manure heavily and remove the runners three times ; then we slightly fork between the rows and put on the manure, which is washed down by the winter rains to the roots. If they show signs of failing we renew our plantations every five years. — T. Clarke. Trelissick, Truro. — Apples in this neighbour- hood are a complete failure ; with tlie exception of Hawthornden, scarcely a fruit is to be seen in many of our best orchards. As to the variety just named, I have not found a tree on which there was not a moderate crop of fruit. The failure of the crop is generally attributed to a terrific hail storm which visited us on the last day of March. But that I suspect is not the true cause, for Pears do not appear to have suffered in the least, though their buds were in a much more forward state than those of Apples. In this locality Pears will be quite an average crop. Peaches and Nectarines where unprotected are splendid crops; as to Apricots, we never expect to get any, though we keep a tree or two for old acquaintance sake. I'lums in a large orchard house near here will be scarce— not nearly half a crop. Plums and Cherries on sheltered walls are pretty good. An enormous Brown Turkey Fig tree here, probably one of the largest in England, is bearing a grand crop, and if the weather for ripening should be favourable, we will have several bushes of fine Figs. All bush fruits have been very good, with the exception of Gooseberries, the buds of which were ruined by bullfinches in winter. As to Strawberries, early in the season they promised to be an unusually heavy crop, but the scorching hot weather that set in in the middle of June withered up the plants as well as the fruit. In many plantations where there was no mulching numbers of plants were entirely killed. I always mulch heavily and early with long stable manure, which prevents evaporation and protects the plants from the scorching sun. The ammonia contained in the litter being washed down by the rains proves to be a useful stimulant, and when washed clean it pjrotects the fruit when ripe from contact with the soil. Strawberry plantations thus tieated yield more than double the produce they otherwise would do. I have tried numbers of varieties, but my greatest favourite for a main crop is Sir C. Napier. It is a grand fruit, a pro- digious cropper, and travels well ; for forcing, too, I find nothing to equal it. Some of your corre- spondents speak of it as being wanting in flavour, an opinion with which I cannot agree, i.e., as grown and ripened here. In Derbyshire we used to grow magnificent crops of British Queen and Elton Pine, both of which I have tried, but had to discard them as failures. I now grow Black Prince, an indispensable sort for first early, and Sir C. Napier for our main crop. I also grow James Veitch, Keen's Seedling, Dr. Hogg, Presi- dent, and Vicomtesse H(5ricart de Thury, but not one of them is nearly so satisfactoiy with me as Sir C. Napier. With regard to odtivation, I can July 31, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 103 add nothing to the admirable instructions already given by Mr. Coleman, which, if carefully carried out, will produce grand Strawberries the first .season after planting. I invariably destroy a small patch every year, and plant a fresh piece to rejjlace it, the best results bein^ generally ob- tained the second year after planting. — Wili.i.v.m S.VNi:uix. Wildernesse, near Sevenoaks. — Peaches and Nectarines here are fairly good crops, but Apricots are under the average ; although covered with double netting, 10° of frost on the 1st of May did much injury. Cherries are a good average crop, especially Morellos. Those grown on standards in Cherry orchards have been mast abundant. Plums are fairly good, especially the A'ictoria and Orleans. Pears are nearly a failure, with the exception of Napoleon, Passe C'olmar, and Duchesse d'Angouleme, on which there is a little fruit. Of Apples the crop here is the smallest known for several years past. The only kinds bearing a moderate crop are Cox's Orange Pippin, Sturmer Pippin, and Duchesse d Oldenburg on espaliers, and Dutch Mignonne, King Pippin, and Wellington in the form of standards. Black Currants are under the average, while White and Red sorts are good crops. Raspberries are plen- tiful, but small, owing to want of rain. Goose- berries are a heavy crop and veiy fine, notably Lancashire Lad, Warrington, Whitesmith, Crown Bob, .Tolly Tar, Sportsman, Jolly Farmer, and Roaring Lion. Strawberries are a good crop, but not so tine as last year, in consequence of the excessive heat which prevailed during the swelling period. The sorts grown here are, for earliest on a south border, Vicomtesse Hericart ples are thin on mo^t trees. Damsons here are also rather a thin crop. Other Plums plentiful in the district. Altogether, if the autumn proves fine we have what may be termed a medium fruit crop. — .J. W. Bavni:. Belvoir Castle, Grantham. — The complete failure of the Apple crop in this district was not the result of any single frost, but of a long jieriod of chilling winds and cold, dull weather after the first flush of sap. The check sustained by the trees caused thu bloom to fall, produced mildew on the foliage, and assisted the ravages of insects. Some few very vigorous young trees bore up against the trials of the early ungenial season, Stirling Castle and Lord Sutfield amongst the number, and these are bearing fair crops. Pears sutl'ered in the same way, the trees that failed to bear last year producing more fruit than those heavily cropped last year. The Plum crop is too abundant, necessitating thinning. There is but a moderatecrop of Apricots. Peachesare bearing well andarehcalthy. Clierriesmoderatelygood. Thecrop of Gooseberries is exceedingly large ; Currants, both Red and Black, are equally abundant. Raspberries are small and the canes alFected by drought. The Strawberry crop is bj' no means large, and the fruit ha? been injured by dry weather. French Strawberries seem better able to resist heat and drought than English raised sorts; thus Grosse Sucrce proved the best early sort we grow ; Keen's Seedling followed very closely, and maintains its position as an excellent fruit both for forcing and general cultivation. Alice Maud is growing into favour, both on account of quality and its [lacking properties; Sir J. Paxton and President follow and afford a main crop, succeeded by Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, a heavy bearer, but a little acid. British (,>ueen still maintains its pre-emi- nence in size, quality, and its habit of producing • even and regular crops; Frogmore Late I'ine is our latest sort, and well grown is invaluable, being a heavy cropper and of a deep lich colour. Pauline is on our trial ground as an early sort ; James Veitch does not succeed with us ; Auguste Nicaise is'a large fruit, but not of high quality ; it forces well. We employ forced plants generally to make fresh borders, and find it best to use manure liberally. — W. In'gk.\m. Waresley Park, St. Neots.— Fruit crops in this district, with the exception of bush fruits, are below the average. Apples and Pears an very scarce indeed. Plums are a fair crop Apricots rather thin, but large. Cherries abun- dant. Peaches and Xectarines good and tree? healthy. Red, White, and Black Currants and (iooseberries abundant, and of first-rate quality. Raspberries and Strawberries promise to be good crops, but owing to the dry weather which we have had they are small, but of good quality. Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, President, and British (Jueen I find to be sufficient both for inside and open-air culture. Filberts are scarce, but Walnuts are plentiful. — Rokert C.irter. Kimbolton Castle, Hunts. — Strawberries in this district are almost a failure, though with us they are excellent, owing solely to our having given them fresh mulchings and copious waterings when the dry hot weatlier set in immediately after the 21st of .June. The kinds which I find best suited to this cold clayey subsoil are British (,|ueen. Dr. Hogg, Sir Charles Xapier, and Pre- sident, and yet they are the four best varieties grown. Keen's Seedling was almost a failure, the blooms seeming to perish beneath the continuous cold rains which occurred in the early part of .June. Apples also sutl'ered from the same cause, and the leaves are now falling off as if scalded. Of Apricots, Pears, Plums, Cherries, (iooseberries, t urrants, Filberts (scarlet and white) we have great abundance. As to the latter, I never before saw such a profusion. In order to secure good and heavy crops of Strawberries, I alnays open a trench the same as for Celery and manure well, then fill in and plant with plants that have been forceil. By these means I get a far heavier cro[) the following season than I could possibly obtain from plants prepared outdoors. — Thus. Ciiwburs. Ramsey Abbey, Hunts. — Apricots here are thin, but the trees are healthy. The paucity of fruit I attribute to drought and scarcity of water last summer. Peaches and Nectarines are good ; Plums and Cherries abundant ; Apples about half a crop; Pears fairly good; Grapes on walls plenti- ful, but latt — will require a fine autumn to enable them to ripen ; Figs are a good crop ; bush fruits and Raspberries very abundant ; Nuts thin. As regards Strawberries, young beds have done well. One old bed that was condemned last year, but afterwards reprieved, has not been so good. On our soil the second year is usually the best, and on no consideration should beds of Strawberries be allowed to stand more than three years. The best kinds as regards flavour are British Queen and President, and they also bear well. Vicom- tesse He'ricart de Thury does well here as a second early. Black Prince and the Captain succeed well also. The best late kinds with us are Sir C. Napier and Elton Pine. The White Pine is liked here, and it bears well ; it also forces well. The best way to insure good crops is to plant either a half or a third of the space occupied annually, according a? we adopt the two or three years' system, to plant on good land firmly, to give plenty of room in pioportion to the develop- ment of the particular variety growing, to mulch heavily, and to water freely up till the time when the fruit begins to ripen. The alpine with us is much thought of. It is sent in for breakfast every morning, and when the plants are well fed the fruit attains a good size. — E. Hor.riAY. Glossop Hall, High Peak of Derbyshire. — This is perhaps one of the worst fruit districts in England. There is an old saying here that we get nine months of winter and three months of bad weather, which is, so far as my experience goes, not far from correct. Apjiles and I'ears, when their blossoms escape destruction by late spring frosts, rarely attain size enough to be of any use, with the exception of Lord Suffield, Keswick, and JIanks Codlins, and these are only a very poor crop this season. Of dessert Pears we have none, all the bloom being destroyed by hea\y rains and frost. Plums and Cherries also suffered from the same cause. Currants and Gooseberries are much under the average. Rasp- berries and Strawberries are about an average crop, but very late up to this date (.July "23). Me have not gathered a single Straw-berry outside. President, N'icomtesse Hericart de Thury, Sir Joseph Paxton, and the old Hautbois were the only varieties in cultivation when I took charge here in the spring of ISS,") ; to these I have added .lames Veitch, Keen's Seedling, Eleanor, and British l,)ueen. In addition to a cold, wet climate, we have a wretchedly poor gravelly soil, and, worst of all, smoke from the cotton factories' and other chimneys. On soil of the nature of our own it is not wise to allow Strawberry beds to stand more than three years, as by that time the plants get quite exhausted. In tlie new beds we have made we have — by way of an attempt to improve both crop and quality — put about 4 inches of good stiff' clay in the bottom of the trenches, and we have great hopes of this method being successful, assisted by liberal top-dressings of manure in autumn. — B. Asiitun. 'Westonbirt, Tetbury.— Apples here are an average crop; Pears good, especially early varie- ties. Winter Nelis on a west wall, has not failed during these last six years. Of Plums we have an excellent crop. Cherries are an average crop, but small. Peaches and Nectarines average crops ; trees very much blistered, but making strong lateral growth. Apricots are under the average, but fine in quality. Of Figs we have an average crop. Small fruits are excellent, especially Goose- berries, many of the trees breaking down under their load. Nuts are plentiful, but late. Straw- berries are good ; the first fruits were very larwe, and rain came just in time to swell for the second crop, which was plentiful, but the fruit small in size. 1 find only three varieties to do well with me, viz.. Keen's Seedling, Sir Joseph Paxton, anil President. I have tried Dr. Hogg and British (Jueen ; the former does not ripen well, and the latter does not make strong crowns. I force Keen's Seedling as my earliest, and it produces moderate-sized fruit. It is also the earliest out- of-doors and best for preserving-. Sir .Joseph Paxton I find to be early and goodfor forcing ; it has a good constitution, and is not particular as to soil. It also packs and travels well. President I find to possess the same good qualities, but it is quite a fortnight later. Our soil is not good for Strawberries, but the varieties just named do well with us. I plant out my latest forced plants in well manured soil, and these bear and last well for three years. — A. CH.\r.MAN. Hopton Hall, 'Wirks-w-orth.— Apples in this district had a good show of blossom, but scarcely any fruit has set. I Iiave one remarkable jiyramid tree, viz., the Irish Peach Apple, that 1 left un- pruned in 1 .S84, and last year I was rewarded by clusters of threes at end of every branch, and very fine fruit ; it was a pretty sight to see the fruit hanging on the long slender branches. This year I am again rewarded with pairs, instead of triples, and a good crop. It appears likely to be the only tree that will ripen any fruit. Pears never come to anything here except in very fine seasons, but old Brown Beurrii is carrying a good crop. I'lums such as Coe's Golden Drop, Early Prolific, Dove Bank, V'ictoria, < loliath, and Purple Gage on walls, are bearing full crops, but the last named never comes to perfection. Onpyramids,Victoria,Oulin's Golden, and (luthrie's Late Green are good crops, but the two latter ne\-er ripen jiroperly ; Victoria and Orleans do best, but the Orleans has failed this year. Damsons opened their blossoms late, and were looked upon as a safe crop, but, alas ] they have failed. Cherries on walls are good ; our varieties are Early Duke, Early (Juigne, Elton, Downton (this here succeds Elton), Black Eawlei ilorello, and Late Duke. Cherries and Plums^do well on the limestone here, but they require a wall to ripen them. Raspberries are good, but rather small. Black Currants are a good crop, and very fine and clean. Red Currants are also very fine ; a row of old standards, w-ith large heads, are heavily laden and clean. White Currants are likewise good and clean. Gooseberries are a heavy crop, especially on young standards which had very little pruning. Strawberries are heavy crops : most varieties that have been tried do well here, though on a shallow soil. I could dig on to the limestone at less than a foot from the surface, on which there is a bed of 108 THE GARDEN. [July 31, 1886. President showing a fine crop, and we have no ' genial weather in March and April, and a very ! berries are excellent in every way. ("iooseberries means of watering such crops. I keep the ground | wet, cold May, have in general had an unfavour- are also laden with well-swelled berries. Cur- well covered with foliage by thicker planting than what some would recommend, and I mulch well in autumn with rather littery manure ; this washes clean and preserves the fruit from grit. I gathered my first dith of Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury on 12th of July, and I have been gatheiing the Wood Straw- berry from the iSth of June : of this we supply a quart daily for breakfast. This wild Strawherrj' is finer this year than I have ever before known it to be. It grows by the acre on the limestone rocks here. Vicomtesse Heri- cart de Thury stands first on our list for a general crop, and forcing and preserving; President is our main crop kind, and for forcing I select the forced plants every year that produce the finest fruit, and plant them out; Oscar does well, and pro- duces fine high coloured showy fruit ; it also forces well, but this season .">.'? per cent, went blind; Black Prince is allowed to ramble about at will ; this never fails us; Auguste Nicaise bears freely and is distinct in colour ; Marguerite is large and a good cropper; Comte de Zans throws up its fruit well above the foliage, but does not stand wet well ; of Eleanor we ha^e a fine crop ; it makes a showy late dish, though very acid. With British Queen we get on very badly ; it never produces a crop here ; it used to do well in Shropshire and Staffordshire on the red sandstone formation. PoT.\TOES look remarkably well in this district. — George BoL.is. Waddesdon, Aylesbury. — Apricots here are a failure. Plums very good. Cherries an average crop ; Peaches and Nectarines the same. Apples are under the average. Pears an average crop and good. Bush fruits are very good. Straw- berries under the average. Raspberries very good ; of Nuts we have none. Generally speakint', our soil does not suit Strawberries well; it is a very heavy black clay with a great quantity of iron in it. Dr. Hogg does as well as any with us; Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury crops well, and is good in constitution. Lucas is a favourite with us, so is Helena Gloede and Sir Joseph Paxton, but President is the Strawberry upon which we rely for a general crop. Sir Charles Napier does fairly well with us ; and James Veitch, Loxford Hall Seed- ling, O-xonian, and the Red Alpine do well late. — Absalom Bradsh-\w. Chatsworth, Chesterfield. ^ _^ — The Apple crop here is a f-rT^'^^- capricious one. Early varie- ties are a good crop, includ- ing Codlins, but later varieties are scarce, and the trees i\hich bore heavily last year have scarcely any on them this sea- son. The reason for this must be, I think, the unripe con- dition in which the wood was left last winter after the almost unprecedentedly dull and cold autumn which we had. Pears are a fair crop. Plums an average one, and Cherries the same. So, too, are also Goose- beiTies, Raspberries, and Currants, excepting Black ones, which are light. Strawberries are under the average, and I find a greater per- centage of blind plants than I ever remember before, especially in our plantations, and also in those formed with young runner plants. On the other hand, in quarters plentiful last year with plants which had been forced we have no blind ones, and these, in my opinion, always give the best return. — 0. Thcmas. Shipley Hall, Derby. — There was an abund- ance of blossom on all kinds of fruit trees here and in this neighbourhood last spring, but the un- able effect on our fruit crops. Apples, Pears, and rants, Red, White, and Black, are fair crops. Of Plums are a spare crop; even that free-bearing Strawberries our earliest and best cropper is Vi- Plura the Victoria is very thin. Of Damsons we i comtesse He'ricart de Thury, but this season they are unusually small, owing to the protracted drought which occurred during June. President and British Queen sufiered most through the win- ter and from late spring frosts, many plants being f,. quite 'stripped of ^ their foliage; con- sequently, the crop is very poor indeed. James Veitch is our heaviest and best cropper this season, and is a variety that always does well on our heavy soil, but its value is much discounted by the fact that its fruits are the first to decay in damj] weather, especially the lar- gest ones, even be- fore they begin to colour. For late picking on a north border, I grow He- lenaGIoede and Lox- ford Hall Seedling; both varieties are swelling heavy crops, and will gi\ e us a good supply during August. My prac- tice is to plant runners in August every year to take runners from the succeeding year for forcing. These I plant in rows 2 feet apart and 1 foot asunder in the rows. After the runners are taken, the following year 1 root out every other plant, leaving each plant 2 feet in which to grow and fruit for two yea-s afterwards. By this method I add to and take from my plantations equally each year. — \V. Elphinstone. Stoneleieh Abbey, Kenilworth.— Apples on bush trees here are very good. Pears under the average, but good. Plums on walls an average crop. Apricots under the average. Cherries on walls average good. Peaches an average crop. Currants of all sorts good. Gooseberries and Rasp berries the same. Sir.Toseph Paxton is the favourite Strawberry here, and in this neighbourhood Keen's Seedling is a good one and much used for forcing, but it has not fruited outside well with me this season. Vicomtesse Hericait de Thury dies off very much, though a favourite sort with me. I have a few plants of King of the Earlies planted out, and 1 like it much ; it is very early. Of Macmahon I have also a few planted out. It is excellent in flavour, but, I am afraid, not a gocd sort for iiacking, being rather soft. Eleanor suits our garden, and is much later than those just named. Plums and Damsons a'c very good in neighbouring ])ari.shes. Small fruits are good. Apples and Pears moderate. — T. Bedd.\rd. Hewell Grange, Bronisgrove. — Owing to the lateness of the season, all fi'uit crops here are abundant, with the exception of standard Apples in the orchard, which are a complete failure, with the exception of Blenheim Orange and King of the Pippins. Those on the Paradise stock planted round the borders of the kitchen garden are carry- ing hea^-y crops. The varieties to w'hich I refer are, dessert Apples : Irish Peach, Red Astrachan, Golden Pippin, Kerry Pippin, Red Quarrenden, Oslin, Duchess of Oldenburg, King of the Pip- pins, Cox's Orange Pippin, Ribston Pippin, Syke House Russet, Pitmaston, Nonpareil, Margil, Braddick's Nonpareil, Herefordshire Pearmain, Cockle Pippin, Ashmead's Kernel, Calville Blanche, Duke of Devonshire, Claygate Pearmain, and Sturmer Pippin. Kitchen Apples : Nonsuch, Lord Suffield, Pott's Seedling, Echlinville, Stir- ling Castle, Beauty of Kent, Cellini, Cox's Po mona, Blenheim Orange, (Gloria Mundi, Small's Admirable, Mere de Mi^nage, Waltham Abbey Seed- ling, Winter Hawthornden, Yorkshire Greening, The Globe flower (Trolliu, have half a crop. Morello Cherries are also almost a failure. Of the choicer kinds of hardy fruits, viz.. Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, and Figs, none are grown here except under glass. Rasp- Alfriston, Nelson's Glory, Tower of Glamis, Ware- July 31, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 109 ham Russet, Warner's King, Golden Noble, Dume- low's Seedling, Bedfordshire Foundling, New Northern Greening, and ^Vinter Peach. Of Pears we have heavy erojis of Marie Louise, Jargonelle, Beurro d'Amanlis, Durondeau, Marie Louise d'Uccle, Napoleon, Glou Morceau, Winter Nelis, and Knight's Monarch. Those carrying moderate crops are Doyenne d'Ete, Doyenne du Comice, Pitmaston Duchess, Duchesse d'Angouleme, Brock - worth Park, Dana's Hovey, Marie Benoist, Emile d'Heyst, Beurre Bosc, Beurre de I'Assomption, Chaumontel, Bergamotte d'Esperen,and .Josephine de Malincs. Pyramids are again carrying heavy crops. Currants, Raspberries, and Gooseberries are excellent, and entirely free from blight. Figs are also a grand crop. Cherries, too, are very abun- dant, both dessert sorts and Morellos, and they are free from black fly, although the weather has been dry. Plums on walls are heavily cropped : also standards, which will require to be supported, their branches being completely borne down with the weight of fruit. Damsons are likewise an excellent crop. Nuts also promise to yield well. Peaches, Nectarines, and Apricots are always a failure here, owing to the exposed position of this garden; therefore, few trees of these are grown outdoors. Strawberries are a very good crop ; the sorts upon which I depend for a continuous supply are X'icomtesse Hericart de Thury and Sir J. Paxton, planted on south and west borders and in open quarters. Oxonian, Elton Pine, and Frogmore Late Pine are planted on east borders. I tind Sir J. Paxton to be the best of all for pack- ing for travelling. Its fruit is of hne appearance and excellent in flavour. The sorts just named carry me over a long period. In the case of tliose on borders, I am unable to change the ground on which they grow, but I renew a portion of them annually. The third year as soon as the fruit is gathered, I mow down the tops of those to be destroyed with a scythe ; give a heavy dressing of manure and bastard-trench the ground ; then I make it firm, and plant with rooted runners from pots. Of course those on open quarters can be changed about more than those in borders. By this mode of cultivation I always obtain excellent cro[)S, and they can withstand a long period of dry weather without sustaining any serious effects. — Edwakd Wakd. NATURALISING GLOBE FLOWERS. Natdualising garden flowers is a phase of culture happily becoming popular, ami among the host of vigor- ous, yet showy, flowers fitted fur the purpose, none are better than the Globe flowers. These have long been cultivatedingardens, and the variety amongst them nt'W to be had, both in size of flower and shade of colour, will satisfy the tastes of all. The flowers of the Europe.in species herewith illvistrated are clear yellow, while there is every shade between this and the deep orange of T. japonicus. All are strong growers able to hold their own with r.impant growing perennials. The ground for Globe flowers simply requires to be broken up, and a little manure added if necessary to give them a start. At a friend's place the other day I was mvich struck with the quantities of Mar^h Marigold wliich I saw growing by the side of a small lake, the efl^ect of which was charming; it does not necessarily require water to grow in, although it will thrive all the belter if the ground iii which it is placed is a little damp. Epilubium .Tuguatifolium and the variety album, stately growing plants, have also a grand appearance growing iu a semi-wild state, and if left lor a few years undisturbed, they gain in strength iu a wonderful way. K. QC EST ION. 551"J. — Anemone culture- — I am at fault .as to the ui:in:igeinent uf Ancmoues. Some of my friends .say, leave theiii undisturbed in the ground, simply giving them a coating uf m.anure. ( ttlicrs say, tate them up in the autumn and keep them in a dry cool place until the spring. Both parties say that if the treatment contrary to their special views is carried out they, will be a failure, and between the two I am la a fog. I may say that I planted some iu April last, and have bad a grand lot of blooms of both single and double. 1 presume the treatment given for Anemones is applicable to R.inunculuses. If any successful grower will kindly give me any information on the subject, should be obliged. — W. Showell. Societies. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Jllv 27. The annual show of the Carnation Society was on this occasion associated with the usual fortnightly meeting, so that there was a large and varied exhibi- tion, which also included a competitive show of vege- tables for special prizes, and a capital display of orchard-house fruit trees from Sawbridgeworth. The plants and flowers submitted to the committee were fewer than usual, though some possessed exceptional interest. First-class certificates were awarded to the following : — ('.\TTLETA GiGA.s, Hill's vakiett. — A truly mag- nificent variety, and only comparable in the size of the flower and beauty of colouring to the CI. gigas Hnrdyana, shown here some time since. Mr. Hill's plant is supposed to be a natural cross between C. Do\viana aurea and C. gigas, and as these two Cat- tleyas grow wild in the same district, and in fact together, the supposition is probably correct. To describe it one must imagine a very large flower of C. gigas, with broader sepals and petals than ordi- nary, the latter firm enough to hold themselves rigid. Tlieir colour is a deep purple-rose, tessellated or chequtred like the sepals of Vanda ca>rulea. The lip, the most gorgeous part, is quite 3 inches across, of an intensely deep magenta in the lower part, and adorned in the upper part with pale yellow, fading off to straw colour in the throat. The exquisitely frilled margin of the lip also adds much to its beauty. It would not be too much to pronounce it the noblest and most splendid Cattleya ever seen in this country. The fortunate possessor of it is Mr. Hill, of Arnott Hill, Nottingham, by whose gardener, Mr. Davenport, it was shown in fine condition. Odontoglossdm STELLioERtM Ernesti. — A variety of what has hitherto been looked upon .as only a third-rate Orchid, and the present plant, shown by Mr. R. .T. Measures, of Cambridge Lodge, Camber- well, is by far the finest form yet seen. The flowers are much larger than those of the type ; the sepals are pale green, heavily spotted with dark brown. The labellum is three-fourths of an inch broad, and has a terminal lobe of pale claret colour, the upper half being pure white. The flowers are borne in the usml racemose way. Rhododeniihon' R.vjah. — Another addition to the new race of greenhouse or Javanese Rhododendrons, characterised by having double flowers. This new variety is one of a batch of seedlings, produced from the same seed vessel, and which include a double white, a double yellow, and a double pink varietj'. The flowers of the Rajah are very double, and pro- duced in massive trusses accompanied by luxuriant foliage. The colour of the flowers is a warm apricot yellow, flushed with red. It is a very beautiful plant, and one that will be sure to become popular. Shown by the raisers, Messrs. Veitch, Royal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea. Matricaria inodoba fl.-pl. grandifloha. — An improved variety of a well-known and popular hardy flower. The blossoms of the new variety are not only much larger than those of the ordinary form, but when fully developed are pure white, whereas in the original they are always greenish in the centre. The plant is dwarf, not more than a foot high, compact, and extremely floriferous. It will prove a useful border flower for cutting. Shown by Mr. T. S. Ware, Hale Farm Nursery, Tottenham. Todea grandipinnula. — A supposed hybrid be- tween T. Fraseri and T. hymenophylloides. It par- takes of the characters of both of these lovely filmy Ferns, the fronds being broad, finely cut, and very pellucid. Shown by Messrs. Veitch. Caun.\tion Tehr.\ Cotta. — A new sort of a peculiar colour, a kind of buff-yellow, mottled with purplish hues of various shades. The flower as regards size, shape, and substance is the perfection of a first-rate Carnation. Exhibited by Mr. J. Douglas, Great Gearie.s, Ilford. Among other exhibits worthy of note were two spikes of that superb Orchid, Lffilia elegans Turneri, from Mr. Lee's garden, Downside, Leatherhead. One of these bore eleven flowers ; the other nine ; and these were cut from one plant, which bore other spikes also. It is seldom one sees such extra- ordinary examples as these, and Mr. Woodford, Mr. Lee's gardener, was deservedly awarded a cultural commendation. The colour of the flowers of this variety is claret-purple on the sepals and petals, the lips being a brilliant magenta. Messrs. Veitch showed a plant of Anthurium Bakeri, whose chief beauty lies in the bright red berries with which the long slender spadix is beset. It is interesting, but few would consider it very beautiful. The same firm also showed a new Caladium named Charlemagne. It has large transjiarent red leaves, having prominent veins of bright crimson. Mr. Jannoch, of Dersingham, showed a new variety of the native Maiden-hair Fern under the name of Adiantum Capillusveneris grande (Moore). It seems to have much more robust fronds than the type, and it is altogether of larger growth. It is, we consider, a very beautiful Fern, and being hardy, will be invaluable for growing in cool houses. Mr. Bealby, Roehainpton, received a cultural commendation for a fine specimen of a double yellow tuberous Begonia named Louis d'Or, one of the best of the colour we have seen. The flowers are large, very double, and of a clear sulphur yellow. Mr. Owen, Maidenhead, also made a showy display with Begonias, which included some good sorts, and three struck us as being particularly good. These were named (Jueen of England, a large double s.aImon-coloured flower ; Colindia, scarlet ; and Mar- chioness of Lome, a large single sort of a bright cherry-rose colour, and extremely floriferous. Mr. May, Dyson's Lane Nursery, Edmonton, showed a group of plants of his new Fern, Pteiis cretica H. B. May, which has variegated fronds like the albo-lineata variety, but elegantly tasselled. Mr. Noble, of Sunningdale Nursery, showed some new unnamed sorts of Clematis Jackmanni, and also a wreath ot the white Jackmanni, a very lovely variety. Mr. R. Deaii again showed plants of his double Stocks, one named Mauve Beauty being extremely pretty. Cut Roses from Messrs. Paul, of Waltham Cross and Messrs. Paul, of Cheshunt, made quite an exhibi- tion in themselves, and were much appreciated ; and scarcely less so the large gatherings of hardy flowers from Mr. Ware, of Tottenham, Messrs. Barr, of Covent Garden, and Messrs. Paul from their Brox- bourne Nursery. All three collections were good, but they did not differ much as regards the material of which they were composed. Lilies were prominent in .all, and Mr. Ware's group was especially note- worthy for the stately spikes of such noble Lilies as L. longiflorum, pardalinum, Humboldt!, testaceum and candidum; while Messrs. Paul had some fine speci- mens of that darkest of all LUies, the Dalmatian form of L. Mart.agon, kniana, and Felicity. Mr. Turner's blooms were e.x- ceptionally fine, and those of Mr. Douglas hardly less BO. In the class for twelve blooms, open only to amateurs, Mr. Douolas was first with superb iJowers, whilst the Ipswich grower w ho followed was in fairly good form. Amongst the good blooms shown were Sarah Payne, John Hunt, Arthur Medhurst, Thalia, and Squire Walker. That there were no le.ss than a dozen lots of six blooms staged shows that many small fanciers have entered the lists, the best of these being Mr. Phillips, of Earley. Exceedingly fine was the competition in the single bloom classes, some twenty blooms probably being shown in each. As these give the various flowers in their sections, they present, perhaps, most interest. Scui^d Ihai-TiS came first, Robert Lord being placed first and second ; Arthur Medhurst, third ; Master Stanley, fourth; and George, fifth. In crimson hizan-eii, Dae d Aumale was first ; Rifleman, second ; Merry weather and Master Bob, third and fourth. In j:iiil hlzarres, Sirah Pajne came first and second ; ITnexpected tglas), third ; Squire Llewellyn, fourth. I'lir/i/r produced, first. Mayor of Nottingham, then e Meynell ; Sarah Payne here sported to a flake ; ing Lad and Major Gane in this order. Scarhl were represented by Matador, Hy. Cannell, Sportsman, Figaro, and a seedling. In rose fuhs, Rob Roy, almost scarlet, was firsthand second '; Tim Robbin, third ; Diana, fourth ; and Thalis, fifth. PicoTEES. — So good were the two collections of two dozen blooms staged that the judges placed them equal first, although to the ordinary observer the blooms shown by Mr. Turner seemed the best, and certainly the finest. Amongst those specially good were J. B. Royal, Her Majesty, Princess of Wales, Brunette, Miss A. Chancellor, and Constance, heavy e Iges ; and Liddingston's Favourite, Mrs. Payne, Orlando, Clar.i Pensjn, .Tuliette, and Mrs. Gorton, light edges. There were nine boxes of twelve blooms ; Mr. Douglas being here to the fore with some lovely flowers. Specially good were Alice, light purple edge ; Mrs. Payne, light rose ; Her Majesty, light purple : Favourite, light rose ; John Smith, heavy crimson ; Muriel, heavy purple ; and Constance, heavy rose. There were thirteen lots of six blooms staged, fairly clean, pleasing flowers from amateurs. Singles were in great quantity, and came a? follows : Of hcai-i/ algal reds were Henry, first and second ; Prince of Wales, third and fifth ; and Mrs. Dodwell, fourth. Purples were represented by Muriel, first and stcocd; Miss A. Chancellor, third; Zerlina, fourth and fifth. Hoses found the best in Mrs. Payne, first, second, third, and fifth ; and Edith Dombrain, fourth. Of liijJit cdijcs the best reds were Mrs. Gorton, first and second ; and Mrs. Williamson, third and foutth. Of purples, Juliette came first and second ; Her Majesty, third ; Nymph, fourth ; and Pride of Leyton, fifth. Finally, of ro;cs, Liddingston's Favourite took all the prizes. A class for i/ellow e/roiirwh gave Agnes C'handler and Prince of Orange as best blooms. ,S'i7/ and fancy Carnations, seemtd to attract attention because of their greater variations of colour and markings, and even here the two premier exhibitors took the chief prizes. Very beautiful were Ripb Roj', Sybil, Dan Godfrey, and Mary Morris, rose selfs ; M.agog, purple self ; W. P. Milner, and the Governor, white ; Edith, yelh.w; and of edged flaked flowers. Prince of Orange and Guardsman were excel- lent. There were five lots of these and eleven of six blooms, a very good class. Yellow ejround Picotces had a special class for twelve bloonjs, Mr, Douglas having, in Annie Douglas and other renowned seed- lings, some singularly beautiful flowers, and Mr, Turner in Prince of Orange, Princess Beatrice, Janira, Thomas Pye and others was hardly less meritorious. The prizes for nine pot plants, eight Carnatioi.s and Picotees, fell to Messrs. Douglas and Turner, the flowers being shown in deference to public opinion, without the absurd paper collars, once so favoured. Mr. Turner also staged a collection of plants, amongst which that fine Clove Souvenir de la Malmaison was finely flowered. First-class certificates were awarde:! by the judges to Picotee PoUie Brazd, shown by Mr. Anstiss, having a heavy purple edge. Also to Ann'.e Diiuglas, yello^v ground, heavily varied with rose ; sliown by Mr. Douglas, and to Messrs. Veitch and Sons, for dark crimson self Carnation, General Stewart, very fine and free. The premier Ceirneition in the show was Rob Roy, scarlet flake, from Mr. Turner's twenty-four stand, and the same exhibitor had the p imier Picotee in Mrs. Payne, in his stmd of twenly-four blooms. Other displays of Carnations were made by Mr. T. S. Ware, who showed in boxes about luO bunches, each of from seven to nine blojms in sorts, setup with foliage or grass. The tffcct was admirable, and excited great attention. The sorts comprised of whites W. P. Milner, Mrs. Fawcett, Ghost, and Comte de Chambord, whites ; Mrs. Donaldson, Rose Perfection, and Mary Morris, roses; Pride of Pens- hurst, Florence, and Mrs. Davey, yellows; H'*lman Hunt, Guiding Star, Victorine, and Coroner, scarlets; Old Clove and General Stewart, crimsoas; Cara Roma and Beauty of Foxhall, purplts; and of Pictotees and fancies, Triumphans, Meyerbeer, Saihtr Gordon, Lady Armstrong, Endymion, and S r B. Seymour were all good. Messrs. Veitch & S »ns showed about 300 flowers in the usual way in boxes, and in wondrous variety. A lovely kind was Countess of EUesmere, white ground, hea\ily speckled with reddish-purple. Also fine were General Stewart, Royal Purple, Pride of Penshurst, Field Marshal, Magnum Bjnuro, Constance, Brilliant, Miss Marianne North, &c. Mes.srs. Hooper, of Ccveut Garden, had a good collection of self and fancy flowers. Mr. H. G. Smyth, Drury Lane, showed H. G. Smyth, a crimson Clove, rather rough in petal, and Mr. H. Cannell, Swanley, had Pride of Penshurst, the best of the yellow selfs. Certificated varieties. — The following three new sorts were awarded first-class certificates ; Carnatiou General Stewart, a Clove variety with large deep crimson flcwers, from Messrs. Veitch ; Picotee Annie Douglas, a yellow ground flower with roie-pink eriged petals, from Mr. Douglas ; and Picotee Pollie Brazil, a heavy purple edged flower, perfect in size and form, shown by Mr. Anstiss, who was a's j awarded a first prize as a seedling. Fruit committee. — There were a few seedling Melons and other exhibits placed before the com- mittee, but they were passed over. Undoubtedly the most interesting exhibit in the fruit way was a collection of fruit trees in pots and gathereel fruits sent by Mr. T. Rivers, of Sawbridgeworth. Siie-cially must the C'herries, which were so superbly finished and coloured, have tempted sorely the thousands of persons who gazed upon them during the day. Of trees in pots, specially attractive was an 8-feet high Black Hawk Cherry laden with in- tensely black fruit. Bigarreau Gros Ceeuret made a fine standard heavily fruited, and other kinds in smaller trees were full of fruit. Gordoni and Nec- tarine Peaches were finely fruited, and Granel Duke auel Monarch Pluuis, each carrying about twenty-five fruits just colouring, were fine samples. Some Pears were fruiting admirably also. Of dishes of fiuits very fine samples of Sea Eagle and Nectarine Peaches were presented : also some Early Louise, a smaller- fruited soit. Cherries were grandly represented by s.ich bbick kinds as Early Rivers, which had been rijie a month ; Geaute de Hedelfingen, which would hang f(U- a month longer if needed ; Turkey Black Heart, Late Black, and Bedford Prolific, &c. ; and of lighter hued kinds Emperor Frane;ois, Bigarreau Monstreuse de Mozel, Bigarreau Napoleon, and Ijudwig's Bigarreau. A silver medal was deservedly awarded t ) this fine exhibit. Special Prizes for Vegetable?. Messrs. Carter, of High Holborn, offered prizes for twelve pods of their Leviathan Bean, eight dishes being entered. Generally, the samples were rather browned and hartlly up to the usual standard, the blest coming from Amersham anel Penn, both in Bucks; they were about 10 inches in length, and each contained seven b ans — rather few for such pod.s. Five collections of Lettuces were placed in competi- tion, the sorts re([uired being Giant White Cos, Longstander, one of the erect French curled sorts ; and All the Year Round, Avhite Cabbage kind. The first and last generally were good, but the curled kind was poor, lacking heart. For the best three specimens of Carter's Heartwell Cabbage shown it would seem as if the class permitted a wide latitude, as the fine samples which Mr. Osman took first place with might have passed for Imperial or any other good old kind. Unless vegetables claimed to be seedsmen's specialities have some very dis- tinguishing characteristics, it is evident that offering [irizes for them may lead to curious results, Messrs. Sutton, of Reading, offered prizes for their First Crop Cauliflower, but for a kind bearing such a designation the end of July is very late, as first-crop kinds should bs in a month earlier. Five lots were shown, every one of which, for all one could tell, might have been Early London, the best, very neat sample, 7 inches over, Kioming from Mr, Beckett, of Penn, and the next Ijest came from Esher. Prizes for six dishes of Peas were to include Duke of Albany, a long green pointed pod, much like Tele- graph, but rather darker, and Sutton's Satisfaction, a pale green blunt-shaped pod, something after the British Queen form ; seven collections were staged, neirly all ve y fine indeed, the best coming from Boston, tlic Messrs. Marriott, father and son, taking first anel second prizes, with fine samples. It was noticeable that on both th> se collections the labels were in the same handwriting. Natur.ally, such a fact calls for explanation. Of other kinds shown were Triumjih, Progre.'^s, 1'elegraph, Telephone, Stra- tagem, Reading Giant, Pjiele of the Market, anel Progress. There were nine lots of Cabbages staged in the class for Lettuces All He.art and Little Gem, the kinds varying in character decidedly in some of the collections. 0 Idly enough, the best came from a place long associated in name with the Cabbage, Enfield, the .'amples being fresh auel solid. Only two lots of Messrs. Webb's Chancellor Pea were staged for prizes offered by that firm. A list of awards is given in our advertising columns. New Peas cERTiFic.iTEn. — At a meeting of the fruit and vegetablecommittee held atChiswickrecently, the collection of Peas growing in the garden was ex- amined, and first-class certificates awarded to the fe>llowing : Feime (Eckford). — A green wrinkled Marrow, with large deep green well-filled pods ; height 5 feet. Empress (Eckford). — White wrinklecl Marrow, well-filled large broad pods, vigorous grower ; height 5 feet. Seedlinej A'o. 16 (Wildsmith).— Wi.ite wrinkled Marrow, -verv' long pods, strong grower, good cropper ; height i feet. President (jarfield (Veitch). — While wrinkled, large well-filled pods, heavy cropper ; height 3.V feet. Scedliny unnamed (Sharpe). — A dwarf wrinkled blue Marrow. Names of plants.— ir. R.—\, Heuchoni Rlcbardsoni 2, out of flower, but apparently a Hydrophyllum ; 3, Ligu- laria macropli,vlIa ; 4, Geranium praten?e; 5, Psor.ilei orbi- cularis. /. /'iv//f/:.— Apparently Cymbidiiim hltifolinm, but we cannot be cert.ain without seeing the leaves, which, in this species, are distinct. The Gongora seems to be G. por- tentos.a, and the bulbous pl.ant is Crinum ornatum E. C. — Bou^ainvillca glabr.a, /i, F. C. — 1, Senecio Jacobaea ; 2, Scabins.i arvensis ; :i, Hypericum hirsutum ; 4, Gymnadenia conopsea Fastjw;. — 1, Syringa persica ; 2, t^. Emodi ; ;i, Deutzii sc lb- a. Please send others again ; larger specimens. A. A'.— Bal-^.amita grandiflora. T. M. B. 0.— Wo do not know the Pea, biit it was much withered. July 31, 1886.] THE GARDEN. Ill Woods & forests. THINNIMG PLANTATIONS. I HAVE just been looking over some notes, taken at (lillei-ent times on this subject, and relating to forest trees of all kinJs, and the following facts appear to be const.int : 1st, that untbinned plantations — no matter how thickly planted at the outset — do produce a crop of good trees, al- though many of the weaklings are crushed out in the struggle ; 2nd, that a greater number of trees are produced to the acre than are produced in plantations thinned artificially ; 3rd, that the trees are invariably straighter and cleaner than pruned trees are ; and 4th, that the cost of cul- ture is almost nil, comparatively. One need not object to thinning, but it should only be resorted to to clear out such trees as have become smothered by the others and about to succumb before they become useless. It is a great mistake to suppose that timber trees should be left so thin in the young stage that the extremities of their bottom branches should only meet and no more ; if only the top is left free it is sufficient. Treated thus, the lower branches decay at an early age, leaving no trace or wounds behind them such aj are left from pruned snags or branches broken oti' after they have attained a large size. We could show fine Larches, perhaps eighty years of age, with probably about as many feet in them that have never been permitted more development than a small top, and which have no trace of branches on their trunks, which are clean and straight. Other trees behave in exactly the same way under simil ir circumstances. Another matter bearing on this subject is the fact that all trees grow lastest and straightest in ravines from the same causes, and the more we see the more we are convinced that it is in every case better to plant precipitous ravines and sides of valleys tlian bleak hillsides and tops, which, except under the most favourable conditions of climate, produce stunted trees. This question of planting, thinning, and cul- ture lies at the foundation of arboriculture in this country, for, unless we can compete with foreign importation, we shall have to give up the contest. Tlie Sttviditnl, writing a few days ago on the report of the Parliamentary Committee on Forestry, takes a practical view of the subject, and the view wdiich those who will have to spend the money will probably take also. The writer of the article in que.stion says — Trees, all must agree, e-xercise a btneficial influ- ence on the climate. Ihit they impart a peculiar beauty to the landscape is equally undeniable. But most of the witnesses admit that it requires the long- enduring faith of Mr. Mackenzie to plant a woodLand which cannot be cut under furty or fifty years, and which even then may have to compete at losing rates witii the cheaper produce of the primaeval woods of America, llussia, Scandinavia, or the colonies. It has been estimated that there are some 2,000,000 of acres in Ireland capable of being advantageously planted, and tluat uf the 11,000 square miles of waste land in Great Biitain, about one-half is available for forests. This, however, means that the present gene- ration must plant without the hope of reaping ; and in any case the di.arness of the soil and til's higher cost of labour in these islands compared with most other coUDtries would render the profits to be earned from this investment extremely problematical. In the first place, making no allowance for the value of the ground, on the plea that the young growth might be used for game coverts or other purposes, the lost interest of the money expended in planting 20,000 square miles, accumulating for forty or fiftj' years, must be added to the principal, and distributed over every acre of timber ready for the market at the end of the period. This will, of course, add very appreciably to the cost of the trees. Then the care with which such an area of tender timber must be looked after during a lifetime neces-^itates the payment of foresters and other guardians ; so tliat, even allowing that the price of deals will be higher in 102tj than they are in 1SS6, it is open to doubt how far it will be possible for the English artificially- grown timber crop to compete on equal terms with that either cultivated in the wild lands of the New World, or hewn from the still untouched forests which cost man nothing to plant or to maintain. Forest experts from India, writers of theoretical works on forestry, and teachers who regard the sub- ject purely from the academic point of view are, no doubt, shocked at the apathy displayed as to arbori- culture. But the landowner, who has to make his books balance, is apt to prove a very Gallio when trees are advocated as the salvation of the British farmer. The {Standard, in an editorial apparently written by one conversant with the matter, does not think a special school of forestry in England likely or necessary, and that it could only be established at a cost out of proportion to its value. The main thing to bear in mind, however, is the fact that landowners are averse to laying out money on woods without some prospect of return, and it is therefore desirable to show how the cost of culture can be lessened, and one way of doing this is, in my opinion, to plant more extensively suitable trees in suitable places, and spend less on culture in the period between planting and felling. It does not cost very much to plant ground thickly with young trees, and vast tracts are now planted by contract at a small sum per acre. Those who have timber of mature age sliould send all to the market that can be spared without denuding their estates and should plant in ])roportion, and in this way they can have an interest in planting for tlieLr heirs, whoever they may be. York.shirem.\n. THE STAG'S-HORN SUMACH. (RHUS TYPHIXA. ) This distinct and highly ornamental shrub is of tree-like growtli, and is especially suitable for planting as a single specimen or among lower growing slu-ubs. Besides being ornamental, it is a useful one, according to a pamphlet by H. B Small on the forest products of Canada. It appears tliat the Sumach is of considerable economic value. In Mr. Small's pamphlet he states that "the Sumach (Rhus typhina) is not a tree, but only a shrub with wood orange-coloured, aromatic, and brittle. It grows on dry, rocky, gravelly knolls and in barren sj^ots where nothing else flourishes." The principal uses of Sumach are for colouring and tanning, the latter more especially for light- coloured leather. It is also used in dyeing and calico printing, as it yields with different mordants a great variety of tints. The collection and preparation of tlie leaves have assumed large pro- portions in Virginia and the middle States, espe- cially since the close of the civil war. So abundant is the Sumach, that there is no need of its cultiva- tion. It is largely imported from Sicily, but there is no reason why our own growth should not be used with the same results, the more so as the American Sumach contains 1.5 to 20 per cent, more tannin than Sicilian. The necessary buildings, macliinery, and appur- tenances for preparing annually 4(11) tons would cost, perhaps, £2000. The following direc- tions for gathering will be found to embrace all the essentials necessary. Sumach should not be gathered before the leaf is properly matured, which is generally about the middle of July, from which time it may be gathered till the first frost. It may be wilted in the sun, but must be cured under cover, and not allowed to be burnt by the sun or to get wet, or to be placed in such large quantities as to heat in curing, either of which destroys its strength and colour, and renders it worthless. It is better to cure it upon an open floor in order to let the air pass underneath. It should be gathered four weeks before it is ready for market, as not only the leaf must be perfectly dry, but the stem also. All the sap must be dried out, and it should never be delivered in damp wea- ther, as it naturally draws the dampness of the at- mosphere, and cannot be repacked till thoroughly dried out. The leaves must be of the same bright green colour when cured as w lien taken from the bush and must not be dark or smell musty. If any other kind of leaves or sand or dirt are found among it, it will be injured as a commercial com- modity. No portion of the stalk or any berries should be left in it. The leaf is what is wanted, but to facUitate the gathering, the little twigs upon which the leaves grow should be cut oil, all of w hicli will be marketable when cured accord- ing to the above directions. Stripping off the leaves is apt to kUl the stalk; therefore, in order to ensure a better crop the next season, it is best to cut down the old stalk, and the roots will spring up better than ever. A. CULTURE OF OSIERS FOR PROFIT. With a steady demand at fair prices Osiers for basket-making forms a very good speculation, and so long as baskets are made, there will ever be a demand. Good sorts, such as the Golden, Brown Spaniard, Sussex New Kind, and other favourite kinds of English growth will always realise a good price, and after paying rent, labour, and a share of the cost of laying down, there remains a very fair profit on all suitable land. Say the first cost of laying down is i'30, and the beds only to last ten years— as a matter of fact they last from fifteen to thirty years— and the cost of rent and labour is another £(5 per year, or say a total of £10 per year for ten years, it must be a very poor crop, indeed, that will not give a net profit of £10 per year. Even if only eighty bolts per acre are produced, these at 5s. per bolt would produce £20, and I have known tins (juantily obtained off half an acre. At the same time it must be borne in mind that only good kinds must be grown, and these must be kinds that are well known in the basket-making trade, and the rods should be sorted into at least three sizes, small, middle, and great. Rods that are crooked in growth, or brittle, or what are termed "buz" topped, i.e., bushy, are not those which produce good prices, and therefore the aim should be to have the very best that can be pro- duced. It is useless to grow a quality ol rod that is so brittle that it snaps off every time the basket maker bends it, as such stuff will not pay because the market is flooded with it, and it can be had at almost any price ; neither do unsorted rods pay, because plenty of that class of produce can be had from abroad, where both land and labour is much cheaper than in England. To get the best return, the best materials only should be produced, and these, of course, require some care in both cultivation and selection. To grow brittle stuff' for the charcoal- makers— AVi How charcoal is used in the manufacture of gunpowder — is also a poor speculation, as the price to lie obtained for rods of five or six years' growth is very small, and more particularly so if it has to be carted for any great distance, as this has to be taken into consideration by the purchaser, who naturally gives less for material w^hich carries a deal of subsidiary expenses than for that which is free from them. Preparation of the Soil. This is of great importance in this work, and unless it is done well profit will be out of the question. The first thmg necessary is to trench the soil to a depth of about 18 inches, re- moving all Couch Grass, Docks, Dandelions, and similar destructive weeds. Care should also be taken to remove every piece of wild Con- volvulus, commonlv called Bindweed, as this 112 THE GARDEN. [July 31, 1886. causes a great deal of trouble where present- After the whole of the ground is trenched, it should be well harrowed over, and a crop of Potatoes, Cabbage, or other summer plant should be taken where possible. I prefer Potatoes, as the ground can be cleaned of Couch Grass, Bindweed, &c., during the time the Potatoes are growing, and if the whole of the ground is lorked over when digging the Potatoes it wiU be ready for the sets. To have a good start the soil should be in a sweet and sound condition, and as a nde this is best done by taking off a crop before planting with Osiers. On land where this cannot be done, it should be broken to the full depth, and if possiblel be kept clean for a year, or it may be planted at once, but for a really good start uotliing beats getting the ground into good tilth. In many places it is the custom to trench and plant as the work proceeds, and in most cases this is a matter of good policy owing to the state of the soil, as where it is very wet it would get very much con- solidated if it was much trampled on, and as planting should be done between the end of October and the end of Marcli, unless the season is very backward, the state of the soil is a matter of serious moment. The wetter the soil, the later should the planting be done, and on eyots on rivers subject to Hoods the trenching should ))e put off tUl rather late, so that the washing away of the earth may be prevented. Sets or cuttings should be from 15 inches to 1 S inches long, and should be made from well ripened rods of one year's growth, the straightest and best being selected for the purpose. The 18 inches or so at the top of the rod is rarely of use for planting and .should be cast aside, and in making the rest into cuttings care should be taken that there are tliree or four prominent buds on the top end if possible, as such cuttings make the best growth. The sets should always be made from fi'om what are technically termed " great," or " small great," rods, and should be straight if such can possibly bo managed. Planting. The sets should be planted at the depth of a foot or more, according to their length, leaving about 3 inches or 4 inches above the surface of the soil, which will form the stools from which the rods grow in future years. For the greatest convenience in the after cultivation of the ground, the cuttings should be planted in straight rows, and if these can be arranged to run from north to south so much the better, as then each side of the stool will produce rods of equal quality. The rows should be from 2 feet to 3 feet asunder according to the soil, as on very rich loams less distance is needed than on poor sandy soils of a hungry nature, but as a general rule 30 inches is a good distance generally. The sets should be from 15 inches to 18 inches apart in the rows, for the same reason, as on rich soils, if too wide apart, the rods will be too large and bushy, while if too close together on poor soils, they will be too small to be of much market value. The number of sets required to plant an acre of ground varies from 20,000 to 24,000, and the price varies from 10s. to 12s. per thousand. The sorts which the basket-maker technically terms "trustworthy " are those to be chosen for profitable cultivation, and where good tough sorts are locally grown, the sets can be had from the local growers. A good basket-rod is one that will work without breaking, and which will, when green, twist from end to end witlmut snapping off. Good kinds are the Golden, Brown Spaniard, White Osier, Plum, Long-skinned, and Susse.Y New Kind, as they are called by basket-makers, and for these when sorted there is always a ready sale. Where the Golden grows well it is very profitable, as the small rods, which are of but little value in other kinds, are largely used liy market gar- deners for bunching purposes. By using the sets from tlie best sorts, the most profitable results are to be obtained; imleed, a judicious selection of novelties is one of the first considerations in Osier growing. After Cultivation. This consists chiefly in keeping the rods and ground clean, and to do this both hoeing and hand weeding will have to be done, and particularly where Bindweed is in the soil. For the first year, when liut little growth is made by the sets, keep- ing the surface well hoed to destroy annual weeds is of great importance, as there is then great facility for the work, and if hoed over with ordi- nary turnip hoes half a dozen times, the expense will not lie lost, for the simple reason that by pre- venting the weeds from seeding, future crops will be greatly diminished, if not quite prevented. Hand weeding around the sets must bo persisted in where Bindweed or other climbing weeds exist, as these spoil the rods when allowed to run up them, besides causing a deal of extra trouble and expense in cleaning the rods for sale. After the first year, the Osier grounds should be hoed over twice or thrice with proper eyot or bean lioes, before the young growth gets so forward as to render the use of tlie hoe injurious, and all climbing weeds should be broken off' each time of hoeing. During June and July they .sliould be broken off several times by hand, but it is not often safe to get about amongst the young growth after July, as the tops of the shoots would be broken about greatly by doing so, and the crop much lessened in value thereby. AVbere profit is the end in view, the slovenly and unwise practice of planting on Grass land without cleaning and trenching should never im any account be adopted, for Osier grounds should always be kept clean, otherwise the result will be disastrous in a very short time, and instead of the plantation lasting for a period of from fifteen to thirty years, it will not survive in profitable condition above five or six years, and even then the produce will not be of first-class quality. Like all other crops. Osiers require care and attention, and although periodi- cal digging is not necessary, yet hoeing and weed- ing is, and should never be neglected. Cutting the Rods. This is an operation which must be carried out while the plants are thoroughly dormant, but not during frost, or the cut parts will die back. This work is best done with a proper rod hook — a kind of miniature sickle — and it must be kept sharp. The first cutting after the sets are put in needs to be done in an intelligent manner, and while cutting closely, just enough buds should be left to form a good stool, say a couple on the base of each rod, or what, perhaps, is better, the rods should be cut to within three-quarters of an inch of the old wood. This leaves a good growth the next year, when the rods should be cut in close, because stout long rods pay best, and these cannot be got if too many shoots are started from a stool ; and while at all times a number of small rods must be expected, it is desirable that a good percentage of large rods be produced. Cutting is done by piecework at so much per score bolts, and some supervision is generally needed to en- sure that proper work is done. Rods which are to be wdiitened should be left until as late as poEsi- ble, and although sucha practice rather injures the next year's crop, they may be left until the buds begin to swell. After cutting the rods which are to remain in theiroriginalstate,theyshould be placed on faggots, leaning against rails, the bands hav- ing previously been loosened, and here they should remain until thoroughly dry. When dry they should be sorted into either three or four sizes, and either stacked or sold, as is most con- venient. If stacked while green or wet the rods will get " mow burnt," or heated, which renders them brittle, a state which makes them useless for any purpose, and causes a dead loss. White rods are not cut until late, and are then loosely tied together anil placed in pits containing about 6 inches in depth of water until the bark will slip otf well, wlien they are drawn through a brake and hand-cleaned, washing in running water to clean ofi' any stain. They are then laid on hurdles or rough frames to dry, and sorted and tied in bolts. White rods fetch about double the price of brown ones, but they do not yield a greater profit to the acre when a series of years are taken into consideration. Bolting. This operation is done by taking a number of rods and laying them on twisted Osiers, keeping the butts all one way and level, then drawing them tightly together with a rope and two levers, fastening ott' the withes while the rods are held by the rope, only wresting the butts. Great care, however, must be taken not to pull the rope tight enough to break or cripple the rods, and the rope should pass round just under the bottom band, wdiich should Ije 14 inches from the end of the butts. A bolt of rods English measure, if un- sorted, should be 42 inches, and if sorted, 40 inches round the bottom band, both brown and white being the same measure. For sorting and bolting it is desirable to have someone for a day or two to instruct the men employed, as "an ounce of practice is worth a pnund of theory" in tills part of the business, and although simple enough to those who know how, both .sorting and bolting is ditffcult at first to those who do not understand the matter. W. J. M. NATIONAL FOREST SCHOOL IN IRELAND. In an able article in the Irislt, Farm, Mr. Dick, of Phcenix Park, strongly advocates the establish- ment of a school of forestry in Ireland. In the course of his article, he says : — Ireland can clearly furnish the most eligible site for a national forest school. There is not a site in England or Scotlaud to compare with that we have already indicated, and if a section of upland country is desirable it will be found adjoining in Westmeatb. It is already acknowledged to be a national want. We are behind France, Germany, and even Russia in this respect. Such a national undertaking would be remunerative in the best sense. It would pioneer the permanent reafforestation of the counti'y, thereby ultimately introducing industries dependent on a supply of timber ; the reclamation of bog lands would progress piecemeal on which there is an in- exhaustable accunLulation of nourishment for the growth of timber, a forest school would be the exponent of this capability. It is marvellous that no government ever bethought itself to uudert.ake the reclamation of the bogs of Ireland as a national scheme of improvement, or as an investment of capital, or as a m.atter of expediency for the utilisa- tion of the vast army of the unemployed in the country. Jiussia is at this moment reclaiming a bog much larger than all Ireland at an enormous cost in money and engineering skill under circumstances infinitely more formidable than wonld he the case in the instance of any single acre in Ireland. There is vastly more hope of a satisfactory return for the outlay in the temperate climate of Ireland than in the alternate torrid and frigid climate of Pinsk. Gates in plantations. — Probably through soni f.ault in my writing un tlie .subject, I .am made to sily (p. Sti) that where there is a imblie footway tlirough a wood or plantation, gates should always be used. It is obvious, fi-om what is stated further on, that this is just the reverse of what I intended, as in such places when possible they should be avoided. For private entrances or private patbs I should certainly recommend gates, whi' h may be unlocked when the necessity arises.— D. J. Y. THE GARDEN. 113 No. 768. SATURDAY, Aug. 7, 1886. Vol. XXX. "This is an Ai-t Wliich does mend Nuturo : change it rather ; but The Art itself is Nature."— S/mi-Mjieaii;. Ferns. TASSELLED AND CRESTED FERNS. NoTWiinsTANDiNG the statement made by "G." in The Garden (p. 85), we have no good reason ti) think that British Ferns are more prone to become tasselled and crested than exotic species. I was 3-ears ago i'aniiliar with the Fern flora of extensive tracts in North Britain, and since then I liave collected in the United States and exten- sively in Jamaica, and I am enaliled to state that I found abnormal forms more common in the Tropics tlian elsewhere. Both at home and aljroad I found " forked fronds, tasselled fronds, depauperated fronds, miniature fronds, and gigan- tic fronds" of certain species ; but in the Tropics at least they were not considered representative, and therefore, as a rule, received only a passing glance. It was perhaps wrong to so treat these abnormalities ; but it must be said b}' way of excuse that, with regard to them, botanists and plant collectors have a very bad example set them by Dame Nature herself. AVe are amazed at her productiveness as regard such forms, as well as her seeming want of maternal interest in their welfare, for the majority of them speedily " go to the wall." I am, however, acquainted with a few favoured exceptions which are severally colonised and .spreading from their centres of origin. A form of Bleclmum ooci- dentale with the terminal pinna; repeatedly forked, forming a crest, grows on a bank near to the Government Cinchona plantation in Jamaica. There are, or were two years ago, many plants of it. A variety of Asplenium cultrifolium, the terminal pinna' of which are pinuatitid, is met with in rather extensive ctdonies in the same island. In Wisconsin, U.S., about twenty-tive miles north of the capital and near the river of that name, I discovered, two years ago, an ex- tensive colony of Cystopteris bulbifera, charac- terised by having all the pinnie of the fronds terminally tasselled. I have before me . a frond of Nephrolepis exaltata, collected in Jamaica by a friend, which is remarkable in being distinctly bipinnate, but in a peculiar manner. The pinnse are .simple or sub-entire, as in the type, for from 1 inch to 2 inches from the rachis, when by degrees they become compound or bi- pinnate, extending from 2 inches to 4 inches on either side of the rachis. The pinnules are from six lines to eight lines long. I may here remark that the fronds of the Jamaica Nephrolepis, especially those of N. exaltata, have what may be called a biannual growth or extension of the rachis. In the abnormal specimen before me the seconil growth referred to seems to have departed from the usual vertical direction and followed a lateral or horizontal course, appearing in an excess of vegetative vigour at the extremities of the pinnce. My friend who discovered this variety informed me that there was quite a large clump of it. I also discovered in Jamaica a remarkalde ])lant of the large and handsome Hemitelia horrida, the long segments of which formed crosses in a more or less regular manner on the rachis and costa, somewhat in the way of Athyrium Filix-fcemina vars. Fieldise and Viclorite. It will doubtless interest " G." to know that the Ferns of the East Indies are not less spoitive than those of he West and of Britain. In the preface to " The Ferns of Derbyshire," the editor — who made Fern abnormities a special study — gives the following quotation from a letter upon the " Flora of the East Indies," by the Rev. John Barton : " Some of the wild Ferns of Indian hill ranges vary exceedinglv, quite as much as the female Fern or the Hart's-tongue at home. Some species of Microlepia, for example, Lastrea Filix- mas, and another species akin to L. dilatata and spinulosa exhibit all manner of varieties. I noticed that in damp warm spots there was a tendency to such irregularities of form, and I imagine this would be the case all over the world." Gh:o. Syme. Fruit Garden. I.Ml'OHTINti AMERICAN APPLES. TiiK following letter addressed by Messrs. J. W. Draper & Son, of Covent Garden, to exporters of American Apples may prove interesting to our readers, and we have to thank Messrs. Draper for a copy of it: "This year may be regarded as the commencement of a new era in the import trade. The exhibitions that now take place annually in London have done much to foster competition between this country and America, but the latest, and perhaps the most successful, of the series — the Indian and Colonial — has given the greatest jirominence to matters horticultural. The British colonies are well represented in every department, but in none more so than in the fruit trade. Hitherto the Orange growers of Florida and the Brazils have year by year endeavoured to obtainafooting alongside the Valencia, St. Michael, and other European shippers; but today they find fresh competitors from Natal, theCape, andAustralia — thelatterwe consider likely to be anything but an insignificant rival. In addition to tropical fruits, such as Bananas, Mangoes, &c., there is also every prospect of regular shipments of Grapes and Apples from the Antipodes. ' Will this,' ask some, ' alfect the American Apple trade '! ' We answer, Not in the slightest degree. America enjoys indisputably the reputation of being the best Apple-producing country ; for quality, variety and weight she stands unequalled, and, whatever may be on the market, American Apples can alwaj's command a sale. "It has been our custom to issue periodically tabular reports regarding the Apple crops in England, France, Germany, Belgium, Holland, &e., in order that our consignors might in some degree be guided as to the prospects for shipments from the United States and Canada. This season offers fairer inducements to extended operations than perhaps any of its predecessors, as the crops in England, France, Germany, and in the Low Countries are unusually light; while those grown in Italy, Spain, and Portugal do not influence the market, their quality being altogether of an in- ferior character. American shippers, therefore, need not hesitate to export largely ; they have the field to themselves, and, provided the fruit reaches its destination in sound condition, there can be no doubt of a fair result. Of course, in these days of keen competition much depends on the style of packing, uniformity of quality, &c., and for this reason, we think it well to repeat our old instruc- tions concerning these matters, feeling convinced that too much attention cannot be given to them. "KiND.s.— Be.st sorts, such as Newtowns, Bald- wins, Russets, &o., are always in demand, and if properly selected and well put up, will almost in- variably meet with a good market. Each cask should "have legibly stencilled thereon the name of the Apple, thus, 'Newtown,' 'Northern Spy,' &c. ; this saves much trouble on arrival, and facilitates the handling of the goods at our auction sales. "Bkandinc. —One mark should be adopted and adhered to, as by this means a reputation is established. Buyers know in time whether or not they can depend upon the packer, and will pur- chase or reject according to the position .such and such a shipper holds in their estimation. It is for this reason greatly to a packer's interest to deal fairly, and so win the contidence of the purchaser. Once fairly known, his brand will be eagerly sought after. "P.4CKIKG. — Apples should be packed tightly, so as to prevent damage from oscillation in transit. Casks should be filled from the bottom, so that when the head is opened a fiat surface is pre- sented. The fruit should also be evenly sorted and uniform in size and quality throughout — as tine at the bottom and middle as on the top. The following remarks, made by a New York house on this point some two seasons ago, are pithy and well worth attention : ' In regard to packing, there is much room for improvement, and faults in this respect are not entirely confined to State packers. A large part of the receipts, especially during the last two seasons, have been "stuffed," the middle of the barrels containing inferior, trashy fruits, topped off with a few layers of good Apples. Buyers soon find this out, and the poor Apples bring no more than they are worth. The stock should be closely graded, the primes and seconds being packed separately and plainly marked. Only one variety should be packod in a barrel, and the kind and grade neatly stencilled on the head. The top layer should show, on opening the barrel, a fair average of the quality throughout the pack- age. Brands packed in this manner will very soon acquire a reputation which will amply repay packers for their care and honesty. ' "RofTE. — This is a question of the utmost im- portance, and although a London house, we must say that the Liverpool route is by far the best. Shipments made from New York, Boston, Phila- delphia, Montreal, or any other ports to Liverpool at a through rate to London reach us in a minimum of time, and therefore in better condition than would otherwise be the case, while the direct London route is subject to delay, and an additional objection presents itself in the shape of heavy wharf and lighterage expenses ; indeed, so great is the difference in these respects, that while 3d. per cask may be fairly reckoned as covering all extras (excepting, of course, cost of cablegrams and auctioneers' commission) beyond the original charge for freight and ijrimage for goods vid Liverpool, the London dock and wharf expenses, with cartage, &c., amount to something like lOd. a cask. "As a rule the late shipments, more especially if the Apples are of a keeping character, are the most profitable. The demand for the earlier sorts is not so steady ; prices fluctuate consider- ably, and the tone of the market is often capri- cious ; yet, as the European crop this year is a comparatively light one, we think first shipments from the States and Canada will meet with good results." Apple-tree caterpillars.— During early sum- mer many gardens in Kensington were infested with swarms of small, black or very ilarlc-coloured cater- pillars, which cleartd every atom of green off the A}>ple trees, often leaving skeletons cf leaves stand in^' ; they nev r touched other foliage, even when mingled with that of the Apple. After some time they spun long threads, of unusual strength and thickness, on which they clustered and swung, sometimes drop- pin<,' to the ground. Finally, they enveloped the stums and larger branches with web, under which, especially in the crannies, the cocoons l.iy like grains of rice. The moth is small and white, with minute black spots. Can you tell me its name ? — M. *.,* The caterpillars which infested your Apple tree are those of the small ermine moth (Hypouo- meuta padellus), a very common insect, but it seems to have been unusually abundant this year. .The best thing you can do now is to e>it or pull the W(;b8 cuntaining the cacoons out of the trees, and to burn or bury them. This should be done at once, or. the moths will be leaving the cocoons. Next year if the tree is again attacked, shaking the branches , will cause many of the caterpillars to fall to the ground 114 THE GARDEN. [Au(i. 7, 1886. which should be previously sin-ead with quicklime, or tliey may be killed with tlie back of a spade. Any which remain su.spended in the air may be cauglit with a birch broom or a bunch of thorny twigs fastened to a long stick. — G. S. S. GOOD STRAWBERRIES. In order to secure good and regular crops of Straw- beriies we adopt the following practice, which has for a number of years proved entirely satisfactory. The soil ( f the kitchen gardens here is of a heavy retentive character, and if worked when wet it sets about as hard as sun-dried bricks. Land intended to be cropped with Strawberries is in the previous autumn deeply trenched, and cast into ridges 2 feet wide. It is liberally manured, and as the work proceeds a little fresh soil is brought to the surface. When trenching is completed the land is allowed to remain undisturbed until spring, when it is cropped with early Peas, for which, owing to the effects of exposure to frost and rain, it is in good condition. After the Pea crop is finished the haulm and stakes are cleared off ; the land is thea made ready — by means of levelling, hoeing, and raking — to receive the Strawberries, which are planted from 2 feet 6 inches to o feet apart, according to the variety. If the ground is dry it should be well watered, and a mulching of manure applied to it in order to retain moisture. Where it is not convenient nor desirable to sow Peas or early Potatoes for the preceding crop, Erench Beans may be substituted, and by exercising a little forethought in arranging the distances at which the rows should be sown, they do not interfere nmch with the growth of the Strawberry plants. The ground is frequently gone over, and all runners not required are removed, and also weeds, either by hand-weeding or by hoeing ; but with this exception the ground is not disturbed from the time when the Strawberries are planted until tliey are cliii'ped otf after the third year. Each autunm a dressing of good manure is applied, and in sjiring a covering of manure as it comes from the stables with the drop- pings shaken out of it is put on surtieiently early to allow of its becoming thoro\ighly cleansed before it is needed to prevent the fruit from coming in contact with the earth and decaying manure. For outdoor plantations we layer the runners either in small pots or on pieces of loam, and a stone is placed on each which serves the twofold purpose of securing the plant and retaining moisture for its sustenance. We consider that the extra labour involved by this method is counterbalanced by the increased yield of fruit the first year. We take .all runners required off the young plants that produce flowers and fruit, and destroy any that do not flower. Rather than grow many varieties, some of which might be worthless, we prefer to trust to a few sorts of proved merit and suitability to the character of the soil and atmosphere. They are Black Prince, of which we still grow a few on a warm border to suc- ceed the latest batch of plants in pots. The fruit of this variety is small, and the plants are very liable to mildew : therefore, if it was not for its early ripening we should discard it altogether. Viconitesse Heri- cart de Thury is eight or ten days later than the pre- ceding; it invariably bears a heavy crop of medium sized fruit of good colour and fine flavour. If I were limited to one variety for all purpo.?es, this is the one that I would grow in preference to all others. Is there any difference between Vicotntesse Hericart de Thury and Stirling Castle ' I am told they are one and the same variety ; if so, I should much prefer the latter name. President is a good and regrdar bearer, and the fruit, which is large and handsome, is fine both in flavour and colour. Sir Joseph Paxton is a free bearer, coming into use a few days later ; its fruit is large, firm, and finely flavoured. Elton Pine is our latest variety ; it is a good crojiper, and the fruit large and of good colour and flavour. siderable numbers of plants which failed to flower. Owing to scarcity of rain during the swelling period, the fruit is smaller than usual, but that is compen- sated for by iti enhanced flavour and colour. Bostock is universally grown by market gardeners in this district, as is also Hyatt's Prolific, a coarse-looking variety which does not ripen well up to the point. These two varieties are grown in great quantities, the former for preserving, and the latter for dessert. Their chief merits are fruitfulness and firmness of flesh : consequently they do not suffer so much injury from carriage as do softer soit.i. Sir Joseph Paxton and Elton Pine are also extensively grown for dessert. — W. Neild, Wi/thenshmx; Cheshire. stite is sura to possess itself of whatever nourishment the soil may happen to contain. — B. C. R. A considerable portion of the laud in this neigh- bourhood under Strawberry cultivation for market purposes is reclaimed Moss land, and on this the crop this year is a partial failure, the yield being about half the usual quantity. t)n the higher ground, which is of a heavy loamy character, the croii is quite up to the average. In both cases there were con. I have been much interested in this discussion. The remarks of Mr. Douglas (p. 597) are especially noteworthy, and coincide exactly with my own ideas and experience thereto. Of late I have nut had much to do with Strawberries, for dwellers in London or the subxirbs have in very few cases sufficient space to attempt the culture of this delicious fruit, and are obliged to content themselves with a few plants in pots. But years ago, when living in the country (Worcestex'shire), we used to grow Strawberries in considerable quantities and with great success. Our favourite varieties were exactly those mentioned by Mr. Douglas as those he would prefer to any ethers, viz., British (J^ieen, Keen's Seedling, and Black Prince, the first being admired for its size and deli- cious flavour, the second for its productiveness, and the third for its earliness, free-bearing qualities, and also on account of the rich sweetness of its fruit. As regards the nuich-abused British Queen, we never had any particular trouble with it, and, beyond its being rot quite so good a cropjier as Keen's Seedling, we had no fault to find with it. The first place in which I remember it was a garden sloping south- wards, of which the soil was a poor and very stony loam on gravel; very little manure was used, but all of the three varieties I have mentioned flourished wonderfully. Fresh beds were made every third year, beyond which we found the old plants did not pay for their room and trouble. A good-sized bed of Black Priuce was a grand success: I have never seen since such a crop as that afforded us. Though not large, this is a grand Strawberry, and nut hnlf enough cultivated. The next place had a good sound loam on a clay subsoil, and here the fruit did better still, and we had very heavy crops. Another garden, (Uily a few ndles away, consisted of a rich loam on a clayey subsoil. Tliis was far away from any town, and here both the C^Kieen and Keen's Seedling literally grew wild. The beds often stood for fi\e or six years, no manure was] ever used, and the plants were sometimes allowed to become a mass of runners, yet tliey bore profusely most delicious fruit year after year. One point we found very important, which was to make and keep the beds as hard as possible. They were never forked up, and I re- member that, as boys, we were encouraged to run over the beds as much as we liked, so long as we did not eat all the fruit. All that was ever put on the beds was a layer of fresh clean tan just before fruit- ing time, to keep the berries clean, and this was cleared off soon after the crop was gathered. Some gardeners about us used to complain tliat they could not grow Strawberries; but in every case it was pretty plain that they either did not care to succeed, or else coddled their plants too much. Some of the finest Strawberry grounds in Kent consist of com- paratively poor .and very stony hiani, sometimes sandy, andofteujof a coarse marly character, and in some places this lies on the chalk — such material as no private gardener would think of planting Straw- berries in ; yet most profitable crops are obtained from it, and by rougliand-ready methods too. I believe that a great mistake is often made in over- manuring Strawberries. A moderate quantity shmdd, of course, be worked in when forming fresh beds, particularly if the soil is naturally poor, or has been exhausted by previous over-cropping ; but where the plants can be put out in a good sound maiden or other loam of moderate richness a very small quantity of manure, and this of a well decayed or sweetened character, will be sufficient, and indeed better than a heavy dressing. Tl e Strawberry is naturally a strong-rooting plant, and when in a healthy growing MARKET GARDEN FRUITS. Whilst some growers of Apples think it is useless to grow many kinds, and consequently rely upon just a few for their crops, there is alv\'ays the chance that they may now and then get blank seasons, and w-hen such is the case considerable loss as well as much inconvenience results. Now this year generally we have a very light Apple crop. It is only here and there there is much fruit, and kinds grown largely are as thin as the rest. The chief exception is Lord Sutiield, but even this is generally thin. I grow but just a tree or two of many kinds, and as a result seem always to have a few fruits in bad seasons and a fair crop in good ones. Thus this year that steadfast old kind, Waltham Abbey Seedling, in my mind the most constant bearing Apple we have, has a good crop, and the fruits will be of good size. The tree, which is large enough to carry a good crop of some six or jjseven bushels, has during the past ten years never been wdthout some, more or less. I class it as the cottager's Apple JKU- exeelkiice, as it is not only such a free and constant fruiter, but the Apples are excellent cookers and keep well. Then Lord SuflSeld is fruiting well with me, so also are Kentish Fil- basket. Tower of Glamis (these two yield good crops), Alfriston also very fair and Margil a good crop. Many other kinds, such as Golden Noble, Warner's King, Late ^^'inter Pearmain, Stamford Pippin, &e., have a sprinkling. All the trees are on freestocks. Thusit is u.seful to havesomekinds that are not commonly grown, especially in a year when jVpples generally are scarce. Turning to Pears, all of whicli are on free stocks with one exception, I have a heavy crop of Swan's Egg, not a first- rate Pear by any means, but better than none. Nouveau Poiteau, a really fine and melting Pear and one of the handsomest and best of natural standards on the free stock is fruiting well ; so also is Huyshe's Victoria and that free grower, Beurrc d'Amanlis. Alexandre Larabre, almost broke down last year with fruit, is still carrying a nice lot, and is one of the very best kinds we have for busli trees. Winter Bergamot is also fruiting very well. Williams' Bon Chretien has a thin crop. For the first time after a lapse of some ten years I am getting such a lieavy croji upon bush Marie Louise double worked on Quince stocks, that I am compelled to give support to all the branches. Whetlier due to soil or other cause I cannot say, but with me double-worked Marie Louise has always jiroved far too robust, making growth equal to what is made by trees on free stocks. It is odd to find so much strength on (j>uince stocks in a variety never too robust, because on each (^luince stock there are some (> inches of stem of a rank-growing kind for the sap to pass through. Promising us this crop is, I dread the autumn days wdien the tomtits will ])lay havoc with the stem ends of the Pears. Farleigh Prolific Damson on standard trees in open fields is a tremendous crop, the trees being literally torn to pieces already with tlie great weight of fruit. Bedfont. " A. D. American Strawberry culture. — .Vccurding to a daily paper. Strawberry culture is extendhig in Ohio, where it appears to be very successful. Before planting, two crops that can be hoed so as to extermi- nate weeds are grown, and then Imi to liJO loads of good farmyard manure are jdoughed in. The plants are grown upon ridges, and they are allowed to remain till they are injured by the white grub, the only enemy of the Str-awherry that does much damage in Ohio. From 100 to 140 bushels per acre of Straw- berries are ]>roduced, and they are sent to Chicago for sale. Pickers are prdd at the rate of 2s. a bushel, and at this price they earn from 4s. to 12s. a day. Early Gooseberries-— Will .any of the readers of Tue GAKiitcN whn do not look with lolty contempt on this best of Hritisli fruits Iviiitlly tell me the names of the best early kinds, and about liow much they are earlier than the com- monly grown sorts— if they have taken notice of the differ- ence ?— J. J. Auc 1886.] THE GARDEN. 115 Kitchen Garden. BROAD BEANS. Ai.i, of the Longpotl, as well as Windsor Bean.s are onliiiarily teVmeil Broad Beans ; hence it is generally understood that in employing the abo-\e appellation the whole of the family, from the dwarf Fan Cluster to the huge podded Leviathan, is alluded to. The pod.s of the former are perhaps 3 inches in length ; those of the latter sometimes reach IS inches. During the pre.sent summer I have been enjoying a small trial of Broad Beans, not of varieties of my own selection, but kinds sent me from various sources. I have them on some rather stitl' clay, which suits Beans well, but this season, as on most soils, they have sutt'ered somewhat from heat and drought. In spite of this drawback, however, I have never seen Broad Beans so clean and free from black dolphin as tluy are this season, wliilst growth generally has been good. The drought seems to have appreciably affected the setting of the bloom, and the result- ing crop is thinner than is desirable, and the pods are hardly so large as would hax'e been the case had we had more rain. Still, a very reliable test has been obtained as to the relative merits of each sort. First as to the Broad \Vindsors, I have Har- lingtun Windsor, which is one of the best, Carter's Improved Windsor and Taylor's Windsor. Thefirst two seem to be practically identical and are both first-rate strains, but the piroduction of three-seeded pods is not at all regular in either case ; some- thing is, however, due to the season ; hence it is not fair to assume that a lack of the three-seeded pods is the average characteristic of the strains. Taylor's Windsor is less proli6c, and the pods are not so lai-ge. The Windsors have a marked still- ness of stem, and it would bo well if all other kinds had the .'ame property. The Seville, Aqua- dulce, or Leviathan is just as wanting in stem- rigidity as the other has it in ubunilance, for when the pods get large the plants fall in all directions. I had some stocks of own saved Seville, also some from Messrs. Carter, and also some of their Le- \iathan. Just a little this latter seemed the best strain, but it yields no finer pods than their own Seville stock, which does not differ from mine or Leviathan. Generally the finest pods are found singly or in pairs on stems, no one plant producing many of these. In all cases, however, some jilants produce shorter pods in greater profusion. These furnish capital household Beans, and early. I'roba- bly it is the rule to select all the lai'gest pods and dub them Leviathan or (iiant, whilst the smaller pods make up the ordinary Seville stock. No doubt one of the best tests of the relative productiveness of Beans is the .«eed produce after it is ripe. A capital strain is Carter's Selected Mammoth Long- jiod, but I take it to be a good form of .Johnson's Wonderful, or .as sometimes known as Mackie's Monarch. It is a prolific and faiily stout kind, the pods of good length and full. It is much better than the Dutch Longpod, which is the ordinary Longpod of commerce. Last year I selected from the Seville a distinct looking, stiff', erect-growing plant, which bore Beans of a broader and more abru]it-ended form than that kind usually proiluces. The produce this year is found to be stouter plants than those of the Seville and a better crop of Beans, which seem to come, as it were, almost intermediate between the Windsor and Mammoth Longpod. I think it is a genuine seed sport from the .'^eville, but hope to give it a wider trial next year. A. D. Tomatoes at Harefield Grove. — This year there are '28,000 Tomato plants growing at Hare- field Grove. The largest house devoted to their culture is 700 feet in length and IS feet in width. They are planted out in rows the whole length of the house, about IS inches being between each row, and the growths are tied to slim twine fences put up for their support. The house in question, as I saw it a fortnight or so ago, was a grand sight. Large fruits are not the aim, but multi- tudes of medium-sized fruits were freely produced. King Humbert is the principal variety grown ; it is oval in form, medium in size, deep red, and clustered. Harefield (Jolden (iem is another one extensively grown here; it is bright yellow in colour, \ery smooth, from half a pound to one [lound in weight, a very heavy cropper, and of first-rate quality. It is a hybrid raised at Hare- field, and when better known cannot fail to be a favourite. The whole of the Tomato plants are growing in moderately rich soil well mulched, antl in training they are restricted to one or two stems. The points are frequently pinched oft' the leading shoots; the plants are never allowed to bear a heavy crop of leaves, treatment which is certainly the means of producing most satisfactoiy crops of fruit.— •!. MuiK, Manjam. LATE TURNIPS. Fi;oM this date to the middle of August is a good time to sow late Turnips. They make a useful crop to succeed early Potatoes without much e.x- pense as regards preparation. If the ground be made level with the rake, the drills may be drawn and the seeds sown immediately, and after the recent rains the seeds will find a moist bed and germinate quickly. In a dry time I always soak the drills with water, using liquid manure when it is plentiful. This may not lie necessary on all soils, but a little encouragement in the beginning, either in the shape of li(iuid manure, a sprinkling of superphosphate, or some other artificial, enables the plant to rush through its difficulties and makes a crop certain. This crop will be exiiected to stand through the autumn, and be used after Christmas and onwards till March and later; and the jilants should be thinned out well, to ensure a dwarf, hardy habit. If the plants are left thickly on the ground, the leaf-stalks are drawn up weakly, arid when the severe weather comes they form little or no protection. From 1'2 inches to l.-i inches apart will not be too much space to allow each plant, and the leaf-stalks, being short and robust, lie close over the bulbs and pro- tect them from a moderate frost. Of course, before very sharp x\eather sets in (and there are always some indications of its approach) the largest of the bulbs should be pulled up, and either potted or protected in some other way, but a very considerable number will still be left on the land. The best varieties for present sowing are Veitch's Red Globe, Orange Jelly, and Chirk Castle Black Stone. These are very hardy, and are less affected by the weather than most of the white-skinned kinds. ]■>. iioi-.DAV. Potatoes. — It is worthy of note that, although we have had much rain of late and unsettled weather, we have so far no evidence of disease in the Potato, although it is now- a month later than the date at which this very destructive epidemic usually presents itself. Generally, the first early kinds are ripening oil', all others are tubering rapidly, and growth of late kinds is vigorous and healthy. At present there is every probability that we shall have a heavy Potato crop ; indeed, prices are already low, so lapidly is the market being supplied. In this extreme market-growing district. Beauty of Hebron has quite superseded the old Ashleaf and Early Rose for general culti- vation. It gives a good turn out by the middle of July, and the ground thus rapidly cleared is at once filled with Coleworts or sown with white Turnips. It is worthy of remark that Beauty of Hebron on Middlesex soil is very dry and floury, and is much appreciated. A white Beauty of Hebron named Duke of Albany is, I find, rather earlier, as on a breadth growing beside the Beauty the haulm of the Duke is distinctly riper, whilst that of the other remains green. Probably, when tetter known, it will largely take the place of the pink-coated Beauty. AVhilst the larger area for late kinds is still devoted to Magnum Bonum, Chancellor is becoming a popular kind, as it is a grand field Potato ; and Prime Minister bids fair to take the place of the Regents, as it is such a heavy cropper. The comparative disajipearance of the disease is a matter for congratulation, and it is to be hoped that if not quite extinct in this country, it may speedily be so. — A. D. TOMATOES ON OPEN WALLS. The present has tlius far been a by no means favourable season for Tomatoes on oi)en walls, for, with the exception of a short spell of warm sunshine in .July, the weather has been dull and cold, so that such sun-loving plants as the Tomato have not advanced at anything like the pace they do when brilliant weather prevails ; still, notwithstanding these drawbacks, many cultivators will doubtless secure good crops if favourable weather sets in. The most common error in regard to open-air Tomato culture is that of starting too late. The seed is not sown soon enough for the jjlants to mature a ci'op in the course of our short summers. The consequence is that when early frosts set in green fruits in A-arious stages are all that will be obtained. The only way in which to get really good crops on open walls is to sow in March, pot oil' singly as soon as the young plants are fit to handle, and grow them on in a warm house or pit, keeping them as near the glass as possible. As soon as they are well established in 4-inch pots give them plenty of air, and by the end of April or early in May they may with safety be planted at the foot of a sunny wall, to which the shoots should be kept securely fastened. Cut away all side growths, and as soon as sufficient fruit is set for a crop stop the growing point and keep all superfluous growths stopped in close. If the weather is dry, water freely, and give them occasionally either manure water or guano. In short, keep the roots moist and the tops dry, and plenty of well-ripened Tomatoes will be the result. Those that fail to ripen we take up, stems and all, trim off' the foliage, and h.ang them up in a warm house where they never fail to ripen. J. G. H. WOTES OF THE WEEK. Oncidium Lanceanum. -Mr. Law-Schofield, of New Hall Ilev, Kawtunstall, sciuls via a flower of !i very brightly coloured form of this beautiful old Orchid. One of his plants, he say.s, is earrying two spikes, one with eleven and the other with eight flowera. liilium auratum.— As illustrating the mutual vigour of L lium auratum this season in Ml'. G. F. Wilson "s wood Earden at Weybriuts it " peregi-ina — pelegrina" — the first being correct.- - A IIaw.son, Windermere. Whortleberries.— These are imiisnally plentiful this season. \ ast <|uautilies of them are sent l)y rail from the south-western counties to .all parts. I have known as many as t wenty-iine tons to be sent from one railway station in one year; but this season I think the quantity will surpass even that uinount.— J. C. C. Am. 7, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 117 Flower Garden. SPRING FLOWERS IN TilE PVRENEES. The Pyrenees, as a native home of garden flowers, are second only to the Alpsin importance. It wovild be tedious to eniuuerate all the uncommon plants seen in a liasty visit to the chief watering-places of these mountains, but I propose to mention a few of the more interesting flowers as I saw them growing at the end of spring in this year near one or two of tlie better-known centres to which tourists resort. It is a pleasure to recall the de- lightful drives and walks, of .vhich 1 made no notes at the time, except in memory ; and some of those who know the flowers only as garden plants may like to learn how they grow in Nature. St. Sauveur les Bains stands in tlie most beau- tiful as well as the most flowery of those magnifi- cent roads constructeil during the Second Empire to connect the chief watering-places of the Py- renees, and called Routes Thermales. A branch railway from Lourdes runs up a beautiful moun- tain valley to Pierrefitte, which is the terminus for four important towns, Cauterets, Luz, Bareges, and St. Sau- veur. The first of these places is sur- rounded by the grand- est mountain scenery in its immediate neighbourhood, but for accessible flowery roads, St. Sauveur is the best station. The road from Pierrefitte runs along a narrow valley, with a large Ga^e or torrent roar- ing at the foot of precipices below it sometimes as much as ^'00 feet. Where the steep rocks and forests afford room the land is cleared into meadows for hay and pasture, artificially irrigated by diverting some of the many streams wliich fall down the mountain sides. Some of these meadowsare on such a steep slope, ending in a deep precipice, that haymaking cannot be conducted without some risk. The hay is all carried out on the backs of the peasants, chiefly the women, who seem to do all the hardest work. At the end of May these meadows are as gay as gardens ; they continue at intervals all the way to Gavarnie, where the carriage road ends, about twenty miles from Pierrefitte and twelve from St. Sauveur. At the time we saw them the gayest flowers of all were those of a large field Scabious, perhaps S. arvensis, but larger, brighter, and far more varied in colour than we see that flower in England, being diflerent shades of blue, pink, ami clear deep rose. I was not sure of the species, and did not bring specimens. Orchises are abumlant, especially in the wetter parts, mostly varieties of O. maculata passing into the rich purple forms of O. lati folia. O. ustulata was there also of large size, the flower-heads being sometimes 3 inches long. Amongst many meadow plants familiar to us in England were others new in appearance. None was more striking than a tall light blue Phyteuma, raising a pyramidal spike of flower above the Grass. Its name is P. betonicajfolium. I have never seen its cultiva- tion tried, and it would pn-obably prove a failure. The Columbines formed another conspicuous feature, covering in some places several yards square. They were uniform in colour, of the rich deep blue of the large-flowered typical Aquilegia vulgaris. Gedre is a village about half way between St. Sauveur and Gavarnie, and when the road has passed this the Grass in the meadows is shorter and the flowers brighter in colour. Daffodils were over, but the leaves showed how aljundant they had been. In some spots Hyacinthus ame- thystinus coloured wdiole fields, so as to be visible at a distance of half a mile. Scilla verna and S. Lilio-hyacinthus are abundant. Forget-me-nots, with flowers of an intense lilue I never saw in England, belonged, I suppose, to Myosotis alpes- tris, and were very common. The thickets were full of Dog Roses of diff'erent varieties, and R. pyrcnaica was coming into flower. The white flowers of Amelanchier vulgaris made a great show. I must not forget the large-flowered and View ill winter garden nt Leheuhuf, J^elieibbs, Austria. low-growing Ranunculus Gouani, wdiich, near Gavarnie, nearly supplanted the commoner forms of Buttercup. The streams attract special moisture-loving plants. Where they fall over steep rocks, the Ferns, belonging often to kinds rare in Britain, are very luxuriant ; but where they run through the meadows they are edged by such plants as Thalictrum aquilegifolium, both the common and the purple-flowered form, which was plenti- ful close to the hotel at St. Sauveur. Cardamine latifolia, a sort of Watercress with rose-coloured flowers, was growing quite in the water ; whilst on the drier banks, St. Bernard's Lily ( Anthericum Liliago) and Ononis rotundifolia varied the colours. Anthyllis Vulneraria was extremely abundant, but all with pink flowers ; I could not see one of the normal yellow in the Pyrenees. I have not yet spoken of alpines proper, which, of course, are in great quantities amongst the rocks. It is quite delightful to see beautiful collections of them on high ledges of the precipices close to the road, which can be reached neither by ladders from below nor by ropes from above, and which must for ever defy ]ilant gatherers. There is Ramonlia, pyrenaica abundant everywhere along this route which delights to nestle umler a moist, over- hanging ledge, just out of the sun ; the plant is turned either downwards or sideways, but seldom looking straight uji to the sky. But the most beautiful plant of all I saw here is the exclusively Pyrenean Saxifraga longifolia, which grows on the perpendicular faces of the highest precipices, the rosette being always turneil horizontally, and the flower-spike growing always at right angles to the face of the rock. The first 1 saw were when looking down from that grand liridge, the Pont Napoleon, which spans the wide (iave at St. Sauveur, at a height of more than 200 feet above the water. It is a character of tliis Saxifrage that it nearly always grows in a single large rosette, which at the age of four or five year's flowers and dies, ami is reproduced from seed. As I saw the beautiful flower-spikes of pure white, and nearly a yard long, projected from the precipice, a botanical puzzle occurred to me. How t way to deal with this Gr.iss is to lift it and pot it when frosts threaten. So long as the leaves keep green the plants may be employed for decoration indoors ; when they turn yellow, dry off and place the p its on their sides, secure from frosts, until spring, when the plants may be started gently, and as soon as the bulky crowns sprout it will be better to divide the elunqis, pot and grow the pieces clo.se to the glass until April or May, and then plant them out again. Papaver pilosum. — This has medium sized orange-red flowers. Seen growing many would no); care for it. the pilose and rough stems and leaves are so hispid to the touch, and not of the most desirable hue, but the well branched flower-stems are a feature in this Poppy, and they serve to render the flowers less formal than straight, long stalks would. This Poppy is very hardy ; it will grow in almost any kind of soil, and forms a big bush like specimen in two years, from which great qu.antities of bloom may be cut for a long season. The late period to which it con- tinues flowering renders it valuable, and if the seed- headg are regularly picked off the results are very sati>factory. Nierembergia rivularis.~If those who covet this charming little plant could only see some of its roots they would not be surprised that it is not easy to establish. The small runners, just under the sur- face, depend on roots of a very different kind which go a good depth down. The latter are as thick as strong packing twine, very strong, and remain alive, feeding the plants, for seven or eight years. It is some of this class of root that shoidd be got up when it is sought to further increase it. The W hite Cup, as this plant is called, is a waterside plant, but we have grL!Wn it successfully for years in a sunny raised bed. The soil is, however, both deeji and well worked, or rather it was deeply worked some years ago for Asparagus. A deep well-work- d soil, with plenty of manure dug into it, is a good substitute for the damp positions said to be needful for moisbiu-edoving subjects. 'Veronica crispa. — If this handsome wrinkled Speedwell never bore a flower it would be worth a place in collections, consisting of the rarer and more beautiful hardy pl.ants. It is apt to go off, not from any want of power to resist cold, Ijut from being placed among tall growing plants which deprive it of sunshine. It likes an isolated sunny situation, where it can send up its str.iight stems charmingly furnished with leaves which shine with an almost, metallic lustre. It does well in stiff clay, but plenty of light and as much sunshine as possible are indis- pensable. Saxifrag'a aizoides.— This is a much more useful plant for the rock garden than hundreds of plants often seen there ; native though it be, can a more pleasing yellow-flowered Saxifrage than this he Aug. 7, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 110 found either for midsummer or earlier use ? AVhen I speak of aizoides, of course I in>;lude the pretty dark- fiowered variety called autumnalis. These remain in good form for several weeks. Let no one debar him- self of the pleasure of big masses of these because he has no damp places in his garden corresponding with the watery habitats of the wildlings ; they will grow beautifully under the ordinary conditions of a well-made bit of rockwork or in ordinary beds. Spireea palmata. — This is generally seen in an unsitisfactory condition in op-n borders. In, per- haps, nine cases out of every ten the cause may be put down t) either planting too late or in positions too dry. I believe that in mo.st gardens a suitable place may be found or made for it with very little trouble, and if that is the case, there is no reason why this plant sh')uld not be freely and well grown. The difficulty seems to be to find a moist and cool rooting place for it, but let it be put, say, an inch or two lower than the surrounding ground, where surface water, after a heavy shower, would run to, and it will succeed. If the soil is thin or porous, it should be removed to the depth of IS inches, and a close-grained sand substituted ; this, if top-dressed during the growing season, will induce this Spir»a to ju-oduce fine flowers aid foliage. It is hardly necessary to say that sand put in a hole into which water can run in rainy weather will keep as cool and moist as a bog, while, if we want a warm bed f.jr forcing or roiling purposes, we could scarcely employ bitter material during summer if fiu-med into a raised bed in full sun- shine. If, therefore, by such simple means we can accommoilate this moisture-loving plant, we ought to do so, .and the roots cannot lie set too soon after the tops have turned yellow. On this point tliere is a litle difference between roots that are to grow out of doors and tliose intended for pot culture. Potentilla lupinoideg.— I fell in love with thia pUnt at first from seeing it in autumn in its rich lexf hues — bright yellow and red on a smooth glis- tening surface, and the small leaves withal of a handsome shape. The jilant is a neat creeper, form- ing itself into a dense mass of stems and leaves, among which, in .Jidy and August, the large and bright yellow K.ise-like blossoms nestle; the deeper orange-yellow anthers are consincuous in the cup- formed flowers, and contrast charmingly with the now dark green and deeply-cut leave'. So far as I know it is not in general use, but for the rock garden it should be noted as "a good thing." It appears that this Pyrenean species is variable in the colour of its flowers. Anemone rivularis. — .^.s a plant or flower with fairly good all-round iiualities this maybe mentioned. It is perhaps the only gener.ally known Anemone that blooms in July and August, and we are so far indebted to it for keeping our thoughts fixed on its family which is always so gay in spring. Where well- established roots of this happen to stand near A. alpina and s,idphurea the Windflowers are not likely to be forgo'.ten even in midsummer, for the immense seed heads of the kinds just named greatly enhance the effect of the pretty, if somewhat small, flowers of Ihe Kiver WindHower. Its starry white flowers not only withstand wet weather, but, unlike the big Japan Anemone, they keep open no matter how dull, and if there is no sunshine for several d.iys together the anthers m.ay be seen to be furnished on the newly-opened bnds with sky-blue pollen. No other .-Vnemone gives cultivators less trouble. It is easily established in almost any sort of foil, and it Eoon ma'ces a fair ,-^how of bloom. Gypsophila paniculata. — This in many gar- dens seems t > soon run its course, often endiog its days in four or five years ; by that time the woody stools m.ay have become as stout as a man's fist with roots of corre=pinding thicknes.s, but they suddenly decay after p.rhaps a most prolific crop of useful little flowers. Those therefore who desire to keep their gardens furnished with this plant, the flowers of which are valuable for picking, should see that young spiecimens are ccming on to form a succession. It would not, indeed, lie amiss to plant one every year, as until the second and sometimes the third year they do not produce much bloom. It thrives best in light soil. Polygonum tphserocephalvim. — This is the same plant about which I wrote under the name of 1'. atfine. I understand it has recently been re- named at Kew ; ugly as the new n.ame sounds, it is a good desiTiptive one. It is doubtless a plant for the future for the following reasons : Its flowers are last- ing as well as brilliant, and they are produced in succession ; then it ripens seed — always an important matter where it is desired to have plenty of a certain plant. The roots in this case are knobs or tubers, which, so far as I can at present see, do not yield offsets. I have already gathered and sown ripe seeds, which show a tendency to .sprout almost as freely as those of P. viviparum. .J. W. NOTES. The oarden after rain. — One of the fairest and most satisfying; of all lliings is, to my mind, a good garden in late summer or early autumn time as seen in the sunshine that follows rain. Gone the dust, and gone tlie thirsty dryness of the leafage, and instead there are e.xuberant freshness and elasticity in every bud or leaf, and in every uprising stem. The last of the white Lilies glisten among tall blue Larkspurs, and Jackman's Clematis hangs its wreaths of royal purple amongst the gold-leaved Ivy on the walls. There are the most delicious whill's of fragrance as j'ou walk among the flowers, Carnations, Roses, and Stocks, and from the sweet-smelling leafy things, such as JIusk, Rosemary, and Lavender, or front Sweet Brier and Thyme. Last, but not least, the rain has given freedom to cuttings and .seedlings of many beatitiful lhing.s. All through the dry, dusty weather these were huddled together like children forbidden to play. But now they are safely planted out and growing in health and vigour every day. This warm, showery weather is also the best for propagating nearly all kinds of hardy plants from slips or cuttings under handlights in the open air. So, too, between the showers one may dig and transplant Daffodils, Scjuills, and the hundred and one hardy bulbs now at rest, but which, after these soft warm rains of August, will soon begin to root and grow. The single Dahlias and the white Japan Anemone are opening their flowers; some of the earliest of the Chrysanthe- mums are in bloom, and j'esterday I caught the first twitter of the robin's song, all of which are sure signs that fruity autumn is with us once again. A SWEET POSY. — Take two Moss Eose-buds half open, a spray of Ro.'emary, and half-a-dozen of the flower-heads of Lavender, to which add a cluster or two of Mignonette, three old Clove Carnations, a small bunch of white Jasmine, and a few leaves of the sweet-scented Verbena (Aloysia citriodora). If to the above you add a half- opened old Provence or Cabbage Rose so much the better, and the result will be a sweet po.sy that a duchess might like to have near her, and which, if tastefully put together, will delight the eyes as well as the nose. This sort of sweet posy was far more common in the days of our great grandmothers than now. You will notice how careful the late R. Caldecott was to give his sweetest of early eighteenth century maids a dainty little posy to sniff at as they cro.ss their tiny feet and sit demurely in the fine old Chippen- dale chairs he must have liked, or he would not have drawn them so well. Well-made jiot-pourri is delicious in winter, but during summer time every room in every house which has a garden ought to be full of fresh Hower fragrance, leaving the mummied odours for the winter of our dis- content. Vou must not for a moment fancy that the above recipe for a sweet posy is a bit of literary laliour out of my own head, so to say. The truth is, I found it written inside the cover of an old herbal, and to-day I tested its efficiency, and having found it not wanting, I offer it to every Lady Corisande who reads The Garden. Spir.ea palmat.a alba. — Plants are like men, inasmuch as nothing tries their character and capabilities like time. When I first saw the above plant in bloom my verdict was one not at all likely to extend its distribution in any way, but I obtained a plant, and when it first bloomed here as a novelty nearly everyone slid, "Ah! what a pity ; that is Spir;ca palmata spoiled, is it not.'" This year, however, the plant has unite vindicated its character, and as now in bloom is a lovely thing. It is planted in a half shaded peat bed among Rhododendrons and other shrubs, and bears about a dozen of its pure white feathery sprays. It is by no means the first new introduction that has been " under a cloud." The Boruean Jasminutn gracillimum had a narrow escape from total oblivion, and those who refused a certificate to Cypripedium Lawrencea- num can see it now in the best groups of Orchids at the best of exhibitions, but this white- blossnnied Spira?a is really just at this season one of the most beautiful of hardy flowers, and a? such, now well established and well grown, everyone admires it. It has at any rate proved to me that nothing but actual trial under tavour- able conditions can decide whether a plant is a good one or not. The position, soil, surround- ings, and culture make all the difference with this feather-flowered Spiraea, as with many other things. AcoNiTfM variegatum. — The oU purple Monkshood is a welcome flower early in the year, but there are now far nKjre attractive kinds in bli).ssom. A. japonicum is one of the best, and later in the year A. autumnale and its white variety will be masses of flowers 7 feet or 8 feet in height. Just now we have nothing in the genus finer than this A. variegatum, which is also known as A. bicolor in some gardens. Its hooded blossoms are borne on branched spikes o feet or (i feet in height, each flower being half white and half pale blue or lilac. It is easily in- creased by division, and come? tolerably true from seeds sown as soon as they ripen, in which case they germinate during the following spring. A good group of this plant looks well as .seen against a background of evergreen shrubs, and is robust enough to liold its own in open sunny positions, btside woodland walks or drives. Another spe- cies with panicles of pale yellow flowers, A. Lycoctonum, is also adapted for similar positions, and is quite distinct from its allies in general efl'ect when in flower. LiLiuM LONGIFLORUM. — This is one of the cheapest and most beautiful of all the Japanese Lilie.s, and should be grown in all gardens where white flowers of noble form are appreciated. In mild localities near the sea it is hardy, but, as a rule, the best results are obtained by pot culture in a cold frame. Its growth appears early in spring, and is very apt to be frost-bitten ; but if the bulbs be grown in pots in a frame they are safe from harm, and flower beautifully if plunged out of doors in May or June. A pot so grown and plunged out among other things in a peat bed is now very pretty. It bears ten perfect flowers, a result never attained by unprotected clumps which are left outside with us all the year. In some few places I know tliis Lily really does beautifully outside iu beds or borders, but, as a rule, pot cufture will be found a prefer-, able plan of growing it to anything like perfec- tion. Five stiong bulbs in an 8- inch pot make a show when they flower. On such a pot I have seen five stems, each bearing four or five of its great trumpet-shaped blooms. There are several varieties, of which eximium and Harrisii are perhaps the best, but the typical plant is much 120 THE GARDEN. [Auc 1886. clieaper. L, Harrisii miy be forced quite readily for Easter decorations, and a pot of it in lull flower at that festive season is a great prize, Cuttings or slip.-;. — When I was a boy ii'^arly everything was increased from slips, and I am not sure that the more modern and now general practice of taking cuttings is more successful than the old plan of slipping off short axillary shoots with a heel instead of cutting them with a knife. If ever I feel the least doubtful as to which method is best, I try both ways, and after some little experience in this line, I find the balance in favour of the slips. Milky plants, such as Euphorbia jac- quinins flora, often fail as cuttings,but short growths strippeil off grow well. Pinks, Carnations, Cloves, and mulePinks,Ouosmatauricum,smallVeronicas, &c,, we propagated quite successfully from slips planted under cap-glassts or handlights on a sandy border. Hollow-stalked Pansy cuttings generally fail to grow, but the same growtlis slipped off at the crown and inserted deeply in sandy soil grow quite freely. Of course, facilities for the rooting of cuttings are now greatly im- proved, yet for hardy plants more especially 1 believe we might return to the old-fashioned habit of planting slips of many things with ad- vantage, and especially when cuttings have been tried and failed. GiNGERwoRT.s. — As a family these are very beautiful in leafage as well as in blossom, and the economic usage of their rhizomes is as yet in its infancy. The fleshy rootstocks of any kind of Alpinia, or Hedychium, or KKnipferia would afford fairly good " ginger " if cured in syrup or candied on the Chinese plan findeed, so far as proof goes, there is nothing to show that the genus Zingiber proper is ahead of other plants of the Order in aromatic and stimulating proper- ties. When I was exploring in the Bornean forests, a few years ago, I found Scitaminaceous plants very common, and in pulling up the plants themselves 1 was very mucli impressed by their fat and aromatic rhizomes. The Bornean, or native, Ginger is made from an Alpinia with banded or zebra-marked leaves. Kivmpferia Galanga I found in plenty in one place only, a hot, swampy plain, the road through which was knee-deep in soft mud, roofed over with tall Sedges and Grasses, and when passing through these Grass-lined tunnels the mosquitoes neglected not their right to take toll from the passing tra- veller. Wherever an open, sunny mud flat was reached there the flat leaves of the Galanga covered the soil, or its pretty white and purple flowers were seen. The Chinese were settlers in North Borneo centuries ago. The largest moun- tain there is Kina Balu (i.e., " Chinese Widow ") ; the largest river is Kina-batangan (or " Chinese rock-fringed stream " ) ; and if ever the Chinese colonise that country again they will find Ginger roots awaiting them by the ton. I speak subject to correction, but 1 should say the fleshy rhizomes of any Hedychium or Alpinia would make good " ginger." Colour and pkrfdme. — Botany was in a state of chaos until the time of Linnreus, whose numerical arrangement of anthers and stigmas simplified the science into an order until then unknown. The natural system carried progress still further, but it is only quite recently that any attention has been paid to colour or to perfume as essential characters in the science of botany. You may i-ead descriptions of plants by the dozen without getting the slightest in- formation as to whether the (lowers of the jilants described are red or yellow or blue. In a word, colour has beeii to a great extent like the round 0 of our cricketing days ; it has stood for nothing through decade after decade of classification So, too, the perfume of flowers has been left to our Rimmels and Piesses, for it was held beneath the dignity of a botanist to tell us anything of these subtle things. Shakespeare, indeed, never forgot the main facts o[ Nature, and so he generally tells us that Roses are sweet and that Rue is flitter, but even yet colour and perfume are unknown quantities in the botany of to-day. The amateur gardeners are more exact, size and colour and perfume being essential points in their eyes. The absence of a yellow spot on the lip of a Cudogyne, or a few purple bars on the petals of an Odontoglossum may add fifty or a hundred guineas to the price of any individual plant. It may never be practicable to add the natural perfume to our coloured plates of flowers, but we may at least expect that some indication of their fragrance be conveyed in words. Betonica alopecuros. — We have in this genus some very effective and free growing garden plants. B. grandiflora forms a mass of red and purple flowers early in the year, aud just now the species above named is very beautiful. It is known as the Foxtail Stachys, and is a plant a foot to 1(5 inches in height, and its erect leafy stems are each tipped spear-like with a conical cluster of flesh-jiink or rosy-salmon flowers. Like all its allies, it is most readily increased by division in spring or in autumn — that is to say, either before or immediately after flowering. As seen here on a free, light and sandy soil both the above plants are very showy and well worth a place in even good gardens. Another good and distinct Labiate now flowering is Ajuga Brock- banki, a plant having clear blue spires rarely exceeding a foot in height and very pretty as seen at its best. In deep rich soil in a partly shaded place this plant is very attractive. The history of the plant is, as I believe, this : It appeared in Mr. Brockbank's garden at Dids- bury, near Manchester, as a chance seedling, and was given by him to Mr. Smith when manager of the Newry Nursery, by whom it was named and sent out. As grown here it forms a solid sheet of blue, and is very beautiful as seen at its best in June or July. Choretis (Hy.menooallis) olauca. — This is not very common, but I consider it one of the very best of all the Bridal Lilies (Hymenocallis), all of which are as fragrant as they are Aiir. I have had bulbs of it for years ; indeed, I started with three, and I should have had three now, but I gave one away, and it has been an annual plea- sure to its owner. In a word, while the bulbs of this plant flower freely e\'ei'y season, they do not increase so fast as do some other species of this noble group. As seen in blossom, the plant is very shapely and effective. Five or six thick oblong leaves spread from the apex of the bulb, and from the centre appears a flattened scape a foot high or more, and the snow-white flowers radiate from the apex like a tiara or diadem. The leaves are of a pale glaucous shade of green, and ncrt dark glossy green, as in H. macrostephana, nor are the flowers of H. glauca quite so large, hut their purity of whiteness and delicious fra- grance would be difficult to surpass. The old Pancratium fragrans is not equal to either of the above as a garden plant, and the narrowdeaved P. caribbamm is by comparison a weedy plant not worth pot room. Of course, all these Bridal Lilies are beautiful, but the best known to me are II. macrostephana and II. glauca. Among other bulbs in flower, Urceolina pendula is one of the prettiest, its elegantly-shaped dangling bells being generally admired. Ardndo conspicua. — Years ago a good pot of this New Zealand Grass used to be very orna- mental in the Cactus house at Kew. At that time the plant was rare in Europe, but now it is l-irgely cultivated as a hardy plant, and is just now very pretty as seen hearing aloft its silvery plumes each at the tip of a slender wand or stalk. It is earlier by six weeks, and, as I believe, much more graceful in habit than any form of Pampas Grass, and being of smaller growth it is also more suitable for small gardens. The great fault of the Pampas Grass is its lateness, so that in northern gardens its lieauty is destroyed by wintry storms almost before it flowers. The Arundo is on this account worthy of a place, even if it be necessary to grow it in pots or tubs, so that it can be sheltered during the worst of winter weather. In most gardens, however, it will prove to be quite hardy, especially if planted on large banks or in dry positions amongst stones, so that it does not become water-logged during frosty \veather. A few stones ami a little coal ashes or sand will generally suffice to pre- serve it in exposed positions, and as seen at its best on the lawn, the plant is so graceful and effective, that no pains are too much if its presence be secured thereby. It is readily increased in the spring by division or from seed. Calystegia pubescens. — I can generally man- age to secure any plant that I wish to obtain, but, so far, this has beaten me entirely. The double- flowered variety is, I know, a weed in many gardens and grows well here, but I never saw nor heard of the single-flowered Calystegia pubescens. The common Kerria (Corchorus) japonica is another instance of a plant being common in a double state while the typical wild species is rare, but I have often met with the single form of it, and it is not uncommon in botanic gardens. Can anyone tell us of the single - flowered Calystegia pubescens? The double form is now very pretty, both as twisting about on the ground or as scrambling up bushy sujiports, its elegant growths being covered with axillary blossoms of a pale rose colour. It is easily naturalised at the foot of a low hedge of Privet or of Thorn, and as so grown forms a beautiful plant; or its roots may be planted at the foot of an Ivy wall on the Grass. In some places it rambles about so vigorou.sly, that caie should be taken in planting perennial ConvolvuU of any kind. As a rule, they are safer and prettier isolated in beds on the Grass, where the scythe or the lawn-mower keeps their stolons within bounds. Bdrbidgea nitida. — This orange-flowered Gingerwort is now flowering freely here potted in loam fibre on a well-drained bottom. We have two plants, and both are flowering on stems less than 12 inches in height. The individual flowers are rather fugitive, hut as the buds open in succession this fault is not so great as it at first sight stems to be. Mr. fJourt once told me that it grew and flowered better in America than in English gardens, but we have had no difficulty with it, except that once we nearly lost it by its having been transferred to a close hot pit among some Nepenthes. When I first discovered the plant in Borneo it was growing on a dry hill- side, its roots clasping the mossy boulders of .sandstone and growing there in shady positions ; its flowering stems were 20 inches to 30 inches high. Its rich orange-yellow flowers in spikes at the ends of the glo.ssy-leaved stems are pretty, but growers always seem to have failed in its culture .'ince the original plant bloomed at Chelsea seven or eight years ago. Our plants stand on a shelf facing the east, and so escape the mid-day sun. If the plants were potted in nodules of sandstone and fibrous loam in a pot drained as if for an Orchid, I fancy fewer failures would result. Its rhizomes are very aromatic, and (piite scented the air, I remember, as I toie them oft' the rocks in Borneo, a country very Aug. 7, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 121 rich in Alpinias, Globbas, and other aromatic | for some time. This Spiraa is of comparatively It delights in a moi.>t situation or near water, and Giiigerwort's, many of which mi; ecouomicallv. ;ht be useful Vekonica. Trees and Shrubs. PLANTING STREET TREES. DrRiNG the past few years tree-planting in pro- vincial towns has been carried out extensively, doubtless in imitation of the good eft'ect produced on the Thames Embankment and other spacious thorouirhfaies in the metropolis, as well as in Continental towns. Street tree-plantintj, like most other new fashions, appears likely to be over- done, as already we find them being planted in thoroughfares where before there was barely space for the tratfic. The guards necessary for pro- tecting the stems are a great inconvenience to pedestrians, and the tops, if allowed to spread out in any- thing like a natural way, soon block up the house Avindows. To obviate this the most barbarous mode of pruning is often adopted — in fact, the trees look like the hideous pol- lards one often sees in country lane.s and hedgerows. When- ever tlie town au- thorities undertake to provide trees for beautifying the streets, they should be certain that tlie positions assigned to them will allow of their growing to a reasonable size without the need of annual shearing, or there can be little doubt that such dis credit will be cast on a really good under- taking, that before long we shall find street trees looked on as a positive nui- sance, and they will be swept oft' root and branch. There ap- pears to be little variation as to the kinds of trees used. Poplars, Limes, Sy- camores, or Planes being used to the ex- clusion of every thing else. Doubtless they are good trees in positions where there is unlimited space, but surely trees of less spreading growth than these could be found for streets of limited width. Let ushope that before recent introduction, and up to the present some- thrives well in a strong clay soil. — X. what scarce, but as it wins favourable opinions i Potentilla fruticosa. — This pretty little from all, and is, besides, of ready increase, no \ aowerinc shrub forms a much-branched bush doubt it will soon be met with much more fre- 'growing°a yard or more high, with small leaves quently. This Spiriia is a native of Japan, and is j and brudit golden blossoms nearly an inch in dia- also known under the name of S. crispifolia, from | meter. °It will grow in dry sandy soils, and if not too dry will flower throughout the latter part of the .summer ; indeed, I have had it bloom from July till October, and this season it promises to do the same. This Potentilla is found wild in some parts of England, but, generally speaking, in a wild state it does not attain the dimensions reached when under cultivation. — A. Double-flowered Brambles.— Though most Brambles are far more lifted for the wild garden or the curled character of its leaves. — T. .ffisculus parviflora.— Though one of the handsomest of all hardy shrubs, and one, too, which is in full beauty when few others are in bloom, this North American Chestnut is comparatively seldom seen in this country. It is, however, perfectly hardy, and only requires to be seen to secure a fuller recognition of its merits. As a rule it rarely attains the height mentioned by Loudon, viz., \() feet to 15 feet, and is perhaps best treated as a woodland, there are two or three kinds well w orthy dwarfer subject, a number of the stems being cut of a place even among the most select shrubs. away every year. A constant succession of strong I The pink double flowered form of the common Bramble is one of these, and most beau- tiful it is where al- lowed to ramble at will : but if no place exists in which this can be allowed, it may be kept to a bush shape by tying to some stakes, and occasionally short- ening in an unusu- ally strong shoot. In this way it will be now a mass of flowers, which, in addition to other attractive features, are of a most pleasing shade of pink. The closely parked pret- tily quilled petals suggest the name of bellidiflorus, which it is sometimes call- ed, as well as R. pomponius flore- plena. Under which- ever name it may be called this Bramble is very ornamental, while in spite of two or threenames being given for double pink-flowered Bram- bles, as far as my experience goes theyareall thesame. The double white is altogether difl'erent from the last named, the petals being much broader and the blooms but semi- double. Being borne shoot3 is thus secured, and these bear much finer \'?.^'^^f^'^^' *'^?y ^®'"'"'^^ °"? somewhat of the Aimee flowers than those produced by older branches. Loudon sums up the good qualities of this species as follows: "The shoots are slender, spreading. long those in charge of street trees may educate ^nd rooting at the joints where tliey happen to themselves on the subject of trees, and choose kinds that will enable them to put away the pruning-hook, and allow the trees to develop themselves as such beautiful objects should do. Gn.iport. J. t;. Spiraea bullata. — This shrub is more suitable for a rockery than a shrubbery, for if it be allowed flower. to contend with ordinary shrubs it becomes over- grown and quickly succumbs, «hile on a rockery it forms a dense little bush less than a foot high, wi;h small neat foliage and flattenrd clusters of blossoms, crimson in the bud state, but a dee]) shade of carmine-pink when fully expanded. It is just now in flower, and a clump of it here at rest on the soil, with ascending extremities. The tree comes into flower about a month or six weeks later than the other .i^sculacea- and continues flowering, in the case of large plants on moist soil, for three months or longer, forming one of the greatest floral ornaments of the shrubbery season when very few trees or shrubs are ii The fruit, which is small, .seldom ripen: in England, but in America it is said to be eaten boiled or roasted: and M. Poiteau, accordingly, has included this species of Pavia in his list of fruit trees." It has red leaf -stalks, glossy dark green leaves, and long paniculate racemes of white flowers, the long white filaments of wliich, surmounted by the red anthers, impart to them a the base of the rockwork forms one of its most fine fringed appearance. In various books, &c. attractive features, while a furthtr point in its this is found under the names of Pavia macro- favour is, that a succession of bloom is maintained stachya, .I^sculus macrostachya, Pavia edulis, &c. VibertRose ; indeed there is a much greater resem- blance between these two in theshapeof the flowers than is the case with the pink and white Brambles. This kind may be treated in the same way as the pink form, and, like it, isnowin full flower. Another pretty double Bramble is R. rosajfolius, a small upright growing kind that flowers during the autumn and winter months, but it is of so tender and delicate a constitution, that it is only seen to at a : advantage when treated as a greenhouse plant. To inci-ease the hardy kinds of Brambles the best way is to layer the tijis of the growing shoots, which will quickly root and soon form plants. — H. P. Olearia Haasti.— It is only within the last few years that this Australian shrub has htd attention flirected to it from its valualile late summer-flowering qualities. Already it has be- come popular, and deservedly so, for it possesses many desirable qualities. It has proved itself to be perfectly hardy, at all events in the southern part of England, and where in a thriving condition few shrubs are more attractive at the present time, 12: THE GARDEN. [Aug. 7, 1886. for even in the case of small specimens they arc so densely covered with good-sized clusters of small star-shaped pure white blossoms, as to present quite a mass of that tint, while even when out of bloom the neat evergreen foliage and compact habit of the plant render it valuable without taking into account the flowering qualities. When the clusters of blossoms are cut just as they commence to e-xpand and placed in water, they remain a very long time without withering — more so indeed than most shrubs at this season. It is not difficult of increase by cuttings of half-ripened wood, put in sandy soil and kept under a close handlight or bell- glass till rooted, when they should be potted ofl' and kept for a short time in pots before they are planted out. This shrub is also known as Eurybia parviflora, and is interesting from being one of the few composite plants of a shrubby nature hardy in this country. — Alpha. THE WINTEK IN YORKSHIRE. Now that Midsummer Day is past it may not be amiss to note the efi'ects of the unusually prolonged winter of 18&.5-S6 on the more or less tender trees and shrubs which we grow here, including, perhaps, an unusually large number of Conifera3. I may say that our elevation is about -100 — 450 feet above the sea, and that the plants spoken of are all fully est.ablished, many of tlio Conifers;, however, being seedlings raised here. I congratulate myself that the only real loss which we sustained was in the three plants Cham;G- eyparis sphieroidea variegata, CoroniUa glauca, Dus- foutainea spitiosa. The first of these was grown in an open, but sheltered, situation near a running stream; the two latter were [ilanted against the house, with a south-west exposure. Until tie end of June I thought that Uesmodium penduliflorum and Aloysia eitriodora (Verbena tiiphylla) in similar situations hud shared the fate of the Coronilla and Desfontainea, but I find that thij is not the cas?, as they are both throwing uji strong shoots from the ground. Of plants injured, Ijut not killed, it seems strange to say that old plants of Rhododendron ponticum and Aucuba japonica, botli of which are assumed to be very hardy, fared worse than most other things, whilst the numerous hybrid Rhododendrons, including some very choice ones of the Castle Kennedy strain, re- main unhurt. Biota orienlalis in a border near the house, with a south exposure and a wall behind it at y feet distance, was killtd. In open places, the side exposed to the sun was destroyed, whilst phnits in otlier situations escxpcd entirely, showing clearly that the damage was caused by the action of the sun dur- ing frost, which is, I find here, one of the greatest evils with which we have to contend. The following, amongst others, escaped unhurt, viz. , Abies Alcotjuiana, Albertiana, Engelmanni, polita, and Smithiana; Athrotaxis selaginoides. Biota pen- dula, Cedrua atlantica and Deodara, Cephalotaxus Fortunei, Cry ptomeria japonica and elegans, C'upressus Lawsoniana (many forms), nutkaensis, sempervirens, macrocarpa, and Lambertiana; Fitzroj'a patagonica, Olearia Hiasti, Picea amabilis, baborensis, cephalo- nica, eoncolor, firma, magnitica, Pinsapo, sachali- nensis, Veitchi, Webbiana, &c. ; Pinus insigni,s, koraiensis, excelsa, and I'inea ; Retinosporas of many kinds, plain and variegated; Salisburia adiantifolia, Sciadopitys verticillata, Sequoia sempervirens and ar- gentea, Thujopsis and Thujas (many), and Torreya myristica. These have all successfully resisted the inclement season : Oistus cyprius (ladaniterus) and the Rose Lamarque have for a fortnight contended as to which could be the most beautiful against the wall of the house, on which the hardier Roses are now a mass of bloom, having succeeded the Wistaria and various varieties of early-flowering Clematis. Lonicera senr pervirens is covered with its scarlet tubes ; whilst the brilliant Tropicolum speciosum scrambles up for many feet amidst the bright leaves of Chimonanthus fra- grant, which, although 8 feet high, has not yet flowered with me. Hydrangea paniculata and Clematis .lack- manni give fine promise for the autumn ; and Eccre- niocarpus scaber, killed to the ground during the winter, is trying, anl I think with probable Bucces.s, to reach the top of the house. In a sheltered corntr Etoagnus argentea and aurea, two or three variegated Euonymi, and Azara microphylla are luxuriant. Banibusa Metake made shoots 7 feet in length last year, which the winter has curtailed to about .3 feet, and it is now pushing vigorously. During the spring the various Narcissi were as fine in their way as the Roses now are, and the alpines, including many Androsaces, Saxifrages, Haberlea, Wulfenia, Ra- niondia, &c., were never more flourishing. The above will show that, despite tlie supposed cli5ad\'antages of a rainy and cold climate, the culture of a varied assemblage cf plants may be successful in Northwest Yorkshire. R. Milne-Redhe.vd. // !dcn Chvrjh, Clithcroe. White Indigofera.— This is a white form of Indigofera floribunda,and though the pale blossoms are not so showy as the rosy purple ones of the type, yet it affords a good addition to summer- flowering shrubs. Unfortunately, these Indigo- feras cannot be regarded as thoroughly hardy, for they are much injured during severe winters, unless protected by a wall or in some other manner. A good way when grown against a wall is to secure the branches thereto, and after the space is covered the plant or plants may be allowed to grow at will, and the slender drooping branches have a very pleasing appearance when treated in this way. An allied species, I. Gerardiana, with deep rosy pink blossoms, is another desirable kind, and may be often successfully treated as an outdoor shrub, for if cut back it quickly recovers and flowers most profusely even in a small state. These Indigoferas may also be grown successfully in pots; indeed, I was much struck with some plants of this white variety the other day in Jlessrs. Veitch"s nursery at Coombe Wood, grown in comparatively small pots, and being laden with their pure white blossoms were most attractive. Some bushes against an open-air wall are also covered witli bloom. — T. Spanish Broom (Spartium junceum).— When the flowering season of most of the diflerent kinds of Broom is past this one is at its best, and a goodly show it makes at the present time, as the curious Rush-like branches are crowded with large rich golden-coloured blossoms, and unless the weather be unusually dry, the specimens of it will continue to bloom for a considerable period. At the same time it will resist drought better than most other shrubs, as the roots take a direct downward direction, and are thei-efore less susceptible to its influence than in the case of shrubs that root near the surface. As the Spanish Broom will thus hold its own amongst most other shrubs with which it may be associated, it is useful for planting inamixed border, and may be employed with advantage where a screen or belt of Evergreens is planted to shut out any unsightly object from view, as in the case of shrubs ,'> ft. or (i ft, high the Spartium will tower above them and give a goodly show of its bea-Uiful golden blossom. It is a native of Spain, P I ougal, and the south of France, and, according t.j Loudon, was introduced so long ago as 154S. Seed is readily produced, from which plants can be raised in almost any quantity. Loudon men- tions a variety (flore-plena) regarding which questions have been a.sked from time to time, and having had the pleasure of seeing a specimen in full bloom, I may mention that the flowers are really semi-double, but the plant is less showy than the single form. — Ali'HA. SHORT NOTES.— TREES AND SHRUBS. Thujopsis dolabrata.— The chief defect of this hand' some Conifer at i>rcseat seems to bo its slow growth, but in Japiui it grows to bi a tree whieli is dcscrit>ed as of great beauty.— G. Berberis concinna is a charming little Hiraalay.an liarberry, witli small neat foliage, light green above and silvery white beneath. Tlie pale yellow flowers appear in July and August, when scarcely any other species is to Ije found in bloom. It is a distinct and handsome dwarf grow- ing Evergreen, .and is most .at home in the rockery or in the front of the shrubbery border. — N. Pinus excelsa. — This Pine, the nurserymen say, is rarely asked for ; but if planted and treated as recommended, it will prove an ornament to the pinetum or shrubbery, its long light -coloured leaves contrasting admirably with tlie foliage of the generality of the dark-leaved Pines. P. excelsa, when left to itself, has rather a sprawling habit of growth, the branches in most cases being wide- spread, to the detriment of the leading shoot. Trees of P. excelsa have been branch-pruned here, more or less, for the last twenty-five years. Such plants so treated have now assumed the habit of P. Cembra. — JI. The scarlet Oak. —Most planters who grow this fine American Oak are thoroughly aware of the beauty of its large leaves during the summer, and the brilliant autumnal colour they assume before being shed. It grows, too, in almo.st any soil, and soon forms a distinct and handsome tree. The beautiful tints of the second grow th are also a re- commendation ; in the arboretum at Kew and in other places trees of this sj^ecies are now very conspicuous, the bronzy red of the young shoots and leaves forming a striking contrast to the older foliage. — N. WORK DONE IN WEEK ENDING AUGUST 3. July 28 to August 3. Having been too busy to make any but the most fragmentary notes, and the.se most irregularly, this wt ek's account of " work done " is made from mental recollection only. Except an hour's rain in the early morning of August 2, the weather has been tine throughout, so that there has been no inttrruption on that score. Fruit gathering for preserving — Rasp- lierries. Currants, .tnd Gooseberries — we have com- pltted, and a few trees of each have been netted over to preserve them for future use. Cleared off old plots of Strawberries, and after drawing drills between the rows, planted out at 2 feet apart Purple Sprouting P,roccoli, C-tttager's and Ragged Jack Kales, three of the best and hardiest types of winter greens that can be had; made the last sowing of Tin-nips, also of Pe.is and French Beans. Dug up early Potatoes; they are a remarkably heavy crop, and free from disease ; this ground will now be utilised for a late crop if t'aulifli>wers — Early London and Widcheren ; Autumn Giant is longer in coming to niatiuity, else that variety W(.iuM be the be-t to plant. Our last batch of this kind was planted out a fortu'ght ago. Flower gardening now takes up the bulk of our time, there being always some tying uji of plants to 1)8 done, not to mention the immensity of pinching and picking over of beds to keep all in neat order, the designs true in their outlines, and the edgings of beds anei walks regularly cut, for without such neatness the arr.angements, however good, elo not afford that amount of pleasure that all have a light to anticipate fnnn a flower garden. Cleared and weeded among-t Ferns and rockwork. The few Phormiums, Bam- boos, Ferulas, and Eucalypti that we have about this garden are by far tlie most charming hardy plants tj use as sub-tropicals, and associate well with -uch annual tjpes as Castor-oi's, Solanunis, Chilian Beet, variegated Maize, and Hemp. I.obeli.as, Cal- ceolarias, Violas, and Verbenas flower so peroislently in the early summer, that to keep them in a flovering state the summer through it is necessary that they be regularly kept free of seed pods and be well supplied with water. Lobelias we out paitially over twice or thrice during the season, and this conduces to the production tit new shoots from the bottom, anel also ens. ires a bushy habit of growth by causing the plants to make side shoots from the main stem, and conse- quently we get a sncce-sionof flij vers. The self-same treatment is applic.ible to Verbenas, auel should be practised if there be any danger of the plants flower- ing to death. Picked bui floA'trs cud seeds ofl' all plants in vases, and watered them with manure water. This is needful at least once a week, unless the vases, which is very rarely the case, are extra largo, and consequently the soil does not get so quickly ex- hau-tcil. Work about the houses has not been very varied; it has cons'sted of Strawberry potting, and also of the jiotting of sundry oelds and enels of plants j pinching Vine laterals and tying Peaches and Neo- Aug. 7, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 123 tarincs to trellis. Staked bush-formed Chrysauthe- mums, and innclied side shoots off plants that arc grown for the production of large flowers, (iot out fruiting Pines from pit, and put them in cool house to retard Iheni till required. Watered inside borders of several houses ; also Phies ; and tidied up the beds by putting a slight covering of Cocoa fibre over the leaves. Hants. HARDY FRUITS. Crops of fruit on wall trees generally are fairly good ; Peaches and Plums super-excellent, and Pears will be more plentiful than we at one time anticipated. More- over, trees of all kinds are remarkably clean, but the fruit is decidedly late; indeed, some of our 6nest varie- ties of Pears are so far behind, that it is i|Uest;onable if the brightest autumn will finish them properly. With this disappointing prospect before us, it will not do to lay down our oars and drift with the stream, as such a course would be sure to lead us into breakers. What then must we do ? \\ hy, look round and see what e.m be done to help the trees forward and hasten the swelling of Ihe fruit. Cleanliness and moisture at the root are decidedly in our favour ; all we now want is sun heat and warm nights ; tlie rest is in our own bands, for we can keep all growths thin and closely nailed into the walls to give tliem the full bent fit of e\ery reflected ray, and we can pinch e\ery later.al and sublateral where their presence is likely to rob the fruit or produce too much shade. To this end, then, let every Peach tree have two dressings where in forward seasons it might do with one ; jdnch the points out of shoots wliieh will not be wanted after the fiuit is gathered, and let every leaf and shoot retaicc 1 for ne.\t year's fruit-bearing have free expo- sure to light, air and sunshine. Keep the foliage clear of spider by washing it once or twice a week wilh pure water ; if warm, so much the better : and protect the surface roots from drought by mulching the 4-foot way with fresh stable litter. As growth advances and the fruit begins to colour turn the leaves aside, but do not cut them off, as some advise, for much as this practice may check the vigour of the tree and hasten maturity, the time gained is pu.chased by the sacrifice of size and flavour. Apricots require fcimilar treatment, not so much on account of the fruit as the wood and spurs, as we often see trees in favourable situations ripening their fruit under the most primitive method of summer management ; but these favourable spots are exceptional, and for this reason the treatment under which they thrive is by no means applicable to nine-tenths of tlie trees grown thr ughout the kingdom. Let pinching, train- ing and mulching then be regularly jierformed, and on no account allow the roots to feel the want of water, for much as Peaches eujoj- an abundance of this element, the Apricot in a well-drained border is capable of taking more. It is neither wise nor neces- sary to water during the time the fruit is hanging in a ripening condition, as well managed borders are watered and mulched Ij.fore that stage is reached, but copious washings wilh the hose again become neces- sary after the fruit is gathered. Here a word as to mulching may not be out of place. All admit that the mnlcliing of south wall borders is a great help to the trees as well as the fruit ; but enthusiasts do not always exercise a wise discretion in the selection of suitable materials. When hardy fruit trees slmw unmistakable signs of weakness from poverty, rich, solid manure is the proper material, as it keeps the roots cool, and constant washing in soon changes the character of the growth and increases the size of the fruit. But Apricots and Peaches planted with the greatest care we are capable of bestowing always grow quite strong enough in the compost prepared for them, and become unfruitful and unmanageable when the growths are gross and root-lifting is neglected. Moreover, the r^^'ots as well as the shoots must have warmth to ripen them, otherwise bud-dropping, blister and gumming soon settle the account with the trees. Of two evils then it is best to choose the least by erring on the side of moderate growth of root and shoot, and getting them well ripened before winter sets in. Moisture, it is true, must be kept in the borders, otherwise the most valuable roots will suffer and the fruit will ripen prematurely ; but this difficulty can be met by the use of stable litter, which, while pre- venting evaporation, will let in sun heat and air, and feeding where necessary can be supplied in the form of diluted liquid or artificial manure. PE.4K9 must be kept closely pinched, and the leading shoots nailed or tied into the walls or trellises. Some kinds, notably Marie Louise, Louise Bonne of Jersey, the old Cra.ssane, Pitmaston Duchess, snd that excellent I'ear Josejihine de Slalines, Lave set heavy crops and require much thinning. From these we have re- moved all the small and deformed fruit to favour the full development of those left, anl trees on the l^>uince stock have been well mulched with half rotted manure, a inaterial which the surface roots thorougldy enjoy. Many of these trees having been root-pruned or entirely removed in the autumn of 1SS4, aphis and drought pre\ented them from making much progress last year, but they took well to the new loam, thanks to a plentiful supply of water, and formed more flower buds than were needed for a croj). To thrse an extra supply of mulching h.is been applied, but a portion of it will be ca^t over the \egetable borders and forked in when the time arrives for letting warmth End (^rought iLto the soil in October. Kasi'dcriues and Cubcanls having made an immense growth of young and rather soft woid, the first should be well thinned down to five or six of the best c.n'-s, wheii the old ones are cut out and carefully lied with strips of matting to secure them from injury in wet and windy weather. The fine rains of the past fortnight having penetrated the quarters, the canes retained will become very strong, and the season being late, timely thiiming to let in light and .air is of more than ordinary impoitance. The Currants we thin out and shorten back to keep the trees within bounds, and let the sun into the spurs as soon as the fruit is gathered, while those upon which we with it to hang for late use are slightly thinned, but not shoitcned, as we find a moderate quantity of foliage the best protection ii\m sun and birds when other soft fruits become scarce. We do not, however, trust to foliage alone, as nothing short of stout herring netting will keep out those greedy maraudei-s. GOOSEBIERIES. The heaviest crop we have had for some years lias made very little wood ; consequently the fruit is i|uite open to feathered foes now the fiuit is ripe, but friends in the past, as innuunity from insects is, no doubt, due to their vigilance thiough the early part of the s a- on. To circumvent these and prevent tliem from taking more than their well-merited share, we transfer the nets from Raspberries to the Gooseberry quaiters, and elevate them sufficiently to allow the pickers to pa'-s underneath them. The worst pestswe have to contend with are w.asps; .although abuudaut in the spring, they have not yet put in an appearance, and at the present time the weather, unfortunately for the crops, is against them. Nottingham or some other light small-meshed netting is the best protect- ing material, and this should be applied to trees or bushes before the wasps attack the fruit. Strawbeekies from which the crops have been gathered should foithwith be divested of runners, sticks, and ties to let in light and air. Old beds iLtended to stand .another year, after being cleared of weeds and loose straw, will well repay another mulching with good rotten manure or fresh heavy loam to draw out new and feed existing surface roots. Where the land is light and unfavourable to the Strawberry, there should be a steady and constant gathering of suitable materials throughout the season for this puipose. Eoad.side parings, old Melon soil enriched with liquid, eld lime rubble, anything, includirg marl, that is fresh, rich, and heavy, together with a fair quantity of soot, can be got together in an out-of-the-way place in every garden, and if turned over occasionally, it will be found invaluable for top-dressing or planting. li new beds have to be made, and the ground is vacant, no time should be lost in getting it properly prepared and planted. So much having recently been written, every reader of The Garden now knows the Strawberry requires deep, rich, heavy soil, firm plant- ing, plenty of room, and good mulching. The Orchard. Now is the lime to look through the plantatioEP, and continue notes on the health, vigoiu-, and general good or bad cpialities of the trees. If too thick on I he ground the lea t promising trees should now be marked for cutting down to let in light and air, as overcrowding is one of our greatest failings. The great difficulty we have to contend with in old orchards is the immense number of trees without names ; but this can be got over by attaching numbers and entering them in a book, together with notes, until the varieties, if good, can be determined. If the autumn examination proves them to be b.ad, the sooner they are grafted or cut down and reduced to ashes for top-dressing the better. Apples this year are partial, and many trees are not in a condition for testing by their fruit ; but work of this kind cannot be taken in hand and completed in one season. All that is wanted is a system of close obser\ation ; time and attention to the removal or improvement of Ihat which is bad and the encouragement of the good will soon tell on the appearance and value of our most neglected orchards. Since my report was written I have exandned a great number of small holdings on the fringe of the Hereford and Worcester plantations, and find my remarks that the crops will turn out better than was at one time anticipated more than realised. The best orchare's are those which have been well grazed by stock or get an annual top-dressing. The lightest and poorest crops are on large farms where this system is only partially carried out or altogether neglected. In the first the trees will return a handsome profit; in the second the yield will be small and disappointing. Autuinn and winter are no doubt the best seasons for draining and general overhauling, but the present is not an inopportune time for top-drtssing It the trees are cariying heavy crops, aitificial or animal manures will improve the quality of the fruit aud njost likely insure a good set next year ; if tliey are fruitless, a step in the right direction cannot be taken loo soon. Newly grafted trees should be examined, and the .strongest of the young growths secured to sticks to prevent them from being blown out by the wind. This point secured, the less they are inttrfered with the better, as wild growth from the stems of large trees keeps the sap in motion and very often prevents them from going wrong in dry seasons. Notch cleft- crafting is the best system for mature stocks, .as there are neither ties nor ligatures to look after; couseiiu.'ntly the cl.ay need not he disturbed at a critical time. Y(]ung stocks, on the other hand, on which the scions are crrowing and swelling fast should be ex.arained, and the ligatures cut to favour fi-ee expansion at the union. The cl.ay nted not be removed, although the trees will do equally well without it. A few training sticks inserted in the ground, to which the young growths can be tied, will save many of the best from destruction in gusty weather. Young trees, like the old ones, we allow to make a'l the growth thty throw out the first season, and only shorten back the second. We also frequently introduce three grafts wheie ulti- mately there will be left but one, as e\ery leaf and twig the first year gives life to the closely-headed stocks, while the superfluous wood makes the best of scions for future use. BUDDIKG. We frequently are told that the finest of the old soits of Apples are dying out, and so great is the prejudice on the part of native grafters, that they positively refuse to put on the scions. Grafts from old stunted trees no doubt make weak growth ; the second generation is stronger, and the third is still better; but three re- moves take time, and as buds can always be obtained, the best way to resuscitate old sorts is by inserting them on the Paradise stock, the which, if ht .althy, will produce the best of wood for graftirg on the free stock. One instance I will give. Jly grafter refused to put in grafts of an old favourite, the true Flanders Pippin, Unwilling to jeopardise his skill, I gave way. Buds were inserted on the Paradise, and next season he will have clean wood the thickm S3 of one's ft re- finger and set with flower-buds, with which he will go away rejoicing. The budding of Apples in August 124 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 7, 1886. is very simple, and although I do not wish to tread on the nurseryman's heels, private growers who canmit buy any particular old sort true should cer- tainly adopt this uiode of heljiing themselves out of a difficulty. W. COLEM.^N. Eastnor Castle. Indoor Garden. POT CULTURE V. PLANTING OUT. Exi'EKiENCE has proved that there are a few green- house plants, and also some of the occupants of the stove and intermediate house, that succeed better planted out than in pots. For instance, some strong growing climbers, whose roots will not bear disturbance or breakage, do better in a bed of well prepared soil than in pots, as if kept in the latter they quickly exhaust the soil to such an extent, that it becomes difficult to keep up the requisite vigour in a way that will admit of suffi- cient shoot extension to afford the desired amount of bloom. Camellias, also, when they have at- tained considerable size, and where it is desirable they should fill as much space as possible, usually make more progress when planted out than when their roots are more restricted. Old plants of these, when they have got into a stunted condi- tion, recover more quickly when turned out than they generally do if kept in pots. Stove climbers, as a rule, are much less impatient of having their roots disturbed by the removal of the old etl'ete soil than are the kind.s that thrive in a lower tem- perature, yet in the case of such things as Alia- mandas, the strong growing Thunbergias, and a few others of like character, it is sometimes found advantageous to plant them out, provided the space allowed is not so much as to induce them to make an undue amount of top-growth, for when this occurs the result is that the climbers shut out the light from whatever plants occupy the body of the house underneath in a way that reduces them to a state in which they are useless, unless the knife is used to an extent that is objectionable in several ways. It is scarcely necessary to say that the size and character of the house have much to do with the way in which the plants to be grown should be managed. In structures as large as the Chatsworth con- servatory, or the Palm house at Kew, planting out admits of being carried to an extent that is out of the question in smaller structures, and where there is room it is desirable that large grow- ing plants sliould be treated in a manner that will allow them to show as much as may be of their natural character in the way that kinds that attain a large siz3 are enabled to do when their roots are not restrictetl. But a common mistake now made is in turning plants out in beds in houses that, from their insufficient size, are wholly unsuited to this system of cultivation. This error is oftenest seen in Fern houses and in conservatories of limited size; in the former where a more or less attempt is made at growing the plants in the natural style and amongst artificial rockwork, planting out is right, provided the kinds selected are moderate in size and suitable for the house. Yet as often as otherwise some of the large tree species are planted out where, through the uneonfined run their roots have, in a few years the heads grow to a size that is not only out of all proportion to the structure that contains them, but also causes them to smother all others that are overhung by them. The same thing occurs in conservatories where Palms and Tree Ferns are turned out in beds where they quickly reach a size such as compels their being removed, which, in the case of Palms, means destruction, as the plants rarely do any good after the loss of roots unavoidable on taking them up after being planted out. And as regards Tree Ferns, they so far dislike the loss of roots consequent on removal, that they are some time before they get over it. The fact is, that when plants of the character named are turned out in unsuitable places a mistake is made like that which is often com- mitted in tree planting in pleasure grounds, where it seems as if there was an absence of any thought that the plants would grow larger. If a house of the character under notice should be occupied by some half-dozen plants alone, planting out would be the right course to take. But the object which it is most desirable to attain is to get as nmch variety as possible by adopting a course of cultivation that will give accommoda- tion to as large a number of plants as can be kept in a thriving state. This, fortunately, can bo done with the plants grown in pots, tubs, or boxes by the plunging of which in beds a natural ap- pearance is secured, with the advantage that whilst the growth of the plants is thus necessarily restricted, they can be kept for a long time in a healthy condition, such as will admit of their showing sufficient of their natural habit to satisfy reasonable requii-ements. During late years some attempts have been made to plant out permanently various kinds of flowering stove and greenhouse plants in addi- tion to such as have been already spoken of — (iardenias, Eucharises, Roses, &c. The advantages claimed are, that labour is saved in watering, and that the plants make more growth. Something may be set down to the former, as the roots will not dry up so quickly in a bed as they will where confined in pots. As to a greater amount of growth being obtainable where the roots are not confined, tliis is deceptive, for, though the plants so circumstanced may individually under ordinary cultivation make more growth than when in pots, still the house in which they are grown can only hold so much, and so, supposing that they grow larger individually, fewer would fill it. As to the quantity and quality of the flowers produced, which are ordinarily the chief considerations in the matter, plants in pots occupying a given space when they get right treatment will yield as fine flowers, and quite as many of them, if not more, than when planted out. For the longer, more straggling growth that always is made where plants have an unrestricted root-run does not admit of as large a number of flowers being forthcoming within the same space. It may be urged that on account of some of the plants that are subjected to planting out getting larger than they often do when in pots, something would be saved through fewer being required to fill a house. But the kinds generally so used are so easily increased, that nothing worth naming can be reckoned on that head. All that can be set down in favour of planting out i-rrsvs pot culture is the saving of time in watering, and against this there are two objections which much outweigh the gain thus claimed. The first is, that there can be little control brought to bear on the time of flowering of the plants so managed ; they are fixtures; nothing can be done in the way of moving a portion of the stock of any particular kind, either when it is desirable to bring them on into bloom or to retard them; all necessarily liave to come on together. This is inconvenient enough when a house is filled with one thing, such as Tea Roses, for instance, but it is worse when the turned-out plants, as they often are in private gardens, are in a house with various other things that need to be either brought on or kept back in a way oppo.site to that which the turned-out plants happen to require, the result being that the flowers either come in when not required, or are not existent when wanted, or do not open in the right quantity to give the needful succession. The second objection is the difficulty that exists in dealing with insects, which are inseparable from plants that are in a fixed position under glass; in the case of any that are subject to the attacks of scale or mealy bug, the labour of cleaning them and the waste of any kind of insecticide that is used, are very much more than whei'C the ]ilants individually can be moved and placed in the best position for ridding them of the pests with wdiieh they may happen to be aft'ected. It might be supposed that if the planting-out system answered anywhere, it would be with the leading market growers, who, from the quantities they cultivate of the various things they take in hand, of ten have a number of houses occupied by the same kind of plant, concerning which they would find it to their advantage to adopt the practice. Yet all that I have known who have tried the pro- ceeding have given it up, finding that any ap- parent gain attached to planting out was over- balanced by the drawbacks that I have pointed out. T. B. Garden Flora. PLATE 556. LILIUM LONGIFLORUM. (with a plate of L. LONGIFLORUM HARRISII.*) Of L. loDgiflorum several varieties exist in gardens, but amongst them Harrisii has had by far the greatest share of attention paid to it. This variety is also known as tlie Bermuda Lily, a name under which a fine spike bearing five (lowers was shown at South Kensington by Mr. G. F. Wilson in June, 1883. It is thought to be superior to the ordinary longiHoium in regard to the following points : first, its precocity when forced, blooming as it does in January ; secondly, its lieing more iloriferous, large-sized bulbs yielding live and even eight blossoms ; thirdly, its prolificacy as regards reproduction, single scales making flowering bulbs in one ) ear, and small bulblets of the size of Peas flowering the first year after being potted. Mr. Hovey, witli whom this Lily is a great favourite, has always strongly advocated its claims ; when it flowered at Kew, and was decided by Mr. Baker to be the same as eximium, he wrote thus respecting it : " 1 have had some 500 plants of Harrisii in flower for over six months ; potted in October, they Ijegan to flower in February, and I could cut to-day (July 24) twenty-five lovely flowers from tlie .'^ame plant that flowei'ed at Easter, when I had a magnificent show, and disposed of quanti- ties of plants 3 feet high, some with two stems and some with only one each, being furnished with from three to five flowers, though the bulbs were very small. No eximium ever did tliis, besides which it is very much larger, being neaily twice as large as longiflorum.'' Our supply of L. Harrisii seems to liave been from tsvo souices, firstly from Bermuda, and secondly from the United States. The Bermuda bulbs are mostly much larger than any of longiflorum which we are accustomed to see ; they produce a stem from 3 feet to 6 feet high, crowned with from three to eight of such blossoms as are here depicted. If treated as a greenhouse plant this Lily blooms during the latter part of June and in July, and soon after flowering, that is before the stems are dead, two or three shorter ones are pushed up from the bulb, and these generally bear one or two blossoms each. In this way a succession of flowers is often kept up till Christmas ; indeed, at that time we had several ttoweis of this fine Lily in full beauty, as well as two or three late blooms of L. neilgherrense. The American bulbs are, as a rule, much smaller than those from Bermuda, but in proportion to their strength they are quite as prolific as regards the production of a second crop of stems, though being weak many of them do not flower. Harrisii differs from L. longiflorum in having narrower leaves more scattered on the stem, .and in the flowers being less reflexed than those of the typical kind, while a side-by-side comparison of plants of eipial strength of eximium and Harrisii when in flower would lead most people to decide that they were the same ; but eximium, as grown in this country or imported from Japan, does not yield a second crop of flowers as freely as Hari-isii, tliough it iloes so to a certain " Drawn in Mr. Kendall's garden, Cornwall Lodgt*, Kings- ton Hill, July 10, 1SS8. "^^ -.aswfl!j»f- AvG. 7, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 125 extent. Tliese characteristics belonging to Harrisii may, liowever, disappear after a few years' culti- vation in this country, but at present it is certainly the best of the longiflorum class. L. longiflorum itself has long been known in this counti-y, liaving been intrmluced from Japan early during the present century. Its name is now, liowever, a misnomer, its flowers being surpassed in length by those of L. neilgher- rcnse,philippinense,and Wallichiannm. Amongst other more prominent varieties of L. longi- florum, besides those just mentioned, may be named Takesiiiia, the principal distinctive feature of which is the puqilish tinge that exists in the exterior of the blos'oms, especially when in the bud state. In the variety albo-maigi- natuni the leaves are clearly edged with white, liut the flowers are the same as in the ordinary form, but are sometimes rather more satiny in texture. A very distinct variety of L. lipngi- fliirum is ibrniiisanum, introduced from the island of Formosa. This possesses several features so well marked as to almost, if not ([uite, eiitille it to rank as a distinct specie.s. It has more the character of L. phili])pineiise than that Rulbs of Lilium 1 mgiflonim. of longiflorum, being a slender-habited plant with narrow leaves, but the flowers, instead of being very long, as in L. philippinense, are shorter and rather more widely expanded than in the other varieties of L. longiflorum. They are pure white within, but tinged with purple on tlie outside. Another name which frequently crops up in catalogues is Wilsoni ; but as usually grown I fail to see any difl'erence between this and eximium. The culture of L. longiflorum and its varieties is comparatively easy ; while many Lilies are dilKcult to deal with, these can be not only grown and flowered well, but increased to almost any extent. If planted out of doors the most suit- able soil for them is a good, open, sandy loam, in a well-drained, but, at the same time, not dry spot. The bulbs should lie at least 6 inches below the surface, and if the soil is at all holding, a good plan is to surround them with sand. In common with all other Lilies, these are most effective when arranged in bold masses or clumps, instead of being dotted singly here and there. To the outdoor culture of these Lilies a couple of objections might be raised, viz., should the weather jirove showery, the yellow pollen stains the spotless purity of the blooms, and, moreover, in showery weather the tube splits, and the flowers present a ragged appearance. As L. longiflorum and its varieties readily sub- mit to pot culture, great numbers are grown in that way. The bulbs should be potted as soon as received in a good open loamy soil with which a little well decayed manure has been incorpuratnl. They may then be placed in a spot shelteied from \ery heavy rains (if in a frame plenty of air must lie given them) till signs of growth make their a]iiiearance above ground. If required to bloom early, the nio^t forward may be then shifted into a warmer structure — say, a good liglit house in which the winter temperature ranges from .'lO'^ to (iO^'. Treated in tliis way the first lot will bloom in Maicli, and by introducing occasional batches, a succession of blooms may be hafl till they open on plants out of doors. The long-tubed forms, either eximium or Harrisii, are much more amenable to forcing than those of the ordinary type. The sized pots ill which they should be placed will dejiend upon the purposes for which tliey are re- quired ; lor a good-.sized single bulb a pot S inches in diameter will be needed, while three bulbs in a O-inch pot form useful little speci- mens, but, if required, large pots can be filled with a number of bulbs, and thus form large dumps. Tlie relative sizes of pots refer, of course, to oriliuary bulbs, and not to the very large bulbs of L. Harrisii, that are imported from Bermuda, some of which will fill a pot a foot in diameter with roots. Thorough drainage is as great a necessity in pot-culture as in the open ground ; the roots must not on any account be allowed to liecome dry ; when well drained, copious su]iplies of water can be given without danger. When the buds begin to swell, weak liquid nianuie will be of service. The greatest enemies of these Lilies are aphides, which increase most rapidly, and not only injure the foliage, but cause the buds to become deformed, so much, indeed, that unless checked, very few flowers will open pro- perly. Fumigation, or dipping in tobacco water, will kill these pests. L. longiflorum and its varieties can be quickly increased to an almost unlimited extent ; when growing freely not only does the principal bulb often separate into two or three, but minor oft'sets are also produced, and the buried portion of the stem is generally thickly studded with small bulbils, that rapidly increase in size when detached from the parent plant, and soon become strong enough to flower. Another way, and one that has been largely followed in the case of Harrisii, is to strip oft' some of the out- side scales, an operation that can be done without injuring the bulb in any way. These scales should then be laid in pans of light sandy soil, and just coveied with the compost. If placed in a warmish structure they will form small bulljs by spring, when they have still a season's growth before them till autumn sets in. The smaller scales may be planted entire, and the larger ones separated in the middle without any ill efl'ects. H. P. THE EDGE HALL KOCK GAIlDE>f. In mv opinion there is no gardeniog like hai-dy pl.int gardening, aud especially like that oa rockwork and mounds. I have just returned from a "vi-iit to a well known garden in I 'lieshire where rockwork garden- ing is adniii-aliljcarried out. Pressing home work keeps me from many iileas.ant and instructive ^i^its, bvit being obliged to go to tile neighbourhood of Liver- pool, and liaving my Eon with me, I could nut resist the pleasure of a few days at Edge Hall. Much had Ijeen done since my last visit, and the rockwork, with its varieties of stone, is wonderfully Buccessful, and shows what energy, perseverance and study, assisted by an excellent library, will do in a climate colder and damper than that of our home coun'ies. Many of the plants, some of them difficult ones, grow in such vigour, that it shows that the climate suits them, but sheltering rock and judicious lightening of .soil make others grow which prefer warmer and drier siliialions. Campanulas have always been favourites with Mr. Wolley Lod. Some of the rarer cues were simply masses of bloom. A favourite jilant of my old friend Mr. Atkins, of Painswick (Onosnia tauiicum), had grown more luxuriantly than 1 ever before saw it. Arnebia echinides showed itself thoroughly at home, as did many of the rare Saxifrages. I will not attempt to enumerate the different plants whieh are in great numbers and many of them rare. I was much inte- rested to find that Mr. Lod, by his broken granite, had arrived at results which we have been attaining by different means, but on tlie same principle. In his garden btd.s Lilium pardaliuum in all i'.s varielies and L. teetacenm were very fine and in great vigour, and in a rough cold Lily house L. Parr>i, L. Hum- boldti, L. Washingtonianum and L. dalmaticumwere as line as I have ever .seen thtni under any triatment. People often speak of gardening as a pleasant amuse- ment ; it is, of c lurse, a pleasant occupation, but, cariied out as it is at Edge Hall, it is a study, and as much a science as any of the other more recognised sciences. In conclusion, I would advise anyone with plants, especi.ally alpines, which they cannot master to send some to the ilev. C. Wolley Dod, Edge Hall, Malpas, Cheshire, and I shall be surprised if he does not dis- cover hiiw to make them grow. G. F. WlLSON. HcKtlii rhank; Weijiridije. MARKET G.^RUENING IN MIDDLESEX. The dripping weather which we are now having is decidedly favourable to market gardening operations. The chief market gardens in my neighbourhood have a light and rather stony soil, from which w.ater passes away freely, and thus it is soon workable. In a large plantation of standard Victoria Plums, planted about six or seven years ago, the crop is a very small one ; it does not average more than ten or twelve fruits on a tree. Last year the trees bore enormously, their liranches being borne down to the ground by the weight of the fruit that was upon them. This spring there was abundance of blossom, but, owing to the heavy crops last year and partly, perhaps, to the drought of last year and the inclement spring of this, there is little fruit. The trees are, however, making grand growth, which indeed fruit trees eveiy where are doing, and they appear to be wonderfully ,^free from blight. Trees bearing a light crop this year appear to be very thickly furnished with fruiting spurs for next season, llaspberries grow between the lines of Victoria Plums, and, being moist at the roots, they produce excellent crops, which are now being gathered for preserving. Close at hand is a piece of Early Dwarf Erfurt Cauliflower for seed pur- poses ; it is in full bloom, .and the plants are singu- larly clean ami free from blight. Xothing else be- longing to the Brassica tribe is in flower near it for miles round ; therefore n ) fear of injurious fertilisation need be apprehended. The plants were put out very early in spring in patches of three under hand-lights, and, being in a warm sheltered spot, they did remark- ably well despite the trying spring weather to which they have been subjected. This year for t.lie first time, according to my own observation. Leek seed was drilled in the open ground. Hitheito it has been the practice to raise the plants in a seed-bed in a cold frame and transplant. Last year but few of the Ijeeks comparatively that were transplanted matured well ; it was hot and dry when they were put out and scarcely any rain fell, the result being that the Leek crop almost failed, because so little growth was made. The Leeks sown in the open are now very strong plants, and in another mouth or so will be large enough to market. It was necessary to thin out some of the plants, and such tliiouings were used to fill up vacancies in the sown lines in which there were gaps. A great many young plants sown in the ordinary way have just been put out, and the showery weather is enabling them to get a good start. Leek culture appears to be extending in this part of the c lunty. Tomato GROWING is extending wonderfully in the open air in this district. One grower has nearly three acres on light, stony land, and no crop could lookb-tter. 126 THE GARDEN. [Aug.. 7, 1886. The sort mainly grown appears to be an early and free-bearing variety of the ordinary Large I!ed type. A good mulching of long manure, as brought irora London, has been placed between the rows, and now the workmen are going over the plants and pinching out the laterals, so that the fruit — in the case of the earliest plants half developed — m.ay have the full benefit of sun and air. The plants are about 2 feet or so in height, and have two and three main stems. If the weather proves favourable there will be a heavy crop, and it is said to be a good paying one. The ground cleared of spring Cole%vorts was, some six or seven weeks ago, planted with Brussels Sprouts, and the plants have already acquired consideral le size. A lirge space of ground on whicli scarlet, purple, and white Ten-week Stocks for bunching for market grew has been planted with Coleworts, which will be marketed in .autumn. Spring Cabbages are already above the soil in the seed beds, and they appear to be unusually free from fl}'. Large breadths of Turnijis have just been sown for autumn. Hunner Beans are now good. They were late in starting into growth, but having done so are now growing freely. Here it is the practice to sow clumps, each consisting of three beans ; then three sticks are placed, one to each plant, and tied together at the top. They are from 4 feet to ih feet high, .ind thus supported beans are produced in abundance. The sort selected is the P.ainted Lady, chosen no doubt on account of its earliness. By the side of them are lines of dwarf Negro Prench Bean, a universal favourite with market gardeners. There are gaps in the lines showing that weather and slugs had at one time checked their growth, but the plants having be( n earthed up within the last week or so are now doing well. Vegetable Marrows are doing well this season. Last year it was difficult to get anything like growth into the plants put out in the ordin.ary way, owing to the drought ; now they are growing with great freedom and bearing large crops. A good selection from the long white Marrow appears to be the favourite kind here. Some of the market gardeners who have plenty of frame room raise plants of Vege- table Marrow in e.arly spring, and plant them out in the frames, covering them up carefully at night, and giving adequate protection in frosty weather. These plants furnish an early supply under glass ; then, as soon as the weather admits of its being done, the lights are removed, and the extending shoots are allowed to overflow the sides of the frame, and spread themselves over a large space. In this way a gooel supply of Marrows is got into market early, when prices are remunerative. A good surface mulching e>f loDg manure is always given to Vegetable Marrows, and this tends to keep the surface soil cool and mois*, and prevents the fruit from becoming Sjilashed through rain. The Beet crop looks wonderfully well. The sort grown is what is known as the C'ovent Garden, or Pine-apple Beet, a handsome dark variety. The Dell's Crimson-leaved type is too small for market work, though .S'O rich in colour. X^gly shaped roots of Beet, not good enough for market, are manufactured into dog food. The summer crops of late spring-sow-n Fulham White C.is Lettuce will soon be ready to pull. Ground occupied by early-sown plants will be planted with Coleworts and Cabbage for spring, and succes- sive crops of AVhitfi Cos Lettuce are now l)eing dib'ded out. I!, I>. Maiden-hair Ferns ; it should be treated to fresh fibrous peat and sand, together with a moderately humid atmosphere and a liberal supply of moisture at the root when growing. — N. B. Adiantum rutellum. — Most Ferns areremark- ,able for their fresh greenness, but several of the Maiden-hair kinds are delicately tinted with dark rose or ro.sy purple. A. rubellum is one of the most ornamental in this respect, its delicate fronds being richly tinted with a roseate hue, which is all the more apparent when contrasted with other forms of the CapiIlus■veneri^ section to which it belongs. The plant is dwarf and compact in habit, and its elegantly tinted fronds, which are produced in abundance, vary from i-inch pots, and when established are planted on good prepared ground at 2 feet O inches row from row, and 2 feet plant from plant. We give them a good top- dressing of half rotten manure as soon as the fruit is gathered, and again early in the following spring ; no digging or forking amongst them is allowed from the time they are planted to the doing away with the plantation, which takes place after the fourth year of fruiting. — Fkederick Clarke. Worsley, Mancliester. — Our orchard crops generally are deficient, especially Apples, of which the mid-season and late keeping varieties are, as a rule, a complete failui-e; early varieties are a fair crop, and promise to be of good quality. Pears are very thin and irregular; stone fruits are better than usual, though on our soil (border of Chat Moss) they are never a great success, (iooseberries and Currants are excellent crops, though in some quarters aphides have completely destroyed the growing shoots. Strawberries have lieen abundant and good, perhaps a little under size, but excellent in colour and flavour. No variety is so generally appreciated as Vicomtesse Hericart de 'Thury. It is an abundant and con- stant bearer, bright in colour, handsome in shape, brisk and rich in flavour, and equally suited either for dessert or preserving. I have yet to discover a Strawberry combining so many good qualities. 128 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 7, 1886. or one that will adapt itself so well to either light or heavy soil. La (irosse Sucree is also a favourite here, especially for forcing outside; its tendency to bloom early, however, often subjects it to spring frosts. President is likewise an excellent variety, our great objection to it being that either forced or grown outside it is liable to decay with the slightest damp. For late varieties, British Queen and James Veitch suit us best. We have Helena Gloede on trial, and it promises to be good. I have recently tried Pauline, but I find it to be so uncertain a fruiter, that it must be abandoned. Bothwell Bank I consider a good variety of President, hardly so dark in colour, and generally better shaped ; in other respects it is identical. We get best results from planting forced plants, our soil being generally light; we, as a rule, destroy the plantation after the third crop has been gathered ; all runners are kept carefully cut off, and the soil is superficially picked up in spring, and mulching with good manure is given just before the bloom shows itself. — W. B. Up.ioiin. Seaham Hall, Sunderland. — Gooseberries and Currants, Red and Black, and Raspberries are abundant here. Apples of almost all sorts are a failure, owing to the cold winds we had in spring. Lord Suttield and the New Hawthornden have a few on them. Pears are also scarce ; only a few are to be seen on the Jargonelle. Of Straw- berries, the most suitable kinds that are grown in this locality are the Black Prince for furnish- ing early fruit, and President and Ruby are good useful sorts either for forcing or for general use. C'omte de Zans is another favourite ; this is a sure cropper, and good for foi-cing. High culture is the secret of success, nourishment having been furnished at the time of flowering and colouring. In this locality several kinds do not fruit well : they have a tendency to grow to leaf instead of flowering. British (^>ueen and Alice Maude are doubtful sorts to plant extensively without a trial in a small way. PoT.VTOEs look well, and the crops in general look well after the late rains. No disease has been noticed in Potatoes up to this date (July 2:^). — R. Draper. Knowsley, Prescot.— In this garden Apples and Pears will be less plentiful than usual, especi- ally late sorts. Apricots are a good and pro- mising crop. Peaches are plentiful and promise well, the trees having kept clean and healthy, t^herries are not perhaps quite so equal all through ; nevertheless they are good, one of the best being Governor Wood. Plums promised well at first, but seem likely now to disappoint, although I never saw the trees look better. ( looseberries. Currants, and Raspberries are carry- ing heavy crops, and now that they have got the much-needed rain they seem likely to finish well, but late. Our Strawberries were mulched early in the season, and to this may perhajis be attributed their success in spite of adverse weather. They are later than usual, but plentiful, and of good size and quality. Our indoor crop of Strawberries is of more im]iortance to us than those from the open ground, and therefore we grow chiefly such sorts as succeed best in pots under glass, almost the only exceptions being the Grove End Scarlet and the alpines, which are indispensable. We take our runners from the plantation made last year and fruit from the two- year-old plants, which are then destroyed. Our best sorts include Keen's Seedling, Due de Mala- kofl; Sir J. Paxton, President, Sir C. Napier, and Conseiller de la Cour. — F. H.\rrison. Shawdon Hall.— The fruit crop in Northum- berland is, on the whole, light. Apples blossomed late, and it was hoped that the crop was safe, but the low temperature in June and cold nights pre- vented the blossom from being properly fertilised, and the result has been that the greater portion of the fruit has fallen off. In many places the foliage of the trees has been affected by cater- pillars. Altogether, the Apple crop in this dis- trict, under the most favourable circumstances, will be unsatisfactory. The same may be gene- rally said of wall fruits. Apricots are a light crop ; so are Pears in all gardens not sheltered from the east. Cherries are not grown extensively in this district ; where they are, the fruit is small and the trees affected by fly. Bush fruit is in most places a fair average crop. Gooseberries, having escaped the late frosts, are good in quantity. Black Currants are less plentiful and small in size ; so are Red Currants. Raspberries are likely to be a fine crop ; they are so late this year, that they are only now (iSrd of July) beginning to ripen. The Strawberry crop is the lightest that has been gathered for some years. Although the blossom was abundant, the rain came too late to swell the fruit; in some places the fruit-stalks are eo short as hardly to raise the berries from the ground. Sir Joseph Paxton is largely grown, both for sale and in private gardens. The most useful kind for all purposes is Garibaldi ; it is an excellent kind for preserving, and stands our moist climate better than any other sort. President possesses qualities very similar to Garibaldi, and succeeds it. Dr. Hogg is one of our best and richest flavoured Strawberries. In gardens on Tweedside it has an aroma that is seldom found in our choicest sorts. Where Marguerite is grown it has been found to be an acquisition. Perhaps no sort of fruit is so much influenced by soil as the Strawberry. This is so much the case, that the same sort ^^•ill bear freely in one garden, while in another a short distance ofl' it is all but barren. This is the case with Keen's Seedling ; therefore it is only grown in a few places in this district. Black Prince will grow and bear in almost any soil ; but it is seldom seen at its best when it is grown on the same ground more than two years. Marshal MacMahon is an exceedingly handsome fruit on the dessert table, but here the foliage becomes bloated and easily affected by such weather as we have had this season. During the whole of the month of June the thermometer fell here during the night to the freezing point. Altogether the spring and early summer of 1(SS(3 must be recorded as one of the coldest we have had for several years. — J.\mes TiiOMsox. Heekfield, 'Winchfield. — In this district fruit crops generally are by no means so good as the profusion of blossom led us at one time to expect. Apples are very thin ; indeed, on a large propor- tion of the trees there are none. Apricots are all all but an entire failure, but the trees are in fine health and have not lost a solitary branch — a fact which puts an end to our theorising that branch- dying is caused by extremes of heat and cold, and by long-continued frost in particular. It would appear that over-fruitfulness may be the source of the mischief, not cold certainly, seeing that to this cause must be attributed the failure of the crop this year. With fruit buds the trees fairly bristled, but few unfolded; they dropped off as growth became active — alternate frost and thaw, for weeks continued, being the only possible cause of the failure. I'ears, too, are a thin crop, all va- rieties, forms, and aspects sharing alike in this respect. The extra hea\'y crops of last year must to a great extent be credited with the present season's scarcity. Plums and MorcUo Cherries are good, the former a full crop— which was by no means the case last year. Peaches and Nectarines have never been finer nor heavier crops, nor the wood-growth more healthy, than this season. Our trees were well protected with canvas blinds, which can be let down and rolled up at pleasure — a decided advantage compared with fixed cover- ings, which, perforce, must be left on in all weathers. Currants and Gooseberries are extra good, and Strawberries would have been the same but for the roasting weather that set in just as ripening commenced, the result being a crop about half what it should have been. As to varieties, we have tried, and continue to try, most of the sorts sent out, but two kinds only do superlatively well, viz., Vieomtesse Hericart de Thury and President. We wish for none better, either as regards forcing or open-air growth, for dessert or pre.serving. In a word, quantity and quality were never more perfectly combined. Three years is the utmost limit we allow the plants to occupy the same ground, and, as a rule, only two. Our ssil is a light, deep, sandy loam, which, if trenched deeply and heavily manured, suits Strawberries well. It would perhaps be better were.it a little heavier or more clayey in texture ; but we meet that requirement by rolling the ground before putting out the plants, and, in addition, they are well pounded into the soil, and never afterwards is it disturbed, except to hand-weed, till the [ilants are cleared off. Heavy manurial mulchings are gi\'en early in autumn, and this is added to in spring-time in the form of long stable litter, which, as it gets washed by heavy rains, also serves as a strawy covering to keep the fruit clean. — W. WiLDs:vriTH. Strathfieldsaye, Mortimer.— I can report, I am glad to say, rather favourably of fruit crops here this season. Apples are quite a full crop, and the trees freer from insects than usual. ^Varner's King, Lord Suffield, Cox's Orange Pippin, Duchess of Oldenburg, and King of the Pippins are the most certain bearers on our cold clay. Pears are a fair crop both on walls and standards ; Marie Louise, Williams' Bon Chretien, and Doyennt^ du Comice are our very best varieties, and appear to suffer less from spring frosts than many others. Peaches are a fine crop. A rather remarkable circumstance in connection with them is that green fly and red spider have been less troublesome than I ever knew them to be. After trying many new varieties, I have found few equal to Royal George for mid-season and Walburton Admirable for late in the year. Apricots are thin, but Plums and Cherries jilenti- ful. Small fruits, with the exception of Straw- berries, are abundant ; the latter suffered much when in bloom from frost. — J. Bell. Conholt Park, Andover.— Fruit prospects in March and April this year were good, but the trees suttered from the cold frosty nights which we had in May and early in June. Apples are almost a failure. Apricots under the average. Pears average. Cherries on walls are plentiful and fine in quality. Plums are a good average crop ; those we grow are Victoria, Washington, Orleans, Diamond, and Denbigh. All bush fruits are heavy crops, especially Gooseberries and Red Currants, Strawberries very seldom fail with us ; Vieomtesse Hericartde Thury, Sir Charles Napier, Eclipse, President, and Elton Pine are our best varieties. — John Bisset. Leigh Park, Havant. — The fruit crop gene- rally hereabouts is fairly good, with the exception of Strawberries, which have not been worse for some years past, a circumstance to be regretted, for this neighbourhood generally sends heavy consignments of them for the London and other markets. The best sorts for open-air culture are Vieomtesse Hi^ricart de Thury, Sir J. Paxton, Sir Charles Napier, President, and a local Strawberry called Kimberley, which is a good bearer, fine in flavour, and travels well. It also forces very well. Apples are fairly good, but partial, and the same remark applies to Pears. Peaches and Plums are very good. Small fruits are generally abundant, but very difficult to keep from birds, which being strictly preserved, and therefore plentiful, are hard on small fruits. — C. Penford. Englefield, near Heading:. — Apples here are about half a crop. Two or three kinds, such as Cox's Orange Pippin, old Keswick Codlin, Haw- thornden, and Yorkshire Greening, are bearing good crops, but other well-known kinds are quite a failure. Pears, consisting of Williams' Bon Chretien, Brockworth Park, Pitmaston Duchess, Marie Louise, Glou Morceau, Seckel, and other well-known good kinds are all bearing fair crops. Peaches, both indoors and out, are good. Plums the same. Morello Cherries are very good indeed ; dessert kinds a fair crop. Currants \'ery good, tiooseberries an average crop. Apricots about half a crop. Raspberries good. The Strawberry crop here this year has not been good, the well- known and highly-prized Sir Charles Napier being quite a failure. On the other hand. Sir Joseph Paxton has borne more than an average crop, and President and Pauline average crops. The four varieties just mentioned are the only ones Aug. 7, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 129 growing here. We used to grow Vicomtesse Horicart de Thury, but after growing it for two or three years with great .success, it singularly enough died off to the extent of almost every other plant in a bed, also in ]iots. If we potted lUOO plants at the end of the autumn we might have oOO left. This year I am getting a stock of Due de Malakotl' for forcing next spring. It has been recommended to me as being a good all-round Strawberry both for pots and out of doors. — James Coomi'.es. Albury Park, Surrey. — Hardy fruits here, witli tlie exception of Apricots and Strawberries, are all good average cro[)3. Many sorts of Apples, indeed, are bearing very heavy crops. Peaches, Nectarines, and Plums of all kinds are also ex- cellent. All fruit trees have been very free from blight and spider this season. Cherries have been good. As to all kinds of bush fruits, I never remember seeing them finer both as regards quality and quantity. We did not protect any trees on walls, but nevertheless we liave fine crops. As regards Strawberries, the sharp white frosts and cold cutting east winds which we have had ruined the crop. Keen's Seedling, President, Sir J. Paxton, and Sir C Napier do well here, and under good cultivation I consider there is no need of more kinds. Sorts that were grow-n twenty- nino years ago are as yet unbeaten, but in manj' gardens Strawberries are not too well treated. \\"e might do worse than take a lesson from market growers in respect to this fruit. Nuts both in gardens and woods are abundant. PuT.iTOES and all other vegetable crops look well, and promise to yield an abundant supply. — W. C. LE.iCH. Killerton, Exeter. — Peaches and Nectarines set their fruit this year as thickly as (ioo.seberries, and had to be thinned down to what we considered to be a full crop; even the W.ilburton Admirable, which with me never bears well, is carrying a fair crop. The trees, too, are all clean and healthy, and in spring were free from curled leaves. I am gathering some highly coloured fruit of Early Beatrice from open walls. All our Peaches and Nectarines are on a south-east wall hy east. Apricots are a fair crop generally; I am now gathering fine ripe fruit of St. Ambroise. Apples generally are scarce, both in gardens and orchards. Among the best are Lord Sutlield, Cox's Pomona, Manks Codlin, Mi-re de Menage, Colden Spire, Ros? Nonpareil, and King of the Pippins. Pears, both pyramids and on walls, set very thickly, and although a great many fell otl' there is still a fine crop. Plums are scarce ; Cherries very good, and the trees clean and healthy. Filberts are a mode- rate crop; Walnuts a good crop. Gooseberries, Black, Red, and White Currants, and Raspberries have been abundant and fine. Strawberries have been good ; the bloom was unusually fine, but the plants were much attected by the drought. Our earliest sorts are Black Prince and Sabreur, next Sir .loseph Paxton, James Veitch, and Bicton White Pine ; the latest are Crimson (Jueen, Elton Pine, and Nimrod. As to the last sort, its late- ness and^ood appearance are its only recommen- dation. For new beds we layer in small pots and transplant as soon as ready into deeply trenched, well manured ground. \Ve always grow a few- beds of the white and red Alpine Strawberry, which give a good supply of fruit throughout August and September, when other sorts are over. I am also growing the Quatre Saisons, but have not yet surticiently proved it. It is similar in appearance to the alpines, but I think not equal to them in flavour. — John (tARL.\nii. Sherborne Castle, Dorset.— With the excep- tion of Strawberries and Raspberries, fruit crops in this neighbourhood are fairly good. Apples in the garden here are an excellent crop, but very partial in orchards. Pears vai-y a great deal, being spoiled to a great extent by the cold nights and east winds which we had in the end of May and beginning of June. Apricots in most places are very good, but with us the trees have suffered more than they have ever done before. In some instances as much as half and three parts have died away. Peaches and Nectarines outdoors and under glass are carrying very fair crops. Plums are abundant both on bush and trained trees. Morello Cherries are also a heavy crop ; other \arieties do not do well here. Of Gooseberries and Currants we have had too many, the market being glutted. Of Filberts there is a nice sprinkling ; and the common Hazel Nuts in the woods are plentiful, but Walnuts are very thin. As to Strawberry culture, I adhere to the old plan of deep trench- ing, giving |)lenty of strong manure and a good dressing of soot. For a great number of years I have adopted and advocated the system of layering in turves. I peg one runner on a piece 3 inches square for forcing purposes, and three on pieces (J inches square for open-air culture, well soakins; the turves in liquid manure before using them. I have found this plan to answer admirably. We only grow four sorts, viz.. Keen's Seedling, Vicom- tesse Hi'ricart de Thury, President, and Sir Charles Napier.— W. (!. Pkacnell. Canford Manor, 'Wimborne. — Apricots here are under the average. Apples average, and good. Morello Cherries average. Nuts the same. Peaches and Xoctarines average. Pears under tlie average. Small fruits average and good. The Strawberry crop in this part has suffered from drought. We depend on the following varieties for forcing, viz., for first crop Keen's Seedling, which wc prefer to Vicomtesse Ht-ricart de Thury, on account of the fruit being larger. Our second batch consists of La(;rosse Sucrue, and for the main crop indoors we depend on President, Marguerite, and Sir J. Paxton. These carry us through till Keen's Seed- ling is ripe in the open air. The varieties that do best here for the open air are Keen's SeetUing for early use and for preserving ; then President, Marguerite, Pioneer, Aromatic, Sir Joseph Paxton, Sir Charles Xapier, and Frogmore Late Pine. With good culture and under ordinary circum- stances these yield us a good supply, but the out- side crop this year suffered from want of rain after the fruit was set. Pioneer, rather a new- variety, is rich in flavour, .solid, and travels and keep? well. Aromatic is robust in habit and ex- cellent in (luality. In order to secure regular crops it is advisable to renew the plantations every three or four years, and by planting a batch of old forced plants in August in good ground well trenched and manured we can depend on a crop the first season after planting, and a good crop the second and third year. After that the fruit becomes small. We destroy a patch and plant one of equal size every year to keep our stock in good cropping order. — David Williams. Down House, Blandford. — Apples here are very bad, with the exception of King of Pippins, Irish Peach, Striped Beaufin, Nonpareil, t'ornish Gilliflower, and one or two other sorts. Of Pears, Marie Louise is bearing a hea\'y crop ; others fair average crops. Apricots under a glass coping very good. Plums and Cherries very good. Gooseberries and all sorts of Currants are very heavy crops. Raspberries very good. Filberts and Medlars the same. Strawberries have been fairly good crops ; the sorts mostly grown and best for flavour and general purposes are Vicom- tesse Hericart de Thury, President, and Sir Joseph Paxton. The plan by which I get good results is planting those which have been moderately forced in spring in 0-inch pots. As soon as the fruit is gathered we harden ofl' the plants at once, and plant them out on the first opportunity, say the latter end of May or early in June. The plants thus treated get well esta- blished before autumn, when they produce good crops tlie first season, while by planting runners one has to wait till the second season before any quantity of fruit is got from them. By doing away with a third of the old plants every season and planting the same quantity of young ones on fresh ground we invariably get good crops. — Tiios. Denny. Moretrn, Dorcliester. — Fruit crops in this district are, on the whole, fairly satisfactory. In some gardens tlie Apple crop is light, in others fairly good, though in all under the average. Of Apricots we have few ; not many are grown in this district. Pears are good average crops. Of Peaches and Nectarines we have few on open walls, and here not a full crop even in an un- heated orchard house. The temperature was very low when the trees were in bloom, and they did not set well. Plums on walls are very good crops. Cherries a good average crop. Raspberries, (iooseberries, and Currants abundant. Straw- berries have also been good. The sorts most in favour in this district are Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, President, and Sir C. Napier. Other kinds are grown, Ijut the two former we find to be the most reliable in our light soil. — D. Uphill. Strensham Court, Tewkesbury.— Plums and Damsons are extraoi-dinary crops here. Peaches and Nectarines very good crop and clean. Apri- cots half a crop, fruit fine. Ajiples, a very good crop. Pears, not a crop on walls, but fair on standards. Filberts, very thin. Bush fruits very plentiful. Strawberries, both early kinds and late, good ; intermediate kinds very unsatisfactory. Pauline is our earliest Strawberry, and one to be recommended for size, flavour, and colour. I gathered our first dish from a warm border on June 15 this year — five days before Black Prince. Oxonian has been a failure ; British Queen not so good as usual, but still our best flavoured Straw- berrj'. Of Keen's Seedling a good many plants did not flower; otherwise good. Sir C. Napier fairly good, but not large. Frogmore Late Pine I consider to be our best late Strawberry; we are now- gathering from it. Last winter killed great numbers of the plants, which could not withstand the long-continued frosty weather and cutting winds. My system of growing Strawberries is to have the ground well trenched, and to put into it plenty of thoroughly good manure. I layer the [Jants in little pots, and keep them well watered till rooted; then I plant (after well treading the ground) in rows 2 feet ti inches apart and 2 feet asunder in the rows. I manure well in autumn, and fork it into the ground. I also mulch with good half-rotten manure when the plants are coming into flower. We renew the beds every three years. -W. Evans. Redleaf, Penshurst.— Apples this year are very variable. On some trees there is a heavy crop, while on others there are none. There was a wonderful show of blossom in spring, but late frosts, hot sun, and cutting winds were too much for a good deal of it. Among our best sorts this year are Wellington, Blenheim, Cellini (bearing a heavy crop), Bromley, a very useful cooking Apple ; Waltham Abbey Seedling, a really good kitchen Apple, a good grower, attaining a large size, and handsome, almost a certain bearer, and very hardy ; Royal Russet, Norfolk Beaufin, Lord Nel- son and Lord Suifield— all standards in the or- chard, and mostly old trees. Of dessert kinds we have Kerry Pippin, King Pippin, Golden Reinette, (4olden Harvey, Winter (^luoining, and a fair lot of Ribston Pippins. These are about the best this year. Bush trees on Grass are very poor, but in the kitchen garden a little better. Those bearing the best crops are Cox's Pomona, Cellini, Ha\v^ thornden, Worcester Pearmain, Lord Sutheld, Beauty of Kent, Margil, (irenadier, Lord Derbyl and Duchess of Gloucester. Other varieties are scarcely up to the mark. Our neighbours gene- rally, and especially in low-lying parts, complain of very light crops of Apples. Pears are a thin crop. Williams' Bon Chretien, Doyenne du Co- mice, Duchesse d'Aremberg, Baronne de Milo, Pit- maston Duchess, Knight's Monarch, Brockworth Park, Emile d'Heyst, and Comte de Lamy are our best on walls. On bush trees we have Beum? Hardy, Eyewood, beaiing a heavy crop; Beurri? Bachelier, Pitmaston Duchess, Bergamot d'Esperen, and Olivier de Serres, the last a really good Pear which keeps well and is most delicious. Other sorts are very thin indeed. Apricots are a poor crop. The Peach variety is our best this season ; some of the old trees have died back a great deal this year. Peaches and Nectarines are a fair crop. Early Louise, Early Grosse Mignonne, Noblesse, and one named Falcon have the most 130 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 7, 1886. fruit among Peaches ; and Lord Napier and Violette H;"iti%'e among Nectarines. Plums are a very large crop, and promise to be good both on walls and in the open. Our be.st are Early Rivers, Orleans, Yellow Imperatrice, Emperor, Mitchelson's, Prince of Wales, Victoria, Pond's Seedling, and Blue Imperatrice, the last an excellent Plum, which hangs on the tree until frost or wet spoils it. C4reen Gages are also good, old standards being loaded. Small fruits are most abundant, (ioosebcrries, in some instances, breaking down the trees. All our quarters were mulched in winter with about 4 inches of stable litter, and not dug in any way. By this plan we get fine fruit, clean healthy foli- age, and strong wood ; Black Currants are espe- cially fine. This has not been by any means a Strawberry year in this district; ours were strong and vigorous, and showed flower well, but the long and extremely cold spring continuing until the fruits were nearly ready to colour caused the blossoms to set badly, and seemed to cripple the young fruit so much that the greater part of it iid not attain the size that is so desirable to Strawberries. Then a sudden change to very dry, hot sunny weather seemed to induce premature maturity. Black Prince ripened on June 10; this was followed by President, Vicomtesse Ht-ricart de Thury, La Grosse Sucrte, Sir J. Paxton, Sir C. Napier, and Loxford Hall Seedling; the last two were our best both in quality and flavour, and the only really good Strawberries we had, but they certainly had the advantage of being young plants, and of being on an excellent piece of ground. The fruit on the older beds were some- what the earliest. The old Bath Scarlet we always grow for preserving, a purpose for which it is preferred to any other. This variety has been grown here for years on an easy plan and one which answers well. The runners are allowed to grow out on one side of the bed as far as they will go, the soil being made good for them to root in. These are left to fruit the next season, and a piece on the other side is chopped oft' with the spade, so as to keep the bed about .5 feet wide and easily reached over to gather the fruit; when the plants have got right out on fresh soil, the old soil is croiii>ed for a season or two, and the process is repeated in a backward direction, and little or no trouble is involved in this plan, and we alvvay.s have plenty of fruit. The variety being a very small one, 'the plants grow quite close and seem to like the treatment thus given them; we top-dress them with some fine rotten manure early in the spring, and that is all we do to them. For dessert fruit we trench '2 feet deep, manure freely with manure from the cow yard if possible, plant from 2 feet 0 inches to .3 feet apart— 3 feet when we can spare the ground, mulch in spring, and do not dig between the rows at all. In this way in ordi- nary seasons we have good results ; the beds are mostly cleared off after the third year. The last two seasons have taken more out of the Strawberry plants than double that number would have done if rain had fallen and had the weather been more suitable. Raspberries have borne a very heavy crop; the much-belauded Baumforth's Seedling has not turned out any better than the old Ant- werp Red at present. Nuts— Cobs and Walnuts — are scarce. Cherries are a very fine crop; all good, especially the Bigarreau. — W. Holah. Hall Place, Tonbridge.— The Apple crop here is a failure -at least as far as orchard trees are concerned. Pyramids and bushes in gardens are bearing about half a crop. As to Pears, the late spring frosts proved disastrous to not only bush trees, but also to pyramids, and the fruit is still dropping. They are somewhat better on walls. Peaches and Nectarines under glass copings are abundant. Apricots under the same con- dition are a full crop. Plums on walls are plentiful, also culinary sorts on standards, and the same may be said of Damsons. Sweet Cherries are about half a crop ; Morellos a full crop. Goose- berries are very plentiful. Raspberries are a good crop. Black, Red, and White Currants average crops. Kentish Cobs and Filberts are thin, but Walnuts are plentiful. Quinces and Medlars are good crops, and Mulberries promise well. Straw- berries here and for some distance round are very light crops — I may say the worst we have had at Hall Place for sixteen years. Some varieties hardly ever known to fail here, such as Keen's Seedling, Sir J. Paxton and Sir C. Napier, were destroyed before flowering, or when the flowers were just pushing. Later sorts, such as the Countess, Unser Fritz, and Loxford Hall Seedling were badly damaged by frost when in full flower. The above six sorts, with La Grosse Sucree, we consider to be our very best as regards flavour, travelling, and cropping. We have tried many new sorts here, but very rarely do we find one superior to those just named. King of the Earlies and the Captain sufl'ered so much from the late severe winter, that they are now in so weak a condition that I cannot say much about them. Should the flavour of the latter prove good, it will be a good addition to our better sorts of Strawberries. It is large and good looking, and seems to bear freely. Before jilant- ing we trench the ground deeply and manure well. In autumn we dress the surface heavily with well-rotted manure, and in spring with fresh stable litter. This we do each year, and never fork or dig between the rows. Our soil is rather retentive. — J. Bekky. Homewood, Chislehurst. — Apricots here are very scarce, many of the trees not bearing a single fruit ; Breda, a small X'ound sort, is doing best. It is rather dry-fleshed, but when ripe has an agree- able flavour. Apples are very thin, except a few free-bearing sorts — trees grown as esiialiers in the kitchen garden. The trees in our principal orchard bore a grand crop of blossom, but when fully oiien caterpillars completely destroyed it, and the leaves, too, were quite disfigured ; even now they are only just recovering, and scarcely a single Apple can be seen. We have another orchard in which the trees are bearing a fairly good crop. I.e., such sorts as Early Harvest, Keswick Codlin, Cellini, Warner's King, London Pippin, and Bascombe's Surprise. This last is quite a local kind, a con- stant bearer, and its fruits keep till late in the spring. Tower of Glamis and Stirling Castle are also bearing heavy crops. Cherries are grown rather extensively in this district, and the crops in general have been abundant ; our crop of Cherries growing here in the garden, both standards and trained trees, have borne very abundantly, but the fruit has not been quite so large as usual. The varieties which have bore the heaviest crops are May Duke, Bigarreau Napoleon, Elton, and (iovernor Wood. The Kentish has borne a very heavy crop, as has also the Morello. Currants are very plentiful and the berries extra large, more especially the Black Naples, which is bearing an extra heavy crop. Figs, upon a south wall, are a fair crop. Gooseberries are most abundant. Peaches and Nectarines, on a south wall, are thin, but the trees are healthy and making clean firm wood. Nuts are a very thin crop. Plums are bearing an average crop on walls, but not so good on pyramids or standards. Dam- sons are plentiful. Quinces are an average crop. Raspberries are very plentiful, and the fruit has improved in size considerably since we have had rain. Carter's Prolific, Prince of Wales, and Yellow Antwerp are our best sorts. Strawberries have partly been a failure with us, taking the whole crop and the ditierent sorts grown into account. The best have been Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, Sir Joseph Paxton, Keen's Seedling, and a medium crop of that useful variety, President. Hundreds of acres in this district are cropped with Straw- berries, and, taking the whole, there has not been, on an average, much more than half a crop, but the late rains have improved the late crop con- siderably. I'ears are an average crop upon trained trees on walls and espaliers, but only about a third of a crop upon pyramids and standards. — Wm. Chkistison. Cobham Hall, Gravesend. -Apples are a failure hereabouts, except such sorts as Lord Suifield and Manks and Keswick Codling. Pears, too, are a bad crop. Plums an average crop, Vic- toria and Gisborne being by far the best. Apricots bad. Peaches and Nectarines an average crop. Of bush fruits we have a good average. Filberts are a bad crop. Of Strawberries there has been on heavy soil a good average crop, and I have had the same on light gravelly soil, but I always use forced plants. In planting, I have trenches thrown out similar to those for Celery, ."? feet apart. These I fill with manure and plant out in iiay or June, and if we have some showers after planting to keep them growing, I generally have some fruit in the latter end of August. I never have any digging done between the rows, but mulch with old spent Mushroom bed manure. Our best sorts are Keen's Seedling, Sir J. Paxton, Sir C. Napier, Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, Pre- sident, and La Grosse Sucr(5e. — F. Deuxberry. Pap worth Hall, CambridgesMre. — Apples here are quite a failure, and Pears are not half a crop. Plums on walls are abundant. Those on pyramids are rather thin. Cherries have not been at all plentiful on some trees, though a fair crop. Gooseberries have been abundant, likewise Black and Red Currants. White have not been quite so good. Strawberries with us and around this part have been abundant, but the dry wearher came upon us soon after the blooming season and caused a great many fruits to shrivel up before it acquired its full size. The varieties which we grow are the following, viz.. Keen's Seedling, always good both in flavour and size ; Black Prince, good ; Sir Joseph Paxton, always very good indeed ; President, one of our very best varieties ; James Veitch, fairly good ; Eclipse, a useful variety ; Frogmore Late Pine, very useful late variety and always good. \Ve have tried British Queen, but on our cold clay it never came satisfactory. We make new beds every third year, using strong runners layered in 0 inch pots. We always prepare the ground well before planting. A grand variety, both for out- doors and also for late work in pots, is Atherton's No. 1, which, when better known, will be, I think, a favourite. There used to be a variety in culti- vation some twenty-five years ago called Oscar. 1 recollect it was thought well of for some years after it was distributed. What has become of if? — Tiios. SsiITII. Hallingbury, Essex. — Our Strawberry crop this season is very poor indeed, being cut oft' when in bloom. The following sorts do well with me, viz.. Keen's Seedling and Garibaldi for early crops ; President, Sir J. Paxton, Sir C. Napier, and James Veitch for second early crops ; and for late crops British Queen and Frogmore Pine. Pears and Apples are but light crops. They got cut very much by the cold east winds which we had ; here and there on a tree well sheltered may be seen a fair crop, but they are few and far be- tween. Plums, including Damsons, are very fair crops where sheltered, Ijut, generally speaking, they arc only average crops. Currants and Goose- berries are a good crop, but the fruit is rather small. Peaches, Nectarines, and Apricots are under the average. Although sheltered, the bloom was very small, and the fruit dropped when just set. Nuts are a good crop. Rasp- berries the same, but small from want of rain. — Edw. SrivEY. Aswarby Park, Sleaford.— Of Apples we have none ; in the neighbourhood there are a fev\ . Apricots are a poor crop. Cherries, a full crop. Currants, Red, White, and Black, excellent. Figs in the open air a full crop. Gooseberries abun- dant. Plums fairly good. Strawberries a heavy crop, and fine in quality. The varieties grown here are Early Marguerite, Keen's Seedling, Gari- baldi, President, Duke of Edinburgh, British Queen, Dr. Hogg, and Loxford Hall Seedling. As regards cultivation, we trench deeply, manure heavily, and top-dress in October, to remain on the ground until the fruit is gathered. We then clear away all runners not required, slightly fork the old top- dressing into the ground, then top-dress with good manure, to remain on the surface until the fruit is {.athered. I make new plantations every year in August, and from these, if the season is favour- able, we in general gather our finest fruit.— RlrllAKIl NiSBET. Aun. 188G.] THE GARDEN. 131 Hardwicke House, Bury St. Edmunds.— With the very important exception of Apples and Pears, fruit of all sorts may be said to be plentiful in the open air, and even Apples are less scarce than Pears, and here and there fair crops of both may be found, but, on the whole, they are very far from being an average yield. Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, Cherries, and, in many localities. Plums are a heavy crop, the latter being, as usual, somewhat capricious, and in some gardens plentiful on standards and few or none on walls. Bush fruits of all sorts are plentiful, and Raspberries an extraordinary crop. Nuts are also fairly plentiful, and .Strawberries one of the best possible crops. Some of the early ones suffered considerably from the intense heat and drought, but the rains came in time to save and fully develop the later varieties. As already stated, we have largely reduced our number of vai-ieties, only growing a very few in bulk, such as Pre- sident, Keen's Seedling, Eleanor, and Frogmore Late Pine. We used, however, to grow a far larger collection, including Black Prince, Vicom- tesse Hericart de Thury, Lord Napier, Sir Joseph Pax ton, James Veitch, Sir Charles Napier, Bicton Pine, Lucas, Dr. Hogg, British Queen, Elton Pine, Admiral Dundas, Carolina superba. Cockscomb, &c. Some of these have been dis- carded, owing to the sorts or soil here not suiting them, and this has been notably the ca?e with the British t^lueen and its near ally. Dr. Hogg. Others, a^ain, sueh as Sir Joseph Paxton and James Veitch, did not yield such quantity as President. We are now trying several others, such as Baronne Brize, Gros Bonne, Countess, Duke of Athole, Constantine Tretiakotf, Pioneer, .Jucunda, Lucas, &c. , but on a scale that hardly warrants an emphatic opinion as yet, though most of them possess three good qualities — free growth, fertile habit, and good flavour. Such sorts as Pauline and Lnxford Hall Seedling I have also seen remarkably good, though the former has to be longer on the ground than most sorts before it can be had in full l>earing, and the latter has probably too much (,>ueen blood to thrive alike well everywhere. Pardine is not only earlier, but larger and finer than Black Prince. King of the Earlies and Captain are also very early sorts and likely to supersede the Black Prince. The latter, however, is still one of the earliest, most prolific, and highest coloured of all Strawberries, and possesses in a high degree the merit of perpetual bearing, a merit now specially claimed for the new Strawberry Roi Henri. Without at all disparaging the merits of the latter, we have had Black Prince ripen one crop in March, a second in June, and a third in October. These were kept in pots all the while, and well fortified with liquid manure water. Perpetual bearing, or, to write more correctly, two or more crops a year from forced plants is more a matter of culture than of variety. Still, if Roi Henri or any other sort will yield a certain second, or even a third, crop in the open under ordinary treatment, that will be a large step for- ward in extending the Strawberry season, or making the supply continuous throughout the growing season. Will some grower of new white sorts kindly say if any are better than the Bicton Pine? A good white or lemon-coloured Straw- berry is really a very desirable acquisition, as although red, crimson, or pink will probably always be the most popular colours for Straw- berries, yet light-coloured fruit would give greater variety to the dessert, the great object being, however, to keep uji the standard of qualitj' to the very highest pitch. A good deal more may also yet be done to develop new flavours from the very excellent Hautbois, which is so distinct as to deserve to be reckoned almost as a new fruit. The taste for Hautbois, however, needs to be educated before the flavour can be appreciated ; hence, to a great extent their unpopularity, though their frequent barrenness under cultivation has also greatly limited their cultivation. This, however, occasionally happens to the most fertile varieties. Among newer sorts now pressing to the front, several of them, such as Hundredfold and Belle deBourgIa Reine, are so much like Vicomtesse H. de Thury, that it seems doubtful if they are worth growing alongside or instead of it. Will some- one who grows the Traveller say whether it de- serves its name in the sense of being a good traveller — a quality by no means too common among Strawberries? This last is a point our fruiterers could provide valuable information upon by furnishing a list of sorts that, as a rule, arrive in best condition in their many consignments. Without going now into the difterent modes of cultivating the Strawberry, there is one point of much importance that needs further discussion, viz., the most fertile age of different varieties. In our rage for what may conveniently be designated baby plant fertility, wo ha\-e probably lost as well as gained a good deal. At a time when few Straw- ben-y plants are allowed to live more than three years it is rather startling to find Pauline sent out by its raisers with the statement that it is best the third year after planting. This suggests the query, whether the rush after mere fruitfulness of plants in Strawberry culture has not been caiTied too far for bulk and profit of crop. For mere size of individual fruits the young plants doubtless have it, but for gross weight, the experience of the past and also not a few modern cultivators seems to point in the direction of older plants. \Vithin the memory of not a few of us. Strawberries were provided for among the semi-permanent crops of the garden. Now they are often treated as bi- ennials, and, perhaps, more generally as triennials. Is the latter the natural limit of their profitable productive life '! The present most useful discus- sion, which unavoidable circumstances have pre- vented me from taking part in earlier, affords a capital opportunity for re-opening the question of the efi'ect of age on Strawberry plants and the bulk and flavour of their produce. That young plants yield fair sized fruit may be taken as jjroven. But many have doubts about the other points. Neither do I think that any hard-and-fast line about age can be apj)lied to all the many varie ties of Strawberry in cultivation ; on the con- trary, it is more than probable that almost every variety or family has its own distinctive age of maximum productiveness, and this being so, it is more than probable that not a few sorts are trenched in before this age is reached. — D. T. Fisii. Capesthorne, Chelford.— Fruit crops in the garden here and neighbourhood are on the whole satisfactory. Apples and Pears are slightly under the average. Cherries are abundant ; small fruits are the same, and very fine. Peaches and Necta- rines are veiy little grown out of doors in this part. Apricots are under the average. Plums abundant, especially Damsons; the latter are grown very extensively here, and the trees are literally laden with fruit and fine in quality. Strawberries are not grown here very largely, the soil being too light for them. The varieties which I grow are Keen's Seedling and President. To do Strawberries well they require to be grown on stifiish soil, deeply trenched and well manured, and the plantations need .to be renewed every three or four years. — Alexander Dewar. Cliolmondeley Castle, Malpas.— Strawberries here are a good crojj and tine in quality. Plums are a fair crop. Gooseberries very good. Cur- rants an average crop and the fruit fine in quality. Morello Cherries are an average crop; sv. eet Cherries under the average. Peaches are a good crop. Raspberries the same, and the fruit is good. Apricots are a moderate crop. Pears a fair crop, and the fruit clean. Apples on pyra- mids in the garden good, but on standards in orchards under the average. — C. Flack. Biddulph Grange, Congleton.— Fruit crops here are not so good as was expected : although we escaped the spring frosts, we did not escape the cold, cutting winds w-hich followed. Peaches and Nectarines are very little grown out of doors here and seldom do any good, and this year is no exception. Of Apricots there are very few. Apples are under the average ; the following sorts are the best here, viz., Lord Suffield, Hawthornden, Kes- wick C'odlin, King Pippin, Ribston, Dumelow's Seedling, and Warner's King. Pears are under the average — more on walls than standards. Of Plums there are good crops of the following sorts : Victoria, Golden Drop, Kirke's, and Damsons, and the trees are freer from blight than I remember seeing them for some years. Bush fruits are plen- tiful, especially Gooseberries and Black Currants ; Red and White Currants are much blighted. Rasp- berries are good. Strawberries partial. The sorts that ha\e done best here this year are President, Sir Harry, and Elton Pine. — Robert B.\s.s. Abney Hall, Cheadle.— Apples and Pears are under the average here. Some Apples that have been good and regular bearers, such as Haw- thornden and Prince Albert, have nothing on them this year. Cellini, however, is bearing a full crop, and so are Grenadier and Cox's Orange Pippin. The best of our wall Pears is ilarie Louise this year. Beurre Clairgeau, Louise Bonne of Jersey, and Beurre d'Aremberg are the best amongst standards. Of Plums on walls we have very few, but on standards and Damsons they are very good. Gooseberries, Currants, and Raspberries are also good crops. Strawberries are next to a faihu-e — the worst crop we have had for a dozen years. Is this owing to the wet autumn last year ? From the end of August we had perpetual rain for weeks; therefore the crowns could not ripen. There was, however, a fair crop on a patch of Black Prince, upon which we never depend ; although early and of good colour, the fruit is too small to be of much \alue. From what I can learn one of the best cropping kinds in this neighbourhood is JNIyatt's Prolific ; it is, however, rather coarse. The best samples of fi-uit, however, that I have seen grown in this part have been that of President and Sir Joseph Paxton, two well-known kinds. ^ — Robert Macxeller. Brentry House, "Westbury- on Trym.^ Plums here are very abundant ; in fact, I never saw standard trees more heavily laden than they are this year, and I believe it to be generally so in the west of Gloucestershire. Pears, too, are very abundant, particularly the earlier sorts. Apples as a rule are a failure. \Vith regard to small fruits, such as Gooseberries and Currants, the trees are literally covered with fruit. Straw- berries as a rule have borne very heavily, but the berries have not been so large as I have seen them in former years. In my opinion Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury still stands pre-eminent as a preserving Strawberry and for very early forcing, with the exception, perhaps, of Princess of Prussia, which is a fortnight earlier and larger in the berry, but not nearly so well flavoured. For second and later sorts I find President, Sir J. Paxton, and Princess Alice to be the best. Alexandre de Kief is sail to be a very fine Straw- berry, but I have not had much experience in regard to it, although I have seen it wonderfully good at some exhibitions. Loxford Hall Seed- ling, however, stands first in this neighbourhood as a market Strawberry. It equals Dr. Hogg in flavour, but is not quite so large. It is a'^very heavy bearer and travels well. In order to secure good and regular crops the best plan is to plant out the forced Strawberries as soon as the fruit is gathered in a plot of ground ready to receive them. Let new plantations be made every third year. The soil should be well trenched and, of course, well manured, and if planted early a fair crop will be produced in the autumn of the same year, and fine crops the three following summers. Before planting the balls ought to be slightly shaken. Where forcing is not carried on to any great extent, the best plan would lie to secure runners from the previous year's planting. Lay them in 3-inch pots, which should be plunged, and the runners should be kept in their place'ljy put- ting a stone on them, which I prefer to pegging them, as it keeps the soil damper. The loam in which they are layered should be light and rich. As soon as the pots are filled with roots, say about the first week in July, plant them out in well-prepared ground 2 feet apart.— Frank NiCHOL. 132 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 7, 1886. Powderham Castle, Exeter. —Peaches and are Keen's Seedling, President, La Grosse Sucree, Nectarines here are average crops. Peach blister I and British Queen. These are tlie only kinds in many cases almost destroyed tlie trees; ours grown liere for main crops and for forcing. La escaped with only a slight attack, whicli we kept Grosse Sucrt'e I consider to be one of the best for pinched oft' as it appeared in order to prevent its forcing as a variety to follow Keen's Seedling and spreading. Nectarines in our case seemed to be [ President. British Queen I find to be invaluable more blistered even than the Peach. Has this j as the last batch for forcing ; in point of flavour it been found to be the case generally? Apples are cannot be surpassed by any other kind. Early Potatoes are a poor crop with us; second early and late kinds are looking very well, and promise to be good crops. — Geo. H. GREE^f. TMrkleby Park, Thirsk.— Apples with me, and as far as I can ascertain in this neiglibour- hood, are almost a failure ; also Plums. Stone fruits, too, are much below the average, and will require a fine autumn to bring them to perfection. Bush fruits are plentiful with us and tine in quality. Strawberries are below tlie average, but what we have are large and fine in quality. The varieties which we grow are Keen's Seedling, James Veitch, President, and Dr. Hogg. Empress Eug(5nie also does well here. Potatoes are a fair average crop and free from disease at present, but rather small. — H. Brunton. under the average, but they promise to be very fine in consequence. Pears are generally a good crop, and everywhere look remarkably well. Plums are a heavy crop in some districts, and particularly free from aphides. Early Cherries did well ; Morellos, which suffered at the stoning period, are not half a crop. Apricots are under the average, but very fine in quality. Bush fruits have been very good indeed, especially Rasp- berries. Strawberries commenced well, but the growth of mid-season crops was arrested by drought. Late varieties, too, were not able to set their bloom owing to the same cause ; all were doubly mulched, but we suffer sadly from drought. Sir Joseph Paxton is our best kind for cropping, flavour, and packing — three good qualities. James Veitch we are discarding, and also Elton Pine. We have planted Sir J. Paxton on early borders for our first crop, and intend to plant the north or late borders with the same variety. It is the only one we use for forcing, so highly is it thought of here. Walnuts and Cobnuts are full crops. Med- lars good. — David C. Powell. Hornby Hall, Lancashire. — In this locality all sorts of Currants— Black, Red, and White — Gooseberries and Raspberries are generally very good crops. Apples are nearly a failure; of Pears we have a fourth of a crop. Damsons are a very fair crop in certain places, not so good in others. In respect to Strawberries, we had a good general crop. President is generally the favourite in this locality both for preserving and flavour ; Elton Pine is considered to be the best late variety. In reference to cul- ture, with newly trenched ground 2 feet deep and an ordinary quantity of manure, almost any soil will grow Strawberries; and I would recommend the three years' system, that is, planting every year, and digging down some every year. —James Y0UN(!. Guerdon Hall, Preston. — Strawberries do very well here. Our soil is a brown loam on limestone. It is not a heavy soil. Keen's Seedling is our favourite for an early crop. We ha\e a south border that has been planted more than twelve years, and yet every year we have good crops of early well-coloured fruit. It is manured every autumn, but never dug. British Queen bears well, but not so well as on heavy loam or marl. We grow regularly, besides the two sorts just named. Presi- dent, Carolina Superba, Vicomtesse Heri- cart de Thury, James Veitch, Sir Joseph Paxton, Oxonian, Sir Harry, Due de Malakoff, and Gorhambury Park, St. Albans.— The Straw- several other sorts, including some lately intro- . berry crop here has been a light one and of short duced, but of which, without further trial, we j duration. We have discarded all but three varieties, cannot speak. We had abundance of bloom and , and these are Keen's Seedling, for early forcing a heavy crop of very fine Strawberries. ^Ve like | and for planting in borders for jam-making ; Sir C. Vicomtesse Huricart de Thury and President for i Napier for second early forcing, and for main crop flavou " dessert fruit ; and we grow President for late pro- I duce both indoors and out. In a good season these meet all my requirements, but this year has completely upset all rotation ; there was no second bloom — all came in together— and the crop was soon over. Apricots are a light crop, but good in quality. Plums good, especially Gages. Cher- ries good. Peaches and Nectarines are a light llalf-upeucd flower uf tlie white Ramar.as Ruse (Rosa rugosa alUi). forcing. —J. Roberts. Enville Hall, Stourbridge.— In this district, as far as I can learn. Apples are under the average. They bloomed well, but set very badly, and many have since fallen. Pears are a good crop on walls, espaliers, and pyramids. Plums are a good ave- rage. Peaches under glass are very good, and also on walls protected by glass copings. Apricots where protected by glass copings, are grand crops'; crop, but good. Apples are below the average. previously to glass being used"l scarc°ely ever had i but seem good in quality. Pears are a fairly good half a crop, but since their use I have not had a ■ '^•■°P- Goosjjbernes and Cur Nuts Jurrants good in every have fair crops. — Joseph total failure. The coping projects about 2 feet ^^y- ^^ and is a fixture, remaining on all the year i-ound. i Ihomi'SO.n Gooseberries, Currants, and Raspberries are abun- ' Danesbury, 'Welwyn. — Apples here are under dant and fine. Strawberries are not a good crop, the average and the trees are blighted, especially and small. The best kinds I find for this district standards. Pears too are under the average ; the best are Beurri- (Jifiard, Brockworth Park, Alex- andre Lambre, Beurre Diel, Josephine de Malines, Forelle, and Marie Louise. Of Plums we have heavy crops and good. Peaches too are good and the trees healthy. Apricots are an average crop. Cherries are over the average and good. Straw- berries have been bad ; the cold spring and long- continued dry weather afterwards injured them. Nuts are an average crop. Bush fruits very cood, especially Raspberries and Gooseberries.- R. F. Sawford. Royal Gardens, Frogmore. —In consequence of a long winter and late spring all fruit crops are much later than usual, but both trees and fruit are remarkably clean and healthy. Straw- berries have suffered very much, and some of the Ijlants have not produced any fruit. Sir Joseph Paxton, which usually bears heavy crops, is quite a failure this season. Apricots, Apples, Pears, Plums, and Strawberries are, on the whole, only average crops. Peaches, Nectarines, Cherries, Raspberries, and small fruits are particularly good. Our best Strawberries are La Grosse SucriSe, Keen's Seedling, Sir Joseph Paxton, and Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury for early crops. Of late kinds our best are Frog- more Late Pine, Elton Pine, and Unser Fritz. Potatoes promise to be excellent, and no disease has as yet made its appearance. — Thomas Jones. Bearwood, 'Wokingham. — Apples hereabouts are good. Pears thin. Peaches and Nectarines vei'y good. Plums on walls are clean and bearing good crops. Apricots are under the avei'age. Cherries good. All kinds of small fruits are good average crops, and the recent rains have done wonders in gardens generally. Strawberries have disappointed us this year; cold in the first instance and then drought injured them, and the fruits that did ripen were not of average quality. The sorts grown here for forcing are Keen's Seedling, Pre- sident, Sir Charles Napier, and British Queen. The sorts just named I also rely on for our supply from the open. My plan has been for many years to plant out the forced ones and to make fresh beds every year. The sort on which I trust most is the British Queen. With me it surpasses every other variety, and this year it has given me more fruit than all other sorts l)ut together. In some gardens it is, how- ever, useless to plant it. Our kitchen garden soil is very stiff on a bed of clay, and very suitable for Strawberries. In planting I have the soil put up in ridges about 8 inches high, and plant singly in rows 2 feet apart each way. By this plan of planting, should the season be wet, the fruit has a better chance of ripening, and is not so apt to rot. In autumn the beds are top-dressed with old hotbed manure, and when they commence throwing up for bloom I put a slight covering of straw over the top- dressing to keep the fruit clean. Early Potatoes of all kinds have been good and excellent crops, free from disease and good in Late ones, too, look strong and pro- James Teoo. Wotton, Aylesbury. — All sorts of Goose- berries and Currants are bearing heavy crops. Apples hereabouts are an average crop. Pears are under the average, except Williams' Bon Chretien and Jargonelle, both of which are bear- ing fairly well. Apricots are under the average ; our trees suff'ered a good deal last winter. Peaches are an average crop, and so are Figs on walls. Plums of all sorts are heavy crops. Strawberries here have been a full crop. The treatment which suits them best here is to plant every fourth year in August, to clear off all runners, and to top- dress witli a mixture of rotten manure and loam. I never dig between the rows. The soil here is stony black loam, in a subsoil of yellow clay. The Aug. 7, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 133 oits wliich I fjrow for main crops are Vicomtes.se Ilvricart de Thury, .lames Veitch, Keen'.s Seed- liiij,', and President. ISritish (ilueen also does well.— .Ia.mk.s Smith. Alton Towers, Stokeon-Trent. — Apricots with us are plentiful and good. I'eaches fairly good. Strawberries plentiful. Small fruits excel- lent. Apples plentiful and good, and so are Nuts. Bilberries are a great cro)) and fine. Pears are fairly good. The hot sunshine which we had some time ago suited this locality well, and the later rains have suited all growing crops. Plums and Cherries are producing heavy crops. All round here there are \'ery large orchards. — TinniAs H. R.MIUNK. "Woburn, Beds. —The Apple crop in this neighbourhood is below the average, although when in bloom it promised to be the heaviest on record. Cherries are an average crop. Apricots showed but little bloom, and that very weak; con- sequently they are very scarce. Plums, including Damsons, are good average crops. Pears average, but they do not swell oft' vigorously. Currants and Gooseberries are abundant and clean. Rasp- berries fell oft' much from want of rain. All kinds of fruit trees are very free from insects. Straw- berries sullered much from the long trying winter, and the frosts in May and the continuous cold nights in June prevented the bloom from setting; 0)1 the whole, therefore, they are the worst crop 1 have had for years. Wo keep to the old kinds. Black Prince for preserving ; Keen's Seedling is still good for early work; whilst for general use President, Elton, and particularly Lucas are always grown. After trying various plans, we trust to the simple one of planting out a bed of forced plants on fresh ground every year. As soon as convenient after fruiting, we do away with the same number of plants that have stood about three seasons; l:iy these means we have mostly had excellent crops of fruit. — Alkxandlr McKay. Madresfield Court, Malvern —With the ex- ception of Ajiricots there are good average all- round crops of fruit in this neighbourhood, and the trees are looking healthy and clean. Thi- earliest Strawberry here is Early Prolific, which is fit to gathiT on June 17. La (irosse Sucree, Vieomtesse Hericart de Thury, and Pauline are a week later. (!ood one-year-old plants from the earliest runm.rs are found tit to gather from sooner than older plants, and are altogether preferable to them, i.e., if good, generous cultivation be given them. Pauline is an excellent Strawberry, and bids fair to rank high when better known. Pre- sident is the best main crop kind, and, when the season is favourable, good in flavour. .James Veiteh is the best for size, and Oxonian for latest crops, although the latter has proved to be some- what tickle with us this year for the first time. We get our bi.'st crop by planting out annually large beds of old forced plants, taking one crop from them anfl then destroying them, and plant- ing Broccoli on the same ground with a erowlar. Of course, the beds are lirst well prepared by trenching and manuring. — William Crump. Highclere Castle, Newbury. — Apples with us are a fair average crop. Pears the same, more especially on standard trees. Peaches and Apri- cots are poor. Plums are a very heavy crop, (iooseberries and Currants abundant, and Rasp- berries are also very good. Strawberries here have been abundant and good — quite up to, or above, the average. The sorts depended on for the main crop are "N'icomtesse Ht'rieart de Thury and President. The best late kind is Frogmore Late Pine. Other sorts grown here are Black Prince, La Grosse Sucree, James 'Veiteh, Helena Gloede, and Loxford Hall Seedling. I find it best to make two or three young beds every year. The.se are especially useful for furnishing a good crop of early runners the first season after plant- ing. I also make a practice of planting the best of the forced plants, which are cropped two years in the open, and then cleared oil' in time for plant, ing late Broccoli. Those planted from runner will crop three, or even four, years satisfactorily, but it is not advisable to retain them longer than three if the best results are looked for. The ground between the plants ought never to be dug, as the fiimer the soil is the better the fruit, both in quantity and quality. I find a good mulching of rotten manure in autumn to be very beneficial. — William Poi'E. ■Wynyard Park, Stockton-on-Tees. — Fruit crops here, generally speaking, are little, if any, below the usual average. Apples are an average crop and very good. The best are Devonshire t^iuarrenden, Keswick ('odlin, Stirling Castle, Tower of Glamis, Hawthornden, Echlinville, Blenheim Orange, Sturmer Pippin, Pitmaston Nonpareil, Summer (iolden Pippin, Court Pendu Plat, Cockle Pippin, and Margil. Pears are a moderate crop, but some sorts are good, especially Marie Loui.se, Napoleon, Williams' Bon Chn'tien, and Easter Beuriv. Plums, particularly Victorias on standard trees, are a first-rate crop, but fruit on wall trees is very thin. Apricots are a light crop. Morello Cherries are first-rate ; numbers dro|iped in stoning, but enough are left to make a heavy cro]i. Straw-berries are very fine and plenti- ful, particularly .James Veitch and President, these two being far and away the best sorts for us here. With regard to bush fruits, all are very good and carrying heavy crops. Taking fruit trees gene- rally, I have never seen them looking in better health or making better growth, which, I ho]ie, augurs well for next season. Nor do I remember a season in which fruit trees have been cleaner or freer from blight.— H. E. Grieule. Eden Hall, Penrith. — In this district fruit prospects are exceedingly poor, with the excep- tion of bush fruits, which are good and plentiful. Most kinds showed abundance of bloom for a full crop; but the bitter winds which we had in May not only destroyed the bloom, but almost denuded the trees of foliage. Pears .ire a complete failure. Apples the same, with the exception of I^ord Sutfield, Irish Peach, and Bibston Pippin, which hardly ever fail here to produce a crop. Of Plums we have a few on Victoria and Green Gage. Of Apricots we have none; they never do well here. Cheriies are very poor. Stiawberries are a fair crop. Vieomtesse Horicart de Thury (the best for all purposes). President, and Sir Joseph Paxton do very well here. I find that the best results are obtained by forming plantations yearly from runners layered in pots as early in the season as possible. We plant in well-trenched ground and mulch heavily — a necessary operation, our soil being light.— T. R. Cuckney. Alnwick Castle. — Last year fruit trees were heavily cropped, and the autumn was cold, with ' little sun; the wood, therefore, was imperfectly matured, and much of the fruits, even that of Apricots, did not ripen ; some of them were on the trees in November. The natural result has been that many varieties of Apples, Peaches, and Pears were scantily bloomed, and what flowers did open have been unable tostand the cold winds which pre\ailed here through the spring. Of Apples, Lord Sutfield is bearing a fair crop, but, generally speaking. Apples are scarce. Pears are much below the average, but the fruit promises to be good. Peaches on open walls are alight crop, with the exception of Royal George (always good), on which there is a fair crop. This is one of the best varieties in the north. Plums are an average crop. \'ictoria, Jeft'erson, Golden Gage, and Ivirke's are among the best. May Duke Cherries are good ; Morellos light. Gooseberries are a heavy crop, and other bush fruits are tolerably good. The Strawberry crop is under the average. We have had a cold, late spring, and the plants in many cases have small contracted leaves, and many have scarcely flowered ; wdiilst others have done so abundantly, and are now yielding excellent fruit. The usual'method of planting Strawberries in this neighbourhood is as follows: After deep trench- ing and hea\ ily manuring we plant in rows 3 feet apart and l.j inches asunder in the row, and allow all runners to grow. These beds fruit the second year, and continue for several years, in favourable seasons, to produce gi'cat crops. After trial of a great number of varieties, those found fit to survive are Keen's Seedling (earliest). Gari- baldi, Sir J. Paxton, I'lesident (this damps badly in wet weather), and McMahon. The last can be gathered to the '20th of August and is a great boon on that account ; but we hope that some one will raise a Strawberry (a good one) to fruit into Sep- tember. Sir J. Paxton and McMahon are the best of those just named. Strawberry plants should be made firm in the ground. We mulch ivith short manure, and cover it with new stable litter in April — it is soon washed clean with the rain ; and about three weeks or so before ripening we dust the ground with ,a little guano (or use it in a liquid state), and give a heavy watering, the land being light, and the result is a fine crop of Straw- berries. Many acres of Strawberries are grown about here for market. ^Vhere the runners are allowed to grow thickly, no mulching, of course, is needed.— (iKoiuiE Hakkis. Lambtcn Castle, Fence Houses. — Apples are a short crop with us. The bloom was abun- dant, but was destroyed by spring frosts, from which, as a rule, our garden suffers much, as it only lies a few feet above the sea level. Of Apricots we have none, repeated hard winters having killed the trees. Plums are short, and being late are not likely to be fine, t^herries are a moderate crop, but fairly good in quality. Of Peaches and Nectarines we have none out of doors. Bush fruits have done well, and Straw- berries are plentiful and good. I find Keen's Seedling to do well. I discarded it a fev/ years ago on account of its not fruiting, but after getting a fresh stock of runners it has again taken a favourable position, both as a fruiter out of doors and under glass. Duke of Edinburgh does well, and is a fine looking fruit for dessert or for the exhibition table. Eclipse forces well, and is also bearing a heavy crop outside ; it proves to be a most useful Strawberry. I grow Black Prince, Captain, and King of the Earlies, the two latter in small quantities for trial. Of Vieomtesse H. de Thury we grow lots ; it always fruits heavily, and answers admirably for jireserving. We renew our plants every four years ; the two last years we generally allow the runners to remain, and we never lose a crop. Gooseberry bushes are weighed down to the ground with fruit.— J. Hir.NTEK. Chatsworth, near Chesterfield. An error appears in the last few lines of my fruit report (p. lOS) refei'ring to Strawberries. What 1 in- tended to have said was, that "Strawberries are under the average, and I find a greater percentage .f blind plants than I ever remember before, especially in our old plantations, and also in those formed with runner plant.s. On the other hand, in quarters planted last year with plants which had been forced we have no blind ones, and these, in my opinion, always ^ive the best returns." — 0. Thom.w. WHITE RAMANAS HOSE. The half-opened flower of the white Rainanas Kose (Rosa rugosa) is so lovely, that we have been tempted to again illustrate it, so as to show the bloom in this stage. When fully expanded and showing the golden tassel ul stamens, the flowers are beautiful indeed ; but the half-opened state is to many even more charming. If cut as soon as the buds are upon the point of bursting, they will expand well in water and last longer than if cut when quite open. Everyone who knows this Rose will agree that it has no rival ; even among the multitude of beautiful Ro.ses which we now possess none have such luxuriant green foliage, and none are more beautiful in autumn when adorned w-ith hips, which are un- usually large and bright orange-red in colour. It is so well known now as a perfectly hardy shrub suitable for any open sunny spot, that no ni'ire need here be said about it. 134 THE GARDEN. [Auc 1886. EVILS OF OVERCROWDING. The aphorism, "The man who causes two blades of Grass to grow wliere only one grew before is a public benefactor," is only true in a limited sense; for if the land had been previously well covered with herbage, the doubling of the produce might ruin the whole. In gardening, one of the greatest evils met with is o\'ercrowding, or, as it may be otherwise termed, overcropjiing. The trees in the wood, the White Thorns forming our hedges, the Apple trees in the orchard, the Laurels and other things in the shrubbei-y, and annuals in borders are commonly planted too thickly to permit of their displaying themselves to the best advantage. Many fail in gardening from lack of resolution. They know very well that leaving too many bunches of Grapes on a Vine, or too many fruits on Peach trees, or too many Peas in a drill, will depreciate the value of the whole, and yet the excess is constantly permitted. If statistics could be given of the number of inferior crops of Grapes— say, for instance, that were due to overcropping — the magnitude of the evil would be at once seen. Judicious feeding in many in- stances mitigates the evils of overcropping con- siderably, but cannot eradicate them. Knowing how and when to give extra support to tree or plant in times of pressure furnishes us with the key as to our mode of procedure. A tew weeks ago I noticed a bed of double Zinnias looking weakly and of inferior growth. I sprinkled the sur- face lightly over with Amie's manure, hoeing it in, and now they are as luxuriant as one need wish them to be, and the flowers large in size. Much more might be effected by means of artiticial manures than is now done. I have found an aiiplication of phosi)hates to bench t stone fruits, and liquid manure from the fa'myard or house sewage never comes amiss. On porous soil over-feeding need not be dreaded. A tree carrying a full crop of fruit now should be well fed either with liquid manure of home manu- facture, or a sininkling of aititicial manure of some kind carried into the soil with a soaking of pond water. If we try to giow two plants of Broccoli or two Lettuces where only one grew before, the chances are we shall gain nothing by it ; but Veitch's Autumn Cauliflower, when planted at wide intervals, grows to an immense size, and a Cauliflower a foot in diameter, even when firm, close, and of good colour, is too large for table, so I have found it advisable to plant these near together in order to obtain the small white heart desired, thus showing that there is no rule without an exception. On the other hand, Bi'occoli which are expected to stand the winter can hardly have too much space in moderation. Four feet for the largest kinds should not be exceeded. Few things suffer so much from o\ercrowding as spring-sown annuals. By reason of want of space they are often ruslieil uj) to blossom and bear seed, and become shabby without having reached proper develop- ment. E. HOBD.W. and Picotees. All the above exhibitors showed much above the third class. I would decidedly place them in the first cla'S. In the section for selfs and fancies, the amateur.3' class was for twelve, not six blooms; and cert.iinly the exhibits were anything but third rate. Mr. Aubery Spurling obtained the first prize with a superb lot of blooms, and they were the more creditable to him, because he does all the work him- self after business hours. Indeed, there were no fewer than twenty-nine exhibitors, a large proprirtion of them lieing in the same position as Mr. Spurling ; and after the efforts they have made and the excellerrt results obtained, it is, ti) say the least, somewhat dis- couraging to be told that their flowers were " very third-rate."— J. Dodglas. MUSHROOMS FOR AUTUMN AND WINTER. Carnations at South Kensington. — Seldom indeed can fault be found with the reports of exhibi- tions given in The G.vkden; iror is there anything, perhaps to complain of now, as the matter tT 18S6. Thk Jcjected Rose-grower, who had carefully laiiUiud, released, stieked, and peihaps just se- cured with the first tie, what were to have pro- vided him ill the summer of 18SG with lovely maiden bkoms, might, any time the first week in May, have exclaimed with Whittier, ( >f all 8 ul words of tongue or pen, Tlie saddest are thes?, ''It might have been ! "' All had been going on well. After a winter of rest, a strong, sturdy growth wa? deliberately proceeding, and atl'ording every prospect of a t,dorious harvest, when .suddenly Stage-mamiger Eastwind whi.-tles, the sunny scene changes to winter with a rapidity th:it would do credit to a modern pantomime ; only, the transformation is the wrong way, from the " Scone of rustic happi- ness" to "The maiden in distress." In fact, the thermometer having dropped down to some I'l" or 1.")° below the freezing [loint, all the tender growing maidens were converted into cut-backs in the most relentless way. Kot that the cut- backs got off much better ; indeed, on the 1st of Miy they looked almost the worst of the lot ; but then they had so much more material to go Ij-iek upon than the newly-budded plant.*, that though they also had to do all their work over again, they recovered in time to throw up good flowers from behind the injured prjint.s. Just a few gardens that escaped the ordeal have shown what a season "it might have Veen," and pro- 1) ibly finer llowers have not been seen than Mr. H-iywood's thirty-six at Reigate and Mr. Peni- barton's thirty-six at B.iih ; but otherwise the evidence of the visitation has been general. Of course, the displays most injuricnisly affected have been those of the trade-growers, who rely cliietly on maidens for their exhibition blooms ; and, as a conseijuence, the Ro.se shows of 1886 c.innot be regarded, on the whole, as otherwise than below the average in point of quality. However, if the shows have been less gorgeous than usual, the gardens have been more than usually interesting. In the first place, the cheek- ing of the growth of the plun's by the la'e frost has greatly prolonged the flowering season. Many varieties which in the south of England are normally over within the first ten days of July are only now in perfection, so that the usual gap between the first and second flowering seems likel}' this year to be bridged over. Again op- portunity has been afforded for noting the varie- ties that are most capable of resisting or recover- ing from such unseasonable attacks, and in this respect the Tea-scented varieties stand out to conspicuous advantage. Not as resisting, it is true ; they all "sat down" with a meekness of sub- mission, whicli, if not gratifying, was at least prompt and unanimous. But as soon as the cold wave that made them "duck" was passed, they got up again and succeeded in looking as if nothing had liappened far better and sooner than the more unyielding Hybrid Perpetuals, that tried to stand up through it. The latter affected to go on growing as if tliere was nothing the matter, but the few that did succeed in ])roducing some dreadful deformity of a flower only proved the hopelessness of the case, and they had to begin again from the bottom after having wasted the time in trying to pose as hardy plants. Even the summer Roses and some of the species were cut off, so that another peculiarity of the season was, that all the Roses — singles. Damasks, Gal- licas, Mosses, Ayrshires, Teas, and Hybrid Per- petuals— were seen flowering simultaneously. Some of the more tender summer-flowering sorts never succeeded in producing any bloom at all, while the blossoms of others, though numerous, were nearly all imperfect. Of the former. For- tune's Yellow, which was giving splendiil promise of a coming "tliower of tawny gold," was a case in point, every flowering shoot being injured be- yond recovery ; and nearly all the other summer Roses, except the Provence and Mosses, were in the latter condition, flower after flower expamiing, each more deformed than the last, being either (juarfered, or green-eyed, or in many cases having a second flower-bud growing up through the centre of the half-e.xpanded Idossom. Among the Hybrid Perpetuals, the first to re- cover and get into flower was the popular and thoroughly dependable A. K. Williams, a little under-sized, perhaps, but bright and otherwise quite in character. The way in which this beau- tiful variety has come through the recent winter and spring, and afforded first-rate blooms through- out the season, ought to remove all doubt as to its claim to be considered as the best all-round Hybrid Perpetual — especially when grown on ilwarf Brier stocks. It is generally the first to open and the last to succumb to October fogs Its upright habit makes it exceedingly gay in the garden, and its flowers being nearly always per- fect in form whatever their size, it is equally available for exhibition and general cut-flower work. The next variety to make a display was Charles Lefebvre, on cut-backs — the maiden plants never recovered at all ; and Madame Gabriel Luizet was a good third, producing myriads of flowers in the hope of gaining the verdict, but her usual perfect finish was terribly wanting. The garden was now gay enough with bloom on the cut-back plants of every kind, though fully two-thirds of the flowers would not bear critical inspection ; but the maidens remained ominoudy green, and, as if to make up for the absence of greenfly and mildew, (")range fungus, or red rust, made its appearance on the va- rieties that were budded on the Manetti. It is worthy of especial note that the plants on Brier cuttings or seedlings were, and have continued almost entirely, free from this unsightly fungus ; while those on the Manetti in their neighbourhood have hardly in a single case escaped. In fact, evidence is gradually accumulating from all sides in support of the contention that dwarf Brier (cutting or seedling) is the stock upon which all Roses ought to be worked. Of course, as Manetti stocks can be so easily made and budded, and so Ciuickly form big saleable plants, they will die hard, for there is no denv- ing the Manetti the merit of convenience, but that is about its only virtue. Plants worked on dwaif Briers give more perfect maiden blooms than those on Manetti, and, not beginning to grow so early, are less liable to injury from spring frosts ;" they are hardier, since, owing to the freater hardness and vigour of the Brier roots,^ diey are better able to withstand extremes of drought and cold ; they are longer lived ; and while numerous varieties, including all the Tea- scented and Noisettes, require Brier, and will iiot succeed out of doors upon Manetti, no varieties are ever mentioned as succeeding upon Manetti which will not do eiiually well, or better, upon dwarf Brier. It is probable that the rapid deterioration of plants worked on Manetti has been the cause of Roses being so often grown merely for cut flowers, insteadof being boldly treated as decorative garden plants. To be effective in this way they should lie massed in considerable groups of one variety, rather than indiscriminately mixed in ones and twos. A bed of a hundred dwarf trees makes a far more brilliant display when planted, .say, in five vaiieties of distinct colours than if all, or most, of the plants are of dift'erent sorts. Care should be taken to select varieties of decided colour and sturdy habit that hold their blooms erect, and that are free and perpetual flowering. By way of an example, a bed to hold a hundred plants might lie arranged in five irregular grou])3 of twentv each of the following varieties : A. K. "Williams, Hon. Edith Gifl'ord (a valuable ereet- L;rowing wdiite Tea of great freedom of bloom), Marquile de Castellane', Merveille de Lyon, and ( 'harles Lefebvre. If a mass of bloom is con- sidered preferable to more brilliant individual flowers, Noble's Queen of the Bedders is an admirable variety to grow. It will thrive in most soils, and is a free and continuous bloomer, throw- ing up a succession of large trusses (jf flowers of Charles Lefebvre colour, though wanting indi- vidually in refinement. Another beautiful light varietvfor similar purposes, and not liable to the last objection, is Nabonnand's seedling from La France— < 'innes la Coquette. La France itself is a little too much inclined to be pendulous to be quite effective in the garden, and is also easily spoiled by wet ; whereas Cannes la Coquette has a stifi' upright habit, and owing to its thicker, more substantial petal, is not reidily disfigured Ijy rough weather, and its colour is almost exactly that of Lady Mary Fitzwilliam. For a Tea-scented variety to associate with the two foregoing, nothing prettier could be found than Madame Joseph" Schwartz, whose great trusses of lovely white shell-pet tiled flowers, just washed with the tenderest rose, are held boldly up to the admiring c,'aze of every pa.sser-by. This habit of holding its flowers erect is essential to the permanent popularity of any Rose as a garden plant. Many a good variety, such as Leopold Hausburg and Madame Emma Hall, have gone out of general cultivation because they produce no effect, through hanging their heads. Pendulous flowers are, of course, admissible iu climbers where one may stand under the v,-all anl look up into the inverted goblets ; but varieties of the normal habit of growth available for making beds or bushes that are not able to hold up their heads on the plant, nor even when cut without the help of a wire, ought not to be encouraged. It would seem desirable that raisers should pay a good deal more attention to the other points in a Rose's character insteail of basing their estimate of a new variety solely upon the merit of its flowers. The flower is undoubtedly the most important i>art of a Rose, and new colours and more perfect forms are of the highest importance; but gain in this direction may be more than counterbalanced if the plant upon which it is to be displayed definitely refuses to grow, or carries its blooms in such hang-dog fashion as" to be complexly unomamental in the warden. There is another Hybrid Perpetual sent out last year following in the lice of Claude Levet, Louis Dore, and such like ; it may be dis- tinct perhap.?, but as the tallest plant in the row of maidens is about t) inches high, it is certainly worthless, and there is no doubt that the reputa- tion of raisers of such varieties wi>uld be greatly enhanced if they could bring themselves to re- frain from sending them into commerce. Perhaps this flooding of the market with worthless or consumptive hybrids may be partly owing to the want of sympathy on the part of the raiser with the objects of the subsequent 138 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 11, 1886. grower ; and in that case the best plan would be for amateurs to raise seedlings themselves, and endeavour to And out by soma consistent plan and method of proceeding how far it is ]iossible to attain a definite end. That looking for one thing will result in the finding of sonielhing else is perhaps truer of raising .seedlings than of many other undertakings, and no doubt the attempt to raise a race of Roses cajuble of ie.=isting the in- sidious attacks of mildew would incidentally result in the production of some distinct variety which, if not mildew-proof, might otherwise be a great acquisition. If the avowed object be to raise seedlings that shall be e.vemjit from mildew, the employiuent of any of the summer Roses, or any of their near relatives, as Madame Gabriel Luizet, should be studiously avoided, for the way in which the pest overwhelms the latter, and even to a greater e.xtent the Gallicas, is hopeless, On the other hand, most of the North American species, as Rosa lucida, Rosa rubifolia, &c., seem always free from any disfigurement of foliage, and are of excellent constitution. It is satisfac- tory to see that the classes framed at tlie National Hose Society's exhiljition, ami .since at Manches- ter and elsewhere, are helping to bring forward some unduly neglected favourites, including a good many ot the single Rose.s, such as macran- tha, the Austiian Brier.o, rubifolia, &c. ; and now that the latter are beginning to obtain some sliare of recognition in our gardens, there will be a better chance of getting their good constitu- tional qualities combined with the .substantial advantages of existing double Roses for the piro- duction of the "coming race" of Roses, which, rising superior to the chnmic diseases of an effete iild-world population, shall keej) all gardens gay throughout tlie summer with blooms of every C(jnceivable shade ol colour in which blue is an unknown (juantity. T. W. G. Orchids. HARDY ORCHIDS. Sevhx years ago, in a quiet, semi-shady corner of a little Welsh garden, aspect southern, a small bed was specially prepared for the reception of hardy Orchids, and the following report of both successes and failures with these pretty and in- teresting, but now, I am forced to add, rather capricious, subjects will, I know, prove of interest to more than one reader of The (iARDE.v. The bed, a rectangle of fully SO square feet of surface, was formed by removing nearly 2 feet in depth of the soil, jilacing a couple of inches of rough Anglesey gravel in the bottom, and levelling up with a half of pure and good woodland leaf- mould, a quarter of rough hog removed from a deep railway cutting, and a quarter of the ori- ginally taken out soil. Heights and lioUows were ne.xt formed in the bed, for well I knew that the Marsh Orchis could never succeed on a dry hillock jusi as well as I knew that the Bee Ophrys was never intended for inhabiting a swamp. To re- move the monotony of bare soil, a few limestone blocks, or stones, I should rather say, for blocks are not readily ottained just when one wants thorn, were inserted in half-natural, half-suitable positions, and against the sides of these such Icinds as require calcareous situations were planted with a great amount of success. The bed being thus formed, all the Orchids in the imme- diate neighbourhood were transferred to it in a most careful manner, generally by the half-dozen, the strongest and best-marked flowers being always chosen. From time to time during the space of two years, whether by purchase or exchange, I succeeded in collecting together all our native species, with, perhaps, three exceptions, these being planted in soils and positions akin, as nearly as possible, to those in which they were found in a sta*e of nature. Foreign species were more reality obi ained - Messrs. \Vare, Dammann and Co., and Ant. Roozen offering very tempting lists, and a couple of dozens ot the reputed hardy and easily managed of these were likewise purchased and planted according to catalogue directions, until in all there were nearly 100 distinct kinds in the bed, the surface of which was carpeted with such low- growing subjects as Campanula hederacea, Ana- gallis tenella, Arenarias, and Saxifrages, this for the double purpose of imparting an ornamental appearance and keeping the soil cool and moist by preventing excessive evaporation. Of all these a few have done remarkably well and inorea.sed both in size and number ; a lai'.;er proportion have done but middling, while more than one-fourth have entirely disappeared, a good deal owing, no doubt, to my inability to procure strong uninjured .specimens, at least more so than from any dithculty as regards their culture in our English soil and clime. Of those that have suc- ceeded well and become established we will now in turn say a few words, but it may be well to state that they are not treated of or ranked according to merit, but rather in an indiscriminate manner. Amongst the various species of Orchids, 0. foliosa has done remarkably well jilanted in the dampest ground, and with no attention save an annual top-dressing of rich vegetable refuse. Spikes nearly 3 feet Ion.', and bearing from (JO to 80 flowers each, are not exceptional ; indeed at a short distance away the plants look like great, wel'- grown Foxgloves, the colour of the flowers — a pinky- purple — feigning that of the Digitalis in a very marked degree. Division of the roots and fresh planting should take place every third year, for as these increase rapidly and are ot a large size, star- vation, arising from poverty of the soil, is sure to come about, the results of which are but too well known to every cultivator, in small, dwindling, ill-liowered specimen.s. It needs plenty ot water during the growing season so that the big, glossy green leaves may become fully developed, after which the flower will take care of itself. Our native 0. pyramidalis is, in truth, a lovely plant, and of the easiest management, and might just now well grace any border with its pyramidal spikes of sweetly scented rosy flowers. Here it runs wild in a red calcareous-infected loam, and where the ground is thickly matted with the mountain Cudweed (Antennaria dioica). Of the brown Man Orchis (0. fusca), let everyone who has the chance procure a couple or three speci- mens and plant them in chalky loam, in sunshine or shade, and in a dampish situation, and during the spring months, about May, " they will charm the eye and gladden the heart" on more than one occasion with their quaintly conspicuously hooded flowers. About our two commonest species, O. mascula and O. maculata, I need hardly say a word, for every one knows their value in alpine gardening — at least if they do not they ought to do — but leraember to plant in good-sized irre.ular- shaped masses of a dozen or more in each, for not till then is their true worth as garden plants found out and appreciated. The fragrant Orchis, 0. conopsea, is a choice and desirable plant, its pretty mauve flowers and deli- cious fragrance being special recommendations for its extended culture. To get it established re- quires neither much care nor circumspeclion. A white-flowered variety of this Orchid was .sent to me from Ireland some time ago, and it is doing well. 0. Morio is rather insignificant, but rich in colour, and not at all difficult to cultivate ; while 0. laxi- flora, from Guernsey, increases at the rate of one, and sometimes two, new plants in the year. This latter is an ornamental species when well grown, the individual flowers, though rather loosely ar- ranged, being bright and lasting. By far the finest and most easily managed ot the Continental species is 0. undulatifolia, a charming plant, with variously-coloured, curiously- shaped, usually pink-spotted flowers, and large glaucous, wavy leaves. It has become quite esta- blished in various positions, and increases from year to year, the soil used beinji ordinary loam, 'A'ith which a small quantity of old lime rubbish is incorporated. There is a spotted-leaved variety which is a great improvement on the normal plant, the flowers being more numerous, of larger size, and bri\;hter in colour. O. sambucina, the Elder-scented, and 0. Cupani have done mid. dling, but if I could only lift the tubers in their native wilds myself, I feel confident they would do much better. All the Helleborines (Epipactis) grow like weeds when established, and several are highly ornamental. Our three native members of this family — E. latifolia, with its variously co- loured flowers, E. palustris, with its pretty racemo of pinky white blooms and canspicuou,sly crenated lip, and E. ovalis, that dwarf, purple-flowered, limestone-loving plant — all bloom freely year after year; while one out of two of the nearly allied C'ephalantheras is likewise quite at home in a shady corner, where it is almost stifled with Saxifrages and Campanulas. The Musk Hermi- nium (H. Monorchis) is a sweet little plant, whose scant wants— an elevated site and roush chalky loam — are readily enough complied wiih. As the tubers of this plant are formed at the ends cf stout roots, and consecpiently at a considerable distance from the original stem, unusual care in transplanting must be attended to. On the .sloping side of a limestone block the rare highland Orchid, (ioodyera repens, blooms freely; while not a toot from it, but in damper soil, Liparis Loeseli, an interesting, though not very ornamental, plant, has regularly appeared and flowered well for five years past. Thanks to Mr, Gumbleton, I can now boast of possessing healthy, M-ell-fiowered specimens of that rare and interesting Irish Orchid, Spiranthes Romanzoviana, a plant that has been found wild in no other part of Europe, its nearest stations being some ot the cold, upland bogs ot North America. The flowers are creamy white, Violet- scented, and arranged spirally in three rows. With the three native species of Ophrys I can- not say that I have been very successful, although 0. apitera has certainly flowered for several years in a satisfactory manner. Occasionally, however, it disappears for a season or two, and again reappears full of life and vigour — a )ieculiarity that is shared in by one or two other native Orchids, and which should make cultivators doubly careful about giving up for lost what in reality increases beneath ground to bloom above. The genus Cypripedium is well worthy of atten- tion as garden plants, for some half dozen kinds are perfectly hardy, of the freest growth, and quaintly original in their conspicuous flowers. The well known and deservedly popular Mocassin flower (C. spectabile) is a grand plant when well flowered, and a5Sociates nicely with such peat- loving favouiites as the Trilliums, Heaths, and plants of a like temperament. With C. parvi- florum, the small yellow Lady's Slipper, have I, however, been most successful, not only as regards rate of increase, but quantity of bloom produced. A specimen of it wiih two eyes and good un- injured roots was planted in pure, coarse leaf mould and sharp river sand some five or six years ago, and this season it produced no fewer than sixteen flowers, and had fully t«enty stems. By coarse leaf mould is meant such as is intermingled with pieces ot half decayed wood and halt decom- posed leaves, tor this I find, or rather have read, in that delightful book, "The Orchids of New England, " is the most natural food for this hand- some tribe of plants. C. acaule I cannot manage, but C. pubescens appears regularly year by year, and is an interest- ing and pretty ji'.ant. That rare and pure flowered species — I refer to C. candidum — like- wise does well and increases rapidly, which, soriy am I to say so, is not the case with C. arietinura nor C. macranthum. I wish someone would send me good roots of either or both, for I quite believe that they are manageable enough; but the stumpy, emaciated s|)ecimens which one gets tor 3s. lid. were never meant for succeeding, but rather .sold, as the flowers of a much-prized Continental Rose were. Aug. ]i, 1SS6.] THE GARDEN. 139 with the eye removed, so that propagation was out of the question. The English Lady's Slipper, C. Calceolus, puzzled me long enough, but now, thanks to those who kindly sent me eyes, roots and all, it is a treat to see it established in at least three positions, in- creasing in number and luxurianee, and blooming freely for these two years past. Mr. Wood's sand recipe for "picking up" muti- lated rooted specimens is good, but give plenty of water, as Orchids, above all things, cannot a'nde drought. There are two or three other North American Orchids, a? well as the Cypripediums above referred to, that are worthy of more than a passing note, and, first, let me refer to Orchis spectabilis, for it is a bold, easy-habited plant with an amount of Yankee folk lore attached that is almost distressing, and with a fine dense spike of pinky flowers and a remarkably good constitution. I'laiited with Cypripediums from the same country it will do well, but try it in dry ground, as some- bodydid,and you will bedisapjjointed andthinkthe printed directions for cultivating the plant a little bit misleading. Last of all, a Chinese Orchid, Bletia hyacinthina, has done well in dampish peaty soil, where it i)roduces its grassy foliage and spikes of handsome purplish flowers nearly as perfect as the generality of those offered for sale in the market-place at Canton. The genus Serapias has been neglected, for I should have said that three species at least, S. Lingua, S. neglecta, and S. cordifera, are satisfactory, and that is saying a great deal. In conclusion, I may add that only such species as have done well are treated of above, and any p;rson procuring good roots of these and giving them a fair trial will certainly be far from dis appointed with the r.^sutts. A. D. Webstick. AUGUST FLOWERING ORCHIDS. As the present month Is considered f'.(., sorts that have flowers not large enough for ordinary exhibition purposes. Specially pleasing for button -hole flowers are selections from the self, and even some edged flowers found in the French strain. Small, but full, flowers, distinct and pleasing in colour, need not be wanting in beauty or sweetness. It adds much to the merit of these kinds that they can be easily raised from seed, and that they also seed freely. None the less, many of them give plenty of grass for pipings or layers if need be. Still, with seed plentiful it is easier to save some and sow annually. Care in the selection may pro- duce improvements in the flowers, but size of bloom should be less a desideratum than securing good form and substance and beautiful shades of colour. This strain will give plenty of flowers for the million. A class for buttonhole Carnations or Picotees in bunches of six blooms, one variety in a bunch, would afford some scope for opinion as to what size of flower and hue of colour were best suited for the object in view.^A. D. NOTES OF THE WEEK. Lilium anratnin.- Some thousands of this lovely Lily are now finely in flower in the Hrooklane Nursery, Orms- kirk ; each stem bears from si.x to ten flowers, and amongst them are many of the crimsun-banded variety. All of them have been raised from seed, and are growing in beds in the open air, where they improve both in strength and flori- ferousness every season. With mc imported bulbs de- teriorate after one or two seasons' growth, but home-grown ones improve. — J. Hathaway, LtUhniit //.o'Sf, Oi-mslcir/^: Primula Parryi. — As an ornamental plant, I am unable to make this Primula a success, but others may have done better. Two years ago I raised about fifty from Mr. W. Thompson's seed, and planted them out, as is my habit, under m.any different conditions. They seem happiest on a raised bed of moist j>eaty loam, facing the north-east and sheltered. The flower is purple, not much larger than that of a common Cowslip. The leaves are about 8 inches long, rather like an elongated Auricula leaf. The plant is a native of the Rocky Mountains. — C. Wolley Dod, i'dge Hall, Malpas. Hybrid Montbretias.— Mr. W. E. Gumbleton sends from Bel^rove, t^'neenstown, specimens of three new varieties of Montbretia crocosm.'eflora, itself a hybrid between M. Pottsi and Tritonia aurea. AU the three sorts differ from the original. One has very dark red flowers, and is named Eioile de Feu. Another, called Gerbe d'Or, is a pure yellow self, while the third is between the two others in colour, and is named Bouquet Fait. Mr. (rumbleton ob- serves that they are all abandant bloomers and quite hardy with him during ordinary winters. Montbretia Pottsi — I see complaints made from time to time in The Gaki'EX about Montbretia Pottsi not flowering. I senfl you a few sprays of it, and also of the hybrid IM. crocosma?flora. Thev bloom admirably with me, and yield a full crop of seed. — W. B. Haktlaxd, Cork. *,* The specimens which Mr. Hartland sends are excellent, hut we doubt if such good results could ba obtained with this plant in a less favoured locality. — ■ Ei). The Formosa Lily.— The variety of Lilium longiBorum which is found wihl in the island of For- mosa is named formosanuni, and a fine flowerincr specimen of it has been sent to us by Mr. Taylor Shier, from St. Martin's House, Colchester. It differs from the ordinary form of L. longiflorum in several respects. The flowers are slightly stained with purple on the outside, the foliage is longer, and the stems taller. It was introduced by Messrs. Veitch ab.jut seven years ago, through their ccllector, Mr. Maries, and an illustration of the first plant that flowered in this country will bs founrl in The Garden, Vol. XVIII. The daily papers and matters botanical. — An instance of the way in which newspapers educate their readers in matters botanical occurred in one of the leading London daily papers this week. It cmtained a long rigmarole relating to " an Orchid sale," written ostensibly by ".an Orchid cultivator," but the way in which the writer blundered respecting little details clearly showed that he had been " coached," and that he did not possess great know- ledge of his subject. The qvieer w.ay in which he mixes up " professional and amateur cultivators" is amusing, and scarcely less so his ideas respecting genera. Another reporter writes as follows respect- 140 THE GARDEN. [Aug. U, 1886. ng the tnlierous Begonias shown at South Ken- fcington on Tuesday last ; " Ten years ago this bloom was a small and insignificant iield flower, upon which but little attention was bestowed, whilst now it is one of the garden pets, and its colours have become legion. Yesterday there were shown double flowers resembling Balsams; whilst there was a larger number of new varieties, im)ngst them a singular duplex!" Alluding to the bt.autiful Fuchsia triphjlla shown from Chiswick, the same writer reports: ''A new Fuchsia, more resembliog Heather than the members of its own family, w.as a specialty." Now, when everybody is going to the moors, the writer may have had Heather on the brain, but the Fuchsia in question is no more like Heather than it is like a C!.abbage. Genista setnensis. — This is one of the most elegant of all the fienistas, and forms a good sized shrub U feet or 10 feet high, a jirominent feature of which is the elegantly drooping branchlets, and just now the bright golden blossoms impart another and a very attractive addition to its ornamental qualities. It is a native of the district around Mount Etna, from whence the name is derived ; according to Loudon it was introduced in 1S16, but it is even now quite a rare plant in gardens, though it is so orna- mental and can be increased by means of seeds to an almost unlimited extent. — H. P. National Dahlia show.— Mr. Moore, the honorary secretary to this attracti\e exhiliition, which takes place at tlie Ci-ystal Palace on September 3 and 4, asks for space to remind growers and exhi bitors of this interesting auturan.al flower show th.at the Turner Memorial Prize (silver cup, value ,4;10, for twelve show and six fancy Dahlias) will be open for further competition at the ensuing show, and to say that he will gladly furnish the prize schedule t" any person who may apply for it. Kntriea for the shuw should be sent to him (at the Botanic Garden, Chel.sea, S.W.) on or before August "27. Lilies and shelter.— Mr. fi. F. Wilson male some very interesting stateraenti the other day in The G.vkden about Lily growing. I can quite agree as to what he says as to the beneficial effects of shelter, especially during the early stages of growth. I had many Lilies planted in various po.«itions through the garden, but those grown in the Rhododendron beds have been nuich the iinest, anil I now sentl you a few sample?, including L. Martagon var. dalmaticum (with forty-one flowers (m a stem, 7 feet high), L pardalinum, L. testaceum, L. chalctdonicum, &c. — F. W. MooiiE, Glaxnci-in, Dublin. *j* The Lilies sent by Mr. Moore are indeed very fine, particularly the L. dalmaticum — one of the best specimens we have seen. — Ed. Varieg'ated Sophora.— This is a distinct-look- ing variety, luiving the leaves marked with creamy white, changing to pure white as the foliage matures. The variegation is not so clear and well defined as in some shrubs, but is effective at a little distance, when the variegated leaves give to a S])ecime.i the appearance of being laden with white blossom.«. It is far less vigorous than the common green-leaved type, but like that will thrive in dry soils ; indeed, grown in this way, the variegation is better defined than in a moisttr spot. As a single sptcimtn there are few more effective shrub j than this at the present time. It is generally increased by grafting on seed- lings of the common green-leaved form. — T. A new annual Poppy (Papiverpavoninum). — I observe that you have received specimens of my new Poppy, I'apaver pavoninum (Schrenk), but as I think it, probable the flowers may have f.allen to pieces in transit, I venture to send yon a few branches, in the h()pe that the buds ma}^ expand in water and thus'give you perfect flowers. I tliink it an interest- ing, or even a remarkable speci-s. The foliage is decidedly less weedy than that of many annual species, and while the plant is young is even elegant in its pinnatifid lobings, reminding one of the genus Caucus. The singular horn-like appendages of the sepals are, so far as I know, peculiar to this species, and at .any rate readily distinguished from all others at present in cultivation. The brilliant scarlet flowers «ith the deeply contrasted glossy black zone will, I hope, speak for them elves. The specimens sent are from plants which have been some little time in flower, and the blossoms are therefore by no means of maximum size, but rather below it. — W. Thompson, Ipsn-irh. Spirsea Lindleyana. — This Spiraea does not continue so long in b'oom as some other species, yet it lias such ornamental foliage and is so beautiful when in bloom, that it must rank among the most select shrubs. It forms a large liush 10 feet or 1"2 feet high, when grown in good free soil, and if in an open position will be as much in diameter. The long wand- like shoots that are pushed up from the base of the plant are now terminated by large feathery paniclt.s of white blossoms, which in association with the light pinnate foliage cause this Spiriea to be so much admired. It is seen to the greatest advantage when planted by itself, for then it can show its full beauty, though it is able to hold its own when planted with other shrubs. This Spirsea is a native of the Hima- layas, and is occasionally injured during exceptionally severe winters, but, as a rule, quickly recovers. It m.ay be easily propagated by detaching rooted suckers, which can, as a rule, be done without difficulty. — T. so, to what can it be attributed ? Would Mr. Syme kindly give u.s a list of the forked, tas,selled, and crested forms of exotic Ferns with which he is acquainted ? G. Ferns. TASSELLEl) AND CRESTED FERNS. I JIAVE been much interested in reading a reply to ray note.s on this subject which appeared in Tun Garden- (p. 118); still, I do not think the writer has disproved my argument. My statement was that, according to my observations, British Ferns were more subject to variation from their normal forms than exotic species. I, moreover, believe that this variation has come about recently. Old British botanists were keen-eyed enough to dis- cover a few abnormal forms, which they duly recorded, and it is only feasible to suppose that, had the varieties we now have been in existence in their day, they would have been noted. I am aware that many abnormal forms have been bred in gardens, but enormous quantities can be ga- thered wild any day in a good Fern locality. I have made Ferns one of my special studies for about thirty years, during which time I have col- lected an herbarium of nearly SODt) kinds. I have had working access to some of the largest Fern herbariums in the country, besides having the care of some of the largest collections in cultivation ; therefore I approach the subject with some prac- tical knowledge. I have large collections of Jamaica Ferns, and I possess specimens of a forked Blechnum from near the same sjiot men- tioned by Mr. Syme; but the genus Bleclinum. or Lomaria combined, has never yet produced the number of sports that our solitary species, I. Spicant, has done. Our British Ferns do not amount to more than about one in sixty com- pared with the exotic species ; and whilst we have hundreds of named varieties of the former, I think one hundred would embrace all the known abnormal forms of the latter. It is quite probable that there are plenty more yet to be in- troduced ; that they may have been passed over by the botanical collector is feasible enough ; but as all trade collectors know that there are nu- merous admirers of these plants, and that they obtain a ready sale at home, they would be greatly to blame if they did not add to our knowledge of them and enrich their employers' Fern collections at the same time. Mr. Syme states that many Indian Ferns vary as much as our common Hart's- tongue, but I would certainly be glad to know what species of exotic Ferns with simple fronds so vary. I have looked through all known to mc, but cannot find one : in a large scries of Elapho- glossum I can find no abnormal forms. I cer- tainly find the species running into each other in a way which large sets of any genus will always show, but the only crested simple-fronded exotic Ferns with which I am acquainted are Micro- sorium irioides, Asplenium paltnatum, and Nipho- bolus Lingua. The inference which I draw from the great variation that occurs in our native Ferns is, that some climatic change is going on which influences these plants in a more rapid num- ner than phmts in any other Order; if that be not THE BIRD'S-FOOT VIOLET. (viola pedata.) Well named is this pretty American Violet, the shape of leaf-stalk and leaf strangely resembling a bird's fi lot and leg ; — a pretty, interesting flower, with a look of some shy animal with ears thrown back. The flowers vary a good deal in different plants both in size and shade of colouring — usually a bright cheerful lilac. There is a white variety, and one that is deep purple and white. It thrives in cool peaty ground, but needs careful watching in winter, as the roots die entirely away, leaving only a little stocky stump, which is easily thrust out of the ground by frost. Crinum giganteum var. concinnum. — This pretty dwarf growing and free-blooming Crinum is now blooming for the second time this year in my greenhouse on a bulb obtained last autumn from Mr. Bull, of Chelsea. Its flowers are pure white, and are borne in umbels of six to eight on a slight stem of only a foot in height, which is very low for a Crimnn, the flower-stems of the other varieties now in flower here being G. Moorei, 2 feet 4 inches, and C. PowcUi (in ojien border), exactly 4 feet high. The flowers themselves, though of good size, by no means deserve the name of giganteum, but have to bear it, as the plant is merely a low growing form of C. giganteum, figured in the 8Uth volume of Butiniirnl Mai/u^im; plate 5205, which is, though an exceedingly handsome, undoubtedly .in extremely coarse-growing species, only suitable for the largest sized stoves, wliere it can be planted out, as in the Palm stove at Kew. Exctpt under this treatment, which it would be possible for so very few to give it, it would doubtleis be almost impossible to bloom it; while the variety whose n.ame heads this note may be grown and bloomed success- fully by any lover of these handsome plants who has an ordinary warm stove to grow it in. It seems to be an evergreen species ; whereas most Crinums are deciduous. — W. E. Gumbleton. Bedding plants in Hyde Park.— When taking a somewhat hasty survey, recently, of the flower-beds in Hyde Park by the side of I'ark liine, I noticed two good bedding Tiobelias : one is named Snowball, and, as its name implies, it produces white flowers. It is ilwarf and compact in habit, and pro- duces large, stout, well-formed flowers, without the slightest trace of IJue on them. The other is Omen, clear bright lilac, a charming bedder, and novel in colour ; both are used with excellent effect as edgings, and they should be made a note of by those of your readers who are interested in this style of gardening. One of the best of the zonal class of Pelargoniums for bedding purposes is Charles Schwind. In Hyde Park it is strikiniily effective ; the habit is vigorous, and yet compact, and it flowers with remarkable freedom ; the trusses large and bold, and the flowers, individually, of a rich crimson colour. I was pleased to see Carnations, Picotees, Canterbury Bells, and Phlox Drummondi among other good old-fashioned plants, and used in combination with other sub- ject.s. Fuchsias an 1 Begonias may be seen here in charming combination, and both make admirable bedding plants. Fuchsias are not nearly so much used in this way as they deserve to be. One very pretty combination bed consists of Phlox Drum- mondi and yellow Picotees mixed, carpeted with purple Violas and edged with the same ; there is an outer circle of Coleus Verschaffelti, and also an outer edging of Poa trivialis varie,'ata. Mixed Ver- benas make pretty beds, and they are continuous as regards blooui, i.e., if the decaying flower trusses are picked off. Another pretty bed was made up of the variegated Fuchsia Meteor .and Lobelia car- dinalis mixed together ; round this were Coleus Verschaffelti .and an outer edging of the golden Ly- sunachia Nummularia, or Creeping Jenny. Much useful information as lo the adaptaliility of ct-rtain plants for bedding purposes might bp pickctl up just now in Hyde Park. — R. D. Arc. 14, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 141 Trees and Shrubs. MULt'HINC RHOUODKNURONS. I AiiKEK with "J. C. B." (p. 100) that a mulch on the surface of Rhododendron beds would ho of great benefit to them. Some ycar,s ago when 1 had charge of a dry banlv planted with choice varietie.s of Rhododendron we made it a practice early in Augu.«t every year to cut a wagon-load of green Bracken and lay it down between the plant.s sutTiciently thick to require treading, .so that when completed it was from 4 inches to G inches in thickness. At first it withered a good deal, but there was always suffi- cient to all'ord a thick surface mulch. During winter it gradually decayeil into a fine mould, on which the roots used to feed with marvellous avidity. Thus the plants were kept in excellent health and vigour. Anyone acquainted with the light and friable character of decayed Fern will readily understand that it is just the kind of material that the deli- cate surface roots of Rhododen- drons would like, for their rootlets are so small that they are not able to grapple with any harsh or stub- born substance. I liave had no ex- perience with regard to short (irass as a mulch for Rhododendron beds, but if laid on thick enough where the soil is not very deep and natu- rally dry, I do not doubt that it would be of service. I should, however, prefer a thick layer of leaves, and where there is not a large space to deal with some large stones laid on the leaves would keep them from being blown about by wind. I have used half rotten man- ure as a mulch for Rhododendrons with very good results; in fact, I believe that anythingthat is capable of resisting the drying influer ce of the sun if laid on the surface is beneficial. Being much troubled with rabbits burrowing in the soil in the case of some plants standing singly on the lawn, I covered the surface with large Hat stones, and in a year or two afterwards I found, on lifting the stones, that there was a perfect network of roots beneath them, while the spaces between the stones had no roots so near the sur- face. From this I am persuaded that in many dry jilaces a surface 1 lyer of stones would be of gieat advantage where no other attention could be given. I have, however, greater faith in mulching material that will feed the roots and at the same time increase the depth of soil. I have practically tested this mat- ter by laying on the surface a coat- ing of soil, and I am convinced that when old plants have exhausted that below, they may be kept in health and induced to flower regularly by an annual application of suitable soil on the surface, i.i ., if laid out as far as the roots extend. There are, however, some cases in which neither mulchings nor surface dressings are suHi- cient to keep the plants in health. When the soil is not deep and of a light dry character, old plants not unfrequently suffer a good deal from the want of root moisture, even as early in the summer as July, and if not watered they either make but little growth, and consequently produce but few flowers, or else they die altogether. None but an obser\'ant cultivator can understand how much Rhododendrons suffer from want of root moisture. The inexperienced naturally think that because they resent the presence of too much moisture about their roots in winter, they are comparatively indift'erent in regard to drought in summer. But that is not so, for few, if any, hardy plants sooner show their dislike to drought. Therefore, in order to be successful with them, root watering in some cases becomes a necessity, and it does not require years ago that it did not succeed except at the a very keen eye to ascertain when it is necessary. ' seaside, but it will grow here in the midlands. If it is found that (ho leaves quickly flag under a and thrives well on a wall, and in good soil in a bright sun, and that the young growth is weak '■ sheltered situation it will succeed as a border or and the leaves small, then it may bo safely con- i lawn shrub. It has pink flowers, wliich aie borne eluded that a good root watering is wanted. , in trusses at the ends of the young .shoots of the Duiing my experience I have found that these ^ same season's growth. The Howers are very plants suli'er more in a dry autumn than at any persistent and very useful for cutting, other time; then, I suppose, there is a greater strain on the roots than at any other time, conse- quent on the formation of the flower-buds. ) C. ('. AUTUMN-FLOWERING SHRUBS. Tiioufiii spring seems the natural time of bloom- ing in the case of trees and shrubs, autumn is not altogether flowerless. One of the prettiest deciduous shrubs that blossom in August is the Buckeye (Pavia macrostachya). — This is a miniature Horse Chestnut, but does not fruit — The Bird's-fcot Violet (Viola pedata). Engi'aved from a photogi-aph for "The English Flower Garden." at least, I have not seen a fruiting specimen. It is easily propagated from suckers and layers, grows from 6 feet to 10 feet high, and makes a pretty lawn shrub. Spanish BRoojr (Spartium junceum) is one of the showiest things in the shrubbery at this season. With us it has been in bloom some time, and will continue to be laden with its golden blossoms some time longer. It has a pretty eflect among dark-leaved Evergreens. C'lejutis Fi,.4HMi-L.\ is usually considered a wall plant, and it has a pretty eflect climbing over a porch or festooning round the windows, but it is also a good thing to set against a pole, and not trained too closely, so that its flowering branches may be allowed a little motion. It has white flowers, which, though fmall, are pretty and sweet, their numbers compensating for lack of size. Altii.ea frftex (Hibiscus syriacus) is a very useful class of flowering shrubs, very showy at the present season. There is considerable variety amongst them, and some have variegated foliage. All are deciduous, and grow from 4 feet to ."> feet high. Venetian- Sumach (Rhus Cotinus). —Though not exactly an autumn flowering shrub, this season it will be in blossom with us up till the end of August. It is a handsome lawn shrub, and very striking now with its bright green leaves and large masses of crimson inflorescence. Si'Ik.i:a ari.ii-olia. — This is an- other August flowering shrub of ex- ceptional merit, not half so common as it ought to be. In good .soil it grows from 7 feet to 8 feet high, and when in blossom it has a very strik- ing appearance. The flowers are white, and are borne in large droop- ing panicles. Spir.Ta bella is a use- ful late-flowering shrub of smaller dimensions than the preceding. The iiardv Fuchsias are among the most beautiful of hardy shrubs, and in sheltered situations they attain large dimen.sions. They must be sheltered from the wind, or the flowers will suiter. Gakky.\ ellii'tica is perhaps more a winter blooming plant than autumn, but the catkins appear in October in sheltered situations. I have on sevei'al occasions had this tiarrya do well as a shrub in the open, but it is only .seen at its best on a wall. HvrEiacnsis (St. .John's-wort.s). — These form a large family, and ail bear yellow flowers. Many are dwarf and only suitable for rock- work, and some are of doubtful hardiness. H. calycinum (Rose of Sharon) is one of the best plants with which I am acquainted for furnishing bare places under trees or clothing dry banks where other plants will not grow. Veronica C4iRri\vooDiANA and others of the same shrubby habit are very useful autumn-flowering plants, and are largely employed by seaside planters, especially on the south and v/est coasts. Very large bushes may be seen near the sea in South Devon. Catalpa sYRiN(i-i;FOLiA and C K.'EMPPEia are striking-looking small trees at this season. They are among the latest trees to don their foliage, but they always attract attention. Though the flowers are not showy, they arc |iretty when looked into. Among climbing plants the Passion-flower is one of the most beautiful at this season. It grows freely on a south wall, and is worth some pains in the preparation of the site at tlie beginning. A hard winter will sometimes injure it a good deal, but it is rarely killed outright. The young shoots should be frequently trained in the beginning of the season till the wall is covered, and then more freedom may be permitted. Jasminum nudiflorum is one of the very best late autumn and winter flowering shrubs. Though it like.s the [irotection of a wall, it succeeds very well in a warm situa- tion, and soon forms a dense mass. Perhaps the best autumn flowering shrub is the Rose Gloire de Dijon. Plant it in good soil against a pole or an EscALLONiA MACRANTii.v. — This is One of the _ brightest shrubs for a wall. It was thought a few ' arch in any position where the young wood need 142 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 1 -l, 1886. lOb be rif^ovonoly cut back, niid flowers will be iroduoeil in abuiulanco till quite late in autumn, jarge beaded standard.^ are vei'y ellectivo in the ront of shrubbery borders, and also on the awn on the leeward side of a bed of shrubs or omeothershelter; it isnotonly an autumn bloomer, t is also one of the earliest Roses to flower in pring, and, after a little time to recuperate, it ;oes on through all the summer and autumn with- out any break, and, contrary to most other Roses, its late blooms are but little inferior to those pro- duced in the first blush of the Rose season. E. Hobday. PLANTING ORNAMENTAL TREES. Trees and shrubs on lawns shoulJ for the most part be disposed in an isolated manner ; that is, in such a way that each imlividual plant may assume its natural shape and habit of growth. When trees and shrubs, however, in a pleasure ground attain a large size, they very frequently become more or less crowded, and therefore de- stroy the individuality which belongs to each. Therefore, as they advance in growth, they should either be cut in or thinned out, so as to fully develop the nobler individuals, and where possible to form groups. Half the trees planted, whether for ornament or for profit, are either disfigured or rendered comparatively valuele.ss by having been originally planted too closely together, or by being allowed to remain too long without thinning ; care should therefore be taken to place them in the first instance at a distance apart sutficient to permit them at a future day to display their individuality. The form and outline of trees and shiubs also vary ^■ery much according to the phy.^ical circumstances in which they are placeil, sucli as soil, situation, and climate, and we only get the full grandeur of character which an individual tree is capable of expres.sing when, from its youth up, we save it from being weakened and deprived of light and food by other trees. In planting trees and shrubs, tlie first point to be considered is the selection of such kinds as are known to iiourisli in the particular locality allotted to them and to thrive in the soil about to be operatetl upon ; the next thing to be deter- mined is the ultimate oliject in view, viz., whether you wish to create a permanent wood, or to plant merely as a means of reclaiming the land, or for .shelter, or for ornament. In the forma- tion of large masses of trees aud shrubs, or when trees are introduced into ornamental plantations, they should be kept as much as possdjle in the background ; great caie should also be taken that all the taller-growing kinds are placed in the rear of the less vigorous and slow-growing ones; otherwise they will sion overgrow them, and eventually leave only branchless skeletons, such as we so frei[utntly see ditliguring planta- tions around many country .seats. Again, we often find on lawns groups ut trees planted with the full intention on the p.irt of the planter in the outset that the nur.ses should be wholly removed to allow such trees as are intended ultimately to adorn tiie grounds to assume their natural forms ; but these nurses are, in nine cases out of ten, allowed to become roblier.s, excluding light and air from tliose trees which they were at first only intended to shelter. The predilection which different trees and shrubs indicate for dillerent soils may occasion- ally furnish hints to planters for the .selection of species, and prevent that meagre, starved, and poverty-stricken appearance wdiich too often manifests itself, notwithstanding that heavy expenses have been incurred ; for trees aud shrubs in a state of nature are all indicators of the character of the soil and subsoil where they grow. They also point out its aridity or mois ture, a fact which should be kept in mind by the planter for his guidance in the selection of proper and suitable kinds for particular sites, for it is lamentable to see unsuitable trees so fre- quently planted by persons unacquainted with their nature and habits in places where they only exist ; whereas, if suitable kinds had been selected and properly planted, a very different elfect would have been produced. When the planter has only to consider what trees he should like to see growing around him, and not what the land is most suitaljle for, he can plant what he pleases, as some kind of trees appear to flourish, and really do so, in most soils for a few years ; but after some ten or twenty years they become stunted and dwarfed, lose their foliage prematurel}', and either actually die or survive only to present a melancholy spectacle. Loropetalon chinense. — This is especially interesting as being a member of that curious group of plants, the Wych Hazel family, of which tlie species of Haraamelis, the Sweet Gum (Liquid- ambar), and I'arrotia persica are the most familiar exam]iles. Loropetalon ehinense is not unworthy of general cultivation from a purely garden point of view. It is a free-flowering shrub with the flowers, clustered in small heads, terminating the branches, the calyx being pale green, and the long linear petals pure white. When better known this shrub will probably become a favourite ; quite small specimens flower freely. It was first introduced into this country a few years ago by Messrs. Veitch. It is a native of China, whence it was sent by Mr. Charles Maries. The Ailanto (Ailantus glandulosa). — The Ailanto possesses a very different aspect in its ripe old age from the saplings of it often met with. The largest tree of it in the neighbourhood is at Syon ; indeed, it is tlie largest among the many fine trees that exist of it in the country. The Syon tree, which was figured in Loudon's " Arboretum," is nearly 100 feet high, with a clean, erect bole, rising some ;-10 feet before it branches, and termi- nated by a huge hemispherical head of handsome foliage. Though a rapid-growing tree when young, it has taken many years for this specimen to attain such a large size, and now that it is fully developed there seems to be no variation in its character from year to year. It occasionally bears flowers, which are succeeded by small fruits. The flow ers are produced in terminal erect clusters of a whitish green colour, and they exhale a disagreeable odour. This tree thrives in almost any soil, though that of a light, moist character suits it best. Few trees possess such an elegant foliage and graceful habit of growth as the Ailanto, which is also called the "Tree of Heaven." Golden Elder. — The summer's sun served to intensify the depths of colouring in this golden- leaved shrub, .lust now the exposed [lortion of the foliage is of a rich golden-yellow hue, and where associated with dark-leaved plants, this golden tint is heightened by contrast with the surroundings. This Elder possesses the great merit of not being in any way fastidious as to soil or situation, though it i-5 seen to the greatest advantage in a fairly dry spot and thoroughly exjiosed to the full rays of the sun, for though it will not grow so rapidly as in a moister soil, yet the foliage is much brighter where the roots are moderately dry. Besides this, the golden-leaved Elder will grow very readily from cuttings taken when dormant and dibbled in some sheltered spot. Like all cuttings that are inserted in the open ground they need to be put in firmly, so as to be proof against severe weather and drying winds, which often cause havoc amongst cuttings that are not inserted deeply enough in the ground. T. Olearia Haasti. — I did not think very highly of this hartly shrub while our plants of it were small, but now they have grown into large bushes I begin (o see tliat it is really attractive, ami, what is more, .a very useful plant. It is so ne.at .and compact in growth, that it just suits the front line of a shrul>bery border, nciiding no eutting back to keep it within bounds. The flowers are small, Init numerous enough to make a large jilant attractive ; and what further enhances its value is the tact that it flowers in August when so few other hardy trees or shrubs are in bloom. The blossoms, too, are useful for many purprses in a cut state. It appears to be indifferent about soil ; our plants of it are growing in ordinary garden soil, but T have an idea that peat would suit it better. — .T. C. C. Ceanothus azureus grandiflo:us.— This is a grand plant for south or west walls in any of the southern or western counties, but it would probably prove too tender for the north. Here, in the west, on a wall facing the west, it hardly ever gets injured, and it grows in the most luxuriant manner. It com- mences to flower in July and contiuuts in bloom for two months. I never prune it until the end of Feb- ruary, when a good many of the shoots which have flowered an 1 some of the old ones are cut away, and young growth laid in to fill up tlie space. — J. Flower Garden. ALPINE FLOWERS IN THE PYRENEES. No. II. Baoneres de Luchon, in the department of the Haute Garonne, is a gay town of some 5(i00 in- habitants. A friend told lue that he once suffered so much from the heat there in June, that he determined never to go to the Pyrenees again. We were there the second week in June, and we sufl'ered more from rain and cold, and were very glad of a fire in the evening. Except to the south, in the direction of the P(jrte de 'V^enasque, one ot the chief mule jiasses into Spain during suinmor, where there are fine snow-capped moun- tains, the scenery from the town is not grand, but it is within easy reach of the wildest parts of the Pyrenees. It is the nearest town ti the Maladetta, their highest point, in which the Garonne rises, and amongst whose rocks is one of the last strongholds of the ibex or bouquetin, the "wild goat" mentioned by Homer. Eagles and vultures are to be .seen sailing about the sky near Luchon nearly every day, ami bear.s, wliich in the Pyrenees are neither mythical nor for- midable, descend to within a few miles of the town after wild Strawberries which abwer. When in good form it is not likely to want admirers, dusky though its starry flowers are. The whole plant, indeed, is very dark in colour, and \ery different from the Gentians, to which it is nearly related. Owing to its colour and stature — 2 feet high or more — its effect in bold patches is striking enough. Its habit is firm and erect, de- sirable properties in a plant intended for such springy and semi-wild places as it affects. Polemonium confertum. — This dwarf, but ex- cellent species refuses to grow in some kinds of soil, and therefore soil in which it will grow must be obtained for it. That it is hardy I have no doubt, having grown it so long. The first thing to do is to raise the soil 0 or more inches above the common level. Charge it with light material, such as grit, thoroughly decomposed stable or cow manure and leaves, and m this not only can the plant under notice be grown with success, but many other choice and difficult plants to manage. It likes to be exposed to full sunshine. I have just gathered seeds from a grand variety of Jacob's Ladder, which grows 3 feet or more in height. It is in every way larger th.an the native form ; the flower-stems are less le.\fy, but the radical leaves are bold, long, and arching. It lasted several weeks in flower, though cramped in 4-inch pots. The seeds came from one of the Southern United States, and the plants raised from them have proved to be quite hardy. Horminum pyreuaicum.— This is better than all the Ajugas, and if planted would prove far more serviceable than many would suppose ; its thick, wrinkled leaves are pleasingly arranged in rosettes from G inches to 9 Indies across ; they are evergreen, and strongly remind one of those of well-grown Ra- mondias. It has a happy way of tightly holding itself between big stones, where it forms a pretty feature even when flowerles^. Its short spikes of indigo-blue blossoms keep appearing in succession for a long time in summer and autumn. It is a plant which anybody may grow, and as it is not rampant or spreading, there can be no fear of its encroachment on other things. J. W. Daft'odils, it is much more so in that of many other bulbs, tubers, and corms which we grow in the open air. --K. Culture of Anemones. — Some advice in reference to this matter has recently been asked for in The Garden. In a light sandy soil with a good exposure and where the tubers can get thoroughly baked during the summer months, I do not think anything is gained by lifting and storing them. But, on the other hand, in a heavy clay or other- wise damp soil the stock may often be saved by lift- ing the tubers after the leaves have become brown, and laying them alongside a south wall or other convenient place where they can get jilenty of sun to thoroughly bake and ripen them, planting them again as soon after that has taken place as possible. Another point which I think is not sufficiently attended to, especially in the case of bulbs or tubers that require a little care, is the fact that decaying matter in the soil is harmful where the drainage is in the least defective. Of course, bulbs as well as other plants require food, but other means will readily be found of giving it, such as top-dressings, liquid manure, &c. Nothing I find to be so injurious to the less vigorous class of bulbs as decaying leaves about them in winter, and that even where sand is present in large quantity. The leaves seem to act as a sponge, drawing and retaining all the moisture from the surrounding soil, a state of matters quite the reverse of what is desirable. Good growers of Narcissi prefer pure loam in which to plant their bulbs, and if this is found necessary in the case of HARDY SUBSTITUTES FOR SUB- TROPICAL PLANTS. Knotweed (Polygonum sachalinense). — How i,^ it this once seen never-to-be-forgotten foliage plant is so seldom met with in country gardens '! Hardy and as indestructible as the common Dock, it increases steadily, and forms a most picturesque group when planted in shrubberies, or, better still, on lawns, where it can be backed up and sheltered from high winds by Conifers or shrubs. .Some years ago I obtained a small root and planted it well on a sloping bank where, backed by Abies canadensis and supported on either side by golden Yews, it now forms a clump 9 feet or 10 feet through and quite as many in height. The creeping roots travel silently and steadily along beneath the turf, and throw up their shoots, not thickly and crowded, but in the most irre- gular and natural manner imaginable ; in some places two or three come together, in others single stems crop up where least expected, but just where they are wanted. Although such a rapid grower, and every cane is clothed with immense red- nerved leaves, it neither requires stick nor string, but sets wind and rain at defiance, and waves majestically over the green sward. Owners of gardens who do not or cannot aflbrd tlie cost of wintering, coaxing, and hardening off sub- tropicals should not lose a day in getting this hardy herbaceous plant established in quiet nooks where its great height will not render it objection- able. Sub-tropicalists who place out of doors a host of tender plants for the sake of their foliage sliould plant it extensively, as its free and grace- ful bearing fits it for the most refined society throughout the summer, and its pleasing nankeen foliage renders it very conspicuous in the autumn after its shivering companions have been cut down by frost or removed to their winter quarters. Plan't.vis Lilies (Funkias). — In these days of retrenchment, time and money may be saved and our gardens may be made to look more natural by the use of these plants, which increase from year to year and defy the sharpest winters. Take, for instance, Funkia Sieboldi, one of the boldest and best ; dig the plants up, divide them, replant in deep rich soil, and they will give a handsome account of themselves in the production of a pro- fusion of cordate leaves of a whitish hue shot with rich purple which no tender sub-tropical plant can surpass and few can equal. Give them plenty of room, and let them expand into large natural masses in nooks and in front of clumps of Rhododendrons or golden Yew, and they will con- trast or tone down with anything. But look out for shell snails, for if any exist in the garden they will surely find out the Funkias and speedily dis- figure the young leaves when the plants have attained a foot or more in height, and afford safe shelter from the thrush, their inveterate enemy. The Ac'.4NTiirs. — Of this family I would plant A. mollis, A. spinosus, and A. Candelabrum, not as single plants, but in great masses; not cramped up in herbaceous borders, but in front of shrubs on lawn.s, where in deep soil and quite open to the sun they would have room to develop their graceful, I may say their classical, foliage, and live for generations. It is generally supposed that these plants will not increase on heavy clay ; be this as it maj', they do well on heavy limestone marl, and A. mollis with me is now beginning to open its flowers. This clump more than twenty years planted is 0 feet or more in diameter, and has Funkia Sieboldi and Anemone Honorine .lobert equally large for its comimnions. A. Can- delabrum grows well in moist loam, rather shaded by large deciduous trees, and forms beautiful groups through the autumn months. Being such a strong grower it tells well when placed, always on turf, a considerable distance away from the walks. Golden Yews and Hollies, the Retino- sporas and .Japanese Maples form fine settings for this intensely green variety, and a few pieces of Aug. 14, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 145 limestone lying about do not spoil the picture. The spine-leaveil variety, more formidable than the others, is well worth a good station, and looks well in front of rockwork or shrubs having deej) green leaves. Like the field Thistles, it is a faith- ful friend when once established in deep rich loam. B.^.MBi'SA Met.ike. — When first introduced I ob- tained a plant of this .Japanese Bamboo and planted it on low moist soil, but it disappointed me. It grew, it is true, and flowered, and then disappeared for a time. r>isappointed, another attempt was made— this time in front of a large Portugal Laurel on much higher and drier ground, sheltered from the north and east and fully open to the south. Here in comjjany with the Acers, Qucrcus glabra, Ilex latifolia and C'unninghami, Aralia Sieboldi of twenty years' growth, Osman- thus ilicifolius and the beautiful Olearia Haasti, the Bamboo soon proved that I had been fortunate in my selection of a site in the Japanese garden. The soil, stiff' loam resting on limestone, was broken up, dressed with burnt clay, and the wretched roots were transferred to their new home. This took placemanyyearsago, and they have never been disturbed. Thoy never fiower, but fend up hundreds of graceful shoots, and the roots, like those of the Knotweed, creep quickly along ju>t beneath the turf. Anxious to lend a helping hand, once in two years I break up a broad strip of the turf a foot or t«'o in width all round the margin of the bed, add plenty of burnt clay and leaf mould and my crescent shaped bed of Bam- bu,«a Metake is equal to anything I have yet seen in the way of subtropical plants. Ea-ilnor Ca-ftle, Ledbury. W. Cole.m.\n. NOTES. White J.\smine. — There is a fineness of make and a fragraiice about a bush of white .Jasmine that lifts it high, in our estimation, above many other shrubs in tlie garden. It is very pretty as a dense rounded bush on the lawn, or as trained on a sunny wall. At Straffan there is an old plant on a wall, ,Tith long branches trained fan- t'vshion, and the young growth is spurred back to the hard rods every year. This is a very old- fashioned way of growing the plant, and in some ways a very satisfactory one, since plenty of nice long flowering sprays are thus ensured for cutting, if such be required. In Besler's fine old work, " Hortus Evstettensis,'' there is a figure of the large-blossomed Jasmine, which has evidently been pruned back to the old stem in this way, and as Besler's work was published in I(:;i2, we nviy fairly say the method is an old one in gardens. A simple cluster of common white Jasmine forms quite an uncommon posy of it- self, dark and elegant in leafage, while around its snow-white flowers there lingers an odorous spiciness, rich and satisfying as any from Eastern seas. The large-llowered or Catalonian Jasmine is also worth a place, but it is not nearly so floii- ferous nor so neat in growth as the typical kind. Ao.iPANTHUS HMBELLATUS. — 'Well grown this is a noble plant, not generally hardy and flori- ferous in the open air it may be, but well worthy of pot or tub culture, which enables one to give the plant shelter conveniently during the coldest portion of the year. Thete are several varieties, bat none better than the old blue for outdoor culture near the sea. It enjoys a deep, warm s.indy soil, and during dry weather it may with advantage be mulched with leaf mould or Cocoa- nut fibre. If pot culture be resorted to, there are several forms of this plant worth attention. There' are a strong-growing white-flowered kind (albus), a dwarf-habited, small-flowered blue (Miioreanus), a large-flowered variety with pale lilac-blue flowers (lilacinus), a tall, large-flowered blue (giganteus), and also a double-blossomed blue sent out a few years ago, but never very generally grown. Grown in tubs for plunging on the lawn these plants may be had anywhere, and but few other blue flowers can rival the typical A. umbellatus with thirty spikes on a plant. The white-blossomed kind is doubly use- ful _ either as a specimen in a cool greenhou.se or for cut flowers. In mild sheltered localities, a beil of the typical Ijlue forms a pretty picture during the autumnal months. Common flowers. — In the garden nothing is common, using the word common in its right sense, and not as a synonym for plentiful or abundant, and yet there was a time when the words "hothouse flowers" were synonymous with choice blos.soms, they in a way being thought of as representing the "Lords," while hardy flowers did duty for the "Commons." All this is now altered, and we find the best of people growing Roses, Carnations, Buttercups, Daisies, Lilies, and I'inks, aa well as Orchids or other rare plants from tropical lands. Let us hope that fetish worship in the garden is over, and that no one class of plants will be valued to the ex- clusion of all others in any one garden worthy of the name. The question now-a-days is whether a flower is noble or elegant in form and good in colour or satisfying in perfume. Certainly we may grow Ferns, Palms, or Asparagus for their beautiful leafage or elegant stems ; but, after all, it becomes a question of useful beauty or of beautiful use in the garden. That is the true test of all things, and we never need contrast the Orchid of the tropics with the Dryas or the Saxifrage of the arctic circle, each being equally lovely in its own way. The path of the gardener is broad enough, since the plants of the whole world are his to cultivate if he or his employer wills it so. But in the whole world we find no flowers that are "common," although many that are as numerous as sands on the shore. The Dutcbman's Pipe. — I do not wish to allude to the cloud-producing tendencies of our good friends, the bulb growers of Holland, but simply to draw attention to one of the very best of large-leaved climbing plants, vi/,., Aristolochia Siphii, a shrub which has for many years been well known under the above popular name. As summer foliage plants, apart altogether from their blossoming, I consider this Aristolochia from North America and the Chinese ^Vistaria two of the very best and most effective. A friend of mine who has definite opinions once made a dead set at the variegated Acer Negundo, characterisiug it as a plant one or two of which would suffice to spoil a good garden. There may be a " white-rag-on- a-l)ush " effect about the Acer, but for wealth of greenery and for variety from spring to autumn no one could well object to the Dutchman's Pipe, with its great heart- shaped foliage as seen scrambling up a tree trunk, or as hung in graceful garlands on a wall. 'We have here the Aristolochia just now most effective growing up a dead tree on the lawn, and a plant on a wall, so planted that its bold cordate foliage mixes and contrasts with that of the Wistaria, is much admired. Bolli these plants take time to become established, but afterwards they are very beautiful. The Wistaria acquires a light golden green tint of leafage in autumn, and then forms a delicious picture along with Clematis .lackmanni. Coreopsi.s lanceolata. — Now and then I notice people object a little to golden-blossomed composites on account of their healthy vigour, which, being interpreted by the popular mind, is expressed by something like " coarseness of growth," or "a common sort of look, don't you tliiuk." But I have now in my mind's eye, and in the garden also, two kinds of Coreopsis, viz., C. lanceolata and C. tenuifolia, than which no- tliing can well be more elegant and "fine,'' using that word in its best sense. Both are, moreover, perennials, and I am particularly anxious to say this, for of late years more especially there seems to have arisen a growing dislike to annuals as a class, amongst amateur gardeners more especially. Perhaps it is that the word " peren- nial'' seems to promise much peace of mind if once a plant is secured and planted ; while "annual " seems ominous of constant seed-saving and seed-sowing from year to year. To return to my text, however, the two species of Coreopsis named above are so satisfactory in all ways, that they should at once be added to all collection s where they ai'e not already represented. They may be divided and replanted any wet day after they go out of bloom with advantage. Helenium pcuilu.m. — This is a really good garden plant, which I obtained years ago from Parker's then celebrated nursery of hardy plants at Tooting. Since then it has replaced the old tall-growing H. autumnale in many a garden besides our own. It is now in flower at 18 inches in height, a ma.ss of deflected irregular florets, depending from the usual cushion-like disc. Like nearly all the other composites known to me, and they are more than a few, this plant is better for division and replanting every second year at the furthest, and so treated it is a most floriferous and useful thing. This constant, in- deed almost annual, replanting in fresh deeply- dug soil is what is needed to ensure the full beauty of many, even if not most of our larger perennial composites. Manure makes them coarse and leafy, while annual replanting seems just the treatment they enjoy best. 1 see to-day (August 0) some fine flowers on Harpur Crewe's Doronicum excelsum, flowers as fine as the first which came in March last. Nearly all the Doronicums are persistent in their blooming, but this seems the freest and best of all in our soil. Catananche cerui.ea. — This is an old garden plant, but is not even yet quite a plentiful thing. It is just now very pretty, each plant yielding quite a sheaf of its rustling flowers of a soft pale lilac or lavender-blue. '\Ve find it most usefu 1 and endurable for cutting, and a very ornamental perennial to boot, since on light sandy soils it does well year after year. The plant Joes not divide freely, nor do the seedlings like trans- planting, except when very young, so that we now sow a few seeds on the borders where the plants are thinned out and left to establish them- selves. A friend of mine who has a garden high up on a rocky hill overhanging the southern side of Dublin Bay told me years ago that nothing would grow there. I recommended her to plant nothing for a year or two, but to sow seeds of all sorts, especially of Cistus and Sun Roses, Linaria, Erinus, and hundreds of other alpine plants hardy in our climate. The only difficulty now is the weeding out of plants which many good gardeners would be glad to grow if they could do so. When seedlings establish themselves their tap-roots find congenial quarters, but in transplanting this provision of Nature is de- stroyed, and so on hot dry soils failure is courted and often obtained. Campanula pyp.amidalis. — Gerard's "steeple milky Bellflower, both blew and white," is too often neglected in English gaidens. Well grown in pots, as it used to he for indoor use years ago, it is a noble plant. In rich soils it attains a height of 7 feet or S feet, and as much in large pots if aided by liquid manure. When I was very young I remember gazing with something akin to awe at some fine pots of this plant grown by the thrifty blacksmith's wife in my native village. They used to stand in the cool and spacious bay 146 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 14, 1886. \yiiidow of a low-beamed jiarlour facing tlie village street, and I have oiteii seen travellers stay their horses to look at thera when at their freshest and best, so lovely and nncommon did they appear. In the Royal Academy a few years ago there was a painting of a group of these tall Bellflowers arranged near the altar of some little church in Brittany. No words could express the cool, fresh heavenly blue of their flowers as caught by the painter's cunning. But better than any picture is the lovely reality of these flowers as seen on the borders in autumn, or as potted and grown on in a cool house or porch, where their flowers are untormented by wind or rain. The plants themselves are cjuite easily ob- tainable from seeds sown in spring, or from divi- sion of the roots at any time. Helianthus RioiDns. — Everyone who sees this plant in bloom here now seems fully per- suaded that it is the very best of all the perennial Sunflowers. Be that as it may, it is a most useful plant, and one that should have a place in every garden. Its only fault is the freedom with which it takes possession of a bit of well- tilled ground. Just now its slender stems are topped with yellow Dai.sies 4 inches across, and each having a dark-tinted centre increases the eft'ect, as also does the buds, which are of a blacki.sh olive colour. It may be as well to say that this plant is also known in gardens as Harpalium rigidum. Last autumn Mr. Archer- Hinil gave me a bit of a perennial Sunflower wdiicli he had received under the name of Helianthella unillora. It is now in bloom, and while reminding one of Rudbeckia Newnuiuni seems an earlier and finer plant. The yellow ray florets are stout in te.xtureand rich in colour, the disc or centre of the ilower-head being brownish blaik. When well established it promises to lie a noble plant, and well wcirthy of a place in all good gardens. A WHITE Bellflower.— One of the prettiest and fre-shest of all the Campanulas now in bloom is one I received years ago frcini the late JIiss Hope, of Wardie Lodge, Edinburgh, under the name of C. Hosti alba. It is low growing and spreading, ami is just now covered with its elegantly shaiied bells of a snow-wliite colour. It is (|uite readily increased by division, and is, so far as I know, decidedly one of the most distinct and beautiful forms (rf the C rotuudi- fiilia gioup. Another pretty little form from the Engadine has blue flowers peculiarly shortened and piquant in form, and I also notice a fine dark variety of Platycodon grandifloruni Mariesi in flower — a ]dant now fairly established, since we have had it three or four years, and every season the flowers are larger and better in tint. The most singular of all the Bellflowers just nciw flowering is that called Michauxia campanuloidcs. In this plant the bell becomes regularly slit into six or eight segments (jr more, and these segments reflex like those of a Cyclamen ; indeed, there is quite a Passiim-llower sort of a.spect about these Michauxia flowers. The plant is 5 feet or 'i feet high, and bears a great panicle of white bl sooms. Veromca. Salvia Horminum violacea.— As a bcddiug plant to withstJud rain this Salvia is iiiuapproached by any plaut that I know used for suiiiiiier bed- ding. It has withstidd three weeks of dull and stormy wealher ; even though subjected to regulai- downpnurs, it is as bright a': the end uf Iheni as at the beginnii.ir. while on relargoniums, Calceolarias, Petuiuas, and Verbena.^ every tioner was .spoilt. The )iurple bracts of this Salvia, which constitute its chief ornament seem so persistent that they are able to defy either wind or rain. To be successful with it as a bedding plant I find that a rather poor s.iil suits it belter than a ricU on-. In good mate'ial it reijuires to be planted a foot apart each way, and it wants but little water, even in the driest of seasons, after it has once commenced to grow. It does better in a bed by itself than associated with other subjects. Being an annual, it can be readily raised from seeds, and if sown in a gentle heat in March the plants can be got of a suitable size fcjr bedding out by the end of May.— J. C.C. WORK DONE IN WEEK ENDING AUG. 10. Algu.st 4 TO 10. The weather continues dry, and, for August, the small amount of sun.shine is remarkable ; under the circumst.ances, therefore, the latter, so far as gardens are concerned, is a decided advantage, for till rain falls in quantity, bright sunshine would have a de- terior.ating effect on fruit and vegetable crops, which at present are doing fairly weU ; water and mulch is the order of the day. Peas and runner Beans hold out much longer by a thick mulching than by repieated waterings. Celery, Tomatoes, and lately-planted winter greens are given water as frequently as time can be afforded for such work. Peaches, Nectarines, and Pears on walls are drenched with hose once a week. The latter are a far better crop than was anticipated, and we have had to thin such kinds as Beurre de Capiaumont, Knight's Mon.arch, Poire Ananas, Nouveau Poiteau, .and Beurre Diel. (lathered the first Moorpark ,\pricots on the 6th, Early Orleans Plums on the same date, and Peach Early Lmuse on the 2nd. This last is not of first-rate (juality, and we intend to replace it by that fine early variety Alex- aniler, which indoors h.as ripened fully five weeks in advance of Bellegardc ; and Hale's Early has ripened a'month in advance of I'^arly Grosse Mignonne and was quite as large, as well flavoured, and nmeh finer in cohnu', being a bright red. With the good supplies of water that we have been able to give, flower-garden plants have thriven beyond expectation, and the whole njay now be said to be at their best; combinations of foliage and flowers are our particular fancy. I^arge beds of one colour, no matter of wh.at hue, have no charm for us ; we must have greenery of some de- scription as a setting for the flowers, and we get this by the free use of small standard plants, such as Reli- nosporas, (Jrevilleas, Dracienas, Abutilons, Fuchsias, &c. For the dividing lines in designs we alw.ays use foliage plants, our best types being Gnaphalinni lanatum, variegated Japanese Honeysuckle, and \a- riegated Thyme, of course pegged down till the ground is co\ered, and afterwards pinched. The best dwarf plants for the like purpose are the various types of Sedums, from the deep green of the v.ariety I.ydium to the creamy white of acre elegans vaiie- gatuni. No edging plant that we have ever ustd is nearly so good as Ilerniaria glabra, and not the least of its merits is that very little labour is requisite (o keep it in order. Tying up Dahlias, Marguerites, Castor-oils, and other tall growers has to lie done once a week, and the seed-vessels we keep regularly picked off single I )ahlias, else they would soon be flowerless. At the present time the mipst effective flowering plants .are Violas Mrs. Grey (white) and Blue Bell, Purple King Verbena, yellow and white Marguerite?, Ageratums, and Heliotrojies, Fuchsias, Salpiglossis, Stocks, Lo- lielias, single U.ahlias, and, lastly and least i H'ective, Pelargoniums — pink and rose-tinted varieties being the colours to which preference is gi\en. Work in houses and framing ground, though abundant, is of such a routine description as to require none but the merest record by way of memoranda for future re- ference— w.atering borders, keeping the laterals of Vines wilhin reason.alile bounds. On such varieties as (Iros Colniar, MailresHeld Court, and Mrs. Pince, that are now coloming rajiidly, we .allow the laterals to remain intaet. Lady Downes anti Alicante make such a quantity of wcmd that some of it must neces .'arily be cut away; still, we like to let the lateral growths of these varieties also have a wide berth. All white tirapes put on a nn>re golden hue if sun can reach the fruit, so that the same degree of freedom in regard to lateral growth can hardly be extended to these, but we stop as little as po3sihle till the "shank- ing " stage lias passed, after whicli we expose the bunche? to light by cutting out part of the latera's and by tying aside any of the large foliage that over- .sh.adows the bunches. Air is now left on .all niglit, and warmth is still kept up in the pipes to keep the air buoyant ; this is particularly nece.ss.ary, for the Madresfields and Muscats, that have a predilection for cracking when the atmosphere of the house is in a damp and stagnant condition. Planted out another succession lot of Melons and made another siwing. This may be too late to do much good, but if the autumn lie sunny the probabilities are we shall get a good crop of fruit that will help to save Pines when the greatest demand is made on us by way of dessert for the shooting siason. Sowed Cucumbers and Tomatoes for winter use, and threw away the old plants of the latter tli.at have been fruiting in pots for several months past ; our present supplies are now being luad from frames, and a few that were planted out very early in the open garden. Straw- berry potting goes on daily, as does tying Chrysan- themums to their supports. Our first buds were taken on the 7th, the varieties being Thunbergi, Boule d'Or, Elaine, and Madame C. Audiguier. Top- dressed old plants of winter-flowering Carnations and some Tea Roses that are flowering freely. Potted off another batch of Cinerarias and shifted Poinsettias into larger pots. Tuberous Begonias and Gloxinias now in full flower we shade and keep as cool as possible to prolong their beauty. The flowers we still keep picked off Pelargoniums that are being grown on in pots for winter flowering, and now that the pots are getting full of roots manure water is freely applied. Hants. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. CUCUMBKRS. .\ MOiiKHATH stock of young plants should now be kept constantly at hand for taking the places of Melons as they are cleared out of the compartments. It is not well to have too many of these or young Melon plants standing about, as they are so apt to get starved into a breeding colony ; but, by sowing a few seeds at short intervals and throwing old ones aw.ay, a clean stock can always be l;ept at the cost of very little seed. Pits and fivames, as I have before stated, are the best nursing places for summer and autumn use, as there the heat can be maintained by the aid of fermenting raaterkals, and the plants — no unimportant matter in the preparation for winter — can be kept short-jointed and sturdy. Plants put out now will not require much fire-heat for some time to come, but the pipes should be in the house ready for uie when nights become diimp and cold, from Sep- tember onwards, when a little gentle warmth, kept in by covering, will make all the difference between suc- cess and failure. If the first batch, as is often the case, is to lie worked hard, say, till Christmas or .January, when Melons again come in, the great care usually devoted to winter Cucumbers proper will not be nece-sary, as they will have passed away before the trying month u( February comes in. Narrow pits in the bouse, filled with rough compost, longitudinal ridges or hills will therefore answer better than pots, especially if the roots can feel the influence of bottom heat from fermenting materials without getting into it. Light rieh turf and old lime rubble will start and grow the plants well, but poor turf may require en- riching at the outset, li itten manure is the usual heal-all, but the less the lietter for winter use — that is, if stimulants, including soot, bone dust, and good liquid, can be obtaiucd ; otherwise, dry, well-rotted Cow manure rubbed to pieees or flaky leaf mould may be used. Hills at this time of year may be made one day and planted the next, and the greater their dis- tance from the top-lieat pipes the less the danger of spider wlieu strong tires become necessary. IMants intended for fruiting through the s|iring I prefer keeping in pots, as the roots are so thoroughly under control, and the bottom heat can be regulated by the .addition of fresh fermenting material without dis- turbing thoui. The soil for winter plants should be lighter th.an that reeoraniended for summer culture, and the pots well crocked and placed upon pedestals to prevent them from sinking and strangling the plants. liummci- phtnls now in full bearing will t.ake copious supplies of diluted li<|uid and good syringing to keep them clean and in health. Spider and mildew are tlie most troublesome pests when the plants become aged and enfeebled by heavy cropjiing ; but these can Au(i. 14, 1S8G.] THE GARDEN. 147 be kept in check by the use of sulphur, sulphur w;itcr, or sulphide iif putassiuni, ciuarter of an ounce to a gallon of water. The best time to apply this remedy is late in the evening, when the house can be kept close; every part of the foliage above as well as below should be thorougiily bathed with the liquid, and well syiinged with pure water early the following luornirg. If badly affected, the first dressing does not always act upoji every part of the oldest leaves ; a few of the worst should therefore be cut away the better to ex|)ose those retained, when the house being shaded syringing may be repeated every evening, always provided pure water is used early the follow- ing morning. Unlike many other insecticides, this jireparation iloes no harm to the mots, although fatal to worms, which sometiii^es become very troublesome where animal manure is used as a suninier mulching. Melons. Where late Mehms are appreciated, and then- is full command of top and lii.ttoni licat, strong plants of free early varieties, like Iteading lien., may slill be put out in 12 inch pots viith every chance of ripening their fruit in October. With hot-water pipes in near proximity to (he bottoms of the [Hits, and a g od body of fermenting leaves for giving off genial warmth and moisture, the plants will run ipiickly up to the setting stage, when it may be neces- sary to keep the valve4 constantly open. As soon as the fruit is set and swelling kindly, frequent renova tion iif the bed to reduce the ntcessity for constant firing is very important, as heat s.i obtained keeps the foliage fresh and clean without the aid of direct syringing. Late Melors should nut be allowed to make more leaves and laterals than are ab.solutely neces.sary to the production and suppojt ..f the crop; and the higher the fiuit is kept, proviiled it does not protrude above the foliage, the better will be the flavour. Plants upon which the fiuit is well advanced will now require plenty of air through the early j.art i>f the day, and atmospheric moisture can always be secured by the onlinary practice of damping the paths, walls, and beils without wetting the stems and foliage. At one time I always gave my plants a heavy syringing immediately after the houses were closed for the day, but this practice has been given up, and I now find the f(.liage keeps fresh and free fr..ni sjiider, and the quality of the fruit is greatly improved by giving the plants a vajioiir bath inly. Animal manure I never use, the only addition t) the loam being a little bou.^ dust and old lime riiblile, which make the vines short jointed and fruitful, and diluted liciuid is supplicil to the roots when the fruit is swelling. To some a compost of this kind may appear expensive, but such is not really the case, as Melons require very little soil provided it is naturally rich and heavy. Pus AN'I) Fr.ymes. The weather, so far, has been faiily favourable to plants in pits, Ijut the time is now at hand when the greatest care will be necessary. A low, dauq), fluc- tuating atmosphere, and the gradual decline of bottom heat when the fruit is swelling and shcndd be ripening, form conditions so tliorougldy oppo.-ed to success, that no pains should l)e spared in the manage- ment of the lining not only in the spring, but throughout the season. To this end, alternate reno- vation once a week, even in the hottest weather, will always keep up the siqiply of heat and ammonia, when fresh air, the best of all preventives of canker, cm be freely admitted. iSun being so necessary to flavour, the lights should be kept scrupulously cUan, the tops of the mounds on which the plants are grow- ing perftctly dry, not too thickly covered with foliage, and all surplus growths closely stopped to the first bud on the laterals. When watering becomes neces- biry, early on a fine afternoon when the lights can be thrown off for a short period is the best time to apply it, and then the supply, at a temperature of 9u*, should be thorough. It is, of course, necessary to shut up as soon as the bed has been flooded, but in order to let out superabundant moisture, the lights through the night should be .slightly tilted at the apex, when an extra mat hung over the back will break cold currents and prevent the top-heat from declining. A word as to ventilatiun. In the ordinary course we vtntilate common pits and frames by tilting the lights at the back and letting out all the heat and moisture, to be replaced by aflood of cold air from the north. The mercury soon answers, and possibly sinks 10° in a few minutes, but what about the jMjor recently perspiring plants? They feel first and show the effect quickly by drooiiing and flagging, as it is termed, on a bright sunny morning, when watering or syringing are dangerous operations. Something, however, must be done, so the unscien- tific person — I will not say gardener — in a clumsy way .sets about healing the wound he has so unwittingly m.^de by shutting up and shading. Aided by a sharp north-east wind — no uncommon thing with us in summer — the grower makes rapid progress, and very soon finds his Egyptian subjects infest.'d with vermin and ri|]ening their foliage prematurely. A chink at the highest part of every frame is always necess ry for the escape of heated or vitiated air; but the -suiiply should be ailmitted at the front or south side, and in sidhcient quantity to keep the pit or frame constantly full, r.y adojiting this plan draughts will be avoided, as a large volume of heated air will pass through the front ventilators just as fast as the chink at the back allo«s the vitiattd air to escape. Wlit-n the top ven- tilation is in excess of the front, cold currents enter at the highest point, beat the vitiated air down, and the fresh air passes over it. The plants in such a mediiun, it is hardly necessary to say, do not thrive ; but by providing a number of front ventilators, the nearer the surface i>f the bed the better, every leaf is kept in motion, and one of the great causes of canker in Melon stems is swept away and replaced with fresh life-sustaining air. Orciiaki) Ho;.se.s. lOarly trees that were potted as soon as the fruit was gathered will now be fit for removal to the ojien ail-, where they should be plunged or packed up into litter and regularly attended with water. If perfectly ileal! and free from .spider, night dews and summer rains will mo.st likely keep them healtliy ; but in the event of the Weather becoming hot and dry, an occa- sional dadi from the hose will sustain the foliage and feed the newly-formed flower-buds. If any of the later varieties which were in fruit when the first batch was futted have not l.ieen transferred to larger pots, no time should be lo.st in getting this work over, .'^pice under glass being adequate, it is a good plan to return them ti> their quarters and keep them moist, rather close, and slightly shaiied until the lateral lea\e?, by their crisp appearance, show that new root- action has set in. If the house is wanted for other purpo;es, they may then be removed to the open air, o'.herwi.-e another month underglass will do them no harm. Older trees, which it may be desirable to re- plenish with fresh compost without increasing the size of the pots, will require more careful handling, as it will be necessary to disroot and pick out some of the old soil. The balls should then be soaked in water preparatory to repotting in new compost, which cannot be too dry, as it will be necessary to ram with the polting-stick until it is impossible for water to jiass through the new without entering the old. Trees so treated flag a little at first, but shade from bright sun for a few days in a rather close house and frequent syringing will vety soon bring them round, when shading must be discontinued and more air gradually admitted. Where early forced Peaches are planted out in raised borders the same rules apply, as trees having so much freedom cannot be kept in order when annual root pruning is neglected. Many plant on the level, but I prefer giving each large tree a raised station on good drainage, and enclosing its roots with a solid turf wall raised a foot or more above the floor- line. The advantages are an abundance of solar heat and air playing about the roots, their capacity to take more diluted lii|uid when the fruit is swelling, and last, but not least, the saving of time in forking down the old walls and replacing them with fresh tuif mi.xed with old lime rubble. The secret of success consists in the annual performance of root pruning operations and getting them re-established before the leaves fall. Karly houses in which the above system of planting-out is practised should be constructed with portable lights for running down in showery weather after the fruit is gathered. Cheap fixed roofs do very well for midseason and late culture, but where the fruit is forced to ripen in June and July there are times when full exposure of the trees is a decided advantage, if not an absolute necessity. Midstason houses in which the fruit is now ripe or approaching that stage will require all the air that can be admittid, and water in sufficient quantity to keep the soil in a growing state. Mulching having done its work, fresh supplies will hardly be necessary, but a covering of gome kind that will pre\ent the surface roots from drying out will save much trouble in watering, and prove a decided ad\antage to the trees. Where fine fruit is the first object there is nothing better than fresh stable litter slightly charged with ammonia, but when the orchard house is made an itrnamental appendage to the dwelling, disagree- able smells are objectionable and must be avoided. Cocoa-nut fibre and Moss are good niui-condnctor.^, and may be used where they can be obtained at a cheap rate. When I'eaches and Nectarines approach the ripening stage direct syringing must be dis- continued, as some varieties, notably Ijord Napier Nectarine, scald and Ijtcome rusty ; atmospheric moisture must be maintained by syringing the stems and walls, and damping the floor two or three times a day when the weather is fine. If Figs are grown in the warmest part of the house, the .syringe will play a very important part in keeping down spider until the fruit is well adianccd in its last swelling. Mulching anil liberal watering until the most forw.ard Figs begin to ri))en will also be necessaiy, when the give-and-take principle must be observed, as fruit in various stages must be kept progressing. Cherries, ordinary Plums, and early Pears should be potted and treated as Peaches until new rcot action sets in, when they may be rt moved to the open air to make room for later kinds. The lattir, including choice desseit Pears and Coe's OolJeii Itrop Plum, biing capable of standing any amount, of solar heat with full ventilation, will, of course, remain under glass until the fruit and wood are ripe, when a dry, buoyant atmosphere will greatly enhance the flavour, and pro- tection from birds will become neces-ary. If Straw- berries are fruited on the shelves, the plants intended for another season will now lie established in .'i-inch to 7-iiicli jiots and standing in an open part of the garden, where, properly attended with water and ke])t clear of weeds and runners, they will mature their crowns and roots by the end of October. The Strawberiy question having been so thoroughly venti- lated, readers of TiIE Gahiik.'* will expeiierce no difficulty in making a selection for early or late forcing. Viciiintes.se He-iicart de Thury, President, and Crimson t,>ueen are three good sorts, and where Biitish (.^Uieen succeeds I would grow a quantity of plants for leading up to the crop from the open air. Easimii- Castle, Ledbury. W. Coleman. Kitchen Garden. NOTES ON PEAS. Beini! desirous to test the merits of some of the dwarf-growing Peas side by side, I sowed a col- lection of eight dillereiit sorts on the '23rd of February last, on a border facing the east, under what I considered to be very favourable condi- tions. The only drawback was the soil being a little too rich ; nevertheless, but few of them grew more than their normal height. A careful record was kept of their growth in every stage. M 'Lean's Blue Peter has round pale green seeds, and grows 2 feet in height. It was in flower on .June II, and tit to gather on July 7 ; pods short, and an indif- ferent bearer. Turner'sEmerald — seeds light green, wrinkled ; in flower on .June II, and fit to gather on July 12. This sort bears a few long well-tilled pods, but is not a desirable variety. Carter's Little Wonder— seeds pale green, large and wrinkled ; in flower June 14, and fit to gather on July 17. Tliis pi'oduces very long jiods, each of which contained as many as nine large Peas ; height 3 feet ; an indifferent bearer. Bliss's Ame- rican Wonder — seeds light green, wrinkled ; in flower on June I, and ready to gather on June 28, height l") inches. This, in every respect, is the best of the collection. It is much the best bearer, and its growth is more regular than that of the above. M'Lean's Little Gem — seeds green, large, 148 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 14, 188G. and wrin'.ile:l ; in (iowsr on June 0, and ready to K'ather on July I:-!; a fairly good croppjr: height 2 feet. Carter's Tom Thumb — seeds round, small, and light green, pods small and not sufficiently numerous to be profitable ; height '2h feet. Bijou — tills has large, wrinkled, pale green seeds. In growth it is fairly vigorous and a mod prate cropper; height '2 feet. Carter's E.\tra Eirly Premier— seeds green and wrinkled. About four days later than American Wonder. An excellent crnpijer, and altogether a very desirable Pea ; htight 2^ feet. This tiial, in my opinion, seems to show that mxny sorts of dwarf Peas are not wanted. I never looked upon them with any fa-v'our, and I shall hereafter do so with less, inasmuch as they are for the most part poor croppers ; the fact is they liave not bearing surface sufficient to produce a go)J crop. Out of the light sorts just named, iiuly two are worth growing : these ai'e American "Wonder and Carter's Extra Early Premier ; the first is decidedly the mo.st prolific. For small grrdtns dwarf Peas may be useful, but where a rejjular succession has to be kept up, it is neces- sary to sow at least once a fortnij;[it, each crop only yielding two gatherings. Mildew. — TIeat and drought are pretty well known to produce miliew in the caS3 of Peas, and according to my experience all Peas are more or less liable to become mildewed. Some may, how- ever, not be so seriously affected as others under the same conditions, and it would be useful to know their names. If I were asked to name two S)r(s ihat arc not seriously affected by mildew, I should sry they were Walker's Perpetual Bearer ;i.nd Evolution. The last i-i comparatively a new I'oa, and a good one too ; it produces very large pjds well filled with large Peas. Walker's Per- jutuul is not unwoi thy of its name, as it con- liiiues longer in bearing than any other soit with which I am acquainted when grown as a raid- kpa-ion Pea. I liave seen both these sorts but litt'o art'ected, while all others have been white with the fungus. At the same time, I do not believe tliit any Pta enjoys perfect immunity from mildew in a siason of prolonged drought, ami the lighter and dryer the soil the more seiiously are they affected. This naturally opens up I he question of watering Peas, and in reference to tills I may al-io say at once that I am not a believer in its efficacy. I have tried both plans, and have had as good crops without watering as with it ; even during the present season I have put this mittir thoroughly to the test. I watered and raulclnd some of our Peas heavily, but those on which we have spjnt so much additional labour are no better than others which have been neither watered nor mulched. Sblkction 07 Pe-\s. — Singular as it may ap- pear, in point of earliness we have not gained anything during these last thirty years. Sang- ster's No. 1 has supplanfetl the old Early May as regards its name, but it is neither earlier nor better than that o!d .sort. William the First ha< taken the place of Early Warwick as a second early, and I must admit that it is a decided gain as regards flavour. The old Auvergne, which used to be a standard favourite as a mid-sea*on Pea, has not yet been beaten as regards cropjiing quali- ties and Uivour. Its only fault was that it was smiU as regards liolh pjd and Peas. Its place has been filled by Telephone and Stratagem, and cer- tainly those who require I'eas that will fill the ba-ket as well as the vegetable dish can have them in either of these newer .sorts, but they are no advance in flavour, and they certainly lose some- thing in the time during which the respective sorts remain in bearing. It requires three sow- ings of these new Peas to two of Auvergne to keep up a succession. It is much against large-podded Peas that si few of them a-e produced, and that th"y so quickly go out of bearing. According to my experience, half of the space sown with Em- pjror of the Marrows or the Duchess of Edin- burgh will yield as mxny Peas as either Telephone or Ssratagem on double the amount of ground. As exhibition Peas the Duke of Albany and Evolu- rion will, I believe, become po iilar. The first- n:.me-l is perhaps the handsomer of the two. Its l-iods arc well inflated, and when taken just at the right stage and opened, they exhibit such a fine di-iplay of Peas, that they are sure to arrest atfen- tion. Evolution I look upon as the most service- able for the table, its eating qualities being ex- cellent. In growing any of the new sorts of Pea* for the first time it is not goad policy to dejiend on them entirely for any particular crop. Many of them difl'er in the length of time at which the^ come into bearing. Soil also influences the crop somewhat; some will do better in one garden than in another. It is therefore well to grow them on a limited scale at first. J. C. C WINTER CUCUMBERS. It seems to be generally admitted that Telegraph is the best variety of Cucumber for winter work, its free-bearing habit and short-jointed growth in the dark days eclipsing all other kinds. The seeds should be sown singly in small pots, about the third or fourth week in August, in ribry loam, lightened and enrichel with old mellow manure. Robustness of habit is especially valuable in winter, and therefore the soil should not be too light. Plunge the pots in a frame near the glas- where there is a little bottom heat, covering them with a sheet of brown paper till the seed.- germinate. Afterwards uncover, and ventilate to ensure sturdiness of habit. Jloie seeds should be planted than the number of plants required, as some may fail to grow, and others that germinate may be weaklings, and none but strong plants should be employed. The house in the meantime should be thoroughly cleansed, the paint wa-hed with soap and water, the walls limewashed, and everything removed from the bed, so that there may be no harbour for woodlice or other insects. Whatever the arrangements may be for supplying bottom heat, it should be equal to a steady tern perature of 7')^. Usually the bottom heat is supplied by hot water pip^s, and it is an advantage if these are laid ill a watertight tank, so that if necessary moisture may be given below the roots. The best arrangement is to lay the pipes in a cemented chamber and fill in with rubble, the rubble rising (i inches or so above the pipes. On the rubble lay (i inches of stable manure, or more if space permit^. The best soil is a turfy loam not too heavy, and to every bushel of loam I like to add from one to two pounds of Amies' manure. This manure seems to furnish just the kind ol stimulant Cucumbers require, and it is especially valuable in top-rlressings applied when the plants are bearing freely. It is best not to hurry the plants with a high temperature at first, and they should not be planted too thickly, as overcrowd ing must weaken their growth. Four feet apart will not be too much to permit the side shoots to be tied out and give room for the foliage to develop properly. Unless fruits arc required early, it is best not to stop the main stems till the top of the house is nearly reached. The side shoots should be stopped one joint beyond the fruit, and this should be done as a system all through the exist- ence of the plants, Ijut leaving the leader un- stopped for a considerable time does add immensely to the general strength of the plants, which will be of great service through the winter. The Telegraph is a free bearer, but only a light crop should be taken through the autumn if the plants are to bear well after Christmas. The soil should always be kept moist, as dryness at the roots will cause the foliage to sufl'er, and injured t'ucumber leaves never recover, and it should be a point to retain the main leaves as long as possible. The atmosphere should be kept genial and moist. In most Cucumber houses there are troughs on the pipes, which are kept full of water, with liquid manure given occasionally, and in addition the floor can be damped and the walls syringed. Ventilation should be given in genial weather to keep the atmosphere fresh and pure, but the amount of ventilation must hinge in a great degree upon the construction of the house, and the best Cucumber houses are tho.se w-hich require the least ventilation, as in such houses there is not much fluctuation in the temperature. The night temperature should range from (i")" to 70°, with a corresponding advance in the daytime with the sun's heat. It will be necessary to shade in bright weatlier through the autumn, but the lighter the shade the better, as shading always has a tendency to weaken. When the plants are bearing freely liquid manure should be given, and there is great value in top-dressings, which shoidd be light and fre- quently applied. A little fresh compost not only encourages the roots, but helps to keep the atmo- sphere pure and the foliage clean and healthy and free from insects, mildew, &c. A sharp look out must always be kept for insects destroying them as soon as their presence is first noticed, by a timely application of the usual remedies. All fruits should be cut as soon as. they are large enough for use. A large number of fruits hanging at one time is a gratifying sight, but it has to be paid for in the after exhaustion of the plants. E. IIor.DAY. Garden Flora. PLATE 557. PURPLE BOX-LEAVED MILKWORT. (POLYGALA CnAM^BU.XU.i PURPL'RE.V.*) The genus P.'lygila c nsists of a large number of more or less handsome lloweiing plants, ranging from the common Milkwort ot our heaths and meadows to the bushy shrubs well known at ex- hibitions, which reipiire the protection of a green- house in winter. A goodly number, however, both annual and peiennial, natives of North America, are quite hardy in this country ; a few of iheni would find a .'■uitable home on the rockery, and, mixed with other things of au evergreen character, would help to make that part of our gardens attractive in winter as well as in summer. SeMom are our native representa- tives of this genus seen in gardens, a surprising fact, ai few who have seen them growing amongst stubby Grass or peeping from under the cover of a Furze bush will dispute their claim to sucli a position. The difliculty lies in lifting them [iropeily, an operation in which the roots gene- rally get damaged, and laihire is the result. This year we took the precaution to liave a large sod of turf of a good depth lifted, and in this way have had a graml display of flowers. P. Chamie- buxus and its varieties, all of which are shrubby in habit, make excelltnt plants for the rockery ; they fljuri.sh in almost any iio-'ifion, and, asso- ciated with such plants as Eiicjs, Lelums, Veronicas, &c., make very interesling groups of dwarf evergreen shrubs, which ell'ectually clothe places tint would otherwi.se be naked and un- sightly during the winter season. These shrubs in the rockery are also useful as a protection to bulbs, even quite hardy on?s, by warding off cut- ting winds, &c. , and preventing the flowers from getting injured by them. Crocuses seem to thrive much better plaute.l on the lee side of these small shrubs than elsewhere. Daffodils are al- ways earlier, and even such tender bulbs as the Calocliorti do exceedingly well under such con- ditions. P. CuAM.EBUxus. — This elegant little evergreen shrub produces flowers from May until October, but most plentifully in May and .June. It bears so little resemblance to other European species, that old botanists considered that it belonged to a dill'erent genus. Many varieties of it have been found growing wild, a few of which are in cidtiva- tion. Of these perhaps the best is that repre- sented in the annexed plate. It has large yellow 1-trawn at Muustcad, Gotalming, May 4, 1SS5. s CO X CQ o Aug. U, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 149 iuul deep raagontapur]ile flowers, and makes a truly magnificent show during early summer. P. Chama'buxus and its varieties may be readily cultivated either in borders or on rockvvork, but tliey like a position shaded from the mid-day sun. The soil should be rich sandy loam, mixed with lime rubbish or tufastones. They may be propagated freely from cuttings, taken ofi' now or a little later and placed in sand under a handlight. 1'. Chama'buxus is a native of Austria, Germany, Ac, and is said to have been cultivated in the Oxford garden as early as 10.')8. R I'.vucn-oi.i.v.— This is another dwarf North American species. It makes a handsome little plant for the rock garden, growing as it does only from ;? inches to 4 inches in height ; the stems, which are leafy — chiefly at the summit — rise from slender prostrate or underground shoots; the flowers are large for the size of the jilant, being often about an inch long, rosy purple, rarely pure white. It likes shady places and peaty soil, and may be associated with such plants as Linnaa borealis and Vacciniuni Vitisida'a. P. vi'LiJARis. — This is so well known, that we need only direct attention to it as a plant suited for the rockery. P. calcarea and amara, two nearly allied species, also natives, are likewise suitable plants for the same purpose. They are all easily grown on stones, which they over-hang, and on which they ]iroduce their flowers freely, some blue, others purple, pink, and white. D. K. Fruit Crops. SCOTLAND. Moredun, Midlothian. — Apples here area very poor crop. Lord Sulheld, Irish Codlin, and King of the Pippins being the best. Pears are also a \ery ])3or crop, and the same miy be said of Plums. Apricots are about one-third of a crop. Peaches outside are poor. Gooseberries are fair average crops; in some places abundant. Black, Red, and White Currants, too, are plentiful, as are also Raspberries. Of Strawberries we ha\'e fair average crops, but fully two weeks later than usual. The best for bearing in this locality are James Veitch, Vicomtesse Hericarb de Thury, President, Elton Pine, and the old Grove End Scarlet, which we use for preserving. As regards flavour, we consider Black Prince, Keen's Seed- ling, President, .James Veitch, and Elton Pine the best. We have also tried King of the Earlies and The Captain, but must try them another season. The msthod which we have adopted for yeai s in order to secure good crops is as follows ; We trench deeply and manure liberally, incorporating it well with the soil. We prefer horse manure for heavy soils, and cow or pig manure for light ground. Trenching we begin as soon as we cin get the previous crop olf the ground ; we expose as rough a surface as possible to the winter frosts. In March we give a good dusting of soot, fork over the surface, tirm it w'ith the feet, and rake smoothly. We then plant single plants in rows .Sll inches apart and l.S inches asunder. Digging afterwards amongst the plants we do not recommend, but we keep them clean wi'.h the hoe. In the end of the year, ?'.'., as soon as we have had su)Hcient frost to render the ground hard enough to carry a barrow, we give the plants a good mulching of rough manure, and of this, by the time they arc in bloom, there is little left but the straw, which forms a clean bu'd for the fruit to rest upon. This system we have ado.jted for years, and find it to suitadmh'ably. We always destroy the plantsafter they have borne their third crop. — J.is. Smith. Riccarton, Currie. — We have here but poor crops of Peaches, Apricots, Pears, and Apples. Plums, such as Coe's Golden Drop, Jefferson's, and Purple Orleans on a south aspect, are fair crops. Victoria on a west aspect is good, but the trees have suffered considerably from branch, dying. Small fruits are pretty fair on the whole. Strawberries are not quite so good as last year Late frosts blackened the flowers on several occa- sions. (Jaribaldi is decidedly the best variety we have either as a forcer or for outdoor work, taking size, flavour, and colour into account. For flavour Garibaldi and Bothwell Bank are our best, and our best croppers are Garibaldi and James Veitch. Black Prince is our earliest variety, and Elton Pine and Bicton Pine our latest. The best plan by which to secure regular crops of good sized fruit is to plant annually a few rows of each variety in August, and trench down an equal number of the oldest rows. In making young plantations always have the rows to run north and south. Leave '2h feet between each row and 10 inches plant from plant. Two rows of Onions for spring use may be sown between each row of Strawberries. — Gkorge Broadfoot. Tynuingliame, East Lothian.— Bush fruits in this neighbourhood are a very good crop. Apples, Pears, and Plums are, as a rule, small crops. Apricots fairly good. Strawberries irre- gular ; in some cases they are quite a failure, in others a crop, though a small one, while with us they are a very heavy crop. In the garden here Apricots are extra plentiful. Peaches the same. Plums a fair crop. Pears a fmall crop. Good cropping Apples, such as Warner's King, Stirling Castle, Echlinville, Tower of Glamis, Rymer, Lord Sulheld, Mi-re de Menage, Northern Green- ing, and Duchess of Oldenburg, as well as some free-bearing dessert kinds, are bearing good crops. Strawberries in this district were much damaged by late frosts, and subsequently a period of pro- tracted drought emphasised the mischief. Our own beds were only slightly damaged by frost, and the drought has not done much harm, thanks to a deeply worked soil. I now grow only four sorts for our out-of door supply. These are (Jrove End Scarlet for preserving, Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, President, and Elton Pine. I have tried and discarded for various reasons Dr. Hogg, British Queen, Loxford Hall Seedling, and Pioneer (these do not ripen thoroughly), also Keen's Seedling, Unser Fritz, Lucas, Samuel Bradley, .James Veitch, Prince of ^Vales, Duke of Edinbur^ih, Frogmore Prolific, La Grosse Sucree, Helena (Uoede, and several others, the names of which I do not call to mind. Keen's Seedling is largely grown in the locality, but Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury is equally good and a firmer fruit. Our system of culture varies somewhat, but, as a rule, we select strong- rooted runners as early in August as possible, lift them carefully with balls, and transfer them to the ground chosen, and, if possible, on a damp cloudy day. The best ground is that from whicli a second early crop of Potatoes has been lifted. It requires no preparation, and as we try to have the two crops, immediately preceding the Pota- toes, to be Celery, the ground is in capital condi- tion for the Strawberries. The sorts for pre- serving and some of the Vicomtesse are grown in 4-foot beds, in which they produce large crops for three seasons. President and Elton Pine are .set out in single plants, in rows 'A feet apart and •2 feet jjlant from plant in the row. From three to four seasons is as long as Strawberries do well. We find a sprinkling of manure scattered over the plants in the beds in winter to be a great help in the way of promoting a strong fruitful growth. Between the rows of the young plants we grow Onions and Carrots ; an old bed is each year stubbed up, the plants burned on the spot, and a fresh crop set out in their place without any pre- paration. A mulching of manure is applied to the new plantation. — R. P. BKOTHtRSToN. Callendar Park, Stirling. — The soil in this locality varies very much. In some parts it is light, on a gravelly bottom ; in others it is stiff, with a clayey bottom. Crops therefore vary accordingly, especially Strawberries. Here the only kinds that succeed well are Garibaldi, Elton Pine, General Macmahon, and Wizard of the North. All these kinds are excellent this season, the best we have had for eight years. Our earliest is Garibaldi. I have tried Black Prince and a host of others, but without success. We plant in rows '2 feet li inches wide and allow every othei' row to fill in, thus forming, the second year, beds which never fail. Our brst gathering ott' a plot 2(i yards by 26 yards, consisting of eleven-year-old plants of tJaribaldi, was 420 lbs. This was on the 17th of July. On the 21st of the .same month we gathered about half that quantity. Last year I ting down Strawberries over twenty years old, from which I have had fair crops, but latterly they showed signs of exhaustion. Our ground be- fore planting is well manured ; then nothing in the shape of manure is given, but the spaces be- tween the beds are kept clean by means of the hoe. At Polmont, about 2A miles from here, Mr. Scott grows largely and successfully for market on the plan just recorded, but he has to change the crop about every five or six years. His best kinds are Brown's Wonder, a grand cropper, but a little acid. Black Prince with him is good in crop and rich in flavour. Wizard of the JS'^orth bears fair crops, but its flavour is not good. Elton Pine is the best late sort. Duke of Edinburgh bears good crops, but neither this nor the Elton Pine are high in flavour. Garibaldi is good both in crop anil flavour. Of Sir Joseph Paxton we have a fair crop and good in flavour. It is the hardiest of all. Admiral Dundas bears good crops and the fruit is very large and fairly well flavoured. Plums in some cases are very heavy crops both on walls and standards ; in others there is no crop at all ; the best is Victoria. Pears are a fair crop. Apples very scarce ; Nelson's Codlin is the best with us. Black Currants in some cases are fair crops, in others poor. Red and \N'hite Currants good ; and Raspberries and Gooseberries are very good. — TiioM.\s Boyd. ■Whittinghame, Prestonkirk. — Of Apricots we have very few. Peaches are a total failure. Plums and Pears are under the average. Cherries are an average crop, except Morellos, which are under the average. Apples, too, are under the average. Strawberries are under the average. Raspberries and Gooseberries are average crops. Currants are over the average. Nuts a failure. Of Strawberries the kinds grown here and con- sidered to be the best for this district are Keen's Seedling, Elton Pine, Bothwell Bank Seedling, President, Dr. Livingstone, tiaribafdi. Rifleman, and Duke of Edinburgh. — John Garrett. Dalmeny Park, "West Lothian. — Of Apricots we have a few. Peaches and Nectarines here are scarce. Dessert Plums are scarce ; culinary ones a fair crop. Apples and Pears are also fair crops. Of bush fruits we have good crops. I only grow two sorts of Strawberries, viz.. Keen's Seedling for early use and Elton Pine for late use. I trench the ground for Strawberries in autumn and plant in spring, pinching oft' all flowers and runners the following summer, and fruiting the plants for tsvo yeais only. —John Moves. Polmaise, near Stirling. — Large old Apple trees have very few fruit on them. On young trees there is a small crop; the best are Lord Suflield, Cardross Green, and Hawthornden. Pears on walls are also a small crop ; Beurrc Diel, Passe (Jolmar, Jargonelle, Moorfowl Egg, and Beurre d'Aremberg are the best. Morello Cherries on a north-east wall are a very fine crop. Of Apricots we have very few. Plums on walls are fewer than usual and late. The best are Pond's Seedling, Victoria, Jefferson's, Green Gage, and White Slagnuin Bonum. We have ceased to grow Peaches out of doors, as they never repaid the trouble which their culture involved, ({ooseberries are a very heavy crop. Rasp'-eriies plentiful, but small. Bl.ick, Red, and White Currants all ex- cellent crops. Strawberries a moderate crop, but as a rule they do very well here, our soil being strong. I plant the runners in beds in autumn, on which they stand all winter. I ridge the ground intended to be planted (giving it a good dressing of old hotbed manure) in November, and before it is lightly dug over in spring I give it a good dressing of lime. The plants are put into it in March, in rows .'? feet apart in patches, each consisting of three plants, which are 2 feet asunder. I mulch with leaves in the summer, and they are dug in along with the runners at the 150 THE GARDEN. [Aug. U, 1886. lack end of the year. I try to have the ground in good condition when planted, as I never give any manure afterwards. I take four or five ciops .off the plants and then destroy them. The varie- ties ■which 1 grow are President, Keen's Seedling, Vicomtesse Hi'ricart de Thury, Frogmoro Late Pine, and Elton Pine. As a tirst-rate Strawberry for table, President is the best, but it is easily damaged by wet. The Vicomtesse is a very fine cropper, and good for preserving. In a dry season it is subject to mildew. Fi-ogmore Late Pine does moderately well; Elton does not succeed here; I am going to discard it. The best late Strawberry I have grown here is Wizard of the North, though a feeble grower. — W. W. Ritchie. Alloa Park. —Apples here are this year under the average, and so also are Pears, Apricots, and Peaches. Cherries and Plums are very good, and small fruits, such as ( iooseberries. Currants, and Strawberries, excellent. The varieties of Straw- berries grown here and those that are most prolific are Dr. Hogg, Duke of Edinburgh, Elton Pine, Garibaldi, James Veitch (a grand variety). Presi- dent, Sir Joseph Paxton, Stirling Castle, and Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury. ^Ve renew our Strawberries every third or fourth year; a plan- tation therefore is renewed every year. — Tiios. Ormiston. Blair Drummond.— Ap]>Ies, Pears, and all wall fruits here are below the average. Small fruits, such as llooseberries. Raspberries, and C'urrants, are abundant. Strawberries also are a heavy croji. For flavour the best here is the Duke of Edinburgh, although not so heavy a cropper as (lariba'.di, which comes in a little earlier, but behind it in flavour. Next comes Sir Jose])h Paxton, of which we have a remarkable fine cro]i of beautiful fruit, but rather worse in flavour than the Duke. President is not such a good crojiper as Sir Joseph, but equally good in flavour. 1 have gathered fruit from it weighing •2 ozs. each. Then there is Bothwell Bank Pro- lific, ratlier an earlier variety and a line croi)per, but lacking colour and flavour; also Prolific Haut- bois, the fruit of -wliich is small and rather peculiar in flavour, but plentiful. Our latest sort is Elton Pine, of which we have a good crop of very fair fruit, and good in flavour if the weather is' dry. There is another sort here, viz.. Aromatic, which comes in before tlie Elton, but it is inclined to jiroduce foliage rather than fruit, and its flavour is only second rate. As tu culture, after liftinL: I'otatoes we merely dig the ground and let it lie all winter in a rough state; then we rake it early in spring and plant with a trowel -2.^ feet apart between the rows and 1 foot betwcenthe plants. After the fruit is gathered we cut away all runners from amonjjst the plants, and hoe and rake. We find digging very objectionable. Mulch- ing is recommended by some, but we find by re- newing the quarter every four or five years we get much better fruit than by applying too much manure and keeping the ground hard. Our soil is heavy loam on a sandy subsoil. — John King. Ba,lcarres, Colinsburgh.— Fruit crops in this dLstriet are very vaiied ; they have been much injured by late frosts. Apples are very poor ; the best (which bloomed early) are Aitkins' No. 2 and Irish Peach. I'ears on east walls are pretty good ; on other aspects we have none. Plums, with the exception of Victorias, are a failure. Cherries good, particularly Morellos. Of Apii- cots and Peaches we have very few. Small fruits are good and excellent in quality. Gooseberries are heavier than we have had them for years. Raspberries and Currants are also very good. Strawberries, too, are plentiful, but rather small. The sorts which I grow and find do the best on our strong soil are Keen's Seedling, Garibaldi, President and Marshal MacMahon ; for late crops we grow Victoria and Elton Pine. We grow our Strawberries for the first two years in single rows, and after that allow two rows to form abed. We find this system the best, as by it we get good and well flavoured fruit for five or six years. This plan has been much praclised in this district of late years. — Enw.uiD T.vrE. Castlemilk, Rutherglen, Lanark. — Our best Strawberries both for flavour and crop, accord- ing to my experience of thirty years' duration, are Black Prince, British Queen, and Dr. Hogg. James Veitch and President are excellent, but do not stand damp well. Elton Pine, Garibaldi, and Vicomtesse Hcricart de Thury I find best for late crops. As to culture, in loose soil I neither ma- nure nor dig before jjlanting, which is done in autumn. I merely clear away our early Peas or Turnips, hoe and rake the ground, put in the plants, and I have never failed in having a fair crop. In some years it has been no uncommon thing for sixteen berries to weigh a pound. Here I have to dig, the ground being stiff', but I do not manure nor dig afterwards. I never grow the same plants more than three years on the same ground, and the result is large fruit and fine in flavour, and the plants do not make much foliage — a great advantage, as much foliage Is detrimen- tal both as regards fruit and flavour. Other crojjs in this district are fairly good. Early Cherries are poor, but late ones are abundant. Apples and Pears are a thin crop. (Gooseberries with me are a heavy crop, but in some of the more exposed jJaces they are nearly a failure. The same remarks apply to Black and Red Currant?. Wall Plums, especially Victoria, are a good cro[) in most places. — Ai.Kx. Bki:wsti;k. Terregles, Dumfries. -Apjiles, with the ex- ception of a few sorts, are a very thin crop in this district. Pears are also very thin. Plums on wall trees are a good average crop ; standards not so good. Cheriies are a small crop with the exception of Morellos, which are good. Cur- rants, Gooseberries, and Raspberries are abun- dant. The Strawberry crop is the worst that has been known in this district for a number of years. We had a grand show of. blossom, l.jut the drought which we experienced in .June pre- vented the fruit from swelling. In a neighbouring garden, in which the soil is heavy and the beds well mulched, there is the heaviest crop I have seen for years. The sorts that have proved the best with us for size, flavour, and good bearing arc Garibaldi, Sir Joseph Paxton, and President; the best late kind is Elton Pine. In order to secure good and regular crops the beds should be renewed every three years and the plants gixen plenty of room. I plant in rows 2 feet li inches apai't, lea\'ing from IS inches tu *Jt) inches between the plants. 1 mulch the beds in winter or early spring with fresh stable litter, allowing it to re- main on all the summer in order to keep the roots moist and the fruit clean. —Alex. Cu.\lmers. Castlecraig', Dolphinton, Peebles. — Our altitude is .S."i() feet above sea level ; con.sequently everything is very late ; only this morning (July 2S) the thermometer registered .'iS", and 30' at (i a.m. Of Apricots and Peaches we have none grown out- side. Of Apples we have almost none ; Pears the same. Of Plums the Victoria is a fair crop ; others a failure. Cherries rather under the average. Raspberries abundant, (iooseberries are above the average. Red and White Currants a heavy crop; Black Currants a medium one. Strawberries are an average crop. Keen's Seedlins and Presi- dent are the best flavoured. These, Black Prince and tJaribaldi do best and croj5 the heaviest ; Black Prince for first early. Keen's Seedling and Ciaribaldi for second early, I'resident for main crop, and Elton Pine for late work. Sir J. Paxton and Marshal MacMahon have been on trial ; many varieties have been tried here and discarded. We plant one-third every spring, and destroy a third every autumn ; no digging between the rows is allowed, only cleaning and top dressing in autumn. Autumn planting does not answer here. — Willia.m Milne. Galloway House, 'Wigtonshire. — Fruitcrops in this district are below the average, especially where much exposed to east winds. Apples of the following, viz., Keswick Codlin, Cellini, Hawthorn- den, Galloway Pippin, Warner's King, Yorkshire Beauty and Blenheim Orange are good crops. Pears arc about half a crop ; the best arc .Jargonelle, Marie Louise, Beurre i>iel, Swan's Egg, and Louise Bonne of Jersey. Of Cherries we have a very good crop. A[)ricots are a fair crop— better than for some years past. I'eaches and Nectarines are very scarce, much of the wood being destroyed in winter, owing to unripeness. Plums are a heavy crop throughout ; Victoria, Lawson's and Green (^iages have required thinning. Currants, Rasp- berries, and Gooseberries are all good crops and the fruit very fine. Strawberries are below the average ; early kinds were good, but the late sorts (Frograore and Elton I'ine) have failed to swell off their fruit. For early use we grow Black Prince on south borders. For main crops on open quarters Keen's Seedling, President, Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury and Sir Joseph Paxton have proved to be the best. Frogmore and Elton Pine we grow for late use. Bothwell Bank has been grown liere for three seasons ; it ripens about four days later than President, and in flavour, colour, and firmness of fruit it is inferior to that variety. To get fine fruit and regular crojis, the plantations must be renewed every three or four years. We plant in «ell manured and deeply trenched soil, 2h feet apart between the rows, and 2 feet plant from plant. —James Day. Uilce Graden, Coldstream. — Apples here are almost a total failure, owing, I believe, to the prevalence of wet and cold at flowering time preventing a free set of tlie fruit. Pears, too, are considerably short of a full crop. Amongst Plums, (Jages are rather thin; Victoiias and Mag- num Bonums good crops. I'eaches, where pro- tected, are a full crop, and the trees healthy and free from aphides and curl. Apricots are a very light cropliere generally. Gooseberries, Red and Black C^urrantsand RaspberriesarefuUcrops. Of Cherries M e ha\e none. American Brambles promise well. Strawberries are a full crop in quantity on such kinds as .lames Veitch, Prei^ident and Vicomtesse Herieart de Thury, but the fruit is inferior in size, owing to the drought which has prevailed here recently. Sir J. Paxton, Excelsior and Duke of Edinburgh have been very disappointing this year ; they have grown most luxuriantly, and pro- duced large healthy foliage, but scarcely any flowers. The plants, I may .'■ay, were completely denuded of leaves by the frost of the late severe winter, which I think must have damaged the crowns to such an extent as to make them abortive as regards fruit. British (^)ueen is one of the best flavoured of Strawbcrrieswhere it succeeds, as it does in a neighbouring market garden here, on a chalky soil. .James \^eiteh is the heaviest bearer we have here, and seems to be le?s atJected by di-ought than most of the other varieties. Vicomtesse H. de Thury is one of the earliest and best all-around Strawberries that can be grown, and one that is not so fastidious as to soil as many others. Wizard of the North is one of the best late sorts, some years yielding a supply of fruit well through September. Of foreign varieties, Tri- omphe de Paris is certainly an ac(iuisition, and of recent introduction. It is a compact growing variety, and produces finely coloured fruit freely and well out from the foliage ; the fruit is round, medium sized, and of good flavour. The best way in which to secuie a continuous yearly supply of fine Strawberries is to make a new ]ilantation every spring on ground that has been pre\iously trenched, well manured, and trodden hard, plant- ing in rows "2 feet apart, and leaving Iti inches between the plants. Mulch well in autumn, and stir the surface with the hoe in spring, instead of digging between the rows, as is usually done ; keep the ground clean and the plants isolated, or free from one another, and, if other conditions are fa- \ourable, good crops will be the result. —James (iuAHAM. ■Wishaw, Lanarkshire. — Apples and Plums here are under the average, but in other gardens on the Clyde they are full average crops. Bush fruits are average crops. Strawberries are above the average, especially the earlier varieties. Our best flavoured and main cropper in this district ia Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury ; the earlier varieties arc Black Prince .ind (irove End Scarlet. For late use we glow Elton Pine and President. The Aufi. 14, 188G.] THE GARDEN. 15] best way in which to secure a i;c](k1 rej^uhir cioj) is to uiatiure heavily and turn the ground up to the winter frost before planting;, our soil being very damp and lieavy. — John iMuNKii. Blackadder, Chirnside, Berwickshire.— All small fiuits hereabouts are good, especially Strawberries. The leading sorts for tlavour are Dr. Hogg and British (,lueen. For early use we grow Keen's Seedling and Vicoratesse HOricart de Thury, and for late use Elton Pine, President, Sir C Napier, and Eleanor. In order to secure good and regular crops, make young plantations on heavily manured soil. The Ap|)le crop here is very poor. We had a fine show of blossom, but most of it dropped. I^ears are a fair crop. I'lums antl Cherries very good. Of Apricots we have none. —F. Hack Eit. Torwoodlee, Galashiels.— Of Pears here we have almost none, and Ap|iles are not much better. Plums and Cherries are fair crops. PlaCk Currants poor; Red a good crop, but the fruit is small, tlooseberries pretty good. Raspberries look well. Strawberries are very poor. The best early sorts are I'r. Hogg, President, and Keen's Seedling, but the colour of the latter is rather dark. Our late sorts are Sir Joseph Pax ton and Elton Pine, also James Veitch, but the last is not very pro- ductive.— Tiios. Sh.\nnan-. Munches, Dalbeattie, Kirkcudbright- shire.— Pears here are thin, and Apples a poor crop, w'ith the exception of Lord Sutlield. Cherries are a tine crop. Plums an average crop. Coose- berries average. Raspberries under the average. Black and Red Currants tine crops. Strawberries a fair crop. The kinds that do best here are Black Piince for early use, and the old Crove End Scarlet ; the latter beai's heavy crt)ps, which we use for preserving. Caribaldi does well here, also Viconitesse Hericart de Thury and President. All are on a clay soil, and they hardly ever fail to bear heavy crops. — John Jki'i-ukv. Kilkerran, Ayrshire. - Goo.seberries, Cur- rants, and Raspberries here are good crops. Apples a failure, except a few young trees, con- sisting of such varieties as Lord .Sultield, Eclilin- ville, Hawthornden, Small's Admirable, Ringer, and Pigsnout, which are bearing a few. Pears on standards are an entire failure, and almost the same on walls. Plums on walls are about half a crop, on standards about a third of a crop, and so late that they will not ripen. Of Peaches and Apricots we have none. Strawberries in this neighbourhood are very poor— with me not more than half the usual crop. The winter did not leave a leaf on them, and the spring and summer were dry and cold. The varieties which I find do best are, for early gathering. Black l^rince, an abundant bearer and of first rate quality: Gari- baldi, also an abundant bearer, but only of second quality ; for midseason we have Barnes' Seedling, President, Bothwell Bank Prolific, and Sir Charles Napier. Barnes' Seedling is very little known. It is a large cone-shaped fruit, of a pale red colour, and an enormous cropjier, but only second- rate in quality. Bothwell Bank 1 consider the best both as regards cropping and llavour. For late use we have Wizaid of the Xorth, w Inch is an abundant bearer, and Elton Pine, which does not bear very freely, but is of good quality. The mode of culture which I consider best for securing a good crop of largo well-flavoured fruit is to trench the ground three spits deep, enriching between each spit with a layer ot well rotted manure, and as soon as strong runners can be got in August to plant them in lines 3 feet apart, and '2S feet asunder in the line, in clumps of three j)lants in a triangle ;> inches ajjait. Tliis allows plenty of air and light to get to the fruit, and also leaves plenty of space for cleaning among plants and for gathering the fruit. Varieties such as Black Prince I plant in lines 2 feet apart and l."> inches asunder in the line. I keep down weeds with the hoe until the beginning of Novem- ber, when I give a good mulching of rotten manure. This is allowed to lie on the ground all the year round, and is renewed every November. I never disturb the ground, except with the hoe until the plantations show signs of exhaustion, which is after a lapse of three or four years; then they are trenched down. I consider digging between the rows to be a bad practice. In light soils I should make the ground firm before plant- ing. If i)lanted in August, as they should be, I allow them to bear fruit the first year; but if through want of ground or other causes they are not planted till March, they should not be allowed to bear fruit that season. To keep the fruit clean I use rough litter from the stables. I never dig among Raspberries either, but keep the ground covered with manure and keep weeds down with the hoe. Anyone who sees the difference which this treatment makes in the size of both canes and crops would never afterwards dig among them. — (Jeu. Gai.lahkiv. Culzean, Ayrshire.— Fruit crops hereabouts are very bad, esijeeially Apples and l-'ears, which are very scarce. Plums are about half a crop and the fruit very much rusted, owing to the cold weather which we had in June. Bush fruits are a medium crop. Black Currants a heavy crop. Strawberries about half a crop, (iaribaldi and Duke of Edinburgh are our best sorts as regards bearing. King of the Earlies and The Captain, two new varieties, promise well for the future. — Daviu MruKAV. Castle Toward, Renfrew. —Here Straw- berries, Gooseberries, Red Currants, and Plums are extra good crops this season. These fruits are now made a speciality of in this district, and many hundreds of acres are planted with them. The «ork of gathering the crops has conimenctical heat, and gave us magnificent dessert fruit, especially the Vi- comtesse. President, too, produced large fruit, but of bad colour— more brown than red. Black Prince gave us fruit a week in advance of tlie others, (iooseberries. Currants, and Raspberries are plentiful and good. Of Apples, Eehlinville and Keswick C'odlin are bearing in profusion ; others a light crop. Pears on walls are an average crop ; also Plums. Apricots light. (Uierries, early kinds fairly good; Morellos abundant. — E. Knowldin. Baronsccvirt, Newtown Stewart. — The Apple crop here is very light ; the trees had plenty of bloom on them, but it set badly. Pears are much better than last year ; indeed, in this country they do very badly as a rule ; this is the best year I have seen for eight years. Plums are a very heavy crop, especially the A'ictorias. Strawbenies are a grand crop, and the flower- stems are far longer than ever I can remember to have seen them. Our best cropper is Vicomtesse Hi'rieait de Thury, next President, and our best flavoured variety is Dr. Hogg ; altogether, our soil is too light for very large fruit, but the quantity produced is enormous. There are no Peaches, Nectarines, or Apricots grown in this neighbourhood out of doors. We have very tine crops of Pears grown in a lean-to house with a movable roof. The roof is taken off when all danger from frost is past, and put on in the autumn when it is useful for sheltering Chrysan- themums. -A. DiOKSllN. Markree Gardens, CoUoont y, Co. Sligo.— Apples here are a good average cro[). Pears on walls average. Of Plums we have very few, and these only Victoria. Of Apricots and Peaches we have none out of doors, (iooseberries, Red Cur- rants, and Raspberries are very abundant. Black Currants are a quarter of a crop on account of birds. Strawberries are also, owing to frost, about a quarter of a crop. Keen's Seedling (our earliest variety) suffered most from the frost, but this is the first season in which it has failed. Helena Glocde (our latest variety) has stood well, and we hope to continue gathering from it for some time yet. This is a first-class Strawberry and a strong grower and free fruiter. The only other variety 1 grow is Vicomtesse Hi'ricart de Thury ; this does fairly well with me, but not as well as I have seen do in the midland counties of England. Tliose three vaiielies I find can he most relied on in this district. My system of culture is to plant on well- trenclitd and heavily-manured ground towards the end of July or as soon as runners are ready ; sometimes we layer in pots and plant later, which is certainly the best way if time can be alVorded for It. All we do afterwards is to keej) the planta- tion clean and free from runners and weeds, and give a good annual dressing of manure, working some short portions in about the collars of the plants.— J. McPhail. Castlewellan, Co. Down. — In this district the fruit crop is very unsatisfactory. Of Apples and Pears we have scarcely any ; even such reliable sorts of Apples as Lord Suffield, Cellini, Keswick Codlin, Blenheim Orange, and Warner's King are very light crops. The trees flowered badly, and while they were in bloom we experienced a severe snowstorm. Knight's Monarch is tlie only I'ear carrying an average crop, other varieties having very few fruits. Plums and Cherries are not half a crop. Strawberries, Raspberries, Cooseberries, and Black and Red Currants are cariying full crops of very fine fruit. — T. Ryan. Glenart Castle, Arklow. -Of Apricots we liave none, and of I'eaches and Nectarines (out- doors) very few. Plums on walls arc fair crops. Pears and Apples light. Cherries good, especially Morellos. Small fruits very good. Strawberries excellent ; the sorts grown here are I'resident, Sir Joseph I'axton, .James Veitch, and Frogmore Late Pine. Tlie two first and last are the best flavoured, but James \'eiteh is very large and a continuous cropper. These varieties ripen in the order named. I jirepare my ground for Strawberries by digging two sj^its deep, giving plenty of manure, and then using plants that had been fruited in pots, plant- ing tliem .3 feet by "2 feet apart. I mulch in spring with littery manure. — P.. Willmet. Birr Castle, Farsonstown, King-'s County. — Apples arc almost a failure in this locality, with the exception of a few hardy kinds, and I see that they are daily drojiping oft' the trees. Pears are only a middling crop and late, and small I'lums and C^icrries are both good. Nuts are a fair average crop. I'eaches and Nectarines will not do here in the open air. Bush fruits are abundant. Strawberries are the worst crop that I have known for many years, and very small and poor. The plants showed an abundance of blossom, but failed to set or swell, the weather being unfavourable in May and tlie early part of June. The kinds which I find to succeed best are Pre- sident, Vicomtesse Herieart de Thury, Black Prince, and Keen's Seedling. Oxonian also does remarkably well ; it is a hardy, robust variety and a sure bearer, but the fruit is very soft and poor in colour and flavour. I have tried several of the Briti.sh (^tueen class, but they cannot be relied upon for a crop. Frogmore Late Pine does fairly well as a late kind.— T. J. Hart. Kyleniore Castle, Co. Galway. — The fruit crop in the gardens here and in this district is on the whole very good. Apples on well-known free- bearing varieties are a heavy crop, and the fruit clean and well shajied. Pears a thin crop. Apri- cots, Peaches, Nectarines, and Figs are never very profitable crops out of doors in this dull, wet climate, but we have fine crops of them under glass. There is a great quantity of I'hims, but the fruit is small in size compared with that of past years. C'herries, Raspberries, Gooseberries, and Currants are heavy crops, and the fruit in every respect good. Strawberries are an average crop ; we find the best for general use to be Keen's Seedling, Duke of Edinburgh, Sir Joseph Paxton, Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, and British (Jueen. James Veitch bears very heavy crops, but is deficient in flavour in our wet climate. Potatoes generally are looking very well, and as yet no traces of disease have made their apjiear- ance ; field crops are very vigorous, and promise to yield well this year. — John M'Kinnon. Elm Park, Limerick. — 'We have a fair crop of fruit this season, but not equal to tliat of last year, especially Gooseljerries and Red Currants. Plums and Cherries are good crops. Peaches and Apricots fair crops. I'ears good. Of Ajiples in orchards there are no more than half a crop. Strawberries are a good crop, but late, and not so large in size as last year. The varieties which I grow for our main crop are President, the best for size, flavour, and productiveness, Eleanor, and Frogmore Late Pine; these three are the best for a general crop. We plant in rich well preiiared ground 'Ih feet apart each way, and lay on a heavy dressing of manure in spring, treatment by means of wliieh we get very heavy crops of fine fruit. By keeping the runners cleared off' in autumn, a plantation will continue in bearing for three years. — Tikis. Conway. Shanes Castle, Antrim.— Fruit crops in this neighbourliood are, as a rule, very liglit this sea- fon, though in a few localities small fruits are abundant, particularly (iooseberries. Strawberries are a miserable failure ; we have about an acre of them, and from the whole have only gathered some I'i.'j quarts, being about a quarter of the usual crop. The kinds grown here are Keen's Seedling, Vicomtesse Hi-ricart de Thury, Presi- dent, Duke of Athole, Trollope's Victoria, and l']lton Pine, all of which do well in general. This .season Dukeof Atliole lias ]irodueed the best crop, but it is only fit for market, being deficient both in colour and flavour, and I intend substituting for it James \'eitch. Apples on espaliers in the kitchen garden are carrying good crops, particu- larly King of the Pippins; on standard trees there are very few ; indeed one could count more trees than Apples. Of Apricots we have none. Figs are a good crop, but late, and unless favoured with a warm autumn they will not come to much. Peaches are fairly good on young trees on a north wall. Cherries are a good crop, particularly May Duke and Morellos. Of Filberts and Walnuts we have none. — Chaki.ks Wakwii'k. Bellarena, Londonderry. -The Apple crop here and in this neighliourhood is very poor. The Pear crop middling. Cherries on walls good. Plums very good. Currants good. Gooseberries, Raspberries, and Strawberries all good. The only variety we find to yield a satisfactory crop, after trying many, is President; British ti)ueen. Dr. Hogg, and Mr. Radclyffe are too tender for this part of Ireland.— W. Hubi-.aru. The Park, North 'Wexford.— Apples here- abouts are a complete failure ; when in bloom we had a gale that not only destroyed the Apple crop, but scarcely left a leaf on the Beech trees. The following varieties of Apples, even in the worst of seasons, always bear a heavy crop liere, viz. : Devonshire (^luarrenden. Lord Sulfield, and Cellini. Pears are a very thin crop, especially on walls. Cherries are carrying very fair crops this season. I'lums are hea\ily laden with us ; they set almost as thickly as (iooseberries, but we can only grow them on walls ; standards do not succeed. I'eaches out of doors set very well, but the trees suft'ered very much owing to the back- wardness of the season, and it is questionable if they will finish well. Bush fruits are all heavily laden. Gooseberries especially so. Strawberries I find to vary according to soil and situation ; here Biitish (>)ueen is far beyond any other both as regards quantity and quality. A point in which it differs from nearly every other is that the longer it has been planted the more prolific it becomes. Here it has been on the same ground for five years, and this season the crop has been something enormous. In one garden near here it has been planted thirteen years, and still it bears very heavy crops. The soil is rich sandy loam resting on pure sand. Ours is a loamy soil resting on marl. Before we plant vc trench about 24 inches deep, putting a heavy layer of manure at the bottom. We then point in a little hotbed manure on the surface, and put out our plants as soon as we can procure them in lines ." feet apart and 2 feet from plant to plant. As soon as the crop is gathered one man goes before with a knife and trims oil' all the foliage which is lying down around the plant, just leaving those leaves which are standing upright. The ground is then hoed over with a Dutch hoe, so as to clear olt all runners and weeds. We then get manure from the early-made hotbeds, spread it between the rows, not forgetting to give a good coat of it, and that is the entire treatment which our plants receive until they come into good bearing, which is not for two years. We cut off' all runners. Afterwards the following varieties bear so heavily that we have no trouble with runners, viz., British (Jueen, Black Prince, and Elton Pine. We have grown a very large number of varieties, but those are the only ones worth growing here. Strange to say, none do worse with us than I'resident and (iaribaldi. — T. Scott. Tynan Abbey, Armagh. — Many are dis- appoined with their fruit crops this year. 'VVe had a grand display of bloom on Apples and Pears, but if we were to examine the trees to-day we Ave. \i, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 155 would not lincl nioro than a dozen of fruit on a large t.iee. Plums are the same, and all owing to the cold frosty nights which we had in May and June. I have had a very good crop of ilay Duke Cherries. 1 have many other sorts, but none to compare with May Duke. As to Strawberries, I do not go in for many sorts, as some do not turn out productive in our light soil. I have British Queen, TroUope's Victoria, President, and the AVizard of the North ; they come in in succ3Siion as I havi- named them, and the flavour is good, but TniUope's Victoria produces fruit so very large that it is not so productive as British Queen or President. The Wizard of the North I would highly recommend to all who wish for a good sure cropper. It is late, has a sightly, firm berry, and is good in flavour. I commenced to gather its fruit in the beginning of .July, and it continued in bearing till the end of August, and if the weather keejjs favourable, I can have fruit from it in Sep- tember. I find three and four-year-old |)lants to be most productive. By manuring well and point- ing it lightly into the bed, I seldom fail to get good crops, (looseberries and Currants are abun- dant, but, owing to the cold, sunless weather which we have had, they are flavourless. — \V. H. Bakkr. Belvedere House, Mullingar. ~ Apricots here are under the average, but they are not much grown. Plums are also unn the fruit is safe from frost. In the houses we grow very good crojis of fine fruit, both of Peaches and Nectarines, chiefly in pots; in fact, we get the best fruit from trees in pots. The sorts are, of Peaches. Dr. Hogg. Dagmar, Falcon, Princess of Wales, Nectarine Peach, and Lady Palmerston. Of Nectarines we grow Lord Napier, Stanwick Elruge, Pine apple, Rivers' Orange, an:n all others in cultivation. It is dwarf aiiil Im.shy, with the haves generally arranged in threes on the branches ; hence the specific name. The flowers .ire al)out an inch hmg, bright scarlet, produced plentifully in loose clusters terminating almost every shout. It is a beautiful plant, and oi.e we hope will be distrihnttd wiilely. Mr. Barron showed a capital plant of it from the society's garden a'. Chiswiek. MiLTO.MA sPEiTABlLls BicoLOK. — Au extremely pretty variety, differing from the erigiual cbii'fly in the colour of the flowers, the lips of which are half pure white, the rest bright carniine-magentn, while the tepals alsu are white. Shown by Mr. VV. Bull. Chrvs.vnthe.mlm Mrs. Bukkell. — A new early flowering variety, probably the finest that has been rai-ed. It is somewhrt similar to the sort Madame Desgrangi", uow s i popular, but its flowers are much larger aud more fieely produced. The oluur is yel- low in the centre, fading to a straw colour towards the tips uf the floret^. It will withiiut iloubt prove a valuable plant. Exhibited by Mr. G. Miles, Victoria Nursery, Djke Road, Biighton. Begonia I.mpehial. — A tvdjarous v.iriety having very large semi-double flowers, Ho.se-in hose as it were. The petals are iliiek and roindcd, and of a brilliant cirmine-crimson flushed with a purplt^h hue. Shown l^y Mr. R. t)wen. Maidenhead Nurseries. Di.-\NTiii's CHis'EXsis Black Prikct. — ,V variety of Indian Pink with flowers of a very deep eriniscm — in fact, almost black. The plant is d«arf and flori- ferous. Shown by the raisers, JIM. Andrieux- "Vilrnoiin, of Palis. Astee, dark ro.-e scarlet. — A China Aster with medium siz-d blooms of a deep reddish crimson. The plant is dwarf, compact, and flowers profusely. From M. Ernest Binary, Erfurt. PicOTEE DlCHESS. — A beautif.d sort, flowers large, petals broad, pure white, heavily edged with deep rose. Shown liy the r. iser, Mr. C. Turner, Slough. Glaiuoli Lord Salisbiry, cnlonr biilliant csinnue flaked and blotched with ciiujson. Sir M. Hicks- Beach, rose-pink, flaked with caraone. 1,'larence, detp purplish crimson, flaked with a plum-jiurple or almost a black tint. Sir Cunliffe Owen, pale salmon flushed with sulphur-yellow, lower petal wholly p,ile yellow. All these were sh^wn by Mes-rs. Kelway, of Lang- port, and, as may be imagined, were perfect in every point, the spikes being massive, the flowe s large and faultless in substance and foim. H' LLTHOCK RlviVAL — Flower large and full, and of a buff yellow colour. Shown by Mr. A. Chater, Cambridge. Hollyhocks Shirley Hibbero and Prince ok Walis.— The first a rich rosy crimson colour, the second a deep rosy salmon. Both large and full flowers. Sliown by the raiser, Mr. Blundell, West Dtilwich. Picotees Annie Dololas and Almika.— Both yellow ground sorts, with large, full, and perfectly shaped flowers. The former is flaked with pink, the 158 THE GARDEN. latter flaked and edged with a rosy salmon. Bulh shown by Mr. Douglas, Great Geaiies, Ilford. Hollyhocks Crimson Queen and Primhose Ge.m. —Both with large flowers pevfe.t iu form, the former of a deep red-crimsoD, the latter a pale ytllow. Shown by Messrs. Webb and Brand, Saffron Walden. ZiNNi.ia, iiw.iRF STRiPEii. — A new f.traiti having flowers variously coloured, some half one colour half another, others striped, flaked, and spotted. Sncli strange diversity of colour is quite novel among Zinnia", and the stra'n, which wa') exhibited by MM. Vilmorin, of Paris, will without dmibt be appre- ciated here. Dahlia Squire Ga.m.mie — A large-flowered, tingle variety, deep crimfon, flushed with a darker colour towards the centre. From Mr. T. S. Ware. Adiantum ouneatum Phillipsi. — A form of the common Maiden hair Fern, having more delicately- cut fronds. A very graceful plant. Exhibited by the raiser, Mr. Phillip". Ammg other plants exhibited were the folio. v- ing. FriiU] Mr. Bull came a fine basketful of ])'.ants (■I the biilliantly flo.vered iieff B Jsam, lM,p.x>ie:is Hawkeri, which was again sljosn in good condition ; also good plants of Cienkowskia Kirki and of the rare Cattleya Schofieldiaoa. This has flowers .some 5 inches across the sepals, deep olivegreeu, heavily spotted with brown, the lip magen'a streaked with white. Mr. IJ. J. Measures showed a variety of Cypripedium Lawrenceanum with the dorsal sepal heavily flushed with plum-pu'ple, and a Trichopilia, named luteo-ijurpure.i, evidently an int-rmediate be- tween T. coccinea and T. tortilis. He also showed a plant with four flower.s of the true Cattleya veUitina, a small-flowered species having greenish yellow sepals and a rosy-tinted lip with a golden yellow blotch. Messrs. Low, of Clapton, sent some admirably flowered pUnts of the brilliant, but now rarely seen, Beaufortia splendens, an Australim thrub having its scar'tt flowers arranged in a bottle- brush- Uke manner. Messr.-'. Krelage, of Htiarlam, sent some new seedling varieties of hybrid Gladioli of the Lemoinei race ; a-id Mr. Barron showed, from Chiswick, a Carnatie>n with bright crimson flowers, called Chiswick Red. IVfessrs. Carter, High Holbnrn, showed samples ff their Camellia-flowered double Balsams and single Petunias of various colour.', and curiously marVei and striped. A large number of Hollyhock seedlings was shown chiefly by Messrs. Webb and Brand, of Sattron Waldpn ; Mr. Chater, of Cambridge ; and Mr. Blundell, all of whom seen to have suc- ceeded in raising some first-rate seedling sorts, which would cimpare with those seen years ago, when the late Mr. Chater w.is the l-aJing Hollyhock grower. The most brilliant display was made by Messrs. Kelway, who had r.o fewer than 200 spikes of Gladioli, the cream cf the immense cnllectiin they grow in their nursery at Langport. The collection contained spikes of the finest old sorts, besides numerous new seedlings, four of which were certifi- cateil. The best of the others were tho;e named T.ord Halsbury, Lady Salisbui-y, Abantes Demerata, Duke of Grafton, vivid scarlet. Lord Pamlolph Churchill, and Countess Onslow. A silver gilt medal w.as deservedly awarded to Messrs. Kelway. Me ssrs. \V. Paul and Sons, Waltham Cross, al.so took a .-ilver gilt medal for a large display of cut Ecses, numbers of which were shown in large masses of one kind, the following sorts shown in this way being very conspicuous: Etendard de Jeanne d'Arc, Mme. de W.atteville (both superb new kinds), Perle d'Or, Honiere, and Niphetos. Messrs. Paul, of Cheshunt, likewise had a very fine display ol Eose.", as fine as were shown in Joly, a large numlier of the leading kinds being included in it. Besides this there was a very fine collection of hardy flowers in the Cheshunt exhibit, consisting of a selection of the finest August flowering plants, such as Helianthus multiflorus maxinuis, Harpilium rigidum. Coreopsis graneliflora, Campanuhas, herbaceous Phloxes in every varietj', Pentstemons, Lilies, &c. For this fine group and the Roses Messrs. Paid took a silver-gilt medal Messrs. Vilmorin, of Paris, showed an extensive collection of various kinds of flowers, chief among which were Camellia-flowered Balsams, large, very double, and diverse in colour ; Zinnias, the dwarf [Aug. U, 1886. pompon sorts, which grow only about 6 inches high, besides the singular striped strain whic^h was certifi- cated. They also .showed a b€aut;ful strain of single fringed Petunias, double-flowered Gaillardiis of various shades of pellow and red, and Liliputian China Aster.', which grow but 6 inches to 9 inches high. A silver medal was awarded to Messrs. Vilmorin, and likewise to Mr. Ware, Tottenham, for a large gathering of hai-dy flower.s, consisting for the most pait of Lilies, Iceland Poppies, August flowering Composites, and a huge sheaf of that bea'itiful Cape plant, Sparaxi.s puloherrima, so seldom seen grown and flowered so finely as Mr. Ware showed it. Jlr, R. J. Measures, of Camliridge I..odge, Camberwell, took a silver medal for a prettily arr.vnged group of flowering Orchids, consisting of several plants of the comparatively small number of kind.s that flower at this season, among which the following were note- worthy: Cattleya Regnelli, Barlingtonia Candida gigantea, with much larger flowers than u^ual, Ouci dium vrLetextum, Dendrochihim filiforme, Angra?oum articulatiim, Aeiides virens supeibum, and a very fine specinv n of Aerides odoratuin, cirrvirg no fewer ih.an two dozen spikes, and p.arfcular'y remarkablf on account of its having been grown without fire-heat in summer, .and in a house witli 50^ night temperature during winter. The New Plant and Bulb Company, Colchester, took a bronze medal for a gathering of Lilium auratum fl iwers in variety and for spikes of liybrid Cladioli. Afessrs. Cannell, of Swanley, exhi tit-d their bea-.tiful new bedding Lobelia, F.iscination or Blue King, a very dwarf variety, producing an abundance of deep blue flowers with white centres. They al,anish Onions. Some excellent dishes were shown in the other two collections. Prizes were eiffered for fruits of Webb's new Melorr Beauty of Wordsley, a handsome green- fleshed netted variety, but orrly one brace of fruits was shown, and these were over-ripe, so no award was made. Fruit. — A cultural commendation was accordeel to Mr. Coudle, Springfield, Ulverstone, for a dish of Royal George Peach from a four-year-old tree, and a dish of No'olesse Peach from a tree twenty-four years old. In both cases the fruits w- re very fine. Messrs. Buu3'ard, Old Nui series, Mah^stone, exhibited fruits of three eai'ly Apples, viz.. the Gladstone, a small high-ce>loured fruit, said to be the earlie-t and best Aprple ; Red Juneating, also a first-r.ite sjrt ; and the now early Americin Apple cjUed Tetrofsky, a small pale-co'oured fruit, said to be of excellent flavour. A list of awards is given in our advertising oolunrns. A FEW GOOD OLD PLANTS. The following old-fashioned greenhouse plants are at the present time so conspicuous that a word of praise of them may not be out of place. The great merit belonging to these old favourites is, that they are easy to manage, and never fail to yield a good display of bloom at their appointed season, and the appliances necessary to insure their parfect development are of the simplest kind ; anyone with a greenhoirse, or even gla?s- covered pit, may have them in the highest per- fection. Agapanthus umbellatus is now in fine condition; its strong spikes, crowned with lovely blue flowers, make a grand show either in the cons3rvatory or verandah, and as a vase plant few excel it. Good strong pots that will resist the pressure of its po^yerf ul roots are indispensable, anel I finel a good sound loam to be the best soil for it. If pottjd well at fir-st, it will last without interference for yeai-s if well supplied with water and a little liquid manure from May until October. Ha.'manthus coccineus forms a good companion to the preceding, and the same cultural treatment suits it exactlj'. Its brilliant heads of scarlet flowers with yellow stamens are very effective. Eucomis punctata succ?eds well associated with the above, but flowers a little later. Its mottled stems and foliage are very pretty, and the large spikes of flowers, although not brilliantly coloured, emit an agreeable perfume, and last in good condition for a great length of time. Alto- ffether it is a desirable plant for a cool green- house. Cr'assula cocoinea is another brilliant old favourite, able to hold its own with any of the new comers. Cuttings of it strike freely at this time of year-. Oleanders, with their lovely heads of double pink blossoms, are just now most conspi- cuous. They frequently drop their buds — a cir- cumstance mainly owiirg to lack of footl, or being allowed to get dry at the root. A good stiff loam and pleirty of water during the growing season selelom fail to cause them to yield abundance of bloom. FunUia Sieboldi, with its beautiful foliage and pure white fragrant flowers, is another of the easiest of plants to grow, and one that gives un- failing satisfaction. Hydrangeas, both pink and blue, are grand old plants. The blue is obtained by mixing with the soil iron filings or w-atering with alum water. Then there is the newer white- flowered variety, called Thomas Hogg. This is very floriferous, and most useful in many ways. And last, but not least, we have the feathery- flowered H. paniculata, that, if cut down like a Pelargonium, makesa beautiful bushy plant. Tho Lance-leaved Lilies, too, make gi'airrl greenhou e plants. The best time to repot them is in the autumn, just after the stems die down. Shake them out, arrange the bulbs in equal sizes, and use a compost consisting of turfy loam, rotten manure, and sharp sand. Put about five bulbs in a Hi inch pot, and only fill the pots three parts full at the fir.st, so as to allow for top-dressin ,' when the stem-roots apjjear. Be careful not to over-water and look out shar|ily for Hy. A plant «ith twenty or thirty expanded blooms on it is a granfl sight. J. G. Ifaiifs. Adiantum nedatnm (/!■ /■'.).— This is certainly a liar dy Fern, and ma)- be cxlirlrrted as such. Xames of plants. — J. ll- — Snrrvcnir dc la Malmoison. 'r'. 0'. -1, AUi'on .=ccscens; 'i, M lla i,a'.uidiflora ; 4, Buplitlialmum salieifoliruri ; 5, Inula cnsifoUa : 0, Allium i-(»seniii. Aor/yi-iji (Jii'iftncrston liictori/, Alth/iorimffli). — Alchemilla fissa ; Ajuga genevensis. A. C li. — CaniDanula Tommasini, a good species. Bh'Chnum.—Yonv Fern is Aspteniurn Fcrnaiidezianiun It is not hardv. but succeeds well iu a w.ar-in greenhouse. E. F. — Tradeseautia virsjirrica. D. Z.— Adamia versicolor-. C. F. F. — Wayfai'inj tree, Vitjurnum L^ntana. 1'. Z. — 1, Spirari c.all-'sa; 2, Acer Negiindo varie^atum ; 3, Hyssopus officinalis ; 4. Staehys lanata, A. Hoiris. - 1. species of Rudbeclii.n, cannoe nanie without leaves ; 2, Rulj'is odoratus ; 3, Stapliylca pinnata ; 5, Lrquidarubar styiMeiflua. — J. S (S/me even within the direct influe-nce of the salt spray ; and for this reason, as well as its orna- Thc aUovc was wrilttn bcfoiL' the rciimiks of the editor ill Ust weeks Gardes' appeucei. mental appearance, has been extensively used in the formation of our seaside plantations. On the moun- tain side bttwee n Llundt gai and Aber, at altitudes ranging fiom 300 ft. to 500 ft. above sea level, where-, upwards of thirty years ago, several extensive p'anta- tiuns were formed, Pinus Laricio, although ued in very limited numbers, may be seen above any of the other trees planted at the same time, and boldly facing the south-western blasts, which at times sweep along the hilbides with terrific fury." So much for the seacoast. I have at times furnished similar testimony as regards the be- haviourof the treecomparedwith the ScotcliFiron the most exposed inland situations in the north of England, where no other Conifer except the Austrian will thrive, and where some will not even live. Let "J. F." furnish like testimony to the con- trary or disprove the facts furnished, or, on the other hand, let him be silent until he has learned more about the subject. Yorkshiueman. PLANTINt; RECORDS FOR FORESTERS. TiiK value of keeping a record of all plantings carried out by the forester on an estate is not, I am sure, fully recognised. To young foresters espe- cially such a record would be a great guide to future plantings. Information which can be gleaned from books or journals must necessaiily be of a general character, and cannot be made to apply with any degree of certainty to individual places. Records of successes or failures kept in a special " tree book" upon an estate would, how- ever, be of the greatest possible worth. Failures upon particular spots, if recorded at the time they occur, would be as instructive as any portion of the work, as, lacking the knowledge of such at- tempts, the existing generation may repeat the mistakes of the pieceding one. It is most likely, indeed, that the accounts of failures would be of more value than the accounts of successes, as these would generally be left to speak for themselves, whilst the traces of the failures would have disap- peared if there was no record left behind. There is no doubt that there are very many foresters now living who possess a large fund of informatie n of this kind with regard to the localities in whi- h they have spent many years, but which, in the absence of a "tree" or "planting book," will be lost to posteiity. There are places, I know, where the plan is being carried out, and a century hence the experience of the present generation w ill be referred to and become a guide for their operations. As such things as these are very often overlooked from the fact of their being meiely everyday occurrences, the .suggestion may direct attention to it. There are very few proprietors, one would suppose, who would not be willing to provide a special book for such a purpose; and there are very few foresteis who would not gladly record their expeiiencesfor the benefit of their successors. ^ Y. Sowing Grass in woods. Where it is intended to lay down with Cira-s any land cleared of trees, this should now receive a thorough cultivation and cleanincr, and afterwards be dressed with lime. Towards the end of August roll down the land and make the surface as firm as possible, sow a proper mixture of about -10 lb. of seeds per acre, and lightly brush them in, taking care that none of them are too Jeeply buried. —W. Insects and Conifer?.— Duiing August a sharp look-out should be kept on Conifers for insects and their larva-. This is about the time when they begin their work of destruction, and, what is most provoking, the leading shoots are most liable to be attacked, thus destroying the season's growth, and throwing the symmetry of the tree out of balance for perhaps two or three years ; some trees, indeed, never regain a proper leader. — W. Fencing against cattle.— Gates, stiles, and all kinds of fences bounding jdantations ought to bo made perfectly secure against cattle. Those fences adjoining grazing lands should have special attention during hot weather, for catt'e when driven by insects quickly find out weak places in hedges, and when one breaks through the %\hole herd or flock will surely follow, and, of course, can in a very short time do an immense amount of injury to young trees or underwood ; and, besides, when once cattle get into a habit of trespassing into covers it is no easy matter to fence them out.— W. MACHINERY AND HOME-GROWN TIMBER. The final report of the Royal Commission on Trade Depression, to which attention is jirst now being directed, seems to emphasise the views of those who hold that one of the best ways to improve the position of the British timber market is to cheapen the manufacture on the spot. There are many points in the report— of which, how- ever, I have only seen a summary— which bear considerably, though indirectly, upon the ques- tion as it aftects us. One important deduction certainly is— though it has been known before— that there is no lack of con.'umption. Tlie trouble is that, either by more enterprise, cheaper labour, or some similar cause, the home grower is driven out of bis own market. There ai-e veiy many other things of which this is true besides timber, but this is the one with which we are now con- cerned. The fact seems to be accepted in a general sort of way, and yet no effort is made to meet it. As has been over and over again urged, there is one condition which, try as he may, the foreign producer cannot remove and that is distance and freight. To lessen this inconvenience to his com- petilor, the home producer cannot go a better way to work than continue many points of the present system. To gain anything from the advantage of production contiguous to the market, there must be a departure from the beatert track, and this can be dorre in more than one direction. A larger use of the home-grown produce, instead of purchasing foreign, is one, and perhaps the first; a curtailrrrent of the amount of labour in carting about the raw- material unnecessarily is another-. To anyone who has had the slightest experience of the w-ay in w-hich the English trade is usually carried on it is painfully clear that a vast quan- tity of effort is continually w-asted in hauling new timber from one point of the compass to another to be manufactured. It is, indeed, often carried on to such an extent, that it is a standing cause for wonder how the buyer is able to pay the producer anything at all for his timber. It may be ar-gued that this is a thing which concerns the merchant alone, but with this position I cannot agree, as it is perfectly obvious that the price paid for the new produce will be in pro- portion to the price obtainable for the fur- nished product and the intermediate expenses. These expenses can and w ill be rrraterially reduced by the application of suitable machinery to manufacture the material where it grows. That this is not more generally done at present is not perhaps altogether the fault of the merchant. _ It must be admitted that from some points of vicw- a pjriable saw-mill and the area surrounding it are not altogether the tidiest spots it is possible to conceive, yet there is often a kind of fa'.'O delicacy about landowners, especally if the fall of timber is at all within reach of the house, about permitting the cutting up of wood upi n their place. When this is the case, the buyer is often dr-iven to cart the un.'awn wood for seveial miles to a fixed mill at a comparatively hea\y outlay, and perhaps in the oparation pass a static n from which the sawn product could have been despatched if it had been manufactured on the spot. This is a thing of very freCiUnrt occurrence, and, as a consequence, the seller does not get so much for his timber, by the extra cost of cartage, which is a serious difl'erence, and is money thrown away. The matter is one which, of course, every- one who has timber to sell must decide for him-elf, but to the ordinary observer there seems no 160 THE GARDEN. [Aug. U, 1886. reason why there should be more objection to a portable saw-mill than to an ordinary threshing- machine. The assumption is that it shows finan- cial weakness to be cutting up the timber upon a place— at any rate it is difficult to suppose any other reason— hut such an idea should have no weight, as it would be just as reasonable to argue upon the same lines that a crop of corn should not be threshed because there would be an appearance of wanting to realise it. This may be to some extent a side issue, but it is one which is certainly part of the question. By encouraging the manufacture of the wood upon the spot where it grows, the producer would, where he possesses no machinery of his own, reap another indirect advantage, viz., that of an oppor- tunity of getting what timber he might want for his own uses cut up by skilled hands. These points may individually appear to be of small importance, but collectively they have considerable bearing on the issue. There is all the difference in the way in which a tide sets, and so it is with the production and disposal of home-grown timber. If the tendency is an earnest endeavour to im- prove an indifferent position, the attempt cannot be entirely unsuccessful, but if we are to drift listlessly on, matters, instead of becoming better, must gradually become more and more unsatis- factory as we are further and further pressed by the uljiquitous foreigner. J. N. B. UNTHINNED PLA.NTATIONS. My conviction is that if we could only come at the facts that could be recorded, the question of most practices connected with forestry could soon be settled. There is no dearth of experience or of facts, but a dearth of testimony. Englisli foresters seem extremely reluctant about telling anything. This was my feeling the other day when travelling by rail through certain well- wooded estates which it appeared to me could furnish excellent information on several disjnited points if only those in charge would kindly tell us their e.xperieuce, for it is presumed that some foresters and planters read The Garden and Woods and Forests. When passing a station, about half way between York and Scarborough, where a considerable quantity of timber was piled, I was struck by some examples of Larch poles in a lot. I should say they averaged 80 feet in length, G inches quarter girth, more or less, and were as straight and even as any Norway poles I ever saw. They had clearly been grown in a crowded plantation of no great age, a fact which caused me to take note of the extensive woods near the railway in the neigh- bourhood as we went along. A fellow traveller said the woods belonged to the Castle Howard estate near Malton, a favourite resort of the tourist. They consisted principally of Larch, Spruce, Ash, and Oak, all apparently in excellent condition ; but what took my attention most, both going and returning, was what one would call the crowded condition of the plantations, the length and straightness of the trunks, and the thoroughly healthy condition of the tops. All the plantations seemed to be crowded, and in one case a small wood of Larch and Spruce did not appear to have ever been thinned at all. So dense were the trees, that one traveller remarked, " Why, it is almost dark under those trees ! " The plantations were close to the railway, and could easily be seen. I wonder if those who have the charge of these plantations couM kinilly supple- ment ihis note with some further information on the subject. Yorkshireman. QUESTION. Age at which Lime trees flower.— At wh.it age dues the Liuic tree n^ii.illy lir.st nowuiV Itis a matter which I have never speeially iiutieei], and tlii.s season I have m young Limes of known age vvitliin reach. Would any reader who lias young Limes in flower be good enough to state their age? —TlLIA. THE WILLOW AS A TIMBER TREE. The Willow has never received fair treatment as a lorest tree, simpl because it will hear more ill-usage than any other tree. Few people have ever seen a Willow plantation in its prime, say after having been forty years planted and pro- perly cared for ; those who have seen such a plantation will not I'eadily forget its beauty any more than the owner can forget its profit. The Willow, when in perfection, is " a thing of beauty ;'' and those who have possessed well- grown specimens of it have seldom cared to have them cut down until decay had set in, and the Wil- low soon decays after reaching maturity. To speak in trading phraseology, it is a tree which brings a quick return for invested capital. Lowe, in his survey of the county of Notting- ham, states that so very valuable are Willows as plantation trees, that at eight years' growth they yield in poles a net profit of i'214 per acre, and ill two years more he states that they would probably" have yielded £.300 per acre. In page 1520 of' Loudon's " Arboretum Britannicum " it is stated that a cutting planted by Mr. Brown, of Httherset, Norfolk, became in ten years a tree of 35 feet in height and 5 feet in girth ; ami in the same work a tree is mentioned at Audley End, Essex, of twenty years' growth, which was .")3 feet high and 7 feet <3 inches in girth. I my- self saw six trees felled in 1869, near Southwell, Notts, which, after thirty- eight years' growth, unitedly yielded '23-2 feet of measureahle timber, which sold on the spot for Is. 2d. per foot ; and the six trees did not occupy more than 18 sipiare yards of land. To grow Willow trees in perfection they must be planted closely, say 3 feet apart each way, or 4840 to the acre would not be too close for the first eight or nine years, when they might be thinned out to half that number. The thinnings would find a ready sa'.e for general farm purposes. At the end of sixteen or twenty years they might be reduced to 1210 trees, or 6 feet apart each way, which would generally afford ample space for their full development. The time to fell .such a plantation must depend very much upon circum- stances. No unvarying rule can be laid down, but it is Ijetter to cut too early than to allow them to stand too long ; for, as before stated, when the Willow has reached its best it speedily decays. Its duration may be said to range from thirty to fifty years ; but whenever dead branches begin to show themselves there should be no delay in cutting down. In felling Willows do not think of leaving a few selected trees in the hope of obtaining larger timber, for after having been so crowded and then suddenly exposed they would almost invariably perish. If heavier timber is desired, plant more openly at the first. I will now endeavour to arrive at an approxi- mate value of an acre of such timber at its prime, say after having been planted forty years. There is plenty of evidence to show that it is not an uncommon thing for a Willow tree at thirty years of age to yield 45 feet of measureahle tim- ber or at the rate of li cubic feet per annum. The experiments of the Duke of Bedford and others prove this to be the case. I will not, however, reckon upon such great results, and will further as.suine that 110 trees out of our 1210 are worthless, being a much greater margin than would be probable, and that in forty years we only produced one-third of the above, or half a foot instead of 1.^ feet per annum. We shall then have 1100 trees, containing an average of 20 cubic feet each, or 22,000 feet, woith, at the lowest computation, Is. per foot, or i'llOO, the produce of an acre of such wood in forty years, leaving the two thinnings to cover the cost of labour, which would be more than sutlicient for that ]mrpose. This is no fanciful calculation, but one fully borne out by the experiments of men whose words cannot be doubted. It cannot, however, be too often repeated that the Willow will not arrive at perfection in swampv, undrained land. Willows grow freely on the slopes or tops of expo.sed hills ; indeed, there are few situations in vvhiili they will not grow, but in no place so badly as in waterlogged lan>ueen, Loxford Hall Seedling, Countess, and Souvenir de Kiett'. These varieties won the first prize in the class for four dishes. Loxford Hall Seed- ling is of the same type as the British Queen, but, as seen here, wasdensely furnished with small seeds ; Countess was of good size, high'y coloured, but not first-rate in flavour : Souvenir de Kieff was ex- tremely large and deeply coloured. In appearance this was the finest of the four sorts named, but in flavour the worst. In the single dishes, as in the preceding class, competition was keen, and a fine lot of fruit was staged. Here Sir J. Paxton was first, (ioliath second, and Countess third. Coliath is a very large, thick fruit, highly coloured and showy, but if ever Strawberries come to be judged by flavour it will never be heard of. British ti)ueen was shown in several instances, but the fruits were so poor in form, that they could not be I)laced in the prize list. James Veitch was well shown, but poor in colour ; indeed, I very rarely see this variety of the same colour throughout.— J. MuiR, -.Marram. Strawberries of fifty years ago. On looking over the recently published reports of this yeai's fruit crops in Thk tiARiiEN, 1 have been struck with the fact that the Keen's Seed- ling Strawberry, which was the leading sort both for forcing and general crops say fifty years ago, still holds its own in many establishments ; but where is the little Roseberry that used to come in as a first crop some few days before the Keen's, and which was also grown specially for preserving on account of its rich colour (for it was well coloured throughout)? It was conical in shape and small in size, but most prolific. Again, where is the Hautbois (a species, I believe, of°alpine Strawberry), the musky flavour of which was so distinct from that of other kinds ? Is its absence owing to the fact not being generally known that plants of this kind bear fruitful and sterile blossoms— in other words, have the male and female organs on separate plants ? As the male plants are the strongest, unless they are thinned out they overrun the weaker, and thus the cul- tivator becomes disappointed at not reaping a crop of fruit. Some thirty years ago I procured this variety from Jlr. Myatt, of Beptford.— H. HOWLETT. Newly-rooted Strawberries. No new Strawberry plants can be secured until the runners are formed in June or July. In some seasons runners are emitted much earlier than others, but, as a rule, they are of a good size and well rooted by the first week in August. Those who force Strawberries in pots always tiy to have runners rooted as soon as possible, and quantities of them are layered in small pots or in pieces of turf. In each of these cases the runners should be allowed to root well in the new soil before any attempt is made to cut them away and set them agoing on their own account. When severed from the old plants too soon some of the most tender young rootlets are apt to be checked or perish, and the young plants do not grow away so freely and luxuriantly as they do when the pots or turves are a mass of roots. Indeed, the main secret in succeeding with pot Strawberries during the early stage of their growth is, as I have said, to see that the runners ore thoroughly well rooted before they are taken from the old plants. I do not approve of potting them on the day on which they are cut off, as, no matter how well they may be rooted, they generally flag a little for a few days after being sciarated, and this is quite enough for the young plants to bear without being submitted to the additional trial of being re -potted. As soon as the young plants in pots are cut otf they should be placed in a somewhat shady spot, and here they should remain for a week or so until they have overcome the slight check arising from separation from the old plant. As soon as they are oft', and until they are re- potted, they should be liberally watered with liquid manure; and as this wi Uinduceagreat many young rootlets to break out, they will be in excellent order to place in larger sized pots. In potting these on small squares of turf care should be taken to see that the turves are not broken or the roots disturbed, and as soon as potted they should be heavily watered and shaded from bright sunshine until they have begun to root into the rew soil and are able to bear exposure without flagging. Last year, and for some years past, we have rooted quantities of our pot Straw berries in turves, and by the autumn when fully grown, or in spring when in fruit, they could not be picked out from these which had been rooted in pots. I am therefore inclined to think that the one system of layering is as good as the other. There are, however, very many growers who do not force Stiaw'i erries, or have any means of layering them for any purpose. Growers of this class generally allow their runners to root into the soil between the rows, and as scon as they are sufficiently rooted lift them and form new plantations with them. This is a good way in which to secure young plants, especially if the runners are well attended to. Runners intended for planting should never be shaded overhead with superfluous foliage. Only the strongest and best rooted should be selected, and in digging them up a ball of soil should always be secured with the roots. Many are in the habit of lifting them from the old beds and planting them direct in the new quarters, but much better results may be obtained by lifting them from the old plantation and planting them in a nursery bed for a few weeks; then they can be transferred to their permanent quarters. This nursery bed should be very rich, in order to induce the formation of abundance of roots as well as harden the plants, and as they will lift with excellent balls of soil they may be transplanted a second time if need be without ever feeling the change. During the time when they are in the nursery bed they should be watered frequently with liquid manure should the weather be dry, and if planted there now they will be ready for the main plantation early in September, which is a very good time to plant Strawberries. — J. MriR, Manjam, Port Talliol. Cold district Strawberries. When I came to this place, which is high, cold, and bleak, seven years ago, I got 000 Strawberry plants for pot culture, all good tried kinds, with the exception of Due de Malakoft'. After fruiting them I planted them out of doors, but the very first winter satisfied me as to w hich varieties I should grow. All the long foot-stalked kinds were good for nothing; Keen's SeedKng even did not answer ; Due de Malakoft' and Black Prince were the only two which I selected for further trial. I have tried some other varieties since, but without success. Malakoff is a good setter ; its fruit is not large, but it colours well. I am not fond of pale fruit for table. I have grown .■)0O plants of it in pots each year since, and after- wards planted them out of doors as early in the year as I could. I plant out every year a certain portion and annually destroy a similar piece. Due de Malakotl is certainly the best all-round Strawberry for a cold district, and anyone who gives it a fair trial will, I think, be satisfied with it. Every year I have to buy fresh plants for 1G2 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 21, 1886. pots; runners cannot be got early enough to ensure a crop in pots. If planted in September they would be nearly all lost by the spring time. Thi? year our crops outside have been but mode- rately good : the foliage suffered severely early in the year, and about a month ago it was again injured.— Aaron Bird, lliijh Civmploii, Shair, Lant^axhire,. Two good Strawberries. Allo»' me to say a word or two in favour of two varieties of Strawberry. One, King of the Earlies, raised .by Mr. Laxton,, is, pretty widely known. It is an excellent fruit and quite deserves its name. It is good in- shape and flavour, and a fruit that tends to prolong the Strawberry season at one end is nearly as serviceable as one that would lenjjthen it at the other. I should also imagine that it would be good for forcing. The other is a variety I came across at Helston. There was a very fine dish of Strawberries exhibited at the Rose show, and which was afterwards brought to the luncheon given by Mr. Gall to the judges and exhibitors. It was eagerly partaken of and pronounced by all, amongst whom was Mr. Laxton, to be excel- lent. It proved to be a seedling, the result of a oi-oss between Dr. Hogg and President, partaking of the good qualities of both parents. It is stated that it is very vigorous in growth, hardy in con- stitution, and forces well. It has, therefore, been called All Round. Whether it deserves all that has been said of it, I know not, but its parentage would justify me in believing that it does. All I can speak of it is what I know of the fruit ; it is handsome in appearance, firm in texture, and ex- cellent in flavour. — Delta. OVER-CROPPED VINES. Few 1 eaders of The Garden would have far to go to find a house of over-cropped Grape Vines, and it is surprising what an extraordin.ary weight of well- finished fruit experienced cultivators may cut from a house of Vines ; but if the inexperienced attempt to do the same, they are very liable to fail the first season as far as the cjuality of the crops is concerned, while tlie chances are the following season there will be a great falling off in both the number and size of fie IjUDches produced. When the Vines are well " built up " — that is to say, have not been over- worked in their young days, and have a well-formed border, plenty of moisture at the roots at all times, besides liquid manure and surface dressings of manure, special or otherwise — they will do almost anything in reason. We can point to two good ex.imples of superior culture, viz , Longleat and Cardiff Castle. In the former case the Vines are wonderfully strong, and as they are well fed at the roots they are quite capable of perfecting extra heavy crop^ ; indeed, if not heavily weighted, they would become too gross. At the present time they are bearing grand crops, the Muscat of Alexandria being exceptionally fine. In some parts of the large house devoted to that invaluable tirape, nearly every lateral on a rod is carrying a heavy bunch varying from 2 lbs. to 6 lbs. in weight, the berries being "very large. We are not at all sure that Mr. Pratt is not working them too hard, but theu, as before stated, they were cropped very lightly in their younger days, and with such stems and roots may now, when about fifteen years old, stand the strain. The Black Haniburghs are also heavily cropped ; but as these are fiuishing grandly, the berries being large, and little or no shanking lieing apparent, it cannot lie said they are overdone. In the late house, which is de- voted entirely to black siirts, Alicante promises to be as fine as ever, and that in spite of heavy crops both last season and this. Lady Downes have hitherto been somewhat unsatisfactory, and they are now b.dng more heavily cropped to correct grossness. In- stead of one bunch to nearly every lateral, two are left, and such a crop ought to check superfluous vigour. Great Judgment has to bo exercised in crop- ping Mrs. Pince, or it is certain to fail in colour, and unless we are much deceived the liongleat examples are likely to be some of the best ever seen of it. At Cardiff Castle the Vines are much younger, or proba. bly about five years old, but when we saw them last season we were obliged to confess they were carrying the best and most even crops we had ever seen. The sorts grown principally are Black Hamburgli and Foster's Seedling for early use, and Alicante for the late supplies, and these are grown on the single rod system ; whereas those at Longleat are on the exten- sion, four Vines filling each large division. At f!ardiff each rod is about Iti feet in length, and when we saw them they were carrying about twenty-five large bunches, or say not less than 50 lb. weight of fruit. We ventured to projihesy evil concerning them, but as it happens, instead of the crops being inferior this season, they are really better than usual in every respect. In this case also the borders are inside, and there is no stint of water and plenty of the best of manures. Over-cropped Vines, however, are much more plentiful than they ought to be, and vei-y few ought to attempt to follow the examples just alluded to, for the simple reason that it frequently ends in disastrous failure. No general rules can be laid down, so much depending upon circumstances. When the roots are confined to the inside of the house and are neglected, not receiving half enough water and manure, one or at the most two heavy crops in succession are enough to completely ruin the Vines. Large bor-'ers are not required, especially in ordinary !ean-to houses, Init these should not be trampled down, and generally neglected, as is too often the case when amateurs do their own work. It is not yet too late to partially remedy a defect in the treatment of such borders. First, the surface should be forked over, then a liberal supply of soft water be given, followed, if possible, by a good lot of diluted farmyard liquid manure. Then if a mulching of short manure, faced over with the strawy portion of it, is given, this will encourage the roots and preserve the moisture. It must not be thought that no further attention is necessary; on the contrary, the border should be examined at least once a week, and whenever approaching dryness ought to receive more water, or water and iic[uid manure. In the autumn an attempt should be made in many instances to formalise a border, and for our part we always prefer a boundary wall, especi.ally when the house is also utilised for plant growin". We have seen capital crops of Grapes annually pro- duced on Vines rooting in a narrow Liorder, or about 4 ft. wide ; but, it should be added, they were as care- fully attended to as pot plants. When the njots are anywhere and nowhere — that is to say, nobody knows exactly where they are — they get very little in the shape of food other than they can forage, and that is not much, unless they happen to come across a drain from a cesspool. Many, perhaps nmch the largest majority of Vines, are rooting in outside bor- ders, and more often than not the principal jiortion of the roots have left the border formed for them, and have rambled jards away, neither walls nor gravel walks serving to confine them. When this is the case the Vines do not often suffer from want of wate?-, but more frequently they are too deeply rooted, and very few subsoils .are suitable for them. They make but little fibre, and "\'ines with fibreless roots are liable to form soft growth, and are much addicted to shanking, anything like a heavy crop being out of the question. If we left a great number of bunches, half of the berries would shank ; and the greatest judgment U required to be exercised in the Kiatter of thinning both the berries and bunches. The remedy is either lifting and shortening the roots, relaying them in a formalised border, or a new border and new Vines, the latter being the most expensive, though preferred by many. At the same time it is surprising what good Grapes may be grown on Vines -ivith their roots principally in a bad medium. The greatest judgment is required in the matter of cropping, the Vines being capable of perfecting a certain number of bunches, and no more, as all extra assistance is denied them ; whereas those with over-cropped Vines with roots under control can give extra manurial help to them. Badly-rooted Vines alsa do not force safely, and they must be l.irought on very slowdy, especially at the colouring period, or those that should be black will be nearer red in colour, and the so-called white Grapes will be green. As we have previously hinted, the numbe ' of bunches to be left on each rod or Vine mils'", or should, depend upon the health and vigour of each In very many instances the sole end and aim would appear to be the securing of as many bunches .as possible, and if two show on each lateral so much the better, the consequence being none really present- able. One Vine in a small mixed plant-house and vinery in the nearest garden to us was last season fillowed to perfect as many hunches as it would, or about 150 in all; whereas fifty bunches would have been ample, as well as of greater value in the end. This was at the rectory, while the doctor's Vines were treated still worse, as these, besides being allowed to bear as many bunches as they would were also denuded of much of their foliage in order to encour.age them to lipen their crops. When we saw them, there were nearly as many bunches as leaves. Both growers wtre warned that they were ruining their Vines, but nothing we could say induced those in charge to cut off many bunches, and this season they are- not there to remove. These are two ex- amples out of the many that could be given. In some instances the gardeners are to blame, and in many more the employers are responsible, or ought to be held responsible, for the results of this repre- hensible over-cropping. If Grape growers looked farther ahead than they usu.ally do, we should hear of fewer premature breakdowns, and, instead of the . Vines being worn out when about ten years old, they would then be at their best. There is yet time to lighten the extra heavy crops on many overworked Vines, and the knife should be set to work at once. The Vines being in fairly good health, with well-developed foliage, and sup- posing they are properly assisted at the roots, a bunch may be left cm eveiy second lateral at the most ; but if weakly and the foliage small, the number of bunches may with advantage be still further reduced. It sometimes happens that the true character of the crop is not apparent tdl the beriiei have coloured somewhat, and even at that advanced stage, much good may be done by the timely removal of a few bu aches. This may seem a wasteful pro- ceeding, but we have known inst.ances where tlie removal of a few bunches has completely saved the remainder of the crojj, rendering what would ha\e been poorly coloured equal to taking prizes at the Crystal Palace and other shows. After all, any cut away need not be wasted, as green or pricots, the creams, and the ]iure whites arc all grand in their way. .Sotne, too, have white centres v ith heavily shaded edg s ;- indeed, thf re. seems to be no limit to the ranoe cf eohnirs >vliich e.xist amongst these Begoni.as. In short, sights so beautiful should not be allowed to piss without being seen. — A. T>. Fruits in Western New York. — The follow- ing note in reference to this subject we extract from a private letter from Mr. Barry, of the nurseries at KochfSter, New York: "We flatter ourselves that we have here, in Western New York, the finest Apple district iu America, some of our cumtics producing from £100,000 to .£200, OnO worth a yeir; but this year, owing to a severe attack of aphis on the foliage, the crop is a failure. Pears are lookirg well. Peaches fair. We have already ga- thered and sold Waterloo, Alexander, Saunders, Dyer's .June, Pivers', Louise, &c. Our Pivers' Peach was superb, but it dues not sell well in our markets, owing to its pale colour." ■yit^toria regia. — The queen of Water Lilies is row in the height of ter beauty, large cupped leaves like table-tops, and magnificent pure white, deliciously scented blossoms being developed rapidly at this season. The Kew specimen ha.s been flowering for about a month, and should bright weather set in, there will be almost another three months of bloom. Most of us are too familiar with this prodigious plant to care much about it, and it f.anii- liarity has not bred citnt'inpt, it has perhaps brought its companion, indifference, to half close our eyes to the charms of this giant Water Lily. But there are thousands to whom Victoria regia comes as a great and wonderful delight, for we have heartl something of their astonishment as they walked into the A^ictoria house at Kew, ami beheld for the first time the pl.ant which pre\ iously had probably 'oeen heard t'f only as a Pi^th, or a figure in .an "Arabian Nights'" story. The regtilarity with which the flowers expand, the trans- formation that takes place after the first day from ]iure white to ro^e-red, or white with broad streiks of that colour, the powerful Pine apple-like odour which seems to come in clouels from a newly opened flower, these are a few of the points of interest that belong to Her Majesty's Lily. Perhaps the most astounding point Cif all is that of the age of the plant, it seeming incredible to non professional people that so gigantic a plant should have grown from a seed sown "about three months ago. Anemopsegma racemosum.— Attention has already been called to the beauty of this stove climbing plant under its more common name of Bignonia Chamberlajni, a representation of the flowers having been given in The G.\bden of last year (Vol. XXVIIL, p. 431); it may now be seen finely in bloom in the Palm houseat Kew, where a large specimen is trained against the roof in a sunny posi- tion, and bears dozens of many-flowered pendent ra- cemes. Grown in this way the beauty of the flowers is displayed much better than when the plant is trained on a balloon trellis or against an upright pillar, ai the flowers hang naturally tlownwanls, just as Lapagerias do. Being a robust grower and soon covering a large space, this plant is not easily kept in beilth in a small house, but where there is plenty of roof-space it is one of the most useful and easiest to manage. A barrowful or two of rich loamy soil about its roots, plenty of water at all seasons except mid- winter, and pruning only immediately after the flowers fade are the chief requirements of this handsome Brazilian climber. The flowers are tubular, 2 inches hing, and have spreading segments coloured primrose- yellow. As many as 10 flowers are produced in a single raceme, the racemes being axillary and borne abundantly on the ripened shootf. Dichorisandra thyrsiflora is an old, and therefore neglected, stove plant, but yet a long way superior to many newer and more favoured kinds. To grow it well, the treatment must be as generous as for Canras, viz., large pots, a rich loauiy soil — rich, that is, in good m.anure — and liberal sujipliesof water daily. It forms large fleshy tubers like those of the Yam, and pushts up numeious thick succulent stems, clothed with large, lancee)late-shining green leaves, and at the top an erect spike or thyrse of puijile- blue flowers, strong stems producing spikes 0 inches long and about .3 inches through. These flowers Last f(tr several months, and in large stoves or warm con- servatories they have a most beautiful effect, as may bj seen in the Palm hou;e at Kew, where over a deizen large pot specimens are distributeil about the house. The stems all perish in the autumn, so that during winter the roots may be turned out of the pots and stored under a stage till spring, when they should be shaken out e>f the old soil, repotted, and placed in a warm moist house to grow. Any number of plant* m.ay be obtained by simply dividing the plant* in spiing. \Ve commend this truly beautiful plant to all gardens in which its requirements can be met. Ornamental Gourds as stove climbers.— .\lmost the wlioli' of tlie roof space in the Water Lily house at Ivew is devoted to a seleet co'lcction of these pl.ants, and they are just now l)earing numerous fruits, some of enormous sizi and quaint- ness of form, others brilliautly and fantastically coloured, whilst others are remarkable iu the structure re\ealed, as in the case of the Luffas, by the decay of the rind or shell, or as in the Momordicas, by the bursting and twist'ng back of the divisions of the fruit. It would be difficult to find any collection of j'lants more attractive to the thousands who daily visit Kew than these Gourds are, and after seeing them there one wonders how such striking and often highly ornamental phants are passed over by growers of stove plants. Most of them grow and fruit as freely as Cucumbers under precisely the same condi- tions in which Cucumbers delight, and they may be raised from seeds in spring and grown into fruiting pilants in a very short time. The Water Lily house at Kew is rendered specially attr.active by these plants, and by the Allamandas, Hedychiunis, Cannas, and last, but not least, the be.autiful Water Lilies, all of which are now flowering freely. In our opinion the appearance of this house just now is better than anything we have seen at Kew for a long time. The Exacums at Kew are still beautiful, not- withstanding that it is over three months since we noted their being in flower. Of course, K. macran- thum is so far the best of the kinds seen in cultiva- tion, though we learn that there are several others which are even better than this, .and of which Kew possesses yoting plants. Now that we have secured a place for this plant in gardens, it ought not to be allowed to disappear again, for we have no stove plant that could fill its place ; indeed, the only rival we can think of is Lisianthus Ritssellianus, which, however, is almost hopeless as a garden plant on account of its wretched constitution. E. aftine, the pretty little s]jecies from Socotra, if not the equal of the Ceylon Gentian, as E. macranthum is called, is still a worthy little annual, but one wants to see a group of it before one can properly appreciate its beauty. If some cf the nurserymen into whose hands K. macranthum has fallen can only succeed in making it produce seeels, then the difficulty of preserving it is sulveel, but even if they f,ail to elo this cuttings put in at the proper time always answer the same purpose at Kew, and in Ceylon and India the plant is as common as Chicory is with us, so that seeds ought to be easily procured from thence. Aristolochia elegans. — The plate of this plant recently published in The Garden was made from specimens imported by Mr. Bull from Rio, and, curi- ously enough, about the same time as Mr. Bull obtained his plants it was also sent to Kew by a Brazilian botanist, who claimed to have introduced it from the inteiior into Rio, where it at once became a popular garden plant. So beautiful and easily grown a clindjer, and one which has the pleasing character- istic of not possessing a disgusting odour so general iu plants of this genus, is almost certain to take a fore- most place among garden plants here. It is easily grown too, wanting only warm greenhouse treatment, plenty i>f moisture, a light rich soil, and a balloon trellis to grow upon, or it may be traineel .along wires in small houses. The shell-like form and rich markings of the flowers are exceptionally choice. ISIelastoma, or black-mouthed, wa^ the name proposed for it by i's discoverer, .anel the black velvety centre of the flower is surrounded by a delicate reticulation of the same colour on a yellowish greiund. One of the Kew jilant* is now in bloom, and is app,arently a larger flowered form than that possessed by Mr. Bull . Clematis coccinea. — We have seen varieties of thi-s plant which were so poor both in colour and size of flower, as to injure the reputation of what is in its best form one of the most distinct and beautiful of all hardy climbers. One of the very bi s*; varieties both iu respect of colour and prowth is now in flower against a sunny wall at Kew. Possibly the favourable position in which it is growing has some- thing to do with the excellence of the flowers — full sunshine all day, its roots in a rich, well-dr.ained border, and its shoots clinging to a few Pea sticks (nailed against the wall this plant is robbed of half its charm*) being no doubt what this C'lematis likes. The leaves are perfect, a good healthy dark green, and the flowers over 1 inch long and coloured a rich bloi>d-red, the yellow edges of the four slightly re- curved segments showing like what we call the facings in a soldier's uniform. A dozen strong roots of this Clematis jtlanted in a warm sunny border, and the shoots allowed to twine about a few stout Pea sticks, would form a beautiful specimen ; anel if one- were fortunate enough to obtain a ilozen or so of so fine a variety as this one ,at Kew, the picture they would represent when iu full flower wouhl be excep- tionally attractive. We suspect that this graceful and pretty climber has lost caste in some good gar- dens through being represented by inferiiu* varieties. Dipladenia Harrisi. — From Mr. Latham, curator of the Botanic Gardens, Birmingham, w e have received a beautiful flowering br.anch of this rare Dipladenia, rare, we imagine, because of its seldom flowering under cultivation, although we have met with the plant growing along rafters or up pillars in stoves, its large, bright green le.aves being in themselves attractis'e. Mr. Latham has, however, succeeded in flowering his plant, and so strikingly handsome anel distinct are the flowers he sends us, that if this species could be bloomed as freely as th e other garden kinds, it would surely take a prominent position among stove climbers. D. Harrisi was intro- duced by Messrs. Veitch, and flowered by them iu .September, 1854. Purdie, the collector, who found it in Trinidad, says : " This fine plant is not surpassed by any one of its congeners, whether we consider the size, and beauty, anel fragrance of its flowers of metallic lustre, or its entire habit." We have better Dipladenias now, perhap*, than Purelie knew, but, without making comparisons, D. Harrisi claims atten- tion as a rich yellow-flowered species, the blooms being like those of Allamanda Hendersoni in size and form, and, in .addition to their yellow colour, they are blotched and striped with ted. They are produced 164 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 21, 1886. ou the ends of the shoots in crowded axillary racemes, the shoots being vigorous, smooth, and twining, and the foliage 1 foot or more long, by about 5 inches wide. It reijuires a stove temperature, but we should be glad to get details as to treatment from Mr. Latham. It may be added that although known generally as a Dipladenia, this species belongs really to the genus Odontadenia, of which eighteen kinds are known, all showy flowered, and all natives of South America and the West Indies. Thedifference between these two genera resides in the curiously toothed stigmatic cup of the Odontadenia. Ferns. FERNS AND THEIR VARIETIES. H.iviN-r; paid a good deal of attention to Ferns- British and exotic— for many years, perhaps I may be allowed to say a word in connection with the controversy now going on in The Gakden relating to them. Before Moore published his "Nature- printed Ferns," folio and Svo, now about, thirty years ago, few varieties of Ferns were known to exiit. Tlie publication of these works created an interest in them, and led many to devote their leisure to searching for and cultivating them. A little later Lowe's well known " British Ferns and their Varieties" appeared, and more recently still the valuable series of folio nature-printed plates, with descriptive notes, by Colonel Jones, of Clifton, an enthusiastic and accurate observer. The names of Fern admirers published in these works show the amount of interest taken in the subject. \Vithout these publications the vast majority of collectors would have remained un- known to each other. The intercourse thereby created of course tended much to increase the taste for these plants. For many years past I have been collecting all the works on Ferns that I could hear of, but I can find no reference to any similar work, or even pamphlet, in any foreign country whatever. If such exist I shall be glad to hear of them. Professional collectors, too, were stimulated by the high prices occasionally gi\'en for new sorts. I was informed that as much as £80 was paid for a single plant (the whole stock) of a crested variety of Polystichum when the rage for Ferns was at its height. Were the subject taken up in any other country, I do not see why similar results should not be obtained. A Wollaston, a .Jones, a Lowe, or a Barnes would, I am sure, be equally successful in the discovery of varieties abroad as they have been in this country. The finding of varieties worth cultivating is not so easy a matter as " G." seems to imagine. He says "enormous quantities can be gathered wild any day in a good Fern locality." One of our best Fern"hunters in England told me that if he found three good sorts in a day's hunt, he considered himself fortunate. No doubt many varieties have been found wild from first to last, but that is the result of many years' work by a large number of collectors. Many of the hardy varieties in cultis'ation have had a garden origin, as "G." says, but varieties of tender Ferns have also been garden-bred, though nece.ssarily to a much more limited extent. The varieties of Adiantum cuneatum and Capillus-veneris may be quoted as examples of tendency to .sport. Several years ago, when on a visit to Pau and Biarritz, I found, under unfa vourablecircumstances, as many varieties as I ever found in the same space of time in this country. From New Zealand a living plant of crested Lomaria alpina was sent me some time ago, and my correspondent there speaks of other varieties of Ferns which he pos- sesses. This was in reply to my inquiry as to varieties, he previously having paid them no atten- tion. I have also crested Woodwardia from the Azores, a curious form of Polypodium vulgare from British Columbia, several varieties from tlie Cape of Good Hope, besides a stray one occa- sionally from other quarters. "G." draws his inferences from herbarium specimens only; Mr. Syme, on the other hand, from actual observa- tion in thjir native habitats. To "G.'s" theory of " climatic change" going on in this country, and thus accounting for abnormalities, I attach no importance. The Nephrolepis exaltata referred to be Mr. Syme is probably the same as I recei\'ed a fragment of, some years ago, from a private garden in the Azores, as it was said to be origi- nally from Jamaica. Being a lovely variety, I tried in vain to get a living plant ; and it would be a boon to cultivators could it be procured from .Jamaica. The conclusion at which I arrive as to the paucity of exotic varieties in our herbaria is simply from the want of interest takenin them abroad ; Mr. Syme's experience goes to prove this. Per- haps other collectors who have had the opportunity and an eye to varieties will give us the result of their observations. P. Neill Eraser. J/h rrayjield, Edinhunjh. TASSELLED AND CRESTED FERNS. In reply to " G." (p. 140), allow me to say that I never doubted the existence under cultivation in Britain of many more abnormal forms of British than of foreign Ferns. I merely doubted, and still doubt, the correctness of the statement that British Ferns in habitat are more pi'one to vary than exotic species. I have already named and partly described several abnormal forms, of a well established character, of exotic species which "G." has not yet seen. By thus particularly naming these, and by general references to numerous other forms of a less fixed and, con- sequently, of a less interesting character which I had seen abroad, I had hoped to show, first, that at least so many existed outside of Britain and altogether unknown to "G.," and, secondly, to account in some measure for the almost complete absence of specimens of such and similar abnor- mities from the State and other large herbaria in Britain accessible to "G." I have to mention in this connection one or two other Fern abnormities of decided character which it was my fortune to discover in a small tropical area, but before doing so I must ask "G."to consider that the forms specially and generally referred to in my last paper, with one or two exceptions, were dis- covered and brought to light, so to speak, by one collector. It cannot for a second be credited that I am the only Fern gatherer among thousands in the wide tropical world who has discovered abnormities of the kind referred to. I would suggest that "G." should enquire of such col- lectors as Nock, of Ceylon, and Jenman, of Demerara, who have made excellent use of their eyes, if they in their extensive Fern hunting in the Tropics have not come across many Fern abnormities. Their herbaria may not contain any, and if so, I prefer to believe that it is because, like me, they have not considered such to be of much botanical interest. In this we may be greatly to blame, and to make amends, personally, i am prepared to introduce and furnish "G." v\ilh h\ing plants of all the varieties I have named, and others not yet mentioned, on condi- tion that he agrees to meet the cost. "G." says " Mr. Syme states that many Indian Ferns vary as much as our common Hart's-tongue,'' but that is not strictly correct; I never made such a state- ment. The only crested, simple-fronded exotic Ferns known to "G."are Microsorium ii-ioides, Asplenium palmatum, and Niphobolus Lingua. I should have mentioned in my last paper that I discovered in Jamaica a large growth of Acrosti- chum latifolium, every frond of which was broadly crested. I detached about a dozen pieces, which I afterwards established in pots, and, if my memory serves me rightly, one or two were subsequently despatched to Kew, where they may now be. Some were distributed among cultivators in Jamaica, and the balance I left in the botanic garden there. I also found on a tree in tlie mountains there several plants of A. squamosum, with the majority of their fronds shortly forked. Forked fronds of other species of Aci'ostichum and of Ta'nitis and Antrophyum, also of several of the simple - leaved species of Polypodium, were frequently met with. To me this fork- ing of simple-leaved Ferns seemed in a sense much more natural than the sporting in the same way on the part of highly decompound species. It may be remarked that some of the species of Stag's-horn and Filmy Ferns represent as regards their fronds initial development from the simple to the compound, and may be compared morpho- logically with the less normal crested and simply forked variations above referred to, as well as with similar familiar forms of our Hart's-tongue. I am asked to supply a list of the forked, tas- selled, and crested forms of exotic Ferns with which I am acquainted. This, I regret to say, I am not at present prepared to do, my more im- mediate purpose and desire being to furnish a list of such forms as are altogether unknown to " G." This list comprises one more form which I had overlooked. It was a most regularly-tasselled plant of either Nephrolepis acuta or N. exaltata. Taking this list for what it represents, I may be allowed to suggest that were the hundreds of en- thusiastic Fern collectors in the tropical field to supply "G." with lists of the Fern abnormities which they have seen, the sum total would perhaps greatly change and widen his views. A not less interesting list would be one enume- rating all the forked, tasselled, and crested forms of British species known to have been found in habitat only, in contradistinction to those raised under cultivation. Possessed of such a list, others besides "G." might be prompted to speculate, and even generalise, on the causes which lead up to abnormal variation in Ferns, as well as on the disproportionate amount of such variation, if, as has been stated by "G.," it exists in the case of British as against exotic species. Geo. Syme. VIEW IN THE PALM HOUSE AT LEHENHOF. This is a view of Mr. Otto Forster's very inte- resting garden at Lehenliof, alluded to in M. Max Leiclitlin's note in The Garden (p. 116). We have not seen the place ourselves, but from the views sent by Mr. Forster we cannot help being interesteil in it, and in the natural and artistic disposition of its contents. Bracken, or Brake Fern. —Abundant as is this Fern on heath and nmor, yet its beauty is so great and its habit of growth so distinct, that it may often find a genial welcome in the garden. Now and then a house is built on a breezy hill, and if the Brake is allowed to live on here and there, among the Gorse and Heather, the result gained is often better than that obtained by the "choke-muddle'' planting of the kind but too usual around a new house. Besides, while it is easy to leave a good breadth or two of Bracken where it exists naturally, it is not so easy to introduce it where it does not already exist, or to replace it where it has once become destroyed. The best plan of introducing Brake Fern to the garden is to dig up whole sods of loam or peat wherever this Fern grows, and to bury them and the rhizomes they contain like a floor wherever you want the Fern to grow. Any other plan of transplanting is sure to be more or less of a failure. Travellers are often surprised to meet w^th this native Fern abroad nearly everywhere, for it is distributed widely in both hemispheres. It forms a favourite cover for the tiger in the Malayan Peninsula, for the bear of the north of Europe and Asia, and for the pheasants of Noitheni India and China, just as it does for the dappled tleer in our own paiks at home. I saw it luxuriant on the tops of mountains in Johore, while lower down, some species of Gleichenia, closely resembling it in habit, .seemed to supply its place. A peat-bed of Brake Fern, Heaths, and Lilies intervening is a pretty sight just now.— F. AV. B. Ado. 21, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 1G5 Indoor Garden. rather dry for a short period. Pelargoniums of which glass affords their delicate flowers, and if " ' " . - - . I ^g would have fine ones in quantity, no%v is the time to promote a healthy growth of the foliage, for on the maturation of that depends the quantity of flowers which we will get. J. Gkoom. Gosport. the zonal kinds rank amongst the brightest of winter flowers ; our stock for the season is now in (i-inch pots in an open sunny position ; all Ijlooms are kept pinched oft' them until Sep- tember, when they are set on shelves near the glass. Under this treatment any free-flower- ins; kind of the ^"esuvius type does well. Ro- RAISING TUBEROUS BEGONIA SEEDS. PLANTS FOR WINTER FLOWERING. Those desirous of having a good supply of flowers during the dark days of winter must now en- deavour to have their stock of plants for that pur- pose in as forward a condition as possible, as upon makino' the most of the hours of sunshine depends man Hyacinths are being potted or put thickly the amount of success that will atteni their in boxes for supplying cut flowers. Any rich When I first began raismg seedling Begonias, I eft'orts when artificial heat has to be resorted to. light soil suits them. We cover the pots or used to sow the seed early in spring and bring on There is no lack of plants that either flower boxes with ashes until they begin to grow, when the young plants in heat, but as I required a good naturally during winter, or that may be induced they are transferred to heat as wanted. Primulas, number for bedding purposes, I found that they to do so by careful management. Amongst the both single and double, are now in frames set on occupied a good deal of room at a time when space most reliable we have vet t°ried may be mentioned a coal-ash bed ; they will be transferred to stages under glass was valuable, and that induced me to the foUoninir viz ■ Abutilons— these are most in the greenhouse next month. The old double alter my plans. I now sow the seed as soon as it floriferous in^character • in fact, they will flower white is still one of the best for button-hole is ripe, a plan which I find ans%vers best. I save my own seeds and watch for the firstripeningpods, 80 as to secure them be- fore the pods burst, and scatter the seeds. On plants brought on in a warm greenhouse in spring the seed is gene- rally ripe early in August, and, if sown at once, I find it to vegetate much sooner than when kept to the following spring. I fill a rather large pan with fine sandy soil and well water it before sowing ; I then sow the seed and cover it with silver sand. A square of glass is put over the pan, which is then taken to a warm house, where it is shaded from bright sunshine. In about ten days the seed- lings appear, and the glass is then removed, and the pan brought out so astogivethemraorelight. Watering to keep the soil moist is, of course, done with great care, which is all the attention they require. About the middle of October the pan is taken to the stove, in which there is more warmth. By this time the plants will be grow- ing nicely, and the addi- tional warmth keeps them growing until about the end of the year, when the leaves begin to get yellow, and the plants go to rest. Water is then withheld, and the pans placed out of the way of drip on the floor of a cool house, where they remain all winter. It is useless attempting to hurry the little bulbs bouquets, and the single varieties are most useful into growth in spring ; they will rest their own for indoor df-coration. Careful watering is neces- time, even if subjected to a high temperature. I sary, and the blooms should not be picked off until therefore allow them to remain undisturbed until next month. Our Tea Roses are now being re- early in May in a cold frame. A bed of soil is potted and set in a sunny position out of doors, made up to receive them. As the roots must be They soon start into growth, and when placed well nourished the soil should be fairly rich, and under glass produce grand buds for several weeks, they do not object to a little well-rotted manure Of whites, Niphetos is one of the best. Violets ' placed 3 inches under the surface, but fresh ma- now claim a good deal of attention. The late nure is fatal to these Begonias : altogether there rains have started them freely into growth, and should not be less than 4 inches of soil and manure, the single kinds in beds now cover the ground , I turn out the pan of soil into a closely-meshed house is the best place for" them. Eupatoriums with fine large foliage. Double-flowered kinds for sieve ; then, by means of rubbing, the earth is are of the easiest culture, and flower most pro- frame or pot culture require the runners to be ' separated from the bulbs, which are left free and fusely in a heat of 50". We have some planted cut off frequently and the soil surface-stirred to I clean in the sieve. The bulbs are then sorted into out and others in O-inch and 7-inch pots, and by keep down weeds. Red spider is the worst enemy two sizes, the largest generally being about the size introducing a few into heat from a cold house at Violets have, but a free use of the watering-pot ! of a Hazel nut. These are planted (3 mches apart intervals of a fortnight, we get a succession of will keep it in check. Miscellaneous subjects for , each way, and the small ones 4 inches. The crown their white feathery bloom from October to March, winter include Helleborus niger and similar plants ! of the bulb is kept about half an inch under the when they are cut down close and kept cool and j that, although hardy, are grateful for the shelter \ suiface; no water is given them until they begin without intermission the year round ; but those for winter we divest of all blooms about thisdate, give a shift into a size larger pot, or some top- dressing, and then they start away with renewed vigour. We find none to equal Boule de Neige, but in order to give a little variety in the way of colour, wegrowThomp- soni and a few other mixed coloured ones. Bouvardiasare indispens- able ; we grow cuttings of them on during the sum- mer, and after the bloom is cut oft' they are dried off like Fuchsias, and in spring are introduced in- to gentle heat, and as soon as fairly started the old soil is shaken away from them. They are then rejiotted and re- placed in warmth until well rooted, when they are transferred to cold frames and finally fully exposed. These make finer bushes than plants grown on from cuttinus in one year. They do well in a temperature of about ;)•■)', which is a safe medium for the majority of winterflowering plants. Arum Lilies for winter or spring are planted out now in a partially shaded position ; next month they are lifted and the most forward amongst them are placed in heat to get the flower-spathes expanded by Christmas. Tree Carnations are amongst the best winter flowers for button-hole bouquets that can be grown. Spring-struck plants are now in 5-inch pots, standing on a coal-ash bed fully exposed to sunshine. Thus treated they produce a long suc- cession of flowers. A good sound loam and a little leaf-soil and sharp sand suit them as far as soil is concerned. Chrysanthemums are every year be- coming more popular ; for the mid-winter supply the latest flowering sorts should be grown, such as Ethel, Meg Merrilies, &c. They must be kept out of doors as long as the weather will permit, and, when placed under glass, a cool orchard lutciior uf Pdlin house at LehcnUof. 166 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 21, 1886. to show their young leaves; the lights are of course put on the frame, and attention to air- giving is also a part of the details of management. Careful watering is a very important matter, for if the soil is kept too moist the roots will make but slow progress. As the young growth gains strength more air must be admitted, and in bright weather a little shading is desirable to prevent the soil from being quickly dried up. In a gene- ral way the lights may be removed altogether from the strongest plants about the middle of July, and from the others a fortnight later, as I hey gain strength faster by being fully exposed tn the air than they do when drawn up under glass. There are two advantages belonging to planting them in a bed of soil. The first is less trouble as regards management, and the other is that much larger bulbs are obtained than when confined to pots. The plants soon commence to * lower after they start into growth, and as the blooms expand, we mark such as we think suitable for any particular purpose. For bedding I prefer those with short sturdy growth that have red or crimson flowers, and I select those as mucli as possible that have erect flowers; those, however, with drooping blooms are not to be despised, for they flower with greater freedom than the others. If the lights are left off during autumn, the plants will go to rest in their own way; but not until all the stems have died down should the bulbs be taken up. We keep our bulbs for bedding in a cool shed where frost cannot reach them. A heated structure is fatal to them, ^yith regard to treatment in spring for bedding, I could not wish for better results than have been obtained by nlanting the bulbs in a bed of good soil in a cold frame early in April, and transferring them to the beds at the end of May. At first we give them no water in the frame, and no air is admitted until the leaves appear, when both air and mois- ture are given, the amount of air being increased as the season advances. During the last fortnight the lights are drawn off during the day altogether. At night they are covered with mats to protect the young growth from frost. At bedding-out time we lift them with a fork, place them on a hand-barrow, and carry tliem to the bed in which they are to be planted. Begonias thus treated feel their removal but little, and are generally in full flower before Pelargoniums put out at the same time, and when in blossom they stand wind and rain better than the majority of summer bedders. J. c. C. Centaureas from seed. — When Centaureas are about to be stored for the winter, it is a good plan to select such as are most straggling for seeding pur- poses ; when employed in this way they should be divested of all rough base leaves, and also of all lateral shoots, retaining only the principal growths and such as are likely to bloom next year. To bloom Centaureas, however, and to induce them to ripen seeds are two very different things ; therefore, to aceoni]iHsh the latter object, every endeavour should be made to cause them to bloom early. In spring, plant them out as soon as they can be safely trusted out of doors, and carefully prevent the growth of fresh side shoots. Thus treated, tbey soon get into bloom, and also produce seeds, which should be gathered when ripe, kept dry for a week or two, and then rubbed out of the heads and held in readiness for sowing. If sown in September in pots or pans filled with light sandy soil, placed in a moderately warm house or pit, and covered over with a pane of glass or a bell glass, they will soon vegetate, and may then be pricked off into other pots or pans of light soil, aud be left without the use of special glass cover- ings. After being pricked off, they should be kept throughout the winter quite close to the glass on a shelf in an intermediate house or warm greenhouse, where by spring time they will have formed fine plants, which should be potted off separately in 3-inch pots. In this way, and by placing them for a month or six weeks in an open frame before planting them out, excellent plants may be obtained for bedding purposes. It is not absolutely necessary that the seed should b8 sown in autumn ; it may be sown any time before the end of March, but spring-sown plants, owing to being forced so much in heat, are not so hanly as those raised in autumn. The lateral shoots taken off Centaureas, to be kept for seed, should be struck as cuttings, selecting the hardest and most slender ones, and discarding such as are soft and suc- culent, which would be almost sure to damp off. — W. Rose Garden. Malpighia coccifera.— This is a stove plant which bears at this season of the year a pro- fusion of singular, but pretty flowers. They are blush in colour and emit a pleasant odour. The leaves are small, neat, and firm, and bear on their margins small bristles, which in some species have the poM'er of stinging, as in M. urens, the Barbadoes Cherry. It has no objection to being placed in dark corners beneath other plants; in short, it is one of those plants which can be pushed aside wlien it has finished flowering until It requires to be placed in a more prominent position. It thrives well in equal parts of loam and peat with some good sharp sand for drain- age.—W. H. SHORT NOTES— INDOOR. Impatiens Hawkeri.— Judging this new plant by the spccniiuii which 1 saw the otlier .lay at South Kensington, I do uut hesitate to predict that it will prove as valuable as it is beautiful. It f;u- svujiasses in brilliancy that of the now well kL, creamy white ; Catherine Mermet, rose ; Elisa Sauva^je, pale yellow ; Isabella Sprunt, white with pale yellow centre : ^I.adame Falcot, apricot colour ; Madame Lamb.ard, bronzy red ; Marie van Houtte, yellonish white ; Safrano, fawn colour ; David Pradel, rose ; and Xiphetos, white. The next point of importance to underst.ind is the fact that, in order to furnish a good nvuuber of Roses continuously, rather large plants are necepsary, as small ones only produce a limited number of blooms, and tben go out of flower. The sized plants I have in view should occupy 12- irich or 16-inch pots, and, if well treated, will yield a large number of flowers at a tin-.e when Ro-es are scarce. If the varieties have to be provided, I would rather start with young ones than old exhausted examples that have been indifferently managed. If one could begin at once with plants in 6-inch pots that have several branches and require more root- room, one might in a year or two build up thrifty specimens. Such p'ants as those just alluded to should be shifted at once into S-inch pots, choosing for compost a good fibrous loam and a moderate quantity of coarse sand. If the loam is inclined to be heavv, use one-third peat for the purpose of keejang (he soil open. It is important to ])rovide thorough drainage, but it should not be so bulky as to occupy nnich room in the pot. After the plants are potted let them have the shelter of a col.l pit or fraine, in order that they may be shaded from bright sunshine for the first ten days. After that the lights may be removed. The jilants may be transferred from this pit to a cool, airy house early in September, and, except to keep them regularly supplied with water, they will not require any further attention. In all probability most of them will furnish a few flowers during the autumn. If blooms open in the cool house, well and good ; but the first season they must not be sul jected to any extra bent in order to cause them to open their flowers, for the plants must rest during winter preparatory to making strong growth in spring. They mu-t have plenty of light and air in Avinter, and be kept from severe frosts. In the following spring a light, airy position must be found for them in a greenhouse temperature. They must not be pruned, unless it be to shorten back to half their length any long, strong shoots. If pruned like Hybrid Perpetuals, they will be many years before they attain a good size. Assuming that they have been managed according to the directions just given, and that a dozen plants have been prepared, a third of that number should be introduced into a house heated to about 8° higher tlian the temperature of an ordinary greenhouse in the middle of October ; and if the others are intro- duced in equal numbers into the same structure at intervals of a month, a continuous supply of flowers m.ay be obtained all winter. In future years a slight increase in the temperature during I'ecember and January may be required, but that is a point which each grower must decitle according to circumstances. According to my experience, the most important pait is the summer management ; they must have a good rest, and they must not be disturbed at the roots dur- ing the summer or autumn. If they watit larger pots or top-dressing, it should be done early in Jlay, so that the roots may have plenty of time to get esta- blished in the new soil before they are turneil out of doors. As to resting, they must be taken out of the house about the middle of June, and the best place fiir them during sum;rer is a warm, sunny border facing the south. They must stand on a hard bottom, for both the roots and the branches require the fullest exposure. Any flower-buds they may have on them must be picked off, and only just enough water should be given to keep tlie roots right. If the latter are kept quiet, the C'.dtivator may hope to see the young growth hardened up to the colour of mahogany in the autumn, and then he may rest satisfied th.at it is in a proper condition for flowering in winter. As autumn approaches they will start into growth again at their own time, .and, if desired, all of them will be bristling with flower- buds early in October; but such plants as are to be reserved to flower late should have all the most prominent buds removed, and be left out of doors until the middle of November, l.e , if there is no frost to injure them. The others should be taken under cover earlier. With regard to soil and potting, I have already described the kind of compost most suitable for Tea Ro5es in pots ; but, as to repotting, I can only say the cultivator must to some extent use his own judg- ment. As the object is to get large plants, they will want more root room for the first three years than they will after that time. As soon as they have filled the S-inch pots with roots, they m.ay be shifted into 10-inch ones; but as soon as they get into 12-inch ones, or others of larger sizes, the roots will not re- quire anything done to them except a rich surface- dressing, say once in two years. When it is con- sidered necessary to give them a change of soil, th.at should be done in May. About two-thirds of the old nnterial should be removed from the roots, .and the new compost must be firmly rammed round the okl b.all. They will not require top-dressing the same year in which they have been repotted — only in subse- quent years, when nothing has been done to them. In order to give them a substantial top-dressing, 2 inches of the old soil should be taken off the ball, and its place supplied with a mixture of half loam anel half well-rotted hotbed manure, well rammed down on the old soil. With resfect lo pruning, they will not want much of that until they get as large a? they .are required to be; then they may have the old flowering branches cut back a little every year; but, a? I have said, until they get large plants, only the long and strong shoots should be shortened buck; and as regards training, they will want an occa'-ional stake for support, but the less contortions to which blanches are subjected the better. C. J. Netley Fort, Hamble. — Here nny be found some giant Arbutuses, whirh thrive atlmirably by tl.e sea ; these and other notable specimens growing here have been carefully preserved and encDuraged to dis- play their proportions to the greatest ad\ai.tage. On the lawn in the vicinity of ihe mansion are g.ay carj et and other beds, but the object aimed at throughout the grounds generally is to produce a rich and v,aried wild garden, only as much labour being bestow'ed upon it as will show everythirg in as natural a state as po.-sible. Lilies will soon be a prominent feature here, and also Olearia Haasti, which seems to be a good seaside plant. Handsome specimens of Cedrus atlantica may he found here. Pesides the pleasure grounds there is a walled-in kitchen garden, the central borders of which are devoted to gooel her- baceous plants, Roses, &c., the produce of which is used in the form of cut bloom. — W. H. G. 168 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 21, 1886. Kitchen Garden. STAKING BEANS AND PEAS. Much unnecessary trouble is often gone to in this direction ; at any rate, such is my impres- sion, and experience confirms it. I will not go so far as to say that half of the Beans and Peas grown in gardens would do equally well without staking, but I am fully convinced that a large proportion would succeed without that attention. I am not now speaking of what are recognised as dwarf varieties, but of such as grow to an average height when staked. A good deal depends on whether the season is wet or dry, and especially the situation and character of the land upon which the crop is grown. Here both soil and sub- soil are comparatively porous ; therefore they do not long retain moisture and the situation is high. The conclusion I have come to is, shortly, that for the earlier Peas, which may be expected to grow, say, a yard in height, it is decidedly best to use stakes, but that for the later crops, except such as grow to a great height, their use is unneces- sary. In early spring, when the soil is cold and moist, it is perfectly reasonable that the young plants will grow to greater perfection when supported and, to some extent, sheltered by stakes, but as the season advances they do equally well without any attempt at staking. A day or two since I had occasion to be amongst some Peas which were grown without stakes, and they were certainly more fruitful than others growing in a similar situation, but held up to bleach by sun and wind. With a succulent vegetable like a Pea I take it this bleaching and drying process is just the thing to avoid, and it can be avoided by allowing the crop to mature under the protection of its foliage and in proximity to the soil. The same thing applies to runner Beans. Each year I stake a portion and leave a portion to grow on without stakes, and with no attention except occasionally pinching back the runners. Last season I was especially successful in this treat- ment, and although it is too early this year to speak positively, present comparison is greatly in favour of Beans without stakes. So far as I am personally concerned, except for the earliest planting of Peas, I should not hesitate to plant as many of either vegetable as was likely to be required, and grow them on without the aid of stakes. There is a greater secret in their pro- duction than stakes. These we can successfully dispense v/ith, but manure to enrich the soil we cannot. When stakes are used. Hazel is probably the best wood for the purpose— at any rate it is the most popular. There is no need, however, to be confined to this. The wood from hedges of several years' growth will often make good stak- ing wood. I do not mean White or Black Thorn, or spiny woods of that class, as they would be very objectionable to handle, but such as Wych Elm, Maple, and other thornless woods which are frequently found in hedges. The wood should, of course, always be cut when the leaves are ofT, as to use stakes with the dead foliage upon them U both awkward and untidy. This can be over- come by cutting oft' the small branches upon which the leaves grow, but it is never satis- factory. 13. Late crops of Scarlet Runners. —We find it a good plan to sow a late crop of Scarlet Runners about the beginning of June, and if nearer the middle than the beginning of the month, so much the better. This crop we find comes in admirably when that sown early is on the wane ; and this late sowing also produces larger and more tender Beans than the produce of plants which have become exhausted through long bearing. In our case the early crop gets so much injured in autumn by rough winds, owing to the heaviness of the growth on the top of the stakes, that it is fre- quently useless ; but that sown later, owing to its not being so top-heavy, escapes serious injury. If I had to deal with a poor soil, and not over- burdened with manure, I should always prepare trenches for Scarlet Runners the same as for Celery ; and what manure I could spare I would put in the bottom of the trench. By adopting this plan, the plants would get the whole benefit of the manure, and in dry weather, if water is poured into the trench, but little of it would run to waste. No kitchen garden crop pays better for watering than Scarlet Runners. Those who plant runners in ordinary drills should, after they have watered them, put a thick layer of half-rotten manure over the roots on each side of the row. This can be drawn aside when more water is given. — J. C. C. SOWING SPRING CAULIFLOWERS. Where there is no glass. Cauliflower seeds should be sown between the 20th and the 30th of August. A date intermediate between the two just named suits us here very well, but seasons vary, and of local conditions and circumstances note should also be taken. When sown too early, if the winter should turn out mild, many of the plants will button prematurely and be useless. I should, therefore, recommend waiting a day or two rather than sow too early. Sow thinly in drills, and transplant to the south side of a thick hedge as soon as the plants are large enough to handle safely. A stout Thorn or Yew hedge is better than a wall as regards protection, as it shelters without forcing the plants in any way. Plants growing at the foot of a south wall may, in cold, bright weather in winter be injured by the re- fraction of the sun's warmth from th;* wall, but the temperature at the foot of a hedge would be steady and as genial as the case required, especially when sheltered by a few Fern fronds or evergreen branches. The alternate thawing and freezing of young plants at the foot of a south wall often has an injurious effect. Those who have a glazed frame or two to spare may delay sowing till the middle of September, and there will then be little danger of their bolt- inw. The plants, too, when large enough to handle may be transplanted into other frames to pass the winter, and be planted on a south border in ilarch. The warmth of the south border when steady and progressive in early spring is of real help in forwarding early crops. Where artificial heat can be had regular and moderate from Christmas onwai'ds, there is no particular occasion to sow Cauliflower seeds before the new year. I have sown them in frames in a night temperature of from .50" to GO', pricked them of!' when large enough to handle singly into small pots, grown them on shelves near the glass, and planted them out in March and April, accord- ing to the character of the season and the means of shelter available, and have cut Cauliflowers from the forced plants before those sown in August in the old way were ready. The trouble, too, is but little when there is space under glass. The space occupied by 500 or lOUO little pots is not much. E. Hobday. Tomato "Wonder of Italy.— In The Gaeden (p. 51) is published the result of the Tomato trials made at the Ohio Experimental Station, at the end of which the compiler states that "the Tomato Wonder of Italy" (introduced by our firm) "is small and worthless." As far as mere size is con- cerned, we agree with him, the fruit being pear- shaped and from 2 inches to 2i inches long. We, however, disagree entirely with him as to its being worthless. On the contrary, it is not only not worthless, but highly valuable. Were it not valu- able, hundreds of acres in the environs of Naples, for which a high rent is paid, would not be an- nually cropped with it. In fact. Wonder of Italy is one of the most productive of Tomatoes, an average crop of it being about 85 tons per acre ['!] It must therefore, v.e think, be admitted that a variety producing such crops cannot be quite worthless. Either it has not been tried fairly or the variety has not been true to name. Its fruit is all one mass of flesh with but few seeds, a circumstance which makes it valuable for con- serves. This Tomato is very early, and does not suffer from those diseases to which other varieties are subject. It is also dwarf. It is true that, owing to its belonging to the small-fruited class, it is not so good as some others for table use, but for conserves it is, as we have said, excellent. — Dam- MANN & Co., Napte>i. VEGETABLES AND THE SEASON. In March and April vegetables were very back- ward and most unpromising, but they progressed wonderfully in June and July, and of late I have seen more really good vegetables exhibited than I ever remember having seen before at this season. Carrots, Turnips, Potatoes, and roots generally are unusually fine, and Cauliflowers, Cabbages, and other greens are luxuriant and abundant. Onions were very late in beginning to bulb, but they have done wonders since they began, and .spring-sown bulbs 12 inches in cir- cumference are now plentiful. As to autumn- sown Onions, I never saw them finer. A dozen bulbs .shown from here, to which a first prize was awarded at Cardiff last week, weighed 10 lbs., and they were solid and well formed. There were many complaints in the early summer months respecting the deficiency of vegetables, but there is no lack of them now, and they promise to be unusually plentiful throughout the autumn. I cannot remember the time when, in the middle of August, there were no instances of Potato disease, but as yet I have not seen a diseased Potato. Crops of this esculent are very good indeed, the tubers being abundant, large in size, and fine in quality. Wet weather might bring disease amongst the late crops, but early ones are now out of danger, and the sooner they are dug up and harvested now the better. When matured they are not apt to become diseased if left in the ground, but, at the same time, they are better under protection ; we are therefore pushing on with the storing of our crops as fast as the weather will allow us. Runner Beans are always preferred to the dwarf varieties, and as soon as they can be obtained the demand for such sorts as Canadian Wonder ceases. But runners are now producing pods in such quantities, that it is almost impossible to use them as fast as they become ready, especially where no marketing is done, and if the old pods are allowed to remain on them after they become too old for use, they will soon cause the young ones to cease forming. Nothing brings Beans to a standstill quicker than this, and therefore whenever a long succession of tender young pods is desired from one row or a small space, the pods should all be gathered as soon as they become fit for use. It would be better to gather and throw them away than allow them to remain and terminate the pod- bearing properties of the plants. We often hear of Kidney iJeans being very prolific for a time and then suddenly becoming unfruitful ; the cause of this may easily bo found in the clusters of overgrown fruit seen on the plants. A short time ago a row of our Sweet Peas ceased flowering when the plants were covered with seed-pods. These were all gathered and the plants are again in full Hower, and this is what happens in the case of all Beans and Peas which are allowed to carry quantities of matured pods. Where late rows of Kidney Beans are grown these will keep up a supply during September and October ; but whero the August-bearing plants are expected to pro- duce tender young pods during the months named, do not on any account allow old pods to remain on them. Yellow Turnips are greater favourites in the north than in the south, but they have much to recommend them everywhere ; they are very hardy, they succeed well sown late, and bulb freely in October and November. They bear severe weather better than any of the white ones, and they are always tender and well flavoured. Their colour is the only point that is supposed to be against them, and that is nothing. We have known some cooks to refuse all Turnips but white-fleshed ones ; other.", on Aug 21, 1886.] ^HE GARDEN. 1G9 the contrary, were always pleased to have yellow ones, especially in winter, and I would advise all who desire to have a good supply of Turnips from October until April to at once sow a large quarter of the Orange Jelly variety. There is now plenty of vacant ground from which Pota- toes and other crops have been recently removed, and a portion of such ground may very profit- ably be devoted to yellow Turnips. Mai'iam, Port Talbot. .J. Mrm. The Celery fly. — There seems to be no cure for this troublesome pest beyond the somewhat drastic one of stamping it out by destroying the crop, or, at least, seriously injuring it by picking ofi'and burning the leaves containing the maggot. I think, however, that its appearance may be prevented if taken in time and the plants are dre.ssed with something to make them distasteful to it, but to be effectual it should be applied before the eggs are laid. Syringing the rows with soapsuds and dusting the plants afterwards with soot will generally keep the 6y at a distance, especially if repeated once or twice during the time when it is depositing its eggs. Then a solu tion of Gishurst compound may be used instead of soapsuds, and tobacco powder instead of soot as alternative treatment. In neither case is the expense or trouble very great, and all the ingredients have some manurial value. The eggs are laid by puncturing the leaves, which, as the grubs grow, appear to be blistered, and when the grubs have attained full size they descend to the earth, where they remain in the chrysalis state till the following spring. They then are trans- formed into the perfect insect. Being encased within the folds of the leaf, there seems to be no means of getting at them with either washes or powders, but if the plants are made distasteful in the way suggested, the eggs will not be deposited. — E. IIOBDAY. Dwarf French Beans. — One of the finest and most prolific of dwarf Beans is the Long-podded Negro. So much has been said from time to time in favour of Canadian Wonder, and it has become so popular for show purposes, that it has largely ousted other kinds ; still if cultivators will get a true stock of the Long-podded Negro and grow it, they will not be in a hurry henceforth to grow C'anadian Wonder. The grov.'th of Negro is robust, and the pods are long, straight, and handsome, and produced in great profusion. In dwarf Beans we want something more than show pods; we want flavour, tenderness, and, not least, prolifi- cacy, and these will be found in the Long-podded Negro. I notice that in one seed list this kind is termed " Monster, Long-podded." The first appel- lation is both superfluous and misleading, as there is nothing of the monster whatever about even the finest dwarf French Beans, and such terms are misapplied. We have quite a score of kinds of dwarf Beans under name, but after all the dift'erences among them are but slight. Three or four kinds will suffice for any garden. Some one kind gets more favoured for forcing than others, but so much depends upon the facility with ■«hich the blooms set in heat, that ofttimes success or failure is more due to treatment than to sorts. One good all-round kind very often answers well in all cases. — A. D. SHORT NOTES.— KITCHEN. Wilsons Royal Ashtop Potato.— I hare for si-x weeks past been lifting what may be justly termed the prmce of all Ashtuir Potatoes, and this day Ifelt curious to kaow the turu-out per acre. 1 tind, by careful measurement, it amounts to 9 tons, 5 cwt. 3 lbs. I am growing a few true old A'htop, which is said to he better in qnalitj*. It need be, as the turn-out is rioiculously small compared with that of the one under notice. I have sent yoii a few as a sample. — R. GlLuCRT, Burfrlihii. *^'* The Potatoes sent by Mr. Gilbert were a very good .and even sample, and the flavour — the only thing, we think, of much importance — was excellent — an old-fashioned kind of flavour, it anybody will understand what we mean by that. -Ed, VEGETABLE MARROWS. The Vegetable Marrow classes at exhibitions show that no one kind is favoured more than another, as is the case with most other vegetables. At a re- cent sho«- at which I was engaged as judge I found twenty-two pairs of Marrows in one class, and of these no t«o seemed to be exactly of the same kind. Again, if we turn to the exhibitions of garden produce from the best private gardens, long, short, round, or Custard Marrows are in- variably presented, but with this difference, that only white kinds are shown, \\hilst cottagers have just as much regard for green or mottled kinds as for white ones. Very probably, all other things being equal, it will be found that white kinds get the preference, but that is purely a matter of fancy, as when cooked it would be ditficult to discover in what respect green-skinned kinds difl'ered from white ones. Some kinds are more prolific than others ; in one respect that may be so : the smaller fruited kinds produce more than large fruited ones, but in the end the balance of actual bulk is about the same. Of course, if the fruits of the longer or larger kinds be cut whilst small, the relief given to the plants favours more abundant fertility, but the best test of any plant's productive powers is found in leaving all its pro- duce to mature fully, and then weighing the whole at the end of the season. In the market gardens the long white is preferred, and if some- what ribbed all the better. Still, a nice green specimen or two is not objected to, as these pro- duce variety and give some acceptable colour to the greengrocer's window. Cut whilst the skins are tender. Marrows soon become battered and dis- figured. There are few directions in which reform is more needful in connection with market garden produce than our method of packing and getting it fresh and uninjured to the consumer. Some little divergence of opinion exists amongst good vegetable judges as to the proper size or age for prize Marrows. They may be too big in some cases, but if the skin is quite tender and the fruits even and handsome, it seems unfair that small fruits should be put before larger ones. It is a common rule to allow something for size in the case of cottagers' products, for these show by their exhibits that they think quantity to be of considerable merit. When, however, such kinds as Moore's Cream or the round Pen-y-byd are pre- sented, of course size is out of the question, and here it is really one of quality and flavour. Mar- rows have become very popular; they are widely grown, and they prove valuable aids to the gar- dener during the summer months. A. D. Trees and Shrubs. Late Peap. — Rows of Ne Plus Ultra sown on May the ■20th are now (August the 14th) 7 feet high ; the pods at the bottom are fit to gather, and higher up are younger pods and blossoms in- numerable. This Pea, in my opinion, has no superior during this month and September. British Queen sown on .June the 4th is now in blossom, and will carry us on as long as the weather is warm enough to cause the pods to fill. Duke of Albany sown on June the 4th is well loaded with beautiful green pods, the earliest of which are now fit to gather. This is a very hand- some podded variety, and the pods are very deep green in colour. Huntingdonian, the best of the Champion of England section, sown in the middle of April, is producing a very profuse second blossom that will result in a very usefiU crop, though the pods will be smaller than those of the first crop. The late rains have been beneficial to Peas and Cauliflowers, but Potatoes and the grain crop want sunshine. — E. Hobday. liOasa lateritia- — During summer this thrives well in the open. The seeds should be sown as soon as gathered in tte autumn, and kept in an intermediate hoir£e throughout the winter, when some of the young plants may be trans- ferred to larger pots for greenhouse decoration. Those to be kept under glass should have some slight feujiport given tbein. They require to be cautiously bandied, as tlie bristles, which are copious, secrete an acrid fluid, .and inflict a pecu- liar sensation when touched with bare hands. Loasa hlspida bears yellow flowers and has a more erect habit. It grows to the height of about U feet.— W. H. SLOW r. FAST-GROWING CONIFERS. It is stated in The Garden (p. 122) that the chief demerit in Thujopsis dolabrata is its slow growth. This statement is news to me, as I have always looked upon this superb Conifer as a gem of the first water, alike useful in the pinetum, the flower garden, as a screen or hedge tree, and last, but not least, as a lawn specimen in the villa garden. Moreover, it is as hardy as a common Oak, bears pruning to any extent, and is by no means fasti- dious as to soil, provided it is not waterlogged. The situation, however, which suits it best, at least with me, is on the side or near the foot of a slope where moisture is always present, and the soil, a strong calcareous loam, is not easily affected by drought. In a situation of this description, although the tree grows slowly at first, it makes good progress when fairly established, as the following particulars will show. My first tree was planted out in stiff' loam resting on limestone in 1SU7. It has not been disturbed or protected, has withstood 'ii' of frost, and now measures IS feet in height and 9 feet in diameter close to the turf. The tree, as is its habit, for the first few years threw out side leaders, but these were regularly shortened whenever they appeared, and it is now a dense cone as handsome as the finest Lycopod ever grown. If "G." requires fast-growing Conifers, the great American continent, independently of Japan, leaves him no lack of choice, as he has the Pines and Piceas, the Abies and Wellingtonias to select from, and, be his garden large or small, I shall be taken by surprise if he asserts that he has not found more than one suitable spot for Thujopsis dolabrata. If the landscape planter takes in acres or scores of acres, his arboreal picture will be incomplete without this, and most likely the variegated form, an equally good grower, worked in with Bamboos and Japanese Maples. If the flower gardener wishes to break away from the everlasting flats of bedding plants, let him intro- duce good sized trees of Thujopsis, 2 feet, 3 feet, or 4 feet apart, and fill in with flowering plants. If perchance he has a sloping bank or a group of lockwork, what so graceful and refreshing as the dwarf compact Thujopsis dolabrata hete virens? If the villa gardener wishes to get away from his cockneyism, let him eschew the Californian giants, and spare his friends' nerves by planting com- paratively slow-growing Conifers of which I will name a dozen. The hatchet-leaved Thujopsis is one. Thuja ele- gantissima is another. The Plum-fruited Yew (Prumnopitys elegans) comes next, and although a native of Chili, it is quite hardy, and contrasts well with the greenish bronze of the first and the rich gold of the second. Cryptomeria elegans, bright green in summer and rich plum colour in winter, must not be omitted, and Abies orientalis may be its companion, but not too near the house, as either of these will attain 20 feet in good loam in as many years. Then to tone down the colour, the soft, lovely grey Abies Hookeriana or Pat- toniana, A. Tsuga and A. T. nanamay be introduced with telling effect. These Abies make delightful lawn specimens, and ought to be in every col- lection or selection, be the garden large or small, but, judging from the fact that they are seldom met with, we may assume that they are not known, otherwise Wellingtonias within 20 yards of the hall door would not be so frequently seen as they are swamping the villa grounds. If the planter wishes to shut out a neighbour, the kitchen garden, or buildings, and true Pines are to be repre- sented, P. Cembra may be introduced with telling effect, and by way of adding the finishing touches of graceful form and bright colour to the fore- ground, the Retinosporas are indispen.'^able. These may be had in green and grey, in gold and silver, but, unfortunately, they are not quite at home on all soils. With me they did not succeed on our cold calcareous loam, but by excavating and forming stations with lighter soil from the igneous 170 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 21, 1886. rock formation to which a little ordinary peat was added, they have settled down into satis- factory growth in the most exposed situations. Eautnor Catllc, Ledlmry. W. Coleman. VARIETIES OF HEATHER. Most of our hardy Heaths are represented by several well-marked varieties, but the most prolific in this re- spect is the common Ling or Heather (Erica vulgaris), some of the foims of which differ widely from each other and from the type. A selection of the most prominent among the several varieties would include the following : dumosa rubra, a low, dense, but upright-habited kind, with slender spikes of deep coloured lilossoms ; alba minor, in habit like the preceding, but with pure white blossoms. In rigida alba the flowers are also white, but the plant is more spreading and the spikes of bloom larger. In pubescens alba the foliage is covered with a hoary pubescence, which stamps it as a distinct and peculiar kind. Another white-flowered variety is Searlei, a fine bold form especially valuable on account of its being a late flowerer. A good deep coloured variety is coccinea, and the pretty little slender-habited tenuis is yet another well worthy of mention. One of tlie boldest growing of all is Alporti, with deep purple blossoms. This kind is the latest of all to bloom, and forms a good companion to Searlei. The double blossoms of flore-plena are not so sliowy as some of the others at a little distance, but nearer they can be seen ti.i be decidedly double. Varieties possessing peculiarities of foliage or habit rather tlian the flowers would include pygm;ea, which forms a dense cushion-like mass of a very deep green colour. So widely does this differ from the ordinary kind, that it resembles a cushion of Moss rather tlian a form of Heather. In aurea the foliage is of a golden tint, but I have met with a couple of very distinct varieties under this name, one being a bright yellow, and the other much deeper in colour ; in fact, a sort of bronzy orange. Tins is a dwarf kind, .and if planted alternately with tlie deep green pygma-a forms a good edging to beds of the larger kinds. The variety variegata is readily distiogiiished by the normal foliage bemg interspersed with leaves almost, if not (juite, white. Unless required in large quan- tities the prop.agation of most of these Heaths is a simple affair, for the jilants can generally be dividel without trouble, and where such is not tlie case, from their close proximity to the ground a branch or two can be readily layered. T. Holly berries. — Like " G. S. S.," I have seen old Holly berries on the trees in July. I only, how- ever, remember seeing them once, and that was tln-ee years ago on a specimen in the grounds here. This tree had nearly all the old berries on it and a crop of young ones at the same time — a circumstance, I believe, to be very unusual. Has anyone noticed that the trees which bear heavy crops of fruit for a few years either get much weakened or die out- right? This is the case with trees on this place. — J. C. C. The Bladder Senna (Colutea arborescens). — For hot and sandy soils I know no flowering shrub that will surpass this, as even during dry seasons it will flower throughout the entire summer. Though the individual blooms are not so showy as those of many other Pea-flowered shrubs, they are very welcome at the time they make their appear- ance, besides which the curious bladder-lrke pods add another feature to the plant. As seedlings are raised plentifully in this country, there is a good deal of variety to be found amongst them, some having green pods even when ripe, while the majority are of a reddish hue. There are several varieties to be found in different lists, but the most widely removed from C'. arborescens is that known as cruenta, whose orange-red flowers are quite distinct from the yellow ones of arborescens. The pods of cruenta, too, are much deeper, being of a bright, sometimes eheriy-red, tint, and are then most conspicuous during sunshine. The foliage of cruenta is somewhat smaller than that of arborescens, and of rather a glaucous hue. These kinds are quite suihcient for tlie planter, as representing tlie two extreme forms, for the dif- ferent intermediate tints which may be picked out from a bed of seedlings give too much of a same- ness. These Bladder Sennas are old inhabitants of gardens, C. arborescens having been mentioned by Parkinson, wdiile C. cruenta was introduced during the early part of the last centui-y. — H. P. BIRCH AS A SCREEN TREE. We get a very various collection of trees recom- mended for screen planting, but I do not see enough said about the Birch. There are plenty who go in for Evergreens and also for such free- growing trees as the Poplar. There are many qualifications possessed by the Birch which none of these have. In situations where screens or wind breaks are wanted, it is clear that a very im- portant consideration is to have a tree which is not liable to be torn about by the winds. Another thing is to have one which by its habit will afl'ord protection down to the ground level. The com- monest classes of trees which grow on a single stem are deficient in this respect, as there are very few which are feathered to the ground. The Birch, springing up, as it does, more in bush form with several stems from a stool, will very soon fill up space admirably, as if planted in belts some three rows deep and arranged in a zig-zag manner, the openings between the stools in the front row will be filled by the base of the tree in the second. This, of course, would apply to a great extent to all trees which have a bushy habit, but especially so to the Birch. Perhaps the greatest recom- mendation of the Birch is the beauty of its stems after a few years' growth. When, as I have said, the trees are arranged in belts two or three deep, the effect of the silver bark, as the stems incline at all angles, and the ramification of the smaller branches is hardly to be equalled. This applies to the winter aspect, but it is increased tenfold by the foliage during the summer. Another point about the Birch is that it does not grow to a very great height, and the stems do not reach a very large size. In certain classes of screen-planting it may be quite in character to employ trees which grow to towering heights and large sizes, but this is only for comparatively distant effects. For plant- ing in proximity to residences such trees would be highly objectionable, as the portion of the tree which should really form the screen is away up in the air where it is not wanted, and there is the very appreciable danger of the whole thing being blown across the house with the chance of destroy- ing property and perhaps life. With a tree like the Birch neither of these disadvantages exist, as the winil break is where it is wanted, /.(. , near the ground, and the sizes of the trees are so small relatively, that very little risk is incurred even if they are planted near enough to buildings to fall upon them if blown over. In fact, I look upon the Birch as a nm/tvm in jmrro to planters who have limited spaces to deal with and soils very diverse. There is no doubt that the Birch, like the Alder, will grow faster and to a larger size upon moderately moist sites, but it does not refuse to make progress in places the very reverse. In these remarks the term screen has been principally adopted in the sense of windbreak, and the value of Birch in this respect considered, but what is true of this part of the subject is true of it as a screen to shut out blotches in the landscape or to render lawns or premises more pirivate. It is, perhaps, already used more in this direction than in the other, but it is equally suitable for both. The circum- stance of its being devoid of leaves during the winter is from any point of view of little im portance, and from some points it is a factor in its favour. It cannot be denied that, however grateful the green may be in the dull months, there is a certain monotony in the constant pre- sence of foliage, but in the case of the Birch there is, as the seasons roll on, a never-ceasing succes sion of eft'ect. D. Olearia Saasti. — This beimtifuf liardy slirub is now in t^ri;at liLMuty in the gardens nf Mr liuclian, Wiitun House, Sniithuaiittcu. ft i3 .a closc-gruwiug conipiict bu.sii witfi .small glaucous gtoy ieavcs .ind pin-c white ffower.s, produced ill profusion. It blooms when only a few inches high, lasts a long time in flower, and continues to increase in beauty witli size and age. How is it tliat this plant is so seidoni seen? Tlie genus is alfied to Eurybia, a native, I befieve, of New Zealand. — W. H. G. SURFACE-DRESSING RHODODENDRONS. Our latest additions to our collection of Rhododen- drons have been The Queen, James Mason, Helen Waterer, and a few others — all certainly improve- ments on older kinds. Previous to The ticeen, Alarm and Minnie were our best Rhododendrons, both of which The Queen surpasses. This variety m.iy not, perhaps, flower so freely as the older forts, but the flowers have better substance, are better in form, and the truss is bold and massive. James Mason is a striking flower, on account of its having a light centre and a bright scarlet edging. The h.abit of the plant, too, is good, and the blossoms freely pro- duced. Helen Waterer is a fascinating variety, the flowers of which have a white ground colour margined with Ijright crimson. In my opinion, this is one of the most striking of Rhododendrons; but for making bold masses, it is very doubtful if we shall get any better than the kinds which we already possess. In .John Waterer we have a variety capable of pro- ducing the most gk^wing masses of crimson imagin- able ; in Joseph Wbitworth we have a grand purple- shaded flower ; and in conces-iun roseiim the most beautiful of rose colours. Brayanum and DUndy- iinum are two well-known crimsons that have held their own amongst many rivals. Maculatum pur- pureum is a light pur|ile ; Mrs. .John Penn, salmon- pink ; Mrs. Thomas Brassey, white, shaded purple ; Baron Schroder, plum colour ; Countess of Headfort, lilac ; and Crown Prince, rose with a yellow blotch. Without asserting that the sorts just named are the very best, I can say with truth that they are a Srlec- tion that will disappoint no one. We have a few plants of the oldest of the arboreum section, with which I have had to deal tenderly long ago. The .soil (which was made for them) has been exhausted during the last twenty years; they have been surface- dressed twice, and now they require that help again. Such surface dressings give them a new lease of life for at least a few years ; the improvement in their condition the first year is not much, but the second it is more marked, and in the third and fourth their vigour seems to be quite restored. Our natural staple for this class of plants is loam, in which they thrive wonderfully well. Our largest specimen re- quires four good cartloads of luam for one dressing. It is spread all over its roots, and the plant is worth such dressings, for it is more than 30 feet high, and has a proportionate spread of branches. It would have been dead before now had it not been attended to in this way, while it is as vigorous now as ever it has been. My expel ience as regards surface dressing Rhodo- dendrons would certainly lead me to adopt the same plan in other cases in which there is decline in the way of vigour. Where the specimens are large, a mere sprinkle either of peat or loam is comparatively useless. Sufficient thickness of new soil is wanted to afford room for the formation of a good quantity of new roots, and then the lienefit will be lasting. It will be well to remember, too, that the roots in a suitable medium extend farther than the branches ; therefore, in order to benefit the outermost fibrts, the new soil must also extend beyond thtm. Plants growing in the natural soil of any place may not need to be surface-dz-essed in order to maintain vigour, as the roots will have room to extend in a suitable soil; but where the soU has been made for 1 hem, and be- come exhausted, top dressing, as a remedy, might be resented to with aii\aiitage. Where peat has to be used for surface-dressing. I should advise that it be beaten up rather fine and laid on early in September, so that the autuinn rains may settle it dnvu, and enable the roots to lay hold of it ([iiickly. If applied ill .si)ring or during the summer, birds would probably scratch much of it away from the roots; as a rule, wliatever the material used may be, it should be laid on 3 inches thick. With regard to plants that are grafted or obtained by layers, I do not know if my experience is different from that of other peojde ; but I certainly prefer layered plants to others, because they arc longest lived. At all events we have los Aug. 21, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 171 more grafted plants than others. Why this should be I cannot tell, further than that I believe the top dies before the roots, which seems to show a want of reciprocity between the two. Peihaps some reader of The Gar[)em can throw some light on this matter. lu other respects I like grafted plants as well as others. They will sometimes throw up suckej s from the crown below the graft; but an experiencei eye can soon detect them and cut them out. The plants should be gone over every year at blooming time for this purpose. On the fubject of pruning some misapprehension seems to exist in the mind of amateurs ; they appear to think that hybrid llhododendrons will submit to being pruned the same as a common Laurel, .and to a certain extent this- is true. If we jirune Ijack only the 3'ouDg wood, it will break freely iiito growth again ; but it is impossible to prune lihododendrons without sacrificing one or more season's crop of flowers. If young branches only are cut back, tlien only one seaEon's flowers will be lost ; but if old hard wood has to be dealt with, it will take two or three years before new growth pa-oduces any fiowtrs. Where old plants have to be pruned, tlie best plan is to cut all the branch»-s down tr) within 2 feet of the ground. This should be done at the end of February, and then they will ha\e a long Fea;-on before tliem in which to make new growth, and it will have time to get iiardened before winter ; but in a general way it is b-st i;ot to prune them at all. If in any ca^e the plants have outgrown tlieir space, it wid generally prove more satisfactory to rOL.t them out and plant young ones than retain them. It is useless to cut down some of the old brandies and leave some, because those Itft will rob tho.-e cut back, and they will die. Therefore it mu^t be all cr none. Khodo- dendrons make good single specimens on grass when suitable varieties for such positions are selected. It is necessary tj know something of theii' habit of growth, some being loose and straggling. Sorts with short-jointed growth and a compact habit are the most suitable for such situations. Urayanum (ciim- son), Due de Brabant (sa'mon-tinteil white), Kveresti- annin (rosy lilac), Kxijuisite (white), Nero (purple!, and Vandyke (bright red I are all good kinds for the purpose named. ,T. C. C. Garden in the House. WHITE-FLOWERED PLANTS. I I'EEL satisfied that if we were to go carefully through the list of h.ardy plants and shrubs that bear white flowers there would be found a greater Duml)er than man}' are aware of. Not many white flowers c.^n be hid during the first two months of the year. Eut if one makes a speciality of the Christmas Hoses and plants them in a warm sheltered corner, and puts a few Landiights over them, there will be no scarcity, excejit in very severe weather. L'ouble and single Snowdrops should also be largely planttd iu warm borders. In February the common white Arabis commences to flower. In March .and April the number will increase. Double white Dairies and Primroses, Forget me not", .and Hyacinths will be i\'e 1 in floA-er if proper provision has been made for them. The pretty double white Anemone flowers in April ; anybody can grow it, as it is indifferent about soil, sun, or shade, .and no flower, either txotic or hirdy, is purer in colour. A wreath or cross made wholly of this, associattd with its own haves as greenery, cannot fail to give satisf.-iclion. In May and June there will be ipiite a wealth of white hardy fl:)wers. The common g.arden Pink will be the first, and then should follow the white vaiiety of East Lothian Stock, which is pure in colour and comp.act in growth. Lily of the Valley should form a strong feature ; there should be a bed of it on a sunny border, and another iu the shade of a north wall, which will make a difference of three weeks in their coming into flower. The double white Kocket should find a home in every garden, as its flowers are very fragrant, and if the individual blossoms are mounted on Avh-es they are well suited for wreath making. In July and August there should be m scarcity of flowers. Roses should be plentiful, especially of such varieties as Boule de Neige and Airaee Vibert, both of which may be grown in any form desired. The last-named is an excellent climber for a wall of moderate height ; it a'so does well as a standard. The other may be grown as a dwarf plant or standard. There are several capital herbaceous plants which flower in these two months. The white Phlox is one of them, but the two best .are Achillea Ptarmica fl.-j)!. and Cam- panula persicifolia alba. The Achillea is a hardy plant, which will thrive in any kind of soil. Its blossoms are pure white, and last long when cut ; the Campanula, too, is Ijoth hardy .and beautiful. It produces a number of blosso.-ns of the purest white at intervals ou erect stems. Nor must we omit Car- nations, amongst which there are several fine white varieties. Saxifraga granulata and Spiriea Aruucus are also desirable plants ; a h reatli or cross made whidly with Lilium candidum would be very attractive, and everybody can grow it, if they do not plant the bulbs more than 2 inches under the suiface, and choose a sunny spot for it. There are several annuals, too, which may be hal in flower during the summer, par- ticularly Sweet Peas, Candytufts, and double white Chrysanthemums. In order t3 furnish white flowers during September, everyone should grow the beautiful Anemone Honorine Jobert. It is not only a hand- some plant when grown in masses, but its flowers are useful in a cut state. There are also one or two French Chrysanthemum-flowered Asters, the flowers of which, being snowy white, are admirably adapted for wreaths and crosses. These are grown in riuau- tities by those who require white flowers iu autumn, as is also a white Pompon Dahlia named Lady Blanche, which produces large numbers of floweis on individual plants. So highly is this little Dahlia valued by some, that it is grown in large pots, to en- able the plants to be taken under glass on the ap- proach of fro=t in autumn. If stood iu a lii,'ht, airy house, their seison of flowering is prolonged for three weeks or more, and the colour of the flowers is whiter than that of tliose grtpwn in the open. long arching branches ch>thed with flowers at every bud. Nor must the double-blofsomed Cherry be for- gotten ; its flowers are so clear and so neatly formed, that they make up admirably into wreaths. The white Ja.-minc, although its flowers are small, is still a favourite with many. Dtut/.ia gracilis and D. sc.abra are two well-known hardy shrubs suitable for our purjiose, as are also several Spirieas, especially S. ariajfolia. J. C. C For the late autumn months we must depend chiefly on Chrysanthemums, and if anyone sets about it in the right way, they can have a constant supply of them from the 1st of .September until the end of November. Madame Desgranga is the best variety to grow for early flowering. The colour of its flowers is not pure white when grown in the open, but it flowers so early and so freely, that it makes up in some measure for that defect. Most people, more- over, could manage to find a few sp.are lights under which to grow it. We have only to mark out the size of the lights on a piece (.f ground that is fairly rich, warm, and sheltered, and to put out the plants 2 feet apart early in spring, and allow them to grow on without stopping, .as sttong growth is desirable. They mutt be supplieJ with water when necessay, and they will want the support of some sticks and ties to keep them from being injured by wind; and this is all the trouble they will give during summer. As soon as the flowers begin to .show cidour, which is ge uerally about the end of August, a temporary framework of wood should be pKaced round them, strong enough to support the h'ghts, which should be only a few inches above the plants. This is the only protection they want. The space all rounil should be left open, so that .air can cir- culate amongst them. La Vierge is a good white variety belonging to the eaily-flowering section, if more than one is wanted. In order to get white Chrysanthemums as late as it is possible to have them, a \-.ariety from the late flowering section must bs chosen, and the best for this purpose is Mrs. George Rundle, on account of the purity of the colour of the flowers, as well as for the freedom with which they are produced. The best way in which to grow it is to plant it against a warm w all cir fence, and to keep the plants ne.atly tied up duting the summer time. As soon as they come into flower, a few mats should be hung up in front of them, or a piece of canvas to protect them from frost. There is no need to cover them up unless there are signs of frost ; dur- ing the day the covering should be removed. Amongst hardy shrubs I may mention the lovely white Mag- nolia conspicua, which flowers so freely when trained to a wall in any but a north aspect ; this flowers in April. In May and June there are white Lilac and the Guelder Rose (Viburnum Opulus), also Hoteia aponica ; then there is Spiraea Thunbergi, with its NOTES FROM SHIPLEY HALL. TiiK Bti-x'iiKS. — One of the leading features in the grounds attached to Shipley Hall is the Beeches, of which there are large numbers of unusually fine trees, which stand irregularly on the ridge whereon the house is built. The trees collectively have attained a large size ; they differ in character from examples of this tree usually met with in parks and pleasure grounds, which generally are furnished with drooping branches that clothe the trunks down to their base, such as result from their having in the early stages of their growth stood sufficiently far apart to admit of full develop- ment in the lower limbs. The trees in question have evidently been planteel thickly and after- wards allowed to stand tor a lengthened period near enough together to prevent the formation of side branches of any consequence, and when they hael attained an unusual height have been thinned, after which they have formed massive spreading heads, whilst the trunks, straight and free from the semblance of branches for some .'10 feet, have thickened out in a way that seldom occurs. Tho tallest are about 120 feet high. Hollies. — Hollies thrive wonderfully and attain an immense size. The large-leaved varieties, such as Hodginsi and Shepherdi, show their remarkable freedom of growth. Of these, as of most of the best kinds, there are quantities of grand speci- mens dispersed about the grounds. Golden Queen and other golden varieties along with the best of the silver- leaved .sorts are represented by large numbers of the most perfect specimens, the lower branches stretching out on tlie turf in a way that only occurs where the lanel suits them, and they have plenty of room and nothing to interfere with their growth. EvEKCKEEN SHRUBS AXD TREES. — The Retino- sporas (.Japan Cypresses) are special favourites here. The collection contains all the varieties worth growing, ami, what is more, the plants continue to thrive, maintaining the densely clothed condi- tion for which they are so much admired in the early stages of their existence, but which in so many places they unfortunately lose as soon as they attain any considerable height. From the fact that these beautiful plants are only met with in their best form in places w here the soil is natu- rally moist, or where means arc provided for giving them the water they require, it is evielent that they not only need more moisture than the generality of Evergreens, but that to maintain them in a condi- tion worth looking at when planted in elry localities they must in dry seasons be supplied with water. At Shipley Hall, I understand they are watered freely in dry periods during the summer. This points to the necessity of confining the planting of the Retinosporas to places wdiere the soil is of a damp peaty nature, or localities where the annual rainfall is exceptionally heavy. A tree, how- ever beautiful it may be, that will not continue to thrive with the water that it gets from the clouds can scarcely be reckoned suitable for planting everywhere. Anyone who has moved Retinosporas that have attained considerable size will ha\-e noticed how the roots in place of extending freely in the way common to other trees, keep in a com- pact body within a very limited space, crowding the soil for a few feet round the tree with a thick mass of feeding fibres, which are thus wdiolly de- pendent on the moisture pjresent within a small space, and in this way soon exhaust that which is within their reach, anel then are in a scmiperish- ing condition, which accounts for the thin, half- denuded of foliage state the pilants usually get into when they have attained any size. In addi- tion to tlie \'arieties usually met with there is 172 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 21, 1886. here a beautiful golden form of R. pisifera, much the brightest in colour that I have seen. R. obtusa aurea nana is 10 feet liigh ; other varieties are proportionate in size to this. Amongst other golden-leavedEvergrcens are several distinct varie- ties of Yew that have been raised in the Hands- worth Nurseries ; they are brighter in colour than the ordinai-y forms, and have a better and more erect habit of growth than most Yews. The largest of these is 16 feet in height. Interspersed, as they are, at sufficient distances apart amongst green-leaved trees, they a>'e very effective. Abies Alcoquiana, planted si.x years ago, when about 4h feet high, has now reached l(i feet. This hand- some Japanese species promises to become one of the best of all the Spruce Firs. Lilies ai'e largely grown, quantities being dis- jiersed about the pleasure grounds, occupying prominent positions in the large clumps of Ever- greens, which serve as a bacliground for the Lilies when in flower. Several large beds in the garden are filled with them. Two long beds were planted with L. auratum, one in autumn and one later on in the winter; the bulbs have done much the best that were put in first, the growth being double the size of that of those planted later, and they have come up more regularly ; amongst them are some of the beautiful L. auratum platyphyllum, and also another fine variety, L. auratum vittatum rubrum. L. pardalinum, often supposed to re- quire being grown in peat, does here well in the ordinary soil, reaching a height of 6 feet and in- creasing freely. L. Pan-yi is doing very well, flowering and increasing freely. This handsome yellow Lily can scarcely fail to become a favourite when it is better known. Herbaceous plants. — Of these there is a nice collection, consisting of many of the most popular kinds. Noticeable amongst them are Spanish Irises, of which large quantities are dispersed about the garden. The soil seems to suit them, as they not only thrive and bloom well, but in- crease freely. Hyacinthus candicans does well ; some that were planted four years ago, and have not been disturbed since, are remarkably stron Herbaceous Peonies also are well represented. Plant houses. — In a large lofty conservatory, situated near the walled garden, many of the occupants are planted out in a roomy bed, which occupies the centre of the house, where, as usual under such conditions, the plants attain a large size. So treated, Neottopteris Nidus has leaves 6 feet long ; whilst the scandent stems of Aspara- gus plumosus have attained some 20 feet in length In a narrow border running along the back wall several varieties of Bamboo are planted, and these, left to grow much as they will, make an excellent covering for the wall ; the kinds are B. Metake, B. arundinacea, B. japonica, B. vio- lescens, and B. nigra. Fern house. — There is a fernery of considerable height adjoining the conservatory, in which the plants are turned out, the walls being covered with medium and small growing kinds, that collectively are in fine condition. A long glass- covered way connects the house with the fernery ; a portion of this next the mansion is kept gay with flowering and fine-leaved plants. In the re- maining portion the walls on both sides are carried up to the roof, and are clothed with Ferns ; here, as in the fernery, the plants are in beautiful order, with an absence of any that fail to thrive such as invariably exist where care has been wanting in confining the kinds to such as do not naturally grow to a size that causes them to smother the weaker growers. In the planting of ferneries in recent times, it is often apparent that tliere has been such a disposition to favour large-growing species, that the smaller and more elegant kinds did not get a chance of succeeding. A warm house is principally devoted to the growth of small and medium sized Palms and other fine-leaved plants for general decorative purposes. In a lean-to house, which is used for flowering Carnations early in spring and other things of a like nature, the singular-looking Lophospermum atrosanguineum (syn., Rhodochiton volubile) is gronn on the roof, producing quantities of its curious dark-red flowers. It is an evergreen climber from Mexico, of quick, but not too ram- pant, growth, and, though seldom met with, it is well deserving a place, especially where climbers of strong vigorous habit are unsuitable. The spring-flo%vering Carnation W. P. Milner, a white variety with well-shaped flowers, full enough, but not so full as to cause the pods to split, is grown in quantity. Sir Beauchamp Seymour, salmon-red flaked with crimson, also comes in early in spring with a little warmth. These are both fine kinds, that may be relied on by those who have these favourite flowers to provide. Orchids. — Amongst Orchids there is a good stock of Lielia anceps, which includes the white variety, and also one of the darkest-coloured forms that have appeared. A plant of this, after bloom- ing at the usual season, is now again coming into flower. The cool kinds are represented by Odon- toglossums and others tliat thrive in a like tem- perature. Vines.— Fruit is well managed, as is evidenced by the success which Mr. Elphinstone has attained at most of the leading exhibitions. In three of the houses which it was thought desirable to replant the Vines have been pushed on this season so as to get the fruit ripe in time to admit of new Vines being planted ; this has been done, and they have every appearance of making satisfactory progress before the end of the summer. In two of these houses Black Hamburgh and Madresfield Court are the principal kinds. In a house of Muscats three years planted the Vines have done very well, and are now carrying a good crop, nearly ripe. The latest house contains a vei-y good crop coming on, consisting of Gros Maroc, Gros Colmar, Golden Queen, and Gros Guillaume. Pe.wiies .\nd Figs. —Peaches occupy three or four houses, which are high enough to admit of the trees on the back walls not being interfered with by those grown on the front trellises. The trees are in good condition, and in the case of those where tlie fruit was not cleared were carry- ing heavy crops. In the earliest house the fruit was ripe in April. Figs have a house to them- selves. The varieties grown are Brown Turkey and Negro Largo ; the latter fruits as freely as the former, but to secure this the roots are regulated annually. The trees were bearing an unusually heavy crop. T. B. world, after a good, sound and healthy house, ought to be a garden, either before or behind, but, if possible, the garden should form a sacred circle around the home. — F. W. B. School gardens. — Can any of your readers tell us of experiments made with gardens as attached to schools, and whether the same have been a success or a failure ? The school garden might become a mast useful aid to education, and ought, as myself and others believe, to be made a sine qua iion in all rural and agricultural districts. My old friend Quibbler says that it is in the towns more especially that school children require gardens, and perhaps in a sense he is right, hut, anywhere and everywhere, a good gar- den attached to a school, in good hands, would prove to be an ever-open book of knowledge, yielding a harvest of food for thought as well as of pleasure to the eye. If children were taught the names of all the common garden and field flowers, and such simple operations as tilling the ground, seed-sowing, and transplanting, they would never forget it, I feel sure. (lUiibbler says, if I want a garden to every school, somebody else will want a kitchen added, to teach the children cookery, and a carpenter's shop for the boys, &c., ad infinifitrii ! But I do not quite see the point of his argument here, for all the girls will not be cooks, nor all the boys carpenters ; whereas every thrifty artisan or labourer indeed ought to have a garden. Gardening is, as I take it, without a doubt the most simple and natural kind of amusement with which a man may beguile his leisure, and whatever else he possesses in the Garden Flora. PLATE 558. TALL GROWING WINDFLOWERS. (with a coloured plate of pink and white .iapanese varieties.*) Amongst hardy herbaceous pl.ants few genera are more popular than the Windfiowers, or Anemones, as they are botanically called. In point of size they vary from the little vernalia or palmata to the gigantic A. Fannini lately in- troduced from Natal, where it blossoms from September until December. Its flowers are white and fragrant, about .3 inches in diameter, and its It-aves measure from 1 foot to 2 feet across. It is likely to prove a useful plant for cool conservatory decoration, i.e., if planted out and room given for proper development. Ane- mones of the coronariaand fulgens groups belong to quite another class, and require different treat- ment. We shall therefore in the following account confine our remarks to ihe tall-growing species, which are of a permanent character and suitable for borders. They like deep rich soil, and it must be well drained, especially for kinds that need a little shade. These conditions being provided, the less they are disturbed the better will they be. Most of them are easily propagated by root division and seeds, which they generally ripen freely, and which will germinate it sown in the open ground as soon as gathered. Anemone alpina. — This, although one of the commonest of South European plants, being found on almost every great mountain and forming one of the roots generally gathered by tourists, is not so often met with in gardens as it deserves to be, a circumstance probably accounted for by its slow growth and the dislike to which it has to being disturbed. It is very variable, and by some botanists split up into many species. In strong soils it is very liable to be abnormal in form, adding rather than detracting from its \alue, as the number of segments is often thereby increased from six to nine, or even a dozen. It grows from 1 foot to 2 feet in height, roots strongly, and should have a deep, well-drained soil in which to grow in a sunny part of the rockery or ordinary border. Its flowers, which are few in an umbel, are creamy white inside and pale purplish outside, from 2 inches to 3 inches in diameter, and set on finely cut Fern-like leaves at the base of the umbel; the lower leaves, which are large, are finely divided. A variety called sulphurea has pale lemon or sulphur-coloured flowers, and is also a good border plant. Both flower in April and May, and the type has been cultivated in the Oxford Botanic Garden since 1G58. A. .japonic.^, two varieties of which are here figured, is undoubtedly the finest of the tall- growing Anemones. It is a native of damp woods on a mountain called Kifune, in the neighbour- hood of Miaho, Japan, and was first introduced to this country by Fortune. We have not heard of any attempts having been made to naturalise it in our wild gardens, but, if started well and left un- disturbed, we see no reason why it should not be- come as much at home as our own wood Anemone (A. nemorosa) and its varieties. If disturbed, this Anemone not unfrequently takes two and even three years to recover from the effects of the inter- ference. Our plan, and one which we think a good one, is to plant the offsets in deep Ijoxes in good rich soil, and when well established, plant out the whole without breaking up the soil. Even for greenhouse decoration this plant is not nearly * ]>rawniuDr. Lowe's gardeu, Woodcote, Wimbledon Park, September 12, ISSS. ^HE FINK AND WHITE JAPANESE ANEMONE JAF Aug. 21, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 173 so often used as it ought to be ; it flower.^ freely in pots when well attended to with liquid manure, and blooms earlier than in the open ; by a little management, too, in keeping back a portion of the stock, a succession of plants in flower may be had for a considerable time. There can be no question about the value of this Anemone and its varieties as hardy decorative plants ; large clumps of them are strikingly ett'ective all through the autumn months. The white variety, Honorine Jobert, is particularly handsome and easily ma- naged ; the secret of success lies in having a good deep bed of rich soil, and afterwards leaving the plants alone. If they show signs of degeneration at any time, supply what is needful either in the shape of liquid manure or top-dressing. Another variety called rubra, much deeper in colour than that recognised as the type, and generally with Anemoue sylvestris. twice the number of segments, is also a desirable subject. It is more compact in habit, and has smaller flowers than the true A. japonica. A. NARCISSI FLORA. — The annexed cut shows th habit and general appearance of this plant, whic is one of the freest-flowering species in the grou to which it belongs, each stem carrying a large generally winged achenes, while in the other they head of beautiful delicate white flowers set on an are rarely if ever compressed, and the achenes involucre and making quite a charming bouquet have no wings. The whole plant is densely silky ; in itself. It does well in the ordinary border, and the leaves are from five to sevenlobed, about with a little attention in the way of grouping it 4 inches in diameter, and have long petioles. The properly, it makes a grand show in early summer. ! flowers are large, about 2 inches in diameter, It is said to be connected with A. polyanthes by white, many in an umbel, and very showy; the intermediate forms, none of which, however, we involucre leaves are variable and more or less have seen in cultivation. It is dwarfer in growth than that kind, rarely attaining more than a foot in height ; the leaves are palmately five-parted, and the divisions are deeply cut into narrow or linear lobes. It has a wide distribution, being found on the Alps of Central and South Europe, Western Asia, Siberia, North-west America, and also in Cashmere. divided. It is sometimes stated to be a form of A. narcissiBora, which also extends to the Hima- layas, but it is distinct enough for all cultural purposes. It flowers in .lune and July, sometimes earlier, and may be increased by division of the roots in autumn. The most satisfactory plan, however, is to raise it from seeds, which it ripens in abundance, and these sown in the open when A. OBTrsiLOEA. — This species, if in cultivation gathered give no more trouble until they are atallatthe presenttime, is very rare, although common at one time in good collections. It is nearly allied to A. poly- anthes, but in its pre- sent state not nearly so valuable a decorative plant. It ap|)ears, how- ever, judging by de- scriptions, to be very variable in colour, and if taken well in hand something could no doubt be made of it. The flowers are white, purplish, or golden, the latter two colours being very desirable in a tall Windflower that suc- ceeds the tUobe-flowers and Crowfoots. It grows from 1 foot to •J feet high, and bears a few three - flowered stems, making a good and desirable plant. The lower leaves are stalked, nearly round, and deeply cordate, and three-parted, the divi- sions variously cut and lobed. It is a native of the temperate and alpine Himalayas from Cashmere to Sikkim, and is found at 9000 feet to l."),000 feet ele- vation. We hope soon to see this plant intro- duced. A. POLVANTHES. — So far as our knowledge of Himalayan Windflowers extends, we know of none more worthy of a place in the flower gar- tlen or rockery than this white starry form. It has a sufficiently high elevation from 10,000 feet to 12,000 feet to withstand all the vicis- situdes of our climate, and as it does not seem to be at all particular as | ready for pricking off or planting out. It is a Anemone narcissiflora. to position, it will, when better known, make first-rate companion to the well-known Japanese plant. It generally begins to flower a month earlier than A. japonica, and continues in bloom until that species succeeds it. In a low, damp, and half-shady position it attains a greater height than in the open, ranging from IS inches to 2§ feet, and bearing a profusion of flowers, if equalled, certainly not surpassed, in quantity by that of A. japonica. This species has been confounded with that bearing the name of A. obtusiloba, but it is a far better garden plant thanobtutiloba; while the latter bears only from one to three flowers in a head, there are rarely less than a dozen on A. polyanthes; the latter has much compressed and native of the inner Himalayas from Cashmere to Sikkim. A. RivuLARis. — This is a well-known garden plant, and a good companion to A. polyanthes, vitifolia, and others belonging to the tall-growing section. It is perhaps one of the easiest of Ane- mones to grow. It makes an excellent border plant, and is not at all particular whether the position be shady or not. When fully exposed it is much sturdier than in shade, and if anything more floriferous. The roots do not run so much as in some of the others ; therefore it is less troublesome to keep in its proper place. The whole plant is covered more or less with a silky pubescence. The root-stock is stout, the lower 174 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 21, 1886. leaves three-parted, and the segments lobed and evenly serrate. It grows from 1 foot to 3 feet in height, branched, and bearing flattish heads of many flowers, each from 1 inch to 2 inches in dia- meter. They are star-shaped, white and often bluish tinted inside ; the in\'olucre leaves are large, and, like the others, three-parted. A mon- strous form, fl'ith the inflorescence or leafy umbel often 0 inches in diameter, is said to be common in the \^'estern Himalayas, but we have never seen it in cultivation. It flowers in early summer, and is said to be one of the most common plants in the temperate regions of India and Ceylon. A. svLVEsTRis. — This Snowdrop Windflower is a charming free-growing species, and one that should be in every collection, however small. In small borders it is apt, however, to become trouble- some. It should have plenty of room in which to run about, and is an excellent plant for filling up odd corners. A sunny spot in the wood or wild garden suits it admirably, and there it soon makes a large patch. It flowers early in May, and the blossoms are followed in June by a display of white woolly seeds, which hang loosely together for a considerable time. It grows a foot or rarely more in height, producing on each stem one — seldom two — large white flowers, which in tlie bud state resemble Snowdrops; hence the common name. The involucre leaves are generally more finely divided than those lower down. It is propagated by ofTsets from the root, which may be planted where desired as soon as taken oft'. The annexed cut sliows its habit of growth. It is a native of Central Europe and Siberia. A. viKoiN'iANA. — This is an American species, robust and unruly in habit, and suitable only for the woodland garden, where it will be found able to take care of itself. It produces a succession of flowers during the whole of the summer. Its near ally, A. pennsylvanica, is also a useful plant for the purpose just indicated. Its flowers are large, pure white, and striking. A. viTiFOHA. — This species is found plentifully in Nepaul, where it is said to be one of the most common of native flowers. Although a very desirable border plant, flowering a fortnight or more earlier than A. japonica, and as easy to cultivate, it seems to be getting rapidly out of cultivation. The plant found in gardens under this name is generally a form of A. japonica, which it somewhat resembles in habit, but is widely dif- ferent both in flow-ers and leaves. It seems to thrive best in a half-shady moist situation, or where the soil is stiff it will do well in the open, but it requires slight protection in severe weather. It varies in height from 1 foot to 3 feet, and is much branched. The lower leaves, which are very handsome, are from ."> inches to 8 inches in diameter, and deeply five-lobed. They are smooth above and densely covered with a white tomentum beneath. The involucre leaves, like the radicalones, are set on longish stalks and Vine shaped. The flowers are about 2 inches in diameter, white, and in decompound flattened panicles. It may be propagated by division in autumn, but it increases very slowly ; the offsets should be pricked off into a rich bed until ready for planting out. It is a native of the temperate Himalayas in Sikkim, but only in the inner ranges, from oOOO feet to 10,000 feet elevation. D. K. NOTES. The (iABDEN IN August. — Bright yellow Com- posite flowers are waving in the warm breeze, with butteiflies and bees in plent}' on the soft lilac flower-heads of the Eupatorium, a plant that should certainly find a place along with Seduni spectaliile in every insect-lover's garden. The gold-rayed Lilies and the shining trumpets of the long-flowered Lily of Japair are still lovely, as also are the vivid scarlet flowers of Lilium chalcedonicum, while a few odd flowers of L. excelsum (testaceum) yet linger in the shade. The Carnations are lovely on the borders, so, too, the Delphiniums, and a mass of Silene Scliafta is like a rosy satin cushion laid on the ground in the sun. The showers have freshened up all things, and after planting out seedlings and rooted things many and varied, the almost everlasting labour of propagation is again begun afresh. Slips of all good hardy Carnations and Pinks, of Pentstemons, Veronica?, and Antirr- hinums are now being planted in sand under handUghts, where they will root and remain all the winter if weakly, being planted out as soon as they become rooted if strong. Most brilliant now are the scarlet Gladioli, the earliest Tiger Iris, and the Gaillardias as seen in the sun. Mutisia decurrens has been very efl'ective, being one of the most vivid of all orange-scarlet flowers of its kind known to me. The single Dahlias are getting towards their best, and the white Japan Anemone is as ever most lovely. The best yellow Daisy is Helianthus rigidus, and Pentstemons and Campanula pyramidalis are iu full bloom. On warms nights the garden is delightful, filled as it is with the breath of Musk and Mignonette, Ja-^niine, Myrtle, and Berganiot, Roses, Lavender and Thyme. A Crocus Book. — In the tragedy of " CEdi- pus at Colonus " of Sophocles, as recently trans- lated by Professor Jebb, of Cambridge, there occurs the following passage : " Stranger, in this land of goodly steeds, thou hast come to earth's fairest home, even to our white Colonus ; where the nightingale, a constant guest, trills her clear note in the covert of green gUdes, dw'elling amid tlie w'ine-dark Ivy and the god's inviolate bowers, rich in berries and fruit, unvisited by sun, un- vexed by wind of any storm ; where the reveller Dionysius ever walks the ground, companion of the nymplis that nursed him. And, fed of heavenly dew, the Narcissus blooms morn by morn with fair clusters, crown of the great god- des,=es from of yore; and tlw C'lvciis blooms willi (johkn beam." Go back far into times past as one may, we ever find the happy marriage of flowers and sunshine, but it is also pleasant to know of the progress of our own day also, and so it is pleasant to read in another place that, "After over eight years' work, Mr. G. Maw, of Benthall, has passed through the press his " Monograph on the Genus Crocus." Tlie book will be one of the most exhaustive of its kind. The author has not only supplied tlu text, but has also furnished the illustrations — altogether eighty-one quarto plates. Besides these there is an elaborate ma|i, showing the separate range of every species of Crocus ; also diagrams of lati- tude and longitude, done on quite a novel jilan." In a word, this modern tribute of intelligent thought is a noble offering to that brightest of our flowers of autumn and of the days of spring. Wild Heather. — There is a purple veil of Heather once again on the hills, and it is wreathed as sulitly aiound them as are the mists of dawn. The moors are carpeted with ruljy colouring, and the bees are happy, for their ricliest harvest is that they win from the Heath and Ling. What a world of delights and of regrets also this blo.'soming of the wild Heather brings ! Delight in rich sunny autumn days with the corn and fruit everywlaere ripening. Eegret that the halcyon days of summer are no more. And yet to anyone who has experienced the luxuriant sameness of the Tropics these constant changes in our climate are most satisfying and enchant- ing, and a ramble over the blossoming Heather becomes a positive delight. I saw to-day a tuft of Ling (Calluna vulgaris) growing in an Orchid house, it having come in with the peat a year or two ago. Every year it has flowered in the hot- house just at the same time as it would have done outside on the bleak moorland whence it came. No focu.ssing of heat and sunshine under a glass roof has altered its blossoming. Again this year it is in bloom at its usual season with steadfast constancy. What if the Daft'odils and Anemones and Apple blossoms have vanished for a season, are there not Apples large and rosy- cheeked now on every bough .' Have we not the great Japan Lilies distilling their rich odours in the garden, and with them a hundred Daisy flowers waving over the grave where Narcissus sleeps, in certain hope of a beautiful resurrection in the spring ? Musk. — In many gardens Musk i?, if grown at all, limited in its area to a flower-pot in the greenhouse or on the window-sill. In mild lo- calities, however, it is quite haidy ; indeed, it must be a cruel combination of cold wet soils and a hard winter that will actually kill its rhizomes anywhere. A broad carpet of Musk is now and then a good feature in the garden, but as it is ex- tremely difficult of thorough ei'adication, it is as well to select a position where it cannot harm more delicate habited plants One thing you may rely on most implicitly, and that is, the common Musk is moie than a match for our native weeds on any ordinarily rich warm soil. Planted out and staked with a few short Fir or Larch boughs, you may have a clump of Musk a yard high au'l as much through, and if in full sunshine on a moist bottom, it will be studded with flowers i'or six months of the year. The hybrid Musk (Harrison's) grows outside well as a summer bedding plant, but is not so tenacious of life as is the typical kiml. If you wish to see it at its best, grow it in a basket hung up near the roof of a light and airy greenhouse or porch. As so grown, it is elegant in habit and most flori- ferous, and if you wish to intensify the colour of its flowers, fill the centre of the basket with a rooted cutting of a jiurple-leaved Coleus, or with two or three bits of Ire.sine Herbsfi, which shine like staiued glass as seen between the eye and the light. The Japan Eulalias.— The Eulalias are tall- growing Grasses, as graceful as Bamboos, and easier to manage in almost all gardens. There are three forms, viz., the green-leaved type, a variety having its long and slender leaves .striped like ribbon Grass, and a third which has yellowish zcbra-like markings on its long green leaves. All are well worth culture, either as solitary clumps or masses on the lawn, or as pot plants in the conservatory. No matter how grown their habit is most graceful, and as yield- ing good foliage for Gladiolus or other cut flowers they deserve more notice than they have hitherto obtained. We find their growths cut rather long most graceful, effective, and durable for indoor uses. They require a good deep warm soil and plenty of moisture, and then form tufts 5 feet or 6 feet high in the open border every year. Even when killed to the ground, as fhey are now and then during extra hard winters, their dead stalks have a grace and eft'ect peculiarly their own. They are not diflicult to increase either from seeds sown during the spring months in heat or by division of the roots. The two variegated forms striata and zebrina are pecu- liarly elegant and delicate looking as grown in small pots in a warm house, where they group well along with Ferns, Asparagus, Aralias, or Dragon trees. All three varieties are now flowering freely with us in the open air at 6 feet in height. Genus hybrids. — This is the title used liy Sachs for plants ])resuniably raised or originated by cross-fertilisation between two genera, but it is, to say the least, questionable if this union of distinct genera ever takes place. It is ij^uite true that man, as a botanist, has in times past set up straw men under the name of genera; and it is Aug. 21, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 175 equally true that man, as a hybridist, has, in fol- lowing Nature's own laws, succeeiled in knocking these straw images down again. lu a word, it seems doubtful as to the definitions that should lie assigneil to the boundary lines of a genus. My own view is that hybridism should decide the question one way or the other ; that is to say, il seedlings can be raised Ijy the cross-breeding of any two genera, I should take that as proof abso- lute that such genera hail been formed with an insufficiency of knowledge, and that the parent species really belonged to one genus instead of two ! Tcike Phaius and Calanthe as a case in point. The production of Phaius irroratus as a Iiybiid between these once - supposed genera proves, as I imagine, most conclusively that they are really of one genus. The meie fact of one being deciduous and the other evergreen proves nothing nrjre than that they have for ages grown under different natural conditions — the Caianthe on rocks or trees in the sun, the Phaius under leafage in the shade ; and this is further shown by some Calanthes being evergreen and almost bulbless, as is the so-called Pliaius. I admit that my line of ai'gument cuts both ways. For e.xample, no one has crossed the Gooseberry with its co-species the Currant, nor even the Black Currant with the white or the red varietit s ; and if this is really impossible, we shall here have to form two or three genera of what are now merely supposed to be species. I am certainly convinced that hybridism is the best proof of the natural relation-^hip among plasts. The Feather Flowers. — In North America the species of Liatris are sometimes known as Snake Hoots or Feather Flowers, and there is a soft and feathery look about their flower-stems as well developed in deep rich soils. There are several kinds, but L. pycnostachya is, as I be- lieve, one of the best for garden culture. L. spicata is also a showy kind, and, like the former species, is easily raised from seeds or increased by division of the roots or crowns in spring. To sie these singular composite plants at their best one must either rear them from seeds or divide them early every spring. Like many other things, they deteriorate if left in the same spot too long, and this is one of the real ditiioulties in hardy H'.iwer culture. Many plants will exist for ten or twenty years in the same place if once planted, but it does not follow that they satisfy one as so grown. In a word, rotation of crops, or good cultivation is as necessary for hardy flowers as for culinary vegetables. A Lily is as fond of good, fresli, deeply dug earth as is a Cabbage, and a change of soil is as essential to good Roses or Narcissi as it is to Beetroot or Potatoes. No one who is afraid of digging up and replanting will ever give us many pictures in the garden. And yet the man who uses a spade well has as much or even more power over beautiful flowers than a painter has with his colours." Both must use them freely and boldly in the right way. Sc.vRLET TRor.EOLU.Ms. — In town gardens I rarely see anything in the gai'dens or windows so fresh and brilliant as are these Nasturtiums of various kinds. For window boxes they are, as I think, well-nigh unequalled, and all one has to do is to sow the seeds in fresh, rich earth, and water the plants when necessary. Another good way of growing these flowers is in a bed on the Grass, where their shoots can ramble out on the closely-shaven lawn. They are very beautiful from May to November, and for carpeting bulb beds, or for a half-shady place, these dwarf Nas- turtiums are more satisfactory than Pelargoniums or other bedding plants. Tlie above relates only to the modern forms of Trop;uolum inajus, but where it will thrive there is nothing in the genus can surpass the blood-flowered T. speciosum in lightness of growth and in floral grace. We have at last succeeded in flowering this erratic beauty by planting some of its thick white roots on a moist border with an eastern exposure, and which is sheltered by shrubs from the midday sun. Even if it never flowered it is worth grow- ing for its fresh green Maiden-hair-like leaves. I once saw a man digging Potatoes in a roadsitle garden in Scotlanil. The hedge next the road was scarlet with flowers, and the thick white roots of this lovely Tropajolum came up along with the Potatoes. " What will you do with these rcots ?" I asked. " Thraw 'enl away," was the laconic reply. 1 asked for some, which were willingly given — an arml'ul .almost. " Now,'' said the donor, " be ye careful whare ye pit it — its the warst weedie you can ever git into a garden." And so it seemed to be there, and is in other places northwards, but with some it is one of the most cjpricious and stubborn of plants. RooTWORK. — I do not mean rootwork as opposed to rockwork, but wish to allude to the silent labours of the roots of living plants. There is nothing more mysterious than the silent root power ever going on in even the smallest of gardens. There they are, a? it were, "the power behind the throne" unseen, but ruling all things, useful or biautiful, above them. We hive roots as anchors or grips; roots as collectors of nourish- ment from the earth and air, and roots as store- houses or savings banks, for the surplus material collected during growth and secured ready for the demands of the season of flowering and seed- ing. Take our biennial vegetables. Beet, Turnips, or Parsnips, for example. They spend one season in the collection and storage of material, which they utilis9 during the next by developing it into flower and seed-bearing stems. The fore- thought, so to speak, and thrifty behaviour of many plant.s are simply wonderful, but none the hss wonderfully true. Some plants make sure of a constant supply of nutriment by storing it up in their bulbed or swollen stems. The plants seem to have gradually developed this power of securing constant supplies and of obviating waste in a way analogous to that which prompted the old musicians to add a bag to their wooden pipes, or a wind-box to the organ. Ever since the days of Linna.nis we have been led to consider the flower as the main locality of botanical characters. Now we are going a little nearer to the root of the matter. If there is a power in plants analo- gous to the reasoning brain of man, there can be no doubt that roots possess that power quite as fully, or more so than do the blossoms. We have no natural type of felf-abnegation more noble than that of the roots, which labour silently in the dark, while their offspring, the Uowers, plant themselves in the sunshine and in the light of open day. U.SEFUL PLAKT.s. — Just at the present moment, although I remember the names of many botani- cal collectors and botanists who have made special studies of Orchids, Palms, Ferns, Aroid.s, and even the microscopic Cryptogams, yet I do not remember the name of a solitary individual who has made a life study of the plants which are known to be useful to man. Even if only partially true, this almost passes belief, but, as a fact, there is in the world a vast field of research, and especially amongst the luiknown allies of plants now well known for tlieir useful pro- perties. \\'e reap the harvest of the whole world in plants useful as in other ways, and yet we have never appointed a man to make a special study of the plants on which our lives, our health, our food, our clothing, and our beverages depend. We have accepted many useful plants on the traditions of the native people who have proved them. It was so with Tobacco, Cinchona, india-rublier, and gutta-percha, and with many other economic thing.s, but the question is not have we Cinchona or india-rubber, useful as they are, but have we discovered the species or kinils which yield us these products of the best quality I The local herbal medicines of the world would form a noble study for a student anxious for a subject and a name, and I believe I am right in saying that we have no one reference book worthy of the name devoted to such an interesting and pleasant subject as the edible fruits of both hemispheres. Food, fibre, and medicine represent the very trinity of our lives, but who is the authority on food, on textiles, and on materia medica ! Yeroxica. WORK DONE IN WEEK ENDING AUG. 17. August 11 to 17. TuKorcnouT the week the weather has been favourable to our garden operations, and by no means unfavourable in other respects, as there has been an occasional light shower with a fair amount of sunshine, so that growth and maturing of crops have experienced no check. Perhaps of all the branches, kitchen gardening has during the week required, and has had the most attention. Win- ter Spinach lias been sown on ground that has just been cleared of Potatoes, a dressing of soot and forking over being the preparation needed. Sowed Cabbage on a vcarm border open to the south and west; our autumn plantings to stand the winter will be made from this soiving, the remainder of the plants being left to winter where sown ; hence the necessity of selecting a favourable wintering position. The sorts we prefer are Sutton's All Heart and Ellam's Dwarf. We sowed the Red Dutch for pickling purposes at the same time. Sowings of White Lisbon and Giant Tripoli Onions have also been made on rich, firm ground, in drills lo inches apart, and Cauli3owers have been sown on a border having an eastern aspect, which being cooler than the south or west the plants do not get crippled with insects till of suliicient strength to resist their attacks; it is from this sowing that our plants are obtained for wintering in haudlights, and for planting under the shelter of walls for eai-Iy spring cutting; a later sowing will be made a fortnight hence on a south border to winter where they are sown. Thinned out Lettuces and Endive, and pulled up seeding Lettuces and prepared same ground for another sowing. Rotation of crops is all very well, but where ground is limited and supplies required excessive, it is an impossibility to adtiere to the plan, and we have long since given it up as hopeless, though of course we favour and prac- tise the plan of never repeating the same crop twice in succession on the same ground when it can by any means be avoided. Well watered and earthed up the earliest Celery. It is less labour to let the plants complete their growth before earthing up at all, but as a supply is often needed before the crop from this mode of treatment is ready, we earth up part now, but the remainder is left till it has done growing, and by the time that it is needed it is just as weff blanched as that which was done early and at various times. Hoeing and earthing up Broccoli completes for the week the work of this department. Though we have had more than a sufhciency of work to keep all our indoor hands on at express speed, the variety of work has not been great. Strawberry potting is at last completed, and all are conveniently arranged in respect of being near to the water tank, of which they require plentiful supplies, and at night are well syringed. Runners already appearing on those first potted are pinched off as soon as per- ceived, as also are weeds. Cfirysanthemums take up more than our spare time in the way of water- ing, tying, disbudding, and "taking" the buds. The latter are now sliowin^ in quantity, and mil- dew has appeared on a few of the plants, and dustings of sulphur is our remedy, and an effectual one, too, only it needs to be repeated so long as the least trace of the fungus remains. Pinched, 176 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 21, 1886. weeded, top-dressed, and pegged out shoots of frame Cucumbers, also of Vegetable Marrows and Ridge Cucumbers. Cut off large foliage that shaded the fruit of Tomatoes and thinned out the fruit, the deformed and smallest fruit being selected for removal. The trees in early and second Peach houses having had all their wood thinned out and secured to trellis, the hose was applied with the double intent of washing otl' spider, of which there is a little, and of watering the inside borders, which we have now mulched with clean straw, partly for appearance' sake, but more especially with the intent to keep the borders moist and prevent cracking open of the soil, which occurs as soon as it gets dry on the surface, and of course destroys many of the most valuable roots. Laterals on Vines in late houses wo pinch or stop back once a week — black Grapes not quite so severely as white varieties, which require plenty of sunlight to colour them up well. Put in cuttings of varie- gated Panicum, a plant we find most useful for basket and vase decoration to droop over the edges, as well as for use as a setting for large flowering plants, Isolepis gracilis and the common Lycopodium being valuable for the like uses Tuberous Begonias, Oloxinias, Celosias, and Fuchsias being now at their best we keep cool, and shade them thickly to preserve their beauty as long as possible. Put in first cuttings of Pelargoniums on open borders, Abutilons and Fuchsias in frames. Re-arranged fruiting Pine stove, the plants having fruit approaching the ripening stage being stood under the shade of Vines to retard it, and the pit is again filled up with fruiters that are just out of flower. Potted a few suckers, and plunged them after renewal of leaves, which we use for bottom heat, in a well heated pit, which will be kept close and moist till the roots have formed in the new soil. Flower garden work has been much the same as that of last week — pinching, tying, clipping edges, mow- ing, in fact, whatever tends to neatness of appearance, a thing which we do so far as means allow. As to variety of flowers and styles of flower gardening, our ideas are progressive, for, besides having a goodly assortment of what are termed old-fashioned flowers, herbaceous plants. Lilies, &c., we have annuals and bien- nials—such as Stocks, Scabious, Candytufts, Sweet Peas, and Roses in abundance — sub- tropicals, and what is termed carpet bedding - a term we repudiate, simply because we have none of it, as not one of our designs is flat, which necessarily must be the case for the term carpet to be applicable. Picking off bad flowers and seed vessels to keep the various plants in good flower, and tying tall plants securely to stakes are matters of daily occurrence. Single Dahlias are now in splendid flower, and perhaps there is no flower that more quickly shows signs of exhaustion, or rather stops flowering, if allowed to seed ; hence it is of the utmost importance that as soon as the flowers fall the seed-pods should be picked o9'. Violas, Calceolarias, and Verbenas are very nearly allied to Dahlias in this particular and continuous flowering can only be assured by picking them over as frequently as Dahlias. Sowed Brompton, East Lothian, and Queen Stocks at the foot of a south wall, in which position they are intended to winter. H.\nts. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. Pines. TirE forward batch of Queens Intended for early fruiting, having filled their pots with roots, will now I'equire more light and air to mature their growth before the short days set in. Where space is limited these plants are not unfrequently plunged too close through the early part of the summer, and x-equire a general turn over about this time, when a selection of the most promising is made, but this is the only advantage gained, as the best growers agree that the most satisfactory results follow plunging newly-potted plants where they can remain until the fruit is ripe. It sometimes happens that the beds heat themselves dry or sink too low, when the roots receive a pre- mature check or the foliage becomes drawn. To steer clear of these evils it becomes necessary to renovate the beds and re- plunge rather loosely in a bottom heat, which should not exceed S0° to 8.5° about the crock roots and rather less near the surface, or, better still, the old beds may be levelled and well watered to revive the heat, when the plants can be re-arranged on the surface and loosely packed with fresh leaves to keep them steady and draw the heat upwards. Treated in this way danger of over-heating is avoided, and yet the gentle increase will favour, giving moderate supplies of diluted liquid or guano water when the roots require it. As autumn draws on and a steady bottom heat becomes absolutely nece.s.sary more dry leaves or tan, as the case may be, must be added and made firm to reduce the necessity for giving water, and to prevent the temperature from falling much below SO". These remarks apply siiecially to Queens, whose tender roots are often injured by being rested in too low a medium, when the plants throw up deformed fruits, but Rothschilds and Cayennes, which are hardier, will bear a matter of .5° to 10° less, provided they are kept steady and not overdone with water. Where Pines in various stages are swelling and ripening it is a good plan to lift the most forward out bodily and place them in a dry vinery or warm Grape room to ripen. Those left behind can then receive their proper treatment, and the house can be shut up with the full complement of solar heat and atmospheric moisture. Successions. — By this time all potting should be brought to a close, and the plants placed where they are to remain for the winter. The nearer the glass and the less fire-heat for the present, the better; shading likewise, unless to newly potted plants in light airy pits, should also be discon- tinued. There is, of course, no rule without an exception ; but shading and crowding should always be the exception, as succulent plants like Pines, no matter what their age, always winter best when the foliage is broad, flat, and firm, and the roots are kept steadily progressing in a mild tropical bottom-heat. If stock of any particular variety is likely to run short, a few suckers may still be taken off and potted ; but unless they are very strong and a snug jiit with a sharp bottom- heat is at command, little, if any, time will be lost by allowing them to remain on the old stools through the winter. Figs. The second crop having been gathered from early forced trees, a season of rest must now be secured to them, either by running off the roof lights to their fullest extremities, or placing pot trees, which do not require potting, in the open air. The Fig being so thoroughly at home in a hich temperature, exposure through the month of September will be quite sufficient, when the lights, having been painted, may be returned to the roof to protect the points from autumn frosts. Thorough cleansing, it is hardly necessary to say, should be the first consideration after the fruit is gathered, the modns operandi depending entirely upon the kind or kinds of insects with which the trees are infested. Spider, scale, and bug, one or all, make rapid progress in the high and dry temperature of the Fig house, and the best time to dis- lodge them is during the season of rest. Spider can be destroyed by pure water or soap- suds applied with great force through the syringe or garden engine. Brown scale melts away under hot water plied at a temperature of 100° to 120', and the trees take no harm, always provided they are well syringed immediately with water some 30° to 40° lower. Bug, on the other hand, although it may be checked, cannot be entirely destroyed with water, hot or cold, but by adding a wine- glassful of paraffin to four gallons of water, and keeping the latter well agitated with a second .syringe to prevent the oil from floating, an occa- sional syringing will keep the trees clean until the time arrives for applying the tar dressing. Pruuinrj. — Forced Figs, like forced Peaches, hould be pruned and thinned as soon as the crop is ofl', as there is then less danger of bleeding, and the shoots retained have full exposure to the influence of light and air. Moreover, old shoots pruned back at this season push forward latent buds which break into growth when the trees are started, and produce a second crop of fruit in the autumn. The principal point in pruning is the removal of all weak, straggling, and blind shoots, and the retention of short spur-like points well furnished with leaves, from the base of which the first crop of fruit, as yet barely perceptible, will spring. If half swelled fruits were rubbed off as soon as it be- came evident they could not ripen, embryo Figs will have formed in the axils of many of the leaves, and the removal of the remainder, everything in fact larger than a small pea, will enable the trees to expend their declining force upon them. It often happens that we see trees carrying a quan- tity of green Figs through the autumn and winter, but this is bad culture, as they never stand to ripen, while their retention robs the trees and pre- vents useful fruits from forming. Succession Iwuses in which the second crop is ripening will require more air and drier treatment, aided by gentle fire-heat to ensure high flavour and to prevent the fruit from spotting. The finer and better the fruit the more is it liable to suffer in a damp, stagnant atmosphere, and as moisture in the form of diluted liquid must be supplied to the roots, the only preventives are plenty of dry mulching, liberal ventilation, and fire-heat to keep the air in motion. To have a steady supply of good Figs, three houses should be at command ; the first, which ripens its fruit in April and May, will then ripen its second crop immediately after the first is gathered from the second, and as these trees should be perpetual bearers they will keep up the supply until the autumn house comes in. Late houses and ca.ses, it should be borne in mind, do not produce more than one flush of fruit. These, therefore, should be kept thin of wood, and all half-grown Figs which cannot ripen should be broken off, as they are worse than useless. When late Figs begin to ripen in cold houses, and the trees, as they should be, are clean, syringing must be discontinued, but root moisture being neces- sary, a copious supply of liquid given on a fine morning and well mulched in with dry litter, will keep them safe over a long period. Peaches. I stated some time ago that the best time to commence cultivating the next crop is imme- diately after the last fruit of the current year has been picked from the tree. The remarks upon the management of the early house which then followed also apply to the second and third in almost every particular, the only difference, as the season advances, being more dry heat with a brisk circulation of air through the day, followed by early closing with solar heat on fine evenings. If the trees in early houses are quite satisfactory and can be depended upon another year, the removal of old mulching and sour surface soil is a light, but important, operation which cannot be under- taken too soon, as every day gained after the buds are well formed means a stronger roothold on the new top-dressing. Having worked off the inert soil quite down to the roots and thoroughly watered the trees, I give them a liberal sjjrinkling of bone dust and apply fresh compost, consisting of any calcareous loam and old lime rubble, minus animal manure. This is rammed or beaten as firm as the backs of steel forks can make it, and a thin cover- ing of fresh stable litter completes the operation. Trees, on the other hand, which show the slightest tendency to grossness are kept in condition by annual root-lifting and slight shortening when the points are relaid in fresh compost. Although fruit trees of all kinds .so readily respond to root- pruning and relaying in pure loam, a great number of would-be fruit growers look upon the slightest disturbance as sacrilege, and defer the operation until tlieir trees become gross or unhealthy; they then lift or root-prune with a vengeance, when they require at least one year to recuperate and make fresh fruit-bearing shoots. Once bitten, twice shy ; they condemn the system instead of Auo. 21, 1868.] THE GARDEN. 177 themselves, gather one or two good crops, and delicious Peach the Malta, now so rarely met a^ain drift into an unsatisfactory condition. To with, and a few others are naturally pale, but full this class of spasmodic cultivators I say keep the exposure to sun and li^ht streaks and mottles roots entirely under control by checking them them, and adds a blush which all admirers of every year, and do it in this way: If the tree has beauty appreciate. Let every Peach, then, which not been root-pruned for several years, throw out can be turned have full exposure, and increase its they merit. I put out from a spring sowing some :)OIJ plants of a white intermediate, and all are now grandly in bloom. They are about 12 inches in height, branching, and of the purest white. Qaite SO per cent, are double, and a better Stock for summer culture I have not seen anywhere. If a semi-circular trench 0 feet to 9 feet from the size to the fullest extent by pinching the points .Stocks be needed to furnish cut flowers, this is a first-rate variety for the purpose. We have such a wealth of beautiful summer Stocks, that we miss the Bromptons less than was the case soms years ago. -A. D. HOLLYHOCK CULTURE. bole, more or less, according to its size ; clear it of all shoots which will be cut out after the out down to the drainage, save all the roots, and crop is gathered. Trees on reserve walls should work steadily inwards until the deepest show now be looked to and checke.l if the heavy rains signs of rising to the surface. Keep the roots as have started them into vigorous growth. Checks well as the foliage moist, as the work must be of all kinds, it is generally admitted, are bad; but performed while they are in full leaf; make good 1 when trees growing against open walls are in the drainage, put in a good stratum of new tended for forcing, and ripe wood is of more im- compost, and having cut away all cankered roots portance than ripe fruit, there are ways and means The Hollyhock blooms shown lately at South and shortened the strongest, commence relaying, which may be brought to bear without hurting Kensington, and alluded to in TiiE G.\eden (p. 157) Cover each set of roots with a thin layer of either. A fine tree, say, of Bellegarde or Royal formed an interesting feature of the exhibition, soil, make it firm, and proceed in this way until George, which was carefully root-pruned last au- Hollyhock cultivation has been discontinued to a the last set rests just beneath the surface, a firm tumn and well mulched in the spring, may now be very considerable extent in the south during the resisting bed as solid as the undisturbed ball, relieved of manure to let in warmth and air. last few years, owing to the disease with which which may be from 3 feet to 0 feet in diameter, Further, a trench may be thrown out quite clear the plant has been attacked, but it has been grown, beingimperative. Flood the trenchwith tepidwater of the roots, and glass-lights, at this season plenti- and grown well, in the north, and it is perhaps — the best of all rammers — and leave it for twenty- ful, can be placed in a slanting position against it not more difficult to fight the disease in the south four hours to settle. When the water has passed to increase the air temperature and throw off than in the north. In ISSl some magnificent downwards. putin therestof thecompost, prick over drenching rain. These aids tell more or less in varieties were exhibited at the Crystal Palaec the undisturbed part of the ball with a steel fork, the right direction, but trees intended for early top-dress and mulch with stable litter. Keep the forcing should always be prepared under glass. house rather close, syringe two or three times a day, and shade from bright sun if the foliage shows signs of Buffering. If early - forced trees are treated in this way, say in August, they will com- mence making new roots and pushing laterals within a fortnight, when a gradual return to ordinary treatment will become necessary. The leaves, it is just possible, will fall earlier than usual, but the wood being ripe, every flower-bud will stand and set, when the weight of the crop can be regulated at discretion. This, the first and most trying ordeal, hav- ing been got over, the work the second and succeeding years will be safer, lighter, and easier. A trench 1 foot in width must be taken out quite close to the first year's new compost, when all the strongest roots, considerably increased in number, must be shortened to within 12 in. of the first year's pruning, re-laid, and watered home as before. I lately heard a gentleman say, "Take no The Blue Winter Windflower(iiiemone blanda). Engrave! for' a pliotogr.ipb. from growers in the north, the single flowers of which were the largest I had ever seen. Our plants have been growing in one position for two years, and no plants have been pro- pagated from them. This has been done in the hope that the disea.se would die out, but it does not do so. As far as I am able to j udge, I do not think it likely that it will be stamped out, but in most seasons it does not materially injure the bloom. It was certainly very viru- lent when it first made its appearance, and cultivators were for the time nonplu.ssed. I have just now carefully ex- amined our plants, and find only one leaf with a slight trace of disease upon it. The whole of the plants are i-i full bloom, and even al- though the disease should spread (although I do not think it will), the bloom for this season will not be aft'dcted. Now is a good time to propagate Hollyhocks, and if the cuttings or eyes are free from disease when taken off, it is possible that the old plants might be attacked out of doors, while those in The Euglisli Fl:wer Cardeu " from notice of gardeners ; they preach what they do The preparatory house need not be large, but it frames in other parts of the garden might be free not practise." This is my practice; and I now should always be fitted with a flow and return from it. Those who are not accustomed to propa- has'e trees which have occupied the same stations pipe. The border should be narrow and elevated, gate Hollyhocks would do well to act on the for twenty -five years carrying full crops of fruit and the entrance sufficiently large to admit of the following advice: The leaves will most likely have averaging 10 ounces each, and I attribute their removal of a good-sized tree when the time arrives red spider on them, even if not discernible; there- longevity to .slight, but annual, root-pruning. for removal. W. CoLEM.\x. Latt hoiiiei, which have been brought on steadily, are unusually backward this season, and with us require a little assistance to get the fruit ripe before we commence gathering from the open i a -vtithtz-ixttti -dt * x^n < walls. The fine rains we have recently had having ! ANEMONE BLA^ DA. Flower Garden. thoroughly penetrated the external borders, pro- One of the earliest and loveliest of spring per attention to the mulching will keep the roots flowers is this good Greek plant, its blossoms ol io a satisfactory condition for a long time to come, a rich deep blue beginning to open in the end of most likely until all the fruit is ripe. It will not, February, a full six weeks in advance of its however, do to depend on summer rain, as large ^^]^^ i,^iia„ cousin, A. apennina. It thrives in a 3 growing close to the glass and carrymg heavy f:„.i,„„ „ i„,f .,i,,.u„„„ fore dip the cuttings in a pail of soft soapy water tinctured with tobacco water; this will destroy this pest. There are usually some cuttino's to spare round the base of the stems; these ou^ht to be removed with a heel attached to them, a'lid be planted separately in 2i-inch pots, or .3-inch ones; use fine sandy soil, pot them firmly, and place the pots in a close frame. The side growths may also be cut ofl' now, although it is better to do so in .July. Each leaf that has a leaf-bud and not a flower- bud at its base may be cut out and planted vmc lieavv * .i, 'i ,.^i i. i i - much in the way in which Vine eyes are done. uLtkies of father sunny, open but sheltered place m poor The plants produced therefrom will flower earliest ; been raised ^f- ?' is strange how_ rare in gardens this fine next year. They may be potted into 3-inch pots, time should V^^'^^ is still ; it is raised from seed with the and may stand the winter in cold frames or in a trees growing close to the gla crops of fruit carry off immense quant water. If all available fruits have not beei to the influence of sun and light, no time ^..^^^^ - ... ., be lost in getting this work finished, as colour greatest ease, so that anyone beginning with a cool greenhouse. In order to make sure of the old adds greatly to the quality and value of Peaches, single plant could raise a large stock in two or stools passing safely through the winter, they also Some do not endorse this opinion ; whilst others three years. should be carefully dug up in October, and be assert that a Peach capable of laying on deep potted in 7-inch or Sinch pots. It is best to crimson or purple is wanting in one great essen- Intermediate Stocks. — These are so com- get tbe roots into as small pots as possible, tial to perfection where exposure is neglected, monly grown for spring decoration only, that they although it may be necessary to use SAinch ones The old Alexandra Noblesse, Early Silver, that ' are not encouraged for summer use to the extent for t^be largest. After re-potting the frame in 178 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 21, 1886. which they are placed should be kept rather close for a week, and no water should be given to the roots until the end of that time, as a too liberal supply will cause them to decay. Such growths as cluster round the ciowns of these plants will continue to grow from the time when the plants are potted until February ; then all but one should be taken off and propagated either as cuttings or by root-grafting. They will strike freely in a gentle bottom heat, and better in a heated projiagating house than in a frame. The temperature of the house should be about 55". In a frame there is a greater tendency for the root-grafted plants or cuttings to damp o£l'. They form roots more quickly if covered over in the house with a square of glass laid flat over them and resting just above the leaves. As soon as rooted let them be lifted out of the bottom heat and placed near the glass, to be subsequently moved to a cold frame. From this they should be re-potted and planted out in May. Spring-struck cuttings succeed those propagated the previous autumn, and thus form a succession. The Holly- hock is one of the grossest feeding of plants, and requires a deep rich soil in order to produce large healthy leaves, the usual precursor of the best flowers, on long stout spikes. Spring-struck plants make, as a rule, more vigorous growth than those struck in autumn, although some autumn- struck varieties are also very vigorous. In ordinary seasons it is not difficult to save seeds of the very best varieties, but in that case the decayed or decaying flowers must be removed before they cause any injury to the seed-pods. If not quickly removed the seed-pods sometimes get destroyed by the decaying petals. Rearing of seedling plants is most interesting, 50 per cent, being really good varieties. Some of the best sorts produce seedlings neither better nor worse than their parents, and it must also be observed in reference to this point that seedlings are always much more vigorous than the parents, and can be grown up to the flowering stage with- out the aid of either glass houses or frames; here- in, therefore, lies the value of seedlings for those who have no glass houses, or who are unable to use them for such a purpose. The seeds may be sown on a border of fine sandy soil in the open ground. As a rule it is unwise to trust them to the ordinary soil of the garden. Mix up, there- fore, a compost of loam, leaf mould, and sand. Rake it over to remove stones and the rougher portions. Draw shallow drills G inches apart, and tow the seeds thinly in them about the 1st of May. If frames or a hotbed are available, the seeds may be sown in boxes and be placed under glass to vegetate. In any case the young plants should be pricked out in the open ground as soon as it is possible to do so, after the tirst leaf or two are formed beyond the seed leaves. The jilants may be planted on the ground where they are to flower in July or August, in order that they may be well established before winter sets in. When they have a good hold of the ground, they pass through the winter without being injured by frost. The ground for seedlings ought to be well drained, and if deeply trenched water will pass rapidly through it ; water hanging about the roots is as injurious to Hollyhocks as frost. The disease will often attack the plants when tliey are in cold frames in spring, or even when they are being propagated. I had to fight a stubborn attack of this kind some four or five years ago ; •^^ e cut off every leaf that had fungus spots upon it and burned them at once. The entire stock of plants was then dipped in a strong solution of soft soapy water and flowers of sulphur. Treated in this way, the disease had disappeared by the time the plants were put out in the open ground. It, however, re-appeared in autumn after they had flowered. This attack I attributed to the evil in- fluence of some Mallows that were growing in the neighbourhood, that were almost destroyed by an attack of the same fungus. J. Douglas. still further, comes into bloom at an exceedingly early stage. Most of the hardy Primulas, if seed be sown in the spring, will bloom only in the following spring. P. floribunda, from seed sown in sjiring, is in bloom already, the plants being so small that a score go into a r2-inch pan, and yet every one, even the tiniest of the batch, is either in bloom or throwing up buds. The foliage bears some resemblance to that of P. verticillata. The blooms are bright yellow and borne most freely in wliorls or trusses. Tliis s]5ecies is admirable either for rockwork or pot culture, and merits wide appreciation. — A. T>. Primula floribunda from seed. — This is well named, for it is a singularly free bloomer, and, SPRING FLOWERS IN THE PYRENEES. No. III. If the garden of the Pyrenees at Esqiiierry proved a failure in June, we found such a beau- tiful natural spring garden a day or two after- wards above the Lnchon Hospice, as quite made up for any disappointment. This place is about (:i miles south-east from Luchon, and the road to it, though flowery in parts, is not witliout draw- backs. It is very different in construction from the Routes Therniales, which I have mentioned before. The avalanches and slips of the winter are seldom repaired by June, and it is not till then that communication by wheels is open. The road runs along the side of an almost precipitous slope covered with Silver Firs wherever they can find standing room. There is just space for two carriages to pass and no protection on the lower side. As soon as the road is clear an ex- tensive cartage of wood to the town takes place, and the bullock-carts downwards get the inside. So that the road, bad in itself and, at the time we used it, puldled by heavy rain, is not a plea- sant one for a four-in-hand, such as is always used to take tourists about in those parts. But we had walked on, and two ladies were left in the carriage, when in passing a line of descending bullock-carts the overworked horses began to jib and the carriage to slip hack ; so they got out and walked the rest of the way with anything but a pleasant recollection of the drive to the Hospice. But this is not all that is dangerous in the road. There are, on the upper side of it, certain open slopes called "timber shoots," dowrr which trunks of trees are sent, butt first. A man is stationed to warn any passengers, .show- ing a written authority to close the road for two, I'our, or six hours, as the case may be. To pass with a carriage is impossible, as the trees block up the way. I was coming down with a guide when we were stopped, and the guide told me we might make a rush if we did not like to wait two hours. Trees can be dodged, but they loosen larf'e stones in their descent, which are more erratic in their movements. Such are the un- pleasant incidents of going to the Hospice. On the other hand, the scenery is grand, and the flowers along the more open parts of the road are beautiful. Huge sjiikes of Marsh Orchis, Thistles with s-uch heads as I never saw before, but of which I do not know the name, and a large Vetch, or Everlasting Pea, with orange-coloured flowers, called Lathyrus montanus in Grenier and Go(lron's"French Flora," but being, I believe, Orobus luteus of Linnreus. I saw it in several parts of the Pyrenees, and it struck me as a novelty, though I doubt whether it would he an acquisition in gardens. The carriage road ends at the Hospice, but a mule road goes on into Spain. An hour's steep walking along this, through open slopes covered with a forest of white Asphodels in flow-er and large yellow Gentians not near flowering, brings us to a mountain pasture with a stream running down the middle. This is from 5000 feet to 6000 feet above the sea level, Luchon being about 2000 feet. The higher slopes of that pas- ture are filled with what we may call garden flowers more thickly than I ever imagined possible in Nature. I was reminded of Ovid's description of the Vale of Henna, in Sicily, when, after fdling several verses with the names of all the beautiful flowers he knew, he said there were besides these a multitude of kinds of flowers without a name. Pour months of the flowers of an English garden were all here in their prime at once. Besides nearly all the floweis I have mentioned as growing about Gavarnie, there were Daffodils and Poet's Narcissi, FritilUuies (Pyre- nean) and Orchises, Dog's-tooth Violets, and Hepa- ticas, both in great abundance ; Soldanella aljuna and Gentians, both verna and acaulis ; be.sidcs the rocks which bounded the slopes being covered with the usual rock alpines, such as Primula viscosa and integrifolia, and many Saxifrages and Sempervivums. This was the only place in which I saw Ranunculus amplexicanlis, but it was everywhere here, with larger flowers than I can make it produce in my garden. Once before I thought I had found it, covering a high moun- tain pasture near Eaux Bonnes, but the flowers there were much smaller, and it provi d to be an inferior kind of more slender growth — R. pyrenreus — no acquisition where the other can be obtained. But to return to my Hospice garden. Yellow Oxlips were plentiful ; Anemone narciss"- flora grew here and there in patches with large bunches of flower, the outside stained with Ijright rose. Geum montanum was there too ; also low beds of Daphne Cneorum, a mass of fragrant pink umbels. 1 had before recognised this abundant on the racecourse at Biarritz, where it grows very dwarf, flowering in March. Another remark- able plant which was commoir on this mountain, and which I saw in several parts of the Pyrenees, is Eryngium Bourgati. It has prettily varie- gated leaves, and it is easily cultivated in gardens. An Orchis with yellow flowers (O. sambucina) I had not seen before. The flowers I have here mentioned, with many others, were all growing together within a short dis- tance on one mountain side. I was there twice ; on one occasion it poured with rain, which afterwards turned to snow. On the other I started so late in the day that I had hardly two hours on the mountain, or I might have seen much more. On the whole, I came away from Luchon with the conviction that the whole neighbourhood at the right season affords excel- lent lessons in the treatment of garden plants. Edge Hall, Malpas. C. Wolley Dod. SHORT NOTES.— FLOWER. Zinnias. -Amongst these there are some supetbly- coloured double flowers that vie with bouquet Dahlias in dimensions and density, and excel them in beauty. Plants put out singly in good soil and with ample spaee produee wondrous flowers and exceedingly rich in colour. It is a wonder florists have not adopted Zinnias for exhibition as they have done Asters? — A. D. Bartonla aurea.— Were 1 asked to give the names of a dozen annuals for a mixed border this must be one of them. The flowers, which close up at night, .are golden yellow, and borne in terminal clusters. The foli.age is rough and of a greyish green colour, but, unlike that of some of tiic other members of the family, it does not possess the power of stinging, ^iceds of it shoidd be sown in a cool frame in early spring, and planted out aloi.g with other annuals.— W. H. Iris susiana. — This is one of the most distinct and strik- ing of all Irises, and one which when seen in perfection is not easily forgotten. Some time back a good clump of it might have been seen in the Bot.anic Gardens, Cambridge, bearing a number of beautiful flowers large in size and rich in colour. It is planted on a south Iwrder against the Cactus house, where it thrives with very little attention ; the only care taken with it is to place a garden light above it as soon a.s it has flnishtd flowering, and left until the Iris commences to glow, when it is removed. — W. H. White Spirsea palmata. - Spir^a palmata itself is now beginning to be popular, and I should say that the white variety, w-hen better known, will meet with an equally favourable reception. It is, except in colour, a counterpart of the older kind. The situation in wlrch wo grow it is hot and dry, conditions scarcely suitable to this Spir;pa when planted out of doors, but in pots slightly sh.aded and well watered it produces a mwi:rs sent litely, and of which you wrote favovirably, were the i>roduee of plants growing in the open grouml. It was chicly to show what fine blooms could thus be produced that I sent them to you. I have not a plant in a pot or under glass, but large number.s are growing in the open ground as ordinary annual-s, having been dibbled out in rows at the end of May. They are all bloom- ing supjrbly, and are greatly admired by all who see them. Balsams should be more grown for outdoor decoration than they are. Here, simply lifted from the seed-bed and dibbled out in rows aftar they have become stout and some 8 inches high, they bjcome all that can be desired as decorative plants. — A. D. China Astero. — I observe in the report of the Royal Horticultural Society's exhibition of the 10th inst. that it is stated "Asters were indiffe- rent." That sucli was the case I can readily understand, because Asters generally are late this season, and the classes were arranged for a date too early to secure good blooms. It is also notorious that the first or main-stem blooms of Asters are seldom the best, the strong side shoots usually yielding the best flowers. Though late, therefore, we shall probably have finer blooms this year than have been seen for several season?, for everywhere the plants are clean and robust. I saw a grand lot of the Victoria and P;eony- flowered kinds the other day in the gardens at iMaiden Erleigh.— A. D. White-leaved edging plants. — Two of the very best light-coloured edging plants for beds are Santolina incana and Euonymus radicans variegatus, and this is the best season for rooting cuttings of them. Little bits dibbled into firm soil in a cold frame will form roots during the winter, and make good plants for setting out in spring. Place 2 inches of coal ashes in the bottom of the frame, and when trodden and beaten down cover them with i inches of light sandy soil, which must also be made firm. If ashes aie nut used, worms may become troublesome during the winter, and although they might be dislodged by the aid of lime water, it is best to keep them out when possible. Dibble the cuttings 2 inches apart, and keep the soil moist by watering when necessary, which will not bo often. The frame should face the north. — E. HoniiAV. Dianthuses. — Two Cue selected double forms of Dianthus chinensis, pure white and deep crimson, are well worthy of notice. Some blooms of the white kind fairly rival in size and bulk those of Mrs. Sinkins Pink ; the crimson may be described as a fine double form of Crimsrin lielle. A very charm- ing pure white single kind is Snowflake, but it seemi to be a liltle taller than the usual height. With a little more selection that, too, will make a very hand- some .and distinct variety. One of the most striking and richly colinired I 'f the .annual Chinese Pinks is th^ fiery red kind culled Brilliant. This reaches an average height of S inches, and proluces large richly coloured flowers that glow brilliantly in the sunlight. These are beautifully fringed. It mikes a grand bedding p'ant, and its colour can hardly be excelled. By merely sowing seed in spring and dibbling the plants out some 9 inches apart a ricli mass of colour can be readily obtained. Mixed kinds sown in rows beside paths in kitchen gardens or on Vine borders yield a profusion of flowers for cutting, a purpose for which the doubles are specially useful, but all the forms are more or less serviceable in this respect. — ■ A. 1). Giant Mulleins. — I have never grown Mulle'ns as garden plants, but now and thea one has come up in my garden, and because of its fine leafage and noble appearance I have let it st ind and bloom. This year one solitary plant his shown itself, and now when it i.s some :^ feet in height and lias begun to bloom, it will probably reach 7 feet ere it hna done. But my attsntion has been specially attracted to it, bicause the flowers are so much Larger than usual ; indeed all preceding ones have h'.rd flowers comparatively incon- spicuous. The plant now blooming, however, has very fine bright yellow blossoms rpiitc an inch and a half across ; the spike of bloom is therefore very striking and handsome, almost resembling that of a Foxglove bearing G5nothera-liko flowers, yo this must be a finer form than usual. — A. D. ISO THE GARDEN. [Ado. 21, 1886. Portulacas, single and double, make good edgings. I saw some the other day H inches in width and pei'fect throughout, but varied so far, that in some cases there were lengths of distinct colours, and in other cases they were mixed. Amongst Portulaca? may be seen whites, apricots, yellows, orange and rose tints, reds, creams, and other hues, all beautiful when distinct, and all also beautiful when in combination. Portulacas grow to a height of about .3 inches at the most, and spread and intermix admirably, forming dense lines, margins, or masses. The soil for them, after being dug and levelled, should, early in May, be trodden to the width to be sown. This hardening is needful in order to prevent hea^•y rains from washing the seed in too deeply. A very shallow drill G inches broad should then be drawn, the seed thinly and evenly sown, and then very thinly covered ; under this treatment growths soon re- sult.—A. D. 5506.— The Stocks referred to by " R." belong to the intermediate class. The seeds should be sown thinly in boxes or pans in September or October, and the seedlings should be pricked off' in '2-inch pots as soon as large enough to handle and placed in a frame. They should be shitted in February into 3-inch pots, using plenty of manure in the compost. Air should be given to the frame in all but frosty or wet weather. Do not let the pots get too full of roots before they are shifted into their flowering pots, which should be about the end of March, using half manure and half loam. I may add that no artificial heat should be given them from first to last ; the frames should be covered with mats on frosty nights. Very little water should be given in the winter, except it is really necessary. — G. E. F. Dwarf Nasturtiums. — No bedding plants can possibly excel in the production of gay colours and plenty of bloom dwarf compact-growing Tro- pa?oIuras. These forms are not to be confounded with the King of Tom Thumb type, from which they materially diff'er. There are four diverse colours — yellow, scarlet, crimson, and maroon — all of the same dwarf-spreading and marvellously free-blooming habit. These always throw their blooms well up above the foliage, and produce effects throughout a long season such as no other annuals can produce. I grow them from seed every year, simply dibbling the plants out into rows Avhen strong enough to be so treated. Generally they reach a heiglit of S inches, and spread to a width of 12 inches to 14 inches, keeping up until frost comes one constant head of bloom. — A. 1). Clumps of Lavender and Rosemary. — A dozen plants or so of Lavender planted in a cluster on the lawn have at all times a pretty effect, but especially so when in blossom, and their scent is exceedingly pleasant. The site for them should have some preparation in the way of deepening the soil and, it necessary, adding fresh material to it. A warm, well-drained spot suits Lavender best. Slips or cuttings of it will root now under a handlight. It is always desirable to have a stock of young plants coming on, as old plants die some- times in a cold winter. After the flowers are all gathered the plants should be clipped with the shears, cutting off all lo^e tliera. Of mossy Saxifrages I have many, all use^il and handsome; but I shall enly mention the largest and smallest, S. Wallacei and S. purpurea. The former is now becoming generally known for cutting and indof>r decordtion. It suffers much in dry weather, and, except propagation at this time of the year is resorted to, it i< likely to die off and get lost. A moiat C0"1 shaly place suits it be-t. As a dry-weather plant commend me to this delight- ful little velvety-green cushion S. purpurea. With me it has not got even a sprinkle for more than a month, and here it is quite fresh and velvety, neither foliage nor flowers ever exceeding 2 inches high. Another advantage is it does not overrun neighbour- ing plants like the others. These Saxifrages answer admirably to edge bulb beds. I have covered two beds of Leucojum eestivum and Colchicum autumnale with them. Veronica gentianoides variegata I regularly lift, divide, remove the flower-stems, and replant about this time every year. The foliage is exceed- ingly handsome — a combination of green, white, and purplish green, while the pale lilac flowers on tall stems when others are scarce render it useful. It is perfectly hardy, .and decidedly the handsomest of herbaceous Speedwells. The perennial Cheiranthus is an old acquaintance, and gives masses ot yellow blooms when the flower beds cont.ain hardly another hardy yellow flower, except Alyssum saxatile, and of a deliciously rich sweetness quite different from that of the Wallflower, to which it is allied. It is readily propagated by cuttings, but an easier method is to move up the soil around the young stems in spring into which they readily root, and can be removed with the soil attached without check. To Pansies and Violas much sun heat is injurious. Of the latter, Countess of Kintore, Mrs. Gray, and a very dark purple withstood the kite drought and heat best; at least a dozen other varieties degenerated or died. I have cut off all the seed-pud.s, longstems, and blooms, and given them a new heavily manured bed. If I had not propagated my show and fancy Pansies from side shoots in April and May, many would have been lost. Of choice double white hardy flowers the follow- ing are useful and easily grown, viz.. Campanula per-icifolia (the true variety is as double as a white Camellia, and much superior to the doubl« blue Cam- p.anula), Achillea Ptarmica, Hesperis matronaUs (the pure white double old Rocket, hard to find now), Spirsa Filipendula, very useful for cutting, and, best of all, Matricaria inodora, very double. Cloiund. W. J. MuKPHY. Primroses and Polyanthuses from seeds. — Whether due to season or to some other cause I know not, but certainly I have never found thrips or spider so non-prevalent amongst Primroses and Polyanthuses as this summer. It is a most hope- ful sign for next spring's bloom that the foliage has re:nained so green and vigorous, whilst the new leafage is breaking up fast, and I anticipate as a result a gay show of bloom all the winter. Northern readers who find these spring flowers to thrive with luxuriance always can hardly realise the miserable appearance of ours here in the hot south during some seasons. When thrips eat up every leaf, naturally such defoliation seriously affects further growth, and summer drought often proves far more injurious than winter cold. Primrose and Polyanthus plants, raised from seed sown just after liaving been saved last summer and planted out in spring, are so robust and fine as to afford the fullest proof, it proof were wanted, of the value of summer sowing. A big patch consisting of about 1000 fancy Polyanthuses will next spring make a show that must be seen to be appreciated. Seed of both Primroses and Polyan- thuses of the present year's saving sown three weeks since in frames is now coming through rapidly, a good watering daily during dry weather being alone needful to ensure free germi- nation. Considering how readily a grand show of these charming spring flowers may be obtained from seed, it is remarkable that they are not more plentiful in gardens than they are. — A. D. Sweet Williams. — These are now a striking feature in the public park at Wolverhampton, where they are largely used as edgings tt) large clumjis of shrubbery. Here one realises what dense floweiing subjects they are. Strong plants have thrown up many spikes of bloom, and, whether looked at near or at a distance, the effect is very fine. The plants stand about two seasons, and then they are replaced by young ones. The strain is good, but capable of improvement by means of c treful selection. Where, however, hundreds are required, the cultivator cannot select as ligidly as in the case of an amateur who wants but a small quantity. The Auricula- eyed Sweet William is one of the best decorative stratus. The original of this was a lich dark ciimson flower, having a bold white centre and smooth edges to the petals. In course of time this type gave various shades of colour and marking, and that kjiown as Barlow's Giant is one having large, stout, smooth- edged flowers in great variety, It will be observed that a great many of the Sweet Williams grown at the present day have fimbriated edges to the petals. Hunt's Sweet Williams were popular j'ears .ago, but they had fimbriated edg^s to the flowers. There are, however, m.any who like flowei-s of this character when as-ociated with large and stout florets. Fine as are our Sweet Williams of the present day, they are yet capable of improvement by careful selection. It is not too late to sow seed. Good seed soon germinates if sown in the open ground, provided the .^itxiation be a shaded one for a portion ot the day and the soil kept moist. As soon as the plants are large enough to handle, they should be pricked out into a nursery Aug. 21, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 181 bod, so that they may grow on into size ; ami then .some of the stronge.st at least, if not all, will flower next season ; but Ijy the second ye.ar they will ni.'ike jilaiits that will prodiice huge heads of bloom of a showy character. Any particular variety of unusual I'xcellence can be propigated by dividing the plants in autumn, or by cuttings of the young growth made during the present month. — R. T>. ORNAMENTAL GRASSES. Members of the Grass family belonging to this countiy do not, as a rule, reach a great height, but in tropical climes they assume gigantic proportions, some of them attaining to 50 feet, CO feet, and even 100 feet in height, riv.alling the Palms in stature and resemljling them in structure. For the decoration of the lawn and v.-ild garden the m.ateri.al in the way of Grasses from which to select is ample; the difficulty is what to choose and wh.at to avoid. The following enumeration contains species calculated to add grace and beauty to our gardens : — Thi; AiuiNDO, or Reed Grass as now understood; does not include any species indigenous to this country- All of tliem are tall, handsome Grasses, attaining a height of from 13 fett to 10 feet, and should be intro- duced into every garden where there is the slightest possibility of their thriving. A. conspicua resembles a small form of Pampas Grass. It commences to flower in .Tidy, and is therefore a desirable aci|uisi- tion ; it is hardier than the Pampas, which should have its crowns protected in winter. Besides A. con- .'picua, there are A. Donax and Donax versicolor. Aruni)IN.\ri.\. — This genus is nearly allied to Bam- busa. A. falcata has been planted somewhat exten- sively in Ireland, where it thrives admirably and .attains a height of 20 fett. It h.as also been found to grow well in the south and south-west of England. Its graceful growth should lead to its being planted very largely everywhere. There is another very fine species, A. Schomburghi, a native of the Upper Ama- zim, which grows some 50 feet or more in height. This should be a grand ornament, planted in isolated groups upon the lawn, if we could only get it intro- duced. In 1S(J2 I received specimens from Nagasaki of a very fine feathery Grass, supposed to be a speeies of Arundinaria. It grows 10 feet in height and is said to prove good for planting in tufts like the Pani- p-is Grass. In Japan it has a fine effect on the hill- sides in November and December. Let us hope this may soon be introduced. AciROSTis, or Bent Grass (A. vulg.aris), is a trouble- some weed upon light lands, but useful tor covering dry sandy banks where but little else will grow. There are in this genus some extremely beautiful species varying in height from 1 foot to 3 feet. Some of the smaller kinds are suitable for pot culture, and are well adapted for working in'o button-holes and shoulder sprays. The best are A. capillaris, diffusa, dulcis, nebulosa, pulchella, verticillata, vulgaris vivi- para, and vulgaris variegata. AiR.\, or Hair Grass, is a widely distributed family. A. crespitosa is one of the tallest of our English Grasses, often att.aining a height of 6 feet. It is not only very ornamental in isolated group.s, but useful as a cover for game. It is, however, troublesome in pasture land. The best are A. csespitosa, ca'spitcsa vivipar.a, lutescen.s, and pulchella. The genus AniiROpogon contains m.any fine orn,a- mental species. A. schiecanthus, the Lemon Gr.ass, deserves a passing notice, although too tender to be used in the open air. An infu.sion of its leaves is said to be useful in cases of fever, wliilst from its fibrous roots ami from those of another species (A. muricatus) mats and fans are made in India, which impart an agreeable fragrance to the atmosphere where used. Although none of the species can be said to be thoroughly hardy, they amply repay any .attention bestowed upon them. The best are A. bombycinus, ft^rmosus, and squarrosus. Bamboos in their native habitats often attain a height of 100 feet. Their economic properties are well nigh inexhaustible, and in a decorative point of view they cannot be over-estimated, their elegant, feathery spray giving a distinct and tropical appear- ance to any garden in which they are grown. The kinds enumerated be'ow vary from 6 feet to 20 feet in height, and form grand groups upon the lawn, or indeed in any sheltered position. They enjoy a free, rich, open soil. The best are B. aurea, nigra, edulis, Metake, Simoni, Fortunei, striata, violacea, viridis, and viridis glaucescens. The Buoom Ge.\S3, a very large genus widely dis- tributed, contains some seven or eight species indigen- ous to this country, and amongst them one or two make beautiful garden ornaments, especially when grown in good rich soil. The best are Brouius brizo- pyroides, diandrus, hirsutus, jubatus, Lanuginosus, macrostachys, Sehraderi, sc 'parius. and vestitus. Ok BRiz.i, or Quaking-Grass, some of the species are handsome, and well deserve attention. Two are British, viz., media, which is widely distributed and much sought after for winter decoration, and minor, which is local. They are useful either in pots or in the border. B. gracilis, maxima, medi.a, and vires- cens are the best. Brizopyuu.m. — This is a small genus of handsome and singular Grasses, none of which are indigenous. They range from 1 foot to 4 feet in height, and are mostly from the .Southern Hemisphere. The best are B. sieulum ai d soirpoides. C'OIX (Job's Te.irs). — This genus h.as obt.ained its popular name from the supposed resemblance of its pendent hanging seeds to dropping te.ir.-i. C. Lach- ryma is a bro.ad-leaved handsome plant which thrives well in the open air, in a warm sheltered spot. It is also very ornamental when grown as a pot plant. It reijuires an abundant supply of water, otherwise the leaves are apt to become brown or rusty looking. DACTynjCTKNiUM. — This genus contains a few dis- tinct and ornamental plants which grow from 1 foot to 2 feet high, most of them annuals; they produce dense finger-like spikes of flowers, all pointmg one way. As pot plants, they are very elegant, but rather tender for the open air. D. aegyptiacum and radulans are the best of them. DiGiT.\i.ad handsome leaves and large dense panieled inflorescence make them conspicuous. S. h.alepense is perennial and hardy, but the majority of the species are annuals. Their seed, under the name of millet, is largely used for poultry feeding, lint it does not appear to ripen in this country, so as to be profitable. The best are, in addition to h.alepense, bicolor, rubens, and vulgare. Stipa, or Feather Gr iss. —A large genus, in which, however, few species possess any beauty when out of flower, and their feathery panicles are but short-lived. Plants of this Gr.ass are usually grown in cpiantity, in order that the panicles may be cut and preserved for winter decoration. S. pennata is the species mostly employed for this purpose; but S. juncea and tortllis are also attractive Grasses. Maize (Zea). — This is an effective plant, but we have lit ard objections raised by some to its introduction into the flower garden. To me it matters little what the plants used there are provided the desired effect is produced, and tlij tropical appearance of this plant ought to secure it a place there. It should be planted in a warm sheltered position and in rich soil. The variegated form is a charming addition to the garden. It is Dot quite so robust as the type, but it grows freely in the open air, even close to the sea. It comes true from seed, from which it is easily raised in spring. It should not, however, be planted out until properly hardened off. \V. II. G. Drummond's Everlasting- Pea.— This hi>8 been e.xceptiuiially uft'ectivc this year ; whether owing to deeper root-hold or to Eome other cause I cannot s.ay, but certainly 182 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 21, 1886. tbc Howurs hnve beon not inily finer and mort' abun*l;intly produced, but deeper in colour than usual, and two huge bushes 5 feet in height and as much through have been very beautiful. I am elad to find that this year the plants arc seeding fairly well. In previous years it was most unusual to obtain see 1, and it is not at all an easy plant to propagate otherwise. It is a cajiital plant with which to clothe an old tree stumj". — A. D. Garden Destroyers. INSECTS INJURIOUS TO FRUIT CROPS. The report on insects injurious to fruit crops pre- pared fur the Agricultural Department by Mr. V. Whitehead has just betn issued. 'I he iiitroduelion states that the report relates entirely to insects in jurious to fruit crops, and to those among them which cause the most serious losses to fruit cultivators. There are others wliose injurious effects are compara- tively incensider.ible, so that it has not been deemed necessary to describe them here. For the most pait the insects which have been described are formidable enemies, and in many cases more formidable because their work of mischief either is attributed to otlier causes, or is not discovered until it is too late to adopt nifans of prevention or to apply remedies. Some of these insects cause the f.iihire of an entire crop, as, for example, the Hj-ponomeuta padella, or ermine moth, by whose action the Apple crop has in some seasons been destroyed throughout large areas of orc'ard land ; while others, like the Carpocapsa pomonella, or codiiu motli, materially damage the appearance and rju.ility of the fruit. Fruit grow- ing is a most important branch of agricultural in- dustry, and, taking the average of seasons and of the various fruit-producing districts, h.TS proved lirofitah!e when oher crops have not answered. The acreage of fuiit land in Engl.^nd, according to the statistics given in the "Agricultural Re- turns," was 197,5.39 acres in 188.'i. and probably at this present time amounts to over '200,000 acres, as there has been a gradual increase in the acreage during the last ten years at tlie rate of about 3500 acres psr annum. Besibia brumata), the codlin moth ((!arpocapsa pomonella), the suuall ermine moth (Hyponomeuta padella), the strawberry moth (Pero- nea comariana), the currant borer (Lampronia capitella), the raspberry shoot borer (Lampronia rubella), the cherry aphis (Myzus cerasi), the apple a;)his (Aphis niali), the plum aphis (Aphis pruni), the currant ajihis (Rhopalosiphum ribis), the woolly aphis (Schizoneura lanigera), the mussel scale (Mytilaspis pomorum), the red spider (Tetranychus tclarius), the black currant mite (Phytoptus ribis), and the natural enemies of injurious insects. Sulphide of potassium. — This remedy for mildew has now been extensively used by a large number of cur leadirg gardeners, and as I have been mainly instrumental in getting its merits tested, I am glad to be able to report that the anticipatiuns of the discoverer of its value as a remedy for mildew have been fully realised. As mildew is very prevalent this season I hope every one who is troubled with this pest will test the sulpliide, and report whether it ))rove3 successful or not. — Edwahd W. B.^dber, ilosdaj, near Birminyham. ME. WILLIAM INGRAM. Tbk spring garden at Belvoir the Rev. Canon Hole has on more than one occasion styl'-^d " the most beautiful garden in all England." Writing in his own genial style, he says ; " It has been my happy privilege to visit many a fair ground and goodly heritage between the Border and Land's End ; I have admired in many a pleasant spot those tasteful and skilful combinations of Nature and Art which are not to be found in other lands, even where climate and scenery are far more favourable than ours: but Belvoir in its vernal loveliness excels them all ! " Then he goes on to tell how the position of this garden is perfect — sunny slopes, "green and of mild declivity," or steep and stony, suggesting alpine plants and pathways, with grand old trees, evergreen and deciduous, over which, as you walk on the higher ranges of the gardens, you see the lake beyond, and through which, as you wander below, the picturesque towers of the castle above. The arrangement of the beds, banks, and groups is perfect ; colour just where it is most effective, of every hue, but always in congruity : no sensational contrasts, but an exquisite freshness, brightness, uuit}^, and repose. Mr. Ingram, it may not be generally known, was the originator of the system of spring gardening, which is liere carried on to such a state of perfection ; and for the last twenty-five years he has been followini^ it \\\^ and developing it. When he first went to Belvoir, the pleasure gardens were comparatively small ; but year after year he h.is gradually matured and worked out his plans for their improvement. After the summer flowers are over, the spring plants, which are all perfectly hardy and able to resist the most rigorous weather, are allotted their respective positions, and begin to bloom, some as early as February in a fine season, continuing throughout March, April, and May, and making the garden \ery beautiful at a season of the year when formerly gardens were with- out a flower. Countries very wide apart contribute to the charms of Belvoir. Himalayan Saxifrages, Siberian Squills, plants from the Pyrenees, hardy Pri- mulas from the Alps, Rhododendrons from the Cau- c.isus, and one of the loveliest of the bulb family. Glory of the Snow, from the mountains near Smyrna — all these not only exist, but flourish at Belvoir. More than this— we had almost said, better still — many of our English wild flowers are utilised, and, under Mr. Ingram's careful tending, are brought into vigorous and stately growth. We are glad to be able to record, therefore, that Mr. Ingram's labours and skill in originating and developing spring gardening have, during the past week, received a very generous recognition. No one who has ever visited Belvoir could fail to accord him the fullest meed of pr.iise ; but this appreciation has now taken a tangible form, the result of a movement which was set on foot some twelve months ago, and of which Lieut. Emmerson, of the Belvoir Company of Volunteers, has acted as the efficient and courteous secretary. A committee was formed, and subscriptions have come in so liberally, that the committee were able the other day to present Mr. Ingram with a cheque for £90 15s. 6d., and se\eral pieces of plate, on which was the following inscrijition : "Presented, with a purse of money, to Mr. W. Ingram, liy his friends and neighbours, in appreciation of the manner in which he origin.ated and developed the spring gar- dens at Belvoir Castle." Canon Twelli", in making the presentation, which was done in the garden, said : " Most of us know that Latin inscription in St. Paul's Cathedral, which tells us that if we ask for the monument of Sir Christopher Wren, we have only to look around us. In the same way, if anyone asks for a justification of this testi- monial, he has only to lift up his eyes and survey the lovely scene by which at this moment we are con- fronted." We may add that Mr. Ingram also received the gift of a framed photograjib of the garden, which had been very succi ssf uHy taken by Mr. Broadhead, of Leicester. Orchids. ORCHIDS AT SOUTHAMPTON. F(1B upwards of twenty years Mr. N. J. Buchan, of Wdton House, Southampton, has been a consistent lover and grower of Orchids, of which he has an ex- tensive and well grown collection. Seedlings are springing up here in all directions — Cypripediums, Selenipediums, Deudrobes, and various other seed- lings— the result of crossing distinct genera. Seedling Odontoglossums, too, come up everywhere. They have a very peculiar mode of vegetating ; the seed ap- pears to swell up beneath the Sphagnum until it attains the size of a Pea, after which it produces leaves from the upper portion and roots from below. Here Orchid seeds not only vegetate in the Sphagnum in which the old jjlants are growing, but even upmi bare boards ; some actually grow between the lattice- work of the footpaths, a proof surely that tempera- ture and atmosphere are properly balanced. Cypri- pediums and Selenipediums, the gardener, Mr. t)3- borne, has not succeeded in crossing. There is a very promising hybrid here, the result of a cross between Colax jugosus and Zygopetalum Mackayi ; the plants are strong, and may probably flower in the autumn. Ctelogyne Lemoniana here exhibited a distinct cha- racter, inasmuch as it produces flowers twice in the season ; these are now showing, and the next batch from the sime pseudo-bulbs will come up after Christmas. On a fine plant of Oncidium macranthum I counted sixty fiowers, all expanded ; and there was a beautiful variety of O. Lanceanum with upwards of fifty flowers, and the leaves were not disfigured with the black cankerous scars so common to this plant. Cattleya crispa supcrba had forty open flowers on it. Dendrobium l)earei was growing as freely as the old nobile, and flowering most profusely. There were also large I'lants, well furnished with numerous flowers, of Odontoglossutn Uro-Skinneri and va- rious grand vaiieties of O. Alexandra. Oncidium Jonesiaiium is a grand plant. Its leaves .are terete, somewhat like those of O. Cebolleti, and tlie flowers are large and pure white, spotted and barred with brownish crimson. Cattleya Scliofieldi is another fine plant in this collection. Its flowers are olive-green spotted and barred with brown, and the lip is white dotted and spotted with violet. W. H. G. White Leelia anceps of 1885. — Can anyone yet tell the best way to succeed in growing this re- fractory Orchid? We have tried plants in various houses .and ways. Plants of it in pots in the Cattleya house on the north side stage with shingle under the pots have proved the best, but we cannot get .a spike of flowers. Certainly our plants are not large, but ample in size to bloom in quantity were they typical li. .anceps or L. Hilliana, &c., which are blooming alongside the new comer. Mr. Douglas says he finds his plants to be equally unsatisfactory. Can others record any success? if so, I would be obliged if they would do so, — De B. Cr.\wshay, Sosefidd, Sevcnoaks. SHORT NOTES.— OnCIIIVS. Shading cool Orchid houses.— At Wilton House, Soutbiiiopton, t' e canvas shade of the cool Orchid house does not touch the glass, but is supported upon false rafters atnut a foot above the roof. This allows u cnvrentof cool air to circulate between the shade and the gl.ass, aiid doubt- less contributes to tha geniality of the atmosphere within the house.— W. H, G. Certificated Hollyhocks.— In our report of the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society at South Ken- sington we erroneously stated that Mr. Blundell, of Dulwich, wis awarded two certificates instead of three. The sorts for which he received certificates were Princess of Waks, Prim- rose Gem, and Shirley llibberd. Names of plants.— .Vc,«. M. A.~l, Buphtlialmum cor- difolium : 2, Boceonia cordatii ; 3, Saponaria officinalis. L. P. anil Co. — Pyrethrum Parthenium fl.-pl., Sediim oppo- sitifolium, M. Linln: — 1, Oncidiunt ornithorhynchnni ; 2, O, incurvum, Anoa.—ly Cut-leaved Beeeh (Fague syl- vatica laeiniata) : 2, Diplacus glutiuosus. Aug. 2], 1886.] THE GARDEN. 183 WOODS & FORESTS. LARCH SEED, NATIVE 1'. FOREIGN. It has recently been stated tliat the oldest and best Larch forests in this country are tliose tliat have been acclimatised, while the younj,'er j.dantations from liorae-raised seed are the most diseased. There is some truth in the first part of that statement, -viz., that the oldest and best Larches are those that were first introiluced, but for the rest of the statement there is no foundation, because the younger plantations are not from home-raised .seed, but chielly from foreign seed. And even if the younger Larch plantations were from home-raised seed, this doe.s not prove that that is the cause of disease, or that they ave the most disea.sed ; no, it only proves negligence, and that there is a want of judgment on tlie part of those employed to gather seed to discern between that which is tit and that which is not. Last season, for instance, I found the gatherers picking cones from tlie very young and most unhealthy Larch trees of our woods. And it is well known that diseased trees often bear seeds most abundantly. A year ago the seed of the Larch was destroyed in our woods by summer frosts, and I do not believe there was above one per cent, of vital seed. Neverthcle.ss, these cone-gatherers bore away great burdens of these bad cones, until I stopped their woik and turned them from our plantations. What do these men care how much they deceive their employers and the public. They have no interest in the future success and pros]icrity of the trees that are to ensue from the .seed they have been intrusted to gather; no, their interest in the matter ends when they get their bags filled. For some years 1 have been testing the iptality of the vitality of both foreign and liome Larch seed, and the result of the test is not favouralile to the progeny of the foreign Larch. In the seed-bed during the growing season the progress of both Larches are nearly the s.une, the foreign, if anything, having the best of it ; but the foreign does not ripen its wood in proper season ; it is cut down with frost, and is ever afterwards perma- nently injured. On the other hand, the home Larch dues not at first show such rapid growth, but manifests throughout a stronger constitution and vitality, and when once consigned to the forest ground, the produce from the foreign Larch cannot be compared with the home trees ; in a word, the home Larch lives on, and the foreign Larch dies away. I am aware that there are dis- tricts both in England and Ireland in which the climate is quite conducive to the growth of foreign Larch. Still, I am of the opinion that the most propitious climate and conditions con- ducive to its success woidd be yet more so to the home-raised Larch. Since the Larch was first introduced into this country the climate must have undergone a vast transformation. For example, the Larch refuses to grow in soil which furmeily it delighted to luxuriate in. What is the cause of that ! The soil being the same, the climate, a co-equal factor in plant life, must have changed. Moreover, 1 again repeat with all the small force of urgency at command that there is not sullicient care used in the gathering of tree seed. Perfection of parts iu the parent plant is indispensable to perfection in the offspring. Perhaps it is not generally known that from a bushel of Larch cones there is not more than from -2 ounces to :i ounces of good seed ; from a bushel of Scotch Fir there is only from 6 ounces to 8 ounces ; and from a bushel of Spruce from V ounces to 9 ounces. But these weights are liable to mocKflcation, de- pending on the age, &c., of the individual trees they are gathered from. J. F. USES FOR WASTE WOOD. It is not altogether easy to define what should be classed as waste wood, but in the ordinary meaning of the term it is understood to be the lops and tops of timber trees and the ofi'-cuts fiom the boles in the process of .sawing up. 'Ihe proportion of waste in manufacturing will natu- rally vary greatly, according to the dimensions and quality of the article it is primarily the pur- pose to oljtain from a given tree, and the confor- mation of the body of the tree will of itself be an important factor. It is not, however, to this side of the question I wish to look, except so far as it concerns the production of waste. To take the subject in the order in which the waste or un- marketable wood is pioduced, it is obvious that the lop and top of the trees will have to be dealt with first, as, when a felling occurs, the greater proportion of the woodman's work is at once directed to the disposal of this waste wood. There is onewav in which it may readily enough be got rid of, viz., for fuel, and when it is not valuable enough to be carted away for ordinary domestic use it can be burnt upon the spot for charcoal or otherwise. There are, however, pur- poses beyond this to which waste wood may be put, and it is to these I wish to allude. Firewood. — In lopping trees for removal, between what is usually denominated the brush- wood and the bole there is always more or less, according to the size and the habit of the tree, of limbs or branches. This in many parts of the country is called cordwood, but it is a term very loosely applied, as in one district it means round logs, whilst in another it may mean short blocks of less than a foot in length and cleft ready for, say, a register grate. When the limbs or branches have been reduced to the last-named form, it is clear that the chance of any usefulness beyond that of making a fire is at an end, but when they are merely lopped from the bole of the tree in lengths as long as can be conveniently handled, they may often be turned to much more useful purposes, inasmuch as fuel can be obtained from other material. To utilise these logs to the best advantage, however, it is necessary that some cheap cutting power be available, as, although it is not often that any great skill is necessary in working up, cheapness is all-essential, otherwise the cost of labour would make it more profitable to use something else. In short, to make the most of this class of waste wood a saw-mill in some shape must be at hand. The usefulness, and, in fact, the almost indispensability, of such an appliance has often been urged in this paper. For working up small wood of the cla.ss under notice a single bench would answer every pur- pose, and now there are very few districts where such a thing is not to be had, if the owner of the wood does not himself possess one. Generally when a fall of timber takes place it will be found most convenient as soon as the brushwood has been disposed of by being made into fiigots, or in some other way, to cart the branches and limbs to which reference has been made to some central spot where an engine and bench can readily be set to work upon them. In doing this there is the advantage of selecting from the bulk of wood such as is suitable for the especial purpose in view and of cutting up what has no better worth for the firewood stack. It will, however, be generally found that a lot of useful material may be found among the waste before this becomes necessary. To take Oak logs, for instance ; one of the handiest things upon a jdace is a supply of mound posts. These, as they are generally wanted from (U feet to 7 feet long, should be one of the first selections madS:-, From the branches of ordinaiy trees it will be dirticult to find round pieces which run straight to the length, but in most cases there are many logs which are approximately straight one way. In this straight direction they hay^e to be sawn into two sections by means of a centre cut, and a couple of useful mound posts are at once available. Fencewooh. — Amongst this waste wood it is seldom that material suitable for rails is found, but it is almost in all cases capable of af- fording a large quantity of rough palings, so that the rails, in erecting a fence, would be the only thing left to be provided. A height of 4 feet or 4\ feet very often makes a serviceable fence, and for such as these logs of wood which are not long enough for posts may be turned to account. Dividing fences of this class may not be recjuired to be absolutely close, and yet close enough to make them quite secure. Small and rough logs properly cut up may be made to answer this end. The size of the round wood itself and the purpose to which it is to be put will to a great extent control the way in which it is prepared. If a rough and heavy erection is wanted, then it will be enough to merely cut the logs into sections in the same way as the posts and use them in the same way, with the difference that they merely reach the surface of the ground and are fastened to the rails instead of being let into the ground for support. For this portion of the work Elm or Oak may be used indiscriminately. When a lighter style of erection is wanted, it will be necessary to employ a little more labour in the preparation of the wood, but the same kind of logs will do duty. Instead of merely cutting them into half round sections they must be reduced to a greater number of pieces of lesser thickness. To make the most of the material, the straightest pieces should be chosen and two parallel cuts be taken, so that a thin slab may be taken off each of the two opposite sides and a plank of some inches in thickness, according to the size of the log, be left to be reduced to pales of the required thick- ness by making cuts at right angles to the original ones. The slabs taken off in the first instance may then be edged down and will make two additional piles. It is obvious that such wood as this can be employed for many other uses beyond that of pales for low fences. Turned in a Ihjrizontal instead of a vertical direction, it would be useful for the pales for tree guards, and in many instances it could be used for rough floorings for sheds and outhouses, where the nature of Vhe use would not allow of the employment of material of appreciable value, but where wood of this class would be greatly to be preferred above an ordinary soil floor. So far, I have spoken of waste wood in its raw state, i.e., as it is always to be found iu quantity wherever any trees are felled, but there are other kinds of waste wood which may often be bought from the merchant's yard and used in conjunction with what is manufactured at home. It will be seen that the materials which have been referred to hitherto have been of short lengths and narrow widths, conditions which are unavoidable when only small logs or branches are cut up. Merchants, of course, saw up trees of all lengths and size, and in consequence of the uneven way in which British hardwood trees generally grow, it is seldom they are not well supplied with waste. This takes all shapes and sizes, according to the form of the trees which have been sawn and the class of scantling into which they have been worked. There is, how- ever, generally a good proportion of slabbing of good lengths and widths, i.e., the rough outsides which are always cut off to make at least two 184 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 2], 1886. square sides to the tree. Besides this, there are often right-angled pieces coming otf, wliich make useful light posts. I have spoken of these things as being procurable from the merchant's yard, as it will sometimes be found that work of the kind we have been dwelling upon could not be carried through entirely with the material at command upon the place. It of course requires discretion as to how far it will be economical to use up " waste wood," as it is quite possible that it may be made to co«t more than using really good and marketable timber. D. J. Y. NOTES ON THE PARLIAMENTARY REPORT ON FORESTRY. By " Yorkshireman." TiiE report from the Select Committee on Forestry, or the chief part of it, has been cir- culated, and contains some evidence that may interest foresters, but not so much as might have been expected. The comjiittee. — This body deserves notice from the fact that it is composed of men who may be said to be practically unacquainted with the subject they had to investigate, but that was probably unavoidable in a parliamentary com- mittee. That some of its members did not always feel sure what questions they sliould put to the witnesses, and did not grasp the answer when they got it, will appear in a rather amusing aspect here and tliere to those who read the report and who understand forestry themselves ; as, for example, when Mr. Seely asks Mr. Thistleton Dyer what planting Oak "pure" meant— a forester's expression borrowed from one of the horticultural papers — and on another occasion when another member asked the same witness to give him the English name of a certain Indian tree, &c. This unacquaintance with the subject on the part of the examiners is quite apparent in the report, and hence, no doubt, its diifuseness and length, considering that the sole object of the enquiry, as set forth in the report in three lines, was "to consider whether by the establishment of a forest school, or otherwise, our woodlands could be rendered more remunerative." Not knowing exactly what questions to put in examining the "witnesses," the latter were encouraged, by leading questions and otherwise, to say what they had a mind to, and some of them have, of course, availed themselves of the oppor- tunity to ventilate their hobbies pretty freely. The witnesses.— "The committee had power to send for persons, papers, and records," and they availed themselves of this power to the extent of summoning six witnesses, and under the head of " Profession or Condition," three of the six are described as "Civil Service Ingineers " (if "C. S. I." indicates that), "M. D.," and "Colonel" respectively; the other three are Mr. W. G. Pedder, Mr. W. T. Thistleton Dyer, and Mr. Julian C. Rogers. It might be regarded as a phenomenal circumstance by some that of the twenty-six committeemen and witnesses nominated to investigate the subject of forestry, there is not a single practical forester amongst them. It might have occurred to a jury of com- mon-sense people with "power to summon" whom they liked before them tliat the examination of woodmen or foresters was desirable, if for no other purpose than to show whether our British foresters were as stupid or as clever" as they were re- puted to be, but such an idea does not appear to have occurred to the commission in question that did sit. Numbers of questions were put and answered on this point to witnesses who did not, and could not, give any reliable information on the subject. The evidence of Mr. Thistleton Dyer on the subject is amusing, but honest. Asked by the committee: "You are assistant director of Kew?" the reply is, "Of the Royal Gardens, Kew." To the second question, "And you have paid great attention to the management of forests and woodlands?" the conscientious answer is, "My attention has been drawn to the general subject of forestry from the fact that Kew per forms to a large extent the part of a botanica' authority to the government, and numbers of questions affecting botanical work are referred to Kew, which it is my -special business to attend to. Amongst these, of course, from time to time are questions relating to forestry, and although I have not myself any practical knowledge of the man- agement of forests, I have been compelled, of course, to look into the subject," &c. This is a good example of some of the questions and answers. The assumption on the part of the chairman of the committee, Sir John Lubbock (who put these questions), that an officer of Kew must necessarily have paid " great attention to the management of forests and woodlands," shows the crude notion our legislators have concerning the functions of a botanical garden, and Kew in particular. Mr. Dyer, pressed to eay if it was " his opinion that if a general education in forest matters were avail- able, it would have an advantageous effect upon our English and Scotch forests and woodlands," " imagined there could be no doubt about that," and he quoted from "a tile of a con- temporary in which some of tlie superior members of foresters in this country occasionally write" to show "that the woodland practice in this country is in a very unsatisfactory state when you find two competent authorities on the same sub- ject in a prominent newspaper diametrically in opposition to each other on the same point." This one cannot but regard as rather second- hand evidence on such an important subject, but it is an example of the kind of evidence sought and given. Testimony of the witnesses. — It seems to have been assumed by the committee that our Indian forests are better managed than the forests at home, and that this better management is due to the better training of the forest officials there ; hence, much of the evidence was directed to the elucidation of this point, the purpose of the com- mittee, be it remembered, being to prove the need of educating British foresters also. Mr. William (i. Pedder, of the Revenue Department of the India Office, was the first witness on this point. Sir John Lubbock surmised that the increase in the net revenue from Indian forests was due "to a considerable extent to the improved education of the forest officials," but the witness " did not lay much stress upon the increase of revenue, because, as a matter of fact, the financial results had Jiardly yet become apparent at all," and the general purport of his evidence was to the effect that " the principal duty of tlie forest department of India " had been rather to arrest the destruc- tion of Indian forests and take care of what was left. This witness said he " knew but little about English woodlands," but gave some evidence on the suViject of schools and about our Indian forests and their extent. Here is a specimen of the questions addressed to this witness by one of the committee, and which should be quoted as put with the answers : — 13S. I suppose forests have existed in India for a gre.it number of years? — Yes, from the creation of the world. 13'J. Then who planted them originally ?—Xo one; I sup- pose they planted themselves ; they are primajval forests. 140. They have not been planted within history ? — No. 141. Then the process of managing these forests in ancient times must have been better than it is now ; because if the process of ilestruction that you say is going on so r.apidly had gone on before they woidd have disappeared from the face of the earth long ago? -Yes; but theie .are reasons why they c luld not be interfered with. Forests through which there are no roads it was impossible to cut and take aw.ay. To ask a witness who planted forests "origi- nally " that had been there from the creation of the world showed a laudable desire to " bottom the matter," that should be commended to all future Parliamentary committees. Dr. Farquharson, the committeeman who wanted to know wlio originally planted the forests at the creation, and who was unfortunately not referred to the twelfth \'erse of the first chapter of (ienesis, volunteered some information himself to the witness, Mr. Pedder, on the grazing of woodlands, a subject discussed in Woods and Forests before. Dr. Farquharson said they were in the habit of grazing woods in Scotland with highland cattk' and held that they did not eat the young shoots of the trees; but the witness contradicted him, point- ing out that forests could not be safely pastured by cattle, according to the best authorities, until they had grown up, and that sheep and goats were particularly destructive. Dr. Cleghorn was of opinion that "we are in England very good arboriculturists, but not very good sylviculturists," a rather vague description, which he explained to mean that in the produc- tion of fine specimens of trees we stood higher than any other country, but were not skilled in the management of woodlands or in the production of timber — an opinion with which we agree, speak- ing generally. In this witness's opinion " the selection of species, the choice of soils, the situa- tion, the mode of planting, the mode and degree of thinning, and the determining the time of telling the timber so as to obtain the best results " are all matters of first importance "requiring skilled training and much observation," an opinion that receives corroboration in ]^'ooils and Forests almost every week. He also thought Great Britain and Ireland in a very backward condition as regards "systematic forestry," while at the same time he was aware there was no country relatively where the consumption of timber was larger than in our own — a somewhat paradoxical condition of things, though the description is true enough. Dr. Cleghorn also believes, as all forestei s have also declared who have written on the sub- ject, that there is still vast scope for planting waste and other lands in this country, but whether by doing so we should be anticipating future demand caused by the present rapid destruction of natural forests abroad, or whether it might be worth while to plant any but readily accessible positions in this country under any circumstances, was open to question. The west coast, it is also stated, is more favourable to the production of timber than the east coast. Another fact elicited was that "with a steadily increasing annual demand for timber, which is constantly rising all over the country, the amount of timber in Eng- land, Wales, and Ireland is steadily, and even rapidly, diminishing" — in some parts "without any attempt at reproduction of timber." If true, this may be said to be the most important fact brought before the committee, and one showing the necessity of State interference of some kind. As to foresters, the same witness said there were some exceedingly shrewd and valuable men in Scotland, but they would have been better if they had had " more theoretical knowledge . . . They have read what books they have been able to get in their cottages, but having no school to go to, lacked the opportunity of improvement." We fear the experience of publishers of papers and periodicals on forestry does not quite bear this out either in England or Scotland. Colonel Pearson, the next witness, did not think the j'oung foresters in Scotland were practically very well instructed in the management of timber for commercial pur- poses, but thought there " were many of them ex- ceedingly intelligent men who, by rule-of-thumb and by experience which had been handed down to them, had learned the system of planting and growing trees exceedingly well." These were points on which knowledge was required, and an example of want of knowledge which the colonel quoted was a case " in which a great number of trees (Scotch Firs) were blown down that might liave been saved by a fringe of Birch, which would have grown perfectly well above the Scotch Fir, and which ought to have been planted to keep the wind out of the ravines," but which was instead planted by Scotch Fir right up to the top of the ravines, and "the wind got amongst them and knocked them down like a field of corn." Wliat do Scotch foresters say to this hint ? We eonfe.fS to not seeing the advantage of a fringe of low Birch at tlie top of a ravine to protect Scotch Firs further down that had overtopped the Birch a long way. The ratlier extraordinary cliaracter of Colonel Pearson's evidence has been coimnented on before. To this report I may again allude. THE GARDEN. 185 No. 771. SA TURDA Y, Aug. 28, 1886. Vol. XXX. "This is an Art Which docs mend Nature : change it rather ; but The Art itself is Nature." — Shakespeare. Rose Garden. HOSES OF THE FUTURE. Wii.\T losarian can fail to welcome with glowing enthusiasm "T. W. G.'s" "coming race of Roses (see p. 13S), which shall keep all gardens gay throughout the summer with blooms of everj' c:)ncei\'able shade of colour, in which blue is an unknown factor." This, indeed, is a grand ilea, and it is well to aim high, as Sam Slick Slid to his father, when surprised up the parental Apple tree, though we may never reach it. Koses in perpetual bloom and many-coloured bsauty, with fragrance thrown in without stint o;' measure, would lift tho floral treasures of our gardens out of tlie miry clay at once. A Rose without fragrance is hardly more than half a Rose iifj best, and hardly deserves its name. Other qualities, too — such as constitution, continuity of blossoming, form, substance, staying power — are needed in popular Roses. Constitution is a com- prehensive phrase, and includes all that pertains to vigour, health, and fairly long life. Not a few of our popular Roses are the cria'm-es of a season, if n jt of a day. They come, they go ; we can hardly s ly they are with us in health when already they d -oop, become diseased, and die, and are seldom S33n more. The ratio of the durability of Rose life has decreased more rapidly than tlie quality o ' our Roses has improved, and, with a few notable ccceptions, it may be affirmed that, as the quality of the blooms has waxed, the health and length o' life of the plants have waned. Worse than this, 1 10 highest qualities have not seldom been wedded t) milfiness of constitution. It is time all this hid become matter of long past experience. As one means of getting rid of mift'y Roses, a juror of experts should sit upon the Rose itsilf as well as its produce before the latter was certificated. Semi-disease-proof Roses ought to become pos- sibilities of the near future were more attention pxid to constitution in the selection and propaga- tion of Roses new and old. At present it is hardly t03 much to say that constitutional stamina and vigour are wholly ignored in such matters. The great aim is to produce perfect blooms. No sooner a;-e these produced than they are exhibited, cer- t heated, forced into unnatural growth to form plants quickly, until any natui-al vigour the seed- lings possess is rushed out of them in the feveied race to convert each bud into a half-sovereign or a guinea. Thus by the time the plants are distri- buted most of their natural strength has been further overstrained and attenuated to the lowest living point by the feverish forcing to which they have been subjected. Bearing all this in mind, we marvel the less to find miffy Roses disfiguring many gardens, while Roses, like giants, are be- caming more and more rare. As to continuity of blooming, never was the force of a word or a phrase more misleading or more abused than the words Perpetual or Hybrid Perpetual. I accuse no one, no class, of fraud. The phrase was chosen at first more to define a class than describe a quality. (Gradually, and especially among ama- teurs, it has come to be understood as twice or more times blooming Roses in one season. In this sense tlie jjhrase is certainly a fraud as applied to the majority of the Roses in these classes ; and as for true continuity of blooming, that is, crop succeed- ing crop of bloom at very short intervals where cin we look for it? I fear we shall still have to search for it among the old China monthly Roses, or their lineal descendants, the Teas. So far as quality in its full and free development is con- cerned, we may almost be said to have advanced backwards. The nearest approach we have to this quality among the many so-called Hybrid Perpetuals may be found in the exquisitely fragrant, clustered, white Rose Boule de Neige. This crossed with Chinas, Teas, or Bourbons ought to yield a rich harvest of fragrant con- tinuous-blooming Roses. Good form is another quality that is far from being perfected in many of our popular Roses. The National Rose Soc iity has done useful work in publishing its semi-perfect types of Roses of several forms. Whether some of these should be admitted to the honour of a place at all in such estimates may be an open question. But my one point here is that each Rose accepted as of good form should be so and continue so from earliest budhood to perfect ex- pansion. The latter phrase is not used here aa synonymous with full blown. This last has a /las.ir flavour or ring about it, suggesting the possibility of falling to pieces, or of one or more petals having already fallen. But perfect ex- pansion should excite no suspicion of decay, nor exhibit any symptoms of deformity. Roses, such for example as Souvenir de la ilalmaison, how- ever beautiful in bud and useful in the garden, CDuld hardly come up to our standard of good form, viz., fine buds and finish. Substance or thickness of petal should be a prominent quality in the Roses of the future. Camellia-petalled Roses take on more colour and hold it longer than the flimsy petalled that fade or curl up at the first touch of sunshine. The burning out of the colour of Roses is such a com- mon ex|)ression and such a growing evil, that whatever of constitutional vigour or substance of |)etal would hold it longer with a firmer and more unchangeable grip is to be eagerly welcomed in the Roses of the future. This is closely allied with what is here termed the staying pro- perty of the flowers, alike on the plants and after the blooms are cut. Some Roses, as it were, fade and fall to pieces, or lose colour or fragrance almost as soon as they are severed from the plants, while others keep fresh and sweet perhaps a week or more after opening or gathering. There are also curious differences be- tween the staying powers of Rose blooms of the sorts that flower in summer and in autumn, and these are not by any means always explicable by any mere differences of temperature between the two seasons. Neither is it always true that the fuller the Rose the greater the staying properties of its individual blooms. Niphetos is by no means a full Rose, and yet few, if any, equal it in staying properties, and the same remark holds good of others; and perhaps few contributions could prove more interesting than the experience of Rose growers and exhibitors on this most practically useful point of Rose growing and use. The journeyings to and fro of some individual blooms and perfect dozens of such varieties as Niphetos, La France, Mari^chal Niel, i&c, would astonish not a few non-exhibitors, and greatly raise the general reader's estimate of the staying powers and travelling abilities of individual Rose blooms. f . T. F. Passiflora laurifolia.— Mr. Morris, of Kew, in his paper on tropical fruits, read at a conference in conntotion with the Colonial and luJian Exhibition, referred to the fruits of this Passiflora as .imong the choicest and most refreshing of the tropical Poma. They are called Water Lemon, or Pomme d'Or, in Jamaica, where they are highly prized as a dessert fruit. The species, which is now flowering in the Palm house at Kew, is distinguished from all other cultivated Passion-flowers by its dark green Laurel- like leaves, and, when in flower, by the russet-red colour cf the short reflexed petals, and the double series of erect filiform corona rays, which are coloured a rich violet with white baiula. Tlic fruit is eg-- shaped, 3 iuches long, and purplish brown when ripe, so that it resembles the fi-uit of the well-kuown P. edulis, the Sweet Cup of .Jamaica, and cultivated in a few gardens in England for the sweet, watery juice (if its berries. English-grown fruits of these Passi- Horas, as well as of the Granadil'a (P. ciuadrangularis) are usually mawkish, and relished only when well sugared or in other ways rendered palatable, and no doubt this infeiiority, as compared with the delicious lusciousness of tlie fruits of Passifloras produced in tlie tropics, is partly expl.ained by the absence of in- tense and continual sunlight. In tropical countries the parched palate, too, must often find refreshment and delight in what would not be though much of in this country. Garden in the House. FLOWERS FOR HARVEST FESTIVALS. H.XKVEST festivals having become gener.al all over the country, and flowers forming as they do such an im- portant feature in connection with them, reference to some of the uioit suitable for the decoration of churches and other buildings may be useful. Anyone who has been much engaged in this kind of work will, I think, agree with me that where large quanti- ties of flowers are wanted a certain space of ground should be set apart .'peci.iUy for their production as cutting them from beds or borders causes sad dis- figurement. It will be readily understood that in order to make conspicuous decorations rather large flowers are necessary. The Dahlia is perhaps as valualile as any for such purposes, espe< ially the large show and double Pompon varieties. Single ones also come in admirably for positions more immediately under the eye. The large double sorts are indis- pensable for the decoration of lofty buildings, as the blossoms are bold in character and embracj many striking colours. Of the latter the moi-t useful perhaps are yellows, whites, and scarlets, large numbers of which should lie provided. Taste- ful arrangements may be made with the floweis of Pompons, especially in the case of crowns or monograms. Some good lilacs and fiery redj work in well with a judicious mixture of greenery. The annual Asters are also indispensable for this class of decorations, as thiy last in good condition for a lo ig time. The most showy, on account of tlieii* large size, is the Chryfantheraum section. These produce very large flowers, which are most useful where masses of colour are required. They may be pulled up intact out of the ground, or cut ofl' just above the soil, and the whole plant may be used with good elfeot if de- sired, or the individual blooms may be used in any way where wanted. The Victoria is another grand class for forming masses of cidour, as are also the quilled vatieties, but the latter are generally preferred for mottoes or devices, as they possess better foim and outline than the others. Asters for this purpose need not be raised in heat. If the seed is sown on a warm border in the middle of April, and the plants are brought on under hand-lights, they will be well in flower by the middle of August, which is as soon as they are generally wanted. They require to be grown in an open position where the ground is thoroughly rich, and in order to obtain large flowers the plants must stand 15 inches apart each way, and receive an abundance of water in dry weather. Hollyhocks are also valuable for decorative pur- poses; few other flowers, indeed, are so stately in their bearing, and the larger the building to Ije deco- rated the more will they be appreciated, as whole stems may, if desired, be used, or the stems may be cut into lengths. The individual flowers may also be removed from the stem, and used for devices or other purposes. The flowering portion of the stem I, however, look upon as being the most valuable, as, if the plants have been well grown, there will be ample foliage associated with the blooms to set them off to advantage. There i-^, too, such a wide range of colour amongst the flowers, and they are so thickly set on the stem, that no list of blooms for indoor decoration would be complete which did not include them. The best way in which to grow Hollyhocks is to sow seed of them in the open ground in .July or early iu August, and, if the plants are well attended to, they will b3 strong enough to plant out early the following spring, and will flower grandly at the end of the summer, but they require to be planted in rich, well-prepared ground, and to be well watered in dry weather. GL.vniOLl of the gandavensis section are undoubt- edly amongst the most brilliant of all flowers for 1S6 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 28, 1886. church decoration that blossom late in the year. The colours are not only bright, but they are also varied, and there is no other plant with which I am ac- cjuainted that lasts so long after it is cut. The flower- spikes are admiraljly suitid for suspending in bunches if desired, and also for mixing with other subjects. The most reliable way in which to get and maintain a stock of these flowers is to raise one's own corms, wliich may be readily done from seed. Plants thus raised will flower strongly the third ye.ir, and a little seed .-iown every year will keep up the stock. The next best plan is to buy seedling bidbs of a flowering .size, as these invariably do better than named sorts, which are reproduced by offsets. Gladioli must be planted in deep well manured soil, and they should have a change of ground every year. Hyacinthus candicans, although not a striking plant, has tall flower-spikes, towards the tops of which hang num- bers of white bellsh.iped flowers, admirably suited for mixing with other things, and, owing to the length of the stemf, the operator, with the aid of these, will be able to break up what might have lieen a flat or monotonous surface. Bting a hardy jilaut, and indif- ferent about soil, anybody can grow it. Three or four-year-old bulbs, if planted in good soil, will push up flower-stems 4 feet in height. H.UiPALU'M lUGiiiUM, when used in sufficient r(uantities, is a very .showy plant for indoor decora- tion. Its bright orange-coloured florets and black disc rtnder its flowers very conspicuous, and as its stems reach a height of 4 feet, they may be used with striking effect in large or small quantities. With plenty of greenery as a background, and a large handful of the stems lied together at the bottom, and the ends encircled with damp green Moss to keep the flowers fresh, a bright bit of colour can be produced for filling up recesses or angles in rooms. No plant is more easy to grow than thi--, and it will thrive in almost any kind of .soil ; its only fault is th.at its roots cannot well be confined to any particular spot ; they have an awkward way of running beneath the surface, and sending up shoots next season some (Sstance away from the old stool. The best way in whiph to grow it for indoor decoration is to plant a mas.s of it in some position where its spreading pro- clivities do nut interfere with otlier subjects. Hydrangeas are hardy flowering shrubs, the blossoms of 'which come just in time to be useful, and where good-sized plants exist they afford large ipiantities of them. The common Hydrangea is perbajis the freest fl(rwert»( but H. panicu'ata and Thomas Hogg are both desirable sorts, the last-named ])roducing white flowers. These plants, when well grown, beai large Jieads of flowers, which are conspicuous in decorative arrangements when useil in sufiicient quantities. They are not quite hardy in all parts of the country, but in all doubtful situations they should be planted pretty close to a wall facing the south or west, and be allowed to grow away from it in their own way. Chrysanthemum Ijeucantliemum thrives anywhere, and its flowers last loDg in good condition, i.e., if the stems are tied up in damp Moss. Large arm- f uls of this may be cut from a few strong plants, which, if they get plenty of sun and air, will grow in any odd corner. Its florets are pure white aiul the disc yellow. MiCH.4Ei.M.\s D.MSiEs are not, as a whole, particu- larly showy, but thoy produce flowtrs so freely on long stems, that they \\ill be found useful where de- corations are carried out on an extensive scale. Arael- lus has \ iolet-purple coloured flowers that are large and showy. Sunflowers are indispensable in decora- tions for large buildings, and they are so easily grown that I need not say more about them. Zinnias, too, are useful where there are t.ables to decorate, as both in form and colour the flowers are good. In neat devices I have always found Sweet Peas to be much valued ; but in order to have them in quantities so late in the summer they require special treatment. The seed should be sown about the middle of May in a trench prepared for it as for Celery. Duriug sum- mer they must be well watered, if the weather is dry, and be sujjported by sticks in the usual way. The seed- pods that succeed the first flowers must in all cases be cut off as soon as they .appear, as thtir production exhausts the plants and stops their flowering. — Field. Yuccas and Ivy for balcony culture.— One of the b.d.ouicH iu rortiuan Square is now .i picture of fresh- ness and leaf beauty, even amid dust and smoke ; the baleony raihngs are covered with gi-acefully drooping Ivies ; three or four plants of Yucea recurvata, too, in ornamental vases, break the formal line of the trellis below and give a finishing touch to the whole .arrangement— one of the best of the kind, by-the-by, that 1 have seen for some time. -H. B. PLANTS IN ROOMS. We have many plants that are well adapted for use as permanent ornaments for apartments, al- though there are but few in general employed for that purpose at present. Among the plants best adapted for the permanent decoration of apart- ments we may mention Ivy, Palms, hard-leaved Ferns, such as Cyrtomium or Niphobolus, and many of the more vigorous-growing American .Aloes or Agaves. The common India-rubber, Ficus elastica, is aho invaluable for indoor decora- tion, as are also many of the Yuccas. For the temporary decoration of saloons, drawing-rooms, or reception-rooms, we have a much larger variety of plants at our disposal. Many of the Palms and Ferns generally cultivated in stoves may be gradu- ally inured to a cooler temperature before removal, and can then be used during mild weather without much injury. Flowering or foliage plants, judi- ciously arranged, are always attractive as indoor ornaments. Hard-leaved plants, as Palms, Ficus, Cycads, and Aralias, are specially adapted for in- door culture or for temporary groups, and can easily be cleaned and refreshed by occasional spongings with clean tepid water. Dust and gas, and excessive aridity in the atmosphere are always, more or less, injurious to all plants, but those we have named will stand better than most others under these unfavourable conditions. We have still much to learn with regard to the indoor uses of plants, and, in this respect, might do worse than imitate the Parisians, or inhabitants of North (iermany, many of whom make room and window gardening contribute much towards the comforts and attractions of home. B. NOTES OF THE WEEK. Alocasia Sanderiana.— Not only is this phmt una of the most d'stinct and effective of the genua, bnt it has the additional rci'uinmeudiition of doing well in a lower tempe- rature than that required by most of the family. It is very effective even in a young state. Griffinia hyacintliiiia.— On this very beautiful old- fashioned plant the variety splendens, now flowering in Mr. Bull's nursery, is a great advance, both in size of flower and in the intense richness of its amohystine petals. It is a plant well deserriug more extended cultivation than it geuerally receives, blooming, as it doe", at a season when flowers are somewhat scarce. Lilium auratum at the National Art Treasures Exhibition, Folkestone. — We have here a fine specimen of Lilium auratum, kindly lent by Mr. J. Lonsdale, of f^^and- gate. It is the produce of one bulb, bought nineteen years ago, and never since disturbed. It is in a tub, and is bearing 4j spites, on which in a few days there will be 315 fully- developed flowers. Last year it bore 275 ilowens.— Uenrv King. Crotons at Holloway.— ("'rotons are often too heavily shaded ; as seen in the \ictoria Xursery, they are most brih liaut— fuuntains and pillars of gold and tire. Here they are staged close to the glass, and therefore fully exposed to tlie sun. They are never shaded, and those whose f'rotons are without colour should adopt this system. It will soon pro- duce a marked dilTurence in their appearance. Lilium tigrinum Leopoldi. -This form is so much better than the ordinary Tiger Lily, that when placed side by side, the latter .suffers greatly by the comparison. Its flowers are larger, and the spots are more conspicuous and richer in colour ; the plants, too, retain their leaves better, a matter of importmce when grown in pots. Large masses of this variety form at present quite a prominent feature in Mr. liuUs nursery at (.'hclsea. A grracef al basket Grass. — Oplismenus intermedins is uuc of the must graceful plants with which we are ac- quainted for decorating hanging baskets, or for edgings to borders or stages in stoves: its soft, green, c-ispate leaves render it very effective. It is not readily crushed or broken, and it affords a pleasing contrast to plants having brightly coloured flowers. For such purposes Mr. Bull uses it with excellent effect. Eucharis Ma star si-— This elegant species, placed in commerce this season by Mr. Bull, undoubtedly rivals in beauty the older and well known E. amazonica, nut on account of its size, for its flowers are smaller than those of amazonica, but from its greater adaptability for button- hole bouque's and shoulder sprays. The flowers, which are of the purest white, are delicately fragrant, and have a refined appearance, just suiting them fur the purpose indicated. Haplocaipa Leichtlini.— Some flowers of this plant have reached us from ]\Ir. Ware, of Tottenham, and we think them extremely pretty. The plant is a Composite, with flowers as large as those of a Doroni- cum, bright yellow inside and stained with purple outside. They are produced singly on stalks nearly a foot high. The leaves are deeply cut, and their under surfaces are quite white. We have no experience of its hardiness, but we imagine that it is quite hardy, judging by the specimen.s before us. Exhibition at Dresden.~A great interna- tional horticultural exhibition, of which the King of Saxony is a patron, is announced to take place at Dresden during the second week of May ne.xt year. It will be held in one of the fine old royal parks close to the city. The schedule embraces 39"2 classes, and about £1000 are offered in prize.«, whicli number aliout 10(10. Special invitations are given to foreign exhibitors, so as to make the show as international as possible. Passiflora vitifolia is a beautiful climber for a warm greenhouse, surpassing all other Passion- flowers in the brilliant scarlet of its large graceful blooms. In a cool house, where, for instance, I*. c^rulea would be at home, tlds spe?ies would not thrive, nor yet would it in a stove ; but on the rojf of a (_'att!eya house, in a warm conservatory, or on the end of a vinery it grows and flowers well. It must have plenty of sunlight too, and, of course, a rich soil with liberal allowances of water in summer. It may now be seen in flower at Kew. Chrysanthemum atratum. — Mr. E. U. Ijoder has sent us a photograph of this plant growing in his garden at Kloore, Weedon. The specimen is 3 feet 8 inches high and as much across, and bears 670 flowers, each 4 inche? In diameter. They are white with yellow centres; in fact, very similar t> those of Leucanthemum maximum, to which the species is nearly allied. It is a native of Central Europe, and is also known as C. ceratopliylloidts. We intend to have an engraNiog made from the photograph. Crimson Cactus Dahlia. — Mr. Hartland, <>f Cork, sends us flowers of a very fine double Dahli?, whii'h, as regards shape, is only comjjarable with the Cactus Dahlia (Yuarezi), though in reality quite different. The flowers, which me:isure about 5 inches across, are of a glowing crimson, and the florets shine with a satiny lustre. It must be an extremely effec- tive sort in the border. Mr. Hartland sends for comparison one called Cochineal, which is not only much smaller and inferior in shipe, but duller in colour. He believes that his large crimson Dahlia has existed in Ireland for many years. Gloxinias at Heatherset.— Tnis collection when we saw it a few davs ago was very fine. Ima'_;ine a thousand plants, each bearing from seven to fourteen flowers, and some idea of the ett'ect pro- duced by them may be formed. They are only in iJ-inch pots, but the blooms in some instances measured upwards of 2 inches in diameter. The kinds in- cluded erect French spotted kinds, English erect forms of every variety and shade of colour, and selfs rich and, in some instauses, new in colour. A badly shaped flower amongst them was an exception. Aristolochia elegans. — This lovely climbing plant, to which allusion was made last week, is not so robust as to require much curtailment in order to keep it within bounds ; on the contrary, it thrives admirably even as a pot plant. Its shoots are slender, its leaves medium sized, green above and slightly glaucous beneath, and from their bases hang in profusion flowers of singular beauty. They are deep velvety purple — in short, neany black, and mottled with creamy white, the throat being golden coloured. Owing to its neat habit, this is a plant which can be grown by everybody, whilst the fact of its blooms being destitute of any evil odours which most of the species possess renders it all the more welcome. Begonia gracilis is a beautiful cool house plant, and should be grown even in gardens where the large- flowered tuberous-rooted kinds are in favour, for, although like these it has a tuberous rootstock, annual stems, fle.shy green leaves and large flowers, it differs in several particulars, whilst in habit it is, as its name Aug. 28, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 187 tlfiiutes, graceful. Fi-Din tliu rootstock several erect, iinbranchetl stems are develi'jicd, .iikI these when abovit 2 feet high bear from the .axils of the leaves tw'o-fiowere'l racemes, .a m.ile and female flower springing from each cnp-like pair of green bracts at the top of the ])ecluncle ; their colonr is a beautifnl crvf^tal rose, ami they are 1 A inches across. jVlong with the 6owers, and produced in the subtending bracts, are clusters of tiny bulbils, which may l)e taken off and preserved ai! seed till spring, or they may be sown at once and thft pots kei't in a cool place till winter is over. K.asily grown, for it thrives only when kept in ,a cool hons^ or frame, easily win- tered, and pi'opagatcd without any trouble, this Jfexi- can Begonia should become a ]>(^pular garden plant. It is sometimes known a"' 1*. Martiana, B. diversifolia and B. annulata. The soil it thrives best iu is sandy peat and leaf -mould. Pancratium speciosum is a majnificent pLant, .a^^d is almost ns easy to grow as an Asjiidistr-a. Its lar^e heads of pure white flowers are not e<|nalled by anv either stove bulb, even I'aicharis being its inferior in this resjiei^t. Kither planted out in a rich border or in larae pits it grows well and never fails to flower. It likes shade, that is, it may be grown under Palms and such like t.all pl.ants without suffer- ing in any w.ay. In addition to the size and beauty of the flowers they have a most fragrant oilonr. Altogether, this ]'lant deserves to be placed in the very first position among useful fetove-flowering bulbs. Spirssa callosa alba. — If this is a white form of Spira-a callosa, it differs from the typr in many other particulars besides the colour of the blo^'m, but, whether the above is its proper classification or not, it is a most beautiful flowei-ing shrub at this season of the year, and under anything like favourable con- dilions it will continue to bloom till frosts set in. I had last year some not very large plants here in bloom from .Tuly till October — surely a long enough peritid. This Spiraea forms a low dense-growing bush, with flattened clusters of |jure white flowers, that are producecl so freely as to almost cover the upper portion of tile plant. The delicate character of the flowers fits them for tnijiloyment in a cut state if gathered just beftire they expand. ' Shropshire Horticultural Society. — The annual summer show of this society was he-Id in the <.>uarry Grounds, Shrewsbury, on August 18 and 10. The exhibits were more numerous than at anv pre- vious show, there being no fewer than 000 different subjects staged in the cottagei's' tfnt alone. Fruit, too, was very extensively shown, and fi>rmed, perh.aps, the most striking feature of the exhibition. The receipts at the gate were very satisfactory; on the second day, when the charges of admission were the popular ones of Is, and (id., no less than £1151 was talten. The very handsome prizes of £9.5, £20, and i'15 for plants, as well as £10 for Grapes, .and £10 for a collection of fruit, provoked keen competition. During the last h.alf-dozen years the society has given upn"ards of £1 430 to Shrewsbury institutions out of its surplus funds. — C'AMEui.iN. Aristolochia trir>audata .and A. ornithoce- ]>l;ala are now flowering freely at Kew, and are re- markable in structure as well as in odour. The former has flower.^ singul.arly like those of a Chima^- roid Masdev.allia ; the sancer-shaped limb with three drooping tails, each 6 inches long, the tawny brown- red colour, and the position of the flowers being not unlike what one sees in iVfasdevallias. The Kew specimen, wliich stands in the Victoria house, is a shrub 4 ftet high, with arching branches from which the flowers hang singly from the leaf axils. A. orni- thocephala, now called brasiliensis, is a verv larcre- flowered kind and climbs half way up the roof of the Palm house, where its bli:)nms would be passed by unobserved were it not for their disagreeable smell. A long-winded name.— Most of us think it sufficient to have to master two long and unfamiliar Latin words as the name for each kind of plant that wo grow, but what U to be thonsht of this string of words fastened em to such a p.ale-faced innocent little plant as (he white-flowered Anthurium, viz., An- Ihurium Scherzerianum album maximum fl,a\eFcens? One wants to take breath in the middle of such a sentence. Pe)ssibly some ipf our nurserymen imagine that a new plant with an imposing name like this will surely attract attention. One e>f the good works of the great Linnaius was to abolish names of the above kiuel for binomial ones, that is, a genetic and a specific name, but it would appear that we are being leel back to the pre-Linnean perioei, or why should such a name be catalogued as the abe)ve ? We will not mention the title of the periodical in which this name appears, but it is a respectable Continental one. Aster Townshendi. — To many, .and even those who gro^v collections of hardy plants; this Aster is a stranger, yet it has been known in lutanic gardens for years. It is etnly lately that nurserymen seem to have discovereel it, as being something worth their notice. It is really a bejiutifnl plant, and we are gliid tet see that Mr. Ware, of Tottenham, thinks highly e)f it. Judging by the specimens he has sent te) us, it succeeds admirably at Tottenham, auel we presume it has pre)ved itself perfectly hardy there. It may lie best described as bein^' in the way of A. Amelhis, but it.s cidour is a bright purple, and the florets are narrower ami more numerous. It may be at once ree^ogiiised by the bristly involucre. It grows a foot or more high, and is floriferous. Montbretia crocosmseflora. — The Xew Plant and Bidl) Company send us from t_'edchester .i series of so-called varieties of this plant, all with different names, but we fail to find any difference amongst them in a cut state, though perhaps they may be distinct in growth. There are six named sorts, .all with flowers of a bright orange red, except erne called Ktoile' de Feu, which has much darker flowers than the others. It seems a pity to multiply names in this way. The Continent.al r.aisers, however, are re- s]jiinsible for it. The names of the sorts sent are Ktoile de Feu, aurea, elegans, Bouejuet Parfait, ])yramidalis, and Grebe d'Or. From the same nursery also Come spikes of W.atsonia Meriana, a showy Cape bulb with bright eirange-scarlet flowers; likewise Antholj ix Cunonia, with curiously sh.aped scarlet flowers. The Butterfly Flower (Asclepias tuberosa). — This is one of the prettiest and most interesting of August hardy flowers, though it is not often that (me sees it grown or flowered well. It is a hardy peren- nial, growing about a foeit high in tufts, eich stem carrying three or more dense clusters of orange-scarlet flowers of curieeus shape. The flowers are intermixed with the foliage, and as the clusters expand from be- low upwards, the plant remains some weeks in bloom. It is reputedly a difficult plant to manage, but in rich and moderately stiff soil it succeeds famously, par- ticidai-ly after warm and dry summers, which suit it admirably. In Mr. Ware's nursery at Tottenham it thrives to perfection, and is now covered with blooms, some specimens of which he sends us for our table. Aquilegia Skinneri. — We have received flowers of this rarely seen Columbine from Mr. Hartland, eif Cork, wdio states that he has a bed of it in full flower for tlie second time this season. To those who do not kneiw the plant it may be best described .as being simdar to A. californica (trunc.ata), andmay probably be only a southern form of that species. The flowers measure ■2>, inches long, including the stamens, which protrude half an inch or more. The sepals are ijreenish yellow, and the petals bright orange-red tipped with greenish yellow. They are spurred in the usual way. The flower-stems grow from H feet to 2 feet high, .and produce an abundance of flowers on slender stalks. It is a most elegant .and pretty plant, and if it could be kept pure, i.e., not hybridised, it would find many admirers. It comes frejm Guate mala, where Mr. Skinner found it in the mountain districts; hence it is almost, if not ipiite, hardy in Knglaud, .ami it seems perfectly so in Ireland. National Chrysanthetnum Society's cata- logue.— About six months ago we intimateil that a sub-committee had been appointed to revise the official catalogue published by this society. That work has now been done, and the result is a handy Ijook of 30 pages — a considerable improvement upon the former edition. The varieties enumerated and described arc divided into ten sections in the follow- ing m.anner ; 1, Incurveel varieties; 2, other incurved varieties not so generally cultivated as the preceding ; 3, Japanese varieties ; 4, other .Japanese varieties not so gener.ally cultivateel as the preceding; 5, reflexed varieties ; 0, large Anemone varieties ; 7, large hybriel Anemone varieties ; 8, Pompon Anemones ; it. Pompons; 10, summer and early autumn varieties. The type used for the varietal names is clear and distinct, .and the descriptieins of all the leading kinds are more fully set forth than hitherto. Considerable pains seem to have also been taken to ensure ortho- graphical accuracy. A noticeable feature of this catale)gue is the addition of the raisers' names in the leading sections ; while the synonyms have been so treated that the grower will be sure to find a flower under any name which it may happen to bear. Disa grandiflora. — From Straffan House, Kil- dare, Mr. Bedford has sent us some fine specimens of three distinct feirms of this grand plant. Of these the finest is that named superba, which has sep.al3 of tlie most vivid scarlet imaginable and the shell-like labellum of a yellowish-white ground veiueel and pencilled with crimson. The second variety is named violascens, so calleel on account of the distinctly violet tinge with which the whole flower is suffused. The sepals are mi>re crimson than those of superba and the lips are tinteel with ros?. The thirel variety has broader sepals than usual, and these are tipped with pale yellow. Lovelier or more distinct varieties of Disa than these we have not seen, and as their stems are over 2 feit high, they have a fine appear- ance. Mr. Bedford states that this year there is at Straffan a group of Disa carrying no fewer than ISO spikes ! Such a striking display as this is rarely seen, even among Orchids. The fact shows that Disa culture is well understood at Straffan. Trees and Shrubs. THE WHITE ALDER. (CLKTUK.i .\L.N I KOU.\. ) What is known as the White Alder of the United States i.s a \'aluable shrub, as it flowers at this season. The Clethras resemble each other so closely, that C. alnifolia may be taken as the type of them all. It forms a rather loose-growing deciduous .shrub, with neat foliage of a pleasing shade of green anel s[)ikes of pure white blossoms. The individual blooms are about one-third of an inch in diameter, and being borne in densely packed spikes from H inches to 5 inches long, they form a goodly display when at their best, and wliere favourably situated will last in bloom a long time. There are several varieties or species to be met with in different lists, the most distinct of which is, perhaps, C. acuminata, but that only differs in the leaves being more pointed than in the other form. Another feature is the pleasing fragrance of the blossoms. The Clethras are natives of the swampy districts of North America, and consecjuently succeed best in a cool, moist, and rather shaeled po.sition — indeed, conditions such as the hardy Azaleas and many other Ericaceie delight in. The White Alder is rather an uncommon shrub in gardens, yet it was intro- duced as long ago as the early years of the last century, and in many places there are spots where it might be successfully gro^vn. It is quite hardy, and another point to bear in minrl regarding it is that the Clethras, differing widely from many of their allies, do not form a dense mass of roots (indeed, they are rather sparing in this respect), and consequently neeel considerable care in re- moval. Though the North American kinds are all closely allied, there is a species very widely removed from any of these, and that is the ever- green C. arborea, a native of Madeira, which con- sequently needs the protection of a greenhouse in this country. It forms a low-growing tree, sug- gesting an affinity to the Arbutus, and bears spikes of deliciously scented Lily of the Valley- like flowers. For large conservatories it is well suited, the dark green foliage being attractive at all seasons, while the floral display occurs about July and August. H. P. Clematis coccinea. — Tliere seems to be a diver- sity of opinion as regards the merits of this plant. 188 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 28, 1886. After a conKiJerable experience ot it, I am convinced tliat individual plants vary greatly as to the attrac- tiveness of their blossoms, &ome being not wortiiy of comparison with others. Among the finest forms that have come nnder my observation is the large plant at the Coombe Wood Nurserj', and a sjieclmen that Howerud a season or two ago in the temperate house at Ivew. Such as these would commend tlie scarlet Clematis to all, but the washed-out flowers that I have occasionally seen woidd as surely con- demn it. A lesson to be learnt from this is, in buying a plant, purchase it if possible when in flower, or at all events go where a good strain exists, — Alpha. VERONICA ANDERSONI. Thls shrubby Speedwell is one of the niost useful plants in cultivation, either for window, conser- vatory, or outdoor decoration. It requires no special care, is evergreen, ornamental in leaf, and beautiful when in flower. It is perhaps best described as a hardy greenhouse or cool conserva tory plant, though it is not by any means so tender as most others grown in these structures, and it will stand with impunity several degrees of frost. In the warmer parts of England it is treated as an outdoor plant or shrub, and it will sur\ ive a mild winter in many favourable parts of Scotland I have seen some specimens of it from 10 feet to 20 feet in diameter and M feet high, grown in ex- posed positions in the Isle of Wight, where they are also extensively used in shrubbery borders and for centres to large flower-beds. In Ireland, many fine specimens of V. Anderson! are grown out of doors, but there the climate is more favourable for such plants than it is with us. AN'hen allowed to grow too vigorously out of doors they soon assume a straggling habit, but when judiciously thinned in spring, and otherwise treated so as to produce moderate growth, they flower and stand vicissi- tudes of weather better than plants that receive more liberal treatment. Should any doubt, how- ever, exist as to tlieir wintering safely, they may be covered with a mat, or protected "by means of a thin thatch of Broom interwoven in a network of rope-yarn, dried Fern, Asparagus straw, I>ea or Bean haulm, or other material of that kind during frosty weather, and uncovered throughout the day, and altogether in mild weather. A mulch- ing of leaves. Cocoa-nut fibre, or litter ought also to be placed over their roots, for by this precau- tion their roots are often saved when their shoots are entirely destroyed, and they break again in spring and form good fresh plants. Out-of-door plants, if left uncut, bloom from .July onwards, but if pruned hard in spring, they form a large quantity of young wood that flowers late, and is often too soft to safely withstand our ordinary winters. Wherever plants of this Speedwell are grown, the sub-soil should be open and porous, permitting a ready escape of all moisture : for, if otherwise, a sickly constitution and soft watery unripe growths will inevitably be the result. Pot culture.— This Veronica forms one of our most accommodating pot plants, and thrives well in a good sandy loam enriched with decayed ma- nure. Pots about 0 inches or S inches in diameter are quite large enough for it, and it enjoys abun- dance of water from the time it starts into growth until it ceases flowering, when the supply should be gradually lessened, though never entirely with- held. In this stage the plants are available for conservatory decoration, or for parlour or window ornaments. For windows, indeed, it is one of the best of plants, for its glossy green leaves, if sponged now and then, always look fresh and green, and its longevity aud floriferous character, under such circumstances, are also recommenda- tions not to be overlooked. It is seen to best advantage when planted out in some good soil in a cool conserxatory or w inter garden. Thus circumstanced, it grows so cpdckly that annual thinning and pruning of the slioots are essential. Here they continue to flower very late in the year, and, being under protection, their blooms always perfect themselves, and are efctremely serviceable where cut llowev-s nro in de- mand. In cutting, remove the flower-spikes only; for if tlie points of the shoots are sacrificed, the plants are checked ; if left undisturbed, they will bloom, grow, and flower almost incessantly. Foil liEUWNO-ouT. — Young plants of this Speed- well make good bedding plants, especially the variegated-leaved sort, which has precisely the same kind of habit as the green-leaved kind, and which is more eftective than that sort in the flower garden, in which it makes a good substitute for variegated Pelargoniums. As a vase plant the variegated variety is also most ett'ective, especially when associated with Creeping Jenny, Trop;co- lums, or Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums, and the plants of it used, both for bedding purposes and for vase decoration, should be lifted and potted in October, and placed in a pit or greenhouse during winter. This Speedwell may be increased readily by means of cuttings of the young shoots slipped off in spring with, if possible, a heel attached to them. Remove the two base leaves and cut the lieel cleanly with a sharp knife, then insert them in silver sand or half sand and half sifted leaf soil, in a brisk heat. Here they must remain for a few weeks till rooted, when they should be lifted and potted into .'iinch pots, and, as they advance in size, they should be shifted as required, until they occupy (iinch pots. Those who have no artificial heat, such as is afforded by hot-water pipes or a manure bed, should not attempt to propagate this Veronica till July, when the young stubby growths may be selected and treated like those of Verbenas, that is, struck in a cold frame. Care ought to be exercised in choosing the shoots ; the points of the strongest young growths have rudnnentary flower-trusses visible at every joint ; consequently, such growths as do not possess these are the most serviceable for producing young plants. W. OLADRASTIS AMUEENSIS. The Yellow Wood ot the United States (C. iinctoria) has been long known in this country, but the C. amurensis is of comparatively recent introduction, and can be still classed with the more rare trees and shrubs. It forms a low-growing, much-branched tree or large shrub, with stout leathery pinnate leaves of a dull green colour. The flowers are borne about the latter half of July or beginning of August in erect, densely-packed spikes. The individual blooms are small and of a whitish hue, their most prominent feature being the profusion in which they are borne, for even a small specimen not more than 0 feet high will, during the blooming season, be quite studded over with its erect spikes of bloom. It appears to hold its own, and flowers well even in hot, dry soils ; inileed, a specimen I recently saw under such condi- tions was so covered with bloom, as to suggest the idea that perhaps such treatment had induced extra floriferousness. It is a native of North-eastern Asia, from which district many plants have been introduced by the Russian botanists, the Cladrastis among the number. This latter is also known as Maakia amurensis. The better-known kind, C. tinctoria, is a native of North America, and, accord- ing to Loudon, was introduced in 1812. It was at that time regarded as a Virgilia, under the name of V. lutea, another ot its synonyms being V. tinctoria. It forms a much-branched tree 20 feet or 30 feet liigh, and bears a profusion of pure white blossoms about the same time as the first-mentioned species. The flowers are more showy than tho-e of C. amurensis, from whicli they differ in being larger, of a purer white, and borne in drooping instead of erect racemts. The rich yellow of its decaying leaves forms a very attractive feature in autumn. The North American Yellow Wood is best suited in a lather waim aud dry soil, as the wood is then well riiicued ard ;v good display of flowers is the result, T. The Guelder Rose (Viburnum Opulus).— The sterile form of this X'iburnum is well known as one of the finest of all (lowering .slirub.s, while the typical species that produces but a few l^arren blossoms towards the outside of the cluster of small fertile blooms, and is consequently far less s'.iowy than its variot) , compensates for this by an autumnal display of fruits, which are bright red in colour, and borne in such profusion as to render a plant of it a very attractive object at the present time. The fact of its berries being now ripe would, indeed, point out that towards the latter part of the summer their brightness would claim recognition. The glowing red colour of the decaying leaves forms a prominent feature of this shrub in autumn. The Guelder Rose (especially the sterile form) is, like the Lilac and Flowering Currant, everybody's shrub, for it will thrive under widely ditferent treatment, though the con- ditions most favourable to its full development are a fairly good holding soil in not too dry a situation. It possesses the great merit of being thoroughly hardy. — H. P. Elseag'nus hortensis.— This South European shrub forms a cimspicuous feature in the landscape from the bright silvery hue of its foliage, which is still more noticeable when the long slender shoots arj stirred by the summer's breeze. The under surfaces of the leaves are by far the brightest, so that when moved by the wind an everchanging effect is pro- duced. It will grow well even in light sandy soils ; indeed, the foliage is then brighter than when in a damper spot. Many of the J.apanese species of EUe.ignus are evergreen, but this is deciduous, though the leaves are retained well into the autumn. The fruits are not freely produced, and even when b)rne their brownish colour does not render them so con- spicuous as those of a nearly allied genus, viz., Hippophie rhamnoides, whose bright orange-coloured berries are borne in the greatest profusion ; indeed, when in a thriving condiiion the twigs are often densely packed for about a foot with these berries, and being terminated by the cm-reut year's shoots, that retam their silvery leaves well on into the winter, have a very jjleasing effect. Though it will thrive well inland, the Sea Buckthorn, as this Hippophae is called, forms a good seaside plant. — T. The Mountain Ash.. — This poiralar tree already makes a goodly show with its berries, not only under the most favourable conditions, but also when in wild and exposed spots, aud as a direct contrast to that, even in the smoke of towns, wh;re in many cases the coral-red berries serve to lighten up sonic otherwise diill and sombre spot. The Mountain Ash, indeed, is well worthy the attention of planters f.)r ornament, as it is perfectly hardy, by no means par- ticular as to soil or situation, and is very handsome in foliage, flower, and fruit, as well as in the gener.al contom* of the specimen. In spring just as the young foliage is developed, and the tree studded with clusters of white blossoms, it arrests attention as a most ornamental object, while, as above mentioned, this is surpassed in autumn when the fruit is ripe. There is also a variety with yellow berries, which i-i somewhat uncommon, but none the less valuable from an otnamental point of view. Besides the above noted qualities the wood of the Mountain Ash or Rowan is fine-grained, hard, and may be used for a variety of purposes. — Alpha, The Oak in the landscape, — The colour of tlie Oak in the landscape, .'ays an artist, aihnits of a great variety of tints iiiduceil by change of season, from the tender and emeiukl hues of spring to tlie deeper IdooHi of suiiiiner, a:id the rich and glowing lints of autumn. An astonisliiiig diversity of colour is efirecte feet or 20 feet in circumference of stem. The branches spread horizontally, the laterals being very numer- ous, slender, and drooping, and densely clothed with rigid, incurved, sharply mucronate, deep green leaves from 1 J inches to 2 inches in length. The cones are nearly cylindrical, .li inches long, li[ inches in diameter at the thickest part, with broad, entire, rather thick, shining brown scales. The seeds are brownish-black, small and light, nearly 2."),0U0 being contained in a pound weight. Since its introduction this Spruce has been widely spread over the country as an ornamental tree, proving itself thoroughly hardy in most districts, although, in common with many other Conifers, it commences to grow before spring frosts are past, and forms a remarkably handsome lawn or park specimen of neat, conical habit, and in height, that on the northern side having a trunk-diameter of 2 feet 3 inches at a yard from the ground, and with a spread of branches 2.T feet in diameter, the lower ones of which almost rest on the ground. These trees are in excellent health, as the well-furnished stems and abundance of dark green foliage amply testify, and, judging from their present rate of growth, will in years to come, should no accident befall thera, beamongst thefinest specimens of their kind on the estate. " The soil is rather damp, fibry loam with a porous subsoil, and the aspect northeastern. Cones have been borne in quantity, usually every second season, for the past ten years, but owing to the absence of male flowers the seeds are of no value for reproductive purposes. They ripen in February of the follow- ing year after being produced and then fall to the ground, so that in the case of this Spruce it is not necessary to pull the cones from oft' the trees, as, owing to the compactly arianged scales, the seeds do not come out when the cones are shed. 190 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 28, 1886. Another fine tree that also bears cones in abund- ance stands on the lawn near the entrance to the kitchen garden and within a few yards of the drive. As in the trees just described, the fine drooping spray is, in the one in question, shown off to perfection, and being backed up with tall shrubs on the gently rising ground, the peculiar habit of growth is distinctly observable. As a woodland tree we have also some experience with this Himalayan Fir, for in the formation of a plantation twenty-eight years ago alongside the London and North- Western Railway, between Bangor and Aber Stations, numbers of these trees were planted out experimentally, more, how- ever, as contrast trees than for their ultimate value as timber-producers. As plenty of room was at all times allowed, these have grown into fine clean specimens of about 40 feet in height, and well branched for about three-fourths their length. When thinning the wood in which they occur some eight years ago, I must own that I was as agreeably surprised with the quality of the wood of this Spruce as I was disajipointed with that of the Weymouth Pine (Pinus Strobus), for the former was sound, clean, and heavy, while that of the latter was core-rotten in almost every case; indeed, it was with dilliculty that I procured suffi- cient as a sample of the wood grown on this estate. In its native country the timber is but little thought of, being extremely soft, though clean and easily worked, but very peiishable. Sir J. D. Hooker, in his " Himalayan .Journals," says that this Spruce "has white wood employed for fiosts and beams." I suppose it can hardly be that the quality of wood grown in Britain is superior to that in its native country, yet my observations and notes on that produced at Penrhyn certainly lead me to believe that, as far as appearance goes, it seems quite equal to wood of the common Spruce, but weightier in trees of equal age. The soil in the above woodland where this tree was planted ex- perimentally is gravelly loam, of by no means the best quality, but such as retains moisture even during prolonged drought. When planted in dry, sandy soil, in too exposed situations or too confined positions, I have always noticed that the growth is slow, the foliage thin, and the whole tree wanting in that distinct and beautiful appearance which is so characteristic of it when suitably placed both as regards soil and site. It is readily propagated by seed, by cuttings or by grafting, but as seed is now readily ob- tained and at a cheap rate, this method of raising young stock should alone be resorted to, as cuttings or even grafted plants are never so satisfactory, the disinclination to form a permanent leading shoot being always observable. A. J). Webster. Large Eastern Plane. — Sir John Ogilvy, of Kempshott Park, Basingstoke, writes to us as follows regarding a fine specimen of this Plane : "I think I once mentioned to you that the largest Oriental Plane I had ever seen was at Charlton Park, Malmesbury, the seat of the Earl of Suffolk. I have since seen the tree again, and it may in- terest you to hear that at 3 feet from the ground it measures 17 feet in cireumfei-ence, that it has a beautiful clean stem of many feet, and a splendid head. I mention all this, as I do not think I am wrong in the belief that, like myself, you are a lover of fine trees." SHORT NOTES.— TREES AND SHRUBS. Dracaena australis.— Tliis seems tn thrive in the grounds at Xctley Fort, and we \iudcrstand that some of the Australian Tree Feins are to lirive a fair trial in the wooded glades there, (lood spceinicns of these have a eharniing appearance in a g.arden. — W. 11. C. Hardiness of Japanese Maples.— Of this I have had frn-thci- proof. The effect of frost-bite is often not ■visible till svuumer, but none of my plants has suffered ; on the contrary, they are growing vigorously on stiff loam. — Otto Forster, L(^h''nhof. White Beam Tree (Pyrns Aria). — Some fine examples of this tree may be seen in the grounds of Netiey Fort, Southampton ; the snowy whiteness of the imder surf.aces of the leaves contrasts strikingly with the dark green of the upper portions, especially when rippled by the wind.— H. G. AUTUMN-FLOWERING SIJRUBS. A FEW additions may with advantage be made to the list of autumn-tiowering shrubs given in The Garden (p. 141), the most important of which I take to be the following : Aralia spinosa — this is a stout-growing shrub, which quickly reaches a height of a dozen feet and produces suckers so freely as to soon form a large mass. Its huge tri- angular leaves are much divided, and the whole plant has a stately and subtropical aspect. It is, however, on account of its flowering properties that I have noted it here. The blooms are ter- minal and borne in large pyramidal much-branch- ing panicles. Though the flowers are individually but small and greenish white in colour, yet they are borne in such huge clusters as to have a most imposing appearance, especially when the foliage is in good condition. This Aralia possesses the merit of being readily increased by means of suckers, that may often be detached with a few fibres adhering to them, while cuttings made of the roots quickly form plants ; indeed, having occasion last year to remove a specimen of this Aralia, I was astonished at the number of young plants that sprang up from pieces of the severed roots that had been left in the ground. Des- modium penduliflorum must also be included amongst autumn-Howering plants, as it will often Hower till cut olf by frost. The stems die nearly to the ground after flowering, but a number of stout buds at the base break away freely in spring, and quickly develop into long slen- der wand-like shoots, the upper part of which is terminated by great numbers of closely packed Pea-shaped rosy purple blossoms. A single speci- men of this Desmodium forms, when in bloom, a most beautiful object; it is, however, sometimes injured by early autumn frosts unless placed in a sheltered position. Closely allied to it is Lespe- deza bicolor, which about the end of August or beginning of September becomes quite a mass of bright purplish blossoms. It forms a round bush a yard or so high, and though when in bloom very attractive, it lacks the graceful character of the Desmodium. Hydrangea paniculata grandi- flora must be included in any selection of shrubs that flower during the latter part of the summer and in autumn. It is a plant that succeeds best under liberal treatment, and if, in planting a mass or clump of it, a fair amount of manure be in- corporated with the soil, its effects will be visible in the size and profusion of the blooms, as well as in the deeper tint of the foliage. Its large heads of creamy white blossoms acquire a distinct reddish hue before they decay, particularly when fully exposed to sunshine. Clerodendron tricho- tomum is interesting as being a hardy re- presentative of a family chiefly consisting of tender plants, and valuable from its autumn- flowering propensities. It forms a free, bold- growing bush, furnished with large rough heart- shaped leaves and panicles of white blossoms. Its most conspicuous feature, however, is its bright-coloured calyx, which in the species under notice is of a reddish hue. It is an effective shrub from a foliage point of view alone, but it should not be planted in too exposed a position, as the wind is apt not only to disfigure the leaves, but also to break off' some of the weaker branches. It is a native of Japan, and may be increased to almost any extent by means of root cuttings; in- deed, I had once occasion to remove an established specimen of it, and, as in the case of the Aralia, quite a crop of young plants sprang up from small pieces of the roots. Leycesteria formosa is also a pretty flowering shrub at this season, and the showy plume-like blossoms of the Tamarisk are often in good condition till quite the end of the summer. Darwin's Barberry will frequently give an autumnal crop of bloom, as, indeed, will some other shrubs at times. Spir*a ariiufolia, included in the list above alluded to of autumn or late summer-flowering shrubs, must be, I think, a mis- print for S. Lindleyana, which blooms after the flowers of S. arisefolia are all over. The latest flowering Spinea with me, however, is the small S. callosa alba, which flowers sometimes till the end of October. The Wych Hazel, that bears its curiously shaped blossoms on leafless branches, flowers about the end of November. Many kinds of Ceanothuses, too, bloom beautifully in the autumn, one of the best of which just now is the hybrid variety called Gloire de Versailles. T. Fruit Garden. DWARF APPLE TREES V. STANDARDS. The question is continually being asked. What can I plant to induce my land to pay a fair rent? Well, I should not hesitate long. Whether I had one acre to plant or one thousand, I should plant Apples of the very best kinds grown. While we hesitate to plant a few acres from fear of not being able to dispose of them, American and colonial growers are planting thousands of acres specially for shipment to Europe. Now there can bu no question as to the soil and climate of Britain being specially favourable for the pro- duction of first-class Apples. It lias been proved over and over again at our autumnal fruit shows that our home growers can hold their ground against all comers as regards quality. Now, the first question that crops up when planting is proposed is, AVill it pay '/ My own experience is that landlords could not do better tlian encourage the planting of Apple orchards. But for occupiers to do so without long security of tenure would be folly. No class of the community works harder than growers for market, but their energy is re- stricted to crops the benefits of which they can realise. I have myself seen cases of ruined fortunes through occupiers being compelled to give up possession befoi-e their trees had repaid half the cost of planting. It is to owners of land, therefore, we must look to do the planting, at least for some time. Happily, we have some notable examples in fruit-growing counties of the possibility of land- owners improving their estates by planting orchards, and if a correct return of the yearly sales of orchard crops was kept and published, I feel sure that in nrany counties where orchards are now but seldom met with they would soon become plentiful, for where laid down with Grass the whole of the feed is got for nothing, as well as a good percentage on outlay and expenses. Why should Kent and a few other counties monopolise the Apple growing of the kingdom ? Surely there are other soils and situations quite as favourable as Kent for Apples, and if one were going to supply our large markets it matters little where we reside ; the main thing would be to get land of good quality where rents were low. In Sussex there are some grand situations for orchards. In fact, all the southern parts of the kingdom are full of most eligible positions for Apple growing. It is a mistake to suppose that only deep, rich soils will produce Apples to pay. If the question was timber growing, there, would be no doubt as to strength and depth of soil being required ; but as to Apples, I have proved to my own satisfaction that there are a good many ways in which they may be profitably grown, and a good many forms of tree besides li-foot-stem standards; productive though the latter may be in the fertile valleys of Kent, we have no use for them here, for the closer we keep our Apples to the ground the better. In the light warm soils of the south coast our dwarf bush Apples are most fruitful ; they make short- jointed wood, which gets thoroughly ripened, and, therefore, they hardly ever fail to produce a crop, this year being no exception. The dwarfs this season are loaded, but the old and, as a rule, neglected orchard trees are very thin in the way ot fruit. These dwarfs, however, belong to the popular free-bearing kinds that have gained a reputation during the past few years for freedom and certainty of cropping. The ground around their roots is well cultivated and enriched, and I feel sure that for shallow soils dwarf Apples are the ones to plant. It is useless to expect fine fruit from any ■ kind of tree if its roots cannot find sutticient food, and that cannot be had if bush fruits, such as Currants or Gooseberries, grow Auo. 28, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 191 close up to their stems, the roots of both Apple trees and bush fruits struggling for the mastery. Under such circumstances small imperfectly developed fruit in both cases is the result. If I were starting an Apple orchard that for quantity and quality per acre would beat any- thing yet attempted on a large scale, I would have the soil well trenched, plant dwarf bushes 10 feet apart each way, and, beyond a row or two of Potatoes for the first three years, I would take no other crop whatever from the ground. I am convinced that if first-class Apples arc required, they must have no competitors ; a row of Currant bushes will take more nutriment from the soil than the Apples, and the loss by the latter will be more than the gain by the Currants. I have carefully noted the returns from bush trees that have a clear run of good soil for their roots, and that get enriched with manure in the shape of mulching every year, the old dressings being forked in, and I can safely say that if Apples do not pay for undisturbed possession of the soil, they will not do so in partnership with any other fruit. The best form of tree to plant is one year-old maidens ; they are now sold cheaply by the hundred or thousand, and if planted in Novem- ber, can be cut down to any desired height the following JIarch. The saving of expense in plant- ing maidens in lieu of bushes ready formed will be considerable, and as they will occupy but little space the first year, Potatoes might be cultivated between them with success, but exhausting green crops should be avoided. I feel sure that if one requires Apples free from blemish and of full size, the trees must never suffer from lack of nutri- ment. After the third year the bushes will ocoujiy all the ground profitably, and must be kept short- ened in annually, so as to allow ample space to work amongst them. The produce of bush Apple trees is of the best quality, being fully exposed on all sides to sun and air. The trees, too, are easily accessible for purposes of pruning, thinning the crop, or gathering the fruit, and if our homo growers would maintain their position in our markets they must bo prepared to grow the very best fruit that can be produced. As to varieties, that matter must be regulated by the object in view, /.t., whether it is intended to send the produce to market direct from the tree, or to store it for sale at a later period. There appears to me to be a good opening for anyone who would grow the best late sorts to compete with foreign grown Apples in the early spring months. Gosport. J.\MEs Groom. Busll Apple trees. — Almost every year the bush trees which h ere planted several years ago in the kitchen garden at Maiden-Erleigh produce good crops ; though full of fruit last yeir, nearly all seem to be b<^aring well again thi.s season. Nearly all the best kinds grown are there, and their fruits bid fair to be very fine and handsome. All the trees are on the broad-leaved Paradise stock, and are annually well mulched with manure. Trees of this kind are, witli- out doubt, very profitable. They stand at ample distances apart on the margins of the cross walks, and, therefore, do not interfere at all with the cropping. A few dozens of such trees are of great value in a garden where ro:>m for them can be found. —A. D. SHORT NOTES.— FRUIT. Cold district Stra-wberries.— In many gai-dens in Lancashire I have found, without exception, that the so- called Due de MalakofE has been Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury. And I fancy that is the kind, judging by descrip- tion, to which Mr. Bird alludes in Thf Garden list week (p. liil).— jAiiEs Smith, WaterdaUj St. II>h'n.<. Peaclies. — These are abundant in the garden hero thi.s year. We are now gatherincr from open w.alls Alexander and Early Beatrice ; they both ripened at the same time to the day, and both are growing within a few y irds of each other. Alexander is certainly much the larger of the two and beautifully coloured. Hale's Ej^rly will soon follow ; we find it, as near as possible, a fortnight later than either of the kinds j ust named. The next to follow will be Dr. Hogg, an excellent Peach and one which should be in every collection, and, of cour.se, the main crop follows. We have found no- thing to surpass Sea Eagle .as a September Peach. It comes in well between Bellei^arde and Late .\dmirable, and Salwey ends the season.— G. Harris, SitigUtOfi, Sirtinna. VINERIES IN AUTUMN. It must not be supposed that now when Grapes are ripe or have reached the ripening stage they may be neglected with impunity ; on the contrary, much more depends upon the autumn treatment of the Vines than many are perhaps aware. A heavy crop of Grapes— and most of us rarely fail to tax the full strength of the Vines— proves most exhausting to them, and but for their capacity to recoup their strength before the foliage falls, failures would be even much more sudden and general than they are now. Those who will take the trouble to examine their Vine borders soon after the crops of I! rapes are perfected will find that the roots are then most active. If they are not, then the Vines are in a poor [ilight, and nothing short of lifting the principal portion of the roots and relaying them in fresh compost will restore them to good health and vigour. Hundreds of Vine borders require this radical treatment, but in many cases this would have been unnecessary if they had not been neglected in the autumn. At this time of year the inside borders of early houses especially cannot well be overdone with moisture and manure. Much more, in fact, may be given wdth safety than would be safe or bene- ficial early in the season. It would really seem that a crop of Grapes is very frequently prin- cipally the result of the Mnes' power of storing up food cluring the autumn previous, as it is very certain many Vines form very few fresh feeding fibres till after the Grapes are matured. It follows, if we neglect them in the autumn, the crops the next season will fall off in value at a corre- sponding rate. Sometimes it happens that roots ramble away in search of moisture and food, and finding this they do not so soon collapse. Unfortunately, it is usually outside of the house where the roots find a feeding ground which may or may not be suitable to them. The consequence is the expensive inside border is comparatively useless, and in time the roots that have rambled away get into a badly drained sub- soil, shanking, imperfectly ripened wood, and other evils being the natural result. It is not a very great amount of water and liquid manure that an inside or an outside border in a dry season requires after all, and no one need be frightened or misled by growers, most successful as these may be, who give statistics of the weight of water annually applied to a border. Many thousands of gallons of water may sometimes be necessary, but not if the borders were prevented from becoming unduly dry. It may be gratifying to gome culti- vators to see the water running freely from the drains, but I hold that so much water passing through a border is wasteful in various ways and altogether uncalled for. At no time ought a bor- der to become dust-dry, that being both injurious to the Vines and the reverse of economical. A hundred gallons of water applied before the bor- ders are dry will do more good than a thousand gallons on a dry border. Sly plan is to anticipate dryness, and in this manner a very small quantitj' of water suttices. Liquid manure is simply thrown away on a dry border ; if necessary, I would moisten the soil with clear water, after which it would be in a fit condition to absorb the manure. We give liquid manure any time before the Grapes are ripe, and again much stronger in this instance after they are cleared from the Vines. At one time we w-ere able to command plenty of farmyard liquid manure, than which there is nothing better; now we have to depend upon artificials, such as sulphate of ammonia and kainit, two parts of the latter to one of sulphate, applied at the rate of 2 ozs. to .3 gallons of water. We also find an occasional surfacing of Thomson's Vine manure to be highly beneficial. A friend of mine, Mr. Gibson, of Draycot Manor, W'ilts, speaks most favourably of .Jensen's fish manure, this attracting the roots to the surface, and appa- rently greatly benefiting the Vines. Another suc- cessful cultivator, Mr. R. Phillips, practising near Gravesend, in Kent, annually gives his Vines an autumn dressing of night soil, this very powerful and excellent manure being washed in with copious supplies of rain water. The result speaks well for the efficacy of the manure, as the crops that I have seen at difl'erent times were exceptionally heavy, the bunches being above the average size and well finished. I could give several more instances of the value of good autumn attention, if more were needed, to indicate the necessity for liberal treatment at that time of year. All the time the leaves are fresh and green root-action is, or ought to be, going on briskly, and there are very few borders that are sufficiently rich to support the Vines without occasional sup- plies of manure of some kind. Many attach too much importance to the value of turfy loam for a border. For the first season or two this may con- tain all that the Vines require, but according to my experience it is soon exhausted, and is not long capable of sustaining heavy crops without extraneous assistance. Besides, it does not hold moisture nearly to such an extent as a compost more rich in humus does, and consequently a border composed principally, or, let us say, en- tirely, of turfy loam requires more water and manure than a richer mixture. TiiK HKowTii .\BOVE GROUND must also be equally well attended to if success is to be made sure. A plentiful supply of red spider or thrips is bound to impoverish the Vines, absorb- ing sap that ought to be expended in the forma- tion of plump buds and the spread of the roots, and they should, therefore, be exterminated as much as possible. A coating of flowers of sulphur effectually checks red spider, and as soon as the \'ines are cleared of bunches they should be attended to. We place a good handful of the sulphur in a muslin bag, and well work it through into about three gallons of soft water, in which manner it mixes well and can be readily distributed over the foliage with a syringe. If one application is insuffi- cient, another should be given after the first has dried. Red spiders can make no pi-ogress where sulphur abounds, and are soon rendered harmless. Thrips may I e destroyed by occasional fumiga- tions, care being taken not to injure the foliage with the liot fumes, and a decoction of soft soap and tobacco water, or soft soap and Quassia chip.", answers equally as well. Some growers unhesi- tatingly syringe their Vines in the autumn with paraffin and water, applied at the rate of 2 oz. to a gallon of water, in which a small lump of .soft soap has been dis.solved. This has to be kept constantly stirred to prevent the oil from collect- ing on the top, the usual plan being to discharge one syringeful on to the foliage and the next back into the can. Sulphur may be distributed over the Vines before the bunches are all cut, as it may be washed off them by the aid of water running strongly from a tap or pump without disturbing the bloom. In the case of thrips-infested Vines, no insecticide must be applied till the bunches are cut, or they are bound to be disfigured, but the fumigation will not long affect them, the skins of the berries not being porous or absorbent. Much may be done with the sponge if the insects are not allowed to spread all over the house before the attempt is made to destroy them. Mealy bug is not very injurious to the foliage, this most objec- tionable insect seemingly preferring to effect a lodgment in the centre of the bunches, which it quickly spoils. Hand-picking is a good remedy, and a good force of water will sometimes clean bunches, after they are cut, sufficiently well for the table. At the same time we should much prefer to keep unattacked, mealy bug being the nastiest pest that can get on Vines or any other plant. Mil- dew once established in a vinery is very difficult to eradicate, and I have known instances where a wholesale clearance of the house was necessaiy before it could be stamped out. The border and Vines were cleared out, the woodwork painted, and the walls whitewashed, and after that a fresh start was made with the best of results. It is a very insidious disease, and the present season is very favourable to its spread. Where it is not so badly established as to necessitate a wholesale clearance I should advise that the borders be examined, and if found very dry, as they pro- bably are, be given a good soaking with clear 193 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 28, 1886. water, followed with liquid manure. A little fire- heat should also be turned on, and abundance of air given whenever the weather permits. In addition, the affected parts should be syringed frequently with a mixture prepared as follows ; Take a pound of jjowdered quicklime and a pound of flowers of sulphur, mixing them together with sufficient water to form a paste, after which a gallon of soft water should be added, and the whole boiled in an iron saucepan or kettle for twenty minutes. When cool and settled, pour oflf the clear portion of it and store it in a bottle for future use. About one-quarter of a pint to three gallons of soft water is usually sufficient, but it may be used stronger if necessary. This solution was long ago recommended to me for the extinc- tion of mildew on Roses, but it is equally valuable for mildew-infested Vines and also tor Peach trees. Ripening the wood. — It will, I think, be generally admitted that the best bunches are pro- duced on the most perfectly ripened wood, and it should therefore be everybody's aim to ripen the growth to the best of their ability. Not only do we get the most compact bunches, as well as a greater number to select from, on the least pithy wood, but well ripened canes are the most durable, and are especially desirable for laying the foundation of serviceable rods. Overgrown sappy rods will do well for a time, but they are very liable to come to a standstill in after years, and, owing to the excessive amount of pith formed in the early stages of growth, are almost certain to contract, thus rupturing the sap-vessels, an evil very frequently followed by shanking. Anyway, whether I am right or wrong in my opinion on this point, we may safely assert that it is a decided advantage to ensure well-ripened wood. The state of the border, or rather the roots, has much to do with the perfect ripening of the young growth, as when Vines are rooting in a cold or unsuitable soil no amount of firing, sunshine, or air will have the desired effect. Very badly-ripened wood is a sure sign that the border requires to be seen to and the roots brought up into better soil. At the same time much may be done above ground. Plenty of air both at the top and bottom both night and day, and fire-heat in dull or wet weather, greatly assist in the ripening of both the crop and the wood, this being especially necessary where the vineries are situated in a valley. Here, for in- stance, we experience the greatest difficulty in one vinery, both as regards keeping the Grapes and also in ripening the wood, the house having been built very many years and in the lowest part of the garden, or nearly on a level with a piece of water. Our plan is to heat the flues in dull weather, giving plenty of air and the Vines plenty of room; but it is over the flues where we get the best bunches, and it is there they keep best. At no time do we encourage the growth of much superfluous foliage, and in the autumn espe- cially all sub-laterals are kept closely pinched out. In this way plenty of light and air plays about the foliage and wood, and other conditions being also favourable, good crops are the re- sult. It is no economy to be unduly sparing of the fire-heat, not only in the early houses, but especially in the houses where Alicantes, Lady Downes, Muscat of Alexandria, Gros Colmar, Golden Queen, Mrs. Pince, and other heat-loving sorts are being ripened off'. Without plenty of fire-heat none of these will form much saccharine matter, even in our presumably favoured neigh- bourhood, and without this they keep badly. The black sorts colour well without tire-heat, but flavour is also wanted, and that we must have, or uncomplimentary remarks might be heard. Fire- heat without a good circulation of air is harmful. What is wanted is plenty of dry air, and if this is not ensured the wood ripens indifferently, and the Grapes also keep badly. Wasps, luckily, are very scarce indeed hereabouts — never more so per- haps at this time of year, and no steps are thought necessary to keep them out of the vineries. When they are very troublesome, we were at one time obliged to cover all the openings both at the top and bottom of the house with canvas, but this. although it keeps the wasps out of the house, also greatly interferes w ith the free circulation of air to such an extent as to cause " sweating," the warm moist air inside of the house condensing on the cold berries. If this is allowed to happen many times it soon damages the skins of the berries, and then it is a case of good-bye to the crop. Those muslin bags we often see enclosing bunches of Grapes are especially to be avoided. IJetter let the wasps have their fling than lose the crops wholesale by rotting. Not merely is it necessary to open all the ventilators as much as possible in warm weather, but the doors should also be set open, birds being kept out by nets. Wasps, what few there are, may easily be kept down by the use of Davis's Improved Wasp Destroyer. Last season we placed for trial a few drops of this mixture on berries partly eaten by wasps, and the effect was simply marvellous. It soon attracts any there are in the house and stupifies them. Their death struggles and peculiar hum would appear to scare away the rest — at any rate I have no other explanation to offer for the strange disappearance of our wasps. It reads rather like a testimonial to a quack medicine, but there are plenty beside myself who can give similar experi- ence, as it is no new thing in the west of England. W. I. M. Somerset. APPLES AND APPLE ORCHARDS. As the past two seasons have given us good crops of Apples, and as the trees are in many cases this year only carrying light crops, I think we ought to turn the lesson thus taught us to some useful account. Except that the trees have become exhausted through the production of two or three continuous heavy crops, there is nothing particular — at least, so far as .Somerset is concerned — to which the present season's comparative failure can be attributed. The weather during the time when the trees were in bloom was not particularly unfavourable, although cold ; but we have known the trees to pass through a much more critical period and yet mature good crops. It is, therefore, clear that the trees have become exhausted, and that Nature is asserting her right by giving them a rest in order to recruit their strength. Where the orchard is large and the crop heavy, it is almost impracticable to thin the fruit so as to reduce the striin upon the tree ; but in gardens where the trees are but few the case is different. It is quite prac- ticable in that case to thin the fruit nn bush or pyramid trees, and also on cordons and espaliers, and where thinning is systematically done every year, there is much greater certainty of getting annually a crop. We have proved this to be so in the case of pyramid trees on which this attention has been bestowed ; they have borne regularly for these past eight ye.ars, not alw.ays full crops, but they Lave uever faileii altogether, especially those that are pretty reliable bearers. As to sure bearing Apples, did anyone ever know either the old or the new form of Hawthornden to be quite destitute of fruit after the trees had reached a bearing size ? I do not remember such a circumstance, although I have known both sorts for more than thirty years ; almost as much may be said in favour of Lord Suffield and Cellini, both of which are well known to bear more or less every year. I do not claim for these sorts any siiperior merits in other respects, but for culinary purposes they aie very useful in furnishing a supply of fruit from August up to Christmas. Em- peror Alexander is another sort which has borne regularly with us for several years past. The trees are growing in a large bush form about 10 feet in height ; the branches have all the young growth cut back to a spur every autumn, and the roots are pruned when we find that the growth is getting too strong. This is a culinary Apple in use in December, and it is very large and showy. Keswick Codlin is another autumn Apple that bears pretty regularly, as do also the Dutch and Manks Codlins. Flower of Kent is a very reliable sort for use in January. Prince Albert (Lane's) is likewise a most useful Apple and a trustworthy bearing sort. It keeps well until March. There are not many reliable bearers amongst dessert kinds. Ribston Pippin, King of the Pippins, and Cox's Orange Pippin are the best ; Reinette du Canada and Margil are the next best bearers. Amongst culinary kinds there are several which, although not bearing regularly full crops every year, yet bear pretty regularly, notably Cox's Pomona, Court of Wick, Jolly Beggar, and Alfriston. The last is one of the largest snd best of culinary Apples. With regard to the selection of sorts to plant in orchards, it is necessary to pay more attention than lias hitherto been done to the character of the situa- tion, /.c, whether it is exposed or sheltered. Only close-growing sorts are suitable for exposed positions. Mop-headed trees, as they are commonly called, of which the Forge Apple and Tom Putt are tj-pes, are the best to choose for orchards that are much exposed to wind. They do not reach a great height, and the branches naturally grow so closely together that wind has comparatively little power over them. Many would probably be surprised at the amount of loss that a rough night's wind often causes in the end of September in some of the Apple orchards in the western counties where choice fruit is grown. I have known high wind to destroy as much fruit in a few hours as would have half-paid the rent nf a 10-acre orchard. The sorts chiefly grown in this instance were the Blenheim Orange, but, unfortunately, the site is exposed on all sides but the north, and is some- what elevated, which renders this sort of Apple wholly unsuitable for the position. Equally bad is it to plant low-growing or spreading varieties in the most stieltered places, which should be kept for large open-headed trees, th.-it produce the largest and best fruit. Large open-headed trees are apt to start away from the stem with some half dozen main branches, which, if left unpruned, continue to increase in length and only form a few intermediate branches. The consequence is, wind has full power over every branch. I'his condition might have been easily altered if, afcer the tree had been planted two years, all the branches had been cut bick to within 2 feet or 3 feet of the stem, according to their number. This would have induced the branches so dealt with to push out three or four laterals, thus giving a sufficient number of branches to form the groundwork of a well-furnished head. It is quite necessary to head some trees back about the fifth or sixth year after planting — (*.c, if a well-balanced head is desired, and desired it should be. for it is not encouraging to see the best fruits down under one's feet when we go out to gather them. I do not expect that losses from wind can be altogether prevented, hut I am satisfied that a judicious selection of suitable forms of trees for particular siies, and careful pruning on the lines sug- gested, will do much to mitigate the evil. ^ ° J. c. c. Farleigh Prolific Damson. — This remarkable D.imson is producing on standard trees a grand crop here this season. Now that the fruits have coloured they are seen so densely set upon the branches as to excite wonder how they can cari'y them. Such a crop can hardly be looked for every year, but it is worthy of note that no other Damson fruits so freely or is so hardy. Now that real heavy cropping has set in, I think it is very probable that similar resulls will follow in alternate years. The trees would be helped here by receiving a thorough soaking of rain. The soil is very dry, and it is marvellous that, under such circumstances, good growth and a heavy crop should be so well sustained. — A. D. Ripening the wood of fruit trees. — This is an important matter just now, and though it is in a great measure dependent on the sunshine we get, yet a good deal may be done to help the process. All surplus summer growth should be cut away at once, in order to give the sun a chance to reach every bud on the tre3 to enable it to perfect its development so that it may bear good fruit. In the case of wall trees that have been mulched, the manure may be raked off now to let the sun into the border. Warm- ing up the roots a bit at this season has a great influ- ence on the ripening of the wood and buds. There has been lately an abundance of rain, so that it is not likely that even late Peaches will need any mois- ture beyond what will come to them naturally after this date. Figs are ripening well on wa'ls and the crop Aug. 28, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 193 is a full one ; therefore every shoot and leaf not required should be removtd. Though Apricots have not borne much fruit, the trees are healthy, .ind there is a good prospect for next year. There has been less branch-dying this season than usual, at least so far as I have observed. I think if culti\ators could be con- tented with moderate progress from the first, and in good seasons thinned off more of the fruit than they do, there would be less branch-failing and le?s gumming. When young trees are planted in rich soil, perhaps loosely packed in the borders, they make wood more rajiidly than is consistent with a long and healthy life. — E. Hobday. nation or Picotee never fails to please as a button- hole flower, and for this purpose it is impossible to have them too good or plentiful. J. MriR. Marijam Park, Port Talbot. Flower Garden. COMMON HYORANGEA. Whkbe this succeeds well the help it gives in making a show at this time of year is very con- siderable. It is efsentially a wood or wild garden plant, although during summer it requires all the sun that it can possibly get. It should also be planted with the view of obtaining as large an amount of overhead shelter in winter as possible, and in places where undergrowth is plentiful this will be readily obtained. The soil in which it grows should be rich and well drained, otherwise the chances of success in our climate will be diminished. This Hydrangea m a wood is just now a perfect picture, its large trusses of pink and blue flowers making a display not soon to be forgotten. The first or second year after the cutting stage is perhaps the best as regards abundance of flower. Cuttings taken off about the end of July nv August and inserted singly in pots and kept in cool frames make nice sturdy plants for the following year, when they may be A good top-dressing oc mulching, or CARNATIONS AND PICOTEES IN 1886. I DO not remember a year in which these have been so fine or popular as they have been this season. Rai.sing the.se plants from seed is now a very common and successful practice, and excel- lent varieties are obtained in that way. Seed- lings grow luxuriantly and bloom most profusely, and when these qualities are combined with well | planted out formed blooms they become the most valuable of all border plants in July and August. The old crimson Clove has always been a great favourite of ours ; use it as one may, it is a charming flower. I have had several white Cloves sent to me as "excellent com- panions to the old crimson," but not one of them developed the same sized blooms, while they were also deficient in texture and, above all, fra- grance. One of the very best Carnations which I have ever grown in the open air is The (iovernor. It is a second Souvenir de la Malmaison in colour and size, but it grows more freely and blossoms far more profusely than that kind under any condition. I am not in favour of growing those varieties which require a great deal of coaxing to produce one or two startling blooms and no more ; on the contrary, my favourites are the cut- and-come-again class, which during the season produce multitudes of serviceable blooms for every- day decora- tion. Probably we may be de- ficient of some kinds noted in this way, but apart from our collection I have had opportunities of inspecting many others this season, and the following selection will, I think, give satisfaction, viz.. Magnum Bonum, bright scarlet ; Celia, bright pink ; The Bride, pure white ; Florence, a beautiful buff; Beauty of Whitby, ex- cellent scarlet; General Stewart, dark crimson; Masterpiece (new), rich crimson ; and Countess of Ellesniere, pale pink, spotted with crimson. Amongst Picotees, Goldfinder is especially good, being a fine barred yellow. It was generally re- marked the other day that Carnations and Picotees at the Shrewsbury show were of very high merit. The best stands of each were exhibited by .Ur. Allium pulchellum. — This is just now at its Hans Niemand, of Birmingham, amongst whose best, and a brave show it is making on the top of a flowers were Carnation Yum-yum, yellow, with a low rockery. In large p.atches it makes a handsome pink tip ; W. P. Milner, pure white ; Mephis- display. Amongst the latest introductions in the topheles, scarlet ; The Mikado, a very dark kind; [ way of Alliums we have a few really dtsiraljle kinds, Mrs. (!. Ilawtry, tino yellow; and Mary Morris, ] such as A. macranthuui, a species resembling pul- grand pink. Of Picotees, the most conspicuous chelluni, larger, however, and much deeper in were Mrs. Rayner, Lady Carington, Dr. Aber- ■ colour, with protruding style and anthers, and much crombie, Louisa, Picturata, Dr. Epps, and Lucy. ■ broader pointed leaves. It seems to be quite hardy The competition for gentlemen's button-hole on a soutliern exposure. A. giganteuni, a large flowers at the same show was very keen. The Turkestan species, bearing a head of purplish flowers first prize was awarded— rightly, in my opinion — as large as one's hand, is a great acquisition, and will to three beautiful Carnation blooms, backed up ' do much to make this class of plants popular. A. with a spray of their own Grass. A pretty Car- ' pedercontarum grardiflorum is the finest dwarf I A silvciy ll.iiibcU (Edraianthvis Pumilio). Engi-aved for ' ii photugraph. The English Flower Garden " from some loose material helps them during the early I summer, and keeps the ground moist round their roots. K. EDRAI.A^NTHUS PUMILIO. A BRILLIANT little alpine with flowers that look large in proportion to the plant. The little close- set tufts of glaucous foliage look sharp and thorny like a Prickly Thrift, but prove of a milder nature on closer acquaintance. The flowers are of a full I rich purple colour. I Allium we have yet seen. It is a great improve- ment on the type, and would, we tbink, make a charming pot plant. The flowers are nmch larger than those of the type, whitish streaked, and more of them in a head. A. pulchellum flavum is also a handsome yellow kind, and worth growing in com- pany with any of the above. Most of these do well on dry banks, and flourish where other vegetation would find some difficulty in keeping alive.— K. Monarda didyma. — This looks quite out of place in an ordinary dry exposed border, and so does Iris Kasmpferi under the same conditions. Both should have good rich soil and be placed close to water where the roots can have abundance of moisture, and where they may receive a good share of the mid- day sun. In such a position the Monarda shoots up 4 feet or (> feet high and produces large heads of showy scarlet flowers. It requirfs no attention other than planting it nut and then letting it alone, unless stock is required, when it may be divided to almost any ex- tent. Another good plant for such a position as that above indicated is Lychnis chalcedonica. The single and double scarlet as well as single and double white mixed too-ether make a fine display ; all of them are increased readily by root division, which m.ay be done in autumn after flowering is over. They prefer a peaty soil as close to the water's edge as possible without being actually in it. — D. Echinops. — Where plenty of room, either in a bed or border, can be devoted to plants belong- ing to this genus, any extra labour bestowed upon them will be well repaid by a display such as we have at present. Thtre seems to be about six or .seven species of Echinojis in cultiva- tion altogether, ni>t more than three of which, with their varie- ties, \vill be found worth troubling about. They have in the garden exactly the same effect as that produced byEryn- giuins, such as E. alpinum, Oli- verianmn, &c., with theadditional advantage of being available two rows or so farther back. Echi- nops ruthenicus when well grown often attains a height of 4 feet t>r .'j feet. Its leaves are much cut and spiny, and the stems terminate in large spherical steel- blue heads of flowers. The variety called in gardens grandis is more robust than the type, and has heads twice the size of those of that kind, but paler in colour and not so striking. 1'. sph;'-'rocephalus, which in good rich soil grows about 6 feet high or more in height, makes an excel- lent plant for placing at the back of a mixed border, or as a single specimen w'ith a good, dark background. K. giganteus of gardens, which is probably a robust form of this species, ha^ larger greyish white flower- heads ; bannaticus, which is dwarfer, has steel-blue heads, and is useful in borders or for edgingshrubberiee. — K. Transplanting: white Lilies. — The begin- ning of September is the best season for transplanting white Lilies, i.e., Lilium candidum, for the purpose of increasing one's stock of it. The bulbs can then be singled out without injury. They should be divided and sorted into sizes, giving the largest bulbs the most space. We have generally obtained the thickest stems and largest flowers frorr. two-year transplanted bulbs. E\en small Imlbs will flowtr the second year if well treated. Two years ago I planted a number of bulblets, tibtained from tlie stems of the double Tiger Lily, and most of thtm h.ave flowered during the present summer, but the^r propagation and culture, as a rule, are very easy. — E. H. Hybrid Lobelias. — Among the mo.st showy of all autumn-flowering perennials must be included tall- gmwing Lobelias, the best known "f which is ignea, 194 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 28, 1886. or Qaeen Victoria, for the plants usually grown under these two names differ but slightly, if at all, from each other. There are some other recognised sorts closely related to the above, but, horticulturally speaking, one of this class is sufficient, as differences annngit them are but slight. Great numbers of hybrid kinds have, however, been raised within the last few years, the result of crossing the above with L. .S3'philitiea. Of these the following are especially worthy of mention, viz , Jason, bluish lilac; Nizza, a charming shade of crinisun purple ; Amethyst, pur- plish blue ; Cjieen of Whites, white ; Vesuvius, deep crimson, with a violet shade ; Stromboli, bright purple; Orion, ceiise-scarlet ; and Firefly, very bright crimson. When to these are added one of the (Jueen Victoria class, with its red stems and foliage, com- bined with intensely glowing blossoms, a selection is formed that at this season of the year will be welcome. Lobelias of this class prefer a good open soil, that is, especially during the growing season and at least fairly moist ; indeed they will flourish in quite swampy spots ; but, under such circumstiuces, are very liable to perish in winter. A little ashes, or Cocoa-nut refuse, around the crownswillensuretheirsafetyduring winter. At Mr. Bull's where we saw them the other day, they are grown in pots. — H. P. A FEW USEFUL HERBACEOUS PLANTS. I BELiiiVE that great good would be done to the lovers of herbaceous plants if from time to time growers in difi'erent parts of the country would notice plants that have done well with them, or indicate those whicli seem to them unworthy of cultivation. Especially is this the case after a severe winter such as we have passed through, which has done much to test the hardiness of many plants about which doubts have been expressed; but the term " hardiness " is a com- parative one, and few people take into account the many causes that tend to injure plants in winter, or how very opposed to ordinary notions are the real facts of the case. To most people's minds the very name of Torquay, for example, suggests the idea of a soft, relaxing climate, where everything must do well ; but I met a friend the other day, a true horticulturist, who told me that for tliree weeks last winter, or rather early spring, the thermometer was down to 12' of frast at night and ',{' by day without any varia- tion, and when vast numbers of plants perished ; on the other hand, when one writes about Scot- land, the idea immediately presents itself of cold, dull, cheerless skies and severe frosts and snow- storms, and doubtless of many parts of Scotland this is true, but there are parts of Scotland where things v.ill flourish which the winter would kill in the south of England, and where others gron with a luxuriance we in vain attempt to equal here. So again with S. Wales. The magnihcent Himalayan Rhododendrons which adorn such places as Mrs. Vivian's at Swansea or Mr. Llewellyn's at Penllergare cannot be approached in the Surrey grounds so famous for their Ameri- can plants. Then C'ornwall, so early in sending its vegetables to I..ondon, and with a climate mild enough to induce invalids to try its influence, is fatal to the well-being of many plants, owing t" its moisture and the consequent succulent chara - ter of the growth ; while Lapagevias flourish and bloom out of doors there Roses run all to wood. It must also be borne in mind that where a climate is ordinarily niikl and moist frost is far more injurious than in a climate whose tempera- ture is generally colder and drier. Probably no part of England suffers more than the midlands, and plants which are hardy there may be pretty well relied upon in most parts of the country. My own county, Kent, is a favoured one, and although in this south-eastern part we are not as warm as some people imagine, yet our drier atmosphere, and in some districts our cretaceous soil, give us many advantages, and this must be taken into account when I mention hardy plants. I consider an herbaceous plant useful when it is good for cuttitrg for indoor decoration, either in vases or as bouquets, and there can be nothing, I think, more desirable for this purpose. With these and some annuals one is quite independent of a greenhouse ; indeed, I feel convinced that a vase tastefully set out with these will be by the gene- rality of people much preferred of one of exotics. There is such variety of form as well as of colour, that their value is at once recognised. I do irot pretend to say that those are novelties, for many are very old jilants, but they are none the worse for that, and those who have not grown them will be, I am sure, glad to have them brought under their notice. Aquilecias. — Of these there ai'e many very beautiful forms ; probably the most striking are chrysantha and c:erulea, the former a very beau- tiful plant with its iJure bright yellow flowers and long spurs. Two hybrids raised by jMr. Douglas and sent out by Messrs. Veitch some years ago are also very beautiful. There is no flower which more readily hybridises than this, and anyone who grows a number in his garden will bear witness to the difliculty of keeping any species true. This has in another way its advan- tages, and as the seed germinates very freely, I am in the habit of allowing the plants to scatter their seeds, and from these seedling plants I have a number of the most varied colours, and they come in excellently for mixing with other flowers, being very light and graceful. Achillea Ptarmio.4 fl.-pl. — This is probably the whitest flower in growth. There is not a shade of green or flesh colour, which so often takes off from the whiteness of many flowers, to be found in it. When once established it requires to be kept in check, as it will run everywhere ; it is very useful for cutting, tor, although the flowers are double, they are not heavy. Asi'ERULAiiDORATA. — The common sweet Wood- ruff' will grow anywhere, under shrubs or in any situation for which it may be required. In early spring it comes in very useful for cuttings ; its small white flowers mix admirably with other more show y things, and its fragrance, like new- mown hay, is \ery agreeable. Borf'ONiA coKDAT-V. — A stately plant with white flowers, which succeeds anywhere. It has very striking cordate leaves, and throws up a number of flowering stems. It is well adapted for placing in large vases, or the side branches can be cut off' for smaller ones. Anemone .iaponica Honorine Jobert. — There is no need to dilate upon the extreme beauty and usefulness of this plant, and yet it might seem as if it were a novelty, for amongst the plants which are to be distributed to Fellows of the Royal Horticultural Society I found it mentioned, ^\'hat a privilege to be a Fellow when such rare and new plants are to be had for the asking I I have heard some people find a difliculty in growing it. I think this can be only from excessive bad management. With me it is quite a weed, and has to be kept in check. BrriiTiiAL.Mi'.M salu'Ifolium. — A very free- flowering and pretty ])lant ; its very bright yellow blossoms are freely produced, and are very en- during when cut. There is some confusion about another species, which is coarser. I find in Mr. Paul's list it ,is said to be synonymous with Telekia speciosa. Is this the same as that which I find in other catalogues as T. specicsissima'/ DoiiECATiiEON Meadia. — When properly treated this becomes a very vigorous plant, and its fine spikes of quaint blooms are generally much ad- mired. It delights in a cool, moist place, and when well established is a grand spring-flowering plant. DouoNii'i'.M Ai'STiaAcuM. — A most useful early spring-flowering plant with yellow blossoms. It is very free and perfectly hardy. There is another member of the family sometimes called plantagi- neum excelsum, and sometimes Harpur-Crewe.as it originated with that ardent florist ; it is more stately and has larger flowers. Austriacuni is a cajiital plant for growing in pots to bloom early, its bright yellow flowers being very striking. ErisiLDiusi riNNATU.u. — An exceedingly pretty plant, rcEembling somewhat a small Deudrobe. Its foliage, too, is very pretty, although this is apt to get disfigured in cold weather. It is not a showy plant in the border, as the spikes of bloom hide themselves under the foliage; but as an early spring-blooming plant it has few to rival it in quaint beauty. Ekkieron speciosus (syn., Stenactis speciosa). — A very pretty plant, with flowers of a peculiar silver-gi-ey colour, very easy of culivation, and most useful for cutting and mixing with flowers of gayer colours. Ifc will grow almost anywhere in the garden. (Ialega okficin.alis and 0. alba. — Very old- fashioned and showy plants, the one with blue, the other with white pea-shaped flowers, which are very useful for cutting. Very free flowering and easily grown, it is one of the old plants that one often finds in cottage gardens. Gei'M t'0(.'cixEU-M and G. montani'si are both easily grown and useful plants, one with scarlet, the other with yellow flowers. Both are very easily grown in any border in the garden, and are well adapted for vases. (iypsoPHiLA paniculata. — One of the most use- ful plants we have for cutting. Its flowers are very minute, but they ai'e produced abundantly in large panicles, and when placed in vases add greatly to the lightness of the arrangement. It is very much used by the bouquetists in Paris, but not so much here; indeed, I have very rarely seen it grown in English gardens, although I cannot understand why this is, as it is very easily grown. The roots are said to get hollow and bad with age, but the plant which I have, which is some 3 feet through, has been in its present position for years. It has also, from its name, supposed to be only adapted for cretaceous soils ; but I have it growing where there is not an atom of chalk or lime in the soil, and it is apparently one of those plants wdiich accommodate themselves to various soils, no mat- ter what may ha\e been their natural habitat. It is a plant which all ladies rejoice to have when arranging flowers. Hespeuis -M.\tro.\alis fl. -pl. , the old Rocket of our gardens, is a very excellent and sweet-scented plant. The true white is rather scarce. There is another plant which has an amount of flesh colour in it which is not so good. Although Rockets are of easy cultivation, they require to be divided every year, and rejoice in a bright, sunny aspect. Inula cLANDULOS.i. — A very beautiful plant; the flowers are of a beautiful soft yellow, and hang like golden tassels on the plant. It is ex- ceedingly hardy, and it has the advantage of blooming a second time if the flowering stems be cut down. I have it now blooming abundantly (end of August) after having given me a fine head of bloom in the spring, and no one, I am sure, can pass the plant without noticing it I am surprised to find it absent from some catalogues where many things far inferior to it are lauded to the skies. LuriNUS POLYPHYLLUS. — Where large spikes of flowers are wanted for decoration, there can be nothing better than this fine old border plant in both the blue and white varieties, and once es- tablished there is no fear of its being lost. Malva MOSiiH.VTA ALP.A. — One of our native plants, very hardy and free; tlic white of the flowers is very pure, and it stands very well in water after being cut, although the pai)ery character of its petals would rather lead one to an opposite opinion ; like the preceding, it is, when once established, pretty sure of holding its ground. Papaver Ni-mi'ArLE (the Iceland Poppy).— There are three varieties of this— yellow, white, and orange— all perfectly hardy, and all flowering freely and distributing their seed in all directions when they arc mixed together in the garden. Platvccioon liKANDiFLORUM (somctimes known as Campanula grandiflora). — Avery beautiful plant, flowering in August ; its large lovely blue flowers are produced on the tips of the flowering stems rather sparingly, but they make up in size and dei>th of colour for this, and there is not one of the family I think more attractive. Aug. 28, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 195 Statice L.\TiroLiA. — ^'ery free, being covered entirely with small lavender, lilac and white flowers ; it is one of the most useful plants for late blooming, as it mixes so well, on account of its lightness and elegance, with other flowers. Of course there is an abundance of other flowers which I have not noticed — Asters, Delphiniums, Campanulas, &c., but these have seemed to me worthy of special notice in the one aspect, viz., plants \aluable for cutting, and if other growers of herbaceous plants would follow it up, 1 for one sliould be very grateful, and I think others would be also. Delta. Symphyandra pendula. — This is one of the finest pl.ants in the way of a t'amp,inula that we have seen for a long time. It is quite distinct from the Ijetter-known S. Wanneri, the latter having mauve flowers, very slightly lobed, and larely opening in a ptrfect w.ay ; S. pendula is a much more floriferous species, being literally laden with large pure white bellHowers, sufficient, indeed, to weigh down the braaohe-s and suggesting a po.-ition on a projecting ledge on a level with the eye. This species appears to be more perennial tli:in tlie other, forming woody stenn likely to stand. It is, however, eas-ily raised from seeds, which ripen freely in ordinary summers. Campanula Rosani i.s just now at its best, but seems to lose much of its character when growing in the ordinary border. In sunny It.aly, of \vhicli we believe it is a native, it hangs from the rocks, forming great patches of pretty bhie white-eyed flowers. It wants good soil, otherwise it commences flowering when very dwarf, and thus its gracefulness of form bicomes quite lost.— K. Plants for permanent beds. — Would joa kindly suggest any arr.vugenient of jilants suitable for permanent beds in a riower garden ' The exposure is good and the soil deep; it suits Ilhod idendrons and Aialeas specially well. The place is high — a little over 500 feet above the soi. — CARLOTT.i. *^* The fact that your soil suits Rhododendrons and Azaleas shows it to be a suitable one for Lilies of every description, and what a wealth of permanent flowers there is in these alone I Paeonies, too, would do better in a deep peaty soil, well enriched with m.inure, than in any other ; and the same is true of Christmas Roses, Delphiniums, Japanese Anemones, and Tritomas, not to mention what I may term the hardy evergreen section of flowering plants, such as Heaths, Menziesias, Veronicas, and as carpeting plants the evergreen Sedums .and Saxifr.ages. Then, again, we get beauty of form, which should always be associated with flowering plants, in such things as Yucca re- curva, the variegated Retinosporas, Phormiums, and Kuotjymuses, every one of which is at home in your description of soil. As tall flowers for the centres of beds, there are the varied forms of Sinneas, from the comuinn white Meadow-sweet to the rich purple- flowered S. palniata. Helianthuses (Sunflowers), too, nULjht be plante I in \aiiety, and Asters (Michaelmas Daisies) tlie same ; Hyaeintlius eandicans and Gladioli, if your soil is well drained, will also prove permanent flowering plants, if, they will winter in the beds without injury. With regard to arrangement, local conditions, surroundings, and size of bed are the most important points to be considered, and obviously size uiu^t decide the numbers or variety of plants to be us'd. Perhaps the greatest difficulty will be to restrict the species or variety of plants within appro- priate limits. Be it reinemliered that numbers alone do not constitute beauty nor effectiveness; they lie in selection, combined with artistic arrangement. — W. W. Gentiana asolepiadea. — This still retains its character of queen of the autunm Gentians. Just now it is flowering in the greatest profusion, and on the rockery at Kew, where it has been planted pretty extensively, it forms one of its chief attractions. The largest clump is planted in a d.ampish, shady position, which s?ems to suit it jjerfectly. The plants in this clump are much more robust than any planted in exposed places. Se^d is by far the best way of in- creasing it, as when the old stools are disturbed tliey take some time to recover; while seeds sown in a sheltered spot in the open air as soon as gathered begin floweiing the second ye.ir, and in three or four years, such a rapid grower is it, large clumps are formed. The white variety planted by itself makes a charming mass, but when seen mixed with the blue the effect is still better. G. affinis, though inferior to a.sclepiadea, is also a desirable jilant, and owing to its dwarf habit suitable for places for which the other would not be suitable. Seed appears to be the only me ins of increasing this species; it forms Large suc- culent r.;ots resembling those of G. lutca and others. — H. NOTES OX HARD\ PLANTS. Saxifraga aromatica. — The beauty of some jilants is only revealed to us on the closest acquaint- ance with them, and this is one of them — not that it is otherwise undesirable, for it is much above the ave- rage of its class as regards neatness and distinct form and good white flowers. But it is when you begin to handle tiiis .Saxifrage and remember its pleasant name that its good properties become kno« n. Its herbage, both de.ad .and living, gives off a fr.igrant odour when pressed, and one cannot but feel a sort of satisfaction tli.at this or that descriptive name is in harmony with the jjlant's character. This Saxifr.age may be intro- duced into tlie most select collections of alpines. It is a neat and steady grower; it has a clean and attractive appearance all the year round ; the flowers are few, but clear white, and the leaves form them- selves into little rosettes of a pale green-yellowish tint. The present is a good time to divide it ; though two-year-old pieces are not more than ti inches or 8 inches .acro.ss, they may be made into four. The persistent old herbage which thickly besets the stems under the green leaves should not be taken off on any account, fiTr in doing so the stems would be jiretty sure to h.ave their skins removed, and this kind is not like many th.at will grow if they touch the ground; indeed, a small mistake may kill it when being divided. Acantliolimon venustum is a rock garden gem. The bristling grey- green tufts of .short Cirass- like foliage .are compacted together much in the same manner as in the better-known species glumaceum, but I question if it ever grows into such largo masses. The pretty arched spikes are notable for the way in which they bsnd and touch the ground with their points, and also for their sered appearance just before the bright flowers push forth. Many who have not had experience with this pl.ant would not expect such large and brilli.ant blossoms, or indeed any, perhaps, from the rhaffy-looking stalks, but would be more likely to suppose that the flowering stage was over. I find this plant to do adndrably in a fine loam with plenty of leaf mould. It is also jiarti.al to the moister parts of rockwork, say on the sunny side of a big stone and close to it, the stone acting as a miniature water-shed. Some have tried it in dryish positions, but under such conditions I have found it to starve. Slips taken in early summer make nice plants, which, however, arc .as well or better if kept in a cold frame for the first winter and set in the open in spring. The slips are certain, but slow rooters if set firmly round the sides of small pots and kept just moist ; they need not be set in a frame, for the ]dant hates heat. Dianthus Seguieri is a glorious Pink when seen in the form of good-sized specimens in full bloom. Its lateness also gives it an extra value, its blooming period taking us well into that of the Car- nations,°with the brightest of which it vies success- fully as regards effect. Though the flowers are com- par.atively small, they are borne on t.all stems 1 foot or l.'i inches high, and in large quantities. The well expanded character and bright crimson colour of the flowers are the chief features of this Pink, but there is something .about the flowers which induces one to closely ex.amine and admire them. The stems hold them perfectly erect, the petals neatly overlap and form a flower nearly an inch across and as flat as a shilling. Their brightness of colour is a little sub- dued by their soft, hairy surroundings. This pl.ant may bo increased by me.ans of underground shoots. It differs from many Pinks in being best when left alone for several years together. From the fact that it makes its grass hate and in the heyd.ay of slug ravages, great care should be taken to dress the sur- face freely and frequently all around the (ilant with wood ashes in a white and dry state. This is all the more needful, seeing that the plant has to remain in the same position for several years. Stipa pennata. — At present the fleecy masses of awns on a number of very strong plants of this Grass c(nistitute ipiite a feature in the garden, I have mentioned it before in these columns in connec- tion with Carnations, .and I would again urge that the two be planted as ne.ar neighbours, for, seen either closely or a little distance off, the animated Feather Grass lends a charm to the Carnations which hang heavUy on their supports. This Grass, like many others, is better for being divided and replanted in fresh soil after a few years, and the time to do it is as soon as the awns have dropped off or in spring, when new growth is just pushing. I shorUd prefer to do it in August, as then one secures an established plant with plenty of good long roo's before th feet are allowed to each plant, the base laterals generally show at the first joint. If these first fruits are wanted, it will be neces- sary to pinch at the joint beyond and follow up this mode of manipulation so long as the weather favours free growth. If, on the other hand, the crop is not wanted, the first shows may be removed and the laterals pinched back to the joint nearest the main stem. The best compost for early winter plants is light, turfy loam, the rougher in reason the better, a dash of soot to stimulate the roots and check worms, and a liberal admixture of old lime rubble. Manure mixed with a compost of this kind is objection- able, as it forces a growth at the outset which the plants cannot sustain, whilst the best of all stimulants, warm diluted liquid or guano water, can be given when they require assistance. Cleanliness in the house and freedom from insects are imperative ; the walls, therefore, should be frequently limewashed, the glass washed, and the atmosphere sweetened by the introduction of thin sprinklings of fresh virgin loam. Prevention being better than cure, good culture will keep down spider without the aid of direct syringing, and an occasional puff from Bloxham's handy little fumigator will secure immunity from aphides. Fruit and plant growers who have not used this blower will do well to give it a trial, for it fills up a want which has long been felt ; moreover, it is neat and cheap, and cannot possibly injure the most delicate foliage. Cui-iimhi i-.-i from rvttiniis. — Where a really good strain has been tested, the end of this montli is a good time to perpetuate it by putting in cuttings. The plants, it is hardly necessary to say, should be clean and healthy, and a strong bottom heat in a close, moist pit is one of the chief essentials, as the cuttings should never flag. The plan I adopt is as follows : Having secured a few very small clean pots and beaten the fine soil out of a sod of light fibry loam, the pots and fibre are laid where they can become warm. The tips with one or two leaves are then taken oft" the plants just below a joint, but the base leaf is not removed; they are then folded in a piece of the fibre, care being observed that they are not bruised, and forced rather tightly into the pots. A little dry silver sand sprinkled over the surface and watered in finishes the operation. The pots are then plunged in a bottom heat of 8.")' to OO'', covered with bell- glasses, and shaded with a sheet of paper. In eight days they are rooted, when a little air is given by tilting the glasses ; this is gradually in- creased, and eventually the glasses are removed altogether, when the young plants are potted on and treated as ordinary seedlings. This mode of propagating Cucumbers is by no means new, as I raised all my stock of Lord Kenyon's Favourite, a shy seeder, from cuttings more than forty years ago. Plants so raised are firmer and more fibry than seedlings ; hence their value for winter cul- ture, as they are never touched by canker. Plums and Chekries. All portable trees from which the fruit has been gathered will now do best in the open air. If potted a fortnight or three weeks ago, they will be making new roots, which must not be checked by sudden exposure to the drying influence of the sun or want of water, neither must they be deluged, as the second extreme is perhaps more injurious than the first. Therefore in order to steer clear of extremes and still maintain a happy medium, let them be plunged to the rims, well watered and mulched with short stable manure. Syringe well on fine evenings and repeat the watering when the roots actually require it. Permanent trees trained on trellises may also have full exposure to the elements, that is, if the lights can be taken oft' the house, otherwise every door and ventilator must be thrown wide open and the roots heavily mulched to reduce the necessity for giving much water. If root-pruning or top-dressing is still in arrear, this work should be completed before the leaves fall, but the wood and buds being ripe, it will not be necessary to keep the lights over the trees, as has been advised in previous papers. Young trees generally require a check ; old ones need stimulating. The first can be secured by careful lifting and relaying the roots in pure loam and lime rubble ; the second by the removal of all inert soil and making up with compost enriched with bone dust and heavy mulching. If very weak, an occasional soaking through the autumn months with generous liquid will help the buds and tell favourably when they burst into flower. W. Colem-vn. Ea'itnor Cattle, Ltdlniry. Asparagus plumosus from seed. — The plant distributed under the name of A. plumosus nanus, although extremely beautiful, has proved anything but dwarf ; on the contrary, it is strong and vigorous. There is, however, a form of this plantinthegardensatHeatherset.Streatham, which is truly dwarf. It was obtained from home-grown seeds, and has all the beautiful plume-like aspect 200 THE GARDEN. of its parent, but it is not fcandent in habit, plants of it four antl five 5'ears old not being higher than 2 feet. This form would appear to be a valuable acquisition. — W. H. G. NOTES FROM FRANCE. American Grapes r. Phylloxera. — The restora- tion of vineyards destroyed by the Phylloxera in the wine-making districts of France by means of American t! rapes has been going on for some time, and although opinions are much divided and many good growers are doubtful as to the permanent beneBt of the work, the results up to the present are of a sufficiently satisfactory nature to war- rant the optimist view which some good authori- ties hold in this matter. In Herault about 111,200 acres were planted in 1SS.3 with American Vines, principally the Riparia. The demand for these American Grapes is yearly increasing, and as, in addition to their Phylloxera-resisting properties, the French growers are becoming better acquainted with the means of combatting the other enemies of the Vine, the future is now looked for- ward to with hopefulness by them. Only time can prove whether or not in this way Phylloxera-in- fested vineyards may be restored to their normal fertility ; suffice it for the present that plenty of good wine was made last year in districts which, through the attacks of the most formidable foe that the V^ine grower has ever had to encounter, have for some time been, so far as Grape culture is concerned, quite barren. In the environs of MontpeHier about as much as 3,800,000 gallons of wine were made last autumn, and a writer in a French gardening paper says that it did his heart good to see the joy with which the small growers there exhibited specimens of their produce. New race of hardy Azaleas. — M. Rosseel, of Ghent, has had the happy idea of crossing Azalea mollis with some of the best hybrid Rhododendrons, and, judging by the specimens exhibited by him at the late flower show at that town, our gardens are likely to be endowed with a race of fine flowering shrubs. These ne«- hybrids are likely to prove of great decorative value. In appearance they come nearer to the Azalea than to the male parents, but the leaves are stouter and the wood is of greater substance. The flowers are arranged in medium sized heads and open well. In colour they are lilac and pale rose. It is said that they force remarkably well, and can easily be brought into bloom in January. If this statement is cor- rect, they will be in great demand for conserva- tory decoration early in the year. The fact that they are mules, all efforts at seeding them up to the present having been fruitless is good proof of their hybrid origin. It is, however, possible that some of the plants raised in this way may prove fertile. These new hybrids remind me of a race of Rhododendrons said to be of hybrid origin with which I was acquainted some twenty years ago. They were tall of growth, with long lanceo- late leaves, and the flowers exhibited tints such as are not to be found among hardy hybrid Rhodo- dendrons. Cream colour, rich orange, golden yel- low (one kind I remember was called aureum) were the prevailing hues; but there were some bronzy yellow flowers of great beauty, and quite distinct in colour from anything I know. These were raised by a Mr. Smith, a florist, I believe, in the neighbourhood of London, and were sup- posed to be hybrids between the hardy Azalea and the Rhododendron. The stock came into the hands of Messrs. T. Jackson & Son, of Kingston- on-Thames, but no attempt was made to propa- gate them, as they were not sufficiently hardy for the open air. Although they flowered freely I never knew them to bear seeds. I have often wondered whether any of them are still in culti- vation ; they would be well worth looking up, their distinctness and great beauty rendering them so suitable for the decoration of large con- servatories. A giant Oak.— The trunk of an Oak is now- lying on the banks of the Seine near the Pont de la Concorde at Paris which has a curious history. So long ago as IS74, at a time when prolonged [Aug. 28, 1886. drought had reduced the waters of the Rhone to an unusually low level, a boatman perceived near the village of Tenne, in the district of La Balme, the branch of a tree projecting from the surface of the river. Struck by its unusual proportions, he made an examination, which caused him to form the conclusion tliat a tree of giant size must be embedded in the bottom of the river. He made known the result of his observations, but the Rhone rose again to its former level, and it was not until eleven years had passed, and that unusual drought again caused the waters to sink, that the matter could be seen to by competent authorities. No time was lost, but it took five months' unremitting labour to free the trunk from some 40 feet of sand and gi-avel which formed the accumulation of ages. It was eventually raised on the bank of the river, and a boat being built for the express purpose of transporting it was brought to where it now lies. The most remarkable feature of this tree is the length and symmetry of the trunk, which measures about 100 feet, and of which the cir- cumference is but little less at the topmost portion than near the base. At the junction of the roots with the soil the circumference of the trunk is about S.T feet. In girth this Oak is, I believe, exceeded by some existing trees, but so far as I am aware there is no recorded instance of one having a trunk so long and of such uniform regu- larity. How long this remarkable Oak laid in the bed of the Rhone can only be a matter of con- jecture, but we are justified in assuming that its growth was matle at a period when the climatal conditions of that region diftered from those that prevail there at the present time. It is probable that we shall one day see this remnant of a remote past in this country, as it is about to make a tour of Europe in the boat used for its transport, and which is so constructed as to allow of its free passage through all navigable waters. Ciiu'dRY. — Much greater attention is paid to this salad in France than w ith us, large quantities of it being brought into the I'aris markets through the winter and spring. In spring it is sown on gentle hotbeds, the young growths being cut much as we do Mustard and Cress, and through the winter the blanched shoots, commonly known as Barbe de Capucin, are largely consumed. Chicory is cre- dited with many good qualities in France, and is universally considered to be one of the best blood- purifiers known. We in England prefer the milder flavour of Endive, which has also a more enticing appearance, but those who care much for ealads should certainly include Chicory in their list of ingredients. It imparts a piquancy which no other salad is able to do. Chicory likes warmth when making its growth in summer, and should therefore be planted or sown in a sunny position. The better the roots are matured the more freely will they start into growth when placed in warmth. A good plan is to lift the roots in November and lay them in by the heels so that they can be easily got at when needed. The seed should not be sown in warm localities at least before May. as if sown early it is apt to run to seed, in which case the roots have no substance. Spir.^a .iai'Onica fol. purpueeis. — This is a dark-leaved variety of S. japonica, which originated as a chance seedling in the nursery of the Messrs. Transon, at Orleans. The foliage, when growing in the open or in a cool house, is of a purple hue, but this, under the influence of heat, changes to a bronzy tint, which harmonises beautifully «-ith the snowy white of the flowers. As this variety has come from seed, there is every prospect of its remaining true to character. Genista Andreana. — This name has been given by M. Carriere to a variety of the common Broom which was discovered growing amongst the type in Normandy. It is, of course, but a seminal variation of Genista tinctoiia, but is quite as distinct and far more beautiful than some of the family which nink as distinct species. Instead of theflowersbeing uniformly yellow, the wingsare rich velvety crimson, marked with gold at the edges and base. This forms a charming contrast of colour, and the whole appearance of the plant is highly pleasing. I have no doubt that this Broom will become a favourite. J. C. B. SCHOOL GARDENS. The proposal to establish gardens in connection with elementary schools for the purpose of train- ing lads in the art of gardening is not a new one, and has often been discussed. Theoretically, the proposal is admirable, but practically, most diffi- cult to realise. Beyond needlework and cookery for girls, both of which constitute purely technical, though domestic, subjects, the educational code takes little note of anything else, except what may be termed literary subjects, the object being as far as possible to afford children whilst young opportunities to acquire knowledge which can hardly be obtained later in life. Learning to read, write, calculate, and similar work of hand and brain combined is not difficult to acquire whilst the mind is untrammelled by other con- siderations. Of course it may be pleaded that one object in providing instruction in practical gardening is to afford some relief to the mental labour involved in elementary learning. Girls get needlework and cookery, although the latter in a too limited degree. Boys have the variations of drawing and music. These diverse elements in both boys' and girls' ordinary school curricula are ordinarily available, because capable of being utilised at no great cost and wilhin ordinary buildings. Gardening, on the other hand, needs something more than teachers; it needs land, and land is both costly and ditficult to obtain. In towns, for instance, the price is practically pro- hibitory. It is, indeed, difficult enough to secure a limited area for playgrounds, which are abso- lutely indi.spensable. But it may be said that land is abundant enough in the country, and few rural schools need be without a garden for boys. That is true, and if our elementary schools were universally the property of the nation, and absolutely controlled by the Education Department, much might be done which is now, in the chaotic condition of school ownership, impos- sible. School Boards are so afraid of incurring expenses, that they dare not go outside the present requirements of the educational code, even if willing. A'oluntary managers of schools are, as a rule, living from hand to mouth, and keeping down cost to the lowest point, that the detested School Board may be kept at bay. Thus it happens that on every hand circumstances pre- vent our having gardens in connection with schools. If we teach school children gardening, we shall, assuming that the prime ditficulty of obtaining land has been surmounted, have to instruct their teachers in the art first, and our training colleges have neither provision nor adapt- ability for such work. Still further, if gardening is taught, so also must be elementary agriculture, and in localities where other vocations largely prevail, those, of course, would have to be taught also. Therefore we cannot move in the direction suggested without proceeding further, ani esta- blishing a system of technical schools in which children can be instructed in trades of all kinds after their years of elementary school probation are over. AVe have already in our midst such schools, but, so far, these are not available for children belonging to the better class of our poor. Industrial schools and large district pauper schools give trade training largely, the former, of course, specially so. Thus at the Middlesex industrial schools, where some 800 boys are always under control, some are trained to be agricul- turists, a good knowledge of gardening being included ; others are taught painting, carpenter- ing, smith's-work, shoemaking, and tailoring. If we could give all our elementary .schoolboys after they had passed the sixth standard in the normal school a further term of tliree years in some train- ing school, the opportunity would then ofl'er, with the aid of practical gardeners and ample land at their disposal, to turn out youths who ^\ould be well grounded in elementary gardening; and even though their after lives might turn in other direc- Aug. 28, 1868.] THE GARDEN. 201 tions, their early knowledge of garden work thus obtained would prove serviceable to them. In the course of some twenty years hence we may, pjrhap?, face this question in a practical way. A. D. get ; still, the Wedding-Hnwer may not really rerjuire all this light to make it fl.iwer. Whit does it want that we fail to give it here ': — B. GEXTIANA VERNA. vernal Gentian represented by the Kitchen Garden. CUCUMBERS TO FRUIT IN FEBRUARY. CtrcujiBERS at Christmas are now no more a Tiis littl annexed entrraving, and which is found so ,^ ,, ,„ , , ■ • o .. u , ^ ,-. plentifuUv on the Pyrenees, is also a native of ""^'^i^y '^''" Blackberries in September, but Cu V, ■. • "ri • f I ■ X' .1 t V 1 u- cumbers for use with salmon in February, about Britain. It is found in ^orth-west Yorkshire, ^^j^,^ ^ correspondent desires information, test in upper leesdale and also m several localities t^e most experienced growers skill, as the plants m Ireland ; indeed it is Irom the latter sources have to be gromi up to the fruiting stage under that a large percentage of the plants grown m the most trying climatic conditions. The prin- gardens is derived. It is gathered and fre- | cipal factors in successful winter culture are snug, quently sold for a penny a clump. Notwith- ' compact span or lean-to pits, well sheltered from standing i'.s cheapness, however, it is not so the north and east, light, airy, ethciently supplied frequently met with in our gardens as it should «'ith pipes for giving top and bottom heat, and fully exposed to the south. Dry fire-heat bein? one of the rocks on which many come to grief, the most perfect pits are those to which underground moisture can be supplied at pleasure, either through cemented tanks filled with water, or from fermenting material placed over the hot-water pipes. Tanks, however, are not absolutely neces- sary, as I have none, and yet I am never without a good supply of winter fruit through the first and most trying quarter of the year. As your corre- spondent does not say what convenience he has, I be, especially in the fouth. Indeed, when under cultivation, it not unf'requently happens that in a few year.«, three or four at the most, not a vestige of it is to be seen. This is not only so in the case of (1. verna, but also in that of other.-s, such as G. brachyphylla, bavarica, and alpina. The heat experienced during summer, and the absence of a cool bottom for the roots may in a great measure be the cause of failure, but some- thing also depends on growers not taking the trouble to raise their stock from seed. Many instances we have seen of seed shed by the parent plants growing and forming tufts on mossy limestone long after the old plants were dead. As a last resource, where failure has been frequent, a bed should be tried well filled with large jiieces of limestone and siil well mixed with old lime rub- bish, the whole kept thoroughly watered until the plants have had a fair start. This treatment also applies to G. acaulis, alpina, and brachyphylla. The latter is nothing more than a small foim of G. verna. G. bavarica we succeed well with in a bog in gritty peaty soil, although it flowers very poorly. After planting any of the Gentians just named, they should be disturbed as little as possible. If increase is wanted it can be effected by means of stolons, which often run a good distance from the old tufts. (1. verna flowers in May and June, and its glorious blue blossoms well repay the grower for any extra trouble bestowed on its cultivation. Gentiana verna. K. will assume that he is satisfied with his structure and describe as briefly as possible my own de- tailed management. Sowing the seeds. — Continuous growth throughout the winter being imperative, the seeds should not be sown too early, and yet the plants cnrections. Many li.ave tried, and perhaps a few are should be forward enough for putting out and e\-un yet trying, to induce it to flower, but, so far, no becoming thoroughly established before bad i.ne in Europe has yet succeeded. We began to weather sets in. If at hand, a one-light frame, suspect that there was some condition peculiar to resting on a slight hotbed made of fermenting Lord Howe's Island and essenti.il to the lloneriDg of materials, will be found the most suitable nursery, this Ins, till we learned that in the H.akgala expuri- as the young plants can be kept close to the glass ineDtal gardens in Ceylon plants of it had been raised where they will remain stout, and stocky, and free and flowered in about a year from seeds produced from insects until the fruiting house is ready for from Australia. This is what Mr. Xock says of the them. The proper time to put in the seeds is the Hakgala plants : "Plant-.d round a pond are several first week in September, either in small pots tilled interesting plants, amoog them being the Wedding- with light, rich soil, artd plunged to half their The Wedding-flower.— This is what is known botaniciUy as Iris or Mora?a Robinsoniana, the giant Iris of Lord Howe's Island, and one of the most dis- appointing garden plants ever introduced into English plu depth in a bottom heat of SO', or on small squares of turf placed on the surface of the bed. In either case they must be transferred to 4-inch pots as soon as the first rough leaf is formed and kept close to the glass, where they can be slightly shaded from bright sunshine. Let the balls be quite moist at the time of shifting, and water ... , , . , - ... sparingly for a day or two, but keep the sides of plula crimta, of which several fine specimens m.ay be the frame and the surface of the bed well syringed, .seen at Kew. In Ceylon, however high up, the sun- and take oft" the chink of air in time for the frame light must be much more intense than anything we to run up to a temperature of 90°. When flower, a gigantic Iris. One flower-spike contains from 120 to 200 blooms, which come out a few at a time, but only last twenty-four hours; (he plant is itt flower for several moutbs." Hsikgala is at a high elevation in Ceylon, the teaiper.ature being perhaps somewhat similar to that of Italy. Many interesting plants are growing there, amongst them being the splendid Tree Fern found only in Ceylon, viz., Also- thoroughly rooted, give more air and less shade, place a stick to each plant, and raise the frame if more head room is requiretl. If by this time the house is not ready for planting, a second shift into 8-inch pots will be necessary, but this, if possible, should be avoided, as frequent potting checks the plants, and, independently of loss of time, they do not always escape with perfect foliage. The loss of a leaf or two to some may appear a very small matter, and so it is in the spring, but plants intended for winter work should retain every leaf, as injury to one near the base is not unfrequently the stepping-stone to canker. The FRi-iTiNG HorsE OR PIT. — Having tho- roughly cleansed and lime-washed the walls, washed and repaired the glass, the next thing to be decided upon is the mode of culture. Some grow their plants in large pots, others plant them out on hills or ridges. I grow them in both ways, and find each system has its advantages and dis- advantages. Of the two, planting out, unless he is a good plantsman, may be the safest and most simple mode for a new beginner. Assuming, then, that the bottom heat pipes will maintain a tem- perature of H0° and that tanks have not been con- structed, some means must be provised for keeping their roots away from their parching influence. The simplest and cheapest way is embedding them in clean broken brickbats, coke, or other materials which will absorb and give off moisture. With these, broken rather fine at the top, the pipes should be just covered, and full neat turned on for some days before the pit is planted. Another plan is the for- mation of a hot-air chamber by cover- ing, without touching the pipes, with Oak slabs, slate flags, or rough timber capable of carrying the compost. The covering complete, good fermenting material, not less than 14 inches in depth, must be placed evenly over it, and on the top of this thin sods, (Jrass side downwards, to prevent the roots from entering the decaying manure. The cones, or a longitudinal ridge of compost rising 18 inches, will then com- plete the preparations for planting. Compost. — If light, rich, fibry turf, free from wireworm, can be obtained from an old sheep pasture, the addition of one-fifth of its bulk of old lime rubble and a dash of soot will form a sustaining staple which will not readily become sour or adhesive. The turf, chopped or broken with the hand, must be used in a rough state, and placed rather firmly in position to get thoroughly warmed through before the plants are turned out. If heavier soil is used, then the addition of a little rough peat, burnt earth, thefine sifted out, and charcoal may be added with advantage, the free passage of water being an important matter. The cones or ridges, it must be borne in mind, should not be made too near the top-heat pipes, as strong fire heat affects the foliage and fosters spider; neither should they be made wide at the base, as the plants always grow best when the roots reach the sides. If the stems cannot be kept well away from the pipes thin boards placed in front of them will throw oft' the dry heat and pre\"ent the generation of steam when syringing follows sharp firing. I have not mentioned manure, as I neither use nor approve of it ; better enrich poor soils with bone-dust, and feed with liquid when the plants are in bearing. Lacking bone-dust, a little very old cow manure rubbed through a sieve and mixed with a few handfuls of soot is the best substitute, but I do not press its use, as worms will follow animal manures. PL.i-NTiNr;. — The distance which Cucumbers should be planted from each other requires careful consideration, for many fail through placing the plants too close to each other. If a single plant were placed in the centre of a pit and trained on the extension principle, the inexperienced might succeed, where under crowding he would fail. No one, however, thinks of trusting to a single plant; 202 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 28, 1886. the depth of trellis, therefore, must be taken into account. It less than 0 feet I would place the plants that distance apart ; if 9 feet, then they might be 4 feet from each other. Closer they should not be, as they would soon interlace and require thinning, when cutting back would be disastrous. Having well watered the plants and placed a stout, neat stick in each station, with its point resting on the flooring of the chamber to prevent the possibility of sinking and strangling the shoots when they reach and are tied to the trellis, which, by the way, should be 16 inches from the glass, turn out the plants, slightly loosen the balls to set the coiling roots at liberty, and pack firmly with warm compost. Syringe the walls, floors, and dew the foliage, but defer water- ing for twenty-four hours; also avoid shading, unless the plants show signs of suffering. But little, if any, top ventilation will be necessary, as Cucumbers revel in an air temperature of ',!()", but the front lights may have a chink on hot days, or, better still, brick ventilators on a level with the pipes may be kept constantly open. If pot culture is decided upon, the pots, IG inches in diameter, must be clean, well crocked, and placed on solid pedestals or inverted pots to favour the renovation of the fermenting material witliout disturbing them, as strangling is one of the most common causes of collapse and canker. Teainin'c. —Tie each plant loosely to its stick, pinch every side shoot at the first leaf until they reach the trellis, train the leaders upwards, and defer stopping until they reach the top of the house. Tie out the side laterals horizontally, be- ginning at the lowest wire, and pinch them also at the lirst joint unless fruit is wanted, when in every case they must be pinched at the next be- yond the ".show." It is, however, better to divest them of all male and female flowers until Decem- ber and then allow a few fruits to set and swell. Cutting, always in a young state, will then com- mence about Christmas, when the plants being thoroughly established, they will keep on bearing throughout the season. General treatment. — Syringe the house twice a day, but avoid wetting the foliage in winter, at least if it can be kept free from spider, and fumigate on the appearance of the first green fly. Let the tem- perature range from (is" at night to SO" by day through October, from IKi' to 7S' afterwards, but always run up to the maximum under gleams of sunshine. If the pit is, or can be, fitted with blinds, economise fire heat and keej) in moisture by running them down at night and during snow- s'orms, as rapid radiation and sudden lowering of fie temperature is one of the most common causes of mildew and loss of the old foliage. As the days decrease in length and growth becomes languid, pinching for a time must be suspended, the house, including the glass, kept scrupulously clean and free from all decaying matter, and tlie atmosphere sweet by light surfacings with pure loam and char- coal. Top-DiiEssiN(i. — While keeping the plants in good growth, grossness at the outset must be avoided, as immense leaves formed during early autumn not unfrequently perish when overtaken by winter. The compost I have named will not force this undesirable growth, neither will it sus- tain them when they commence bearing. Steps, therefore, must be taken for keeping them regu- larly supplied with root food as often as the s irface roots protrude, little and often. That recommended for forming the hills, with a plenti- ful supply of bone dust, the best and safest stimulant, thoroughly incorporated will answer well through the winter. A good supply pre- pared early in the autumn and placed in a dry s'led where it can be covered with fresh stable litter will not only last a long time, it will also be improved by keeping, as the ammonia from the litter and the slowly decaying bones will pene- trate the lumps of loam and ofd lime rubble. A little of this after being properly warmed should be packed firmly all over the hills as often as the white hungry roots creep through the last dress- ing; but, much as the Cucumber enjoys earthing up the stem in summer, its application should be performed with caution during winter. WATEUiN(i. — Succes.sful culture cannot long be carried on where watering is neglected or imper- fectly performed. Planted as it were on a sus- pended cradle, with hot-water pipes beneath, not only have the requirements of the plants to be supplied, but water in sufficient quantity to keep every part of the bed in a growing state and the hot ail chamber charged with vapour must be given from time to time, otherwise they will soon get wrong past recovery. Watering, then, must not only be frequent, but cojMous, as there is no possibility of the roots becoming too wet, whilst dribblets deceive the eye and lay the foundation for attacks of spider and mildew. Soft water, pure and simple, at the air temperature should be given once or twice a week until the plants come into bearing, when clear diluted liquid, soot water, and occasionally a dash of guano must be regu- larly supplied. W. CoLEMAx. EaMiioy C'aslle, Ledbury. Hackwood Park Tomato.— I have sent you a sample of this Tomato grown in a small span- roofed house on poles jilaced in the centre of the bed. This being my first trial with this sort, may I ask you if Tomatoes are usually grown to the size of the largest one herewith sent ? — M. C. WiNDOM, Tlie Lodije, TeildiiKjIon. *,.* Splendid in colour and beautifully grown, but the kind is not a pretty one, the largest fruits being, like New Zealand, at present in a state of eruption. The very largest is doubled and folded back on itself, and all round its vast waist there are a series of small brown craters — the dried results of its efforts to grow far bigger than ever Nature meant a Tomato to do. It measures l."i inches in circumference; only the smallest fruits are free from these ugly imperfec- tions. We regret much that peopfe raise such varieties and call them "improvements." The worship of size and monstrosities is carried to an excess in our gardens, and ought to be con- trolled. In the case of the Tomato, excellent in its ordinary forms, gross imperfections are paraded as " valuable novelties," to say little of the eating qualities, but coarse fruits of Tomatoes have useless cores and other parts to cut away, and are as bad for the cook as they are in appearance. — Ed. Potato disease. — The atmo.spheric conditinn.s which have during the last ten days or more prevailed here in Surrey appear to have liad vtry disastrous effects on the Potato crop. Breadths of Potatoes which a week ago looked remarkably healthy and vigorous unmistakably shviw the dire effects of the fungus. The early crops are of course out of danger, the drought having had the effect of ripening them off somewhat prematurely, but the yield of sound tubers in the case r>f late varieties will be much uniler the average. A proof of the \irulence with «hich the Perono.-pora has attacked the haulm is afforded by the condition of the Magnum Bonum, which here for the fir.-t time is now affected, and to all appearance as badly as other kinds. In this Potato we have hitherto considered that we possessed the means of warding off a Potato famine, but if that fails us we shall be as badly off as we were a few years ago. A year or so ago I was told that it got black-hearted in many soils ; but up to the present it has been excellent in quality on our light loam. As the White Elephant is coming so much into favour, it will be interesting to note its behaviour under the same conditions as the Magnum Bonum. It i-i evi- dent that this latter is no longer disease-proof, and we need another to take its place. — J. C. B. SHORT NOTES.— KITCHEN. Prolific Potato.— I jjlanted 1 lb. of Queen ot Potatoes on Maj' 10, and to my 9Uri)rise when I dug them on August 1 1 the produce was 02 lbs. ; they were all sound and good and nearly all large in size, -J. W. Mills, Miatii-nc. Pieklingr Cucumbers (.(mi((i«/).— Make choiec of those whiih are small and n...t too old, put them in jats and pour over them a brine made of two-thirds of w.at«r and one- third of vinegar, with salt in the proportion of 1 lb. to three pints of liquid. Put the brine on the fire till the salt is melted, let it stand to settle, and before you use it pour it off clear. When you wish to use the Cucumbers, Lake the rind off and dress them in the s.ame way as fresh Cucumbers. Late Peas. — My latest Pea this season is Veitch's Perfection, the produce of a third sow- ing. Ne Plus Ultra has been wonderfully good in flavour and very prolific, but it is mildewed. Huntingdonian I shall not grow again here ; it has turned out most miserably ; the pods are small and the Peas anything but good in flavour. In the south I have seen it do remarkably well. House's Marrow, a local variety, is a good Pea, large, prolific, and rich in flavour. It is in the style of Ne Plus Ultra. It is now bearing a second crop nearly as good as the first. I am strongly in favour of mulching and watering late Peas ; such treatment helps them to withstand the weather, and in a dry season prevents mildew from attacking them so quickly as it other- wise might do. As regards mid-season Peas, many came in out of place. As respects succes- sion, I sowed Advancer, Marvel, Champion of England, Prizetaker, and Dr. M'Lean, and, with the exception of Advancer, all came in together, though sown a week to ten days apart. Slarvel did not answer my expectations at all. King of the Marrows is a good Pea, and did remarkably well, as did also Telephone and Stratagem, both remarkably fine Peas.— W. A. Cook, Holiiu Wood, Pdtrhoroinih. Indoor Garden. CYCLAMENS AND THEIR CULTURE. Cyclamens are the most beautiful of all winter- flowering greenhouse plants. Their purity of colour and singularity of form make them uni- versal favourites, and the early season at which they come into bloom invests them with additional interest. As a rule, I like the bloom which I obtain from plants of the first and second year best; but those of one or two years older produce flowers in greater abundance than younger plants. I have among my Cyclamens many distinct colours, such as pure white, crimson, carmine, lilac, salmon, and rose. These and other colours in good Cyclamens should always be in themselves pure and unspotted, "not beautifully spotted and striped," as some describe plants at exhibi- tions, such spots and stripes being entirely the result of keeping the plants in cold, damp houses. To obviate such defects, maintain a continual, though slight artificial, heat in the house in which your Cyclamens are growing, and, at the same time, allow a free current of air, regulating it as to amount according to the state of the weather. This prevents that damp and stagnant atmosphere so much dreaded by all good C'yclamen growers. About the 1st of March we begin fertilising the flowers, placing such plants as are retained for that purpose in a house apart from the others ; and in furtherance of this end we select equal numbers of all the colours, omitting any possess- ing the least deficiency in size, form, or purity, and adopting flowers only that are perfectly uniform in shape, with broad blunt petals, each averaging about \h inches in length, and having a well defined base. The foliage, too, should be finely marked, and the plants should possess strong constitutions and quick - growing pro- perties. Some contend that Cyclamens may be success- fully raised from seed, and bloomed in nine or ten months in 4?.-inch pots ; but this I feel certain cannot be done. To have good plants, the seed should be sown in December, in a tempierature of .">0^', and the young plants should be pricked off' in spring into 4.t-inch pots, placing ten in each pot ; and when big enough, they should be potted singly in .3 inch pots. When these are well-filled with roots, which will be by the end of June, they should be potted into 4-1-inch pots, in which they will flower the following spring. After .this shift they should be placed in a cool, sunless house, and well watered both at root and overhead. All stimulants, in the way of manure or guano water, should be avoided, and nothing used except pure .soft water, otherwise the flower-stalks become drawn and weak, and the strength of the plant Aug. 28, 1886. J THE GARDEN. 103 gets expended in tlie production of foliage. By this treatment, strong blooming plants may be obtained by March, a period of fifteen months from the time of seed-sowing ; and in less time than that I find it impossible to obtain well- flowered plants. Some assert that they can grow good Cyclamens in Cucumber beds, but, judging from my own experience, such is impracticable. I always find it best to allow them some two months in which to germinate, then to keep them cool, and to bring them on gently. By this treat- ment they do not grow so quickly at top, but they form large bulbs underneath, and that much quicker than they otherwise would do were they subjected to a higher temperature. Much has been written respecting the compost best adapted for Cyclamens; some recommend a little jieat, others a little decomposed cow manure, mixed with the soil employed for them, and this latter I ha\e myself recommended, but I now find that its ellocts are more injurious than boneticial, inasmuch as it serves to breed worms and other insects that prove hurtful to the plants. Finding such to be the case, for the last four years I have used nothing but two-year-old rotted turf and good leaf- mould in equal quantities, with a liberal admixture of silver sand. In potting, I keep the bulbs about three-fourths out of the soil, carefully avoiding the old plan of placing them under the surface, so that the flowers may come up clean, without danger of damping or rotting off. As regards two-year-old bulbs, it is customary with many to dry them off in winter in by-places, keeping them without water until every root has become dead ; consequently the leaves die. When it is wislied to start them, they are repotted and watered, which is all but labour lost. Some of the bulbs push freely, but others break but feebly, drag out a miserable existence, and, after a time, die. I generally find it best to keep old plants in cold frames during their period of rest, and sutticiently damp to keep the roots in a healthy condition. Most of the plants shed their foliage, and those that do not, continue to grow through- out the season, and are the earliest to bloom. Much has been said about growing Cyclamens close to the glass; but, where they form a part only of plants that are benefited by such treat- ment, it is impossible to supply all with such a position ; therefore, amateur growers will be pleased to know that such is not absolutely necessary. The stages in our houses are from (i feet to S feet from the glass, and I find no difference whatever between those grown on these and others grown nearer the glass. In the case of amateurs who generally grow Cyclamens along with miscellaneous plants, they should, however, select a stage as near the glass as possible, and in a cool or sunless part of the house. Should the plants become infested with insects, I find it best to dip them two or three times in a mixture of soft soap and water, and when thus cleansed, they pass through their blooming season unharmed. By a free use of the syringe, I manage to keep them free from red spider and thrips. J. D. Permanent shade for glass houses. — The best permanent shade for plant houses is lin.seed oil and sugar of lead, in the proportion of about a teaspoonful of the lead to a quart of oil ; but the exact tint must be governed by the amount of shade required. Therefore apply the lead gra- dually, and prove it upon a few pieces of waste glass until you get the tint desired. The modu.t oji ;•««(// is this: first wash the glass thorouohly clean, and then (having previously prepared tlie oil and lead), on a dry clear morning, take the oil and paint as thinly as possible over the glass with an ordinary paint-brush; then follow with what the painters call adust-brush, loose and quite dry, and, dabbing it gently on the oiled portion, impart a frosted or groiuid-glass appearance to it. An ordinary garden labourer, with a little practice, will do this very nicely. This shading will stand very well for a season, and if in the autumn it is desired to remove it, that may be readily done by washing with strong pearlash water. For some plants, such as Camellias, Oranges, and other strong-foliaged things, it is questionable whether it is desirable to remove the shading. Many years ago, when there was a good deal of discussion about scorching by foreign, sheet, and other infe- rior kinds of glass, the late Mr. Pince, of Exeter, wrote thus to a friend : " I made short work of the scorching; I painted the glass all over with white lead paint, and I found where the paint was the thickest the plants (Camellias) did the best." There has been a good deal of misdirection about the light necessary for plants. We bring them from all parts of the world, and, without giving a thought as to whether their native habitat may be under the shade of larger vegetation or in open positions, we place them in bright full light, and then grumble because they do not grow as we could wi.sh them to do. — A. DOUBLE-FLOWERED GARDENIAS. Ok the many fine plants for which we are indebted to Fortune the Oardenia named after him must, I think, be pronounced to be the finest ; for to size, purity, and doubleness of the white Camellia this plant adds the delicious aroma for which the whole tribe of Gardenias is so much prized. The great market growers, who cultivate Gardenias by thousands for supplying bouquet-makers at t'ovent Garden, grow them principally by means of the heat of fermenting materials. The general plan is to have a pit filled with spent hops from the brewers' or tan for the bottom heat, and then linings of stable manure around the sides of the pit. The plants in the growing .season delight in a brisk, moist temperature— indeed, from the commencement until near the maturation of the growth they will grow in a vapour bath strongly impregnated with ammonia ; but to mature the wood and set the flow^er-buds it is necessary that they be exposed to a drier atmosphere and a free circulation of air. Cuttings of the Ganlenia strike with the utmost freedom in a close, moist temperature, with some bottom heat. Though heat from fermenting material is the most suitable for the cultivation of this tribe of plants, it must not be supposed that they will not grow in ordinary plant stoves. I have plants so treated now of G. Fortunei, G. florida, and G. Horida intermedia. During the growing season they are placed in the closest part of the stove, and are well supplied with manure water. When the growth is complete and the flower-buds forming, they are exposed to full air, and for months I keep them in a cool house with Camellias. When we want bloom they will be removed to a forcing house, and there remain to make their growth. As a forcing plant, to come into bloom in ilarch and afterwards, I know nothing so valuable as Gardenias. They are universal favourites with all who know them, and will ever remain so. The only drawback is that insect pests of every kind have a great atfection for them. Mealy bug, white and brown scale, thrips, and red spider, each grow fat and multiply upon them. The best remedy for these pests is to lay the plants upon their sides, and then syringe them when in a dormant state with water heated to 120"" ; then follow with a dressing of some of the insecticides, of which we have now so many, and the visitation will be subdued, if not eradicated. The kind mostly grown for market purposes is G. radicans. It is a dwarf, free-blooming species, and, carefully managed, flowers most profusely. It is known by the name of Cape Jasmine. P. Lilium aviratum platyphyllum.— Some va- rieties of this Lily are immeasurably superior to others ; for instance, weak drooping flower.^ with thin, poorly coloured petals are not worthy of being classed with large cup-shaped blooms richly spotted and barred with gold, and borne on good stout stalks. One of the best amongst the varie- ties is platyphyllum, a kind which can be readily distingui.shed in all stages of growth. The bulbs do not vary from those of ordinary auratum, but as soon as the shoots push above ground, it will be observed that they are much thicker than thoseof the type, while the leaves are much wider and larger. It also attains a greater height, and the flowers are massive and handsome in shape. They difl'er from each other somewhat in colour, some being almost white, while others have the golden band well defined, and are spotted to some extent, but not densely. This Lily within the last year or two has become tolerably common. — H. P. LUCULIA GRATISSIMA. This is one of the most beautiful winter-flowering conservatory plants in cultivation, forming, when planted out in about equal portions of turfy loam and fibrous peat, large bushes (i or more feet in diameter, and filling the house with delicious fra- grance in November and December. Some years ago I had charge of a conservatory, in which several large plants of Luculia M'ere growing beau- tifully in the borders ; for although it is rare to meet with a really good specimen in a jrat, yet when planted out in good soil in a well-drained border, it grows as freely as a Willow. The great thing is to prune well back after flowering; if this is not done, the plant rambles up, soon gets naked at the bottom, and does not flower well. It often makes l2 feet or :i feet of wood in one season, and the flowers are borne at the ends of the shoots ; therefore it is important to facilitate the ripening of the wood as much as possible by exposure to light and by reducing the supply of water during this month and September. The Luculia also makes a grand plant for covering the back wall of a conservatory, and there is scarcely any limit to the space which it will cover. Liquid manure made from soot, and given clear during the flower- ing and growing period, adds to the strength and beauty of its flowers, and imparts a rich dark green tint to its foliage. The syringe should be used frequently to keep the foliage clean. About the same treatment that suits Camellias for bloom- ing about Christmas will also .suit the Luculia. A really good specimen of this Luculia in a pot is, as I have said, not often met with, and the reason probably is because the jilant is usually en- couraged to flower before a good foundation has been laid for the future specimen. And until it is well established in a good-sized pot, it seems rather impatient of being cut back ; plants are, therefore, allowed to flower without being sub- jected to cutting, and it is somewhat difficult afterwards to induce the plant to become bushy. In commencing to form a specimen, begin with a young healthy plant, keep it growing in what is called an intermediate house, and persistently pinch or rub out the leading buds till a good foundation for the future specimen is formed. Do not allow it to flower till this object has been attained, and the plant will be longer lived in consequence. When potting is necessary, give a liberal shift. What is known among plant growers as " the one-shift system " is well adapted for tie Luculia, but then special care is required in water- ing and the drainage must be perfect. Although when making its growth the Luculia delights in liberal supplies of water, anything in the shape of stagnation at the root produces ill health, from which there is little or no recovery. The best soil for pot culture is two-thirds turfy loam and one-third fibry peat, with a dash of fine charcoal. The soil should be well broken up and rubbed through a coarse sieve without extracting the fibre. Pot firmly; loose potting encourages rapid growth, but this is often inimical to the forma- tion of a good specimen. It may be (iropagated by cuttings made of the young side shoots taken ort' with a heel, and placed under a bell-glass in a cool situation till callused, then plunged in a mild bottom hea":. It may also be increased by means of layers. E. H. Marie Louise Violet in frameB.— This Violet is nut a sucee.ss witli us iu the open air; our winters are too culd for it, but it succeeds very well in frames. We usually plant it in frames from which early Melons h.ive been cut. There i.5 always a little heat left in the manure, which greatly encourages the Violets; 204 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 28, 1886. no extra preparation is re(iuired. The soil is levelleil down, and theViolets which have been.specially prepared for the purpose, having sturdy foliage and strong buds, are planted 9 inches apart. The soil is pressed firmly about them, a good soaking of water is given to settle the soil, and the lights are kept off till cold weather sets in, but the bed is not allowed to be deluged with cold rain at any time. — E. H. Orchids. CULTURAL NOTES FOR SEPTEMBER, The late Mr. Spyers was one of the best of Orchid growers, but on one point of culture, that relating to the potting of cool Orchids, I never could quite agree with him. Spyers would insist upon re-potting them in February or March, or he would leave them alone until September. I do not say that these are not the best months ; probably they are ; but I have re-potted cool Orchids, hundreds of them, in June, and many in all the intervening months between March and September. A very congenial temperature can be kept up during September, and those who have plants requiring repotting would do well to have them seen to at once. Spyers used two-thirds of Sphagnum Moss to one of good fibrous peat. I mix the tw-o in nearly equal proportions, but I always have a potful of clean washed and chopped Sphagnum at hand to add a further quantity if necessary, as I like to place the Sphagnum in more liberal proportions on the surface. The last plants of Odontoglossum vexillarium are not yet out of bloom ; consequently they have not been repotted, but we will finish them by the end of the first week in September. They do not require any rest whatever after flowering ; as a rule, they will be found to have made some young growth before the flowers fade, and that pushes on rapidly after the plants are repotted. If a few of the old leaves show decay- spots in places, the inexperienced cultivator need not be alarmed. It is better if they do not, but the growths are about the same in each case. As soon as cold, dull weather sets in these and the pretty, but capricious, 0. Phahenopsis should be removed to the coolest part of the Cattleya house ; ■we place the last named close to the glass at the cool end. Some of the Masdevallias should also be -wintered in the Cattleya house. Those that remain in the cool house, but at the warmest end, M. Lindeni, M. Harryana, M. \'eitchiana. and il. ignea. I have never ventured to repot or break up specimens of any Masdevallias at this time of the year, but Si>yers considered this a good, if not the best, time for such work. I have generally done it in February. Another good Orchid cultivator told me that a knife or any other cutting instrument never ought to be used to divide the plants. It ought to be done care- fully with the fingers. If a knife is used, the plants, I am told, always die. I have never used a knife, so cannot speak from experience, but I have parted many with the fingers, and never had a single failure. We have quite a colony of plants of that most handsome of all Masdevallias, M. Harryana, that have been grown from a few little bits of the original importation. We only part the plants when it can be done easily. Nearly all the Masdevallias may be propagated in this way ; some species grow much more freely than others. Some of our largest specimens, both of Masde- vallias and Odontoglossums, had been grown and potted on from one pot to another for ten years or more until they showed signs of declining vigour. These plants had every particle of pot- ting material removed, and the roots of some of them were washed. They were then placed in smaller pots. I cannot say that they improved much the first year; in fact some of them went the other way, but after the second year they did well. In a few weeks the earliest specimens of Onci- dium macranthum will be showing their spikes, and so fond of these and of the young roots formed freely outside the potting soil are slugs, that they must be constantly watched, even after we take the precaution to place the plants on inverted pots in a vessel of water. We had a fine spike in flower during the last four weeks, but the flower's have how faded, and the plant looks as if a whole season of rest would be desirable. This species becomes very much exhausted through flowering if the plants are not in a very vigorous condition. It is a good plan to give a plant a season of rest sometimes ; especially if it has flowered well two or three years in succession. We give them a rest by preventing their flowering for one year. The Cattleya or Mexican house must not now be so much shaded. Cattleyas of the Trianie section have completed their growth, and must be kept drier at the roots, as well as receive more light and air ; but C. Mossiie and Mendeli have not yet formed their bulbs, and require more heat and moisture with exposure to as much light as pos- sible. While the nights are warm, the ventilators must be open at the top as well as at the bottom of the house. If the plants receive the right treatment as regards ventilation, atmospheric moisture, and watering, they will not be so liable to be attacked by thrips. Green fly has been troublesome in all our houses this year, and as fumigating is not quite safe, dipping and washing the plants with soapy and tobacco water have taken up much time, t^attleya Gaskelliana and C. Dow- iana are now either in flower, or have passed out of bloom. C. gigas, Sanderiana, and imperialis, all varieties of the same species, have also flowered some time ago ; they must be kept rather dry at the roots. If they receive an over-supply of water, or indeed if the compost is kept anything like moist, they will start into growth, which would not ripen this year and would prevent next season's growth being strong enough to flower. Calanthe veratrifolia, a well-known evergreen species, is now growing from the base, and if the plants require re-potting they should be seen to at once. We will repot ours, using nothing but good turfy loam, a little leaf mould, some decayed manure, and sand if necessary, just enough to keep the compost open. The thick fleshy roots of these Calanthes are easily injured by careless handling, and the plants receive a check they do not very soon get over. The compost must be kept moist all the year round. The new species C. vestita oculata gigantea has also started to grow, and must be re-potted in the same way as the others. It does not look as if it required any season of rest, as the growths have started well and the old leaves are yet green. This plant has now been introduced in quantity and may be purchased at a cheap rate. It seems to have been introduced from Borneo and requires the warmest house, while C. veratrifolia does best in the intermediate section. The whole of the Dendrobiums are now in the warmest house we have, and they show their appreciation of the extra heat and moisture by making clean, strong, and healthy growths. It does seem that if we can get our Orchids to grow freely, by maintaining the right state of heat and moisture, they are not liable to be attacked by red spider, thrips, or any other parasites. More than any other Orchids the Dendrobiums require a decided period of rest after their rapid summer antl autumn growth. We endeavour to let them go to rest by a gradual decline in the temperature after the middle of September, and some of them, such as 1). nobile, D. Wardianum, D. crassinode, D. Falconeri, &c., are kept quite dry and in a warm greenhouse temperature all through the winter, a plant or two of each species being taken into the warm houses at intervals of three or four weeks. The plants ought to be marked "early, mid-season, and late," so that the early forced plants this season may also be forced earliest next season. We have some of each species flowering well into May, and plants of IJ. nobile in June ; the first of them are in about Christmas. Probably there are no more valuable Orchids for cultivation in every garden than these L>endrobes, the best of which is D. nobile. Jas. Douglas. Miltonia spectabilis is one of the best species of a genus peculiarly rich in good garden plants, and it is one of the easiest Orchids to cultivate, growing freely in a moist, warm greenhouse if fastened on to a raft with a few bits of peat and Sphagnum amongst its creeping rhizomes. Like many other popular species of Orchids, it is now represented in gardens by numerous varieties, which are, however, usually catalogued as distinct species. Two of the best of these are now in flower at Kew, viz., the varieties virginalis and Moreliana, the former having pure white sepals and petals and the large tongue-like labellum of two shades of purple, the darker being about the base, veins of the same dark shade running out into the paler purple of the margins. Moreliana has very large flowers with broad overlapping petals and sepals and a broad labellum, the whole being coloured a deep vinous purple, except the marginal portion of the lip, which is paler. We should call this variety, as represented at Kew, what is known in gardens as atrorubens. Give Miltonias plenty of water and a sweet atmosphere and they will grow healthily and flower annually. They cannot thrive with coddling, nor do they grow as well when planted in pots as when in baskets or on rafts. Aerides Rohanianum is a beautiful species belonging to the same group as A. quinquevul- nerum and A. odoratum, but distinct from all its allies. It is a recently introduced kind, and has only lately been flowered in English collections. There is a plant of it now bearing a stout spike of flowers in the Kew collection, the flowers extend- ing up about a foot of the spike and forming a beautiful compact inflorescence. The sepals and petals are white with the faintest rosy tint; their texture is firm, though wax-like, and they are slightly reflexed; the labellum is horn-shaped, the point turned upwards in front, whilst the three lobes or lacinia' bend inwards at the top and form a hood over the column ; the colour of the labellum is sulphur-yellow, with a few tiny dots of rose towards the tip of the horn. Inside the spur of the lip are two small horns, of which Professor Reichenbach says : " I never befoi-e saw such curious bodies in any Aerides among the hundreds and hundreds of flowers I have had under my eyes." The species is apparently a free grower, requiring intermediate treatment ; it is certainly distinct and beautiful, which cannot be said of all the recently introduced and much lauded Aerides. Dendrobium Phalsenopsis was exhibited by the Kew authorities at South Kensington last Tuesday, and we are glad to see that so beautiful a species is likely to become a popular garden plant because of its good constitution, which, un- fortunately, is not the case with the majority of Orchids from the Australian tropics, and especially with the Dendrobiums. D. Phahenopsis was in- troduced through Kew from the island of Timor, but it is also found in North Australia and New Guinea. The pseudo-bulbs are stout, about 15 inches long, narrowed to a point from whence starts the curved raceme, which is a foot long, and bears five flowers, each '2h inches across ; the sepals and petals are broad and coloured pale purple or magenta, and the lip is deep red-purple with a blotch of maroon in the throat. This Dendrobium may take rank with D. Williamsi, recently ex- hibited at South Kensington, as a beautiful new species, and although it is not so distinct as that kind, it is apparently a long way superior in being more amenable to garden culture than D. Wil- liamsi has proved to be. New Guinea is the land of promise just now to Orchid growers and collec- tors, and if it contains many such beautiful plants as the two Dendrobes here mentioned, it will be worth exploring in the interests of the gardening world. Masdevallia Davisi stands out distinctly amongst the hosts of Masdevallias in cultivation because of the clear bright lemon-yellow of its flowers, for, if we except the insignificant flowered kinds, there is no other pure yellow-flowered spe- cies that could rank as a desirable garden Orchid. Apparently M. Davisi is rare, for we have not seen it lately in the collections we have visited except at Kew, where a healthy little plant is now in Aug. 28, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 205 flower. The leaves are thick, leathery, dark green, S inches long and erect, and the scapes bear each a flower about as large as thatof M. Lindeni. We have an apiiroach to yellow in some of the forms of M. ii;nea, but these are never nearer than orange. A beautiful quartette of JIa.sdevallias would be the above for yellow, M. Harryana for crimson, M. Veitchiana for scarlet, and M. tovarcnsis for white flowers. In a small collection these four would represent the cream of the genus; whilst those remarkable in form might be represented by M. Chim:cra or M. bella, JI. Shuttleworthi, M. ma- crura, and M. Wageneriana. Here is a selection which we recommend to beginners in Orchid culture who have not yet made up their minds anent Masdevallias. Cattleya Gaskelliana {R. Oin n). — \Vc con- sider the Hower you send to be a tine form of C ( iaskelliana, which is very distinct from C. San- deriana. The former more resembles the autumn flowering C. labiata, but being ahvays earlier in flowering cannot be confused with it. Your variety is remarkable for the fine broad lip, which is more highly coloured than usual. The shape of the floW'Cr, too, is good, tlie sepals being broad and held out firmly. Aeridea odoratum virens. — Under thi,s name a wonderfully fine spike of an Aerides has been sent to us by Mr. Simpkins, from Mr. Measures' collection, at Cambridge Lodge, Camberwell New Road. It is by far the finest spike of A. odoratum we have seen. It measures 17 inches in length, and 13 inches of it are thickly covered with flowers, larger and finer in every way than usual. Their colour is white and «axlike, the sepals and lips being tipped with deep rose-purple. It looks more like A. Lawrenciiv or Sanderianum than any Aerides we have seen. Jlr. Measures has two plants of this Aerides bearing five such spikes as that sent. Orchids at Selborne. — This is not the time to see many Orchids in flower, but there is promise of a fine display later on. Amongst the best things whicli we noticed htrj were a richly coloured form of C'ypripedium ifuanthum super- bum, the grand C. euryandruni, Stonei, Sedeni, and several others; also a finely marked variety of Vanda suavis, the raie Miltonia bicolor, Masdevallia Winniana and Davisi, the pure white Brassavola nodosa, a plant far too much neglected ; the fine old Cattleya violacea, and a very deeply coloured form of C. Dayana. There were also a very fine marked form of the old and little -known Oaleandra Baueri, and the curious Lalia xanthina; these are all late summer or autumn bloomers. Cattleya velutina. — A twin-flowered spike of this new Cattleya has been sent to us from Mr. Measures' garden, at Camberwell. It is not showy compared with other Cattleyas, but pretty and interesting on account of its being so different from them. The flowers measure about 4 inches across the outspread sepals, which are rather nar- row ; they are broadest in the middle and wavy edged. Their ground colour is yellowish brown, spotted with chocolate. The lobe of the lip is 1 inch broad, white, heavily pencilled and veined w-ith purplish violet ; it is quite white on the upper part, with a dash of yellow in the throat. The flower is sweetly scented — an additional charm. In growth it so much resembles the less valuable C. bicolor, that the two plants are often confused when out of bloom. Trichopilia suavis. — This beautiful plant is a native of Central America — a rich field from which many of our most valualile Orchids have been derived. It is one of the commonest species in cultisation, and may be purchased for a few shillings; it flowers very profusely in March and April, and is of extremely easy culture. There are several varieties of this plant in culti\ation, varying in the size of the flowers and in the depth or brightness of the rosy blotches with which its snow-whito lip is profusely adorned. The flowers are borne, two or three together, on a short droop, ing .scape; and, in large well-grown specimens J their effect is very beautiful, as they frequently form a perfect wreath all round the base of the pseudo-bulbs, (iood specimens often bear upwards of a hundred flowers, and as they last a consider- able time (often six weeks) in perfection, they are of additional interest. The flowers are very useful for cutting, either for dinner-table decoration or for the draning-room vase, as they sparkle very brilliantly under artificial light, and look very fresh and attractive when neatly backed by foliage or Fern fronds. This plant, together with its allies, grows well in a compost of fibrous peat and Sphagnum, care being taken to elevate it on a little hillock above the rim of the pot, or rather pan, in which it should be grown. All the Tricho- pilias do best in an intermediate house. They re- quire plenty of water when grow-ing and a decided season of rest. Societies. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. AfGi'ST 24. TuE large and excellent show of cottagers' and artisans' garden produce was the chief feature at South Kensington on Tuesd.ay last, and, added to this, there was a good display of flower.s, which lit up the conservatory with colour. The Gladioli frum I^angport were never shown finer, and the Roses fr«nn Waltham Cross and Cheshunt were almost as fine as in mid-July, while the glow of autumn hardy flowers, such as Dahlias and other composites, was seen on all sides. The new plants submitted to the committee were ccioaiiaratively few, the following being those to which first-class certificates were awarded, and these, as may be observed, were all florists" flowers : — D.\HLIA Mr. Rose. — A single variety with pecu- liarly coloured flowers, the ground colour being rosy lilac, spotted and flaked with crimson. Exhibited by Messrs. Canuell and Sons, Swanley. Dahli.\ Yellow Constance. — A yellow form of the white double Cactus-like Dahlia n.amed Con- stance. It was certificated as a decorative variety, whatever tliat may mean. Sliown by Mr. Ware, Hale Farm Nursery, Tottenham. Dahlia Miss Limakeu. — A tingle variety having large and finely shaped blooms of a vivid carmine, with a yellowish centre. From Mr. Ware. Dahlia .\mos Pehuv. — A single varietj', a good deal like the origin.al Paragon, but finer. The broad florets are of a rich plum-purple, edged with crimson. From Mr. Ware. Gladiolus Voltaire. — One of the Lemoine's race of hybrids, and a very fine sort. The flowers are above the usual size, finely shaped, and of a bright magenta-rose. Gladiolu.s Laiit Macfahren, pale blush, prettily flaked on the petals. Lord Ashbourne, vivid crim- son, one of the briglitest of all. Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar, salmon-pink, flaked with bright rose. Lady Salisbury, blush, flaked with crimson. Empress of India, pale purple and flaked. All thfcse were exhibited by the raisers, Messrs. Kelway, of Langport, Somerset, and we need hardly say all were perfect examples of first rate Gladioli. All had fine, large and perfectly shaped blooms and tall massive spikes. They were selected from a large number of new seedling varieties shown in the Langport collection. Among other exhibits shown the following were worthy of note ; Mr. Crowley's gardener (Mr. King) showed from Waddon House an un- commonly fine example of Chrysanthemum Madame Desgrange, the flowers of which were pure white and nearly 5 inches across. Not less remarkable were some huge blooms of African Marigolds, lemon and orange-tinted, from Mr. R. Dean, of Ealing ; the blooms Were 4 inches and .'p inches acrc-^s, forming dense globular heads. Mr. Eckford, of Eorreaton Park, sent a series of named seedling Sweet Peas; how far tliey differed from older Itiuds could not be seen without actual comparison, but there was a brilliant carmine among them which seemed new to us, and there was also an excellent pure white. Orchils were scarce, but these inelu led the magni- ficent Cattleva gigas Hardyana, which is remarkable for its large flowers and splendidly coloured lips, the tint being an indescribable shade of magenta. This variety could scarcely be surpassed among the forms of C. gigas. It was shown by Mr. Hardy, of Timperley. Another Orchid was Maxillaria setigera, sliown by Mr. Buchan, Wilton House, Southampton. It has largish flowers \\ith long and narrow petals of a pale yellow. The New Plant and Bidb Conipiny, Colchester, showed a variety of Cattleya superba from Colombia, which, however, did not appear to differ materially from the original form, and the same exhibitors showed two Indian Balsams, one being the pretty and not uncommon Impatiens Jerdoniie, the other a rare species somewhat like it named I. bicolor. It has two coloured flowers pecxi- li.arly curved like a horn. Mr. Bull showed flowers of the beautiful new Aristolochia elegans and thj brilliant new Balsam (Impatiens Hawkeri). H illyhocks were again shown plentifully by two or three growers. Messrs. ^^'ebb and Brand, of Saffron Walden, had a great display of cut blooms, as well as spikes, and Mr. Blundelj, of West Dulwich, again had some new sorts, among which we singled out tho=e named Mai-y Anderson, straw colour ; W. G. Head, crimson ; Princess ^'ictoria, blush-pink, all excellent. An elegant Maidenhair Fern, named Adiantum cuueatum elegans, was shown by Mr. Kershaw, Shad House Nursery, Brighouse. It has finely cut fronds, and is altogether more graceful than the type. Dahlias were plentiful, and the fine displ.ay of show kinds maile by Mr. C. Turner, of Slough, in- cluded some beautiful new seedling doubles, one of which called Bendigo seemed to be the perfection of a show Dahlia. It has huge well-formed flowers of a plum-purple. Mr. Ware showed a host of new single sorts, as did also Messrs. Cannell. from whose collection we picked out those named, Our Leader, Cherry Ripe, Mr. Rose, as the finest. Messrs. Cannell also had a blight display of other flowers, including a selection of double Begonias, CarDatit)n Pride of Penshurst, and a bunch of that rarelj- shown annual, Salpiglossis variabilis, in many colours. Messrs. Carter exhibited an extensive collection of China Asters, all admirably grown and flowered specimens, rei)resenting every strain, we should say, that exists. There were Chrysanthemum-flowered, Quilled, Dwarf German, Victoria, Preonj -flowered, and others, all in various colours, so that it was not only a showy, but an instructive exhibition. A silver Banksian medal was worthily awarded to the exhibitors. Met-srs. Veitch showed a collection of hybrid Gladioli of the Lemoinei rare, which in- cluded a large number of varieties, some being quite new .=ecdlini;s. The names of the finest were Enfant de Nancy, Emile Lemoine, Alsace, C. Colomb, La France, and Lemoinei. The rather uncommon, yet brilliant, G. Saundersi was also shown by Messrs. Veiteb. A silver-gilt medal was awarded to Messrs. Kelway for their large and magnificent collection of Gladioli, whijh numbered no fe*'er than '2.')0 spikes, represent- ing the finest Gladioli in existence. The collection was the g'Cat feature of the meeting, and was the centre of attraction. Among the finest new sorts, besides those certificated, were those named Lord Wolseley, brilliant scarlet; Sir F. Leighton, yellow flaked with crimson ; Lady R. ChurchiU, blush-pink; Dr. Dresser, magenta ; John Ruskin, delicate salmon; and Lady Lethbridge, blush-pink. All tliese are supposed to be improvements on older kinds of a similar colour. Messrs. Kelway also had a large display of Phloxe-, Delphiniums, and Gaillardi.as, which, like the Gladioli, seem to thrive to perfection at Langport. The New Plant and Bulb Company took a silver medal for a fine gathering of Liliuni auratum .i-pikes and hybrid Gladioli ; and Messrs. W. Paul and Son also took a silver medal for their large and fine display of Roses. Messrs. Paul, of Cheshunt, who likewise took a silver medal, varied their exhibits on this occasion with cut branches of ornamental trees and shrubs such as Prunus Pissardi, the Golden Elm, Catalpa, Rhus typhiua, and others, which harmonised well with the Roses and large masses of hardy plants. Mr. Ware again took a silver medal for a wonderful display of 206 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 2.S, 1886. hardy flowers which he has continually exhibited every week throughout the season. On this occasion the group indicated the near approach of autumn, liy the comparative scarcity of Lilies and other summer flowers, and the prevalence of Composites, such as Dahlias, Simfiowers, Aster?, Kniphofias, and the like. Fruit. — Beyond one or two seedling Melons, which were passed by the committee, the chief exhibit among fruit was a collection of early Apples from Messrs. W. Paul's nurseries, Waltham Cross, which was both large and represented numerous sorts. Among them were the following : Lord SuffielH, Devonshire C^uarrenden, Stirling Castle, Cellini Pip- pin, Bed Astrachan, New Hawthoruden, Keswicl< Codlin, Yellow Ingestrie, Small's Admirable, York- shire Beauty, Echlinville, Golden Spire, and Kerry Pippin. The Cottagers' Show. — Those who imagine that only inferior garden produce would mark the Cottagers' Show at South Kensington, must have found ample reason to admit that they were in error. Indeed, as compared with the exhibits of the co-ope- rative association members and their gardeners at the other end of the conservatory, the cottagers' exhibits were very superior, and generally were first-rate, not a few classes being exceptionally good. The compe- tition throughout was also remarkable, as will be seen from the details given, the judging presenting unusu- ally arduous work, especially when from thirty to forty entries were staged. Potatoes were finely shown, no less than thirty-six lots, ninety-three dirhes being presented, generally excellent samples. Amongst those were of white kinds. International, Fillbasket, Woodstock Kidney, Cosmopolitan, Prime Minister, Ashleaf Kidney, Chancellor, and Schoolmaster ; and of coloured kinds, Edgcote Purple, Vicar of Ijaleham, The Dean, Adirondack, Reading Russet, Queen of tlie Valley, Cardinal, &,o. The selected first three dishes included Essex Challenge (Bresee's Prolific), Vicar of Laleham, and Woodstock Kidney ; the second three comprising Radstock Beauty, Adiron- dack, and The Vicar. There were no less than forty-two dishes in the single class, Fillbasket, a fine sample, coming first, Reading Russet being second, and Vicar of Laleham third. Eleven lots of two dishes of Pras were staged, and the best in- cluded Duke of Albany, Telephone, Ne Plus Ultra, and Stratagem. The same kinds were to the fore in the single dish class, of winch there were twenty-one entries, .Tohn Bull being included. Thougli none were showy pods, they wei-e mostly well filled and fresh. Onions included some twenty dishes, mostly autumn sown. Giant Rocca was the best, coming from Coleshill, Wilts ; and some fine white Spanish took a second prize. Of Cablxtgcs there were eighteen trebles, mostly large samples, the finest evi- dently Enfield Market, coming from Enfield ; Daniels' l->efiance being second. LfAtiiV'^s were represented by Paris White Cos chiefly, in eighteen lots of three heads. The samples were only of moderate quality. Scarlet Jiiinneys proved to be a remarkable success, thirty-five dishes being staged, the best being a superb sample of Ne Plus Ultra, apparently a distinct kind, from Bletchington, Oxon, long, straight, and of good colour ; Girtford Giant, also very fine, was second ; and the handsome Ne Plus Ultra third. Pmad Brans were moderate, the season being too late for them. The best were from Ealing — the Old Broad Windsor ; IjBviathan coming next in order. Turnips were again •a remarkably good class. Snowball, Six-weeks, Jersey Lily, and White Stone all very like, but mostly very handsome and clean. The best of these were from Tring and Kent. An even more admirable class were the Carrots, many of the samples being most beautiful and perfect. There were no less than thirty-five lots, tlie best, some capital Long Sur- rey, coming from Mr. North, of Buckingham ; whilst the second and third lots were the New Intermediate, and almost perfect in form. The Nantes were also good. Jiect was represented by twenty-five lots and were of moderate quality. Carter's Perfection, Pragnell's Exhibition, Dell's Crimson, and the Turnip-rooted were the best. Eleven lots of three heads of Cauli- flowers were shown, and included Walcheren and Autumn Giant chiefly, and were fairly good sam]:iles, especially for the time of the year. Some fifteen Cueumbcrs were staged, but few were named, and the samjiles were not speci.ally good. On the other hand, Vojelahle Marrows were in great force, being shown in some thirty couples. These included samples, white and green, long and round, ranging from a few inches to 15 inches in length. The selected lots were chiefly white and of fair even dimensions. Only eight dishes of Tomatoes were shown, most of these having been grown under glass. The best, which was Perfection, came from Bucks. Hathaway's Excelsior and Dedham Favourite were also very good. Fruits. — Apples were very fair indeed, the best in the single-dish class being Lord Surtield, which took all the prizes ; whilst in the class for three dishes Mr. Jacob, of Petworth, a rather formidable competitor, was a good first with Lord SuflSeld, New Hawthorn- den, and Gloria Mundi. The best of eating kinds was Red Astr.achan. There were nineteen dishes of Goosilcrries, both red and white kinds. Tlie first dish was Lancashire Lad, as also was the tliird, whilst the second v/aa the Old Whitesmith, all very good samples. Out of fourteen dishes of Cnrrants the selected best were fine red from Amersham and Petworth, and blacks took third place. Finally, Cherries, all Morellos, and very good samples were represented by fourteen dishes. There was a well- named miscellaneous class, which included collections of vegetables. Celery, Globe Artichokes, dwarf Beans, &c., and of fruit. Plums, Pears, Apricots, and Mulberri&s, some twenty-two entries in all. Throughout these classes four prizes were in each ofltered, and, of course, all were awarded. The National Cooperative Flower Show- — Such was tlie title given to the display made under the auspices of the Agricultural and Horticultural Association, of which Mr. E. 0. Greening is the managing director. A large number of cla.sses was provided, but in no case was there specially good conqietition, which was, with one half the classes, limiteil to members of co-operative societies, and the other half to members or tlie gardeners of their particular association. In the latter class the chief exhibitor seemed to be Mr. Dean, of Tilsey Park, Sussex, who took first place in the two collections of nine kinds of vegetables; a very fair lot, the best being Potatoes, dwarf Beans, Carrots, Celery, and Turnips. This exhibitor also h.ad the best Cauliflowers ; only two lots of three dishes of Peas were staged, and but one dish of Tomatoes — a very corrugated sample. Of Broad Beans two dishes were staged, but six dishes of Runner Beans, and of moderate quality; three lots of Cabbages, two of which were of great size. The best Carrots were Long Surrey, Nantes, and Intermediate. Beet, on the whole, was poor and ungainly. Onions were represented by nine dishes. Giant Rocca being the best ; and there were ten bunches of Turnips, Snowball being placed first, though mo.st were of indifferent quality. There Were six dishes of White Kidney Potatoes, the best being International and Magnum Bonum, and thirteen dishes of coloured kinds, which included Vicar of Laleham and Reading Russet. Cucumbers were moderate ; Marrows were more plentiful, hut very uneven. The best lot of six dishes of vegetables came from Mr. Sexton, North.ampton. A very nice feature was found in the bunches of annuals shown in six kinds, the first coming from Mr. Goldsmith, of Polesden, Herts, inchuled Zinnias in variety. Lobelias, French Marigolds, Asters, Calliopsis, and Centaureas. Mr. J. Govv, of Hastings, was second with a large double Sunflower, Phlox Drummondi, Sweet Peas, Marigold, &c. Some spikes of Stocks were pretty, and nosegays, Asters, Dahlias, and other cut flowers interesting. Ferns. QUESTIONS. TASSELLED AND CRESTED FERNS. Mr. Syjie names (p. Ifi4) several collectors from whom I should seek information respecting Ferns of this class. I ha\'e done this in the case of the late Mr. Wilson, of Jamaica, who for years was a keen searcher for Ferns belonging to that island, and who contributed largely to our knowledge of them, both in a livingand dead state. Dr. Thwaites, too, of Ceylon, did not allow many forms to pass unnoticed, and contributed largely, not only herbarium specimens, but many living plants, some of which were introduced by liim for the first time. Krii^er and Prestoe have also con- tributed largely to our knowledge of the Ferns of Trinidad. Kriiger and Prestoe have also been searchers for these plants in Trinidad, and have enriched our collections of thera to a great extent, whilst Belanger and Imray have contributed their quota from Martinique and Dominica ; so also have Duncan and Home from the Mauritius, Barter and Mann from Western Africa, Seeman from Panama and the Fijis, Milne from the South Sea Islands, Hooker from New Zealand, Spruce from the Amazon, and others. From these men I have from time to time obtained much information regarding exotic Ferns, but amongst all their con- tributions but few crested or tasselled Ferns have been brought to our notice. To our trade col- lectors we are mainly indebted for the introduc- tion of most of these varieties of exotic Ferns, and from these I also have obtained much infor- mation. TaMiilis and Platycerium I do not consider to be abnormal forms. Antrophyums, I must confess, I have never seen forked or crested, although numbers have passed through my hands. I say again that it is my belief that English Ferns are more subject to abnormal variations than tropical ones, seeing that we have in commerce something like six hundred named kinds, mostly sports from about six species, whilst the forms hitherto intro- duced of exotics would not exceed a hundred. Mr. Fraser says the conclusion at which lie has arrived as to the cause of our non-acquaintance with greater numbers of abnormal exotic Ferns is the want of interest shown by people abroad in that class of plants. But if botanical coUectoi's do not care to gather abnormal forms, trade collectors do, and make it their aim to send home everything they find in that way of commercial value. Mr. Fraser seems to attach but little importance to climatic changes, but my botanical instructors have always contended that they were great factors in producing variations in plants. G. Adiantum cuneatum var. eleg:antuluin.— Thisis a fiuc-fiiliagcd variety of the common wudye-leaved Muideil- huir Fern, and, owing tu its extreme grace and elegance, it promises to become a favourite with all bouquctists ard tlor.al decorators. If used for a bouquet or for grouping along with flowers in a vase, it can be spread eutirely over the flowera without hiding them, as it then presents the appearance of a thin film of soft green colouring, through which each blossom is plainly visible. The fronds are as large as those of A. cune.atum, the only dili'erence being the much smaller divisions. I Ijitely saw it in Mr. Williams' nursery at Uolloway, where it grows very freely and is much admired. — II. or>l.'i.~Mountain Asli berries. — How can I preserve these in bunches ? They are so handsome for Christmas de- corations, that 1 should like to keep them for that purpose. The birds will soon eat them if not removed. Perhaps some of your coiTcspondeuts will instruct me how to proceed. — T. iold.— Clematis moutana. — We fail to bloom this Cloniatis cither out i.f doors or in a cool gi-ecuhouse ; it grows luxiu-iantly, but never tlowei-s, and I am told others iu the ncighbourhond litcewise fail witli it. Can any of your readers h°lp us in the matter? We live at tbc bottom of a valley r.\J'i feet aljove the sea Is Clematis indivisa lob.ita likely to bloom out of doors with us?— E. L. R.. Ilnlifax. Holly berries (p. 170). — I noted last year, on the 2nd of OctLitiLT, tliat tliere were still ben-ies of the previous ye.ar on a Hiillv on my lawn. — Willi.^m Wickiiaw, JUnnUd- If yc^*, Alton, 'llanls. Double Beg-onias (O. Stotr II).— A very fine gathering of two-yeftr-oli seedlings ; some arc as fine as we have seen both for size .and colour, and the pure white double will be valuable to you.- -Ed. Naxaes of plants.—//. A'.— Stanhopea i-.adiosa. /'. B. {F<'i\!lt'(il).— l, Campanula (Platycodon) grandiflora; 2, Campanula isophylla alba. IC. A'. — Bravoa gcminiflora. Mrn. Maxo-'ll. — Spir.T3a eallosa alba, Liatris spicata. IC /'. F. — Sautolina iucana, Rcsa lucida. Walton Lodiic, —Rhus Cotinus. J. Z. 7i.— Bignouia grandifiora.— ^ — SuTflart/. —You pi-obably mean the Savin (JuniperusSabina). /i. M, G. — SoUya heterophylla (blue), Qo.amoclit cocciuea, allied to Convolvulus. jr. I'oUU. — Shrubby Mallow (Althajafrutex). B. .t. 7*.— ],Eriobotrya japoniea(Loquat): 2, Leyce-steria formosa ; :^, Liquidambar styraeitlna; 4, Dodder on Furze (Cuscuta Epitbymum). jr. and 11, S. — Next week. Names of fruits.— .'^. A.—\, White Astrachan ; 2, Red Astrachan ; :i. Kerry Pippin. Aug. 2.S, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 207 Woods & forests. TREE PLANTING FOR PROFIT. In considering this subject it i.s well at the Dut- set that the planter should understand that whatever the quality of the soil is in which it is intended to plant trees that that soil will sustain and mature only a definite amount of timber. Hence, if trees are numerous on a given area, lliey will be proportionally small, ami their money value, and also their value in the manu- factured state, will be small, because they are adapted only for the most unimportant purposes. But it, instead of having, eay, l.'iOO trees on an acre of ground at the time of cutting, there were only 500 trees, these ."lOO trees on the acre would be much more valuable to the owner than the 1500 poles would be at the end of the same time. Therefore, when thinning is rightly carried out, it is a most beneficial and an essential operation. The idea of planting trees at a distance suliicient from each other, that during the entire cycle of their existence they will require no thinning, is too ridiculous to be thought of For even although plarrted under the best condition.s, they would not yield the greatest amount nor the best quality of timber thus planted. The expeiienced and observant forester, who has opportunities of seeing the state of arboriculture in all parts ol these islands, knows that hundreds of the plan- tations which he sees on all sides o'ill never j)roduce more than coarse-stunted scrub, fit for no better purpose than tire-wood, all owing to a want of knowledge in the planter. Tindjcr trees to be valuable should be tall, straight, clean grown, and large ; and to obtain these qualities they should be planted thickly, that is, ajiproxiniating to Nature in her method of planting, and thinned sparingly during the first decades of existence. The best soils and climate ought not to induce thin planting; inas- much as if the soil and climate be the very best, the trees grow more rapidly and require thinning considerably earlier than they would in less con- genial conditions. Should the .soil, &c., on the other hand, be poor, the reverse would be the case. The more uniform the temperature of plantations, the more equal and rapid will be the animal growth, for light is not less a vital agent of healthy tree-growth than heat. A low canopy is almost certain to manifest a sickly and meagre evergreen undergrowth, for it is eviilent that the invigorating rays of the sun will hardly ever penetrate to the uirdergrowtb tlirough a dense shade of trees clad with branches and loliage from top to bottom. Nor is it in- compatible or detrimental to the highest de- velopment of timber to thin trees to the widest distance, so as to encourage and create the greatest abundance of undergrowth. THE ASH. No one (juestions that the Ash is one of the most useful ot our British trees, and more especially on account of the excellence of its hard, tough wood and its rapid growth. Its value chiefly depends upon its white, dark, or pale colour, and as there are no objectionable qualities in the white sap- wood, it is generally preferred. It is introduced into the iield ot commerce at a very early age. At four or five years' growth it is eagerly sought after by the walking-stick and whip-handle manufacturers, &c., and a year or two later it is ready for the use of Hop poles, the turner, cooper, cabinet, chair-maker, and ihe small wares manu- facturer. It is also used for hurdle purposes, hoops, crates, and basket-making. The second growth of Ash (that is, the growth after the first time of telling, and what is more commonly called stooled Ash) is much tougher than that on the original roots, or that of the first growth. Large Ash has many uses and is an im- portant factor in the hands of the agricultural en- gineer, coach -builder, carriage-maker, and wheel- wright. It is also the best wood for butchers' chopping-blocks and shop boards, as it will not readily splinter or wear away, and it is also largely used for bobbins and tools. The Ash is peculiar in having a large amount of sapwood, and in the perfect wood taking up little or no colour in the process of hearting. The lieartwood when it inclines to a black hue is frequently called black-hearted, sometimes black Ash, in which state some contend it shows signs of decay, but this is not the case, as it all depends upon the nature of the soil and climate. .VIth'i\igh the Ash occupies a place only second to the Oak, it cannot be planted profitably as a forest tree. The principal objection to the Ash is tin; injury it does to the underwood and plants that grow in its neighbourhood, by rapidly txliausting the soil. In consequence of this, few plants will thrive, or even grow, m close proximity to it, honce the very common prautice of jdanting Ash in hedgerows. Its roots are of i|uick growth and extend a considerable distance, and may be easily traced by the weakness of the plants that grow near it. t.^^t.i-^....i„ FOBKSTIU. THE FORESTRY COMMITTEE. So far as I have seen, nothing has been brought out in the report which was not well known before, and the only good it is likely to accom- plish is the notoriety it has gained for the subject. In this indirect way the efibrt may prove to be of some service, as we now get articles on forestry from all sections of the press, and however ignorant of the matter the writers may be, it helps to make the question a popular one. This is a great necessity, as there is more to be hoped for in ordinary individuals becoming interested than in the production of a few skilled men. Notwith- standing wdiat is said about exhausting supplies and no attempt being made to replenish them, it cannot be denied that the same agency is still at work as planted them at the creation of the world. It is a branch of the enquiry, a little, perhaps, beyond the points under immediate notice, but the mention of the circumstance that the primaeval forests of India were preserved simply because they could not be got at, leads to it, viz., if a partially wooded country, say like Great Britain is at present, was entirely deserted by man and beast for a century or two, what would be the outcome ? Would not the supply of timber naturally very largely increase? If so, and the principle can be universally applied, does it not give the key to the problem, why forests are always within a measuiable distance of vanishing, but as time goes on they continually afibrd larger quantities of produce? Perhaps this aspect of the subject was outside the scope of the com- mittee, as it would argue against scientific management, yet it is a thing when an impartial enquiry is made which deserves to be weighed. To take a simple instance of the way in which timber will increase by being simply let alone, we have only to take a glance at the estate of a regular tree-lover, one who does not plant to any extent, but w ho from a love of having trees about him allows them to grow on uninterruptedly. There are many such to be found, and it is simply marvellous to note the dillerence between such properties andadjoining ones where felling has been carried on at a normal rate. I am not referring to this to prove that it is the right thing to do in a country like this to allow trees to grow on tor a whole lifetime without cutting such as have come to maturity, but merely to show the efi'ect of simply leaving a district of country alone for a comiiaratively short number of years. A little while ago I had occasion to be upon some hills overlooking a wide valley. Over, perhaps, nine- tenths of the area, which could be distinctly seen, trees were scattered here and there in the way the bulk of the land is wooded in this part of the country, but in one particular spot, whieli was clearly defined, the landscape presented a totally diUerent appearance. The same trees were there -—indigenous to the soil— but they had been left alone to grow on, whilst the others had been thinned from time to time. On enquiry I found that the thickly wooded spot belonged to a gentleman who had all his life preserved his timber. An occurrence of this kind, though of no effect in itself if the principle holds good, serves to show that it is to natural reproduction rather than to [ilanting we have to look for a continued timber supply. — D. J. Yeo. It seems not to be generally known that instruction in forestry is given to Civil Service candidates for India at Cooper's Hill, where there is adjoining what remains ot \\'indsor Forest, and no doubt the best is made of such conditions of teaching as the locality ailbrds. Still, it is evident that of practical knowledge of Indian forestry little or none can be obtained before India is reached, and then, with the ground- ing given at home, much good might result. One wonders, however, w by natives are not trained to become Ciovernment servants, especially in having supervision of the vast forests of India. With respect to the comparative incompetence of the members of the committee, it should bo remem- bered that, whilst not practical foresters, all had the interests of forestry at heart. If they were practical foresters, they would hardly need the evidence of those who may be, or at least profess to be, learned in woods and forests. Still, such amateurs may be enabled, having practical men before them, to extract from such witnesses all needful or possible information, although at times questions seem a little unpractical or far-fetched, .lust now everything in relation to forestry seems to be regardful only of utility, but it will be a misfortune if the picturesque and beautiful gets no consideration ; hence it is well, in devising any scheme for the development of forestry in this or in any other country that some persons of taste in the conjunction of trees and of foliage should be associated with any committee or authority appointed for that purpo.se. " Yorkshireman " throws doubt upon the value of the Birch as a shelter for Scotch Fir. Curiously enough, another correspondent at page 170 strongly advocates the employment of Birch as a shelter tree, although not specifically for the purpose first named. Now, apart from the value ot ihe Birch for shelter pur- poses, it is not possible to ignore the singular beauty found in using the Birch as a fringe to masses of darkfoliaged trees, especially Scotch Firs. Some of the loveliest eft'ects in foliage massing has been found in these combinations, and it Birch is, further, so valuable for shelter purposes, then a double reason is given for its employment. There seems to be very much room for the extension of forest planting in this country, but it is very probable that poverty on the jjart of landowners is one of the chief obstacles, just as that poverty more than anything else is help- ing to depopulate woods, parks, and hedgerows of much fine timber. Literally, vast areas of what is called poor land, chiefly producing Heather now, simply needs some rough cultivation and drainage, and then planted with Fir and some other suitable trees, would in time become valuable. Poverty on the part of landowners and disregard for the interests of posterity stop the way, and tens of thousands of acres remain as wild as at the time of the Conquest ; whilst converted into planta- tions they would give employment to myriads of people. — A. D. Raising woods from seed. — There has been a good deal of discussion in our pages with regard to the practice of raising planta- tions from seed, as against transplanting from nurseries. The system is not by any means a new one, as may be seen from the following remarks from Evelyn's " Sylva," written in the first year of the present century. The extract runs thus: "Plough the land in October or November, and 208 THE GARDEN. [Aug. 28, 1886. in the spring plough and harrow so as effectually to destroy the turf. Sow with Turnips to be eaten off by sheep. Another crop of Turnijis should be taken in the succeeding year, after which the land will be in excellent condition for receiving the seeds of forest trees. Early in the spring on one ploughing sowone bushel or threepecksof Oats, and at the same time the necessary quantity of Acorns, Chestnuts, Ash keys. Beech Mast, Fir 83ed, &c. The Turnip and Oat crops will pay the expense of ploughing, seed, rent, and incidental charges. The tender plants, being nourished, warmed, and protected by the Oat stalks, will make vigorous shoots, and, having no weeds to straggle with, the first summer will push forward with amazing vigour. As the land sown in this manner will be fully stocked with plants, the feet of the reapers employed in cutting down the Oats will not materially affect the seedling Oaks, which, before the autumn, will have made considerable progress. The Firs, from the slowness of their growth, will be secured from injury, and the Ash cannot be hurt, as it does not vegetate till the second year. A wood raised in this natural man- ner will not only make the best timber, but will arrive at maturity many years sooner than one of the same age raised from plants drawn from the nursery." FORESTRY SCHOOLS. In reference to the subject of forestry instruction in this country, a writer in a contemporary ob- serves that the art of forestry is taught in Cermany in no less than nine special schools, and France and Italy have many such institutions. It is true, he says, that the latter have not been able to save the woods of Ravenna, but they may urge that they were called in too late, or that they have no pretensions to deal with the larger forces of Nature. At any rate, the Englishmen who want to learn anything of tlie art have to go abroad for the teaching, and that the knowledge so obtained is not without value may be seen by the work done by the Forest Department of the Indian Government, the best officials in which have been trained on tlie Continent. The Department was organised just before the mutiny, and has done much to arrest the blind destruction which was going on there, and which, doubtless, caused many occasional famines in the land. But it is not in India alone that the knowledge of high woodcraft is required. The French Government is ahead of us in so far as it has an Inspector of Forests, who has not, perhaps, very many forests to inspect, but who goes very much more systematically to work than our Department of Woods and Forests. This inspector has paid an official visit to this country, and expresses his astonishment at the ajiathy he found on the subject. He found something to praise in the way in which Scutch proprietors were planting Larches and Firs, but he found that, beyond this sound but primitive notion, no knowledge of the capacities of the soil existed. Deer and cattle were allowed to roam at will, Beeches were planted where they would not grow, and no one seemed to know what trees to plant in the peat mosses ; while no provision had been made to secure the growth of trees of varying age andsize. Forests planted, as they appear to have been planted in Scotland, mature simultaneously, and have to be cut down at one time. This must be a disadvantage to land, to labour, and to the investor, as well as to natural beauty. A storm, or a supposed marketable period, thus leads to the wholesale disappearance of the forest, leaving ugline.ss and desolation behind, for there are no younger growths to keej) up the tradition. The theory which obtains abroad is that a forest should yield a stable annual income, by judicious thinning, felling, and planting. In the German schools they maintain that the most profitable time to fell a tree is when it is two-tliirds grown. This seems a sound theory, but how many wood reeves know when a tree has arrived at that agCv or who knows whether Oak is best planted alone' or with Beech, or with Fir? As a matter oj- foreign experience. Oak goes best with both Beech and Fir. Then, again, are questions of soil and exposure, of which sylviculturists know nothing, chiefly because there is no one to teach them any- thing. The same thing will apply to our colonies, where the sylvan wealth is far greater than ours, but where no more is known about the most economical and profitable way of managing woods. The committee obtained by Sir John Lubbock has already acquired much valuable information, and although the matter in these days of small profits and quick retuins is one which must largely rest upon the good faith of one generation to another, yet we shall in future, if v/e sin in this direction, sin against light. CARE IN MARKING TREES. The present is rather an off season in matters relating to forestry, but we are within a measurable distance of the time when attention must be dirccttd to the question of felling. There are gentlemen I know — men of taste and with a knowledge of the subject — who, if possible, personally decide upon all trees to be felled during the season. In many cases such a pergonal attention would, of c airse, be a ph3'sicil impossibility, but I mention the circum- stance to show that thns'i who really appr. ciate a well-timbered place do not mind expending time in satisfying themselvts that the right trees are felled and the right ones left. There is another class of owners who seem positively indifferent as to the way in which the work is carried out so long as a vesncct- able sum results annually from sales. Amongst the last-named class there are, I presume, very few readers of Woods and Fons's. Between these extremes there is probably a larger number to be found who, in a gener.al s jit of way, would like to see their timber as well managed as that of their neighbours, but who cannot bring themselves to take a sufficiently active interest in the subject to attain this desirable end. In the face of this, I b.lieve that the stir which has during the last few years be.'n made about tree planting and tree management, if it fails in its chief object, will cause a greater interest to be taken in the existing timber supply. The lack of an intelligent appreeiatiou of the fact that there is such a thing as tree management seems to be at the loot of the evil. Care in marking for exjiloitation seems to be the exception rather than the r.ile. Taken in masses in the landscape, there is much to be proud of in the way many of our English counties are wooded, but when we come to the detail the lack of thought or foresight is too often pain- fully apparent. The general impression is that of a Potato patch which has been run over indiscrimi- nately, and a bunch of tubers lifted here and there withi>ut .any idea to the general crop, but merely to supply the wants of the moment in the quickest way and with the least trouble. The conip.irisou does not represent the case fully, but it will serve to show the absurdity of conducting operations in sucli a w.ay. The one thing necessary seems to be to get the atten- tion of those interested directed to both sides of the question. I have frequently known carte hhtnchc given to a man — who, perfectly competent in his par- ticular line, knew nothing, or, at any rate, thought nothing, of the future of the timber on the place — to go anel make up a given quantity of timber in the readiest way that presented itself to hun. Such a system, or want of system, cannot fail to be disastrous. The importance of carefully selecting the trees to be felled cannot be over-estimated, as it is the end and aim of the whole business. In harvesting any other crop, the neglect of common-sense rules would make a man an object of ridicule; but be a t'mher crop as badly managed as it well can be, it seems to excite little comment. There is, of cuurse, the obvious difference that most crops ripen at one time, and that the production of foeid is a matter of necessary inte- rest to everybody. Still, there seems no gootl reason why so little care should be taken of the first article essential in civilisation. There need be no great difficulty in the matter, as the issues are simple, viz., to make as good a return as possible for the present, but alwaj s with a view to the future, both with re- gard to profit and appearance. These two things will sometimes clash, but the accustomed eye will soon decide which must be sacrificed. If an entire group has occasionally to be taken out of the landscape, it m.ay be better to elo it than leave one or two trees which may grow into timbi'r, but which would always be an offence to good tas'e. D. J. Y. " HOW I MANAGED MY ESTATE." This little book seems to have been pretty well re- ceived by the critics, who, as far as I have seen in several papers, ajipear to know even less about forestry than the author, and conssquently have been careful not to comndt themselves on that head. I shall, however, confine myself chiefly to the extracts from the book given in The Garden ot July 24. In one of these it is asserted that an acre of land under the best of circumst-iiices ought to carry at least " eighty 0.aks worth £10 each at the end of about fifty or sixty years — that is to say, the crop would be worth £S00 per .acre." If this is an example of the kind of material to be founel in the li'ok, I saould say the Si>ouer those who buy it f^r a guide put it aside tlie better for all concerned. The assertion thsit Ivy-bound trees " lose about one-third of their natural power of expansion'' must be a col elusion jumped to at first sight, and not verified by him at all, nor true. So long as the branches have scope the trunk will take care of itself, and burst the tone's uf any Ivy that ever clasped it. The thickening of the trunk depends on the leafage of the branches anel nut upon the exposure of the trunk. Then the author having to fake the measuring of the timber "into his own hands " is good. Cleaily the merchants have humoured him to the top of hi-i bent, and made a good thing of it for themselves, I have no doubt. Finally, he gave up the tape and string, '■ and resolved to dispense alike with the merchant and bailiff. He went through the woods with someone to hold his measuring rod " and a ready reckoner, in the shape of the sliding rule so often used, "and set his own price on the trees" standing, and found that " he never hael any diffi- culty in getting it," which I can quite believe, because if there be one thing a novice is apt to do in valuing standing timber in the manner just alluded tt), it is to under-estimate the contents and ask too little, and that our author accomplisheel this remark- aide feat the ready willingness of the luerchants to give him his price "without any dillicully" is sufficient proof; they, at least, know how mu.h timber is in a hit before buying, and never give moie than it is worth. In short, the innocence of the author ot " How I Managed my Estate " is simply charming to a practical man. "Somehow or other he found timber buyers would always give him some twenty-five per cent, more than they gave to big proprietors in the neighbourhood who left the transaction in the lianels of their reeves." How delightful and how likely ! Our author doubtless got this interesting information from the timber- buyers themselves, and not from the reeve-". It is one of the c mmonest tricks of the trade for buyers to carry about with them lists of the marvel- lously low prices they have paid elsewhere, and to tell novices how much more they were asking anel getting, and all this appeirs to have been swallowed by the author as profounel gospel. In all probability it was himself who was victimised, and nut his neigh- bours. Why, bis ^^^'.ting3 i-how that any vvood-retvj would confound him in about five minutes in valung timber anywhere. The author's skill in practical forestry comes out in the confession that " he htel fiuite ruined a two-acre plantation" of Spruce, Scotch Fir, and Larch by attempting to thin it after the trees had grown up rather thickly to a good height. U e contemplated thinning other plantations of the same kind in the same way, l'\it "found it best after this to leave them alone." Wh.at saiel the reeve about tliis management, I wonder ? In the next edition, if ever there is to be one, I expect to hear simihar confessions .about his valuing and selling, kn. I observe from a critique of the book in a contemporary that the .author, "unlike some preachers, doe.s not venture beyonel the limits of his kinwlcdge," and tells only what has "come within the range of his own experience," which one can believe, for no experienced forester W'lulel a]ipend his name to the picked extracts e)f the book which I have seen. VoBKijHUiEJiAN. THE GARDEN. 209 No. 772. SATURDAY, Sept. 4, 1886. Vol. XXX. "This Is an Art Which doea mend Nature : change It rather ; but The Art itself is Nature." — S^uaJceipeare. Garden in the House. HARDY FLOWERS FOR CUTTING. As "Delta" appeals to other lovers of hardy plant.s to record their experience of those kinds that ought to be generally grown, I venture to supplement his excellent list with the names of sundry species that have proved themselves thoroughly reliable for the particular purpose of supplying cut ilowers. I will follow " Delta's " example by premising that the garden from which these notes are made is on the sandiest and most arid of soils where the rainfall is abnormally small, so that, owing to dryness during the winter, some plants survive which elsewhere might damp olT, or which, from beginning to grow too soon through a damp, warm winter, get caught by a spring frost ; for there is no doubt that it is the recurrence of cold after the plants have started into growth rather than the severity of our winters that is fatal to so many hardy plants, which at home are probablv accustomed to be deeply buried under the snow- blanket until the sun comes out for good ; whereas here they are treated Turkish-bath fashion- alternate hot and cold— until they hardly know whether they are alive or dead, and then those starving, interminable east winds settle the ques- tion. This year numbers of plants survived the hard winter, only to be killed or crippled, when they should have been coming into flower, by frosts in April and Jlay, even such hardy shrubs as Pontic Rhododendrons and Azaleas were much disfigured. A propos of the Himalayan Rhododendrons, is not the question of their hardiness in Surrey what Pdley would call a case of absence of ex- perience rather than contrary to experience / 1 do not know all the Surrey Rhododendron grounds, but I know some famous ones where, I believe, no attempt has been made until the last few years to grow the Himalayan species out of doors ; but this is no proof that they are not hardy there, nor would it be if these" young plants should sonietimes die, for many plants are tender in the young state, although "quite hardy after having attained a certain age. Xow, discoverers sometimes have friends at home to whom they send their good things, and if the discoverer of the Himalayan Rhododendrons, about the year 1848, sent seeds to friends in South Wales, they would have got a long start with plants that require some patience to raise from seed, and might well have fine examples by this time. But that is no reason why the inferiority of the five-yeir-old Surrey plants (I) to thirtv-eight- yearold Welshmen should be thrown" in the teeth of the Surrey climate,'as "Delta's" remarks seem to indicate. Perhaps in thirty years- but this is anticipating. To return to cut flowers. I will only make one deviation from " Delta's " convenient mode of enumeration, by placing the plants, more or less, in their order of flow'ering instead of in alphabetical order. Anemone sulphurea.— This Is one of the most lieautiful of all early summer flowers, and has the additional advantage of being a perfectly hardy and robust herbaceous plant. Established plants throw up several stems about 2 feet hio-h, each bearing a large single upright flower with silky pstals of a pure sulphur colour. The flowers last well either on the plant or in water ; but if not cut the seed-heads are afterwards extremely orna- mental, owing to the great length of their silky awns. A. sylvestris is another good species which makes a pretty companion to the foregoing, being of approximately similar height and size, but having pure white flowers. AsTHERKTM LiLiASTRUM. — St. Bruno's Lily is a charming flower for vases, for its glistening whiteness is equally eSective when contrasted with other flowers, or when relieved only by the foliage of the plant. The smaller-flowered A. Liliago is also light and graceful in tall vase bouquets, and the plant seeds itself about all over the borders so freely, that there is no difficulty in obtaining a good supply. Fritillaria Meleacris. — This native bulb and its white form (alba) should be extensively grown for cut flowers, as the blooms last well, and an old blue bowlful of them looks exceedingly rich. If the bulbs can be planted in large groups on the Grass, the flowers are especially effective. Trollifs EURor-Ki's. — Although the pretty Globe flowers should be grown beside streams or in damp places to ensure the display of their greatest beauty, nevertheless even on dry soil they supply innumerable flowers admirably adapted for cutting, being produced on long slender, but stirt" stems. As a companion to the pale yellow- flonered T. europa'us, T. asiaticus, with less globu- lar, but deep orange-coloured flowers, may well be grown. Chrysooonum virmnicum. — A pretty, but ap- parently not often grown plant, of sturdy branch- ing habit, producing abundance of stellate flowers, which retain the brilliancy of their deep yellow colour for a considerable time in the cut state. Hei'chera sANuriNEA has proved a great acqui- sition for the supply of light, graceful spikes of a bright rosy crimson colour, admirably adapted for decorating the top of an epergne or other vase where hea\-j' flowers are not desirable. The plant is a good grower, becoming readily established, and then throwing up flower-stems in abundance. There are several other species of some interest, among which H. Menziesi, from the Rocky Moun- tains, has quaint brown flowers. LrriNrs ARKor.Ers. — This is the best of all Lu- pines forcutting. One might have thought the dear old blue and white Lupines, indispensable as they are in the garden, would have been almost too "vegetable" in the cut state to have satisfied "Delta," whose judgment in such matters is gene- rally considered as final. But this objection can- not be urged against the yellow Tree Lupine, whose flowers supply a pure soft shade of yellow much wanted, and have the additional attraction of a pleasant fragrance ; while the deep foliage is far better adapted than that of the polyphyllus \a- rieties for use in the cut state. The plant is not very easily controlled in the border, it is true, but it is well worthy of some secluded corner just to cut from. PoTENTiLLA FORMOSA. — The prettiest and best border plant of all the numerous species, with its clear cerise flowers and compact habit. Another species that is less weedy than most, and looks well associated with the above, is the pale yellow P. hirta. DiAXTHiTS PUNGENS is excellently named, for its single white flowers, though no bigger than a six- pence, have a most powerful and delicious fra- grance, while they are produced in the greatest profusion, and the plant will grow anywhere. Half a dozen of these little blossoms artfully in- troduced into a bouquet of white Camellias might induce an unsuspecting person to believe that the ordinary Camellia is only slightly less fragrant than the Gardenia. Ervncium Bourgati (a-METhystinum). — This is the only one of the Sea Hollies that is of much value in the cut state, as most of them are too coarse to be available. But the one under notice throws up numerous stems on which the leaves occur only at considerable intervals, so that they may be gathered without inconvenience and of almost any size; while the peculiar metallic or amethyst-blue which suff'uses the heads and stem is a rare colour among flowers, and renders the species valuable. C.4TANANCHE c.ERrLE.\ is an old-fashioned plant by no means to be despised for cut flowers where blue is wanted. Coreopsis auricflata is an old favourite that is still "bad to beat" for cutting, in spite of its tendency to lop over in the border. ScABiosA CAUc.\si(.'A. — This plant supplies us with delicate porcelain-blue flowers, whose long, straight stalks render them particularly useful for bouquets. Cepiialaria tatarica is another not very common plant of the Scabious family, having flowers of a pleasing pale yellow colour. Although very useful for cutting, this is a plant not very desirable in the border, unless it can have an isolated position as a specimen. It is likewise a capital wild garden plant, as it is able to hold its own against the strongest. Alstriemeria ArnANTiACA. — This plant some- times seems rather capricious about settling itself in a new locality, but when once established nothing can exceed the wealth of blossom which it provides, so that a good clump of it constitutes a supply that may be drawn upon for a consider- able time. The flowers last well in water, and do not suffer much in wet or windy weather. There are several colours besides the orange type, all more or less decorative; and there are also other good species which, however, seem to be mostly lacking in robustness. (iAiLLARDiA GRANDiFLORA. — This is quite a model cut-flower plant. Of dwarf, compact habit, taking verj' little room, it throws up, on long stalks, gorgeous flowers of various shades of crimson and yellow; it blooms profusely through- out the summer until cut oft' by frost, and the flowers are very enduring; while the more they are cut the more freely are others again produced. (Jaura Lindiieimeri. — This plant is sometimes said not to be very hardy, but, at any rate, it is hardy enough on a dry soil, and makes a very pretty vase flower with its long slender spikes of wliite flowers with their pink sepals. MoNTBRETiA PoTTsi. — The brilliant orange flower-spikes of this beautiful Cape bulb, as well as those of the larger flowered hybrid M. crocos- ma'flora, are very striking in the cut state, and both deserve to be extensively grown for the purpose. Helenium pu.mih m.— One of the best of the North American composites. Dwarf in habit, its light green foliage is half hidden during most of the summer by its golden blossoms about the size of a haff crown. It increases readily and grows freely without ever becoming weedy, and the flowers remain fresh and bright for a long time when put in water. It is not (like some of its tribe) at all coarse in growth or flower, nor has it any rank smell. RrDBECKiA Newman'ni and R. hirta are also useful yellow Composites, while R. californica, growing 6 feet high, is effective in the garden or in great jars in the corner of a room. Harpalium rigidum, handsomest of its race, is another good border plant in the matter of not encroaching overmuch, and its bold straight- stemmed flowers, with their dark centres and rich gold rays, are unrivalled among Composites for'the combination of strength with elegance. Heliantju's decapet.vlus. — This is a tall- growing plant, 5 feet or 6 feet high, but the pale sulphur-coloured star-shaped flowers are not at all coarse, being freely pi'oduced as laterals on stiff wiry stems. PoLYGONfM polystachyum. — This is a pretty plant to cut from, of a class not very generally met with. There are several species which make very handsome specimens where they can have plenty of room, but the one under notice is of dwarf branching habit about 2 feet high, and having a spike of pure white flowers issuing from 210 THE GARDEN. [Sept. 4, 1886. the axil of every leaf, so thac a branch with its slender spikes displayed against its deep green foliage makes a very fresh and pleasing efifect when used in the cut state. Zausciineria californica. — There seems to be no situation too hot or too parched for this sun- loving Californian, for it succeeds admirably on a sandy, stony bank, facing south, where it leans over a great flat stone that gets as hot as possible in the sun. In this position it produces numerous spikes of small, bright scarlet tubular flowers, which are very effective. SiiHizosTyLiscocciNEA. — This Useful plant flowers so late in the season, that it is liable to be dis- figured by weather in some localities, although it is quite hardy. But it is quite worth the protec- tion of a bit of canvas put over it at night if rough weather sets in before the flowers are ex- panded, as flowers in October and November are of importance in gardens where there is little or no glass. It flowers equally well in pots, and makes a capital foreground for a large group of white Chrysanthemums. TussiLAGO FRACRANS.— No garden that lacks glass should be without a few plants of the winter Heliotrope to counteract the sometimes aggres- sively strong Christmas decoration by the delight- ful fragrance of its pale flowers. The plants may be thrown down in any outofthe-way corner, or behind a hedge, and be forgotten till January, when their flowers are sure to be welcome. Aiioxt; rLAXT.s to avoid for cut fiowers, note should be made of the Pentstenions, which, gorgeous and persistent as they are in the garden, fade almost immediately in water. The strong, hrown-siigary smell of the Phloxes again is very disagreeable to some people ; while it is impo.s- sible to sit in the room with the otherwise attrac- tive flowers of the double perennial Sunflower (Helianthus multiflorus fl.-pL). The same re- mark ajiplies to the superbum Lilies, which are very unpleasant company in the house, and L. auratum, though not disagreeable, is too strongly scented for many persons' liking; but without these there are plenty of Lilies that are among the finest subjects for cut flowers, especially the Tigers, single and double, lancifolium, testaceum, and colchieum. The brilliant umbrosum Poppies have been sometimes objected to on the ground of smelling rank, but as this is only from the broken .stalks, if the vases are arranged elsewhere and not taken into the room until the ends of the stalks are safely immersed in the water, no un- pleasant smell will be noticeable. T. W. G. BALCONY GAEDENING. It may interest your correspondent of last week (" H. B.," p. 186) to know that the balcony garden of Yuccas and Ivy in Portman Square to which he refers was in good condition at least ten or twelve years ago, when I made a sketch of it for Domestic FlnriruUure (ride p. 97). Its perma- nent state of freshness and beauty, summer and winter, is a great advantage in the town. There is a corner house in the Fulham Road which is also noteworthy, the strip of front garden bein" planted with Yuccas, and a Wistaria has been trained very prettily up to the balcony above. These two examples show us something of the possibilities of town gardening. It is only a very few years ago since several fine old ]Mulberry trees used to fruit freely in the old Drapers' Gardens, within a stone's throw of the Bank of England ; and the white Water Lily used to flower in a little pond there as freely as in Kent or Surrey. It is not as yet ten years since a pair of rooks used to build in the Plane tree in Wood Street, Cheapside, and the Plane is still there as healthy as ever, I believe. The garden around St. Paul's is another example of what can be done with green turf and Ivy; while old Sam Broome's Chrysanthemums at the Temple Gar- dens quite supplanted the white and red Roses which formerly grew there, and led to one of the most remarkable of all our civil wars. F. W. B. NOTES OF THE WEEK. Spiraea palmata alba.— This variety is likely to become as popular as the species, especia'ly as it has now proved to be amenable to forcing in puts ; in foliage and habit it is undistinguishable from palmala, but the flowers are of the purest white. It is now very fine in Messrs. Backhouse's nursery at York. Montbretias at York.— The following varieties of Montbretia and Tritoma are also flowering row in the York Nursery: Montbretia crocosma-flora, Golden Sheaf, sulphurea, Fiery Star, elegans, Bouqutt Par- fait, P(5ttsi, Tritoma Uvaria, nobili?, glaucescens, Sauudeisi and Maci>w.ani. Citrons at Waddon Hous?.— A very fine plant of Citrus medica is now bearing a heavy crop of fruit in the gardens of Waddon House. The plant is in a border, the head being trained over half the roof, and is about 24 feet long, bearing upwards of a hun- dred of its large ovate fruits. These are cut before they are ripe and used for preserving. Rosa foliolosa. — This tiny Rose seems to pro- mise to be a gem among Roses tor the rock garden. Its pale green, very small, and finely cut foliage dis- tinguishes it from all others ; while its flowers, faintest blush colour when opening, but white when fully blown, are rather large in proportion to the plant, being nearly the size of the Dog Rose. The tinv buds, tipped with faintest pink, are especially delicate and pretty. — G. J. Ftichsia Riccaitoni.— This fine old Fuchsia, now in full beauty, appears to enjoy the sea breezes, for the gaidens hereabouts are full of large bushes of it now laden with countless numbers of crimson lilooms. In Fuchsias, as in other plants, hybridisers have .aimed to get large blooms, but to many a crowd of delicate little hanging sprays of Fuchsia blooms are prettier than a small number of large ones. — J. G. H., (rosport. Passiflora Constance Elliott.— This pretty sweet-scented wljitu-flowfred Pas.siflora is said to be perfectly hardy; it is now in great beauty up in the roof of a glass corridor at Beddington House, where its flowers are highly appreciated. The corridor can be heated, and the extra protection it gets here will probably prolong its blooming into the winter months, when flowers of all descriptions are highly appreciated, .and white ones doubly so. Solanum jasminoides. — This old plant covers a large space on the back wall of one of the green- houses at Beddington House, and is invaluable for cutting, a profusion of its blooms being now open • and, indeed, tie same m"ght be said of it iiearlv every month of the year. Asa pot plant it is seldorn satis- factory, but p'anttd in the boi-der it cannot be over- rated ; and we have found that in delights in frequent applications of liquid manure. Anthurium Andreanu-r. — In the stove at Waddon House there is a distinct, dwarf, compact form of this plant. Its leaves .are comparatively small, and are produced upon shorter foot-stalks than usual, and it is now bearing fourteen large flowers, which are very highly coloured. When seen in this condition it is really a grand and imposing plant, and the le.ss robust habit of this form will enable amateurs with small houses only to add it to their collections. It may be called the Waddon House variety for conve- nience, as we are convinced of its distinctiveness. Begonias at Forest Hill.— The display of tuberous fiegonias at Messrs. Laing's nursery at Forest Hill must be seen to be appreciated ; their effect cannot be adequately described. In the open air there are about a hundred thousand Begonias, all profusely laden witli flower, raised from seed this sea- son, whilst a cunsL-rvatory, upwards of 100 feet loii", is devoted to the culture of speeimeus both in pots and baskets. Amongst these are both doubles and singles, bearing flowers of all shades and variety in colour to be found in Begonias, and measuring, in some in- stances, upwards of 7 inches in diameter. Among the finest novelties of this season are those named Queen Victoria, deep rose ; Prince of Wales, vivid crimson scarlet ; Princess of Wales, deep rosy pink ; Prince Albeit Victor, bright scarlet, shaded with orange; Princess Louise, purest white ; Princess Victoria, rosy carmine margin, pale centre ; Duke of Ediii- 1-iurgh, dark maroon shaded chestnut ; Duchess of Edinburgh, deep yellow shaded orarge. Floriferous Eucbarises. — I have half a dozen pots <'f Euohaii^ amazonica mjw finely in bloom. One plant in a pot 12-inches across bears 18 spikes— 10 spikes with 7 blooms, and S spikes with ti bloom", making a total of 118 blooms. On .another plant the same size there are 17 spikes with 110 blooms. The other pots (10-inch) .average about 11 spikes and about 70 blooms each. This is the sece)nd time they have flowered this year, and I hope to have another batch a few months later. — W. A. Cook, Hnlme Wood, PeUrlorough. Lilium aura'.um platyphyllum. — This is a new and most distinct type of the auratum group, an improvement on the ordinary auratum. It is dwarf in habit, has broad and massive leaves, and its flowers measure some 9 inches in diameter. The ground colour, which is white, is profusely spotted. The variety giganteum is a more vigorous grower ; its flowers are pure white with a broad central stripe of deep lemon. L. platyphyllum luteum difl'ers from it in having the lemon colour spread over the petals. .'VII three forms are now in bloom in Mr. Bull's nur- sery at Chelsea. They are grown in (piite small pot^, which are found to be better than large ones for Lily cultivation. Eucrypbia pinnatiSda.— Our tree of this, which is 5 feet 6 inches high and 6 feet across in the widest part, is now finely iu bloom. Each blossom, which is of the purest white, measures .3 inches across, and consists of four, and in a few cases five, and even seven petals. Of such blossoms there were some 500 on the tree last week, but they are now beginning to fade. To my mind it is the most beautiful hardy shiub or small tree in. cultivation. Antholyza paniculata, Montbretia Pottsi and crooosm;e9ora are in bluom side by side. I am convinced that all three bloom better if taken up and kept nearly dry for a short time. Montbretia Pottsi can hardly be kept within bounds without drying it off and replanting. The Eucryphia, I should aeUl, is quite hardy. — C. O. Miles, Smnni Hill, SliirehunqiUin. *,* The Eucryphia certainly merits all that is here said in its favour. A coloured plate of it will be found in The Gariien, Vol. XII , p. 544.— Ed. Tecoma radicans. — This beautiful hardy wall climber is just now attracting attention by its large showy flowers. Should the wall on which it is tr.ained be rather rough, it will attach itself firmly thereto in the way that Ivy does, and grow very freely when once established. The flowers, borne in good sized clusters, are of rather a distinct shade of bright red. Besides forming a good strong-growing w.all climber, both this Tecoma and the allied T. grandiflora may with advantage be used in festooning neighboiu'ing trees or shrubs, where that pr.aclice finds favour. This shrub is a native of North America, and was introduced moie than a century at often met with in a flourishing comlition, and is frequently injured during severe wirrters, though when at its best it is just now among the most attrac- tive of all shrubs. It needs planting in a .somewhat sheltered spot, and in a situation where it does not get too dry during the summer. Cuttings of the half ripened shoots strike root fairly well in a close frame, ancl this is the method usually employed for its propagation. The Desfontainea was introduced from South America to this country about 1S4.') by William Lobb, to whom we are indebted for such high-class plants as Berheris Darwini, Lapageria rosea, Em- bothrium coccineum, Escallonia macrantha, and Phi- lesia buxifolia. Of these, the Ijap.ageria and Darwin's Barberry are certainly two of the finest plants in cul- tivation.—T. Ipomsea velutina is a beautiful climber which has been introduced from tjueensland to Kew, where it is now flowering in the Water Lily house. Close to it is that grand old tropical Bindweed, I. panicu- Uta, figured in The Garden a year or two ago as Batatas panicidata, and we couple these two beciuse they have some points of resemblance in robustness of growth and in size and shape of flower. But whiLst the Batatas has palmate leaves and large lilao- ro^e flowers, I. velutina has entire cordate foliage aud flowers coloured pale pink, with a dtep maroon b'.otch in the throat. These psrennial Ipomaeas are of the finest of stove-climbers, but they want plenty of room to be seen at their best. If I. velutina proves as accommodating under cultivation as I. paniculata ii known to be, it will be a valuable addition to stove- climbers ; indeed, it may not require the heat of a stove, judging by the plant at Kew, which has a great amount of leafage, but comparatively few flowers, .\rlmirers of I. paniculata will be able to form some idea of this new introduction when we say that whilst it is at least as beautiful as the finest forms of that plant, it is quite distinct fi-om it and all other garden Iporaacas. Varieties of Montbretia. — I notice that, .at pa^^'e IS" of The Garhex, a note s-ating that you had received from the New I'Lant aud Bulb Co., Col- chester, a set of six so-called varieties of Montbretia ciocosmxiflor.a, adding that they were nearly .all the same, and leaving the responsibdity of the f.ict to the Continent.al r.aisers. It is well known that all the varieties of M. crocosmjeflora in the trade were sent out by me. I have pleasure in claiming to be the raiser of these varieties of M. crocosmjeflc^ra, and I consider tliat they form a magnificent series of v.arie- ties, differing both in shape and in colour. The New Plant and i?ulb Company received the most part of the novelties as soon as sent out, and purchased them in quantities the second year after having seen them in flower. — V. Lemoine, Xanri/. *^* We do not doubt but that the named varieties raided aud sent out by M. Lemoine were distinct. We can only repeat our previous remark, that we failed to see any difference between the half-dczen named forts sent to us, except one, which was de- cidedly darker in colour. — El). Battersea Park. — The flower beds in this park are probably now .at their very best. Especially attractive are the white Phloxes and the various Pentstemons ; a very effective group is made up with a groundwork of Vitis heterophylla variegata relieved by taller plants of Acacia lophantha. The groups of C'annas .are adm'rable, but where arranged in stiff and sharply defined lines their effect is impaired. The groups of succulents .are bold, attractive, .and quaint ; arranged in this manner their beauties are far better developed than placed in patches rimnd the edires of the beds. The Fern dell is very charming; so also are the liold groups of Blue Gums (Eucalyptus glolmlus), Wigandias, Phormiuius, and Palms. Here we noticed that the various groups of Plio-ni.K were the most useful Palms, and next to these tlie ( 'haniierops and Seaforthias. Musas have a majestic appearance, and standing in quiet, secluded spots are most enchanting. Polygonum cuspidatum is a very fine plant for isolated groups, and so is Amorpho- phallus Rivierl, a large Aroid which is very effective in character in the sub-tropical garden, but as used here is not large enough ; probably it wants age. Arundo ccmspicua is in great beauty ; so also are Bamboos, various species of Cycads, Wigandias, and other large .and well-known ornamental-leaved plants. The white variegated Maple is beautiful in irregular groups or associated with others, but it loses much of its effectiveness when planted in straight lines, as is the case in several parts. Tobacco, again, is very ornamental both in foliage and flower, but its grace and elegance are quite spoiled planted in this manner ; more especially is this the case when they have to be supported with stout and tall stakes. On the whole, however, the sub-tropical garden in this park is instructive both to the gardener and the gener.al public, and most enjoyable to all. A beautiful new Anemone (A.F.annini). — This plant is .already represented in several gardens in England, seeds having been distributed by Mr. Adlam, who col'erted them in N.atal, where this really won- derful Windflower is a native. It is described as having flower-stems .'i feet high, Vine-like leaves ■2 feet in diameter, and pure white flowers like single Dahlia^!, measuring between 2 inches and 3 inches across. It flowers in the last quart> r of the year in open grassy places at an elevation of about 4000 feet. It is to this last statement that we wcmld particularly call attention, as we may from it conclude that A, Fannini will be almost, if not quite, hardy in Eng- land. Mr. Adlam states that it is as hardy as A. japonica. There is always the danger of giving a plant tropical treatment if we know nothing more about it than that it is a native of a tropical country ; as, for inst.ance, when Orchid cultivation was in its infancy all the kinds were treated as tropical plants, because they came from countries within the tropical circle. Those who have duplicates of this new Ane- mone should try one or two of them out of doors. Hsemanthus coccineus is now flowering freely in the Caiie house at Kew, where two very large pans crammed with stout bulbs have been for ye.ars most attractive specimens, both when in flower and when bearing their large tongue-shaped bright green foliage. A single bulb of this H;em.anthus makes a poor show by the fide of these large p.anful.s, so that it is best to put about half a dozen bulbs in a pot to begin with, .and then shift then on about every two years. The species of Htemanthns belonging to the same group a! H. natalensis, H. CalherinK, and H. cinnabarinus flower more satisfactorily when allowed plenty of root room and a rich soil ; but H. coccineus, H. aibiflos, and others of the large-bulbed distichous- leaved section seem to prefer cramping treatment at the roots aud a lorg dry rest after growth is finished. The above named kinds thrive in a warm, sunny greenhouse, but there are a'so several which require a stove temperature, such as H. Kalbreyeri, which is a beautiful plant, though rather difficult to keep in health. Phlox Drummondi is as well known as any annual in cidtivation, but its magnificence is never seen unless when grown in large masses or beds, as, for instance, at Kew, where an enormous bed of it is now a perfect flame of colour, giving life and beauty to the wide expanse of lawn and other greenery in its neighbourhood. Phlox means flame, and certainly the aptness of the name is seen best in the brignt crimson, scarlet, lilac, and rose-coloured flowers of P. Drummondi. Annuals such as this, and there are scores, make a granel display when grown in large masses, and we can imagine .a garden of the greatest brilli.ancy and full of attraction if planted with a selection of them. There is one dr.awback to be con- sidered in relation to annuals, and that is their being, as a rule, of sliort duration, and also easily injured by a spell of bad weather. .Still, we know of few gar- dens where a good deal of space is devoted to hand- some flowered ainuals, and th^se when in full bloom 212 THE GARDEN. [Sept. 4, 1886. are worth a long journey to see. Sown or planted over collections of hardy bulbous plants, the smaller kinds of summer flowering annuals might be enjoyed without doing harm to the i-esting bulb?, and they would serve the purpose of covering soil which is often left bare during summer. hollow Bean-stalks amongst the branches. The insects feed at night, and retreat towards morning into the hollow stalks and the flower -pots. Examine the traps every morning, and shake the insects into a vessel of hot water. — J. D. European plants {F. W.). — There is no book so small as you require which contains de- scriptions of all European plants. Hooker's "Flora of the British Islands " (Macmillan & Co.) does not contain an unnecessary word, and it treats only on British plants, but it is a good pocketful. Hooker's "Botany for Beginners" is a useful little elementary work, which any book- seller will procure for you for three or four shil- lings. A flora of Em-ope would be a large and costly work. Elymus glaucifolius (]V. M. //.).— This is a glaucous-leaved variety of the common North American E. canadensis, and both of them are perfectly hardy in England. They frequent river sides and swampy ground, and therefore thrive best in this country in moist situations. We have seen fine tufts of the glaucous-leaved variety at Kew, where they are grown for the ornamental character of their foliage. The flower-spikes are nodding with long awns, but they are not borne freely in this country. E. arenai-ius is a British species, and is common along seashores, where, owing to its long creeping rhizomes, it is some- times planted as a sand-binder. There are about two dozen species of Elymus, but none of them are of any value economically. Gloxinia culture.— A correspondent asks how these plants shouldbe treated from the seed lingstate till they have flowered and are ready for resting. Seeds should be sown in spring on light sandy soil in pans ; they do not require any soil over them, but a pane of glass may be placed over the pan. The soil to be moistened from below, not watered overliead. When large enough to bo handled with safety, the seedlings should be pricked into pans of sandy peat and leaf-mould and kept well watered. After this they may be transferred when ready into 2i-inch pots, using for them the same soils, but coarser than for seeds, angr.\2iIi. Picotees in abundance, and scattered blooms of the perpetual flowering Carnations all the year round. As regards raising new varieties during the past season, but little progress has been made. The northern growers have a keen eye to any- thing new and good, but they will not part with good old sorts until new ones have established their claim to pre-eminence. Beginning with scarlet bizarres, we still place Admiral Curzon first. It was raised forty-two years ago, and we have plants of it now quite healthy and vigorous. It is always shown well by Mr. Robert Lord at Manchester. The only new scarlet bizarre shown in the north this year was Robert Houlgrave (Barlow), a very promising variety, in which the scarlet and maroon colours are very rich and well set off by a sufficiency of clear white. Mr. Robert Lord also again brought out Mercury in his stand of twelve. I have discarded it and grow JIars by the same raiser, the late Mr. d. D. HextaU. Tom Power (Dodwell) is a good and distinct variety. In the cri.mson' Biz.\RRrs, Master Fred, raised by Mr. Hewitt, of Chesterfield, a few years ago, has rapidly taken the lead ; its flowers are large in size and of a rich crimson, but the petals are not of good form. I exhibited a very richly coloured variety. Due d'Aumale, at the National Society's meeting at South Kensington; if it maintains its promise and is sulHcicntly full, it will be an acquisition. Mr. Lord exhibited .1. D. HextaU (Simonite) and John Harland (Adams) in his collection, but both of them have degene- rated in the south. The riNK and pdrple wz.4rres .sadly need renovating. The best variety we had this year was Mrs. Gorton (Dodwell). William Skirving (Gorton) was the best t«o or three years ago, but it also has degenerated ; from a dozen plants I could not cut a good bloom. To make up our number of blooms we had to fall back upon good old Sarah Payne (Ward), a variety raised at Wool- wich forty years ago. It is quite distinct from any other. It seems more difficult to obtain a good purple flake than a variety of any other section. .James Douglas (Simonite) is still by far the best in this class. I saw it in flower in the raiser's garden in ISTo, and it was sent out in 1876. I have grown it every year since that time, and it is still as vigorous in consti- tution as ever it was. Be- sides this. Squire Meynell (Brabbin) and Mayor of Nottingham were the best varieties shown in the north ; the first named was raised in 1S32, and it still retains its vigour. I have raised some purple flakes of which I thought highly in theseedlingbed, butafter being propagated they have disappointed me. Squire Whitbourn (Dodwell) pro- mised well,butthat promise has not been maintained. In scarlet flakes. Sportsman (Hedderley) must again beplaced first on the list; it was exhibited in collections both by Mr. Lord and Mr. Simonite. It is really as old as Admiral Curzon, having originated as a sport from that variety in 1S.5.J. Henry Cannell (Dodwell) was well shown in the north this year. Matador( Abercrombie) was also in good colour in the south. It is, I think, a better flower than Figaro j by the same raiser, and sent out from the Royal I Nurseries, Slough, about the same time. John Ball (Dodwell)is also a good scarlet flake. In rose flakes it will be difficult to surpass Rob Roy (Gorton). As shown by ilr. Turner, it was simply grand in form and markings. Tim Bobbin and Robin Hood, by the same raiser, are both first rate. Sybil ( Holmes) still holds a high place as the earliest, it not the best. Jessica (Turner) is alsoveryfine initsway ; itflowers late and holds a high place in its class. Good old John Keet and James Merry weather, loth of which held the highest position for many years, are now fairly beaten. Picotees.— Passing to these, we have nothing in 1 the way of heavy red-edged flowers to equal, let alonesurpass, well-known varietiessuchasBrunette (Kirtland), a superb sort, dwarf in habit, but having large clear white flowers with broad deep red or crimson edges. John Smith (Bower) is also a very refined flower of a paler red. This was shown well by Mr. Lord in the north, and the 214 THE GARDEN. [Sept. 4, 1886. first named Ijy Mr. Helliwell. Mr. Simonite ex- hibited Princess of Wales (Fellowcs), which I lil^c best of all tlie heavy red-edged varieties. In the light-edged red class Thomas William (Flowdy) has kept well to the front, even more so this year than it has done previously. It is not such a refined flower, however, as Mrs. (iorton, which was also well shown at Manchester by Mr. Simonite. Mr. Lord had superb blooms of Thomas William. Dr. Horner, raised by the Rev. F. D. Horner, and which obtained a first-class certificate from the National Society in London last year, is a very fine flower, and may displace the other two named. Mrs. Bower and Clara have had their day. They were highly esteemed some years ago, but their glory has departed. In heavy-edged purple \arieties, C'atherine (Fellowes) has broad, well formed petals, with a broad edge of bright purple; the white is also very pure. .Juliette, by the same raiser, has a medium purple edge and flowers of exquisite form. These will doubtless be sent out by Mr. Turner. The best of the older varieties, as proved by this year's experience, are Muriel, Mrs. Chancellor, and Zerlina ; the last was i-aised by Mr. Robert Lord, and shown well by him at Manchester on the 14th August. Of light pui pie-edged Picotees, the best have sadly degenerated in our collections ; it is therefore with pleasure I have to note a good variety, viz. , Mrs. Nieholay (Fellowes), the flowers of which are large, well formed, and quite distinct. Clara Penson (Wilmer) was such a grand flower when first exhibited, that it was a disappointment to find that it did not maintain its character the second year. Her Majesty (Addis) improved after the first year. Ann Lord and Nymph are the best of Mr. Lord's flowers, and Jessie (Turner) is large and fine ; we have shown it on our win- ning stands for years. Hf.avy rosk and scarlet ei)(!ES ha^-e received a startling addition in Duchess (Fellowes), a very large flower, exhibited in fine form on the 10th August by Mr. Turner, of Slough. The white in this variety is very pure and the edge well defined, heavily edged scarlet. Mrs. Sharp (Sharp) is also a good addition to this class ; it was shown well at Manchester, but not good enough to beat a lovely bloom of Fanny Helen (Niven) shown by Mr. Lord. Constance Heron is a distinct and fine variety with a scarlet edge. Royal X'isit and Edith D'Ombrain are superb kinds when we can get vigour into them, but that we have failed to do for two or three seasons. In the light rose or scarlet-edged class, Maud (Fellowes) has good breadth of petals, and is altogether a promising variety. Mrs. Turner (Fellowes) is medium scarlet, that_i-i, the edge can- not be classed with either ; it has broad, well- formed petals, what the fanciers term smooth, and the white is pure. Orlando (Fellowe--) makes up a good trio from that raiser in this section. It has a light edge, and the flowers are very large and distinct. Favourite (Liddington) has again held a high position ; this variety went to the top of the class at a bound, and not only stands premier in its own class, but is generally the best Picotee in any exhibition in which it is shown. Ethel is generally very good, and Mrs. Alcroft has always held a high position. Evelyn (Fellowes) is also a good full flower. Of yellow cuound Picotees, no new varieties have been exhibited recently, except my own .seedlings. Annie Douglas is a heavy rose edge; but the edge is not solid like Duchess or Mrs. Sharp, but a margin of bars or .°hort lines closely placed together ; the yellow is rich and clear, and the flowers are very large. It has receis'ed three first-class certificates this year — the first at the Crystal Palace, on July 3, and the last at South Kensington, on August 10. Agnes Chambers has a well defined light red edge, and neither spot nor bar defaces the clear yellow ground ; this hasreceivedtwofirst-class certificate.s. Almira is clear yellow, but has not a Picotee edge; the point of each petal is singularly marked with red lines. From the same batch of seedlings three varieties have been selected, with a buff or terracotta ground colour, edged with scarlet and crimson. Fancy Carnations and Picotees have taken, as they deserve to do, a prominent posi- tion— at least in the south. Northern growers seem to despise them, as only three competitors came forward to claim the prize for twelve, while in the south no fewer than eleven amateurs com- peted for that number of blooms, and a con- siderable number in the class for twenty-four blooms, making altogether a very fine exhibi- tion of this type of Carnation. Those who are saving seeds should carefully remove the decayed petals as soon as suflSciently decayed, otherwise they will sometimes cause the immature seed-pods to rot. I find the only safe way to ripen seeds is to keep the plants under glass, so as to protect them from wet— air being admitted abundantly night and day. They are apt to become infested with green fly, but that can be destroyed by fumication. When the plants are out of doors green fly does them no harm, and layers are always best from plants out of doors, whether in pots or planted out. The best way in which to treat any choice seedlings that have flowered in the ground forthefirst timeistodig them up and pot them. Layers root much more freely in this prepared potting compost than in anything else. The pots containing these plants should be placed for a week or ten days in a frame kept comparatively close by day, but on a calm, dewy night I would pull the lights quite off in order that the leaves may be laden with dew in the morning. If the sun came out hot, as it does fre- quently in August, the lights should be placed over the plants, tilted at the back and shaded, removing them again at night. In the case of established plants in pots, when the layers are put down they are placed out of doors in an open place, but sheltered, if possible, from high winds. The last week in September or first in October is a good time to take off' layers and repot them, and it is by far the best time to purchase any new varieties needed, or to repair losses that the col- lection may have sustained. I have named all the best of the varieties that I intend to grow next .season. It is better to grow a dozen plants of a good variety than a dozen varieties which may be distinct, but which cannot be depended upon to produce good blooms. Jas. Douclas. Double Larkspurs. — Amongst the many forms of improved garden flowers, the annual Delphiniums, or Larkspurs, are well worthy the attention of all who delight in growing good annuals. Not only liave the size and form been improved, but the colo>u-s are more intensified and increased. Whenever Delphi- niums are sown or seedlings transplanted in the open border, protection must be given aga'n^t sings, as they are extremely partial to them, and will other- wise eat them down close to the ground. — W. E.\RLEV. Phlox Drummondi var. Cardinal. —This is the deepest and richest coloured of all the annual Phloxes, constituting, when in a mass, a rich glow of deep crimson such as one seldom sees equalled. It occasionally produces flowers of dif- ferent hues, some of which are heavily shaded with purple. Varieties of Phlox Drummondi, to be done well, should be sown in a cool house, and, when the plants are large enough, they should be potted up singly into .3-inch pots. Thus treated they get well rooted, and when planted out soon grow into strong free-blooming plants. — A. The Calystegias. —These are very Ijeautiful plants during July and August, but the worst of them is that they are rather wild and rampant in their growth ; and it is necessary every autunm to dig up a large ([uantity of their creeping Twitch-like roots, so as to keep tliem within bounds. They are regular " Morning Glories," and are shorn of their beauty by raid-day ; hut they are lovely for the decora- tion of a breakfast table or morning room. ( )ne of the prettiest and most rarely grown species is C. oculata, a kind which projuces white flowers shaded with purple in the centre. C. incarnata, which has i)de blush flowers, forms a striking oljject wlien trained up two or three tall Scarlet liunner stakes ; and the same pl.an mny be imrsucd with advantage with C. dalmric.a, which has large ro^y pink blooms, streaked with white, much resembling the lieautiful British sea- shore weed, C'. Suldanella, which deserves a corner to itself in every good herbaceous collection. — H. HARDY PLANT CUTTINGS. A ('u.\LMueen cjuite dark. Old growers of the Stock distinguish the foliage of the Queen and Brompton Stocks in this manner. They assert that the under portion of the leaf of tlie (jHieen Stock is rough and woolly; that of the Brompton Stock is as smooth on the under part as on the upper. Of the (^)ueen Stock there are three colours— purple, scarlet, and white ; and of the Brompton Stock the same number, with the addition of a selected crimson variety of great beauty, but somewhat ditticult to perpetuate. Both of these types (if distinct enough to be regarded so) are really biennials, and the seed should be sown at the end of July in beds, and the plants, I need scarcely remark, should be transplanted to the open ground in the autumn. The difliculty of wintering the Brompton Stocks operates to deter many from attempting their cultivation. Even in the case of an unusually mild winter many will die. A well-drained sub- soil and a porous surface soil will suit them best. Shelter from biting frosts and nipping winds is of great service. A second transplantation has been tried with considerable success, the last one made about December. The intermediate Stocks are much used for cultivation in pots, to bloom in the spring and early summer, and are very useful for decorative purposes. The seed should be sown in August, and the plants, when large enough, placed in (i-inch pots, three plants in a pot, rich soil being used. They should then be placed out of doors in the shade, kept well watered in dry weather, and finally wintered in a cold frame, and drafted into the conservatory or greenhouse as they come into llower. There is a very pretty vaiiety of the inter- mediate Stock, somewhat taller in growth than the scarlet one, and forms capital pyramids of white flowers. Some of the dwarf German bouquet Stocks imported from Germany by our seedsmen make very good intermediate Stocks, being dwarf and compact in growth, and well adapted for pot culture. One, of a bright crimson hue, has a very dwarf and yet vigorous habit, and flowers in great profusion. The East Lothian intermediate Stocks, as they are termed, are in reality mainly used for late summer blooming, when they are very effective. They are sown in the usual way about the end of March, planted out at the end of May when some .'! inches or 4 inches in height, and bloom finely through August and September, and even later, as they throw out numbers of side shoots that produce spikes of flowers. Thus, by using the autumn- sown intermediate Stocks for early blooming, the ordinary large-flowering Germ.an Ten-week Stock for summer flowering, and the later East Lothian AMERICAN LILIES AT HOME. Writing to the Trenton Natural History Society's journal, Jlr. Ernst Volk says, respecting some of the American wild plants : — "Among the most be.autiful wild flowers growing around Trenton, N.J., are two species of the great Lily family, which, as Jjinna-us says, have no poor relations. These are Liliuiu can.adense and L. superbum, the bell shaped Canadian and the brilliant Turk's-cap Lily. L. canadense blooms .about the middle of June. It has a bell-sh.aped, canary-yellow flower, varjing to cor.al-red. The thick, scaly bulb is annual, and scarcely h.alf .an inch long, .although it sends out runners fi inches or 0 inches in length. In shaded places it is only about 2 inches under ground, but in sunny spots 4 inches to ,"i inches. The Lily will travel slowly, as tho runners produce new bulbs in every direction. I h.ave found, in a space l.S inches sipuare five stems, the bulbs being connected by the runners. In sunny pl.aces the stems grow to a height of 1 h feet to '2 feet ; among bushes .and on the borders of woods, to (I feet. In a single inst.ance I f' third, and sometimes fourth, autumn select all the strongest runners, and plant them thinly in nursery beds until the following spring, when we plant them permanently in a specially prepared plot. The special preparation alluded to consists in a tho plants that the best of early runners can be got for jrots ; we only allow one plant to furnish one runner, so as not to tax its energy too much. As we must of necessity keep our established plants we therefore have two plots filled with Straw- berries in the one season, and as soon as the old plants are past fruiting we grub them up, and im- GOOD STRAWBERRIES. In' our district, the north east of Ireland, we had this season no room for complaint as to de- ficiency of crop. We grow some ten or a dozen sorts, but were I limited to one, I would certainly grow Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury (Garibaldi). This variety I find is a large and sure cropper and hardy in constitution ; our next is President, which is better flavoui'ed than the preceding, but with us has the habit of odd ones dying off, particularly if too long in one place. Keen's Seedling and Due de Malakoff we count of equal merit. Victoria we find to be a valuable sort rather late; its fruit is somewhat soft, but the flavour is almost equal to that of President, and the plants keep long in bearing. Sir J. Paxton with us scarcely merits the high encomiums usually awarded it, but as this is only my second year with it, I should not like to speak too definitely. Duke of Edinburgh is a high-coloured, good-flavoured, free-fruiting sort of considerable merit. JIany of its fruits are verj' large, but very rough. For late use we rely on Elton Pine, a well-known variety largely grown on north borders for lengthening the supply. Its fruit is large, o^ ate, of a bright shining crimson where fully exposed, and agreeably sub-acid in flavour. We grow a few rows of Victoria alongside it on a north border, which we find to be most useful in helping us to keep up the supply until late in the autumn. The above refers to kinds which we grow for general use ; for pot cul- ture we now depend on Garibaldi and President. Of sorts not generally grown we have the Alpine and Hautbois, the varieties being Galande and Royal respectively. Few would grow or would recommend them to be grown largely, yet they have their own decided characteristics. The Haut- bois flavour is much esteemed by some, although to my palate it is not altogether what I like. The Alpines, on account of their firm and high-coloured fruits, are useful for bottling whole. Both sorts well repay careful and kindly cultivation, and may be increased rapidly from runners, but some prefer raising stock of the Alpine from seed. For securing good crops of fine fruit annually I prefer and would advocate working Strawberries on the three or four years system. It is well known that young plants produce the finest fruit, although if the nature ^ot the soil on which they are growing is suitable to them they may do well for many years. President dies suddenly with us, and more so after the third year than earlier. Last season, for example, having a spell of drought, we lost many. Necessity, therefore, compels us rough deep digging early in winter, and in incor- mediately plant the ground with Broccoli for late porating a good quantity of strong farmyard ma- use. In planting Strawberries, for strong-growing nure with the soil. In digging, the surface is left sorts we make the lines 2A feet apart and the as rough as possible, and by planting time it plants 18 inches asunder, the dwarf growers being allowed 2 feet by IS inches. These distances we find to suit them well. — S. Kevax, Templejmtrick. Our Strawberry Crop. The following varieties are grown in this garden, viz.. Keen's Seedling, La Grosse Sucree, Vicom- tesse Hericart de Thury, Sir J. Paxton, President, Barnes' Prolific, Unser Fritz, Sir C. Napier, British Queen, Oxonian, and Loxford Hall. The best flavoured is British Queen, but its behaviour is so indifl'erent in other ways, that it is not worth the space which it occupies. Keen's Seedling is superior to all the others for sweetness. Between the flavour of La Grosse Sucree and the Vicomtesse there is not much to choose. Sir J. Paxton and President are our favourites for dessert, as the others are too small, except Unser Fritz. The latter is a large, handsome fruit, but inferior in flavour to the two just named. It, however, with- stands wet better, and is a free bearer. The Vi- comtesse produces the greatest number of fruit of any we grow, but it is a question if President or Sir J. Paxton would not equal it in weight. Barnes' Prolific is much grown for market in this district— more so than any other, as it travels well. Its flavour is, however, inferior, in my estimation, to that of five or six others. It is said to be a first-rate cropper; with me it stands about fifth in this re- spect. I cannot say much of Ox- onian from its behaviour here ; and Sir C. Napier has no resemblance, except In foliage, to the one I knew under that name some years ago. The above sorts ripen pretty well in the order in which they are named. I am so pleased with Lox- ford Hall this year, that I in- tend to plant more of it. Our plants oi this va- ...^^ riety are 1 foot apart in the rows, are '2 feet asunder, put 8 in. by 18 in. would not be too . If it succeeds as as it has done this its yield from the space of ground will that of any kind in the garden. Our favourite mode of culture is to layer annually as many as we can and plant 1 foot distant in the row, cutting out the second year every alternate plant. We used at one time We exercise special to allow the same distances apart, and plant three Aquil'gia viscosa. Flowers purple. moulders down into powder. care in lifting the plants with good balls of earth attached to them ; then in replanting we work in, in the fiist place, a good supply of pulverised .soil, and give them a thorough firming. L'nder such treatment they receive no check whatever. Such plants, too, would bear a fairly good crop, but this we do not allow them to do the first season ; on the contrary, we rigidly nip all runners and blooms otl', and by autumn they are strong plants with plump crowns, a sure indication that they will fruit well the following year. It is from such plants, triangle fashion, chopping two olT as soon as the fruit was gathered ; but as thero was sorne amount of crowding when pots were introduced in which to layer the runners, we gave up the prac- tice. Plants in their third year give but a poor return compared with those in their first year. — W. P. Pv., Prislon, Laiira^hin. Notes on Strawberry Culture. After years of experience I am convinced that, in order to secure fine crops of StraMberries year 218 THE GARDEN. [Sei't. 4, 1886. after year, three or four points in their culture must be attentively observed. In the first place, early runners must be secured with the least delay possible. As soon as they are sufficiently rooted, no time must be lost in getting them on to the ground they are intended to occupy. The plants must be encouraged in their growth during the autumn by keeping the surface of the ground frequently stirred with the Uutch hoe and free of weeds, and on the approach of winter let the plants be mulched with half rotten manure. By the early part of the following May, when the flower-spikes begin to appear, the mulching given in the early part of the previous winter will all have disappeared. As soon as the flowers are fairly open another mulching must be given, either of litter from the stables or litter in a half decayed state, which will keep the fruit clean during the process of ripening. Manure in a partially de- cayed state I find an excellent mulching. It pre- vents the ground from becoming dry and parclied, and also keeps the roots cool. When the fruit is beginning to swell give the beds a thorough soak- ing with manure water, and this should be repeated every ten days if dry weather prevails until the last fruit is gathered. A very good plan to pre- serve the fruit from injury I have adopted with marked success is to tie it up with sticks and matting. This entails a little extra labour, but it pays before all the crop is gathered. I have about four sticks placed round each plant, and the bunches of fruit are supported by two strings run round each plant and fastened to the stakes. If wet weather sets in the fruit does not decay by lying on the ground. It is not damaged by workmen gathering the earliest ripened fruit; it prolongs the supply, and evei'y berry comes to perfection. I strongly recommend the tying up of the fruit in this uncertain climate, especially those beds which supply the fruit for table. The most prolific Strawberry that I have met with, and which appears to be little known, is one I have by the name of Preston Seedling. I have never seen it mentioned in any catalogue, except Mr. Lovel's, of Driffield, from whom X received the plants two years ago. It bears very large fruit; though not handsome in shape is a most heavy cropper, and the flavour is tolerably good, though not first class. Runners planted last autumn on ground previously occupied with Potatoes have given uii enormous crops of fruit this season; in fact, the crop of fruit on a planta- tion made last autumn has been heavier than on those two and three years old. Another useful Strawberry, for late use especially, is Filbert Pine. From this and Preston Seedling we gathered fruit for table until after the middle of August. The fruit of Filbert Pine is moderately large, conical shape, dark red, and fine rich aroma — the best late variety which has come under our notice. For upwards of twenty-five years we have been experimenting with Strawberries, and we strongly recommend Preston Seedling for quantity and Filbert Pine for quality.— (^ Read, Thonthuri/, Sheffidfl. I should like to add my mite to the store of in" formation you are collecting about Strawberries- I find that Vicomtesse Hrricart de Thury is known under the name of Garibaldi in many places in the north. I have grown it many years and forced it in quantity, and have never known it to fail. One kind that I grew at Clitf Hall, near Darlington, many years since, called Ruby, raised by Mr. Nicholson, of ^'arm, surpassed all for cropping that I ever knew. In the East Riding of Yorkshire Keen's Seedling always did well, also British (i>uecn and Elton Pine. The soil was a dark sandy soil on gravel. I had the ground trenched two spades deep and well manured ; I then took a crop of early Potatoes or Cauliflowers before planting the Strawberries. I grew them four years on the same spot, but did not dig it, only put fresh manure from the stables every autumn, so as to make a good covering between the rows. Tlie winter's rain and snow bleached it clean for the fruit, and if the weather was dry we gave the plants two heavy waterings before bloom- ing and after the fruit was set, so we never failed having a good crop. In the county of Durham the British Queen has not done so well with me. At Hamsterley Hall, ten miles south-west of New- castle, the following kinds did well with me under the same treatment as desci'ibed above : Presi- dent, Sir .1. Paxton, Keen's Seedling, Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, Elton Pine. Frogmore Late Pine did not do well, nor British Queen ; but one other that we had did well, called Wonderful. I seldom see it mentioned in catalogues ; its flavour with us was equal to British Queen, but of a much dwarfer habit, so that we could plant it a little nearer. Dr. Hogg and Sir C. Napier did not crop well. At Moorlands, Sunderland, and near three- quarters of a mile from the sea, we depend mainly on Garibaldi or A'icomtesse Hericart de Thury, also President and Sir J. Paxton; we have tried several others, but they do not succeed with us.-- .J. 0., MooiianiU, Siiiiilerlaiid. flaccid state and fold the fruit carefully in it, and pack tightly, using plenty of wadding. Small fruits, such as Currants, Gooseberries, and Cherries, will travel well without packing further than a layer of leaves top and bottom. Plums will travel well in a bed of soft, clean leaves and covered with the same, but the bloom of the fruit is easily rubbed ofl'. It is a common plan, and a good one, to pack the different boxes of fruit in one hamper when sent off. Sometimes they can be sent in the vegetable hamper. Either way, do not let the hampers be unwieldy and in- convenient to handle, and the chances are that the damage, if any, will be less than it otherwise would be.— S. PACKING PEACHES AND GRAPES. SojiK plain directions for packing fruit, especially (jrapes and Peaches, would be valuable at the present time to many who, being absent from their country homes, are in the habit of having fruit sent to them by parcel post. — H. Clemexts. It should be remembered that Peaches and Nectarines require as much care in gathering as in packing, for the slightest bruise will appear an ugly blemish a few hours afterwards. Have a tray lined with a thick layer of wadding beside you when going over the trees ; try only those that look ripe, and, taking the Peach gently in the palm of your hand, bring the fingers and thumb under its base, and if it does not come away with a slight effort leave it. What are ready set on the tray, and do not handle them again till they are packed. Some have their Peaeli boxes diviled into compartments about 4 inches square ; but it is not an economical plan, for only one Peach, be it large or small, can be put into a division, and they are too often bruised in getting them out again. The boxes should be of tin, and from 12 inches to IS inches square, and 4i inches deep. In packing lay a thick piece of wadding on the bottom, and line also the sides; then take a square piece of wadding of the requisite size, lay upon it a piece of the softest tissue paper, and on this set the Peach ; fold the wadding up over it, and set it on its base in the box at one corner. Fold up the others in the same manner, pack them closely together, lay a sheet of thick wadding on the top, shut and fasten the lid securely, and they are safe from any ordinary danger. Few fruits bear carriage better than Grapes, and yet, strange to say, they are often much damaged in their transit, for the simple reason that they are seldom packed as firmly as they ought to be through fear of crushing them, though the firape will stand a wonderful amount of pressure before breaking and the bunches have a certain elasticity about them which protects them. Boxes IS inches by 1 foot and li inches deep are a convenient size. We use soft paper shavings or wadding for packing them, first wrapping the bunches in soft drapery or tissue paper, and twisting it at each end ; they arc then wedged in together with a few shavings between the bunches, and a layer below and above all, in sufficient quantity to hold them securely in their places, when the lid is put on. All our packing materials are returned in due course, and it is seldom that there is the slightest stain from a broken berry on the Grape papers. Nor does the bloom suffer to any serious extent by this mode of packing if done with ordinary care. It is friction which rubs the bloom oft' most, but firm packing prevents this to a great extent. Figs are precarious things to handle in packing if perfectly ripe, as all Figs ought to be before they are sent to table. Their skin rubs off with the slightest touch. They should be detached from the tree with great care, and they should be packed like Peaches; but, instead of using tissue paper inside the wadding, use a soft vine leaf in a THE NAMES OF FRUITS. The subject of fruit nomenclature was discussed at a recent meeting of the Slassachusetts Horti- cultural Society. The Hon. Marshall P. 'WilJer opened the discussion, and in the cotirse of his remarks he said : — In naming fruits, we want to suppress all royal titles, such as emperor, king, or prince ; all political titles, such as president or governor ; all military titles, such as general, colonel, or captain ; .ill inde- licate names, like Hogpen, Sheepnose, and Big Bob ; all osteutatious names, such as Excelsior, Ne Plus Ultra, cr Stump the World; ami all long names like Doyenne Gris d'Hiver, Nouveau, or Twenty-fifth An- niversaiy of L'.opold the First; and also to strike off the huudreds of Beurri5s and Doyennes from the names of our Pears where it possible to do so, and to write hereafter Anjou, Diel, and Boussooh, in place of Beurre d'Anjou, Beurre Diel, Doyenne Boustoch, &c. There are, however, some instances, such as the old Beurre Giis and Doyenne Blanc, when the Beurre and Doyenne must be retained as the original typis of certain classes. There are many other terms which have become unmeaning and useless, such as Pippin, applied to Apples, and Seedling, applied to certain varieties of all fruits, for all varieties are oiiginally from seed. The terms Favourite, Beauty, and Choice not being distinct. ve appellations are better dispensed with in most instances, but in some they nmst be retained, as in the case of the Clapp's Favourite Pear, because we have also the Frederick Chqip and Lemuel Clapp Peari. As regards Clapp's Favourite, when it was introduced the Massachusetts Agricultui.al Club desired to possess the control of the variety and give it its name, and authorised a committee to ctffer £200 for the stock; but Thaddeus CJ.ipp, who raised il;, preferred to have it dedicated as it was, and a figure of the Pear is carved on his momm.cnt in Forest Hills Cemetery. Among Apples we have several Spilzrubergs, Russets, and similar names, which should be dis- pensed with as far as possible. The terms Doyenne, Bon Chretien, and Calebasse once had some refererce to the forms of Pears, but they have never been adopted in naming American vaiieties. In the future, we desire to use but one word for the name of a fruit, as with the Biildwin Ajjple, the Bartlttt Pear, the Concord Grap?, and other renowned fruits, which will be perpetually known by .ajipropriate and easily remembered names. In a word, we desire to tstablish a .system of nomencliiture which shall be jiure and plain in its diction, pertir.ent and proper in its .ipplieatiou, and an example not only to our own, l)ut to other countries. A lengthy discussion ensued, most of the speakers agreeing with Mr. Wilder that some sort of reform is necessary in naming fruits. We hope the Massachusetts Society will take steps to bring about the desired revision in fruit nomenclature, but perhaps they will have to meet the same dilliculties as we have here in the attempt to revise llie nomenclature of varieties of garden plants. Plum trees as cordons. — This fruit may not be extensively grown in this form, but they certainly appear to succeed admir.ably when so grown. I have just seen a single cordon of considerable length, form- Sept. 4, 1868.] THE GARDEN. 219 ill;; the mai';,'in to a walk in the kitcheu gardens at llardwick, consisting of some of the best varieties of tliis fruit, and each variety bearing a lieavy crop of fine fruit, which it has been found necessary to tbin out. The cordon is little more than a foot from the surface of the soil, consequently docs not in any degree interfere with other crops, and occupies but little f p ice, which is a consideration where the extent of a garden is limited. The training of fruit trees in the form of single cordons is exceedingly simple. Slioit strong stakes are driven into the soil, some ■2 yards apart and to the desired height; while to the top of each is secured a strong galvanised wire, and to this wire the single shoot or rod intended to form the cordon is trained. The trees may be planted at a distance of 0 feet, more or less, from each other, and as soon as the wire is quite covered, which is soon accomplished, the cordon is complete, and presents a very neat ami pretty appearance at all seasons of the year. At the height of a foot from the surface of the soil the fruit, when ripening, is apt to be disfigured by grit thrown up during heavy falls of rain, so this altitude may with advantage be increased to 18 inchc, or even to 2 feet. — P. G. RIPENING AND PRESERVING FRUITS.* TiiK principles upon which success must ever de- l)end are now so well established, that it is only necosi5ary to bring them to mind for our govern- ment. The preservation of Apples throuih the winter months is now pretty well understood, but with the Pear, Grape, and other delicate fruits more care is requisite. The ripening of fruit depends on saccharine fermentation ; this is followed by the vinous and acetous fermentations. To prevent these, and preserve fruit in all its beauty, freshness, and tlavour, the temperature must be uniform, and kept below the degree at which the fermentation or ripening proce.^s commences. Late fruits may remain on the trees until .severe frosts are feared, but should be gathered with great care. Summer Pears should be picked some days before the ripening process eommenoes. A summer Pear ripened upon the tree is generally inferior. Pears which become mealy, and rot at the core, if left on the tree to ripen, are juicy, melting, and delicious when ripened in the house. With the increase of fruits tlieir preservation in the most perfect condition has become a matter of great importance ; various methods have been adopted, both in this and other countries, for this purpose, many of -which have been failures. Nearly half a century ago the first houses of which I have any knowledge were built for the preserva- tion of fruits by the retardation of their ripening. Most of these have been controlled by iee ; others by the use of chemicals and apparatus with re- volving fans to diU'nse the cold air through the various rooms. The most common method for preserving fruits in small establishments and private use is the con- struction of houses with walls of non-conducting materials and with well drained and thoroughly cemented cellars. Such was the house built by M. Victor Paquet, of Paris, about forty years ago — without the use of ice or chemicals — an account of which was given in the illustrated transactions of this society in 1!S47. Tlie house was built with outer and inner walls, with a space of .S feet between : in fact, a house within a house, and so arranged that he could control the temperature at will, and which ho kei>t at a little below W Fah- renheit. Our climate differs so much from that of I'aris, that we cannot follow all of M. I'aquct's plans. Sutliee it to .say that by this process, with- out the use of ice, he kept his fruits in perfect condition until .June. On this plan, fruit houses may be constructed at a very moderate expense, in w hich fruits may be kept in all their beauty, freshness and flavour through the entire season. The Anjou Pear has been exhibited in our society as late as the month of May from a retarding house. • Extracts frum a ]t.ipcr re. id before the MasstieUusetts lIorlicilltur.il S-cicty l.>y Hull. Marshall V. Wilder. One great .secret of success begins in the state in which the fruit goes to the cooler. It should be before any sound specimen begins to show ripe- ness, and no single fruit should be stored that has fallen to the ground ; for, however perfect it may seem, sooner or later that dropped fruit will tell its own story, and often cause the decay of the whole package when not noticed in time, which rarely happens when hundreds of bushels are piled one above another for a month or two. The fruits intended for cold storage houses should go directly from the orchard. The cause of so many failures in storing Pears, for instance, is that the fruit is often bought of ditTerent parties, much of it so imperfectly packed that it is never tit to go to the cooler — perhaps it has been gathered weeks previous or carried long distances and become more or less bruised and rendered every way unfit for keeping in this way. The past autumn hundreds of bushels of Bartlett Pears that were nearly ripe were stored by small fruit vendors who knew nothing about the sub- ject. The fruit house of EUwanger & Barry, at Roch- ester, N. Y., is a building where walls and floor are lined with straw and boards, with cellars un- derneath for storing fruit. When the mercury goes 10° or 12' below zero, a few, :i' or 4', of frost get in, but the boxes and barrels are all covered with straw mats and are never reached by the frost. When the late autumn and winter Pears are gathered they are put in bushel or half-bushel boxes and placed on the north side of a building outside of the fiuit house and protected. They are kept there as long as the weather will permit -by that time the room has got thoroughly cooled and ready to receive the fruit. They have both Pears and Apples there now in perfection. In an account, by Mr. S. W. Dorr, of a fruit house constructed by him on the cold-air system, without the use of ice, he lays down the principle, that in order to keep fruit for any great length of time, the store-room must be frost-proof and kept at a low, even temperature— 3° or 4° above freez- ing, with sufficient ventilation to carry off' all moisture and inqiurities. He was able to keep his house within :> of freezing for five months, and when the temperature outside changed Gtl^ in twenty-four hours, the change in the fruit room was imperceptible. Again, when the thermo- meter fell from U' to 20' below zero for five days in succession, the temperature scarcely changed one degree in tlie fruit house. This result was effected by building a house with triple walls, I.') inches in thickness, 10 inches of which was filled with sawdust. The conditions of success may be briefly stated as follows : The perfect control of temperature, light and moisture. All experience shows that these conditions must be complied with or success cannot be attained; hence these apartments must be eool, and constructed so as to exclude at pleasure the external atmosphere, which starts fermentation. After many years of experience, both with and w ithout ice, I have adopted a house built in a cool, shady aspect, with the door on the north, and with a thorouglily drained and cemented cellar, with smxll, double windows, which may be opened or closed at pleasure. In this way I am enabled to keep my late autumn and winter Pears until February or March in good condition. A])ples may be kept at a lower temperature than Pears— say .'U° to 40". In a fruit room of this kind, Mr. Thomas writes me, that by admitting air on eold nights, and closing the entrances when the air is warm, he has had sound Lawrence Pears in March, and .Josephine do Malines in April, and Baldwin Apples in .June. My late autumn and winter fruits, intended for long keeping, are allowed to remain on the trees until frost is apprehended. They are then gathered with great care, into bushel boxes, and placed on the north side of my fruit house in tiers of boxes 0 feet or 7 feet high, and covered with boards, where they are kept until the ground begins to freeze. They arc then remo\ed to the cellar, piled up in the same manner, with thin strips of boards or shingles between the boxes, until wanted for use, when the boxes arc looked over and the mo.st mature are from time to time taken out. In this way I keep Pears until March or Ajn-il in perfect condition. In regard to the use of ice, I would say that where fruits are kept for some months under its influence at a low temperature, they .seem to lose much of their flavour; the cellular tissue alfo seems to have become dry, and to have lost its vitality or power to resume the rii>ening process. Experience proves that, for the common varieties of the Pear, about 40" of Fahrenheit is the tem- perature best suited to hold this process in equi librium. The proper maturing of fruit thus pre served demands skill and science. _ Different varieties require different degrees of moisture and heat, according to the firmness of the skin and the texture of the flesh. Thus some varieties of the Pear will ripen at a low temperature and in a comparatively dry atmosphere, while others arc improved by a warm and humid air. Some varieties of the Pear ripening with difficulty, and formerly esteemed only second rate, aie now pro- nounced of excellent quality because the art of maturing them is better understood. Great im- provement has been made in the handling, pack- ing, and preservation of fruits, so that they are delivered in perfect condition from distant places, every class of fruit having its suitable style of package. So well is the art of keeping Grapes now understood, that we have them in our markets in such tine order as to command from 7d. to 9d. per pound until the month of May. Referring more particularly to Pears, some sorts of which are more delicate than others, and will not bear so low a temperature. The Bartlett Pear loses its flavour after being exposed to a low tem- perature for two weeks. It is very important that the temperature should be uniform. 1 once had a house controlled by ice and found that 40' would hold fermentation in check. My cellar .sometimes gets below freezing and I then cover it with mats. Kitchen Garden. SPINACH ALL THE YEAR ROUND. In- order to keep up an every-day supply of Spinach all the year round, the last summer crop should he sown on a well-prepared border or quarter about the middle of July, in drills IS inches apart; this will yield a good supply of fine large leaves till October is out. For the late or winter crop prepare about the end of July a border or sheltered quarter; apply a good coating of thorouohly decayed manure, trench the ground well and east it up into ridges, so as to expose as great a surface as possible to the influence of the atmosphere. Every dry day till August 10 or 12 cast down the ridyes and pulverise with a steel fork, so as to sweeten and incorporate all together. Then draw lines a foot apart and sow the Hardy Prickly variety. As the plants advance thin them . ut from 0 inches to 0 inches apart, and maintain i. healthy and vigorous growth by constant sur- face stirrings in suitable weather; this, if attended to, prevents canker, and encourages the produc- tion of abundance of fine leaves for use every day throughout the winter. Timely forethought should be taken to shelter a portion with a row of short stakes about IS inches high, interwoven with Fern, .straw, evergreen branches. Furze, Heath, or other material, which should be neatly applied, and also made wind-proof. Thatched hurdles or frames, cheaply made, of battens backed together and thatched, might also be used for the purpose of protecting from frost. Make another good sowing of the same hardy Spinach on ground as well prepared as the last, about August 20 or 22, in lines a foot apart, and thin out to 4 inches or 6 inches between the plants. This will furnish a supply for use next spring, for although there is only a period of eight or ten days between this sowing and the last, this one will yield but very little before spring. To keep up a regular supply in summer, 220 THE GARDEN. [Sept. i, 1886. sow the round Spinach on a warm sheltered border and betsveen lines of early Peas, &o. , once a foi'tniijhb from February to May, and for the next six weelcs after that on the coldest and dampest part of the garden ; and if a north aspect can be provided, so much the better. In March, New Zealand Spinach should be sown in heat; pot oil', and encourage the growtli of a iiw plants till about the middle of April; a very few plants will produce an enormous quantity of leaves if turned out on a slight hotbed, as is done with ridge Cucumbers, and let handijlasses be placed over them until strongly started and well established. The hotter and drier the weather, the stronger will this Spinach grow, a circum- stance quite at variance with the winter and •summer varieties, which "bolt" or start to seed at an early stage in hot weather and in warm situations, particularly on light or poor soils, or when under shallow culture. Another substitute for Spinach in summer is the foliage of the Silesian White Beet, a row or two of which will produce a quantity of fine clean healthy leaves in the heat of summer. In autumn the silvery clean white stalks of this famous Beet make a very good substitute for Seakale; they are served at table in the same way, and make a capital wholesome dish. W. B. Watering; and mulcting. — Waterings, effec- tual, but not frequent, and stirring the surface or mulching immediately afterwards, form the secret of succe.ss in droughty seasons like the present. Mulching in itself has a wonderful effect on nearly all kinds of vegetable crops, and notably on Peas, all the Cabbage tribe, Celery, and Potatoes. The handiest material for such purposes is short Grass, which is always plentiful. A good mulching of this between the Potato rows, instead of earthing them up, increases the weight of the crop largely, but it is a disadvantage in wet seasons. Rasp- berries luxuriite under a thick mulching of Orass, which is worth a heavy dressing of manure to such moisture-loving plants. Strawberries are equally benefited by the same treatment, and the mulch- ing should be done early in the spring in their case. On Apples, Pears, Gooseberries, and Cur- rants, in shallow warm soils, a top-dressing of any loose material seems to work little less than a miracle. Indeed, such a practice is commendable under almost any circumstances, and at all times saves an immense amount of labour entailed by continuous watering. — J. Earthing up Celery.— Although I know that it is the usual practice in Celery culture to re- peatedly earth it up while growing, I certainly do not think it necessary to earth it up when it is growing rapidly ; more than that, I think it is bad practice. A little sprinkling of earth, pushed down after a heavy watering to prevent evapora- tion, is all wo should give during the growing season, and we know it to be a fact that some of those who grow the finest Celery in the country do not earth until full growth is attained. Indeed, some of them do not earth at all, but effect the blanching by other means. That some old profes- .sionals of fifty years' experience, and many other parsons, pursue quite a different course, I am well aware; yet one would think that a single hint would suffice to point out that it is difficult to give abundant waterings to Celery, and impossible for it to benefit by the natural rains, if we pile a sharply-sloping bank of firm earth close along each line long before the plants have attained maturity or vigour. And no plant is more benefited by profuse waterings than this, naturally an inhabi- tant of very wet places. The repeated earthings which Celery receives in the majority of gardens are not only harmful to the Celery, but the cause of a great waste of time and labour. — R. T. Cabbage and other vegetables. -The re- cent heat and drought, if so short a spell of un- usually tine harvest weather merits such terms, has done much good in checking the too luxuriant growth of the Brassica family, and in so doing, assisting to render the plants firmer and more capable later of enduring hard weather. That there will be an abundant supply of all kinds of greens, inclusive of Turnips, is evident, and whilst these things will assuredly be cheap, still it would be a misfortune were hard weather to find them gross and full of soft pithy growth. Some little check, even though of but a week's duration, must be productive of good, because with rain and colder weather growth will be resumed, but now more in the direction of hearting than of pro- ducing excessive outside leafage. Rarely have extensive breadths of plants of all kinds been got out with more facility than this season, and rarely has better growth been made. Wireworm, grub, and club so far seem to have given little trouble, but any considerable spell of dry weather now might conduce to the promotion of these pests. Whilst flagging very much during the day, the foliage has found in long nights and heavy dews ample time for recovery. In spite of a late season, Autumn Giant Cauliflowers and Brussels Sprouts, of course, on early planted breadths are already turning in, thus lengthening the season, as, of course, in such case the turn in is gradual. Owing to the preceding showers and probable absence of the fly. Turnip breadths are very promising. Late sowings are receiving some check, but a gentle pressure by wooden rollers is productive of good, and if the young plants can be pulled through the drought, they will make rapid growth when the autumn rains come, and a plentiful stock of late bulbs will result. So far there is promise of plenty of marketable winter vegetables. — A. U. Potatoes at Shrewsbury. — At the excellent show recently held at this town Potatoes were unusually plentiful, and the majority of them above average merit. Indeed, it would be difficult to find an exhibition of Potatoes to equal those shown here, and the Potato crop in Shropshire this year is evidently a fine one. The largest class was that for six dishes, and the gardener at Berwick House, Shrewsbury, showed the finest. He had Cosmopolitan, Surprise, Beauty of Hebron, Blanohard, Vicar of Laleham, and Reading Russet with splendid produce. I noticed that Sutton's Seedling was very extensively shown here in fine condition. I observed that International and one or two others of inferior table properties were not so extensively shown as usual; but the Dean, a rough, dark-coloured variety, Village Blacksmith, and Mr. Bresse, were conspicuous. — C.-iMBiCAN'. Potatoes on trenched ground.— It has been said that the value of deep digging is never so apparent in the case of Potatoes as in that of other vegetables, but I am convinced that Potatoes feel the benefit of deep culture to a greater extent than is commonly supposed. A year or two ago we planted some on a piece of ground, a portion of which had been trenched 3 feet deep, the remainder having been dug in the ordinary manner. As they were planted so that the half of each row was on the trenched ground, it was easy to see the difference in the growth of the plants, and to compare the yield in tubers at digging time. During the growing period it was easy to see that the plants on the trenched ground were growing more vigorously than the others, and they gave a much greater weight of tubers. I should, however, mention that the soil is sandy loam, which quickly dries in summer, and I feel sure that in such land there is no crop that is not benefited by deep culture. In heavy moisture-holding soils, 6 inches of well-worked earth may be enough, but that is not sufficient for anything in thoss of a porous character. —J. C. B. fully as tender and juicy as spring-grown ones, with the difference that they had a finer flavour. This is not to be wondered at, seeing that a certain amount of maturity is necessary to develop flavour in a fruit and a vegetable, and Rhubarb is generally consumed in spring in a very immature condition. When bush fruits are over there comes a dearth of fruit, and wliere much of this is required in late summer. Rhu- barb might be profitably used. By the ordinary system of culture, however. Rhubarb is not eatable late in the season, as the stalks produced by plants which have been growing from early spring are tough and flavourless. Some roots should be set aside e.\pressly for a late supply, planting them in rich soil about the latter end of May. These will be in free growth by August, and will furnish good, tender stalks up to October. From the time that bush fruits are over till Apples come in. Rhubarb grown iu this %vaj would prove of great service. — J. C. B. Rhubarb in summer. — Some years ago I acci- dentally discovered that Rhubarb may be had just as good late in the summer and in autumn as in spring. It happened that a plantation of it having been dis- turbed, some roots were left lying about on the top of the ground for a month or two. As everyone knows. Rhubarb h.is exceptional vital power, and this Mugh treatment did not kill the roots, which eventu- ally were cut up into moderate-sized pieces and planted in good ground. I am not sure as to the exact time at which the planting was done, but it was early in summer. The plants grew well, and in August, as they seemed so fresh and succulent, it occurred to us to cook some of the stalks, and they were found to be Garden Flora, PLATE 660 THE ST. JOHN'S- WORTS. (with a coloured figure op h. oblongi- FOLIUM (HOOKERIANUM).*) The genus Hypericum is found represented in all temperate climates, and some of the species have a very wide geographical distribution. Hooker estimates the number to be about 160, and of these eleven are to be found in the British. Isles, exclusive of the large-flowered Tutsan (H. calycinuni), a plant of South-eastern Europe, which is naturalised in many spots, and for con- siderable distances along the banks of some of the southern railways forms a beautiful dense carpet of dark green, studded in summer and autumn with numberless large handsome flowers. All the Hypericums have yellow blossoms, but, iu spite of that, there is a rather large series of shades, varying from pale creamy yellow to a rich golden colour. H. oblongifolium, the subject of the accom- panying plate, was introduced to this country previous to 1856 by Messrs. Yeitch through their collector, Thomas Lobb. Were it a little hardier it could certainly claim to be one of the finest of ornamental flowering shrubs. As it is, its value is somewhat discounted by the fact that — except in favoured situations — it is apt to suffer severely during bad winters. The compact habit, the evergreen foliage, the contrasts afforded by the red branches, the glossy dark green leaves, and the golden yellow flowers, however, render it a desirable plant to grow in any garden, and as cuttings strike readily it is always worth while to insert a few in a cold frame so as to guard against the emergency of losing the species. Old plants sometimes attain a height of 6 feet or 8 feet. The species is a native of the Himalayan region, and ranges in altitude from 80l.)0 feet to to 12,000 feet above sea level in Sikkim to from 4000 feet to 6000 feet in the Khasia Mountains. The correct name is H. Hookerianum, and the plant is very nearly allied to H. triflorum already figured in the twenty-third volume of The Gardex. Among the best of the other shrubby species are H. patulum (a native of Formosa and Japan, also distributed throughout temperate Himalaya), which is a lower-growing, more rigid bush, with smaller flowers. The North American H. Kal- mianum and H. prolificum are perfectly hardy and resemble each other iu habit ; the former has glaucous leaves and flowers about an inch in dia- meter. H. aureum, a somewliat rare plant, sent to this country a few yeai's ago by Professor C. S. Sargent, of the Harvard Arboretum, is a * Drawn by Mrs. Duffield in Mr. O.lkwooil, Wisley, August 20, ISStl. G. F. Wilson's garden. THE GARDEN. HYPERICUM OBLON&IFOLIUM Skpt. 4, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 221 native of the Southern United States, was first discovered liy I'artram, who describes his finding it in his very interesting book of travels. H. emi)etril'olium and II. Coris are handsome little sliriil)3, well worthy of a sheltered spot in the Hypericum patulum. rockery ; both have small Heath-like foliage and are natives of southern Europe. Cutlinf:;s of these tA-o should be grown annually in a cold frame. The discovery of H. orientale, a pale yellow-Howered species, which, like the two last- named, is apt to disappear in the open bor- der during inclement winters, is quaintly de- scribed by Tournefort in his " Voyage into the Levant," a perfect storehouse of valuable and original information. H. reptans is a beautiful and graceful trailer, with small leaves and wiry prustrate-rooting branches, each of which lj°ars a single flower at Hypericum reptans. its tip. In proportion to the size of the foliage the flower is very large, as it reaches ] j inches m diameter. This is be.st seen when grown be- tween the chinks of the rockery and allowed to carpet a rapidly sloping or perpendicular surface. It is a native of temperate Sikkini Himalaya, at elevations of from 9000 feet to 11,000 feet above sea level. G. The Cornflower. — "A.D.'s"remarksbearingon the identification of the Cornflower are interesting. There can be no doubt, however, as to which plant is intended, so much evidence being forthcoming attaching the name to Centaurea Cyanus. This species of Centaurea is, or has been, named variously Bhie-blow, Blue-bottle, Hurt-sickle, &c. We find on turning to its mythology, its specific name was derived from Cyanus, a youth devoted to Corn and Cornflowers, who was so partial to this flower as to dress himself in the same blue colour he so delighted in, and amidst masses of which he how capable it might be of improvement, even as a garden flower. — W. Earlev. Hypericum empetrifolium was eventually found dead, and subsequently transformed into one of them. Ttlythological data may not be worth much to establish a fact upon ; nevertheless it seems imperative that we follow it in this instance. Old Gerard gives Cyanus as the generic name of the Order, and this species as Cyanus vulgaris. Chrysanthemum segetum has invariably been known as the Corn Marigold, having, as is well known, some resemblance to the latter class of plants. It is well to observe, how- ever, old authorities, including Oerard, give it also the pseudonym • ' Cornflour ; " this in itself qualifies the reasonableness of " A. D.'s" suggestion. Furthermore, both plants are to be met with in Cornfields, the Centaurea being, however, far the most generally distributed, this latter fact going far to aifirm its right to the name. When it is observed how beautiful Chrysanthemum segetum really is both as regards form and colour, in its normal or weed state, it is not difficult to imagine WORK DONE IN WEEK ENDING AUG. 31. August 24 to .31. The intense heat has quite parched up all ground that is not mulched or covered with a growing crop, and there being no signs of rain, artificial watering goes on from morn to night in somewhat the following order: Indoor, fruit borders; out- side, Peach, Pear, and Apricot borders, flower- beds and turf, and, lastly, vegetables; but in respect of the latter, by deep cultivation, com- bined witli the mulchings we give whenever practicable, the necessity to water is reduced to the lowest point; at present, however, there is plenty of it to be done, as Celery and late sowings of Peas and French Beans must have it to keep them in good growth. Of kitchen garden work, besides watering, digging Potatoes is about all we can attempt till we are favoured by rain, and tlieso we arc harvesting as fast as possible ; the crops are good, and but slightly tainted with the disease. These, I need scarcely say, are every one discarded, as the tubers are collected for housing in a cool, dry cellar, on the floor of which we spread a thin layer of straw, on which the Potatoes are s(iread as thinly as space admits of, that they may the more readily be e.xamined to pick out any dis- eased tubers, for not unfrequently the disease spreads after having been housed ever so carefully. E.xcept Ma-.;num Bonum, Chiswick Favourite, and iStanwell, all our kinds are fit to house, and these kinds we shall get in a week hence, as by then thtry will be quite ripe, unless rain falls in the meantime, in which case they will be left to take their chance, which would not be worth much, as they will either make a second growth, to the deterioration in quality of the tubers already formed, or they will get badly diseased. Wall fruits — Peaches, Nectarines, and Plums- having had good supplies of water are ripening up their crops well ; on Early Albert, Early Gro,sse JVlignonne, and Bellegarde there are many ripe fruits, and so there is on Lord Napier and Down- ton Nectarine, Jeft'erson's, Kirke's, Transparent Gage, and Pond's Seedling. Plums are all ripe, and of extra fine quality. As yet wasps trouble us very little, but they have sent out their scouts, which has put us on the alert as to preparing and fixing protective netting over all first-class fruits that are not already fit to gather. The wood of Peaches and Nectarines is being thinned out as the fruit is cleared ; very little wood other than what is needed for next year's fruiting is left in the trees, a plan that gives the wood a better chance of ripening, and at the same time the winter pruning required is of the smallest descrip- tion. Apricots and Plums we fruit more on the spur system, and new breaks or growths from such spurs from this time onwards we keep constantly pinched back. Of course, long shoots are occa- sionally left to be laid in, either to fully furnish the wall, or may be to take the place of an old branch on which the spurs may have got too long. Strawberry plots have all been cleaned and freed of runners, and now only await a favourable op- [)ortunity to give them a fresh coating of well- decayed manure. New plots in place of those destroyed are not yet finished planting, as we prefer to keep the plants in pots rather than to plant under such unfavourable weather conditions of heat and drought as prevail at present. Flower garden work can be summed up in a very few words —it is simply watering, picking oft' seeding and bad flowers, and keeping tlie edgings and lawn in neat condition. We are making progress with the propagation of Pelargoniums and other bedding [ilants that are usually propagated in quantity at tliis season, and hotbed frames are being prei)ared for striking cuttings of the tender kinds, such as Coleus, Iresine, and Alternanthera. Roses want a good deal of attention in the direc- tion of keeping them free of decaying flowers. Brier suckers, mulching, and watering. We have a grand second bloom on a number of plants of that fine old variety Souvenir de laMalmaison, the au- 222 THE GARDEN. [Serx. 4, 188G. tumn flowers of whicli are always more perfect than the earlier blossoms. All the Tea varieties, having been well watered, are also unusually full of flower; we water and syringe them whenever time can be spared for the work, and well they have repaid our labour. Indoor work is now mainly prospective, such as keeping all laterals in late vineries within reasonable limits, that the sun may reach and aid ripening of fruit, wood, and buds. Late Fig and Peach houses the same ; and with our first batch of (^)ueen Pines it is the same, for, having completed their growth, a drier state of the soil and atmosphere will now be aimed at. The process, however, will be very gradual, as we have no faith in roasting plants of any description to get them to fruit. Planted out winter Cucum- bers and another lot of Melons; the latter may do, though the odds are against them, the season being too late. However, we have the space, and the trial will cost nothing but our labour, and an over-high estimate is not at all times placed on that. Disbudding Chrysanthemums, tying up and watering them is at present rather a serious addition to our daily labours. Hants. HARDY FRUITS. Apuii'ots. When all the fruit has been gathered, the trees should be well washed with the hose to feed and refresh the foliage ; more light, non-con- ducting mulching may also be laid over the roots, not so much to feed tliem as to prevent the escape of moisture. The fine rains we had early in August greatly assisted the fruit, but the trees now require more and must have it, not in dribblets, but thorough drenchings that will penetrate to the lowest roots and through the drainage. It is generally admitted by experienced hardy fruit growers that Apricots require and are capalile of carrying olt more water than any other tree, and many are of opinion that bud dropping in the spring is due to dryness at the roots through the autumn and winter months. If this theory which I endorse be correct, why not go a step further, and lay the sudden collapse of the branches of Moorpark as well as the dropping of flower buds to the same cause ? But why allow the roots of any wall tree to become dry, as the best regulated fruit gardens are now well supplied with water, and in many of them thousands of gallons of this life-giving and life-saving element can be administered through the ho.se ? If nailing in has been neglected, let all shoots be closely laid in without delay, and persistently pinch or prune back brcastwood to let in light and air. Pe.\ciies. The crop of fruit as a rule is all that can be desired, and never in my recollection were the trees so clean and densely clothed with perfect foliage. The wood, moreover, is short-jointed, and looks promising for another year. Although at one time we were almost inclined to wish for more sun and less rain, the fruit lately has made good progress, and will be plentiful before the crop in late houses has passed away. Tliis being the position, and having the ball in our own hands, all we have to look to is its retention by treating the roots of Peaches as we treat Apricots, and wash the foliage with pure water on fine evenings until the different varieties begin to soften for ripening. If any of the trees persist in making wood, all strong shoots, which will have performed their oflice when the fruit is gathered, must be pinched to increase its size and prevent crowding, but leaders must be kept closely secured to the walls. As this work is proceeded with an eye must be kept on ties and nails, as it is at this season that the main shoots thicken rapidly, and many cases of gumming when the leaves fall can be traced to tight ligatures and nails. Immunity from insects, be the cause what it may, does not att'ect the gluttonous wasp, for this pest, which Is so small and active, is always alive to the luscious opportunity. War to the knife is the watchword ; nests must Ijc sought, no small matter in hilly and wooded districts, and late at night when the major part have reached their home the composing draught of gas tar or paraffin must be administered. A small quantity poured in and made air-tight with a piece of turf is all that is needed, but there must be no digging out or after disturbance, otherwise a remnant will rally and return. When waspsare very troublesomeandattack the best fruit before it is ripe or wanted for use, the most effectual and, in the end, the cheapest course is jirotection with fly-proof netting. I always use Haythorn's hexagon netting, just deep enough to descend from the coping to flat pieces of timber or floor boards set up edgewise about .3 feet from the foot of the wall. A few slating laths reared perpendicularly prevent it from bagging, and entrances are provided at each end, and the whole length can be tra\'ersed at pleasure without letting in a single fly or wasp. My net- ting, stored away as soon as the Peaches or insects are disposed of, has paid for itself over and over again, and will still last for a number of years. Varielitxcif Pcachcx. — Many paragraphs on extra early varieties havinj recently been published, the following notes from this district may be of use to growers who do not happen to have late houses to lead up to walls. Amsden Pine and Alexander, two highly coloured varieties, last year ripened on a south wall about the 20th of July, but the quality of the fruit, owing to the intense heat, was not quite up to the mark — in fact, the tlesh was inclined to be adhesive. These in October were removed to a west aspect, and this season ripened finer fruit of better quality ; the first on the .'iOth of .July, the second five or six days later. Hale's Early comes next, and Condor, a highly coloured and good flavoured variety, is now (August '20) dead ripe on a south aspect. Early Grosse Mignonne and A Bee, greatly superior to the preceding, are now forward enough for gather- ing; not so for eating; and Dr. Hogg, an excellent Peach, follows close upon them. Amongst Necta- rines, Advance is an advance on Lord Napier in point of earliness, and the quality is excellent. The last named, however, is a host in itself, and should be planted against west as well as south walls, where it will lead up to Stanw-ick Elruge, one of the finest and best Nectarines grown. Apples. Although at one time late and unpromising, all kinds have made amazing progress since the heavy rain which fell In July. The crops, too, in gar- dens and well managed orchards are, in many instances, heavier than they should be. We have already gathered Red Astrachan and Irish Peach ; King Pippin is ready, and Worcester I'earmain must be closely watched, as wind or rain will cause many of the finest fruits to drop. Red (i>uarrenden is carrying immense crops in orchards, but Worcester I'earmain with us has superseded it in every respect. Our best cropped early culinary Apples are Stirling Castle, Keswick Cod- lin. Lord Suffield, Lord (Jrosvenor, Echlinville, Hawthornden, and Warner's King. These have required much thinning and the fine clear fruit will pay for it. Stone's Apple, Lady Henniker, and Peasgood's Nonsuch I have planted and trained as cordons wherever a few square feet of wall, no matter what the aspect, required filling up. Peasgood's, a strong grower of the Blenheim type, is worthy of extension, and it merits it, for the large, handsome, heavily bloomed fruits are marvels of beauty, and their quality is equal to their appearance. O'alhcriii;/ /mil. — Early kinds of Pears and Apples should be gathered as soon as tlic first signs of changing are visible. Many varieties will ripen upon the trees, but their good qualities are so fleeting and fermentation sets in so quickly, that it becomes a question whether they should not be gathered very early, and have a place in a cool, airy fruit room where the temperature will not fluctuate. Early morning, as soon as the fruit is dry, is the best time to gather, and tlie greatest care should be observed in detaching and convey- ing it to the shelves. I'eaches and Nectarines for home use may be allowed to soften on the sunny side, but not quite down to the stalk, otherwise they will lose their sprightly flavour before they are taken for use; whilst the slightest pressure with the fingers will produce brui-ses which will be followed by fermentation and decay. For packing and travelling they cannot be too hard to please the fruiterer, always provided they have size and colour. Whether the consumer of those fruits e\-er tastes a Peach at its best is not for me to determine. One thing, however, is certain ; the grower must pluck early if his fruit is to find favour with the dealer. lioof-jiriniiiiij. — As soon as the fruit is ofl', any ordinary trees which require a check to arrest and consolidate growth may be taken in hand, not upon the old system of cutting ofl' all the roots and styling it root-pruning, but by clearing off a quantity of the mulching to let in sun heat, and perhaps by digging out a trench barely without the external radius of the roots, and leaving it open for days or weeks to dry and warm the ball. This plan, it is hardly necessary to say, does not apply to fruit trees which have never been neglected, as these can be taken in hand and finished oft' in a few hours at any time after the end of August. When trees of mature age get wrong, it is generally found that a few strong roots have penetrated the subsoil, and persist in forcing up crude sap quite late in the autumn. The remedy in this case requires two seasons for its completion. If the trees are espaliers, a trench may be taken out the whole length and depth of the border, when, having severed all the strongest roots, especially those which descend, and raised them where practicable, the trench may be filled in with the best of the old and a little new loam. Full leaf is the proper stage for this work, as young roots will soon form, when the other side may be treated precisely the same the following autumn. I now have in my mind six old trees of Marie Louise which were treated in this way four years ago. Previously they had not borne a dozen clean fruits each for several years ; now they are loaded with handsome russetty Pears, whose very appearance betokens flavour. The same system applies also to standards and pyramids whicli have been neglected In their youth, the completion of the circular trench being allowed to extend over two seasons. The second or third year after planting is, however, the proper time to raise and lay the roots in a horizontal [losition, as we find this attention induces a fruitful condition, thus rendering further disturbance unnecessary. rianliiiij follows close on the heels of root- pruning, and requires equal foi'ethought and care, if for this purpose trees have to be bought in from the nursery, now is the time while they are in full leaf to select and mark them for removal. The largest and strongest, it must be borne in mind, are not always the best, as they generally suffer after removal, when the private grower loses more than the nurseryman gains by neglected transplanting. The most valuable trees are those which, by their moderate growth of short-jointed shoots and well-formed spurs, sliow that root- pruning has received proper attention. Buying in for diiect planting is sometimes absolutely necessary, but the cheapest and safest practice is the maintenance of a home nursery in \\hicli younger trees can be planted and grown on to one's own liking. The nurseryman's everlasting "cut-back" with a piece of dead wood buried in its centre can then be avoided, and annual lifting will fit them for transplanting before the leaves fall. Fkis on open walls, so severely tried last winter, have made excellent growth, and promise well for another year. Although, as I predicted, the crop of fruit in ordinary situations is light, the old Brunswick is now swelling up a few line Figs, and the young shoots are thickly set with embryo fruits, which it must be our endeavour to keep below the size of Peas by close training and full exposure to the ripening influence of dry sun-heat and fresh air. In good Fig seasons it is necessary «Ei-r. -t, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 1-23 to mulch and water. This year, having so little to ripen, barren or partially barren tree.s will pay best for being kept dry throughout the autumn and winter. This withholding of water as a rule produces the desired eft'eet on roots and shoots, but should any of the trees persist in elongating their growths, the sooner they are root-pruned the better. StR-^WEERRIE-S. Young plants put out in August must be regu- larly attended to, both with mulching and water; the first to prevent the ground from cracking, as generally happens after ramming at the time of [ilanting ; the second, to encourage a good root- hold before winter. Newly-made beds do not re- quire gross mulching, as the fresh loam alone will produce a vigorous growth, but they require some loose manure for keeping in moisture, than which there is nothing better than an old Mushroom bed spread rather thickly round the collars of the plants. If weeds spring up they must be kept down with the Dutch hoe, and strong runners may be taken off, but unless the crowns are likely to be strong enough to flower well next year, a few runners will do no harm, as root action is always in proportion to the rate at which runners are produced. Xew plantations may still be made, but unless the plants are very strong and well rooted in pots or sods and the ground is in excellent order, nothing will be gained over keeping them in nursery beds and planting out early in the spring. To this end a good quantity of runners of all the leading kinds should be pricked out in beds or along the sides of walks, ncit too far from the hydrants, both for transplanting in April and for giving early runners for forcing. .Some growers lift and pot these young plants in June, but they are apt to lose their old leaves and become leggy and do not make such pleasing-looking stock as the next generation. Strawberries, however, unlike many other j>lants, submit to and produce fruit under almost all sorts of treatment, always provided their food is good, and they are not allowed to get below par through lack of stimulants. W. Coleman. NOTES. White Everlastinu Pea. — As seen at its best, firmly established in deep rich soil, there are but lew other hardy herbaceous plants that c-in lival this white-blossomed Pea. Of course, Anemone japonica alba stands alone — the Venus de Milo of garden flowers, as someone has said in these j)ages — but even that plant is not so graceful in habit as is this Nathyrus as seen climbing up a fence or olher suitable support, or even as grown in a bed on the lawn without any suppoit what- ever. I saw a most lovely group of white flowers in a well planted herbaceous border the other day. Anemone japonica alba and Galtonia (llyacinthus) candicans were boldly grouped together on a carpet of Campanula llosti alba. All were in flower together, but even when out of flower the leafage of these plants would form a pleasing variety of tint and of form. I thought at the time that a good mass of this white Ever- lasting Pea towering up above everything would have been an improvement. It is a plant which requires time to become established, alter which it forms a picture every year. Now and then it comes true from seed, but division in spring is a more certain method of increasing one's stock. FLOWER.S OF AUTUMN*. — Heivilj' hangs the tall Sunflower, and the uprising Torch Lilies and Dahlias, Hollyhocks, ami early-blooming Chry- santhemums bespeak for us the time of harvest once again, and tell us of the hot sunny days followed by the thick white night mists of September. There are white Japan Anemones and scarlet (iladioli everywhere. The Wistaria agaiti yields us a few of its purple clusters, and its leaves are of all the varying shades between deep green and pale gold. The tall Aconite of autumn and the perennial Sunflowers wave in the warm breeze. The Tigridias, scarlet or yellow and white, flutter their petals every morning like gorgeous butterflies, and tln-re is a golden glow over everything in the garden after the showers of yesterday. The first clean fresh Colchicum flowers opened their pink buds to-day, and displayed their daintily chequered petals as if spring were here again. Now is the time to plant bulbs of nearly all kinds for next year's blooming. The ground is .so warm that Crocus, Narcissus, and Squills planted now root immediately, and gain strength to resist the cold of winter and to bear their beautiful flowers in .spring. The robin has commenced its autumn song, and the fairy spider spreads out its lace veil on the hedges to dry ever}' morning. It is the time of fruit and of ripening corn, and the bees hum among the Heather on the hillside, or they make their drowsy music among the garden flowers. Herbaceous Phloxes. — Just at this time of the )'ear these plants are a great ornament to the herbaceous borders, ami to my mind the best varieties by far ai'C the pure whites, or those which are white with a jiink centre or eye-like spot. There are a whole host of forms of a rosy purple, lake, or magenta shade, and a few of these placed in a border along with Tritomas or other orange-red flowers are very jarring discords in our rainbow music, and one's teetli are set on edge liy the sight of them. Some say they like them ; but then they have no eye for colour, and persist in mixing blue-reds with orange- reds in their borders and bouquets year after year. (_!ood pure white Phloxes are very valuable, and the drawback is that we have so few of them of really good quality. I must ask my friend Mr. Douglas to rai.se us a few good white kinds, of whicli, imleed, we can scarcely have too many, and if he wouhl also try and raise for us a pure white Gla

Ion and Moulmein. Gbikfithianum yclluw orange India. Farm Kit! „ ,j „ Arr^can. aureo-flavum " ■■ ,. Moul- mein. albitl'iruiii white ,, „ BurniJih. r.isdum ro^y white yellow CUIIYSOTOXIIM yellow orange , , Arracan. superbuin ,, ,, !■ " euuvissmium orange witli crimson ,, ?Burmah. blotch , It is a matter of extreme regret that so little is really known as to the exact locilities in which the species and varieties of Orchids are found. A type species may have a very wide distribu- tion, but the variations of a species, which, as a rule, are more highly valued by the cultivator, are in the main confined to more or less restricted areas, these localities seldom being near the central or focus spot of the type, but more gene- rally occurring at a tangent to the outer circle, or they _ represent the type at some one or more points at or near its margin. But there are reasons why the ordinary plant collector suppresses definite information as to the loaili' of the rarest or most marked variations from the typical species, and until the students of Orchids can obtain definite knowledge of this kind there is not much hope that work amongst Orchids of a really live and practical nature can be done. True, if they are introduced we can grow them and enjoy their beauty in our glasshouse gardens ; but without knowing precisely how Iheir distri- bution varies, we can never hope to know the physical or physiological reasons why they vary, as we know they really do. It the merely nega- tive suppression of localities were the only dilfi- culties, it would not matter much : but we have often been positively told that plants came from one place when they really come from somewhere else. Often the port of shi[iment is named as the habitat. _ For example, many of the Orchids mentioned in books and now lying in herbaria, as from Singapore, let us say, really were brought from Borneo, the Philippines, Java, Sumatra, or the main land of Johore, or even from Malacca, not to mention any one of the thousands of islets which lie within 500 miles of Singapore. Hence, when we come to even such a small group of four or five species like the present, we find any reliable statement of their precise geographical distribution quite out of our power. A few re- marks may be devoted, however, to the charac- teristics of these plants as they are displayed in our gardens at home. D. DENsiFLORfM. — This is a strong-growing plant, with stems 10 inches to 18 inches or more in length, and more or less thickened towaids the apex where they are clothed with three to five broadly ovate, dark glossy green leaves. The dense racemes of orange and yellow blossoms depend from the upper nodes of the two or three- year-old bulbs, and each spike endures fresh for five or six days, but as all of them rarely open at the same time, it follows that the flowering season is prolonged from a fcn-tnight to three weeks Ijy irre- gular development of this kind. Specimens 4 feet across or even more, bearing from thirty to seventy spikes of flowers, were not uncommon in the old exhibition days, and even now are occasionally seen in collections. It generally flowers from March to .J une, sooner or later, ac- cording to the heat and aspect or light in which the plant has been grown. The flowers are deeper or paler in colour, and vary in size also according to cultural conditions. Of coiu-se, I admit that there are frequently initial varia- tions between the imported individuals of this or any other species, bat at the same time nutri- tion or good culture often adds much to the size and brilliancy, as also to the texture of all flmvers. This is one of Nathaniel Wallicli's species, and a figure is given (t. 140) in his Plants. Asiat. llariores; more modern illustrations are those in Bot. Keg., t. 1828; Paxton's Mag. of Bot., vol. v., 121 ; and in "Flore des Serres,'' t. 1397. A strong-growing form of this species has been called D. Ouiberti in Continental gardens, and it is figured in L'lllustmtion Hortiojic, series .3, t. 258; also in Eenie Horfirole, 187(i, t. 431. and in M. Puvdt's " Les Orchidees," t. 1(1 Apart from the above yellow-flo«-ered forms of the species, there are at least three white-petalled varieties, these being D. thyrsiflorum, D. Schr(c- deri, and D. Walkerianum. Although distinct enough for garden culture, the botanist could only consider these as variations from the yellow blossomed type ; the structure or anatomy is the same, but there has been some variation in the chemistry, although the chemists have not as yet told us why colour or aroma may vary in plants which physically seem precisely alike. The two last named variations are considered more beauti- ful than U. thyrsiflorum ; they are certainly more rare, and, as a natural ccinse4uence,they fetch more in theimarket where "beauty" under the name of Orchids is sold to the highest bidder. In some cases we have seen a lovely soft, flesh tinting, a mere sufl'usion of delicate rose, so subtle as to be scarcely visible except in certain lights, on the crystalline segments of this thyrse-flowered Den- drobe, and this would seem to indicate a further struggle upward in the colour scale. The intro- duction of this fine plant has been the subject of controversy. The following is, I believe, a true statement of the matter. In 1855 or 185(.), the Rev. C. Parish sent to Messrs. Hugh Low and Co., of Clapton, a Dendrobe, which appeared to be D. densiflorum, but which, as he said, had a white perianth and a shaggy, orange-yellow labellum. Mr. John Day obtained a plant of it, which flowered at Tottenham in 1866— that is to say, ten years or so after its first introduction — but it was not until July, 1869, that its portrait appeared in the Botanical Magfainc (t. 5780), under the name of D. densiflorum var. albo- luteum. Then on April 6, 1870, Messrs. Veitch and Sons exhibited the plant before the floral committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, and were awarded a first-class certificate. There are thick and thin-bulbed varieties, the tall, thin- bulbed form with long spikes, as shown in our illustration, being generally preferred to the form with short, dense ones. It has been illus- trated in L' Illustration Horticole (t. 207), and in the Floral Mayaxinc, 2nd series, t. 449. Schrcedei's vaiiety is a rather dwarf kind, and flowers in May, bearing delicate blush-tinted flowers, the lip being yellow and orange. It is a rare and valuable form, figured in the Floral Mar/a::iiie (t. 502). Walker's variety of our plant would, however, appear to be the Anak of its race. I never saw it, but Mr. Williams says it produces pseudo-bulbs a yard high, the longest raceme on a well grown plant being 2 feet in length, and producing more than fifty individual flowers. It is figured in AVarner's " Select Or- chidaceous Plants," iii., t. 21. As to culture, one need say but little, but there is a peculiarity about these Dendrobes I have not ■seen alluded to in books. This is anent their season of growth, which is more rapid and shorter than that of any others known to me. Soon after flowering the young growth appears, and at that time heat, moisture, and light can scarcely be too intense for their vigorous development; whereas, on the other hand, after the growth is nude they enjoy a longer period of rest than most other members of the genus. These plants are not un- irequently placed in cool conservatories during their flowering season, after which they should be at once returned to a warm, close, light house before their growth appears, or it is apt to be checked and stunted, tor that season at least. A good, vigorous plant of Dendrobium thyrsiflorum bearing ten to twenty or more spikes is so lovely when at its best, that one might almost be ex- cused for apostacy from the flowers of the open air. F. W. Buruidge. WORK DONE IN WEEK ENDING DEC. 7. December 1 to 4. A \\ EKK of dense fog has, as usually happens afc this season, been followed by severe frost, the mercury on the mornings of the 2nd and 3rd fall- ing as low as 18'— 14° of frost— and with vegeta- tion quite saturated with moisture. Broccoli, Lettuce, Endive, young Cabbage, and Celery will, it is feared, be injured. We have been busy putting Bracken protection over the Celery row.", as also over Lettuce and Cauliflower plants on sauth borders, and over the crowns of Broccoli just turning in ; the large leaves have been bent. Globe Artichokes have been thickly surrounded with long stable litter, and Jerusalem Artichokes, which as yet are not dug up, have also had some litter spread over them, not for protection of tlie tubers, which is really unnecessary, but rather that we may be able to dig up supplies whtn wanted. Parsnips and Horse Radish we usually serve the same, but the frost came on us so suddenly, that we had no time to do the work, and now the ground is so hard that it would be labour in vain. As yet we have had no snow, and therefore the last three days of sharp frost have given us the desired opportunity of wheeling manure on to the various vacant plots of ground, and also we have been able to thickly cover early autumn-planted Strawberry plots with good manure, which is worked well up to the crowns of the plants, and thus it protects as well as manures. So long as other profitable work can be done, i.e., work that will have to be done, and can be done just as well in severe weather as at any other time— pruning and nail- ing, and any other jobs that one cannot keep warm at are postponed in favour of more active labour, which, besides the foregoing, has been the clearing out of shrubbery clumps in pleasure- ground, and raking leaves off woodland walks. Work in the glass department has been the mak- ing of bedding plants in cold pits safe by sur- rounding the walls with Bracken or litter, as well as over the mats that cover the glass. Violas, Calceolarias, Leucophytons, Verbenas, Echeverias, and the like may remain covered for two or three weeks in such weather, and will take no harm, provided that when the frost is over the covering is left on for a couple of days or so, that the plants and soil that may have got frozen may thaw slowly. Sudden light, and particularly sunshine, before the frost is out of the frames is far more destructive than is a fortnight's frost. Pruned another vinery, and gave both Vines and house the usual cleaning. Tied Peach trees to trellises. Picked over plants. Cut down Chrysanthemums that had done flowering, and put in the first lot of cuttings. We strike them under hand- lights placed on the floor of the early Peach house, 54(5 THE GARDEN. [Deo. 11, 1886. the temperature of which ranges from 45° to .35° in the coldest weather. Though our Pine pits are well heated, an excess of fire-heat whilst the day- light is so short draws the plants, and also tends to cause premature shows, which, as a matter of course, make poor fruit, and to obviate these evils as well as to economi-e fuel, w"e cover the glass nightly with stout oiled canvas, that makes a difference to the temperature of the pits of from 8' to 10". Apart from its being better for the plants, such covering is worthy of adop- tion on the ground of economy in fuel alone. Put more Seakale into forcing quarters, and placed Eaily Ashleaf Potatoes in boxes of leaf soil to root preparatory to planting in frames. Decemeek 0 TO 7. The frost departed a? suddenly as it came, which, if wc could have foreseen, nhat an amount of labour of covering up might have been saved. However, it is not all labour lost, as the material is there, and partial uncovering is only requisite, such as opening out the Bracken immediately over the heads of Celery, and rolling up the litter tidily beside the pits and frames in readiness for the next occurrence of frost. Endive to blanch, and roots of herbs that are required for forcing we are now getting up as well as supplies of Parsnips and Horse Radish. Recommenced the pruning and nailing of Plums and Morello Chei'ries. Rasp- berries are being tied, the stools having been freed of all weakly, unripened canes, and those left shortened back to a height of 4 feet (J inches. Peach borders are being trenched for early vege- tables, as per last week's notes. Rolled walks. This work we always strive to do both after heavy rain and frost, and thus the gravel is kept firm and smooth. The ground is too wet for trans- planting of shrubs, of which work we have a con- siderable amount on hand ; hence it is that gravelling and walk-mending are now being done, that transplanting operations may go on without interruption as soon as ever weather conditions are favourable. Indoors the work of fruit-tree tying still goes on. Figs as well as Peaches now being in hand. Picked bad flowers off Chrysanthemums; cut down such as had done flowering, ■Hhich gave more space to others yet in good flower. The flowers of Bouvardias and Carnations have damped oft' somewhat for want of a diier atmosphere, but, not having a suitable one at command, more heat has now been turned on the pit, and water will be more sparingly applied and the ventilation in- creased whenever the weather is mild and drying. Roman Hyacinths in flower have been brought out of heat and stood in a cool vinery ; other Hyacinths and Tulips have been put in the forcing pit, and so has a third lot of Strawberry plants. Fruit rooms and Grapes hanging on Vines have regular attention in respect of removing every trace of decay. Consequent on the sudden change to mildness from severe frost, both Apples and Pears are quite wet, and some few of the choicer varieties of the latter we are having wiped with a dry cloth, and as soon as the outside air is any- I thing like drying, full ventilation will be civen. Hants. HARDY FRUITS. Plantixi; this year, owing to the heavy falls of rain, has been delayed, and, much as many object to the performance of this work in December, the dry weather now prevailing will not only induce, but leave many people no other alternative than to go on with it. A wet late autumn tells unfa- vourably in many ways, for it prevents the nurseryman as well as the gardener from pushing on with his work. Trees lifted and planted in the wet never winter and start so well as if moved when the soil is in good working condition, and slender-rooted examples, owing to the low tem- perature of the ground, not unfrequently peri.sh altogether. The trade, much as people complain of trade, seems overwhelmed with work ; conse- quently late-comers must be late-served; but there is a way by which this difliculty may bo avoided, or certainly reduced, and that is by esta- blishing a small home nursery, and keeping it well stocked with trees for drawing from when weather and convenience favour planting. By a home nursery I do not mean a manufactory, as very few home-made trees are equal to the clean, healthy stock purchased from the leading nurserymen, but simply a well-cared-for spot, in which newly- bought stock can be grown and trained until wanted. Land, like trade, being slack, until even in these times a farm is to be let, every gardener should have all he requires for the asking ; but should a difficulty arise — for these men are looked upon as suspicious characters when they begin to talk about old turf and soapy loams — they have only to explain that nurserymen's rents, very high, are paid by the purchasers of their trees, and, not- withstanding the fact that maidens at a cheap rate are perfect, disease not unfrequently follows the hard pruning back practised in nurseries. The nurseryman is in no way blamable so long as pur- chasers will have cut-backs ; but I maintain that perfect trees can be formed without cutting back at all— that is, provided they are transferred to the home nur.sery when a year old, and, as a matter of course, before the maiden shoot is cut back to within three or four eyes of the union. The proper way, however, is pinching out the point of the leader when it has grown some 12 inches to IS inches from the junction; side shoots are then formed, and the framework of a good tree is formed by the end of the first season from the bud. Some Rose nurserymen who exhibit allow maiden plants to throw a single shoot several feet in height for a single bloom, leaving their customers to cut back to the base buds, but being unripe and buried in crude sapwood, they never break, and the plants, transferred to poorer soil, perish. Others, who do not exhibit, pinch out the points when they have made a foot or two of growth, and .secure bushy plants with four or five shoots of moderate strength, and well ripened by the end of the season. Fruit trees can be manipu- lated in the same way, and are infinitely superior to cut-backs, which not unfrequently make their ih'liiii with a piece of dead wood rankling w^ithin a few inches of the union. OKriiARD Planting may still be pursued — that is, if the weather con- tinues dry, open, and mild, and the land is in suitable condition. The old-fashioned mode of digging pits or water traps in Apple-siek orchards is not a good one, for no matter how carefully the compost may be prepared, the roots soon find their way to the solid subsoil, where, starved and |)oisoned by water teeming with decaying vegetable matter, the)' become inactive. The heads make little, it any, progress, a few feeble flower-buds instead of bright, healthy shoots are formed, the trees languish, canker and Lichen claim them for their own. Old orchards must, as a matter of necessity, be filled up, pruned, and renovated, but a young tree should never be planted on the spot from which an old one has been removed. The first operation in the renovation of old orchards is a clearance of all worn-out or useless sorts, thinning and cleansing of those retained. Then comes thorough draining, and finally planting, not immediately over the main drains, but where lateral drains will keep the roots free from stag- nant water. The compost used in old orchards should consist largely of fresh loam, road-scrapings and parings from the sides, old lime rubble, and burnt earth or clay. All the old roots, prunings, and trimmings of the hedges, and as much more rough wood as can be obtained, should be used for burning the clay, and if all is not wanted for making up the planting compost, the surplus will be found the best of all top-dressings for the old trees. Pruning. When autumn planting is finished old trees should be judiciously pruned and thinned to throw the heads open to the influence of sun and air. If densely interlaced and matted together, as we too often see the branches, this work should be performed piecemeal — that is to say, the thinning of old, enfeebled trees should extend over a couple of years. The removal of very large branches should be avoided — certainly the first season, but small spray and crossing boughs should be cut out to inure the heads gradually to the light, and at the same time to form the largest possible ex- ternal area of well-balanced fruit-bearing wood. By adopting this plan numerous dormant buds will be forced into activity, and young growths at the commencement of the second season will act as safety valves where the removal of extra large branches is decided upon. Tor-DRESSixr:. Until quite recently the roots as well as the branches of old trees have been left to take care of themselves. Year after year has passed by, but nothing has been done to stimulate the roots or draw them to the surface. Draining alone hag a wonderful influence on the growth of the trees, but something more is needed. All the refuse wood, as I have just stated, reduced to ashes and cast over the surface of Grass orchards soon tells ; manure, the scourings from ditches, even the cake or " must ' from the cider mill, thoroughly mixed and spread about, restore to the soil the salts and other elements so essential to free growth, and, as a matter of course, good fruit. If the whole sur- face of the orchard cannot be top-dressed in one season, a wide circle round each tree should re- ceive a good supply of stimulating food, to be washed in by winter rains. Town-made manure, which not infrequently contains a little of every- thing, is excellent, and bone-dust is a host in itself ; but, judging from the kind growth of trees in cottagers' pig-runs and the farmers' paddocks, animal manure is an excellent fertiliser. A Grass orchard is very pleasant to walk in, and con- venient for gathering the fruit, but on no account should it be laid for a crop of hay, if grazing is practicable. Cleans/Ill/. — As neglect, poverty, and Lichen generally go together, a word upon this head may be acceptable. The old Moss covered stems of trees in the first instance may be well scraped with a piece of hoop iron, when scrubbing with strong lime-water, brine, or soapsuds may follow. If more convenient, a quantity of fresh-slaked quicklime oast up into the branches on a damp day will answer equally well in the destruction of Moss and Lichen, and will help the roots after it has opened the pores of the bark to the influence of sun and air. Where American blight, the greatest pest in our orchards, has gained a firm hold, a pint of paraffin added to six gallons of strong soapsuds will be found a safe and certain remedy. 'This may be syringed over the parts affected, always, of course, when the trees and buds are dormant ; but the most effectual and economical method is as follows. To this or any given quantity of the wash add as much stiff loam as will produce a thick paint ; tlien, with a stiff' brush, work it well into the haunts of the enemy. If well applied, one dressing may clear a tree, but every bug in old trees is not easily reached, and fur this reason infested orchards should be looked over annually. The Fruit Garde.v. The principal work in this department now is pruning, nailing, and training. With the excep- tion of Peaches and Nectarines, which will not require further attention until they are released from the walls in January, all other trees ruay bo operated upon when the weather is suitable. Some fruit growers prune through all weathers, but by commencing early and taking advantage of every fine, mild day, exposure of the pith in frosty weather may be avoided. Moreover, the men who have to perform the work not only get on much faster, but do it better. With us bush fruits, also Currants against walls, are taken in hand first, and when finished they are well syringed with soapsuds, or dusted with quicklime to destroy Lichen and the larva' of insects. Ma- nure is then wheeled out in frosty weather, and although we do not believe in deep digging, it is lightly forked in at leisure. Raspberries come next, as early mulching is one of the main points in securing good crop's of fine, juicy fruit. If the Dec. 11, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 547 formation of new plantations is contemplated and the planting of young canes was neglected in October, they may be put out now and well mulched with rotten manure to keep the roots moist and safe from frost. Raspberry plantations under good management last a number of years, but, like the Strawberry, they give the heaviest crops of the finest fruit when four or five years old. Thi-i method of rotation is very simple, as we only have to plant one or more rows every year always on fresh, deeply trenched ground, and destroy an equal number of the oldest stools. Few people care for many varieties, but rest satis- fied with one or two good sorts which do well on thc-ir soil. With us Carter's Prolific on the five years' course is an especial favourite, as the fruit is extra tine and the flavour delicious. In low, damp situations subject to severe frosts, it is a good plan to defer topping the canes, or at least a portion of them, until the buds commence swelling in the spring. If Strawberries have not received their winter mulch, a good dressing of manure or ricli compost should be placed between the rows at once, that is, provided they are free from weeds and the crowns of the plants are not frosted. Like the preceding, whose roots run along the surface, the beds should be kept clean by hand and hoe or smothered by heavy mulchings, but on no account should fork or "spade be introduced amongst them. Peaks, Plfms, and Cukuuies, both on walls and open quarters, having at last lost all their leaves, may be pruned, nailed in, and washed. The first and last being so subject to green and black aphis the walls should be well scrubbed with brine during the time the branches are detached, or they may be syringed with soap- suds after they are nailed in. Where good soap- suds are plentiful, this washing may be repeated at short intervals throughout the winter, as it not only cleanses the wood and walls, but acts as an excellent manurial agent when it reaches the roots. Pears are not often attacked by aphis, but the oyster scale is often very troublesome, and, being the exact colour of the bark, sometimes does much mischief before its presence is detected. When badly infested, the main stems and branches should be well scrubbed with strong soap water and afterwards painted with a mixture of (lishurst compiund and stiff loam, one pound of the first to a gallon of the second, to which half-a-pint of pai-atfin may be added when reduced with hot water to the consistency of thick paint. The tar mi.'cture, half-a-pint of gas tar to a gallon of loam, as recommended for Vines, may also be used. Either of these will very soon cleanse the trees and leave the bark bright and free, when generous culture, including good mulching and copious watering in summer, will generally cause the trees to grow out of it. We have in this part of the country a very loathsome, slimy cater- pillar called the slug worm, which attacks the foliage in August and September. If left alone it eats away the foliage and renders the fruit of little value. The best summer remedy is dusting with quicklime or syringing with lime water, but, prevention being better than cure, the scale paint with a little fresh lime added applied to the wood and walls in winter will destroy it most likely at one dressing. The month of December is perhaps the best time to apply insecticides to hardy fruit trees, as the sap at the present time is inactive, and the buds as well as the wood can be dressed without fear of injury. Many people attach great importance to the use of strong ingredients, but this i.s a mistake which often leads to mis- chief, and it is questionable if a well mixed solu- tion of stiff clay, soot, and lime, with a very small piece of soft soap to make it work and adhere, would not prove a safe and certain destroyer of all scale to which fruit trees are subject. Figs. The weather up to the end of November having been so mild, Fig trees have not required cover- ing, but 19'^ of frost on the morning of the '2nd reminds us that this precaution must no longer be delayed. We have accordingly placed a moderate layer of dry Fern in front of the trees, and may add more with a broad coping board above should unusually severe weather set in. When Fern cannot be obtained, a thatch of smaU_ Spruce or Yew boughs tucked in between the main branches and the wall, with their tips hanging downwards and overlapping each other, make an excellent covering not only for Figs, but also for Apricots in exposed situations. Some unnail their Fig trees, and, after tying the branches up in bundles, encase them in wheaten straw; but this is carry- ing protection to an extreme, as trees so treated become extremely tender, and frequently suffer after they are uncovered in the spring. More- over, this snug covering forms a safe retreat for mice, which do irreparable mischief by barking the shoots during a long continuance of severe weather. In the south and western counties, also in South Wales, where trees attain a large size as standards, the covering of trees against walls is considered superfluous, if not positively, injurious. Next to covering the branches, it is well to pre- pare the trees by root-pruning early in the autumn, as the sap by this process is checked and the embryo Figs near the points of the shoots do not get too forward. It is needless to say a good mulch of dry leaves kept quiet by a covering of long litter is an important factor in low, damp gardens. W. Colemax. Ensimr Castle, Ledbury. Fruit Garden. THE PEAR CROP. It is seldom we have to complain of having too many Pears, but this season has been an exception to the rule, and as a consequence the fruits indi- vidually are smaller than usual. Besides being abundant, too, the fruit is of exceptionally good quality, some sorts always previously sent to the kitchen being this season fit for dessert purposes. I am now alluding to fruit produced in our western counties, where the soil is in most instances of a moisture-holding, fertile character. The earliest Pears we have is the Summer Doyenn-', a small sort which rarely fails to crop heavily, but must be eaten fresh from the tree. At Rood Ashton, Wilts, it usually grows much larger than I have seen it elsewhere, and many handsome dishes of fruit I have gathered from it late in July or early in August. The Jargonelle is a delicious Pear, and the tree being a vigorous grower it is particularly well adapted for covering high walls or the gable ends of buildings. It forms an ugly pyramid, nor with us does it do well as a cordon. A fine standard may be formed by re-grafting a tall tree of any other variety with the Jargonelle. It is in season towards the end of August and early in September. Williams' Bon Chretien nearly everybody is acquainted with. It has only one fault, viz , it keeps for a short time only after being gathered. It does well on walls of nearly all aspects, and succeeds equally well as a pyramid or as a standard. We prolong the season by gathering at ditl'erent times, and by ripening the first in gentle heat. Beurre d'Aman- lis, which forms a good succession to the Jargo- nelle, is also a favourite, and is of a very accommodating habit. It is free-growing, gene- rally bears well, and is well adapted for any method of training or culture. With us its fruits are better from a pyramid than from a cordon against a south - west wall. Flemish Beauty is another excellent September Pear. It forms a good espalier and good average pyra- mid, and as a cordon usually yields moderately heavy crops of large, handsome fruits, which, if not left too long on the tree, are, when ripe, of excellent quality. Beurre Superfin is perhaps the least known of any yet mentioned, but it should be included in every collection. On the Quince it does well cordon-trained, but for espaliers and pyramids I prefer it on the Pear stock, no diffi- culty being experienced in growing fine, hand- some and prolific trees. The fruits, which are of good size, are most delicious in flavour, and here- abouts ripen late in September and early in Oc- tober. Fondante d'Automne ripens at much the same time, and is a most free-bearing serviceable variety. The best examples of this Pear I have yet seen were grown on wall trees in Kent, and a rich soil appears to suit it perfectly. We have quite a wealth of good October Pears to select from, but I would on no account omit Beurre Hardy. This variety also does well on heavy soils on the Pear stock, and forms handsome pyramids and espaliers. The best crops of this Pear that have come under my notice were growing in Derbyshire, the fruit being large, liandsome, and extra good in quality. Beurre de Capiaumont, though of poor quality, forms a fine pyramid cr standard, and rarely fails to bear well, but it is not good enough for wall culture. It ripens late in October, and sometimes keeps a month longer. Duchesse d'Orleans may well be included in large collections of Pears. We have a cordon of it on the Quince, and in this neighbourhood there is a- fairly good espalier or horizontally trained tree on tiie Pear stock, and in both instances good crops of medium-sized fruit are usually obtained, the quality being very good. It is an October Pear, and keeps well into November. Jersey Gratioli is of good habit and bears well, but I am not an admirer of it, one cordon being the extent of our stock of it. Louise Bonne of Jersey is a well- known variety and a favourite in most gardens. We have good cordon, horizontally, and pyra- midally-trained trees of it on both the t^luince and Pear stocks, and all bear well. The fruit is usually of good size, handsome when ripe, and of a very distinct flavour, not, however, pleasing to all palates. This, again, unfortunately is another October Pear; so also is Marie Louise d'Uccle, but I would yet recommend it, especially where pyramids are in request. It is a sure bearer, quite distinct from Marie Louise, and very good to eat. Urbaniste appears to be of a very variable cha- racter. With us it is seldom so good as it has been this season. It forms a fine pyramid, and bears well. MiD-sEASos SORTS include several extra good Pears— some of the very best, in fact. Beurre Bosc is not a high-class variety, but it is a free grower and heavy cropper, and if given a sunny wall, its quality is seldom found fault with. This season but little grittiness was discernible, the fruit being melting and quite delicious. All these remarks are equally applicable to Gansel's Berga- mot, though the latter does not possess so good a constitution as Beurre Bosc. It ripens late in October or early in November, and does not keep long. Of all the 600 recognised distinct varieties, I fancy none would be found to equal Marie Louise, and none to surpass it in point of quality. It is, however, an uncertain bearer, trees of it growing side by side varying considerably. Wc have it against three differently situated walls and very rarely fail to secure a crop from some of them. Our finest fruit are from a sunny wall, but pyramids and standards give us quantities of medium-sized, deliciously flavoured fruit. By gathering at intervals and leaving some on the trees as long as it is safe to do so, a succession of fruit may be maintained from the middle of Oc- tober to near the end of November, during which time this variety may safely be pitted against any other sort in season. Conseiller de la Cour ripens and is in season about the same time as the fore- going, and is frequently grown considerably larger in size. With us, on a south wall and on the Pear stock, it is never very large, but usually yields a good crop of fruits which, when ripe, are almost as buttery as those of JIarie Louise. It also succeeds as a pyramid, cordon, or standard, and may well be more generally grown than it is. Pitmaston Duchess, also in season during the month of November is peihaps the largest Pear of good quality in cultivation. Mr. Garland, at E.xeter, usually secures very fine examples of it, and in the neighbourhood of Bristol and Bath it is extensively and well grown, though at the Bath shows it is frequently and wrongly labelled Prince Imperial. It appears to be amenable to any kind of training, and where large fruits are prized it certainly ought 548 THE GARDEN. [Dec. 11. 1886. to be cultivated. Doyenne du Cornice is in season about the same time or only a few days later than Mario Louise, and is nearly equal to it in point o£ quality. The very finest fruit of it I have yet teen were grown in the neighbourhood of Exeter ; hereabouts it is smaller, has more colour, and is most melting and otherwise good. The Quince stock, whether the tree is cordon or horizontally trained, suits it best, and a friend has strong and profitable pyramids on the same stock. Kouveau Poiteau with us as a cordon on the Pear stock is mealy and worthless. It usually crops freely, and ripens early in November. Thompson's pro- duces rather small fruit, which ripened early in November, and is of excellent quality. It is a moderately strong grower, and is best on the Pear stock, as, when worked on the Quince, the trees are apt to grow stunted and be of little service. Van Mens Leon Leclerc, a November Pear, I can speak highly of, as it possesses a good constitu- tion and may be trained any fashion ; it is a good bearer, the fruit sometimes attaining an extra large size, and is of excellent quality. I prefer it on the Pear stock. I have seen it trained over garden archways, where, when in full bearing, it presents a most imposing appearance. Huyshe's Prince Consort, though described as a large va- riety, only attains a medium size, but it is a sure bearer, and the fruitsare frequently very serviceable at the end of November. We have a cordon trained against a sunny wall and on the Pear stock, and I have seen good pyramids of it. Huyshe's Princess of Wales if worked on the Pear stock forms a good pyramid, and from one tree we gathered two bushels of fruit. They are rather small, but the quality is excellent, and altogether I am much pleased with it. We commenced using it late in November, and it will be available nearly throughout this month. General Todleben, according to some authorities, is in season from December to February, but with us it is over by the end of November. In the midlands I have never tasted it in good condition, but hereabouts it is most delicious. Some of the fruits are not unlike Marie Louise in appearance, but there is no mistaking it when cut, the iiesh having a distinct rosy tinge. We have a strong pyramid on the Pear stock, but for cordons or small horizontals I should prefer the Quince stock. Napoleon does not bear well here, but in other gardens I have had it good on both wall trees and pyramids, and always found it profitable. It is very distinct in appearance, and when fully ripe or late in November is very tender and juicy, bruising too easily for fruiterers to do any good with it. Beurre Clairgeau, a November Pear, I had almost omitted, is more remarkable for its size and attractive colouring than for any other quality it may possess. It is a sure bearer, but, as a rule, it ought to be included in the list of stewing Pears. Nor can I speak very highly of the quality of Duchesse d'Angouleme, which, with us, ripens during November. It is a robust yet free-bearing sort, and succeeds under any method of training, small pyramids on the li'uince stock usually per- fecting a heavy crop of large, extra heavy fruit, which, however, is usually very gritty and poor in flavour. Passe Colmar, a medium sized sort which ripens l:.\te in November, lasting sometimes till late in December, has long been a favourite of mine. To have it in perfection, it should have a sunny wall, though it crops well as a pyramid or standard. It is apt to produce large clusters of fruit, but these should be freely thinned out. Forelle, or the Trout Pear, is a small, but very handsome sort, of excellent and distinctly good quality. It is suitable for either pyramids or standards, crops heavily, and is in season during December and Janury. Beurre Bachelier is a capital grower, and is good on either Quince or Pear stocks and for any system of training. It is a good bearer, but should be freely thinned out, otherwise the size and quality are materially lessened. Large, well- grown fruits are usually buttery and sweet when ripe, in December. It is a noble Pear, and may well be given a good trial in most gardens. Winter Nelis is a small and quite distinct variety, but, although it forms a good pyramid, it is seldom first-rate from any but wall trees. ^A'ith us it is in season during December, and double-grafted trees are found to give the largest fruit. Late varieties are, unfortunately, compara- tively few in number, and it is to this section that raisers of novelties should turn their atten- tion. Chaumontel promises to be exceptionally good this season, but only from a wall tree, and those from a pyramid will be stewed as usual. It is a free-growing, heavy. cropping sort, the fruit being of good size, and is available during De- cember and January. Large quantities of this variety are annually sent from Jersey, but the fruit is rarely so good as we have it. Beurre' d'Aremberg is one of the heaviest croppers I am acquainted with, and is especially well adapted for pyramids. The fruits are of medinm size, of fairly good quality, which may sometimes be improved by being subjected to a gentle heat. With us it is a good January Pear. Glou Morceau is simply in- valuable. It forms a good standard or pyramid, but on heavy land the fruit cracks badly, and it is only on the wall trees that sound fruit is pro- duced, the Pear stock being chosen. On shallow soils, however, the Quince slock is preferable. Our fruit, which we always gather late, commences to ripen in December and lasts till February, .losephine de Malines does not grow strongly here, but is a sure bearer, and the fruit is very good for several weeks early in the year. It is almost im- possible to form a good pyramid, and 1 prefer a fan-shaped wall tree on the Pear stock. Berga- motte d'Esperen is a valuable late Pear ; it may be grown either as a standard, pyramid, or espa- lier. It is a good bearer, and ripens during Feb- ruary and March. Easter Beurre seldom keeps good till Easter, but all the same it is one of the best very late sorts in cultivation. With us it is a failure in the open, the fruit being quite worth- less, and it is the wall trees, cordon and hori- zontal, that we depend upon, and they do not often fail. I prefer Beurre Ranee, this succeeding admirably either as a standard or pyramid, as well as against walls, keeps longer, and is of excellent quality. Ne Plus Meuris when grown against a wall is a sure bearer, requiring to be thinned out freely, or the fruit is small and all core ; and thus treated it is of fairly good quality during Feb- ruary and March. Ollivier des Serres has been strongly recommended to me for the purpose of aflfording a late supply of good fruit, and is being given a trial. It i^ said to do well either as a pyramid or standard, but is of best quality from wall trees. I find I have omitted two varieties marked in my list for commenting on, viz., Beurre Diel and Althorp Crassane. The former, owing to its very accommodating disposition, is included in almost every collection, but I cannot speak very highly of its quality. It is in season in November and early in December, and never fails to bear or to bloom freely. Althorp Crassane forms a grand pyramid and crops heavily. The fruit are rather small, and in point of quality are by no means to be despised. Season, November and December. .Stewing Pears are as much appreciated here as the dessert sorts, and one of the most profitable of tliese is the Vicar of Winkfield. This season it happens to be fit to eat, but as a rule it is best stewed. It forms a good pyramid or standard, and is a good cropper; in use at present time. Calebasse Grosse, which is a month earlier, is also a good cropper and is a capital stewing Pear. Black Worcester grown as a standard crops heavily. Its fruits are of good size and are tit for use any time during December, January, an;l February. Uvedale's St. Germain grows to an immense size, but ought not to occupy so much wall space as it does in various parts of the country, not being generally a heavy cropper. It keeps to April. Catillac, also keeping about the same time, is a more profitable sort and does well in the open. W. I. M. Peach-growing' out of doors. — Many seem to think that Peaches and Nectarines cannot be so successfully grown on open walls as they used to be thirty or forty years ago. I have grown good crops of Peaches out of doors in the Peak of Derbyshire, and for the past twenty-eight con- secutive years I have never failed to secure good crops in West Cornwall. In some seasons they have certainly been better than in others, but I have never experienced an entire failure, though I have never protected them in the least, and I have gathered this year considerably more than the number said to have been grown at Ditton Park. Their quality, too, has been equal to, if not superior to, that of fruit grown under glass. Our first Peaches this year. Early Beatrice and Hale's American Early, were gathered on the ■20th of July ; our latest. Princess of Wales and Sea Eagle, on Ijth October. The last I consider to be the best late Peach in cultivation. It is an excellent cropper, tine in flavour, large in size, and good in colour. Nectarines have done fairly well, but not so well during the past five or six years as formerly — a circumstance which I attri- bute to lack of sunshine and too much moisture. If Peach trees were pinched more and disbudded less, there would be, I think, fewer failures. I have seen many trees completely ruined by early and indiscriminate disbudding. Another important matter is periodically lifting the trees, as directed by Mr. Coleman — an operation which prevents rank succulent growth. I see nothing to prevent our growing Peaches on open walls quite as good as our forefathers. With the varieties now in cultivation, it should be by no means difficult to obtain good ripe fruit out of doors for at least three months in most seasons. — Sanguinea. FRUIT TREES ON THEIR OWN ROOTS. M. Jean Sisley, Monplaisir, Lyons, writes ; "As The Garden has been the first to publish some- thing about the advantage of fruit trees on their own roots, I send you herewith the translation of a letter on the subject I have just received from the celebrated Austrian horticulturist, Daniel Hovibruck, who is the president of the Austrian Horticultural Society of Vienna. I think it is our duty to endeavour to convert all agricultur- ists to the right way to produce the best, the most, and consequently the cheapest of all pro- duce necessary to our wants." M. Hovibruck writes to M. Sisley : " You ask me my opinion respecting the value of fruit trees on their own roots. I have grown thousands of them for many years, and now possess Ptache?, Apri- cots, Cherries, and Prunes of twenty and twenty- five years old which are beautiful trees, producing yearly abundant crops of excellent quality, and a great dc a' more so than the same grafted. They are also more durable. This must also be the case with Apples and Pears." l^adresfleld Court Grape cracking.— Mr. Castle says: "No doubt weight of crop is one step towards prevention of cracking." During these last four years I have grown on my Madresfield Court Vines two comparatively light crops and two rather heavy, and with the two heavy cmps I Iiave not ex- perienced nearly so much cracking as with the light ones, although in each case they have coloured and finished off well. When I first took this Grape in hand I experienced no little vexation and anxiety through its cracking so badly duiiog the ripening-otf period. But this year I am glad to say I have had scarcely any crack at all, and I can only account for it in the following way ; In the first place, I grow more foliage, by leaving one more leaf at the end of the bunch, making three in all. I have also paid greater attention to ventilation after colouring has commenced by way of avoiding as much as pos&ible sudden rises of temperature in cliangeable weather. I think this has a great deal to do with it. And then from my experience, as stated above, I am in- clined to give the Vines enough to do in the way of a crop. I think, by the way, that growers for mirkets now-a-days will be dispustd to do this with- out being told. I believe with this variety there is something in having sufficient channels to carry off its luxuriant supplies of sap. I have taken over 30 lbs. per rod of good quality Grapes from mine this Dec. 11, 188C.] THE GARDEN. 549 season. Of course, to do this, every attention must be given at the roots in the way of liquid manure, &c. Mine receive adequate supplies in that way to the end of October. I omitttd to water the Madres- fields one season after the commencement of colour- ing, as I thought to prevent cracking, but I should not do that again. The cracking continued all the same, and red spider got ahead a great deal too much for my liking.— J. Hilling, in Gardeners' Magazine. pruned is very great. On the former may be seen in the neighbourhood of Maidstone astonishing crops of the Farleigh Prolific. This kind is truly called the Cluster l>am80n, for its clusters of fruit are like unthinned bunches of (Jrapes, so tightly packed together are they — the result of continual stopping of the shoots. J. G. PRUNINi : DAMSONS. The Damson is considered by many to be but little better than a wild fruit ; consequently, when planted, no further attention is given it. That it is, however, a most valuable fruit few will deny, and that it is more profitable than many of the choicer Plums one would not need to go far to prove ; its lateness alone entitles it to great consideration, and when we take into account the many culinary purposes for which it is used, I think we ought in return to give it the best of culture. I hive myself proved that it will grow anywhere, and that it is tolerably fruitful even when planted in hedgerowsl It can hardly, however, be expected that a tree with its roots in a dry bank can produce fruit equal to what it would do if planted in good soil. It succeeds well both in cultivated gardens and in orchards laid down with Grass. In the former half-standard trees should be employed, but in the latter (J feet stems are not too high, to keep the heads clear of cattle that graze be- neath them. The only way to keep orchards laid down with Grass fruitful is to graze them closely, and in winter feed young stock under the trees. l>amsons in many parts are totally neglected as regards pruning. Under fuch circumstances the trees are thin; they push up a few strong shoots that eventually form the main limbs, and the centre of the tree soon gets full of dead twigs, starved by the gross shoots and smothered by their foliage. They bear heavy crops sometimes, but the fruit is not nearly so fine nor the crops so regular as that from pruned trees. I have no hesitation in saying that we cultivate no fruit which pays so well for timely and judicious pruning as the Damson. The best time for the annual pruning has now arrived, and therefore anyone sceptical as to the merits of pruned and unpruned trees can easily test the matter by pruning a few trees and leaving the rest to grow as they like. The May in which we proceed with standards is to form a ratherspreadinground head by shorten- ing the top or erect-growing shoots more than those that spread out hori- zontally. The latter rarely grow too strongly, and just taking the tips off them, so as to induce every back bud to form a spur, is enough to ensure fruitfulness. The erect-growing bran- ches will develop moderately strong i-hootsfor several years after they have been planted, but if shortened to about half their length in winter, they will soon become so densely furnished with fruit-buds, that their load of fruit will be sufficient to check their superabundant energy. For dwarf-stemmed gar- den Damsons, we plant young maiden trees, and allow them to grow naturally for a year or two. The lower branches are then cleared away, and the tree formed into a sort of bush pyramid ; every winter afterwards the strong shoots are cut in quite to half their length. Strong pruning- scissors or secateurs are the best implements for the purpose, and as the trees get large, a long- handled pruner can be employed. The difference between trees of the same kind pruned and un- Market Pears. — My informacion given in The Gakdf.n (p. 471) was supplied to me by the very man who grew, sent to market (Covent tiarden), and realised the prices set forth. He has a large fruit garden in West Middlesex, Pears being his largest crop. He attends the market himself, and so his statement can be accepted as reliable. I know my informant to be a man of integrity. I'.iiric's L;ldy's ;lipre" (Crpripcdium Fail i:.inuTn). But to perfectly understand the matter, some insight into the inner life of Covent Garden Mar- ket is necessary. There are, no doubt, " tricks of the trade " there. Thus I was informed a few days ago that a number of Marie Louise Pears was sent up to Covent Garden and the price returned was .Ss. (id. per bushel, there being a glut just then. They were bought by one of the salesmen, who, finding that they were scarcely ripe, housed them for ten or twelve days and then sold them at nearly five times the value returned to the grower. And there is no doubt that a grower in the habit of sending to the market, and being known there, fares much better than one who is unknown. — R. D. Orchids. FAIRIE'S LADY'S SLIPPER AND ITS HYBRIDS. Thi.s somewhat small-growing species was intro- duced to this country about the year 1855 or 1836, and flowered with Mr. Fairie, of Liverpool, in the autumn of 1857. It was tolerably plenti- ful in this country for some few years, but it may now be reckoned amongst the rarest and most valuable of the Slipper-wortji. Its , leaves are narrowly strap-shaped, arranged in a two-ranked fashion, from .3 inches to 5 inches in length, and of a uniform dull green colour. The scape is erect, furnished with a coat of short woolly hairs, and bears a single flower. The dorsal sepal is large and somewhat heart- shaped, greenish white, streaked and striped with dark green and rich purple ; the lower sepal is smaller and less brilliantly coloured. The petals are deflexed and curved up- wards towards the ends, resembling in shape the horns of a bison. In colour they are wliite, streaked and lined with green and bordered with purple. The lip or pouch is large, greenish brown, with purple reticula- tion.?. This ]ilant is a native of As?ani, probably the extreme north, .so it thrives best in a cool house. This Lidy's Slipper, being so thoroughly different in shape fiom that of any other known kind, has led to its use by the hybridiser in order to obtain new forms ; but hitherto we have only met with two varieties which claim tlieir parentage from it, i.e , C. vexillarium and C. Arthurianum ; both retain the deflexed petals pecu- liar to C. Fairieanum. C. vexillarium is the result of a cross between C. Fairieanum and C. barbatum. In the size and colour of its leaves it resembles the first named, but it has the reticulations of C. barbatum, al- though in a less marked degree. The peduncle is single- flowered. Upper .«epal dull white sutl'iised with purple, and veined with deep claret colour; lower sepal much smaller and duller in colour. Petals broad, deflexed, waved and hairy at the edges, where there are a few warts, but not curved upwards at the ends. In colour they are purplish, veined with green. Lip soft brown, tinged with green. It is a summer-bloomer, like C. barbatum. C. Arthurianum is the result of a cross between C. Fairieanum and C. insigne, both plaingreen-leaved species, and the oftspring appears to be exactly intermediate. In size the flowers are about as large as those of C. insigne. Upper sepal yellowish green, dotted and spotted with deep crimson. Petals Teflexed, wavy at the edges, suft'used with purple and veined with crimson. Lip greenish yellow mottled with brown. It is an autumn-blooming plant. W. H. G. AngrEecum bilobum is one of the smallest species of a genus which contains some of the largest of cultivated Orchids, viz., A. eburneum, A. sesquipedale, &c. We have seen several widely different Angra>cums named A. bilobum, but the true plant is well marked, and cannot be mistaken when once seen. It may now be seen in flower at Kew, the whole plant being about 8 inches high with distichous leaves ; each leaf ia half an inch 550 THE GARDEN. wide at the base, and widens gradually towards the apex, where it is 1 inch wide, and split into two rounded lobes ; the texture is leathery and rather rigid ; colour green above, pale brown be- low, and punctured over with black dots. The flowers are produced on a short decumbent spike, which springs from the base of the stem and bears three flowers, each 1 inch across, the sepals, petals, and lip being about equal in size, and they are is'ory-white with fawn-coloured tips; the spur, which is straight and 4 inches long, is also fawn- coloured. A. bilobum is a native of Zanzibar, and was sent to ICew by Sir John Kirk, the British repre- s^ntative there, who, whilst engaged in important Government business, has also found time to look after the plants of that region, and has sent to England many beautiful garden plants, the best of them, in a purely garden sense, being perhaps the Zanzibar Balsam. DECIDUOUS ORCHIDS. Calanthes are always considered to be deci'Uious with annual stems or bulbs, and they certainly deserve to be cultivated by everyone who has a stove. I have tried for years to get them to flower with their foliage in a fresh and Teen state, and have never succeeded until this year, which I have done far beyond my expectations. I grow them in wire baskets about 8 inches in diameter, by 4 inches in depth, in a compost of fibrous peat, Sphagnum Moss, charcoal, and dried cow minure, phicing four bulbs in each basket and suspending them in the stove about 2 feet from the glass, giving no water until they begin to throw out rootc. When the latter get about an inch in length I commence to give water, in- creasing the qunntity as they grow. When the roots reach the outside of the baskets I give a light sprinkling of Jensen's fish manure, which I repeat and increase in quantity every fortnight, giving at the same time an abundance of water until the flower-spikes begin to show. I then withhold gradually b ith manure and water, and remove the baskets to a cooler house and expose tliem to bright sunlight by degrees. They com- menced to open their blooms in the first week of November with their foliage peifect, and they still are in flower with their foliage all that could be desired, each basket having eight aird nine spikes about H feet in length, and thickly studded with flowers. They are arranged on a centre tatile of the stove, mixed with Poinsettia pulcherrima, and so arranged they look beautiful, requiring nothing to hide the baskets or pots, thair own foliage doing all that is required. The varieties which I grow are Veitchi and vestita. I have also tried several baskets of Cattleya Triana; with the above manure, and certiinly they have made remarkable growths both as regards length of bulbs, size, and texture of leaf; but the leaves look to me rather transparent notwithstanding the fact that they hang close to the glass and are exposed to sunlight. I am anxiously looking for their blooms, which thev are showing well. H. McC. Jjdlei'ue. Bendrobium profasum was described by Pro- fessor Raiohenbach in 1881, when he received .specimens of it from the Philippines, through Mr. Robelen. It is not a gorgeous-flowered Orchid, its chief interest residing in the large and curi- oasly-formed spur, although the flowers are large enough to satisfy those whose admiration of Or- chids depends mostly on bigness. The colour is the drawback in this case, being tawny yellow spattered with dust-like spots of purple. In habit this Ddndrobe is similar to D. macrophyllum, but the pseudo bulbs are thinner and rather shorter. The flowers are produced in short, ter- minal racemes on the ripened leafy growths, four flowers being borne on a growth in an example now in bloom in the collection at Kew, al- [Dec. 11, 1886. though as many as nine flowers are shown on dried specimens ; each flower is over 1 inch across, and is of fleshy substance. The spur is 1 inch long, very thick for the size of the flower, and with a swollen end suggestive of a bird's toe. Although nothing more than what is termed a botanical curiosity, yet this Dendrobium is re- markable enough to find many admirers among those who like the uncommon and strangely-formed members of the Orchid family. Professor Reichen- bach said it "would no doubt prove an elegant, chaste thing," but his taste for Orchids is not by any means of the common kind. ORCHIDS AT THE DELL. When- we take into account the disastrous eff'ects of the late fogs on Orchids about I^ondon, such a grand lot of plants in full flower as one finds at The Dell just now is truly a welcome sight. It is well known amongst Orchid growers that, at whatever time of the year one visits The Dell, there is always a treat in store for them. Taking cool-house kinds, we find a magnificent display oi Odontoglossums, for which this place is justly celebrated. Some of the unique varieties, such as O. crispum Sohrvided the soil is thoroughly drained. Idesia polvcarpa has only been known within the Last twenty years ; it is, therefore, quite a recent in- troduction, and is still far from common. It forms a stout, somewhat spreading growing tree, with large, heart-shaped leaves of a bright green tint. The leaf- stalks are crimson in colour. The greenish flowers are not showy, but the foliage is h.andsome. This Idesia is a native of Japan, and is fairly hardy in this country, though, even in the southern counties, it is liable to be injured during severe winters, but quickly recovers. The W.\lnut3 (Jughans), especially the N.irth Auieric.in kinds, have verv handsome foliage. Bjth of them, J. nigra and J. cinerea, being for this reison alone well worthy of cultivation, added to which their timber is very valuable. The nuts, how- ever, are by no means so palatable as those of our European Walnut. Koelreuteria paniculata is a very distinct low-growing tree with large pinnate leaves, to which the deeply divided leaflets impart an attrac- tive feature. In autumn the foliage dies off a rich yellow colour. Its flowers are also xvorth considera- tion, as the spikes of rich yellow blos-oms are borne about .July, at which time flowering trees are scarce The Tulip tree (Liriodendron tuHpifera) has such handsome fohage that it must be herein mentioned, though the leaves do not attain the dimensi(ms of several other trees. Apart from their peculiir sb.ape, their distinct light glossy green colour is very uotic;- able. Magnolias iaclude among their number some noble-leaved kinds, the largest of which is M. ma- crophylla, whose oblong-shaped leaves are sometimes a yard in length. Though the foliage is so grand, this Magnolia is not propoitionately stout in growth; indeed it is rather weakly, and often needs suppirt during its earlier stages. It is one of the worst of all to transplant, and will only thrive in a good, stiffish loam well drained. In sandy soils it will barely exist. From its huge leaves a sheltered spot should be chosen when planting. Another North American species, M. auriculata or Fraseri, in some characters resembles the last, bat the leaves, though large, do not attain the same dimensions. Like M. macro- phylla, it is rather p.irticular in its requirements, and, generally speaking, it is not so valuable as M. tripe- t.ala (the irmbrella tree), which will thrive in Ijidit, gravelly soils. This species forms a free-growiof' tree with ascending branches, the large leaves being collected near the points of the shoots, and, from the ray-like manner of their arrangement, have obtained for this species the name of the Umbrella Miii-nolia ■ the flowers are white, and borne durinu- the early part of the summer. All th.^ Magnolias above men- tioned are deciduous, but the one everi^reen species that is hardy in this country (M. grandiflora) is s) handsome from a foliige point of view alone that it must be noted herein. Pai'lowxia iMPERiALis, a Japanese tree, when not in bloom bears a close resemblance to a Catalpa, being of the same stout, sparsely branching habit, and with huge heart-shaped leaves, but the flowers are very different. They are borne in large terminal panicles, and the individual blooms bear a oreat resemblance to a Foxglove, being of a purplish c5our. Unfortunately, in this country, at all events, the blopms frequently drop before expansion, probably owing to the flower-buds being injured during the winter, as they occupy a very prominent position at that season. The Poplars with fine foliage include the large heart-shaped - leaved coriata, a North American species, also known as P. candicans. It is rather a stiff-growing tree in habit, something like the Balsam Poplar, but the foIi.age is entirely different and retained till late iu the season. Another kind with foUage something like the last is P. angulata, which is, however, of a deeper green than P. cordata.' The distinguishing feature of this species is, however, the peculiarly angled shoots, from wiience its name is' derived. When young and vigorous, several other Poplars produce large leaves, but the above two are not equalled in this respect by any of the others. The different Oaks, especially the North American kinds, are strongly represented among fine-foliaged trees, as a proof of which I may mention the scarlet Oak (coccinea), the red Oak (rubra), the white Oak (alba), ,aud its variety repand.a, in which the leaves are partially drooping, and from this cir.'urastance it wears a very singular aspect. The Chestnut-leave I Oak (Q. Prinus) and t>. nigra, with its peculiirly blunt-he.aded leaves, are a couple worthy of not-.-. (l- Daimyo, a Jap.anese kind, h.as noble foli.age, some- times a foot or more iu length, but the largest leaves on any of the O.aks is to be found sometimes in the case of t^. macrocirpa, r.ither a deeply divided le.nf dark green on the upper surface aul wliitish beneath. Another point worth considering in the else of these Oaks is that many of them change to a very bright colour iu the autunui before the leave) fall. The pinnate-leaved species of Rhus form either slirubs or low-growing trees of a very picturesque character, among them being the Stag's horn Sumach (R. typhina), whose peculiar inflorescence is such a prominent feature during the summer. Then tiiere is the smooth Sumach (R. glabra) and the Japanese 552 THE GARDEN. [Dec. 11, 1886. R. Osbecki, with large leave?, the leaf-stalks between the pinnules being peculiarly winged. The largest leaves Among the Likfs (Tilia) is T. platyphylla, fre- quently regardtd as a variety of the European Lime, while the American species itself — a much larger leaf than the common one — has also a variety (macro- phylla) with leaves much superior to the type. The white-leaved Linden (alba) i^ particularly noticeab'e from the white undersides of the leaves, which, in the variety spectabilis, are very large. Besides this, it forms a handsome tree, less formal in character than the common Lime. T. A FEW MORE EVERGREEN SHRUBS. PYRArANTiiA (Crataegus). —One of the oldest and beat known wall plants in cultivation, and one of the most effective during the dull winter season when clothed with its bright coral-like berries. The yellow-berried variety is not so showy nor so often met with as the red one, etill it is worth growing. Not the least of the merits possessed by these plants is their ability to thrive almost anywhere. Kalmias — K. latifolia is justly prized for its lovely flowers, w^hich are produced freely in some localities, but not so in others, yet in places where it is found to succeed it is deserving of introduc- tion into the most select company. K. angusti- folia is also a desirable shrub. Gaulthekias.— G. procumbens is a useful little plant for a position next the Grass in the front of small beds of larger shrubs, and G. Shallon, which is likewise a dwarf-habited plant, can also be used with good effect in the front of stronger growing things. Ericas. — Amongst plants of small growth there are few that combine such a lengthened succession of bloom with a pretty appearance as a good col- parts of Ireland appear to suit them better than any part of England in which I have met with them. They would be most likely to succeed on the north-west coast of England where there is a copious rainfall. Rhododen-urox^;.— Little need be said about these unequalled shrubs, which combine foliage little inferior to that of the Laurel, with flowe'rs of every shade of colour from pure white to the darkest purple, produced in such quantities as to almost hide the leaves. Their hardy nature, which enables them to bear our severest winters, and their ability to thrive almost anywhere where there is an absence of chalk in the soil, and enough moisture present to prevent their suffer- ing in dry weather, collectively entitle them to the first place in evergreen flowering shrubs. The number of fine varieties is such, that in making a selection there is a difficulty in deciding what to leave out. However, amongst the following are most of the best sorts : Blandyanum, deep crim- son ; Bylsianum, white and crimson ; Congestum roseum, light rose ; Duchess of Edinburgh, crim- son ; Elfrida, rosy crimson ; Erectum, rose colour ; Formosum elegans, pink spotted ; Frederick Waterer, glowing crimson ; Guido, crimson ; Hen- dersoni, purplish crimson ; .John Walter, crimson; Feitile branch of Libocedrus ciiilensis. lection of hardy Heaths affords. In no way do they look better than in a bed by themselves, though they are well adapted for associating with other small-growing shrubs in front of larger things. To do justice to them they should have sandy peat to grow in, either wholly or added liberally to the natural soil, unless this happens to be of a character such as they require. The following are desirable kinds : Arborea, australis nana, rosea, carnea, cinerea alba, c. atropurpurea, c. carnea, mediterranea, m. hibernica, m. glauca, multiflora alba, m. rubra, Scoparia minima, tetralix alba, t. rubra, stricta, vulgaris alba, V. coccinea, v. Alporti, v. flore-pleno, v. Hammondi, V. rubra, v. tigida, v. tenella, v. Searlii, v. stricta, V. dumosa, vagans alba, v. rubra. To these should be added the Irish Heaths (Menziosias) — M. empetrifolia, M. polifolia alba, M. p. atro- purpurea, and M. pumila. Peknettyas. — Amongst shrubs of small growth there are few prettier things than several of the new varieties of P. mucronata, but they do not eeem to succeed except in odd places. The milder Fertile branch of Libocedrus tetragona. Kate Waterer, rosy crimson, marked with yellow ; Lady Lopes, light rose, dark markings ; Lady Rolle, white and yellow ; Leviathan, pinkish white ; Lord John Russell, pale rose ; Marion, .shaded pink ; Mirabile, deep rose ; Mrs. Cameron, pink, orange spots ; Mrs. John Walter, white centre, bright crimson edge ; Neilsoni, rose; Nero, rosy purple, spotted ; Purity, white ; Lilian, rosy scarlet; Vandyke, rosy crimson ; Alarm, white centre, scarlet edge ; Atrosanguineum, deep red ; Barclayanum, rose ; Caractacus, purplish crimson ; Celebrandum, dark purple-crimson ; Charles Bag- ley, red ; Concessum, rosy pink ; Currieanum, rosy lilac ; Fastuosum flore-pleno, mauve ; Francis Dickson, deep scarlet ; Hector, crimson ; Helen Waterer, pure white, crimson edge ; H. H. Hun- newell, dark crimson ; H. W. Sargeant, crimson ; .John Spencer, rose, pink margin ; John Waterer, crimson ; Joseph Whitworth, deep purple-lake, dark spots ; Lady Claremont, scarlet, black blotches ; Lady Eleanor Cathcart, rose, spotted with chocolate ; Lady Frances Crossley, pink ; Madame Miolan Carvalho, pure white ; Michael Waterer, rosy scarlet ; Mrs. Holford, salmon ; Mrs. John Clutton, white ; Mrs. Shuttleworth, scarlet, spotted ; Mrs. Mendel, pink, centre yellow ; Sherwoodianum, rose-lilac, spotted with lilac ; Sigismund Rucker, magenta, spotted ; Sir Thomas Sebright, purple, blotched with bronze ; Sydney Herbert, crimson, spotted black ; Old Port, plum colour ; Meteor, crimson ; Mrs. John Waterer, crimson ; Princess Mary of Cambridge, rosy purple, centre white ; Mrs. Harry Ingersoll, pink, &c. The earliest of the above will come into flower after the danger from frosty mornings is past, the remainder later, so as to give a succes- sion. The plants named are not intended as an ex- haustive list of all the evergreen shrubs that are worth growing, but they comprise the best and most distinct in appearance of the kinds grown for the beauty or interesting character of their flowers and foliage combined, and also such as are best deserving of cultivation simply as Evergreens. T. B. THE INCENSE CEDARS. (libocedrus.) Though there are but few of the lucense Cedars in British gardens, they are of wide geographical distribution, for one is a native of California, another of New Zealand, while the remaining two are found in the southern part of South America. They are all ornamental trees, with a good deal the aspect of a Thuja ; indeed, the best known kind, Libocedrus decurrens, is frequently, though erroneously, met with under the name of Thuja gigantea, a totally different plant. LiiiocEDRUs DECURRENs is a highly ornamental Conifer, and one that is perfectly hardy in Eng- land, which last remark cannot be applied to any other members of the genus. It is of a dense columnar habit of growth — at all events as seen in this country, but in California, where it attains a height of 1'20 feet to 140 feet and a diameter of G feet or 7 feet, it is said to become much more open in character, the branches being more spreading and widely scattered. Though its wood is valuable, the rate of growth is too slow to allow of it being grown for any purpose other than ornament, and from the limited spread of the branches it may safely be planted in positions where broader growing trees would be inadmis- sible. The colour of the foliage is a deep bright green, which is retained throughout the winter months without any of the bronzed api)earance common to many Conifers. It succeeds best in a loamy soil that is well drained, fairly moist, for in dry, gravelly spots it is apt to lose many of the minor branchlets, especially near the bottom, and to acquire altogether a paler tinge. In California it is known as the Incense Cedar and the white Cedar, which latter name is in the Eastern States applied to the Cupressus thyoides, or Cham;ecyparis spha-roidea, as it is often called, Libocedrus decurrens was at one time regarded as a tree that refused to strike root from cuttings, but such a theory has now been disproved, for cuttings will strike fairly well, though they take a considerable time. There is a peculiarity about them, and that is they generally form a large callos almost like a tuber, and in that state will remain for months unless they are lifted and the callos slightly wounded with a knife, when if the cuttings are re-inserted they soon root. L. CHiLENSis is a very distinct and handsome kind, but is unfortunately somewhat tender, except in unusually favoured spots in our southern or western counties. The severe winter we experienced half-a-dozen years ago either killed or seriously injured most of the specimens in the neighbourhood of London. In its young state it forms a very graceful plant of pyramidal outline, a prominent feature of which is a silvery line on the undersides of the small pointed leaves. The whole plant is of a peculiar bright glaucous green tint, and this, combined with the silvery markings of the foliage, arrest attention, even Dec. 11, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 553 when associated with other Conifers, from the indescribable hue that pervades it. This tree is a native of Chili, where it reaches a height of oO feet to liO feet, and there it is greatly valued as a timber tree. It was introduced into this country about forty years ago by ilessrs. Low, of Clapton, but, owing to its being tender, a large specimen is rarely met witli. L. DoNXiANA, a native of New Zealand, is essentially a greenhouse plant, for it is almost, if not quite, as tender as the various antipodean Araucarias, and, like them, it is valuable for con- servatory decoration in a young state. I am acquainted with a specimen treated in this way now about 10 feet high, and it forms a perfect pyramid of bright green Fern like branchlets which retain their brightness througliout the year. In some respects this species resembles L. chilensis, but is distinguished therefrom by the leaves being more closely set on the branches, by the absence of the silvery line on the undersides, and also by the entire foliage being of a richer and brighter green. In its native country it reaches a height of so feet to 100 feet. L. TETKAcoNA. — This species inhabits a consi- derable tract of country in South America, from Valdivia to the Straits of Magellan. Under favourable conditions it forms a large tree of 100 feet or more in height, but in the extreme southern limits it is only met with in the shape of a scrubby bush, and in that state is by no means ornamental. It is greatly valued as a timber tree throughout Chili, the wood being characterised by extraordinary straightness of grain, besides which it is almost indestructible when exposed to the weather, and on that account it is greatly used for weather-boards. From the readiness with which it can be split, as well as its weather resist- ing qualities, the wood of this tree is greatly used for shingles for roofing purposes, and the inner bark for caulking the seams of boats, where it will be kept in a wet condition, as so treated it is very durable. L. tetragona is known in Chili as the Alerse, or Alerze. As an ornamental tree in this country it does not take high rank, for it is rarely met with in a flourishing condition, and is besides often injured by our winters. A young specimen of this ( onifer is characterised by a broadly pyra- midal habit of growth, with horizontal branches ascending at their extremities, the branchlets being clothed with leaves about a quarter of an inch in length, arranged in a decussate manner, and bright green in colour. This Libocedrus was introduced in 1S49 by Messrs. Veitch, through the agency of \\'illiam Lobb. T. Pruning Robinias. -Will someone inform me if [lobinia inermis umbraculifera, or Mop- headed Acacia, will bear hard pruning, and, if so, the best time for doing it '.' I have two of these trees which I had about four years since from Woking, and planted one each side of a gateway on to a tennis lawn to form a green archway in summer, and, although old trees, tliey stood the moving well, and are now healthy, but somewhat weak and straggling in growth, and I find the branches snap off very easily in strong winds. May I venture to cut them into the old wood, and will they be likely to break strongly in the spring V They have never been cut since I planted them, and the heads are now from 4 feet to 5 feet in diameter. — W. F. B. The common Holly. — We have seen such sped mens of Holly that were valued more than any other tree in the grounds. Why is it not planted iu our l>arks more extensively instead of in liedgerows, and as underwood only ? Is it because its capabilities are not understood ': If anyone who reads this has a fairly-shaped tree and will move it next May to a tolerably sheltered situation, providing a bit of goml soil for it if the land be naturally poor, they will see what it will do in a year or two. Whatever trees are employed to form groups or single specimens, it must never be forgotten that they must be planted with that object, and not crowded together, or, if they have originally been planted thickly, early thinning must be attended to. AMERICAN NOTES. Productive Pear trees. — Marshall P. Wilder stated at a meeting of the Massachusetts Horti- cultural Society that Clapp's Favourite and the Boussock Pear were conspicuous among those which produced good crops and brought money. Clapp's must be picked by the 20th of August as far north as Boston to prevent rotting at the core. The Boussock, he said, makes a most elegant tree — in Belgium, where it originated, there are trees 60 feet high. He begins to pick the Pears on the l.")th of August, and they become yellow, and are all of good quality. The Bartlett may be picked about the 1st of September. He predicted that the Anjou, which was introduced about fifty years ago, would become as popular as the Bartlett. Beurre Bosc is always good, but there are never so many in the market as are wanted. Locations for orchards. — Having had some experience and observation of nursery and orchard trees, it seems pertinent to state the well-known fact that both nursery and orchard trees, as well as soft woods generally, make rapid and soft wood on rich, low, moist soils, such soft wood growth being continued late in the autumn, in consequence of the richness and moisture of tho soil, thus making the immature or still growing shoots very susceptible to injury, and nursery trees to damage, by frost. Hence, although orchards on the lowest and therefore comparatively moist soils may escape damage and yield more fruit in dry seasons than high and dry orchards, the lowland Apples will not be as fine grained or of as good quality, nor will they keep as long as the same sorts of slender growth and smaller size from orchards on thin and high-lying lands. The same rule, in fact, holds with lowland fruit quality as of its wood quality. The growth being rapid in both fruit and wood, each is comparatively soft and more susce])tible to damage by frost or bruising than the slower and firmer growth of wood, and smaller, finer grained fruit that is generally characteristic of upland orchards. Larger Apples, it is true, are produced on the richer and lower soils, but huge inferiority is not half so much a desideratum, particularly in winter A|)ples, as good eating quality, together with long keeping, neither of which may be expected to result, as a rule, from the rapid and tender growth of tree, and the soft texture, larger size, and comparative insipidity of fruit, produced on the relatively soft, tender wood of moist lowland Apple orchards. What seems to be necessary to successful growth of Apple trees and Apples is a soil deep and fine enough to hold sutficient moisture to supply the necessary water and other ingredients of sap, to make a moderate rate of growth and size of fruit — not too rapid nor too large to militate against good quality — situated high enough above the frosty valley. Notes on the newer Pears. — Mr. Barry, chairman of the general fruit committee of the American Pomological Society, has furnished the following notes, the result of years of cultivation and testing on the grounds of the Mount Hope Nurseries at Piochester. The Reeder seems to rank with the Seckel in value for the amateur. The tree bears early, heavily, and regularly, and the fruit is handsome and uniform, being just of a size to eat conveniently from the hand. The skin generally is free from spots and defects. The flesh is juicy, melting, vinous, and the quality may be rated as best. It ripens the latter part of October and early in November, succeeding the Hardy, Sheldon, Superfin, and Seckel. In the nursery the tree is a slender grower, and in order to obtain good specimens, the nurseryman is obliged to double w ork it ; hence it cannot be propagated profitably, and doubtless never will be disseminated as widely as its merits deserve. As the tree attains age, it droops somewhat and is highly ornamental, especially when loaded with fruit. It seems to be free from blight. After several years' trial, we think it has proved to be an important addition to the list of choice Pears, and although it is not large enough for market, it is entitled to a place in every garden, no matter how limited. Duhamel du Monceau is a fine winter Pear, and will be valued to succeed Winter Nells. The fruit is medium-sized and of excellent quality. The tree is vigorous and yields well. As soon as this variety becomes better known, it will no doubt be grown quite largely by those who understand how to market winter Pears advantageously. Superfin, in our estimation, cannot be surpassed for flavour. The fruit is large and handsome, skin smooth and glossy, and flesh juicy, vinous, and rich. The tree grows well and bears a moderate crop. The fruit is too deli- cate to ship; hence it is an amateur's sort, but one of the best, and indispensable in an assort- ment. Souvenir du Congres, when well grown, is a noble fruit, very showy and of fine quality. But it is such a poor grower that it must be top- grafted upon a strong-growing sort, and the trees thus worked have not always succeeded, although in several instances extraordinary specimens have been raised. We think if it is grafted on the right stock it may do well, but under the circum- stances it is doubtful whether it will be much grown. The Rutter has done fairly well here, but we do not esteem it as they do in Pennsyl- vania, the Anjou in our opinion being superior, for this region, either for garden or orchard. The Fox Pears are straggling growers like the Winter Xelis. The fruit is valuable on account of its size, flavour, and late-keeping qualities, but poor growers do not take with the public nor with the nurserymen. — W. Falconkr, in Connlry O'eiil/cmna Societies. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. December 7. This, the last meeting of the year, was very smal compared with the large gatherings which have been witnessed during the past seasim. A few new plants and flowers were shown, and the following were awarded first-class certificates : — L.ELiA ANCErs viRtii.vALis. — A chastely beautiful Orchid, and one of the choicest in cultivation. It is one of the several varieties of L. anceps, having white flowers, but differing slightly in shape and size. This virginalis variety has large flowers, broadish sepals and petals pure white, and a lip with scarcely any lines or colour upon it. A well-grown plant was shown by Mr. Pliilbrick, Oldfield, Bickley, and bore a tall two-flowered spike. Narcissus moxophvi.lds. — The now well-known and extremely lovely little white Algerian Hoop Petticoat Narcissus, which one would have thought had been certificated long ago. Mr. Ware, of Tottenham, showed several pots of it, each bearing numerous flowers, which at this season are specially welcome. Chry.santhemum Cakkw U^DERwoOD. — A sport from the Japanese variety Baron Prailly, from which it differs only in colour, this being a chestnut-brown iuterraixed with a bright reddish brown. It is con- sidered a good addition to the .Japanese section. Shown by Mr. (1. Stevens, St. John's Nursery, Putney. Chry.santhemuji Mrs. N. Davis. — A sport from the incurved variety Princess Teck. The flowers are of medium size, of good form, and of bright yellow. Shown by Mr. Mizen, Mitcham. C'Yi'r.ii'EiiiOM CALLOSUM. — A new species very simi- lar to C. Lawrenceanum, having flowers almost as large and of the same colour, and with foliage strongly mottled in the same way. Shown by Mr. W. Bull, King's Road, Chelsea. Among other plants of interest shown were the following: From Mr. T.autz, Studley House, Ham- mersmith, came the new Spathoglottis angustorum, with a tall spike of pinkish flowers, not so graceful or so bright as S. Fortunei. There were from the same garden three so called hybrid varieties of Anthurium, named respectively Reine des Beiges, Archiduc Joseph, and Tautzianum. All were hybrids from A. Andrea- num, and simil.ar to the older ferrierense, but scarcely distinct enough to merit different names. Mr. Par- tington, of Heaton House, Cheshunt, sent a specimen 554 THE GARDEN. [Dec. il, 1886. from his collection of Odontoglossum crispiim, about which we have heard a good deal lately. The plant was exceedingly well grown, and bore a spike a yard high and branched in the same way as 0. Pescatorei usually does. The variety, however, as we suspected, was not first-rate, the flowers being small and "starry." The gardener < pi ite deserved a cultural com- mendation. Mr. Bowricg, Forest Farm, Windsor, sent a hybrid bttween Cypripedium villosum and C, iusigne. It most nearly resembles C. insigne in the flowers, but in growth it has the appearance of C. villosum. Among new Chrysanthemums, betides those certi6- cated, was a pretty one from Mr. Smith, Caledonia Nursery, Guernsey. It was named Govtrnor of Guernsey, and may be described as an incurvtd Japanese, if there is such a cl.ass. The flowers are bright yellow, and the florets do not lie in that form which characterises the pure florist's flower, but many would prefer it, and as a \ote variety it is in- valuable. Another first-rate new late variety shown was Goldcu Ethel, otherwise named Mrs. H. J. .Jones. It is a sport from the well-known white Japanese sort, Ethel, and possesses all the character- istic beauty of that sort, but instead of white it is a clear bright yellow. Mr. Reeves, Hadley, Earnet, showed a sport from Orange Beauty, but it is not a great beauty. Mr. Mansell's gardener {Mr. Peters), Guernsey, sent a fine spike of a new hybrid Nerine, the parentage of which is said to be N. corusca major and N. flexuosa. The progeny bears the features of both these Nerines, the flowers being as large as those of N. corusca, witb the undulated sepals of flexuosa ; the colour is an exquisite rose-pink. M. Hans Niemand sent a variegated Poinstttia, but no one seemed to see much beauty in it. The very beauty of a Poinsettia is the contrast of luxuriant leaves and brilliant scarlet bracts, and who wants a variegated sort ? A very finely- flowered specimen of the Great Hellebore (Helleborus niger maximum), the finest hardy flower of the winter ; also Priumla obconica, to show how valuable it is in winter ; and P. floribunda, the little bright yellow. Indian Primrose, which seems to be a perpetual flowerer. Messrs. Cannell, of Swauley, made a brilliant display with c\it Pelargoniums of the finest sorts for winter bloom. Of these the best were Mrs. Cann^lI, Kate Greenaway, Cato, Swanley Gem, Kentish Fire, Lady Ivetd, <,>ueen of the Belgians, and Hyacinth. From .Swanley also came a nice selection of Chinese Primulas. Mr. King, of Kow.sham, also showed some bright new Primulas, one named Jubilee being particularly fine. Messrs. Hooper sent from their Twickenham nurseries a collection of winter- blooming Carnations, among them being such first-rate sorts as Chevalier, Irma, Jean Sisley, Mdlle. Carle (white), and Claudia. The chief exhibits submitted to the fruit committee were three noble fruits of Smooth Cayenne Pine- apple, from Mr. Coouiber, the gardener at The Hendre, Monmouth, and six similarly fine fruits of The Queen Pine-apple, from Mr. Harris, Singleton, Swansea. A few i;b.w Apples were shown, but none were remarkable. Scientific cotnmittee, chief subjects discussed ; — Vcrimtca salici folia. — Mr. Wilson exhibited sprays from this Xew Zealand species grown at Wisley, which had perfectly withstood a temperature of 15° in exposed situations. He described it as seeding itself very freely. Choisya ternata was, however, cut by the same degree of cold. Juaminum odoratis:iiin'Uiii. — A yellow species, ex- hibited by Mr. O'Brien, is said to be a native of Madeira, but being of an Indian type, it was suggested by him and corroborated by Mr. Maw, that it had been introduced there. He also exhibited flowers of Coryanthes speciosus var., from Major Lendy: Maxil- laria cucullata, a Pleurothallis, suggested by Mr. Kidley to be near P. ophicephala. ilaulerallia icith lanii: — He also exhibited speci- mens of a species of this Orchid attacked by some Noctua. Xiphioii reticidatiim, diseased. — Mr. Maw showed specimens, which were referred to Mr. Muiray for examination and report. Narcisstis, photographs of. — Mr. Maw exhibited photographs of sever.al species or varieties now be- lieved to be scarce or extinct, taken in the Kiviera fifteen years ago from wild plants. They were all of the Tazetta group. He also exhibited specimens of the following species : N. viridiflorus, very abundant south of Tangiers ; S. elegans from the African side, and S. serotinus from the European side of the Strait ; natural hybrids, like forms between N. elegans and N. viridiflorus, showing all gradations between the two ; Pancratium humile, abundant south of Tangiers, with a remark.ably elongated scape when fruiting ; Gladiolus grandis, from near Gizon, in the Asturias ; and Tapiranthes sp. from Morocco. Parmtlia. csfidinfa. — Mr. Maw also showed speci- mens of this so-called "Manna," an edible Lichen obtained from the country about 100 miles south of Algiers. Mr. Maw exhibited leaves of Araucaria excelsa attacked by a form of mealy bug, which first appeared in conseqiience of the heat and moisture on board ship on reaching Bombaj*. Earli/ linen paper. — Professor Church exhibited specimens of the earliet known linen paper made in Europe. It w.as a portion of an episcopal register of 1273, from Auvergne ; another, dated 1289, consisted of entries of revenues, in which some of the original rag could be detected. It consisted of six strands of warp and six of woof. The size used was entirely starch, which appeared to be from Wheat. The earliest authentic linen paper hitherto known is from a memorandum of the fourteenth century, now in the British Museum. Yariigaicel /o/i'nyf.— Professor Church described some analyses he had made of Oak foliage taken from a tree at Kew Gardens, which bore one albino branch, about 20 feet from the ground. A full account will be found in the December number of the " Journal of the Chemical Society," 1886. Seakah iritlt Sclerotia. — Mr. W. G. Smith exhibited specimens in which large oval black bodies were attached to the stems. The fungus to which they belonged could not be determined from them in that condition. He also read a communication upon pre- historic Wheat, and exhibited several specimens of carbonised Wheat from Salisbury and elsewhere, to show the coinp.arative sizes of these ancient Grasses and of average Engli-h Wheat ; while those regarded as Romano-British appeared to be somewhat smaller, others were quite eL|ual in size to living kinds, as also are those derived from the tombs of Thebes, in Egypt. FttfJtaia with pctaliferou.^ stpeds. — Mr. Henslow exhibited a specimen of a semi-double Fuchsia re- markable for its thick red sepals bearing small d.ark purple pjetals at their very ap^x. A silver medal was awarded to Mr. C. Harman Payire for an album containing plates of Chrysanthe- mums, an interesting series collected from vaiioue .sources, including the 7)"(««ifn?3fn^a:!'H(',THEGARDEN, Flonil Miir/jziru-, and other illustrated garden works, foreign and Englifh, existing or defunct. Some of the plates are good, but the majority represent the old style of depicting florists' flowers — generally un- truthful and often absurd. National Auricula, Carnation, and Picotee Society. — The annual general meeting of this society was held at South Kensington on Tuesday last, at which Mr. H. .J. Veitch presided. The president, vice-president, and committees were re-elected, with the addition of four new names on the committees. Mr. Hibberd was elected treasurer in place of Mr. H. A. Rolt, resigned. The secretary's report was read and adopted, but owing to continued illness, the treasurer was not able to place before the meeting his st.^tement of accounts. The meeting also agreed to hold the exhibitions of 1877 under the auspices of the Royal Horticultural Society, if the usual arrange- ments could be made. It was agreed to hold the Auricula show on April 2ti, and the Carnation and Picotee show on July 26. Obituary. -The following were the Mk. Edward P(ihlm.\nn, of Parkinson House, Parkinson Lane, Halifax, died on November 27, aged sixty-one. Mr. I'ohlmann was an ardent admirer and cultivator of the Auricula. He was also well known as an exhibitor at both the southern and northern sections of the National Societies, at both of which he occupied a promi- nent place. He was a pianoforte maker ; but he gave up that business and became a professional florist. As to Auriculas, he raised two dark selfs of the show class; one named Garibaldi he sent out himself, the other, Helen Lancaster, was sent out by Mr. Roydes, florist, Rochdale. At the time of his death he had a very promising lot of seedlings of show and alpine Auriculas from crosses of the leading varieties. NATIONAL CHRYSANPHEMUM. A MEETING of the floral committee of this society was held at the Royal Aquarium, Westminster, on Wed- nesday last. There were comparatively few exhibits, and only one was considered worthy of a first-class certificate. This was a new variety named White Ceres, a sport from the blush-tinted Ceres. The flowers of the sport are very large and of snowy whiteness. It is a most vakuible addition, inasmuch .-s it flowers so late, and being white, will be much appreciated at Christmas time. Among other varie- ties shown w ere the following : Carew LTnderwood, the same as certificated by the Royal Horticultural Society, shown by Mr. N. JJavies, Camberwell. Syringa, a large Japanese sort, white, tinted with pink, from Mr. Bettisworth. King of Primroses, a bronzy yelh.w incurved variety ; and Welcome, a bronze Japanese, both from Messrs. Cannell, Swanley. From Mr. Beckett, Elstree, came Prince Leopold, a bronze-tinted Japanese ; Kyrle Bellew, a pretty, neat Pompon. Mr. Smith, of Guernsey, sent flowers of his irew yellow incurved, named Governor of Guern- sey, but was not considered distinct. Mr. Owen, Maidenhead, sent several new sorts, among them being Mr. Hobian, deep rose, Japanese ; America, a fine single-flowered sort ; Ivon and Citron, both of which the committee wish to see again. Mr. Bolas, Hopton, Warksworth, sent a sport from Bertier Rendatler ; and from Mr. Churcher, Henfield, came a sport from Fulton, but of no merit. The late Mr. Charles Green. —I am grieved to see a notice in The Garden' of the death of my old friend and most serviceable helper in many ways in my garden, Mr. Charles Green. All who road them will endorse the remarks made concerning him. But there is one thing which might be a little moie noticed, (^f all plant growers that I have ever known. Green seemed to me to individualise and love hia flowers with an all'ection I have never seen equalled. As a proof of this I may mention that he gave to me as the reason of relinquishing his nursery at Reigate (he had this between his engagement with Mr. ^Vilson Saunders and Sir George Macleay) that he could not bear to part with the plants he had been tend- ing for years. I remember his saying that to me in quite a broken-hearted sort of way, and as a nurseryman's business consists in passing things rapidly through his hands, Green soon had enough of it, and he was much more happy at Pendell Court. How successfully he managed that most splendid collection not a few can remember, but I put together these few remarks to emphasise the fact that he loved his flowers as most men love their own children. — H. E. Names of plants.- '>'. W. B.—l, Maxillaria picta ; 3, Oduutoglussum Ko.ssi ; 3, Trichosma suavis ; 4, Cymbidium, cannot determine the species by a single flower ; send spike and leaf. N. P. N., Tripo. — 1, Poinciana regia ; Fern with broad frond is Colysis (Polypodiuui) membranacea ; with divided fronds, Ncplirodium Hookeri ; 4, ne.Kt weeli.-^ — Alpha. — 1, Osmunda palustris ; '.i, apparently L;istrca Simula; :i, Doodia caudatr ; 4, Bleclnuim braailieiise. Names of fruits.— II'. ir*a;(. — 1, Bourr^ Did; 2, General Todtk^licti ; 3, Marechal de la Com- ; 4, Verulam. C. 11.— 1, Sbobden Court; all tlie other numbers were detached from the fruit ; you should .attach the numbers se- curely. E. B. ll\ — Not known; a worthless fruit. .9. K. T. — l, Warner's King; 2, Torkshire Greeuing; 3, r^earn's Pippin; 4, Ueurie Sterckmans ; 0, 'sm.all Bcurrt^ d'Aremberg ; others next week. Dec. 11, 1886.] THE GARDEN. )55 WOODS & FORESTS. CLASSIFYING TIMBER. Tins 13 a duty which is continually confronting the forester, and perhaps more through the coming few months than at any other time of the year. It is, too, one of the details of hi^ work which it is not easy to master without some actual experience and observation of the way in which it is done. Practice will be sure to vary a little in dilferent districts according as the requirements of users ditVer ; but there are general principles which may be deduced and which, as a whole, will apply in all places. Some, I know, do not attempt classification at all, and let good, bad, and indif- ferent go jumbled up together. This lack of attempt to reduce the various qualities of timber to anything like regular order will be very ac- ceptable to the large buyer, as the whole lot will go at the " indilierent" price, and as the chances are that the proportion of first-class will be largur than that of the third, it is obvious he will get the corresponding advantage. When a felling is decided upon, I regard it as useless to trouble about any attempt at reducing it to classes until it is down and trimmed fit for removal— that is, of course, when the felling is carried out by the vendor. When this is done, the question will at once present itself. What really constitutes first- class timber ? The answer is not altogether easy to give on paper. For one thing, the same iiuali- ties will not stand in the same relative positions for all classes of wood. A rough outline of the best qualities of timber, taken as a whole, may be mide in the three words, length, straightness, and .'ize, yet thi^ definition is not enough. If we in- cluded freedom from all blemishes, viz., perfectly sound, we should cover the ground ; but then in practice there is not one tree in a hundred which would come up to it. A tree may be of good length, yet full of heart-shakes ; straight, yet lirgely composed of knots; of a good size, yet, which in some kinds i-i very often the ca?e, so far past maturity as to be in a state of incipient, or it may be advanced, decay. What would be a good quality in an Oak is very likely to be a bad one in an Ash. As has been intimated, it is not so easy to describe in a few sentences what first-class timber really is. Taking our common trees in the order in which they are generally spoken of, we at first will look a little at the Oak. This will serve to illustrate the fact that what may be essential to constitute a commercially fiist-class tree in one generation may in the succeeding one be of very minor im- portance, or perhaps actually a drawback. I refer to the use of Oak in shipbuilding. At the time this was so largely used in marine architec- ture, of course straight as well as crooked dimen- sions were in request, but a very considerable proportion of crooks was as essential as the straight pieces. Now, for the great majority of purposes, the absence of any appreciable bend in an Oak is much more desirable that its presence. There are, it is true even now, especially in wagon building and its allied trades, cages where a slight bend in the growth of a tree is an advanta,'e, but this would probably not represent more than five per cent, of the Oak consumed in this country. To put it as concisely as possible : If an Oak lacks length, it must be perfectly sound and clear in the grain to be classed as a first-rate tree. If it is large and ha? gone greatly to limb, these must be removed and accounted for separately. Oaks which are comparatively knotty, so long as the knots are sound and not very large, are frequently rated as first-class timber, but this cannot be done unless they possess some compensating value, in the direction of length, straightness, and siz3. As a rule in classifying Oak, although the same price per foot may be realised, it is well, as much as possible, to keep trees which are very different in their characters separate. That is to say, long and relatively small-sized trees should not be thrown in with short and large butts. When a fall of timber is sold in bulk to a single individual, this would not be so necessary, as it will be enough to arrange that at the different prices separately; but when it has to be subdivided into smaller lots, it will generally repay a little extra attention if the trees are sorted in the way sug- gested, as different buyers have ditferent require- ments. When this is supplied in a particular lot, it is obvious that a better figure can be given than when a proportion of, to them, useless— because of another class — stuff is included with it. In classifying plantation-grown timber, doubt and dithoulty are at their minimum, as there is always a certain amount of uniformity in characte^r about closely-grown trees which is altogether absent in the ease of field timber and that grown in the open forest. It is in dealing with these last- named descriptions that the forester has to have his wits about him to assess them at their proper worth. Taken all in-all, I think there is more judgment necessary in rightly arranging Oak in its different grades than with all the other kinds of wood commonly grown put together. With Elm, for instance, which next claims our atten- tion, there does not seem to be nearly the same diversity, as, providing the trees are sound, it is really more a matter of size than anything else. Elm, of course, varies greatly in different districts, and for some purposes the wood of particular counties has to be sought for, but, on the wliole, on any ordinary estate or district there are no very dis- tinct lines to go upon in elividing first and second- rate timber, except, as I have said, the size. With Ash the case is different, as the ratio very often is an inverse one, and the smallest is the best. Ac- cording to the present march of events, the forested is not likely to have his brains greatly racked in determining the respective worth of young and old Ash, if we except what is already in existence. W^ith regard to such large Ash trees as we have, although it is too often the cise that largeness is only another name for inferiority, it does not always follow, as I have again and again met with large Ash trees which, notwithstanding having lost the toughness which is so character- istic of the young wood, were perfectly sound and white. The appearance of the bark is little or no guide to this ; at any rate, the healthy or uniform look it may have is no guarantee that the tree itself is good. The only test is to carefully ex- amine the butt where it has been cut off, as also the top and any of the branches. Beech and Sycamore, especially the Beech, are trees where size is of very little assistance in re- solving its value. A large, sound Beech there can, of course, be no doubt about, but it very often turns out that large Beeches are not sound. When this unsoundness occurs in spots and blotches through the body of the tree, it requires careful at- tention to relegate it to its proper place. The worst part of it is that these external blemishes are but an imperfect index of what is contained within, and they may develop into a thoroughly inferior tree, or, on the other hand, be merely superficial, and the bulk of the tree be perfectly sound. \Vhere there is room for much doubt, when possible, it is always well to have an average tree cross-cut through an unsound spot, and judge from the turn it takes whether unsoundness increases or decreases. It will depend a little on the nature of the industry for which it has to be used, but generally with small Beech, which is clear in the butt, but knotty throughout the upper portion, it is better to have it cut across where the knots commence and thus divide it into two (jualities. Where firewood is in short supply it will often answer to burn the knotty part in preference to leaving it attached to the clean part of the tree. given size at so much per foot, whilst everything below this would go at a reduced figure. In selling Elm, for instance, this classification, though a rough one, would, in practice, answer fairly well, but such trees as the Oak, Ash, and Beech are notable exceptions, and attempting to work out values on such a basis would be not only useless, but dangerous. For these trees especially the judgment and not the rule will be the thing to employ, as size is only one item amongst many. It may occasionally be advantageous in classifying to place different kinds together. At first this may seem to be contradictory to what has been urged about sub-division, but, as a matter of fact, it is only pursuing the subject to its legitimate end, as two ditferent kinds of timber may approximate very closely in value and in use, whilst trees of the same kinds may vary very widely. t). .1. Y. Of the i Larch and the other Firs being tolerably uni- form growers do not here call for any special remaik. What classification there is needed, reckoning, of course, that the wood is sound, goes upon the lines of length and size, and really is about the simplest thing in this branch of the forester's business. With some it is the practice to make size the test of price — I mean to sell such trees or portions of trees as may (juartergirth a HOW TIMBER IS VALUED. parties to this controversy I know nothing except through the pages of iroo(/< ami /''"'^'s's but from his confessions I really think that "Y.'s" simplicity is amusing. It he has no other grounds for the charge he has made than those he has hitherto given us, it would have been better never to have made it. As it stands at present it looks very like an attempt on " Y.'s " part to wreak his vengeance at beingundersold upon someoneor other. To argue back in the way he attempts to do would be a very interesting arithmetical exercise, were it not dangerous and likely to bring others into discredit. If " Y." has evidence that Larch from any given estate is felled and delivered at a stated price by the estate owner himself or his agent, if he could fix upon the actual cost of felling and transit, he would be in a position to say what the wood realised in the plantation. Where a third party intervenes such a line of argunient proves nothing, and I am surprised that "Y." fails to recognise this. It certainly shows but little under- standing of the exigencies of trade, and this is where the explanation lies. As to what prices timber actually sells at in North Y^orkshire I have nothing to do, but with the admissibility of such a style of argument as " Y." uses I have, as it is one which is capable of being most unjustly turned against any selected individual. The falsity of the position is the assumption that every foot which passes through the hands of the middleman does so at a profit. Taking a year's transactions through, a merchant must make profit if he holds his ground, but he may not necessarily do so foot by foot as he sells. Take one of "Y.'s" own points; hesays, "Larchhasdroppedherelately, and I quoted, &c." Now it is not usual for timber to be transported with telegraphic rapidity from the plantation to the market, especially when _ the distances are such as cost the sum for carriage which " Y." mentions. The timber in question may have been purchased months ago, and the merchant has had to dispose of it on what has been admitted to be a fallen market. Yet away we go, so much per foot delivered to the consumer, so much for felling and transit, plus profit, the balance to the vendor. A very facile way of reckoning, but a very unreliable one, nevertheless. It is perhaps not within the province of the forester to try and penetrate into the inner circle of a timber mei-chant's business, but to combat a spe- cific line of reasoning it may become necessary. Besides, then, the unavoidable con.:equence of a lower market, for reasons not connected with the particular transaction, it may be expedient on the part of a seller to make a bargain at a figure that may leave him on the wrong side of the ledger. I do not say that this was done in the case " Y." cites, but it will further serve to show that there are numberless circumstances which intervene be- tween the purchase of a lot of wood in the planta- tion and the subsequent disposal of it at the other end of the country, which make it impossible to arrive at a true conclusion as to what it was actually sold for in the first instance. Legitimate discussion is the very thing we want, but wild guesses upon grounds which are much more likely 556 THE GARDEN. [Dec. 11, 1886. to be wrong than right are to be deprecated — at least such is the opinion of Another Forester. THE AUSTRIAN AND CORSICAN PINES.* Since the outbreak and general spread of the Larch disease in many wood-producing districts of the coun- try, by which confidence in that vahiable Conifer has been shaken, attention has been directed towards finding a substitute, alike rajiid in growth, suitable for a variety of situations, of equal durability as a timber tree, and adapted to a similarly wide range of economical uses. The varieties of Conifers, distinct and widely different in their natures and habits, which form the subject of this paper have been suc- cessively brought under public notice as valuable trees for Biitish culture, and worthy of extensive cultivation. Introduced at different dates, and con- sequently with a considerable difference of years' ex- perience from which to judge of their respective merits as worthy successors to the fine old Larchwood of which the country could formerly boast, there can be no doubt that all three have proved to be well adapted for culture in Great Britain, and also suited to a variety of soils and fituations. The two Pines now under consideration present individually distinct characteristics. The Austrian Pine.— The distinguishing features of P. austriaca from those of Pinus Laricio are ob- served to be constant in the growing state, and when compared as timber in the sawn plank, there is a marked difference. The comparatively recent introduction of the Douglas Eir renders it more difficult to speak with certainty of its value as timber, seeing it has not yet been tested as a timber-yielding tree ; and where specimens have been cut down, the rapidity of growth in early years prevents such cases of being fairly cited as any criterion of what the species may prove, when felled in a ripe state, with fully de- veloped timber. Considering, then, the two Pines which form the .subject of review, we notice first the Austrian Pine (Pinus auttriaca). This Conifer is generally admitted to have been introduced into this country about the year IS-S."). Its native habitats are Lower Austria, Stjria, Moravia, Carinthia, Transylvania, and the south of Europe gene- rally. It is a most useful v.iriety, whether shelter, timber, or ornament is the object mainly in view iu planting. In its young state it is of rapid growth, aciiuiring in a few years a heavy rounded head, and, being rather weak-rooted, is apt to be- come "winded" in exposed situations in rich soil. This habit of forming a dense, heavy top when young is productive also of another evil, for such a mode of growth must engender the formation and encourage- ment of many side branches, and so detract from the value and bulk of wood in the trunk. As an orna- mental I'ine, Pinus austriaca is undoubtedly a great acquisition ; its dark, rich green foliage, its dense head of massive contour, its strong side shoots, and its rapid rank growth all contribute to render it a tree of desirable habit for effective purposes ; but we fear that when compared for econamic purposes with the other two sptcies referred to in this paper, it will be found deficient in quality, texture, and durability. The soil in which Pinus austriaca flourishes in its native habitats is a thin, cold, dry soil, of s.andy or gravelly tendency ; and in such situations it will thrive admirably, and succeed as a timber tree, much better than in rich alluvial deep soil, although more sheltered. In fact, it appears impatient of mild sheltered positions, preferring those apparently less suitable for the growth of timber. As already stated, it is not so well adapted for situations much exposed to heavy prevailing winds, being weak and shallow-rooted in its younger state, and at the same time densely clothed with close umbrageoias foliage, which renders it not unfrequently what might be termed " top-heavy." In localities suitable for its development, and not exposed to heavy winds, Pinus austriaca will attain a greater height than the Scotch Fir (Pinus sylvestris), and is of equally, it not more rapid growth. The wood is inclined to coarse- ness, but is tough and firm in texture, rather knotty. " Extracts from the Proceedings of the Scottish Arbori- cultural aociety. but of more commercial value for country purposes than the timber of equal age of either Larch, gene- rally, or the Scotch Fir. As compared with the Corsican Pine (Pinus Laricio), the growth of the Austrian Pine is not more rapid, and it is less suit- able for exposed situations. Pinus austriaca, in habit and value, more nearly resembles Pinus Pallasiana, but both are inferior as wood to Pinus Laricio. The leaves of the Austrian Pine are easily distinguished from those of the Corsican by their being rather longer, and devoid of the twisted appearance which those of the latter present. As a tree to employ as a nurse in sheltered valleys it is invaluable, owing to its dense head, spreading arms, and rapid growth ; and to be cut out when it has not attained full size, it is more valuable than the Scotch Fir, as it can be profitably used for country purposes at a younger age than almost any other Fir. l/amp-black and charcoal of excellent quality can be obtained from its branches, and the thinnings are, in its nati\e country, much sought after by coopers and carpenters. The Corsican Pine (P. Laricio) was first dis- covered in dense forest masses in Corsica, whence it was introduced into this country towards the end of the eighteenth century. It has since been found over several countries of Southern Europe, including Spain, Greece, and Italy, and it abounds on the mountain lands of Calabria. In these, its native habitats, it attains to a height of 140 feet, and forms a noble tree of bold, erect, open habit. The wood is extremely resinous, lough, and, although tending to coarseness, not so brittle as Scotch Fir or Austrian Pine of equal age, but is elastic and durable ; under the tools of the carpenter it works smoothly and easily, and is much prized for many outdoor or con- structive purposes. Felled when about seventy or eighty years old, the wood is found to be well ma- tured, and of a whitish colour, and brown near the heart. In this country the Laricio has been exten- sively planted during recent years as a limber crop, and since the Larch failure, probably this Conifer, more than any other, has been substituted for it. It thrives in almost any soil where the Scotch Fir or Spruce succeeds, but will not attain its full develop- ment at the higher altitudes, preferring a rather good deep soil and sheltered situation in its younger stages ; for, being of very rapid growth and early \igorous habit, like P. au.striaca, it is apt to form a top rapidly, which the slower formation of roots can- not support during high gales of wind. In this aspect, however, it does not equal the Austrian Pine, and is materially assisted by its characteristic tendency to throw the vigour of its growth more into the trunk and terminal leader than to form a dense head or many heavy side branches. Another benefit accruing from this erect or fastigiate habit is the ultioiately enhanced value of the timber, by its being less knotty and of better texture. In general appearance when young, the P. Laricio somewhat resembles the Scotch Fir of the old Strathspey indigenous type, but it is more open and longer between the tiers of branchlets. Its value as timber is not so marked when the tree is young, for thinnings of Laricio are found too soft and less durable than Larch, but when old it is reported to lie remarkable for its toughness, and it is strongly impregnated with resinous sap. Numerous groups and specimens of the Laricio, 40 feet in height, exist in various parts of the country ; and in Perthshire, at IJOO feet elevation, in a loamy soil and gravelly subsoil, it proves itself eipial to any indigenous Fir, resisting alike the gale and winter's storm, and rapidly shooting above contemporary trees of Scotch Fir, Ijarch, and austriaca. It may indeed be described as a tree consisting of the bole of Larch, with the lateral branchlets and foliage of Scotch Fir. (Jne qualification of considerable importance possessed by the P. Laiicio .should not be overlooked — namely, its distastefulness in its young state to hares and rabbits. Without positively asserting that ground vermin will absolutely shun the yoimg Laricio if mixed with other Conifers in a plantation, it may be safely asserted that they will nibble away every- thing else before they will touch it. An experiment to test this was made some years ago at Tort- worth Court, in Gloucestershire, where Lord Ducie planted a young Laricio in the centre of a rabbit warren, and which, until the ground was quite covered with snow, the teeming population of the spot did not touch ; and even then, when starving, and natu- rally less capricious in their bill of fare — after an attempt to consume the young needles of the buds — they abandoned the experiment and sought some less bitter and astringently resinous food. In like manner Pinus Laricio is less liable than any other Pine to suffer from the ravages of insects or such like enemies which infest anel disfigure many of the coniferous family. Although we have said that the Laricio exhibits a preference for a deep, good soil, it thrive* in almost any other description, if we except soft, spongy, and undrained marshy ground. Being of a deep tap rooted habit, in such a situation the spon- gioles of the main radicle get chilled and water- logged, and hence the tree will not succeed. Through- out the country it has within the last thirty years been freely planted in all sorts of soils and elevations, and has been proved to be perfectly hardy, and altogether such a \'ariety as ought to be more generally culti- vated ; for while it is a rapid grower and a handsome tapering tree, it is well calculated for planting in masses as a crop to produce not only quantity within a period of foity years, but quantity of heavy size, and limber of excellent quality. Although in its native country it is felled at about eighty years old, it may be profitably used at even thirty lyears. It may be seen luxuriating, and of considerable height, at Dolphinton, in Lanarkshire, at an altitude of IIOO feet or 1000 feet above sea-level ; and in many other counties in the north of Scotland, specimens of the P. Laricio show that it is suited to the climate of Scotland. From the long taj)-root of this Pine, it is, unless frequently and regularly transplanted when young, somewhat difficult of removal, and when forming plantations small plants should be used, as they will ultimately succeed better than those that have had their tap-rt>ot3 cut when young. Care is requisite to obt.ain the true Corsican Pine when desired for ultimate profit and for heavy timber purposes. "Walnut trees. —From the figure.s given by " Juglans," the trunk of the Walnut tree he wishes to dispose of contains from 3.5 feet to 40 feet. I take it that the \'.i feet in length is up to where it commences to branch, that the quarter girth, after allowing for bark (taken at (i feet 0 inches up the stem), would be 20 inches or '21 inches. This, leaving out fractions, would be oli feet and 40 feet The branches are not taken into account. Unless these are considerable, ' ' Juglans " will have found a good customer if he secures a £.") note. — D. J. Y Squirrels (p. :"i;)l). — Wherever there is an abundance of Ifazel Nuts or seeds in Spruce or Fir cones the nimble little squirrel does not do much harm, but if food is scarce he is not particu- lar in his foraging. I was at Straff'an last summer, and noticed the young shoots of the Horse Chest- nuts hanging brown and dead near the tree tops, and was told that this was owing to a squirrel having scooped out the pith. He steals Filberts antl Walnuts wholesale if his woodland supplies fail, but he is such a pretty, sprightly little animal, that much is forgiven hira. — Veronica. Preservation of wood by lime. — I have for many years been in the habit of preparmg homegrown timber of the inferior sorts of Fir — Scotch, Spruce, and Silver — by steeping it in a tank (that is, a hole dug in clay or peat, which was fairly watertight) in a saturated solution of lime. Its effect on the sapvvood is so to harden it and fill the pores that it perfectly resists the attacks of the little wood- boring beetle, and makes it, in fact, equally as durable as the made wood. I have a mill which was lofted with Scotch Fir prepared in this way in lS;"iO, and it is in perfect preservation. The timber is packed .as closely as it will lie in the tank, water is let in, and unslaked lime is thrown on the top and well stirred about. There is no danger that the solution will not find its w.iy to everything in the tank. I leave the wood in the solu- tion from two to three months, by the end of which time an inch board will be fully permeated by it J(usts and beams would, of course, take a longer time for saturation ; hut in practice we find that the pro- tection afforded by two to three months' steeping is sufficient if the scantlings are cut to the sizes at which they are to be used. — Fit Id. THE GARDEN. 557 A/0.767. SATURDAY, Dec. 18,1886. Vol. XXX. " This is an Art Which does mond Nature : change it rather ; but The Art itseu is Nature. " — Shtiketpean. MODERN CHRYSANTHEMUMS. The great impetus that has been given to the cultivation of the Chrysanthemum since the in- troduction of the Japanese varieties of this useful and beautiful autumn-flowering plant needs no description from me. It is of the later develop- ments of this flower that I would speak at present, when memories of the late shows or the glowing presence of some brilliant flower delight the mind or the eye. Is it generally understood by amateurs that the Japanese varieties are more easily and certainly grown and flowered than the older and well-known incurved varieties \ Owing to the great height of some of the show varieties, such as Mdme. C. Audiguier, Boule d'Or, Comto de Gemiiny, and the like, amateurs too often think they must not try to grow Jitpanese Chrysanthemums ; while the dwarfcst and hardiest varieties are now to be found in this class. Madame C. Desgrange is well known as the earliest of white Chrysanthemums, and it is very dwarf in habit. G. ^\'ermig, its yellow sport, is also very desirable, and should be sought after. Next on the list in earliness comes Margot, an exquisite pink and lemon variety, unequalled for abundance and beauty of bloom, lasting far into the season. Lady Selborne is almost as good a variety, but white in flower, taller in growth, and does not last as well. Bertier Rendatler, a tall-growing variety, and L'Or du Rhin, of a fcturdy dwarf habit, are two yellows, with a touch of brown heie and there, that grow and flower anywhere, and should be in every garden. Some of the latest additions are equally valuable, com- bining dwarfness and large-sized blooms. Val d'Andorie is a singularly line rich red variety ; and Fleur des Bois is so floriferous, that literally its flowers begin at the level of the pot. La Nymphe is a delightfully fresh-tinted lilac, of extra good and dwarf habit, but so well known there is no need to say more. Madame Henri Jacotot is a very free and early-flower- ing crimson-brown, of large size and good habit, but, save in the early sorts, I have not yet met with a dwarf white Japanese variety. True, there is one that should be grown by everybody — I mean Mdlle. Lacroix, for this has the peculiar advantage of continuing to push flowering shoots in a way that is most remark- able, so that a careful amateur may even have five series of blooms, one after the other. The beauty of this variety is (tiie jiidicc) unrivalled; it may be grown like a big snowball, or you may have smaller flowers with a lemon centre and delicate lace-like petals drooping from it. The Japanese varieties give the brightest colours in purple shades, and of these Mdme. de Sevin must rank first for habit and beauty in every way. This variety has been largely shown, but its beauty as a garden plant is even greater, and it deserves a place in every collection. This year Charles Hubert is so brilliant in red and gold, that one is tempted to forgtt that last year the dull and cold weather in autumn prevented anything beyond a scanty and imperfect bloom (in the north), while all the previous varieties succeeded; so, though good, it cannot be said to be as sure as those mentioned before. It would be interesting to know the grounds on which that most useful of all red Chrysan- themums, CuUingfordi, has been placed among the reflextd varieties. No doubt when carefully disbudded for show blooms, a fully expanded cut flower is rettexed ; but let it grow more naturally and the petals will curl and twist till a mass of flower on a branch attains a most truly "Japanese'' efl'ect, while Elaine, though classed as a Japanese, never shows any such characteristic, but remains reflexed at all times. Such are some of the experiences of a northern amateur. E. H. WOODALL. EVERGREENS FOR CHURCH DECORATIOX. Thk Evergreen that forms the prettiest wreath so that all its sides can be seen is the Ivy, short tufty pieces, which are often laden with berries, alone being used. I prefer the Ivy to anything else on account of the under sides of its leaves looking ahnost as well as the upper surface, and for a thick wreath it is well fitted ; while for a slender one tree Box is the most graceful — de- cidedly more to than Cypress, Yew, or anything else ot the same description that we have used. I am speaking, it must be recollected, of wreaths which are suspended in conspicuous situations where all their sides can be seen. Against a wall or surrounding a pillar I am not sure th.at other materials might not do as well, but I believe I am light in selecting the Evergreens mentioned for making a light festooning for open work. A very pretty festoon is also made out of some of the small-leaved I'hillyreas ; but perhaps the plants that furnish twigs from which the quickest lengths may be made, and that look well at the same time, are the Sweet Bay, Alaternus, and, finally, the Laurustinus. Portugal Laurel is more suited for a one-sided wreath, and common Laurel can only be used for that purpose, but we have also used Evergreen Oak, Yew, and Holly. The latter, if grown at all robustly, is rather stubborn and intractable, and its shoots require now and then to be cut almost through (or crippled, as we call it) to induce then to conform to the line re- quired. Holly is also unpleasant to handle, so that, unless for special purposes, we prefer using something else ; indted, most Evergreens having plenty of smaller medium sized leaves answer very well; the larger leaved kinds get flabby too soon, the Aucuba being too large for most kinds of work, for which it would otherwise be adapted. Nothing is really neater than the Euonymus, plain green or golden ; the common Daphne Laureola or pontica looks better in a growing state than when made into wreaths, its foliage being too much clustered at the points and the stem indifferently clothed— a remark which also applies to the larger- leaved Berberis; but B. Darwini when in flower makes a handsome wreath, and I have seen a very neat one made of Myrtle. The rather scarce Griselinia litoralis might be advantageously em- ployed for this purpose could it only be obtained in abundance; and I have also found that the Majorca Box is thoroughly suitable, but I have never as yet seen any one Cotoneaster that could be recommended for the purpose. Various other plants besides common Evergreens may be formed into festooning. Wo have, when the season ad- mitted of it, made many yards of Rhododendron festoons, securing the flower-heads with a few inches of stalk alone, the young growths on all kinds of Evergreens at the time precluding their being used with the flowers. About the same time the Deutzia gracilis forms an excellent fes- toon, followed later on by the double-flowered Deuizia, which, being in spikes about the length of one's arm, forms a festoon with the least trouble of anything, unless it be Fuchsias of the hardy class, which are also available, and look well. In fact, most flowers may be used that can be had in abundance, and in spikes rather than corymbs. Spiigs of Oak, with the dead leaves thickly ad- hering to them, also look well in winter, and can be worked into the same form and size as Ever- greens. Beech, I dare say, would also answer; but I have not tried it. Now and then, however, we have used strings of berried plants, and one that works in as well as any with which I am acquainted, when assisted with Evergreens, is the Privet, with its clusters of jet-black berries. In like manner other berried plants, such as the Mountain Ash and all the Thorns, might help to make a good display. Having a quantity of the twigs ready, which may be from 12 inches to 18 inches in length, a heap of them is laid on a table or bench, and with string that most people would call very small a loop is made, and fastened to some book at or near the end of the table. One or two pieces of Ever- green are then held in the left hand, while, with the other, a sort of hitch knot is made round the Evergreens, some 2 inches or 3 inches from their points, which we shall say is the beginning. Ever- green twigs are added near the butt ends of those already placed, and, the string being carried down in the midst of them, is made to form an- other hitch knot round both the tips of the new shoots and the butts of the others, a process which is continued on until a convenient length has been made, which may be about 10 feet or 12 feet. For convenience, however, the string is seldom more than G feet long ; otherwise it is liable to get in the way, and, being very small, is easily knotted. Care, of course, must be taken not to confine any more of the leaves than can be helped : and a little luactice will enable any- one to judge how much of the tip of each shoot should be left beyond the first tie, the shoots being fastened at each end, and a rather more secure knot being made at the end of all, to pre- vent it coming undone when moved, as these festoons are, where amateur decorators have their handling, sometimes subject to rough treatment, which, however, they usually bear without injury. When taken to the place where they are to be hung up, they can be joined together without the joint being detected, by merely tying the strings at each end, taking care that the direction of the foliage is continuous if the decoration is to be carried round the room, or in one direction. It can be looped up at any place required ; and, the string forming it being very slender, it can either be suspended to a tack or tent-hook, or the festoon can be twisted round a pillar ; or, if hung in front of the upright mullion of a church window, will hang down in its place without much trouble. If against a picture or looking-glass frame, it is equally available. In fact, wreaths of this kind may be made to do service in various ways where no nails are to be driven. I have even known the weight of such festoons borne by an ordinary pin, forced into some penetrable portion of the moulding, without being seen ; while the indented work that frequently surmounts the moulded work of a screen, or other portions of church architecture, will frequently admit of a common cork being fixed between the notches, which makes a most excellent support, while, in many places, a small tent-hook may be inserted in the recesses of a moulding, or in other places where it can do no harm -indeed, it is not bad practice in public rooms, that are frequently decorated, to fix a series of hooks or staples, which prevent further damage from nails. In carrying wreaths round pillars, I may men- tion that it is better to have two or more such wreaths than one, the inclination being less, and, I think, the elTect better. I have seen as many as four such wreaths twined round a very stout pillar, a string being ( ied tightly round the capital just above the narrow moulding so as to keep them up, the wreaths commencing there and terminating in a similar way at the bottom. A thick wreath is then bound round both top and bottom, and it much enlivens the beauty of the spiral wreaths if they consist of two different kinds of Evergreens -say one of them Cypress, and the other of a larger-leaved plant, such as Ssveet Bay or Alaternus, or, if need be. Holly. I would hardly recommend that more than two kinds be used, unless there are three wreaths, which cannot be worked in so well, but, if need be, they might be of difl'erent kinds. G. Beautifying odd corners. — The real taste and skill of a person is more generally brought 558 THE GARDEN. [Dec. 18, 1886. out in the odd corners of a place than in ela- borate efforts, and the more the odd corners are utilised for special features the more interesting the place becomes when a person's whole strength is laid out upon one elaborate eflfort. \\'hen that is seen, the whole has been passed under review ; but special features, such as a group of striking trees or shrubs or creepers, a cluster of Roses or Pa3onies or Ferns, may be dropped in anywhere. Often by brushing up the waste corners of a place, and placing some special little feature there, the tone and character of the place is completely changed. A shady corner, planted with Ferns and hardy Cyclamens, instantly becomes attrac- tive. And dozens of similar, but separate, ideas might be carried out at a trifling expense, so that everywhere something of interest would be crop- ping up. Tea Roses, Carnations, Musk, Honey- suckle, Jasmines, Snowdrops, Dafl'odils, Primroses, and Anemones are all suggestive in their way. Bits of rockwork might crop out in appropriate situations. In short, the idea only requires to be thought out to secure many exceedingly interest- ing combinations. — E. H. NOTES OF THE WEEK. Acacia platyptera.— Tlii.s is at ouceone of the earliest ftiui uijo uf tlie njnst sliuwy of Acacias. It makes a hand- some pot jilaiit, and is at present very gay in the large temperate house at Kew, wherG some ytars biick many species could be seen in flower during the winter and spring months. Goinphia decora.— This handsome Brazilian shrub is now very conspicuous at Kew. It is a plant of robust habit with alternate, shining deep green leaves and large iianicles of brilliant deep yellow flowers, and as it continues blooming from the present thne up to early spring, it.s value may easily be estimated. The Bottle-brush Flower (Callistemon line- are). — The brilliant scarlet blooms of this fine old plant are now to be seen in the tempen-ile house at Kew, its appearance reminding one of the days when this and its near allies, together with the banksias, Dryandras, and numerous other fine Au.straliau plants filled the large conservatory near the entrance gate. Salvia leucantha. — Although this is by no means so showy a plant as S. Pitcher!, it is, neverthe- less, a welcome addition to flowering plants at this particular season. It is an abundant bloomer, its long spikes of lavender- coloured flowers being very effective in the greenhouses at Kew at the present time. The first Daflfodil.— I send you the first blooms of the season of Narcissus pallidus pra;co.\-, opened under glass on December 1(1. You can still perceive the rich May perfume, which was very povverful and agreeable on Saturday ; the flowers were gathered on Friday. I daresay it will interest some of your readers to kuow that this beautiful Daffodil can be flowered under glass so early. — P. B.iim. Jasininum angulare. — This is a very free- flowering and graceful species, obtained from the Cape by a Cambridge lady, and sent to the Botanic Garden there. It is grown on a rafter in one of the greenhouses, where it succeeds well, A good figure of it will be found in the lliitanieal Maijazine for March of this year. To the greenhouse species it is a grand acquisition. Its blossoms are very sweet- scented. White Dafifodils.— The intended trial at Chis- wick has been alluded to so many times lately, that I must beg to be allowed a word of e.xiilanation. Chiswick was first named as being a central and, if one may call it so, non political meeting ground for the contending varieties; but the objectitm was raised that the soil there was not suitable for this special class, and that unless seen when grown under the most favourable conditions, a proper judgment could not be formed as to individual and distinctive merits. It was then suggested that a similar trial might be made under Mr. Burbidge's care in Dublin, and also else- where in any suital>le position; but the difficulty in carrying this out was the fact that many of the questioned varieties which it was wished to prove were still scarce, and that their owners would not care to part with many of these, three bulbs at least being required wherever possible to ensure sufficient means of comparison. More than one of those present promised to send collections to Chiswick when the time came, and in July I began to write to remind them of their promises, and also to ask others to join. The first answer I received was from one whose acquiescence was specially desirable, and in this letter the writer declined. I had other letters written and ready to send off when I was taken ill suddenly, and unable at the time to do anything further in the matter or to hand it over to others. Afterwards I had to give up the hope of getting the trial carried out this season. I can only hope that the delay may be of use in getting together a more complete collection next year, with the heartier co-operation of all in any way interested in these beautiful flowers. — C. E. ScRAME-DlCKiNS, Ifon. Sfi\ Miirn'ssus Commiitce. Centropogon Lucyanus.— This is a most valu- able plant for winter-flowering ia a cool stove or warm greenhouse, treated either as a shrubby plant in a pot, or as a basket plant suspended from the roof. In the latter case young plants should be struck from cuttings every season. The flowers are long and tubular, soft rosy carmine in colour, and pro- duced in great profusion upon short later.al branches. We recently saw it in the aquatic house at Kew. Anemone Fannini. — We stated some time ago that we had good reasous for believing this grand African Windflower would prove hardy in England, and it is therefore interesting to find that some young plants which were planted in a border out of doors at Kew have not been injured in the slightest by the severe frostexperienced on several nightslast week, even quite young leaves having withstood the trial, wliich on one night was severe enough, 17'' of frot-t having iieen registered near the border where these Anemones are planted. Chrysanthemums Meg Merrilies and Grandifloruni. — I send you a few blooms of these two excellent varieties of Chrysanthemum to show their beauty at this season. I have grown other sorts, but no yellow or white seems to equal these two. The plants from which the flowers were cut were grown in 12-iuch pots and stopped once, not disbudded at all. They were watered with liquid manure, and otherwise treated as if for producing exhibition liloouLS. The plants were lovely before we began to cut the flowers from them. — J. DoucHTV, An'jUy Park U aniens, Orajihrook. *.j* Excellent flowers. — En. ■Winter flowers. — The following plants were in bloom here up to the 29th of November in a high exposed situation, viz. : — and riaetas Dahlia, in very fchel- tered p )sitions Tagetes pumila Lithospcrmum f'hrysauthcmura segetum and eoronarium Anemone japonica Schiz latylis Coreopsis Indian Pink Michaelm.is Daisy Tritoma Evening Primrose Godetia Lupines Catananche cferulea Roses Jtignonet'ce Sweet Pea Nasturtium Tropjejlum canarienso — M. Iv.\NE, Dain/stciii, vutr Petcj'sjli^'d, Ihtnt^. Ipomasa Horsfalliae var. Lady Briggs.— This new variety of the well-known I. Horsfalliie may be described as being smaller in leaf, in flower, a more profuse bloomer, and altogether as pretty as the original, if indeed it does in»t surpass it in some re- spects. One may see both the type and the variety growing side by side on the rafters of the Bromeliad house at Kew, and may therefore judge of the merits of the newer kind. We think it so beautiful, that we intend to make a coloured illustration of it for The P.ULsy Yellow Sultan Marigolds of all kinds .Scabious M irguerites, yellow white Primroses of various colom-fj Auricula Pentstemon Large-flowered Pyrcthrum Carnations Violets Iceland Poppy Phlox Drummondi Potcntilla Gaillardiii Cornflower 131ue Agathea Jessamine, yellow .and whitt St. Jobn's-wurt Arctotis Garden. Can anything in the way of flowers be more lovely at this season than the bright carmine flowers of the Ipomfea ''. The elegance of the plant when growing freely up a pillar or rafter is most pleasing, yet you may not find it grown in more than one in twenty private gardens, and yet people are continually asking for a good winter-flowering stove climber. This Ipomasa and the new Bornean .Jasmine (-Tasminum gracillimura) are plants which anyone can grow in a stove, and can be obtaiued cheaply. Boyal Horticultural Society.— The latest .Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society contains a report of the I'rimula conference and exhibition, and also a very comprehensive list of species and varieties of Primula, compiled by Mr. Dewar, of Kew. This list alone makei the Journal valuable to culti- vators. A report of the conference on " Orchid nomenclature," held at Liverpool in June last, ii also given, but it does not appear to possess much practical value. We hope that the other publications announced will soon be forthcoming. Clematis Davidiana. — This rare and interest- ing species was introduced some years ago to the .Jardiu des IMantes at Paris. It belongs to a small section which does not climb, and which has flowers very much resembling those of a Hyacinth. It is allied to C. tubulosa, but differs from it exctedingly in appearance, and is without the woody stems of that species, being strictly herbaceous in habit. The stems grow about 4 feet high, and have long internodes ; the leaves are large and handsome, with elliptical or obovate leaflets, cuneate at the base. The flowers are very numerous, and in dense fascicles in the axils of the leaves ; they are of a delicate blue colour, about 1] inches across, and very sweetly scented. The dried leaves, too, are very fragrant. It is a native of China, and in the Cambridge Botanic Garden flowers from July to the end of September. Erythronium Nuttallianum and Bens canis sibiricum. — Allow me to make a few observa- tions on these Dog's-tooth Violets. E. Nuttallianum, although it has not sufficient character to distinguish it botanically from americanum, is nevertheless dis- tinct as a garden plant. The leaves are plain green, never mottled, and the segments of the flower are narrower, longer, and not blunt-pointed. It also !)ears two or three flowers sometimes, and is alto- gether a more elegant plant than americanum ; be- sides, it does not require particular soil. E. Dens- canis sibiricum and japonicum are stated to be inferior to the type. I do not kuow the Japanese variety, but sibiiicum is much better than the type; the flowers are twice as large and better coloured. It can scarcely be known in English gardens, as it was introduced only three years ago by Dr. Regel. — Max Leichtlin, Badcn-lkuhn. BiUbergia vittata. — The colleotion of Bromelia- ceous plants at Kew, which some time ago was augmented by the celebrated collection formed by the late Professor Morren at Liege, attracis interest during this dull season, as many are in flower. Some of these bear inconspicuousflowers, but the majorityare really grand, vieing with even the Orchid flowers in the adjoining house. Perhaps the queen of the great genus BiUbergia is B. vittata, known also in g.ardens as B. splendens. This is now in bloom in the ^'ictoria Water Lily house. One fine plant of it carries three or four long .spikes drooping from the top of the tall, vasiform crown of loaves. The flowers are a bright purple, while in coDtrast to these are numerous large membranous bracts of a rich carmine-red colour, which adorn the whole length of the spike. The plant is, therefore, very showy, and the leaves being varie- gated by silvery transverse bands, it is beautiful even when out of bloom. The healthy look of all the Bromeliads at Kow is remarkable, indicating that their present ([uarters are more suitable to them than the comparatively dry atmosphere of the Palm house, where they were previously grown. Cheshunt Hybrid Rose- -Nothing that anyone caii say will ever lower this Rose iu my estimation. Is " T. W. G.'' (p. 010) right in classing it as a Hybrid Perpetual V At p. 45-1 1 said it was " generally classed as a Tea-seented variety," and so I find it to be iu Messrs. Vciteh's catalogue, and also in other good lists, but I am unable to find it anywhere amongst Hybrid Perpetuals. — .T. Muir, Maraam. Deo. 18, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 559 Indoor Garden. When not treated as basket plants, Achimenes with carmine. Fireflj-— reddish carmine ; eye, are usually grown in shallow pans, by which , golden. Grandis— deep violet, shaded with ACHIMENES IN BASKETS. means a greater display is obtained than in carmine. Harry Williams— bright cerise and ACHIMENES seldom now-a-davs receive that POts- Treated either as pot or pan plants, they niauve,spotted maroon; eye, yellow. Hoffgartner amount of cultural attention which was at one : should not, however, be placed in their flowering Mastrana— purple, spotted crimson. Longiflora time so freely accorded them. They came origin- positions when first started into growth ; on the major— large, pure blue. Longiflora alba— pure ally from Central Ameiica, but the varieties contrary, when some 2 inches or_ 3 inches high, white. Leopard- magenta-rose, spotted throat, which have been obtained in this country by they should be transplanted, selecting for removal Loveliness — rich magenta and crimson; eye, means of cross-breeding far surpass the species s"ch as appear to be about ecjual in vigour; golden yellow. Margaretta— pure white. Mauve in beauty. Achimenes have long, slender, catkin- otherwise, if strong and weak plants are taken Queen— large, pure mauve. Meteor— crimson- like tubers or corms, liy tlie division of which indiscriminately, when they come into flower scarlet ; eye, yellow. l\Iadame A. Verschaffelt, they may be propagated" as well as by cuttings they are apt to have a patched and ragged appear- white, veined with purple. Pulchella — blue made of the tops. ° Tlie'y love heat, shade, and a"ce. Achimenes being deciduous will, soon with violet centre. Purpurea elegans— deep ' ■ ■ ■ ' ' ' after the flowers are over, cast thtir leaves, and , purplish claret ; throat, orange. Rollissoni — large, blue, with light moisture during the growing season, but when the flowers begin to expand, if desirable, they may be gradu- ally inured to with- stand the tempera- ture of a somewhat cool,butclose green- house. The soil in which we have found them to thrive best is a mix- ture of peat, leaf- mould, well-decom- posed manure, and sand in about equal parts, with the ad- dition of a little loam ; the drainage must, of course, always be kept open and free. In order to maintain a suc- cession of these beautiful flowers, a few of the scaly tubers should be planted monthly, from about the be- ginning of February until the end of April or beginning of JIay. When re- quired for hanging baskets, several va- rieties of difl'erent colours, judiciously mixed in each basket, produce the finest elfect when in flower, but for put culture we prefer the colours kept separate ; therefore, each variety should be grown by itself. Achimenes, how- ever, produce the best eifect in sus- pended baskets, but, in order to get them to display their flowers to the greatest advantage, their stems will decay. During this stage the counted on December 1, and they numbered 480 the baskets, after being properly tilled and supply of water must be gradually diminished heads, open and opening. We once had (372 heads Achimenes in a hanging basket. Engraved for The Gardes from a photograph. spotted throat. Stel- la— clear magenta ; eye, orange-yellow, dotted with car- mine. Unique — rosy-pink; eye, deep yellow, spotted with crimson. Vivicans — carmine ; eye, crimson. Williams! — brilliant scarlet ; throat, orange- yel- low. W. H. G. Luculia gratis- sima. — In the York Nurseries this grand old plant has been blooming freely in small pots for some time past, and I am glad to see in TuE Gardex (p. 5.34) an account of a plant of Luculia bearing 100 heads of bloom. The writer is, how- ever, wrong when he says that the blooms last several days in water. They take no water up ; con- sequently they fade in a few hours. I have cut hundreds of blooms in my time, and havefound this to be the case. The only way to save them is to put them overhead in water after they have been exposed in a room for a few hours; in this way they may be kept a little lon- ger than they other- wise would be. Our old plant here is in great beauty ; the blooms on it were planted, should be placed bottom upwards ; the until the lime comes when they are quite dor plants will push through the soil and grow erect, mant ; then the supply should entirely cease, and As they advance in growth, the stronger kinds the pans or baskets sliould be removed to a dry, will be benefited by having their points pinched cool place for the winter, whence they can be otf at once — an operation which tends to make brought forward as required in the following the plants more massive through the production spring. of laterals. Owing to the check thus received. The following selection comprises some of the too, the weaker-growing kinds are enabled to [ very best varieties, and represents a good varia- keep on a more equal footing with the more tion in the way of colour. Admiration — deep vigorous growers. When the plants show signs rose ; eye, white. Argus — deep plum-colour, of flowering, the baskets may be hung up in their spotted with carmine ; eye, orange. Ambrose proper places ; their bottoms will be well fur- Verschaffelt — white, flaked witli orange and nished, and the gentle curve upwards which the purple. Diadem— magenta and crimson; eye, shoots are sure to take serves to bring tlie blooms yellow. Edmund Bossier — white and purple! more plainly into view. of bloom on it. But it has been considerably reduced of late, as it overgrew everything near it. It was planted in a small border, 15 inches wide, thirty-five years ago, and it has never been dis- turbed since. It is top-dressed every season, and is given a little weak guano water when making its growth. — ^^'ILLI.\.■^I Cclverwell, Thorpe Perron', Biyja/e. Azalea Deutsch. Perle. — This is one of the best Azaleas for forcing with which I have yet met. Its flowers are a beautiful clear white, semi- double, with petals so finely rounded that they make a good substitute tor those of Gardenias. It is a free-flowering variety, and if very gently forced, may be had in bloom at Christmas. A flaked with orange. Eclipse — orange-red, spotted w'ell- shaped young plant of this Azalea covered 560 THE GARDEN. [Dec. 18, 1886. with bloom makes a grand table plant. After blooming, we kept our plants growing on in gentle heat, and during the autumn they were set out of doors in a shaded position for a couple of months. They were moved under glass a^ain early in October, when the most forward of them were placed in a very gentle heat, and are now in bloom. Anyone wanting really good white flowers at Christmas should make a note of this variety, which certainly forces easier into bloom early than many of the older white varieties. In the case of Azaleas, double or semi-double flowers are best, as they are more lasting than single ones. For de- corative purposes where it is desirable to have large heads of bloom on plants in as small pots as possible, this variety is very useful, and if the drainage is kept perfect and the soil never allowed ■to get dry, it is surprising what fine plants of it may be grown in Cinch pots. — J. G. H. CAMELLIA FLOWERS. Double Camellias, that used to be looked upon as second to no flower for use in a cut state, have somewhat lost favour, especially the higher coloured ones. Yet, nevertheless, the beauty and adaptability of the flowers of this matchless Evergreen for use in floral arrangements of all kinds are such as to ever maintain it in the front rank. Not the least of the merits which the plant possesses is its adaptability to widely diffe- rent treatment. It is well known to be able to live out of doors, and pass uninjured through severe winters in many parts of England, yet, except for the mere novelty of the tiling, or to gratify an inclination sometimes evinced to do that with some particular plant which can be much better and easier done with others, Ca- mellias are not likely to be much used for grow- ing in the open air ; so treated they bloom late in spring, when the flowei-s are least wanted and short-lived, besides their being liable to suffer from the frosts that occur at that season. So far as outdoor cultivation is concerned, it may be safely said that Camellias will never be used to an extent worth naming. In a cold house, that is, where there is no means of giving them arti- ficial heat. Camellias thiive well and flower pro- fusely, especially when planted out in a well prepared bed and allowed sufficient room. But under such conditions they bloom late, not coming in until much of the time during which their flowers are most required is past, in addi- tion to which the blooms do not last more than half the time that they are capable of doing in the winter when the sun has little power, and whilst there is no disposition in the plants to begin making growth. When the plants are kept constantly in a house of this description where no means exist of excluding frost, if grown in pots it is necessary that they should be plunged, otherwise when standing above the surface the soil gets frozen through causing it to expand in a way that is sure to break the pots ; when in tubs or boxes this will not occur, but the expansion of the fi'ozen soil crushes the roots ; consequently even when they are grown in tubs or boxes plunging becomes necessary. Those who have had ever so little to do with Camellias will not require to be told that the most usual way of treating them is to subject the plants to a moderate amount of fire-heat, with a moist atmosphere and shade for a time after the}- have dore blooming until the buds are set and have attained more or less size, after which heat is discontinued until the winter comes round, when as much is applied as will keep them at something like an ordinary greenhouse tempera- ture. Oftener than otherwise the plants are located at this season with various other things that require greenhouse warmth, and to which all are alike subjected. Simple as the treatment is, and comparatively little the judgment required to regulate the set- ting and development of the flower-buds, so as to have the plants in bloom at any given time when they may be wanted, it often happens that when the time they are required approaches, it is found that the flowers will be late, and then heat is used with the intention of hastening on their opening. When this is done, unless care is taken not to raise the temperature more than that of a warm greenhouse — say, about 45° in the night, with a little more by day — and to see that the atmosphere is never allowed to get dry, it is all but certain that some of the buds will fall off without opening. The danger of this happening when heat is used to push on the flowering of these plants after once they have been subjected to cold treatment after the buds were set is known to those who have had much experience with them ; still there is nothing more common than to see this mishap occur. If, in place of thus attempting to push them on after they have had a season of cool treatment that has reduced them to a dormant state, the heat they were sub- mitted to whilst making growth and setting tlieir buds had been long enough continued so as to sufficiently develop the buds to enable them to open at the time the flowers were wanted, there would be no occasion for a subsequent applica- tion of heat, and the premature dropping of the unopened flowers would not take place, the buds simply keeping on swelling until they opened. It is the stoppage that takes place consequent on the heat being cut off for a time that brings about a condition in the plants that does not admit of their being afterwards hurried. But it requires a certain amount of forethought and ex- perience to thus regulate the length of time the plants are kept in heat after the buds are set, so as to have them in flower at any particular time, as, if the heat is kept on too long, they will bloom sooner than required. Instances in proof of this are by no means rare where plants that have flowered early have been kept too long in a warm house, the result being the too rapid de- velopment of the buds and premature opening of the flowers. One of the first cases that I recollect seeing of this kind was soon after I went to reside in the neighbourhood of Manchester, where a person I knew who grew fruit and flowers for sale had some half-dozen plants of the old double white variety that, after flowering, were placed in heat in the usual way. The intention was to keep them in warmth long enough to get the buds sufficiently up in size, so that the flowers would open considerably earlier than they had done the season previous ; but the heat was kept on too long, and the flowers all at once, about the beginning of August, began to show colour. The plants were then turned out of doors in a cool, .shady place ; but this had no eff"ect, as they were in full bloom in a few weeks. Camellia blooms were then in winter-time worth very much more than they are now, and the owner lamented much at what he looked on as the loss of his crop of flowers ; yet lie did not come out of the mishap so badly. There happened to be a wedding in a nobleman's family in the locality, and white Camellias were to be the principal flowers used ; none were to be met with about London ; the prematurely-flowered plants were heard of in the quarter where the flowers were wanted, and the owner did not miss the chance of making a good price out of them, some six or eight dozen being supplied at 7s. per flower. But times are changed ; now the great London growers of Camellias would be glad to get that much a dozen, even at Christmas, or the time when the flowers above named were wanted — about the end of August. There is no difficulty in having Camellia flowers for nine or ten months out of the twelve, or, possibly, all the year round, provided the .'tock of plants is sufficient and there is the re- quisite knowledge and means of regulating the growth, setting the buds, and forwarding them so as to bring them in at the time required. Mes.srs. Cuthbert, of Southgate, who are amongst the most successful growers of these flowers, and who, I believe, are always the earliest in the market, now have them constantly from the end of July to the end of May. They have a very large stock, most of which is planted out, consequent on which the plants that occupy any particular house do not admit of being brought into flower in succession in the way that can be done when they are grown in pots or tubs, and are, there- fore, movable. But they have a number of houses devoted to Camellias alone, and the time when the plants occupying each house come in is regulated by the early or later time of growth, and the length of time the heat is kept on after the buds are set. It is in this way, and only this way, that the time of flowering can be satisfac- torily determined by the use of fire-heat. At- tempting to push on the opening of the flowers by the appilication of fire-heat late in autumn, or in winter, is doing the work at the wrong end. T. B. The first Chrysanthemum. — Is Dr. Sharpe the first Chrysanthemum ? Being much interested in this question, started by Mr. Burbidge, and further commenteJ on by Mr. Douglas, who, writing of the late Mr. John Salter's seedlings, says, " I fancy Dr. Sharpe was not one of them," I have carefully looked through the last five cata- logues issued, previous to his retirement, by Mr. Salter, 1S6.5 — 18G9, inclusive, which I have bound and kept in memory of my correspondence with him, and visits to his nursery. Tlie first place where the name Dr. Sharpe occurs is at page l.'i in the catalogue for spring, 1S68, where it i< amongst the "Second Section — Large Flowers," the "First Section" being the novelties of the year. The name Sharpe is there repeated within brackets, as being the name of the raiser, pre- sumably. In no ca?e has this name been in- serted amongst the novelties sent out by Mr. Salter. In the Ganlrner^' Chronicle of Nov. '21, 1S()S, it is one of those described as the most striking varieties then in bloom in Mr. Saltei's nursery. — J. T. Foe, liirtrntov. Isolepis gracilis as a wall plant. — "J. G. H.'s" note on the usefulness of this plant as a fringe to a plant stage (p. r)l'2) induces me to strongly recommend it as a wall-clother for a moist plant stove or fernery. Flanted in small recesses on a cork-covered or other wall in a little maiden loam, or loam and leaf mould, it will quickly establish itself, and cover the entire surface with roots and its Grass, or, rather. Rush like leaves. The firmer it can be made at starting, and the more liberally it is watered afterwards the more luxuriantly it will grow and the denser will be its verdure. Under such conditions, too, the leaves will grow to an abnormal length, and the effect is most beautiful, either by itself or intermixed with the more slender Maiden-hair Ferns or delicately variegated Fittonias. The Isolepis should be looked over once a month or so, and the faded leaves, which will be found underneath the others, should be pulled or dressed olf. This, with copious watering, is positively all the attention needed to keep an Isolepis-clothed wall charmingly fresh and verdant for years. The plant enjoys heat, though it also thrives well in tlie green- house, window garden, or sitting-room. The finest plant ever seen by the writer was over '2 feet aoro's. It was placed on a small plant stand nearly a yard high, and its long drooping leaves almost reached the ground. This plant had never once sulfered for lack of water, and had been in a shady window in a sitting-room for years. I do not remember ever seeing the leaves Dec. 18, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 561 so long and slender, unless in the case of plants grown in a stove temperature. The Isolepis is rather a dangerous plant to use for decorative purposes ; if employed to depend from a vase or basket its leaves must be kept dry, for no fooner are they wetted along their entire length than each thread-like leaf becomes a syphon or capillary tube, and these will very speedily empty the vase or bucket of water on to the table, or over the furniture or carpet. — Hoktus. NEW CHRYSANTHEMUMS OF 1S8G. Ai.THoicH large numbers of new Chrysanthe- mums have at different times been introduced, never until the early part of this year has so large an iaflux taken place. A few years back it was the custom to receive about a score of new Japanese varieties from the Continent, with the occasional addition of an incurved sport, or p8rhapstwo;butrecentlywehavehadnoveltiesfrom America, Japan, and Franco. It may be roughly estimated that there are at the present time not less than l.'iOO diti'erent kinds of Chrysanthemums in commerce, and how far this state of things is beneficial or otherwise to the grower it is, of course, difficult to say, especially when looked at in a broad sense. The thirst for novelties con- tinues, and the united efforts of raisers do not apparently assuage it. Having been present at botli of the exhibitions held at the Aquarium under the auspices of our National Society, and having attended all the meetings of its Horal committee, I have had ample opportunity of closely scrutinising many of these new flowers. In addition to that, visits to several private collections, local e.Nhibitions, and other establishments in which Chrysanthemums are grown enable me to give some little account of such new forms as seem to promise well for the future. I leave the task of describing the new incurves to others ; at least fifteen of the new Japanese sorts arrested my attention in a very striking way, and they are as follows : — MoNs, W.M. TInLMES.— .\ii early-llowcriiig liybiid (Japanese) wii h reftexed florets of dark eriaison ; sliaded velvety brown, an 1 having a golden reverse ; very .striking. Miss Stevens. -A large well-fjrmed tlower raised by IVtr. Stevens, of Putney, of a soft mauve or lilae colour. Mdi.le. Paitle Dt'Tol'U. — A very large flower; light rose, crramy white centre. Wm. Clark — A semi-early bloomer ; salmon red and gold ; moat attractive. CdARLoTTR MnvTCABRiER.— A beautlfvil large-sized rosy flower with drooping florets. Carew Undkrwoop. — A sport from Baronne de Frailly; in all respects similar to the parent but in colour, which seems to approach a rosy chestnut-brown. A. Vn.^TTE DES PRCciNES. — Au early-flowcring variety; violet and rose, suffused with salmon. BuTTKRCuj'.— A tine bright yellow, drooping-petallcd flower; r.dsed by Mr. Alfred Salter. Phiebvs.— Another fair-sized yellow flower with long spreading florets. Edouahd Ai'DiGuiER. — Very decp-coloured velvety purple- violet with a distinct silver reverse ; a large flower and a great acquisition. La Triompiiante. -A French-raised, full, comp,ictly-built variety when opening ; it becomes rather loo^e with .age ; the florets are broad and flat ; colour rose, on a white ground. Uoi PES Japoxais. —Immense flower; deep orange-re^ ■with golden tips. Moo.NLiGHT.— A fine large white variety of transafantic 01 igin. Mrs. H. J. .loNES.— A yellow counterpart of Ethel. 5Ir. Ralpu Br;ocKLEBANK.— A sport from Meg .Merrilic-s with cle.U' yellow flowers ; form resembles the type. There are several others in the Japanese class that may eventually prove to be desirable sorts, but I hardly care to recommend them, as they were in several cases past their best, or not in a good state, on account of their immature condition when seen. I merely, therefore, mention tliese by name : Souvenir d'AngMe Amiel, Mdme. Marie tMos, L'Aureole, Dr. Cre'vaux, Blanc Prt'eoce, Vierge Japonaise. We must consequently wait another season to see how these will turn out. Amongst large Anemone-flowered kinds atten- tion may justly be drawn to— Cfncinnati. — (>ne of the old type; colour clear rose ; size rather above the average. CiTRTNus. — Another of the Fame class ; colour dull bulT- ycUow, curious but choice. La MARcuERri'E, — .\ beautiful companion to such flowers .as Fleur de Marie ; this novelty is a self-coloured variety, bright violet, and exquisitely built. Jeanne Martv.— A Japanese Anemone with drooping guard florets white and lilac. Mdme. Ghvs.— .\ hybrid .\nemone with lengthy horizont.a^ guard florets ; self, lilac. Among the new Pompons I particularly ad- mired— .\[.irE HirrriiER.- -\ sport from tht wcU-known Lyon, and of similar shape ; colour deep orange. Mdli.e. Elise Dordan.— a perfect little gem ; the flowers are quite globular, of good sv.e, and the colour delicate light lilac deepening to mauve. Wm. Bealev —A pretty bloom ; colour soft mauve and cre-am ; good size. Precocite.— Somewhat large, and of a fine dark crimson. C. H. P. CINERARIAS AND CALCEOLARIAS. CiN'KK.\RiA.s we expect to make a brave show in the greenhouse during the four months beginning with the new year. They should be grown in pots ranging in size from .1 inches in diameter to SI inches. Those in small pots are intended to flower early ; those in the larger pots are expected to Bower in April ; at least, they are at their best about the middle of that month. It is needless to dwell upon the advance which has been made in recent years in the quality of the flowers of the Cineraria, and also in the habit of the plants. Mr. James, of Farnham Royal, ha=! made both classes of plants a speciality. He has bestowed in- finite pains upon them, and the results arc well known. Six or eight years ago it was hinted that perfection had been reached. The old species C. cruenta was brought forward as a novelty, but it seems to have retired again into the background. Fine hybridised seedling forms now hold the high position which they undoubtedly merit. Propa- gated plants and seedlings may be grown and flowered ei)ually well if their culture is under- stood. The time to propagate them is in Jlay or early in June, whether they are to be raised from seeds or from cuttings. Let us suppose that we are about to increase the stock of some choice variety. We cut the plant down as soon as the flowering period is over, and from the base of the old stems young growths are produced. These may be removed as soon as ready, with a portion of roots attached to them, and be potted in small pots, using light, sandy soil, but by the time most of these offsets are got ready, the weather will be warm and bright, a state of things which the Cineraria dislikes. The best position for the plants would therefore be under handlights or frames on the north side of a low wall or fence. The lights should be kept rather close until fresh roots are formed, but when that has taken place, admit a small portion of air, gradually increasing it until it is safe to remove the lights altogether. In summer and early in autumn the lights may re- main oft' the plants both night and day. Gentle showers have a beneficial effect on them, but heavy thunderstorms they cannot bear, and there- fore from these they should be protected by the lights. Seeds may be sown in May, June, or July, or in all three months to produce a succession of bloom, and the seedling plants should be treated exactly the same as those propagated from cuttings. Neither the seedlings nor the propagated plants make such rapid growth at first as they do subse- quently, when they have been placed in larger pots ami in good compost. Good loam is essential for the production of the finest specimen plants. To four parts of loam, add one of leaf-mould, one of decayed manure, and some sharp sand. Turfy loam is best, as it is of an open texture, owing to the decayed herbage which it contains. We had our plants out in frames until October this year, when they were taken into a span-roofed house, and since that time their growth has been most remarkable. Now that we have arrived at mid- winter, or nearly so, they require rather more attention than heretofore in order to keep them in good health ; for, once allow them to get into a bad condition, and they take long to recover lost ground ; moreover, they cannot be made good. Cinerarias are not nearly so hardy as Calceolarias. A degree of frost that would not touch the latter would put the former past remedy. The tempe- rature may fall during severe frost to 85" ; but if maintained between that and 4(1", the plants will do admirably. All our plants have now been placed in their flowering pots, and they must be kept steadily growing during winter. This they will do in the minimum temperature just indi- cated. In mild weather, the lowest temperature will, however, probably be nearer M" than 40" without artificial heat. Cinerarias must never be allowed to get over-dry at the roots. A state of dryness that would suit a .specimen Pe- largonium would be disastrous if applied to a Cineraria. Ample ventilation is required even in winter, but precautions must be taken not to expose the plants to high winds, which would be sure to damage the leaves. Two parasites are trouble- some at this season, but both of them can be kept at a distance provided prompt remedies are applied. Green-fly does most injury if undis- turbed, but it can be easily destroyed by fumigat- ing with tobacco smoke, or, what is better still, let the house containing the plants be fumigated once in three or four weeks, because prevention is better than cure. In order to obtain a good large specimen, the centre of the plant must be pinched out when a few inches high. It will soon start into growth, but in the meantime the large leaves will have increased in size and closed in over the centre. They should therefore be tied out to allow of light and air to reach the young growths. Another important point is that of keeping the plants clo.se to the glass at mid- winter; the leaves should if possible be within I) inches or 12 inches of it, but they would be injured if they came into contact with it. Calceolarias require treatment very similar to that just described, and they are not more diffi- cult to manage. Their seeds, I may mention, are very minute, and require great care in handling. The surface soil in the pot or pan in which they are to be sown must be finely sifted and made quite level. Sow the seeds carefully and merely sprinkle some sand thinly over them. The small plants when up are very fragile at first ; a dash of water carelessly applied might wash them out of the pots, but when they have once passed through the initial stages they speedily increase in size, and but for green-fly, which is even more partial to the leaves of this plant than it is to those of the Cineraria, they would soon form handsome specimens. It may, however, easily be kept off if precautions are taken to fumigate at intervals of three or four weeks. Pinching, tying, watering, and other cultural details are the same as in the case of the C'ineraria. J. Don;L.\s. Roman Hyacinths. — These early flowering bulbs come in at a time when flowers of any kind, and particularly white ones, are very valuable. They may be had in bloom quite early in autumn, but I find them to be most useful in December and January, as they do away with the necessity for hurrying the large-flowered Hyacinths into bloom, and all who have had much to do with the forcing of these know that it is in hurrying them that so many are spoiled. Give them time to develop gently, and even small bulbs will flower better than the largest if pushed on too rapidly. Not the least of the good qualities of the early white Roman Hyacinth is the facility with which it may be moved out of its pots, pans, or boxes for making up indoor decorations. When required for this purpose the bulbs should be grown in very fine loose soil or in Cocoa fibre, as the whole of the roots may then be shaken clear without breakage, and if inserted in damp Moss the flowers will last as long, or even longer than if they had been left in their pots ; the slight root-disturbance to which they have been subjected gives just check sutfi- 562 THE GARDEN. [Dec. 18, 1886. cient to lengthen the following period. About Christmas- time, when indoor decorations are the rule, a few pots or boxes of these useful bulbs are welcome for making up Moss banks on mantel- pieces, window-sills, &c. ; with ordinary care they last for a considerable time in bloom. — 1. 0., Hants. Worthless plants. — Among these I would reckon Dahlia imperialis, not because of its being single, but owing to its unwieldy height. In such a house as the Palm house of Kew it is all very well, but in private establishments it is nob worth house room in a moderately warm stove, even where such a structure 20 feet high is avail- able. It is too exacting in time and space for the harvest of beauty it yields under the most favour- able circumstances ; whereas as commonly met with it is the one gaunt skeleton at the feast of beauty that should be exorcised forthwith. — HORTI'S. Tacsonia exoniensia. — This de-serves all that has been said in its praise by " R. D."; indeed, it ii perhaps the best climber in cultivation for large cool houses. Three years last spring I put two small plants of it in a large old .show house, with the view of covering the back wall and roof — a space altogether about ijO feet by 30 feet. The space is now completely filled, and it is a question if the plants would not in the time have covered an area twice the size of that named. They are growing in nothing but loam — the top spit from a pasture well chopped to pieces. In pruning we do very little spurring ; we only remove from time to time the longest shoots, leaving the shorter growths hanging from wire and rafter, and all through the summer both wall and roof are literally a mass of bloom. Bare stems and branches are quickly covered by selecting a strong growth and twining it round the old wood. On the stage underneath are Coleus, Fuchsias, and Francoas. The branches of the Tacsonia droop down, and, meeting the tall, feathery spikes of the Francoa, produce a pretty effect. I have once before called attention to the merits of Francoa appendiculata, and must again recommend it, as it does not appear to be so generally known as it should be. It is a useful plant for the summer decoration of the show house, and a plant which almost anyone can grow. It is very nearly hardy, and thrives well under the treatment given to herbaceous Calceolarias. Where the stock is short, the plants should be shaken out of their pots and divided. This should be done directly after flowering. The principal lot, however, should be established and in their flowering pots by the end of Sep- tember. The last-named not only flowers more freely, but last longer in bloom than younger spring-shifted plants. They do well in a mixture of loam two parts, and leaf soil one part, and, beyond a little weak manure water when in flower, they do not require any feeding. — E. B. SHORT NOTES.— INDOOR. The blue Marguerite.— This old-fashioned plant is useful where cut flowers are required, for, with .a little nunagement, it can bo had in bloom all the year round, and, if planted in the open ground in the spring, it will yield blooms throughout the summer. At the same time we grow a quantity of it in pots, treating them ranch the s.ame as Chrysanthemums. This plant (.\gathea cjelestia) was, many years ago, plentiful in most gardens, but litely it appears to have become scarce. Cuttings of it strike in a very short time, and the.y are seldom troubled with Insect pests. It is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, and, like most plants from that region, needs tlie protection of a greenhouse in winter. — H. i'. Best Clirysantheniums. — I may stito that the list wh'ch I gave (p. 483) was compiled when looking over the stands of flowers exhibited at the Roy.al Aquarium. The catdogiie of the National Chrysanthemum Society is, no doubt, correct, but Emily Dale and Golden Queen were re- presented by flowers so different in character on comparing them, that I felt justified in putting them both in my list. They were distinct enough in ch.aracter, as I saw them, to bo shown in the same stand without fear of disqualification, but in the hands of some growers incurved Chrysan- themums appear to be considerably altered in development. At the Royal Aquaiium the judges passed as a large-flowered Anemone variety one that in tlie National Chrysanthemum Society's catalogue is classed among the .Japanese Anemone- flowered. I am quite sure that the catalogue was prepared with great care, but the best informed .among us cannot lay claim to absolute mfallibility. — H. D. AMERICAN NOTES. Phacelia campanularia. — I grew and flowered this little gem for some years before it was dis- tributed by the trade. In general appearance it much resembles the common P. Whitlavia (usually known as Whitlavia grandiflora), but it is less robust and a good deal more miflfy. The flowers are very freely produced, and of the mo?*- intense gentian-blue (Sereno Watson says violel, purple). It seeds quite freely, and I find that where I had planted it out early, and the seeds ripened and dropped upon the ground, a second crop has come up and the plants have been in bloom since the middle of September. I do not think that this brilliant little Calitornian will becoma a very popular plant, on account of its uncertain growth. Salvia Greigi. — This is a pretty '-pry carmine- flowered Texan perennial, and well worthy of cul- tivation in our gardens for its pretty flowers, small rosemary-scented leaves, and neat, bushy habit. It is nearly, but not quite, hardy. It blooms the first year from seed, and, like S. farinosa, Gaura Lindheimeri, Conoclinium pinnatifidum, and seve- ral other desirable Texan perennials, has a great drought-resisting character. It is now (Oct. 20) in a soil dry as dust, and after a killing frost (■i" with wind) is as bright and cheerful as the great Tritomas near it, and without the least appearance of injury from cold or drought Callirhoe lineariloba.— A few years ago Dr. Edward Palmer, the eminent botanical collector, gathered herbarium specimens and seeds cf this beautiful perennial plant in Texas. He gave me the seeds. From them I raised a quantity of plants which grew well, and flowered and ripened seeds the first year. The general habit of the plant somewhat resembles that of our olrl f« vourite C. involucrata, but it is less straggling and much more branching and tufted, and the leaves are more finely divided. The flowers are lilac-purple, shaded with white in the centre. They measure U inches to 2 inches across, and are produced on long stalks from the axils of the trailing branches. The root is tuberous. It is an extremely free and continuous-blooming plant, prefers a sunny place, and is well suited for rockwork or the front of a mixed flower border. Although it has survived several winters with me, I cannot recommend it as being perfectly hardy ; either mulch it well or keep it in a cold frame over winter. Eucliaridium Breweri. — A beautiful, rosy purple, free blooming Californian annual, about a foot high. It was first ofiered by the trade last year, but I had seeds of it from California, and grew it several years ago. For border decoration it is a deserving little plant, and lasts in bloom a long time. It likes a warm, dryish, sunny spot to grow in. Some botanists wish to refer it to the genus Clarkia. Haplocarpha Leichtlini. — This pretty little African plant has given me a good deal of pleasure this year. I sowed the seeds in March in the greenhouse; they germinated readily, and afforded me nice-sized plants, which I set out in the bolder in May. These began blooming in .lune ; have been continuously in flower ever since, and are now (October 26) in as full and perfect bloom as they had been during any of the previous months. The plants are stemless and form rosettes of dan- delion-shaped leaves some 7 inches to 10 inches long, glossy green above, and thickly lined with white, closely pressed, silky down beneath. The flowers are from 2 inches to 3 inches across, golden yellow, backed with purplish brown, showy, and borne singly on scapes from 10 inches to 13 inches high. They open wide in the sunshine, but shut up at night in dull weather. It seeds freely. The recent severe drought did not seem to hurt it much. It is a perennial, but I do not think hardy enough to survive our winters unpro- tected. I should think it is about as hardy as biennial Stocks. While it is a very interesting and pretty plant, and well worthy of cultivation as a garden flower, it has not the showy appearance of a Marigold, Gaillardia, or Coreopsis. — W, F.\l- COSER, in Country Gentleman. Flower Garden. GLADIOLUS CULTURE. NoTHiNT! is to be gained by ignoring difficulties in regard to the Gladiolus. No wise general will ever undervalue the difficulties of his position, for he knows it may be fatal to him; and if he calculates on bringing all his soldiers into action when he knows some regiments to be tainted with dis- loyalty, he will probably rue his over-confldence. So when we plant our Gladioli let us not calculate on getting a good spike of bloom from them all ; some will go off, and, notwithstanding all that has been said about degeneration, I still adhere to my opinion, strengthened by what scientific men (of which I do not pretend to be one) have written on the subject. I do not call it degeneration, because, as I have often said, that is a collective term, and would imply that the whole race has gone off in vigour; thus we are sometimes asked whether the Ribston has not degenerated, not meaning whether the trees in my garden are weakly, but whether the whole of those now propagated have not lost their vigour owing to the length of time this Apple has been in cultivation. If this be the true mean- ing, then degeneration is a misnomer ; for although one bulb of a variety may die off, others are as vigorous as ever, and spawn obtained even from such bulbs is as healthy as ever ; moreover, de- generation belongs to things a long time in exist- ence, and, as I have already stated, a bulb of one of the newest varieties went as badly diseased as any I have ever seen. I have now finished the clearing off of my bulbs, and I never recollect having taken up so fine a lot, especially from that part of my garden where the soil is stifl' in character, and I contend that a good stiff, but not wet-soddened, soil is the best for them. My eyes were opened on this subject when I saw the soil in which Mr. Dobree grew his bulbs at Wellington, and further conversation with him and Mr. Burrell deepened the conviction that those who advocate light soils are wrong. They may succeed, but they have a better chance of doing so when in stili'er soil; but, after all, it is the harvesting of the bulbs that is the great point, and they who can obtain the highest amount of sunshine in the autumn and the lowest quantity of rain during September and October are the most likely to succeed, and this is why I believe that the Scotch growers will find it very diflicult to keep on, unless they import largely from France every year. The moister climate favours them in their earlier stages, and they look fresh and vigorous, but as blooming time comes on they have to be much shaded, and then comes the process of drying oft" the bulbs, and a Scotch autumn, with its greater amount of rain and absence of sun, is sadly against them. " W. I. M." asks why I think the climate of Cambridge better for harvesting the bulbs than that of Langport or Clonmel. .Just for this reason, that there is less rain in the two autumn months of .September and October than there is in any other locality in the kingdom. I take from Symond's "British Rainfall " the amount of rain in the following places : — Rainfall in Sept. and Oct. Year. Cambridge 2-5S .. 20 5ii Clonmel 4 VI 43-77 Gourock (i-03 .. 40 W Laojiiwrt .^> 74 .. ^.'J-TlJ In the three latter cases no observations have been made, but I have taken the nearest point to them where the rainfall is recorded ; besides this, there is no part of England where there is a greater amount of sunshine. Is it not, then, clear that with so low a rainfall in those months there must be a better chance of ripening the bulbs? The time for lifting the bulbs must depend on circumstances, of course ; but I was very glad thi.s year that I had finished mine by the end of October, for we had 4 inches of rain in the first part of November, and the ground became com- pletely soddened, and the taking up and clearing off would have been a much more unpleasant and edious task; but I met yesterday (Deo. 9) Mr. Dec. 18, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 563 Burrell, and he told me that he had not yet finished taking up his ; there had been, he said, some sharp frosts, and he had covered them, although he hardly thought it to be necessary. Some of one's experiences with them are cer- of plants I had but two which produced white blooms, all the others proving to be the ordinary pink variety. Did "J. G., Hants," see the half- dozen plants in bloom which he purchased as white ones? He does not state (p. .JIS) if they tainly curious. I had a bed of them about twelve bloomed last year and were white, and this year son, Ilea'Tiei-haiik, Weybridge Heath. years ago, where my Roses now are, and every turned into pink blooms. May they not have been year since bulbs are continually making their seedlings from a white Pea and sent out as white, ippearance. I this year took up a clump of but not proved to be so? — J.T. Vae, liictrslon. which promise well : when these have been proved a little longer I propose to send you a note on them ; meantime, I may say that a common wicker hen-coop with Bracken worked round it makes a good portable shelter.-liEOKGE F. WiL- Titania which must all have come from one bulb there were four good-sized bulbs and some smaller ones. Does not this, someone would say, point to the advisability of leaving them in the ground. OPEN- AIR CHRYSANTHEMUMS. Fur the information of "J. R." (p. 5.36), I append WHITE ALSTRCKMERIA PELEGRIXA. Thi.s lovely flower, though generally cons!idered as some have advocated, it seems, to do so? But a greenhouse or frame plant, may be successfully yet when I have attempted it, as I have done more grown and flowered in the open air in favour than once, the result has been disastrous, and I places. The engraving shows a clump a' the names of twenty-four varieties of Chrysanthe- mums suitable for growing out of doors. I also add a few hints upon their cultivation. In grow- ing Chrysanthemums purely for outdoor decora- have lost most of the bulbs. I find that these [■able ''°"' * great advantage is gained if they can be planted at the foot of a wall, which affords great protection during early frosts or excessive rains. ]p as it 3Se 111 1 llfA 4-' Vil fUUL^ULlUU U bulbs «o a long way do«-n, and although the new S)'-; "Tl'e ira^ri^^ Satisfactory results cannot always be. obtained corm IS formed on the top of the old one, yet it ,' ■' ^ i r -^ i ^ i- gets deeper instead of shallower. With regard to T^^^}^l\'^J^\]\7:,:^}i''Zl^!^\ll\T^J .Y!'^^^^^^ P'^'-f'y corm i. formed on the top of the old one, yet it ^"t' ' '""°^ ^Y^ "\ ^ garden on light soil in a „he„ the plants, of necessity, have to be grown gets deeper instead of shallower. With regard to southern county, where, for its only protection pu^ly in the open. In shrubberies or herbaceous the comparative excellence of French and English ?' tas a sprinkling ot dry Fern over the ground borders, for instance, they are often spoiled by bulbs, I have believed generally that the expe- iu winter. This good plant deserves a choice frost just at a timi when the flowers are expand- rience which Mr. Douglas details was correct; but position, alike from its delicate and di-stinguished ing. In such pcsitions early-flowering sorts only should be grown ; but where a wall exists(almostanyaspect will do) a charming effect may be had. With such help, a much largershowof bloom and more varieties can with safety be grown ; I also add a list of sorts suitable for wall decora- tion ; for this purpose single varieties have a charming ap- pearance, bloominET, as they do, so profusely. Nor do they suSer so much from excessive rains as incurved or reflexed varieties. Moreover, the singles, being thin intheflorets, dry much quicker after rain than the double sorts. Pom- pons do well on walls, particu- cularly where these are high, say from (i feet to 10 feet. Pompons being.asa rule.dwarf in habit, are very suitable for training under their taller neighbours, particularly the Japanese. Thus, by a proper method of training, the wall may be clothed from top to bottom with both foliage and flowers. For open borders young plants are the best. Many plant in such positions old plants which have the year previously flowered in pots. These are not so good as young plants, inasmuch as they take up more space. Nor are they likely to flower so early as properly prepared plants. In preparing suitable plants beauty of flower, and from its neat, dwarf habit, to plant out early in May or when sharp frosts It is less than a foot in height, and, unlike its are not likely to occur _ to damage them, the taller brethren, is well clothed with foliage. my brother- in law, who is a good grower, assures me that he has as fine spikes from his own saved bulbs as from French bulbs; while Mr. Burrell says that he has even grown them three years from the imported bulbs, and that these are quite as good and vigorousasthe imported bulbs. It may have been that, as I have said, the growing of them in light soil, with a good deal of decayed vegetable matter in it, has helped on the dis- ease, through which the bulbs have been weakened, and that, grown on stiffer soil, they would succeed better. Let me give one year's experience. I planted a number of im- ported bulbs in the lower part of my garden, where the soil is stifl", and I had notonediseased bulb ; they also lifted in fine condition. I planted amongst others three bulbs of Shakes- peare, which I cutin two before planting. These six halves produced six bulbs, which, a month after lifting, weighed 1 lb. 6 ozs. , and measured lOi inches round. There is clearly, then, no deterioration here, and I shall be anxious to see what the result is next year. I do not like to calcu- late too much on it, for I remember a good many years ago I lifted some large bulbs of Madame Desportes, which the following year all perished, so I must wait patiently. I may have somewhat to say by-andby about new varieties, but in the meantime I would refer all who wish to grow them to the lists recently given. I shall be only too glad to find that what has been written a' " try Lliem. Xear.S ag^^, nn^Li i^ucv wcio mu^ii ^^^ ti^ i^u mar^^ .-a.v^a I.W f-iitinji ^miivo. .ti oi^k/L k- , — o ' — " l " -" * . , . . i ' V, J dearer than now, it was a hazardous thing to at- time back, acting on this idea, and having a roots are formed, the point should be pinchea tempt them; but now, when they can be had at quantity of mould got by digging out a pond, I out of each plant, to induce it to throw out such a small cost, people ought not to be deterred made a long mound, and at the north side of this branches. \\ here struck in smg e pots, pot otl from growing them. And of all the autumnal let in pieces of sandstone, so as to make back, into larger pots ; or where several are in a pot, flowers that we have, there is not one which is so sides, and top, and brought the soil so as to cover place them singly in small pots, return tbem to grand and good for indoor decoration as the them. I then planted among known hardy Ferns, the frame for a few days until established, tnen Gladiolus; while the manner in which it keeps such as Hypolepis millefolium and Adiantum ^et them on a shelf close to the glass m a cool opening in water when cut gives it an additional pedatum, two caves of Adiantum cuneatum ; the bouse where they will get sulhcient light_ and air Alstrcen:eria Pelegrina alba. Engraved for The Cvrden from a photogi-aph. cultivator must be guided somewhat by the locality in which he resides. Cuttings should be inserted any time during February either singly in small pots or several in 3-inch or ^w.j ..uvj giou lu lauu luttu Y.UO,. Plant shelters. — Many years ago I visited a =, ., i a x, a about them may induce some to garden where mud banks had been hollowed out 4-inch pots placed in a cool house under hand ■s ago, when they were much so as to make caves to shelter plants. A short lights, or in a partly spent hotbed. As soon a! value. Delta. shelter and warmth of the covering earth have to make a stocky growth _ \\hen the side made these resist the frosts of the last two win- branches have grown about 4 inches, remove the "White Everlasting Pea.— In reference to ters and of the present one. I mean to carry out points again ; after this no more stopping wu be the subject of this lovely Pea coming true from the plan on a larger scale, and believe that Pri- required. As the pots fill with roots, replace seed, I wish to state that I collected seeds from a mula obconica, which was not much cut in the them in larger pots till .)-inch ones are reached, plant of the white variety in a garden where there open last winter, and possibly P. floribunda, may Early in April they will be better in a cold frame, was not any plant of the pink form, and that the be grown out of doors by this means. I have giving them plenty of air to prevent them from result from these seeds ^la? that out of a number some shelters which I believe to ba new, and becoming drawn ; take the lights oft' on all favour 564 THE GARDEN. [Dec. 18, 1886. able occasions. The soil used for potting need not be very rich; a compost consisting of two parts loam, one part of the materials of a spent Mushroom bed, a good sprinkling of leaf-soil and sharp sand will suit them perfectly. Poc firmly to induce short- jointed growth. Plant out in the borders at the time stated, add- ing to the soil some well rotted manure ; tread the soil firmly about the roots; if the weather is dry give a good soaking of water, re- peating this several times during the summer. Attach the branches neatly to a centre stake to prevent them from being blown about by strong winds ; from this time onwards allow all branches to grow as they will, and should the weather be favourable, capital heads of bloom will be the result. For wall decoration the treatment differs some- what from the foregoing. Old plants having pre- viously flowered in pots are best adapted for walls, as in that case a greater number of shoots spring direct from tlie base of the stool, thus fur- nishing the wall entirely from the bottom. Plant- ing may be performed at the end of March or early in April, as circumstances admit. Should the soil be of a poor description, freely add some manure, and, in addition to this, place around the roots some loam and horse manure, first shaking the greater part of the old soil from the plants. A distance of 3 feet should be allowed between each plant of the tall-growing varieties, and between each of these place one Pompon, which will cjver the bottom part of the wall. Tread the soil firmly about the roots, which if at all dry should be thoroughly soaked. If the plants were of good size the previous year they will start into growth with many shoots; select four of the strongest on each plant, removing all the others, except in the case of the Pompons, which may be allowed to have six or eight growths. When the branches are long enough spread them out thinly, and fasten them to the wall with shreds and nails, continually securing them as growth proceeds. Do not top the branches when the first break takes place ; select two of the strongest shoots on each original stem, or more if space will allow, as some kinds, owing to their larger foliage, require more room in which to develop than others do, and remove the other shoots. From 4 inches to (i inches apart is a suitable distance to train the branches. In the case of Pompons many more stems may be allowed to remain, as they have smaller leaves, and do not require so much space. Some of these may be trained across the stems of the taller varieties, bending them to the right and the left, according to the space to be covered. Should the summer be hot and dry, the plants should have copious supplies of water at the roots, as the bricks absorb a large amount of moisture. Neglect of this causes a loss of foliage. Liquid manure apj^lied once or twice a week will be of much service in assisting growth, and after a hot day the plants will be much benefited by a thorough washing overhead with the syringe. This keeps the foliage clean and healthy. If the cultivator wishes to have a few larger blooms, those flower-buds which form about the middle or end of August must be retained, removing the growth shoots from as many as it is desired to have larger blooms. One or two on each plant of this sort will sulfice, but where a profusion of flower (and this is most desirable tor wall decoration) is the object aimed at, all the stems which break at this time from the main branches should be allowed to remain, which will in time perfect blossoms on each shoot. In giving the list for border gi-owth, I have not enumerated any of the ordinary summer-flowering kinds, as I imagine ".J. R." means the regular varieties of Chrysanthemums. Where a less number is required the first-named kinds in both lists will be found suitable. Twenty- four varieties for borders — .Sum- JtoLinic (leorgc Glemiy -Madame Dosgrange George Oorduu Lady Selboriio I Simon Delaux .fame.'j Salter I ISIaiiie Mrs. G. Riiiidlo BuiKjuet Fait Mrs. Di.xoii Margut Golden Beverley Whiti Beverley Madame Bertie Rendatler Emperor of China Karly Red Dragon Beauts des Jardins Fleiir Parfait La Fj isuro ' The Co3sack White Trevenna Annie Salter , Refulgence Thirty varieties for walls — Peter the Great Dr. JIacary Grandiflorum Bouquet Fait Elaine Pair Maid of Guernsey Simon Delau.x Pere Delaux JtJIccid. King of Crimsons George Steveis t^olden Cbristine Mrs. Forsyth Pumjfoiis. President Sifur Melanie Wliite Trtvcnna Black Douglas A'gle dOr Adelj Pris-ctte l'i:uyvtd. White Vcnxis Golden Empress Mrs. G. Bundle Itefulgence .lardin dcs Plantes Princess of Wales Singles. Patience Oscar Wilde White l^crfoction Helianthus Mrs. Langtry Miss Lulu Martin E. M. NOTES. HoME-tiKowx FRUITS. — I quite agree with Mr. Coleman (see p. 533) that the best motto for the possessors of old orchards is Fegtinn leute — "hasten slowly," or, as we sometimes put it, "slow and sure." One part of Mr. Coleman's aiticle ought tobeprintedin letters of gold and strewn broadcast by all landowners. Here it is : " To all who own or rent an orchard I still say, prune and cleanse, drain, subsoil, and top-dress. Cut down old and graft inferior soils, and your ancient Moss-clad plantations will yet pay their way. Do not rest at the attainment of this point, but supplement your old by planting young orcliards on deep suitable soils resting on the hillside.', well above tlie line of fog and frost. Avoid end- less variety, but plant in duplicate the bett sorts for market or vmttige purposes, especially those sorts which do well in your immediate localities." Occupiers may do much for themselves, but pro- prietors should also assist their tenants in all permanent improvements of this kind. Some landowners already do, or have done, so with the best results. Take, for example, the bulb-grow- ing, early vegetable, and flower culture in the Scilly Islands as originated and fostered by Mr. Dorrien-Smith. Last May I passed through Normandy and part of Brittany on my way to Paris. The old orchards there are as poor as any in England to-day, but there are miles and miles of newly-planted trees, not in low, damp places as of old, but high and dry on the warm hillsides near the farms, villages, or towns. I see on p. 55:3 that an experienced American pomologist points out the advantages of moderately high and dry sites for orchards, even in the sunny United States of America; but one of the most valuable notes I have lately seen is that anent fruit trees on their own roots from M. Jean Sisley, of L3'ons. Cxrafting, as we all kiKiw, is convenient for the nurseryman, but it has never yet been shown that properly-managed fruit trees on their own roots would not be best for the market grower or producer of fruit for home consump- tion. The extra time we should have to wait for a crop would be more than compensated by the permanent health and fruitfulness of the plantations — in a word, the most profitable fertility -line may yet be obtained by cultivation instead of by grafting. Every fritit grower should test for himself a few tiees on their own roots, even if he holds on to grafted trees, as one prefers an old and well-tried friend to a new one. Of course, grafting is convenient, and often tiiost expedient, but we have yet to be assured that fruit trees on their own roots may not, all things considered, be the best. I heard a long discussion on profitable land culture only yester- day, and it resolved itself into two things, viz., fertile brains aitd cultivation by machinery. j Surplus fruit. — Of course, there are two sides to every question, and my old friend Quibbler, to whom I showed the above note, a.sks me, " What is the good of growing fruit when that we do grow already is sometimes not worth marketing ? Only last year in Kent," he says, " the Plums lay rotting under the trees, and some growers who gathered their fruit crops and sent them to Covent Garden were money out of pocket, as the fruit itself did not realise enough to pay cost of carriage and marketing dues." I read something of the same kind myself, so that I have no doubt that my friend is right, but this only proves that not only must our growers learn to cultivate fruit of the finest quality only (i.e., no second or third-rate produce), but they must also study the marketing question in all its practical details. If market agents form " rings '' to keep prices down below a just limit, then the fruit growers generally must combine in self- defence. But above ;dl, is it necessary in dealing with perishable products to prevent any one mar- ket becoming overstocked ? and to this end the fruit growers must work the wires, and ahso be prepared to candy or preserve their fruits if they cannot obtain a fair and remunerative price in market for them. Then, if the markets are glutted on any one day, good fruit need neither be wasted nor sold under its fair value. Let the fruit growers of any one district contribute towards a fruit-preserving factory, or a cider mill, or drying machinery for quick-ripening or non-keeping Apples, if such be grown. In a word, a combina- tion of brains and machinery must be made by fruit producers. SlniU it be said that a handful of middlemen and commission agents in any one, or in twenty markets, is more than a match for ten times, or a hundred times, their number of fruit growers .' Is it possible for injustice on the part of salesmen to linger on in the face of a combination of growers who simply claim their rights ? If it is possible for America to send us Apples at a profit, surely it is possible to grow them profitably at home. Fruit growers must combine to get justice from the landowners, the railway companies, and the market agents with whom they trade. The Tree Tomato. — I remember seeing this plant in fruit in the great temperate house at Kew ten or fifteen years ago. It is not a Tomato in the strict sense of the word, but reminds one more forcibly of some of the innumerable va- rieties of Egg Plants, or Aubergines, met with everywhere in the Tropics, and especially in the gardens of the Chinese. In habit the plant forms a sort of sub-shrubby bush, 4 feet to ti feet high or more, its general appearance being somewhat like that of a Brugmansia, but its fruits are golden yellow in colour, and about the size of a Bantam fowl's egg. In warm countries it fruits freely, and its pulpy fruits have ben used as a substitute for Apricots in compotes and other confectionery. Before using them it is necessary to remove the skin of the seeds, and if the pulp is then too acid, it may be improved by steeping it in boiling water for a short time. Its Latin name is, or wa?, Cyphomandra betacea, and the plant is such a sturdy and vigorous grower, that it might be readily naturalised in waste places in hot countries, just as has already been the case with the Cajjsicums or varieties of Chili pepper, and also the Tomato. Like the true Tomato, its seeds grow readily, and soon attain to a fruiting state. There are several varieties, some dwarf, others taller, and tliere is some slight variation in the size, shape, and colours of the fruit, so that if once this plant becomes generally culti- vated there is some likelihood of its becoming much improved. I have several times ob- served the fruits in Covent Garden under the wrongly-applied name of " Granadilla," a name Dec. is, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 565 wliioh of riglit belongs to the prorluce of some of tlie large edible-fruited Passion Flowers of South America. Ipom.ea Horsfalli/e. — Instead of our calling this fine old plant the East Indian, it ought, as I believe, to be called the AV'^est Indian Morning Glory. Of course, I am well aware that if refer- ence be made to the gardening or botanical dictionarie.=, you will there find it set down vaguely as East Indian, and the date of its in- troduction given as 1833. This plant serves as an admirable illustration of the loose way in which habitats have been recorded in times past. A plant, native or wild in one colony, is admired and taken to another one, or to India, as in this instance, and then when introduced to Europe from Inilian gardens it is put down as an Indian plant. There are scores of instances of this having been done in perfectly good faith, but on an insufficiency of knowledge. As Alphonse Karr tells us, " a savan proper prefers error to ignorance, and on no account will he tell us frankly that he does not know." Mr.?. Horsfall's beautiful Ipomnea is in reality a native of .lam-iica, and my evio- tanical name. The slight variations in form are, however, so many, and the forms ]iass into one another so gradually, that no modern botanist would think of separating them. There are two or three ttelds and orchards in England in which white Daffodils have become naturalised, and grow mixed with the common form of wild N. pseudo- Narcissus, with which they appear to have crossed. In these fields it would be dilli- cult to count the number of varieties of shade and shajie which these white Dafl'o- / dils have assumed. In reply to the note of "F. \V. B." on p. 5-1.3, 1 by no means propose to increase the number of Hawortli's names for wild white Daffodils. My contention is that, as far as our present knowledge goes, the one name N. moschatus is wide enough to include them all. I consider N. palU'lu-> proscox, variable as it is, to have well-maiked characters, and to be separated by a long gap from the high mountain form N. moschatus. N. variiformis, though perhaps not so well defined, and probably connecting N. nobilis of Redout(^' and N. muticus of Oiy, amongst which I found it growing on the Pyrenees, is in none of its form? white, and does not come near N. moschatus. The many varieties of N. moschatus to which I riferred are chiefly froni meadows or orchards in England, where N. moschatus has become natu- ralised together with N. pseudo-Narcissus (type). These I have in mixed lots in my garden, and not yet sorted and arranged ; but when I have completed that work, and wish any of them to receive the honour of being named by the Royal Horticultural Society, I will send them to the gardens at Chiswick for that purpose. C. WOLLEY DoD. Books. A BOOK FOR LITTLE GARDENERS.* Allow me to direct attention to a work, the very backbone of which is gardening for children, and even children's parents of the wisest might learn something from its well-pictured pages, if they shouhl care to do so. The work to which I allude is "Mary's Meadow" (containing also '■ Letters from a Little Garden"), by the late Mrs. J. II. Ewing, a friend of the late Rev. Mr. EUacombe and of Canon Ellacombe, of Bitton. " Mary's Meadow " relates how a little girl tried to make a pretty bit of meadow still prettier by planting flowers in it, instead of making it poorer by rooting the flowers out of it, as so many people now do. A good deal of information anent Parkinson's delightful old gardening book, called the "Paradisus," published in IbiO, is woven into the story, and there is an allusion to The Kniphotias.— In recent n\imber3 of The G.\RiiEN there have been references to the need of a revision of this genus. The results of my oberva- ti ma are somewhat different from those of some of your readers with respect to time of flowering. With us K. Macowaui has always been first followed c'.osely by K. coralliDa and R. caulescent. Afterwards c ime K. Kooperi and K. Burchelli, soits apparently identical. Following these are K. glaucefcens, K. gr.xndis, K. Uvaria grandifiora, K. mutabilis, K. nobilis, and K. Saundersi ; again, between these last two I can see no difference. Last come K. media Macowani and K. carnosa. K. carnosa and K. LMchtlini are evidently one and the same thing. That K. corallina is a seedling of K. Macowani is clear, iaasmuch as seedlings from K. corallina have all proved to be K. Macowani. I have seed of media- MacL)w.ini which 1 intend to sow, and will, I hope, see how far they will revert to the type. That K. Rooperi, so named with us, is identical with K. Bur- chelli, is evident in every way, and in one particular decidedly, viz. , that of producing underground stolons, which, I believe, none of the othirj do, except, pei- haps, K. sarmentosa, which I have not seen. — T. D, Hatfield, Panmic. Forms of white flowered DafFodila. another, but more modern classic, viz, "The Tour Round my Garden," of Alphonse Karr. Now,this little volume, yclept "Mary's Meadow,'' first appeared in the numbers of " Aunt Judy's Magazine " from November, 1883, to March, 1884. It was the last serial story which Mrs. Ewing lived to write, and Miss H. K. F. Gatty (her sister) tells us in the preface that she believes "the subject of it arose from the fact that in 1883 she went to live at the ViUa Ponente, at Taunton, where she had " (after much travelling about) " a settled home with a garden, and was thus enabled to revert to the practical culture of flowers, which had been one of the favourite pursuits of her girlhood." The game of the earthly paradise was received with great delight by the readers of the story ; one family of * " Marj's Meadow," and " Letters from my Little Garden." By Mrs. J. H. Ewing. Illustrated by Gordon Browne. Pp. 90. London, S. P. 0. K. 1SS6. children adopted the word " Marymeadowing " to describe the work which they did towards beautifying hedges and bare places, and Mrs. Ewing received many letters of enquiry about the various plants mentioned in her tale. These she answered in the correspondence columns of the magazine, and in July, 1884, it wassugge^tel that a " Parkinson Society " should Ije formed, the objects of which were " to search out and cultivate old garden flowers which had become scarce, to exchange seeds and plants, to plant waste jilaces with hardy flowers, to circulate books on gardening among the members, and, further, to try and prevent the extermination of rare wild flowers, as well as of garden treasures." It may interest many little gardeners to know that this society, with Prof. Oliver, F.R.S., of Kew, as its president, is .=till in existence, and anyone can procure a copy of its rules by sending a stamped addressed envelope to Miss Alice Sargent, 7, BeUize Grove, N.W. I think it is Charles Dudley Warner, in " ily Summer in a Garden," who says that " what a man needs most in gardening is a cast-iron back with a hinge in it,'' and, he further adds, that the highest consolations of philosophy are also of great assistance in the undertaking. But with the children this is not so. They, at any rate, are delighted in grubbing up weeds and in plant- ing and watering their pet flowers, and this little work is, as I believe, one of the best, even if not the best — that is while most practical, most amusing also — of all the works on gardening known to me. Mrs. Ewing, although devoted to the dear old- fashioned flowers and their countless associations, IS nevertheless just to the better phases of "bedding out," and "takes some little credit," as she observes, for her moderation. In a word, she was so far-sighted as to see that fashion- waves "come and go — ebb and flow" over our gardens, just as they do on the pebbly shore. Thus in speaking of her own garden, then gay with dear, old-fashioned blossoms, she says there is no doubt whatever that the good lady who shall coddle it after her will be cjuite as fond of her llowers and her garden as she herself. On page 77 two portraits are pleasantly sketched, the originals of which were and are well known to most of the readers of The Garden. The annals of fashion must always be full of funny stories. I know two of the best amateur gardeners of the day; they are father and son. The father lives and gardens still (he .sent me a specimen Lily lately by parcel post), and is making good way between ninety and a hundred years of age. What we call old-fashioned flowers were the pets of his youth. About the time when ribbon bor- dering came in he changed his residence, and in the garden where he had cultivated countless kinds of perennials his son reigned in his stead. The horticultural taste proved hereditary, but in the younger man it took the impress of the fashion of his day. Away went the " herbaceous plants " on to the rubbish heap, and the borders were soon gay with Pelargoniums and kaleidoscopic with Calceolaria.s. But " the whirligig of time brings in revenges," and perhaps a real love forflowers could never in the nature of things have been fully satisfied by the dozen or by the score ; so it came to pass that the garden is once more herbaceous, and as such far-famed. The father . . . has told me, chuckling, of many a penitential pil- grimage to the rubbish heap, if haply fragments cciuld be found of the herbaceous treasures whicli had been so rashly cast away. Doubtless there were many restorations. Abandoned "bedding material" soon perishes, but uprooted clumps of " herbaceous plants " linger long in shady corners, and will sometimes flower pathetically on the heap where they have been thrown to rot. 572 THE GARDEN. Apropos of this last remark, I was once lookint; at some exquisite sketches of hardy flowers, and after. I had admired the pictures as showing an enlightened phase of flower gardening, their owner remarked, "No, sir; you are wrong. These pic- tures were made in an old rubbish belt surround- ing the flower-garden proper, and these results of beautiful flowers among the Grass were not at all intentional ; they are the outcome of prunings and parings which the gardeners in ' tidying-up ' had thrown away to die." Mrs. Ewing was a gardener who believed that " good rules were good tools," and so in her " Letter 3." she gives a few of what she calls rough-and-ready ones which may be introduced here without any apology : — Hardy flowers in hedges and ditches are partly fed, and are also covered from cold and heat, winds and drought, by fallen leaves and refuse. Hardy flowers in gardens have all this tidied away from then), and, being left somewhat hungry and naked in proportion, are all the better for an occasional top- dressing and mulching, especially in autumn. Again — Concentrated strength means large blooms. You cannot grow everything ; grow what suits your soil and climate, and the best of these as well as J ou can. North borders are safest in winter. They are free from the dangerous alternations of sunshine and frost. Very little (protection) will keep Jack Frost out, if he has not already been in, either in the garden cr in the house. In drought one good soaking with tepid water is wortli six sprinklings. Flowers, like human beings, are to some extent creatures of habit ; they get used to many things which they cannot at all abide once in a way. Those parts of a plant whieh are not accustomed to expos\ire are those which suffer from it. ' All these are good tools, and all the better ones because in the book they are clearly and fully explained by the authoress, who, as she tells us, reserves " a sneaking credulity in reference to lucky fingers," or rather a belief that some people have a strange power or tact in dealing with plants, as others have in the control and coaxing of animals. This belief is very much more common in Ireland than in England. I once complained because a pet plant did not flourish. " Ah ! " said the gardener, " how can ye expect it to flourish t Sure, didn't Pat Connor plant it, and doesn't evervbody know that he hasn't a ' lucky fist,' at all at all?" The more one looks over this little book the more enchanting does it become. Glints of sun- shine, and tender sympathy for the garden at all times and seasons, show themselves on nearly every page. Here is a morsel on the feeling of perennial youth which life in a good garden in some sort brings : — If ever we do taste an} thing of the vital hopeful rapture, the elastic delight of the old man of a fairy tale, who Isaves his cares, hi^ crutches, and his chim- ney corner to go forth again amongst the young, it is when the winter is ended and the spring is come. Some people may feel this rising of the sap of life within them more than others, but there are probably very few persons whom the first mild airs, and burst- ing" buds, and pushing flower-crowns do not intoxicate with a sort of triumphant pleasure. Especially eloquent does Mrs. Ewing become when she speaks of little gardens. It is such little gardens which have kept for us the blue Primrfse, the highly fragrant summer Roses (including Rose de Meaux, and the red and copper Brier), countless beautiful varieties of Daffodovvn- dillies, and the whole host of hardy flowers, which are now returning, like the Chippendale chairs, from the village to the hall. [Dec. Ls, 1886. " All is fine that is fit," is a text from which she preaches eloquently. Even the bedding sys- tem comes in for a good word, and she points out what lovely " Whistlerian " effects from shades of the same colour might have been produced in- stead of the lurid contrasts which helped to lower it in public esteem. Besides the fitness of gar- dening to the garden, there is, as she explains, its fitness to the owner's taste, and also to his means and leisure. Lastly, if there is but little of taste, and time, and money to spare, surely nothing can be more satisfying than a gardenl'ul of sucli flowers " as our Englyshe ayre will permitt to be noursed up." Bear in mind these counsels : make a wise selection of hardy plants ; grow only good sorts, and of these choose what suits your soil and climate. Give them space and good feeding. Feed them as well as j-ou can from the top. Disturb the roots as little as possible, and constantly cut your flowers. Then you may ex- pect your flowers to be, as they will be, "fine as well as fit." F. ^Y. BonninoE. Kitchen Garden. CELERY AND LEEK SHOWS. TiiKSE are by no means confined to the counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire, several being annually held still farther south, notably about Notting- ham. Anything which an intelligent cottager or mechanic takes seriously in hand Is sure to be eventually brought to perfection. Having had good opportunities of contrasting the productions of cottagers' gardens in both the southern and midland counties, I can safely assert that the latter as specialists are simply unapproachable by either their southern or western contemporaries. As was pointed out in The Garden (p. ,"i'27), there is a good and a bad side to these friendly rivalries, and, as far as the final proceedings are concerned, I am of opinion the competitors derive more harm than good from them. It may be of interest to note that some of the very finest Celery I have ever seen or heard of was never inside a trench, nor was it earthed up in any way. The plants are put out on deeply dug, very heavily manured land, and assisted by abundance of sewage water mulchings, and perhaps a sprinkling of soot or salt, they grow surprisingly strong. A soon as the outer leaves attempt to assume their natural, that is to say, a horizontal position, they are lightly tied up, the blanching being eventually accomplished by paper wrappings. I have seen Celery fully 4 feet high carefully wrapped up in various folds of paper, only the tips of the leaves, as in moulding up, getting any amount of light. When ready for the show no grub or worm-eaten stalks have of necessity to be removed, but all are beautifully clean and white, and worth three times the number of ordinarily grown sticks. I am con- vinced that the Wortley Celery Collars were a step in the proper direction, only they were not large enough, and something of the kind may yet become popular. The bad side of these Celery shows is, that they are usually held at public- houses, and to make matters worse the proceedings are made to extend over three days, the middle or show day being on a Sunday, and this in the suburbs of such an important town as Notting- ham. On Saturday the exhibits are brought and arranged; on Sunday they are on view, and on Monday the exhibition is broken up and the prizes distributed; so that altogether the exhibitor, and perhaps some of his friends, spend the best part of three days in or about a public house. Surely this state of affairs might easily be remedied. Any hobby the cottager may have in connection with his garden ought to be encouraged, but it is also advisable to guard against these finishing up in a public-house. W. I. Hardy Cabbage Lettuces. —A good supply of salading is never more welcome than at C'hristmas, and, whatever other material may be at hand. Lettuces of some kind are indispensable. There are many good winter Lettuces, but none that give so sure a supply as the small hardy sorts of the Cabbage kinds, such as the hardy Hammer- smith or All the Year Round. If these are sown thinly on a border with a good steep slope, to en- sure thorough drainage, in August, a good supply of nice little hearts will now be obtainable. Mode- rately good soil is better than that which is over- rich, as a luxuriant growth is against hardiness, and if very gross they are sure to sufler from frost. In gardens in which there are glass pits vacant, it is a good plan to make sure of the most forward by transplanting them therein. Those who rely on open-air produce must guard against exceptionally severe visitations of frost by placing some kind of covering over the Lettuce bed, or at least a por- tion of it. Inverted flower-pots serve the double purpose of blanching and protecting at the same time, but for covering I have never found anything to surpass the dead tops of Asparagus, or the dry fronds of Bracken secured by means of Pea sticks laid over them, as rough gales soon displace them. Coverings of this kind admit air, and thus prevent decay, which is encouraged by coverings of a denser character. — T. G., Hants. KITCHEN GARDEN NOTES. FoRciNO Asp.4R.-i(!ns. — In some years Asparagus roots force more freely than in others ; and, judg- ing from the way in which the roots are growing now, forcing will be an easy matter this winter. For some years past we have cut the first of our forced produce in November, but as all outdoor vegetables have been plentiful this autumn, our Asparagus was not put in very early ; the first, therefore, is only ready for cutting now, but al- though open air vegetables may be ever so plenti- ful. Asparagus will be none the less acceptable, being king of vegetables from now until .June. All who can force it to have it on the table in De- cember, January, or in any of the spring months may rest assured that their work will meet with approval. It is pretty well known now that roots cannot be forced profitably until they are five or six years old, but after that they are always good so long as they remain strong and healthy. In lifting them for forcing, they should not be broken any more than can be helped, and they should be put into their forcing quarters before they have time to dry up in any way. Some prefer white Asparagus, others green. Where white is most valued, growth must be made in a dark place. A good hotbed with a frame on the top is a good place to produce Asparagus of this sort. A layer of soil should be spread over the surface ; on this lay the roots close together, and cover them over with some kind of light soil until the crowns are out of sight ; v/ater them with water heated to 00", and await results. As soon as the heads begin to appear, cover the lights over with a coat- ing of hay, straw, or some old mats to exclude light, and the heads will soon assume a very pale colour. To grow green Asparagus the same sys- tem may be followed, only do not use the covering on the top of the glass. The roots may also be put into the bed of a Melon or Cucumber pit where a bottom heat of SO" or so can be main- tained. Here a little soil is put under them and over them, as in the frame, and they require more water, as the situation is drier than a damp hot- bed. The heads should be cut as soon as they are S inches or 10 inches in length, and the very small growths which may not be strong enough for use should be cut off as they appear, as they only rob the stronger ones. Strong, healthy roots will pro- duce dish after dish for three weeks or so, and although the roots are of little use afterwards, the abundance of the produce now will pay handsomely for all the expense incurred in raising the roots. Mushrooms i.n" sheds. — We are now cutting Mushrooms from several beds in sheds, and they are excellent ; but as we are now in the dead of winter, and the weather very trying for them, I would advise that the hay or straw which covers the surface of the bed be changed once or twice a week, and the new covering should always be dry and upwards of I foot in thickness. The covering Dec. 18, 1886.J THE GARDEN. 573 which is taken off will be moist, and it may be shaken out and dried before being used again. Should any of the surfaces of the beds be dry, water th»ni well with water heated to '.I.")" ; but as the smooth surface does not take in the water readily, it should be watered four or five times over, at intervals of live minutes or more. This watering will make beds which are ceasing to bear begin anew and produce a sscond crop, in many cases almost as good as tlie first ; and should any bed become so dry before bearing as to check this occurring at the proper time, a good watering will generally cause the spawn to move rapidly, and the Mushrooms to appear at once. FoRciN-(; RiiuBARis. — In many gardens Rhubarb roots are too numerous, as three parts of the produce go to waste. In early summer Rhubarb is generally a "drug in the market;" but it is not .'ij now, and all who have .surplus roots ought to force them, as being the most profitable way in which to utilise tliem. If any old casks or boxes are turned upside down over the crowns, and the whole surrounded with 4 ft. or .") ft. of fermenting material, the produce will be fit for use in three weeks. At one time we placed a cask upside down over a Rhubarb crown with the view of forcing it, but no means were provided for the escape of the steam and the root was killed. Since then we have always been careful to allow a little ventilation on the top of whatever covered our forced Rhubarb, and all who force vegetables must observe this. Large r. Button Mushrooms. — Cooks will always have their way, and when they ask for Button Mushrooms they must be supplied ; but, in my opinion, the plan of using small quarter- grown Mushrooms in preference to those more fully developed is a great mistake. The little lOind knobs may be convenient for some dishes, bat the que-tion of flavour should be considered. Those Filbert-like Mushrooms generally termed " Buttons'' are almost flavourless, but if allowed to remain for a few days longer, until they measure .'i inches or 4 inches acro.-s, and are thick and fresh, they are simply delicious, and no more li'e the insipid Buttons than a Turnip is like a Pine- Apple. I know some good judges of Mushrooms who always help themselves to the largest when the dish is handed round. The flavour of fully- developed specimens cannot be surpas.sed. Let your readers put this matter to a practical test, and they need not tell me what their verdict will be. December .sowx Peas. — As a rule, Peas sown in autumn are put in during jSTovember, but Decem- ber is an equally good month in which to £0w them. Those put in about Christmas succeed admirably as a rule, and the sowing of early Peas should be very geneial at this time. They will not be through the ground until about the end of January, nor will they be very tall by March, but they will be robust and ready to grow away freely in April, and hei'e rests the secret of their success. The ground in which they are sown should be rich and well exposed to the sun. Narrow drills answer best at this season, and the seed should be sown a little thicker than in summer ; but, apart from this, their sowing now may be done in the same way as at other times. DiooiN'O AND trenciiixi: are too seldom done in winter, and the habit of digging over the ground a few hours before sowing or planting is t03 common. Winter weather, especially frosty weather, helps the soil wonderfully, but neither wind nor anything else can penetrate far down when the surface is like a road, and if the full benefits arising from frost-pulverisation are to be secured, the surface should be made as porous as possible. Trenching and I'ough digging are the best means of etlacting this ; therefore all vacant vegetable quarters should be turned up to the weather at once. Early Radishes. — These are the most easily grown of all early vegetables. A gentle hotbed is the best place for them. A bed '2 feet in height will suit them ; soil to the depth of 4 inches or 5 inches should be put on the top of this, or inside a frame furnished with a glass light, and here they will grow freely and at once. The soil is in best condition for them when very poor, as a rich soil at this season only causes them to make a superabundance of foliage and very small or no bulbs. It is almost impossible to have the foil too firm, as they do not bulb freely in light material, and a firm, poor soil is undoubtedly the best for Radishes during any of the winter months, more particularly where they are confined and apt to be drawn up, as they always are in frames. Green Mint. — Where a quantity of the shoots were cut in August or September with their leaves on and dried they will now be much valued in the kitchen ; but green Mint is acceptable at all times, and it is not a ditfieult matter to have a supply of it in winter, as if the roots are lifted and put into pots or boxes with a little soil over them, and then placed in a temperature of 70", young shoots will soon appear, and they will push up rapidly until quantities of them may be cut frequently. Cnii'ORV. — This is the midwinter friend of all who are deficient of Lettuces and Endive, as it can be forced into full leaf in a very short time, and it is e-\cellent for filling the salad bowl. The roots are like those of miniature Parsnips, and they should be dug up and potted in tens or twelves in iS-inch and 10-inch pots. They should then be placed in bottom-heat and in a dark place, and the young leaves, which will soon appear in abundance, will be as delicate as the centre of a well-blanched Lettuce. Where there is no dark place in which to force them, another flower-pot the same size as that in which the roots are potted should be inverted over the crowns. Kidney Beans in tots. — The present is a good time for sowing these for fruiting in February or March. As a rule it takes from ten to twelve weeks for them to come into bearing after sowing at this season of the year, and wherever there is space and heat to accommodate a few, they should be put in, as open-air vegetables generally become scarce in February and Slarch, and kidney Beans then aio much valued. Osborn's variety, which was such a favourite at one time for forcing, has been supplanted by Cooling's Ne Plus Ultra, which is equally dwarf in growth, more proIiSc, and has longer pods. It is also quite as early. The best of all ways of sowing dwarf Beans at the present time is to fill a number of .'i inch pots half full of good soil ; put eight or ten Beans into each, and fill up with more soil; then place them in a temperature of 0.5° or 70". They do not require much water until the young plants are in leaf, and as soon as the pots are well filled with roots and the plants are 5 inches high, they should be transferred to larger pots. Each lot may be re-potted into a G-inch pot, or three lots may be put into a 0 inch pot. They enjoy moderately rich soil, and they should be kept near the glass and fully in the light. J. MriR. Margam. Potatoes. — It would, I think, be useful to obtain before planting time a list of the varieties of the Potato specially adapted to different soils and situations, for it is true of this vegetable, as of others, that different conditions have a great deal to do with successful culture. I find that Myatt's Ashleaf, Covent Carden, Magnum Bonum, and Red-skin Flour-ball in their respective seasons cannot be beaten in our light soil. We also grow a few of the Beauty of Hebron to succeed the Ashleaf for early digging, and this is certainly a tirst-class Potato. It is not, however (except in cropping qualities), equal to Covent Garden. This last I look upon as about the very best mid-season Potato in cultivation ; there are certafnly varieties that crop more heavily, but for the table it cannot well be surpassed. Magnum Bonum turns out well with us. It is good alike in sizs, shape, numbers, and flavour, and has nothing of the closeness that is sometimes a characteristic per- taining to it on heavy soils. This is one of the Potatoes that vary wonderfully in different soils. I have tasted samples (true) from heavy and from light ground, and found that it could not be recognised as the same variety. Red-skin Flour- ball is the best keeper we have ; it thoroughly bears out its name, and is a very heavy cropper. Of other varieties that have been tried from time to time I may mention Schoolmaster, Bidfont Prolific, Woodstock Kidney, White Elephant, Cosmopolitan, Idaho, and Reading Hero. Of these Schoolmaster and White Elephant are the best, but they are not likely to oust the varieties tirst named by me. Cosmopolitan and Idaho are failures, and Reading Hero is not equal to Flour- ball.— E. B. AMERICAN TOMATOES. Are these in any way superior to those raised in this country? I have tried nearly all of them, including Cardinal, Acme, Beauty, Livingstone's Perfection, and the Yellow Trophy, and can con- fidently a.s.'sert that we have better kinds of English origin than any of them. The Yellow- Trophy is simply worthless ; no one would eat such a flavourless sort it any other were forth- coming. All the other sorts named possess the qualifications enumerated by Mr. T. D. Hatfield (p. ."127), but solidity I hold to be objectionable. We like Tomatoes to bo of medium size, thin- skinned to a certain extent, perfectly shaped, and prolific, but they ought not to be too solid — this implying seeds few and solid core to be in the ascendant. The pulpy matter surrounding the seeds is really the best portion of the fruit —at least, such I believe to be the ease— and this is not very plentiful in the majority of the American sorts. In addition to those above named, I have grown Pennsylvania Chief, Mayflower, Yick's Criterion, and King Humbert, all being sent me at different times in packets from America. They were more or less prolific, according to the treat- ment given, though not remarkably prolific ; while in flavour they were inferior to Carter's Perfection and the Dwarf Orangefield, and r.ot superior in any way to Hackwood Park, Dedhtm Favourite, Reading Perfection, or Ilathavvay's Excelsior. The latter was, I believe, the firet American introduction to this country, and th's e.xcellent variety was one of the progenitors of a new race of English-raised Tomatoes. Trophy, the red form, also an American, has done me good service as an exhibition variety in times past, but it required extra good treatment to bring it to perfection, and unless the blooms were particu- larly well fertilised and selected, the fruits wtre liable to be both very ugly and very solid. Trophy, or its synonym, Stamfordian, is now fast going out of cultivation, and its place is be;ng taken by one of the Perfections that have cropf ed up. The new Mikado I have not tried, and ihe description given will not tempt me to grow it. W. loCifLDEN. PLANTING OUT V. POT CULTURE. There are, as is well known, many plants that bloom in winter and spring that are greatly bene- fited by putting them out in the open ground dur- ing the summer months. One of the greattit advantages conferred by this system is that it enables a comparatively inexperienced person (o succeed in the growth of a plant which he wou'd have a difficulty in bringing to perfection by pet culture. Berry bearing Solanums, Bouvardiaf, and Arum Lilies are instances in point; it re- quires a considerable amount of care and much labour to grow such plants into strong, well de- veloped specimens with their roots confined in pots all through the growing season. True, we have resources in the shape of concentrated ma- nures, but judicious, timely feeding is often, through pressure of work, neglected. Perhaps no cultivated plant feels want of nutriment moro acutely than the Chrysanthemum. It is naturally a gross feeder, and the naked condition of to many plants that one sees in private gardens ia due to absence of food at some period of growth. I was looking some time since at a collection of Chrysanthemums, and I could not help coming to the conclusion that the grower had given himself 574 THE GARDEN. much pains to little purpose. The plants bore in- dividually about a dozen blooms of fair quality, but they were defoliated halfway up the stems. There are doubtless good reasons for growing Chrysanthemums in pots, and it is probable that fine exhibition flowers cannot well be obtained in any other way. But the Chrysanthemum grower who needs good specimens bearing an abundance of well-developed blooms and clothed with healthy green foliage down to the soil may certainly go to work in an easier way than by keeping liis plants in pots all through the growing season. Of all flowering plants with which I am acquainted, the Chrysanthemum bears transplanting best. With ordinary care, plants taken up from the open ground when the buds are beginning to burst will show no signs of removal. Few who have written on Chrysanthemum culture appear to have given the jilanting-out system much atten- tion. In the course of time I, however, venture to predict that for all ordinary purposes it will be the system generally followed. Last spring I planted out about .300 of a late white Chrysanthemum. They remained in the open ground until housing time, and were then carefully lifted and planted again in a light house. I shall begin cutting from them at Christmas, and througli January they will yield about 7000 blooms of fair average quality. Taking the cultural ex- penses into calculation, I am sure that they will pay me much better than if they had been grown in pots, in which, moreover, they would not have made such good specimens. The old stools were very weakly; they were taken up from the open ground late in autumn, and many of the shoots through overcrowding were blanched. They were wintered in a cold frame, and it was late in spring before they were ready for propagation. At that time there was not one cutting on them that a Chrysanthemum grower would like to have used. They were pulled to pieces and were planted out late in April G in. apart. Some of the suckers were very spindly and had very few roots. I had no great hopes of their doing much good, but by the end of the autumn they developed into bushes 4 feet high, each carrying after dis- budding on an average three dozen blooms. All the attention they had when growing was an occasional soaking, and in very hot weather a sprinkling overhead. Just to illustrate how indifferent the Chrysan- themum is to root-disturbance, I may mention that, as the plants got too thick, one-half of them were transplanted when about 2 feet high. The weather at the time was very dry, accompanied by an unusually parching wind. I should not have voluntarily chosen such a time for moving them, but I was afraid of their spoiling. A few stakes were put in with cross pieces tied to them, on which canvas was laid to keep off the hot sun. Twice a day they were syringed. In the course of a fortnight they needed no further care, and not a leaf discoloured. A friend came in one day and was surprised to be told that plants so large had been moved without sustaining a check. There seems indeed to bono danger attending the lifting of Chrysanthemums at any period of their growth. The good results of planting out are certainly most marked in the case of plants of a gioss- growing character, and which have to attain con- siderable dimensions before they have much decorative worth. Arum Lilies, Habrothamnuses, and Abutilons are instances in point. The two last-mentioned are comparatively of but little value in a small state. It ia only when they come into tolerably large pots they give an idea of their worth. Only those who are utterly regardless of labour and time would think of growing these in pots through the summer. Put into a rich bit of ground and given a mulch of manure, they will make good growth, with the aid only of an occa- sional soaking with water. With respect to Arum Lilies, everyone knows what planting out does for them. Cyclamens can be grown much more easily planted out in a frame for the summer than kept in pots, and many would get good plants in this way who cannot get on with them under pot culture. I have grown Cyclamens as large as a small Cabbage in this way, the roots being so numerous that I could hardly get them into an S-inch pot. I could never get them so good wholly under pot culture, and they required only about one- tenth the labour to grow them. Most readers of The G.\rdex have seen the Belgian-grown Azaleas that annually come in such quantities to this country and noted the ampli- tude of their foliage and generally robust appear- ance. It is a free root-run in congenial soil that gives this, and experience has proved that we can grow them equally well in this country by the same method. It is as well to mention that planting out Azaleas for the summer is a common practice in Belgium. Even quite large specimens are treated in this way — if not every year, now and then — which gives them renewed vigour. The difference in the appearance between plants that [Dec. 18, 1886. The Dove Orchid (Peristeria elata). have been in the open ground and those that have been grown along in the ordinary way is great enough to warrant the practice. Passing once through Van Houtte's nursery at Ghent, I was shown two lots of large Azaleas, one of which had been planted out ; the other had been grown in pots. The difference between the two was so great as to make one wonder that Azaleas should ever be kept in pots all through the summer. Cape Heaths are amongst the most unlikely things one would think of treating in this manner, but it is a rather common practice to grow them thus in some parts of the Continent. I have seen the free-growing, soft-wooded kinds brought to good-sized specimens in a short time in this way. Coming to fine-leaved plants, there is no com- parison between those that get an unlimited amount of food and such as have the roots con- fined in pots. Ficuses, the coloured Di-actenas, and some other things are largely and successfully cultivated in this way in Germany. The finest lot of India-rubber plants and Dracaena terminalis I ever saw was planted out in span-roofed frames on a bed of fermenting material in spring, to be lifted carefully and potted in September. One advantage of this way of growing them is that one can get large plants in small pots, as, when taken up, the greater portion of the soil can be worked away from the roots, which are crammed into pots just large enough to contain them. With ordinary care they soon strike root again, and are then equal to root-bound plants. Very good crops of Strawberries may be had from plants that have been grown liberally in the open ground, and are taken up and potted in October, keeping them in frames until wanted for forcing. This plan will not do, however, for early work ; for this purpose the plants must be well esta- blished in their pots by the end of the autumn. For late crops it answers admirably. I have gathered much fine fruit in this way with com- paratively little trouble. Whether planting out or pot culture is the better plan entirely depends upon the purpose to which the plants are to be put. Plants that have to be sub- jected to anything like a forcing temperature should get no check of any kind, and they cannot have the pots too full of active fibres at the beginning of the winter. If Azaleas are required to be in bloom at the beginning of the year, they must be pot-bound when placed in warmth ; and all kinds of plants that have to bear rough treat- ment should be similarly circumstanced. For this reason market growers do not favour planting out, as their customers soon complain if the plants do not "stand well." There is the check that a plant experiences when brought to market, which, added to a change of atmospheric conditions and more or less unskilful treatment, soon takes the life out of it, unless the vital forces are at a high point. A newly-potted plant at the dull season of the year needs more judgment in watering than the average window gardener possesses, and one over- dose of water will suffice to ruin a plant in that condition. The moral to be drawn from this is that planting out is a useful auxiliary to, but cannot entirely supersede, pot culture. J. CORNIIILL. Orchids. THE DOVE ORCHID. (peristeria elata.) From time to time various Orchids have been placed in this genus, Init all are now removed from it to the nearly allied family Acineta. The plant in question is a vigorous grower; the pseudo-bulbs are ovate, pale green, and bear from three to five large, prominently ribbed leaves, which attain a height of 4 feet or more. The tlower-steni is erect, longer than the leaves, rising from the base of the growths, and bears flowers on about one-third of its length. The e are somewhat gloliose, thick, and waxy in tex- ture, delicately fragrant, and creamy white in colour, more or less freckled with lilac. The resemblance of the column of the flower to a little dove with expanded wings led its first discoverers to name it El Spirito Santo, or the Holy Ghost plant. To flower it satisfactorily it requires strong heat and abundance of moisture, lioth as regards its roots and in the atmosphere during the growing season ; but after the growtli is mature, water sliould be entirely withheld and the temperature reduced. It is a native of Central America. W. H. G. Winter Orchids. — Amongst the numerous Orchids now in flower at Kew, the following are well worthy of notice by those who wish to keep their plant houses attractive at this time of year. Amongst those content with cool treatment may be noted numerous forms of Lycaste Skinneri, the large wax-like flowers of which are so beautiful ; Odontoglossum crispum and 0. Rossi majus, species now largely used for button-holes. Onci- diums are represented by the small-flowered, yet elegant, 0. cheirophorum, 0. aureum, and 0. Jonesi- Dec. is, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 575 anum, the lovely coloured flowers of which appear to be highly appreciated, judging by the quantity of them now in the market. Lady's Slippers are also now in great beauty, and the length of time during which their flowers endure should com- mend them to all lovers of Orchids ; the most noticeable of these are t'ypripedium insigne, in masses ; C calurum, C. Roezli, C porphyreum, and the chaste I'. Spicerianum, the large white upper sepal of which is in some forms slightly flushed with violet, and peculiarly attractive. Amongst Ij;L>lias, the Mexican L. autumnalis, L. an- ceps, and its variety, Barkeriana, are well repre- sented. Of scarlet-flowered Orchids, there are tine examples of Sophronitis grandiflora, the curious Ornithidium Sophronitis and the rosy red Mesospinidium vulcanicum. Amongst blue flowers is the lovely Vanda c:vrulea and Zygopetalum Mackayi ; the white Masdevallia tovarensis is flowering most profusely; whilst M. ignea and M. C'helsoni are likewise in good condition. Calan- thes have evidently felt the ill effects of the late fogs. Some other Orchids are flowering out of season, notably a line example of Sac- colabium Blumei majus, T'endrobium formosum giganteum, and Miltonia Moreliana. Fine speci- mens of the Jladagascar Angnecums — eburneum antl eburneum virens — bear numerous spikes of inverted white flowers, whilst the West African Ansellia africana, with its greenish flowers, richly banded with chocolate-brown, is well represented. EASTERN ORCHID CLIMATES. TiiK information gathered as to the conditions influencing the growth of Orchids is almost en- tirely due to experiments made by gardeners. In a few cases, to be sure, a new species or variety is collected by some one who gives full details of the climate in which he has found the plant, but only rarely. You consult some standard authority, and are tantalised by being informed that your species is a native of India, or a part of India, as Assam or Burmah, which are spoken of as though they were elimatological hen-coops. In the latter country, the surveys which will soon be instituted will undoubtedly give greater elevations than have hitherto been quoted, but even in the por- tions long since known, the elevations vary from the sea to (idOO feet above it. Take Assam, again, and we have places such as Gowhatty, I'M feet above the sea, and the Upper Phoongan-Boom, l-''i,47-t feet above it. So, again, with Munnee- ])f)or, Jeree-Ghat is only l.'?l feet above the sea, while Kowho peak is .S20'2 feet above it. Similar elevations occur in Arracan, Cossyah, Chittagong, Sylhet, Nepaul, Neilgherries, Ceylon, Java, Dar- jeeling, the Himalayan regions, and even on many portions of the western Ghauts, and yet when speaking of the home of an Orchid, all that is deemed necessary is to say "India;" and all there is to do is to place it in the East India house. Now, let us look for a moment at a few of these East India climates, and see if it be likely that plants from there can all possibly flourish, or even exist, under one set of conditions. They do not flourish, nor can they. It is singular enough that Orchids from the western hemisphere have to some extent been divided into tropical, inter- mediate and cool, a division requiring a very great deal of revision, no doubt, while those from India are almost all regarded as tropical. How untrue it all is, I hope the following table of elevations and temperatures will show : — KIcvatioD, Jan. temp. JiUj' temp. feet. Fab. Fah. Lat. Calcutta 70° S6^' Assam 134 SO S3 l'7 N. Muuucepoor 25tO iS 79 2-1 N. Chot^i-Nagpoor . . 2010 (52 77 Cossy; Jl 4200 .'.3 72 Nalliee-tal b2C0 42 W Darjculing 7000 40 li4 ,, Simla SOOO 40 SO? [,][ Kotagherry OICO llO 70 lirs\ Ootacamuud ... soOO .05 01 11 n! Now, here is a range of climates which embrace all the varieties of Orchid house temperatures, and Vandas and Aerides, Saccolabiums and Den drobes are found, in the shape of one species or another, in nearly all of them; yet in our very best places everything goes into the "Orchid house," or into the "Vanda house," or the " Den- drobe house." I do not know anything which would be of more use to Orchid growers than a conspectus of the popular species of each country, with the elevations at which each is found, and the amount and season of the rainfall. Who will compile it? — .Tames MacPiieeson, in Connlry O'enlleman. Iselia albida bella.— This form produces much larger flowers than those of the original L. albida, and the colour is also richer and more intense. The sepals and petals are creamy white and waxy in texture, tipped with rose or rosy lilac. The lip, which is yellow, is deep orange in the throat ; whilst the middle lobe is broadly margined with rich magenta. It is a charming Mexican Orchid, suitable for block culture. We recently saw it in the Marks Tey Nursery. LaBlia praestans. — This beautiful dwarf-grow- ing Brazilian Lalia is now flowering in profusion in Messrs. Horsman's Marks Tey Nursery, Col- chester. It is a charming plant for block culture in a cool house. It somewhat resembles Cattleya marginata, but is a much better growing plant, and, as regards its blooms, it is abundantly dis- tinct. The short, stem-like pseudo-bulbs produce a single-flowered spike, the flowers being from 3 inches to 4 inches across. The sepals and petals are deep rose. The lip, which is broadly margined with deep velvety purple, has a yellow throat. It is an extremely beautiful Orchid for blooming at Christmas. Lselia anceps. — Amongst hundreds of spikes of this fine old Mexican Orchid, now bearing flowers and buds in the Marks Tey Nursery, Col- chester, there are some very beautiful forms, espe- cially the variety Percivaliana, numerous plants of which are carrying about a dozen spikes. The sepals and petals are about the same shade of rosy lilac as the normal form, but the lip is more beau- tiful ; it is much broader in front, and the colour is deep purplish magenta, suff'used with mauve, streaked with lines of deep purple, and crested with yellow. The rare variety copcinea has ex- tremely rich, dark-coloured flowers. Many other forms are also in great beauty just now, espe- cially L. anceps atro-rubens. Aganisia cserulea. — This i.s a charming little Oichid, the flower of which measures 1 finches across, and resembles in shape .somewhat a gigantic bloom of Calauthe masuca ; the exterior of the sepals and petals are about the same blue ai that of Vanda cierulea ; interiorly they are slightly paltr ; the lip is reddish brown. A specimen has been sent to us by Mr. W. Holland Linwuod, Mossley Hill, Liver- pool, who says : " It is evident that the plant will prove easy to grow in a warm, damp atmosphere, and from it-! peculiar colour should prove a v.'vluable ac- quisition to our gardens." Dendrobium nobile. — I send you a flowering bulb of Dendrobium nobile to show you how beauti- ful the blooms are at this dull seasou of the year. I find if the plants are grown in an ordinary greenhouse through the summer months up till about the middle of October, and then put in a temperature of about CO", they will be in flower by Christmas. The Cypri- pediums have been grown in just the same way; they are in good health and full of flower. — George JlU'P, Brantriihjc Park, lUdcomhc. *,* The Dendrobium represents an excellent va- riety, and is flowering upon this season's growth, with the leaves ftill fresh upon it. The Cypripe diums are ordinary forms of C. insigne and venustum. —Ed. Angrsecum bilobum.— The plant referred to under this name in The Garuen (p. Titii) i.^, I pre- sume, the variety known as A. bilobum Kirki, a much smaller plant th.an Lindley's A. bilobum, figured in the Botanical liccjlsUr, 1S41, t. 45. Of this plant, which is a native of West Africa, some fine examples existed in the Kew collection upwards of twenty years ago. The leaves are intensely green on the upper side, and deeply notched at the apex. The .sjuke is decumbent, and bears from nine to twelve flowers, some 'Z inches across ; the colour is creamy white and the lip has a long slender spur at its base. This species blooms during the autumn and winter months, and lasts in perfection a considerable time. It was by no means uncommon a few years back in collections of Orchids, but it seems to have been pushed on one side by the more recently intro'Iuced and showier kinds. — X. Z. A grand new Orchid. — One of the finest new Orchids that have appeared in London for a long time was sold at Stevens' Rooms on Thursday last. It is named Catasetum Bungeroti, and is, without doubt, the finest of the genus. In growth it strongly re- sembles the other species, the bulbs being spindle- shaped, terminated by a tuft of ribbed leaves. The flower-spike, which is produced from the base of tfce bulb, is borne almost horizontally. The blossoms measure about 4 inches across, and the whole flower is waxy white flushed with green. The shape of the flower is different from that of most other Orchids, but the labellum resembles that of Angrsecum eburneum in shape, except that in the centre there is a deep cavity formed by the spur, and which is coloured with bright orange-red. Six flowers were borne on the spike of the specimen in bloom, and were a great attraction to orchidists. Three plants were sold ; the largest fetched 50 guineas, the other two •32 guineas and 20 guineas. The plants came, we believe, from M. Linden, of Ghent. Another high- piiced Orchid was also sold on Thursday. This wiS a finely-flowered specimen of OJontoglo.ssum crispum Stevensi, wliich fetched 80 guineas. It is a very handsome variety, the large, bold flowers being white, heavily blotched with chestnut-brown. Dendrobium nobile nobilius, a small plant with two leads, fetched \i\ guineas, and Cojlogyne cristata alba was sold for 10^ guineas. WILD rtmMS OF TUBEROUS SOLANUMS.* TiiR well marked distinct species of tuber-bearing Solauuni ai'e five iu number, and are all natives of America, viz. : — 1. Solanum tuberosum, including numerous sub- species and varieties ; 2, S. Commersoni; 3, S. cardio- phylluni ; 4, S. .Taniesi ; 5, S. oxycarputn. The Potato of cultivation originated from the first, I will say a few words about the others and then re- turn to this one, S. tuberosum. 2. S. CoMlIERSONI id a native of Uruguay, Bueuos Ayres, and the Argentine territory, iu rocky, arid situations at a low level. It is a dwarfer plant than tuliorosum, with small, oblong, obtuse, subequal leaflets and larger flowers, with a corolla always pale lilac, and deeply cleft. It has been cultivated successfully iu France, but is probably too sub-tropi- cal in its climatic needs to he adapted for our own country. 3. S. c.iRnioPHYr.LUM is more hko some of the tuberosum forms iu general habit, but the corolla is difleront iu structure. It is a native of the highlands of Central Mexico at an elevation of 8000 feet to 0000 feet above the sea level. It was cultivated many years ago in tlie Chiswick Gardens, but is not in this country now, aud no record seems to have l^een left about the shape, size, aud quality of its tubers. 4. S. Jamesi is a northern type, being a native of the mountains of Colorado, New Mexico, aud Arizc>na. It is very different from the cultivated Potato iu size and habit, much dwarfer, with obloug acute sub-equal leaflets, aud small pale flowers with a deeply cut corolla. It has been grown at Kow aud many other places iu England. The tubers are very palatable, but 1 have never seen them larger than marbles. 5. S- 0XYCAUPU.M. — Of this I have never seen even dried specimens, and know it only from a drawing. It is like .lamesi iu general habit, and differs very much from all the others in its fruit, which is oblong and sharp - pointed, heuce its name. It is a native of Central Mexico, and the flowers and tubers have never beeu described. Tuberosum, usiug the name so as to include under it all the tuberous-rooted Solanums with short deltoid segments of the corolla, extends down the western side of the American continent, from the Rocky * A paper read at the Tercentenary Conference, December 2, 1886, by J. G. Baker, F,R.S. 576 THE GARDEN. \Dec. 18, 1886. Mountains in latitude 30° north, to the Chonos Archi- pelago, off the coast of Patagonia, in latitute45° south, so that it is spread over a latitudinal range of 75°. Within this area we get no less than sixteen fonns, so far different from one another that they have been named by some one or other botanical wi-iter as distinct species. They are not. however, species in any com- prehensive sense. They all coincide in the general characters of tuber, leaf, inflorescence, flower and fruit ; tuberosum, therefore, is one of those poly- morphic vegetable types of which we have examples in the Old World in Eosa canina, Kubus fructicosus, Nar- ciesns pseudo-Narcissus, and Nephiodium Filix-mas. The case is very similar to what we have in England in the genus Eubus. Chania3morus, Idojus, and saxatilis are well marked, definitely bounded, and clearly cha- racterised types. In the tuberous Solanums, Com- mersoni, cardiophyllum, Jamesi, and oxycarpum are the distinct types, and tuberosum, like Rubus fruti- eosus, a comprehensive species in the sense of Bentham and Hooker, a group of closely allied species in the sense of Dnnal and Babingtou. The extreme forms look very different from one another when they are placed^ side by side, but if the whole series is taken there is no very decided gap to be found in any one character, but between the extreme types we get gradual intermediate stages of gradation. In the pre- sent case the principal differences between the sixteen forms lie in the robustness of growth and hairiness of the whole plant, the shape and nimiber of the leaflets, the absence or presence of little leaflets intercalated on the leaf axis between the big ones ; the shape of the calyx and segments, and the colour of the corolla. Al- though the Potato has been cultivated in Eui'ope for 300 years, iu point of fact we know extremely little that is trustworthy about the alterations that may be produced in tLesj characters by change of climate and soil. On the present occasion I will enumerate them geographically, referring those interested iu the matter for botanical details to a paper which I published in vol. XX. of the Journal of the TJiinean Socictij (pp. ■459—507), with six plates. Chili. — The Chilian types are Maglia, etuberosum, Bridgesi, and Fernandeziaaum. We have had Maglia at Kew since 1802. It differs from etuberosum by its fewer leaflets, intercalated little leaflets absent or scarcely present, hispid peduncle, and white flowers. It is abundant on the coast near Valparaiso. A closely allied form was found by Darwin in the Chonos Archipelago. Etubero.sum is very little different from the cultivated Potato in leaf and flower. When it was flrst described it was said to have no tubers at all, but in a plant I saw last summer, grown at the Edinburgh Botanic Garden under the name, tubers were present. Feruandezianum comes from the island of Juan Fernandez. It looks very like the ordinary cultivated Potato. Bridgesi is a high Andine form with numerous narrow leaflets and obtuse calyx segments. Andes of Peru, Euc.^dob, Bolivi.i, .\ndColu.mbh. — In Peru a plant is widely spread which quite agrees with the common cultivated Potato. This I will therefore call eu-tuberosum, as I think it best to keej^ the name tuberosum for the whole group, and have a. separate name for each of the distinguishable forms. The drawing of it which I now exhibit was made from a plant gathered by Matthews on the rocky hills of Amancaes, near Lima. Whether this eu-tuberosum is really native in Peru I am not able to say with cer- tainty, but I should think this is most likely. The other named Andine forms are Mandoni. immite, columbiauuui, and valenzuela?, none of which have been seen alive in Europe. Mexico. — The Mexican types are verrucosum, suaveolens, stoloniferum, demissum, utile, and squamu- losum. .Verrucosum was cultivated for several years on a large scale near Geneva, but was not able to compete with eu-tuberosum, and was abandoned. Suaveolens was once grown at Kew, but we have not got it now. Demissum was described by Lindley from specimens grown at Chiswick. Of stoloniferum I have seen jjlants grown at Leipsic. Squamulosum and utile I know from descriptions alone. EocKY MoiiNT.MNS. — Here we get Fendleri. the most northern of the tuberosum varieties. It is much dwarfer and weaker than eu-tuberosum, with three to seven thin, ovate, sub-acute leaflets, intercalated leaflets few or none, and few-flowered cymes. What i.s the economic value of its tubers still remains to be tested. I take the names as I find tbeui in the botanical books. I do not mean to say that I can undertake to identify sixteen sub-species and varieties. Taking eu- tuberosum as the type, Maglia and Fendleri, the two geographical extremes, look to me to recede from it most. All that I know aljout their characters and localities I have given in the paper to which I have already referred. I wish much that some one would monograph these tuberous Solanums in the same thorough way that Mr. George Maw has just mono- graphed the Crocuses. We do not even know clearly whether eu-tuberosum, the common cultivated escu- lent so freely disjilayed on the tables in front of us, be really an original type, or a form produced by the agency of man ; and in investigating the relations to it of the other tifteen tuberosum forms, there is scope for the labour of a lifetime. I leave to those who are better ciualitiod than myself the task of thinking out what are the practical deductions to be drawn from these facts. — Qardeners' Chronicle. Garden Destroyers. INSECTS ON FRUIT TREES. All fruit trees infested with insects in summer will be sure to retain many of them throughout the winter, as although some of them may fall off with the leaves, those on the wood are not so easily detached, and in spring begin their depre- dations anew. Thrip.s and greenfly are foliage pests, but scale and American blight cling to the wood, and it is these two that ought to be ex- terminated in the winter-time when the foliage is off the branches. Scale and American blight are not easily destroyed. Frost and severe weather have no effect on them, and, as a rule, they in- crease in numbers spring after spring until the tree suffers greatly in health. Those who know the advantages of keeping their trees free from insects will be only too glad to adopt any measure which will act either as a prevention or a cure. Of all the insecticides we have tried for killing American blight and scale we have found none to equal petroleum. No fruit-tree insect can survive a good dose of it properly applied. American blight is absolutely consumed by it, and scale drops off in quantities. The best way of using petroleum is to add one pint of it to six gallons of hot water, and a piece of washing soda about the size of an egg; stir it all well up, and then syringe the trees with it. In applying it, many are in- clined to syringe it as forcibly as they can, but that is useless, as hard syringing will never kill insects, while a ereat deal of the mixture is lost in the operation. If it is syringed gently, just to moisten the branches, it is equally, or indeed more, effective than when applied with force. In the case of wall trees, it may be syringed on them in such a way as to moisten the wall and damp the joints between the stones or bricks, as many insects lurk in such spots. The petroleum may be allowcil to remain on the trees five minutes ; it should then be syringed off with water heated to '.10°. One dressing of this kind is quite suffi- cient to clean the worst affected trees, and with such a simple remedy at hand no one ought to allow their trees to be infested with insects of any kind. C'.\MBKWN-. storing. Hardly are the nuts fairly formed when they are devoured, the major portion of the soft shell and its spongy contents being cleared off, while the kernel is a mere rudimentary speck in the centre of the mass. The squirrels are too wise to store these nuts in embryo, and too im- patient to wait till they are tit for storing, as a rule, though some of the more sage squirrels do make goodly stores of prime nuts when they come upon them. Mice and rats, however, are more diligent in transporting and storing supplies when they find them, but, with a short-sighted fatuity that defeats its purpose, they heap up choice food, offal, and excrements in such heterogenous mixtures, as to hasten decomposition and render the contents of their granaries too offensive for the unsavoury palates of such rodents. Such modes of storing, of which most horticulturists have had all too many examples, seem to reveal a fault in the instinct of these destructive rodents. For it can hardly bo that they steal and carry away our choice Nuts, seeds, and fruits for sheer love of mischief, and without reference to the abundant supply of their own future wants. And yet their storing is so filthy and faulty, that their stores speedily become uneatable, or are trans- formed into loathsome masses of corruption even more useless to the thieves than to the losers of the stolen property. Hortcs. QUESTIONS. 5j::.j.— Nigritella angrustifolia. — I'au any reader in- form me wliere a little Orchid called Nigritella aDgustifolla is to be obtained ? -J. H. 5530. — Daisies on la'wns. — Will some one kindly tell me the best way of getting rid of Daisies on a lawn? — B. L. Allm.w. ;.53V.— Spent Hops for pottlngr.-Can any reader inform me if refuse Ib^pa cau bj used, or if it is advi.siible to put them to an3' use in a garden, more especially for pot plants? — C. EliwABPS. SQUIRRELS. I OBSERVE that "G." omits Strawberries in his list of fruits devoured by squirrels ; but for many years in our gardens they have done far more mis- chief among these than amongst Cherries, Apricots, or Peaches. Next to Filberts and Nuls, Straw- berries seem to be their favourite fruit, and they climb ourCherry-clothed walls in their way to these, and mostly leave the Cherries alone. A couple of squirrels among the Strawberries are something to shudder over and dream about. They cut the entire truss over as if with sharp scissors, even in many cases where there is no ripe fruit, as if in very wantonness, and thus destroy many quarts in a single night, and once they find Strawberries nothing but prompt destruction will arrest their ravages. It is impossible to net fruit, for I have seen them cut their way through double or treble nets with a dog at their heels as rapidly as if slashed with a sharp knife. In regard to nut- storing, itc, the wisdom and provident provision of the squirrel have been greatly exaggerated; for where squirrels abound they destroy all the nuts months before there are any kernels worth SHORT NOTES— VARIOUS. Iiilac-like Privet (^. ir. 1'.).— You probably mean the Cliincse Privet (Ligustrum sinense). Double seedllngr Primulas (/. Cyuu-f:shanl.).~¥ine flower.s of a pretty variety, but not superior to the best sorts of double Chinese Primulas sent out a few years ago. White Cineraria ( T. Straltor,) — The flowers represent a really fine, pure white Oinerai-ia, the petals being of good shape and substance. It will undoubtedly be an acquisi- tion, being dwarf and early. Lathyrus Drummondi.— -Vs I judge, from notes iu Tnv: G.\hoi:n, that some of its routers have not been-able t j procure this pretty and uncommon red-flowered Pea, I shall be very pleased to send some seeds of it to any of your readers who either failed to raise it before, or who wish to grow a very effective hardy Ijorder plant. I can send the seeds now on receipt of stamped addressed envelopes. — J. T. Poe, IiU'n, Xcna'jh. Dise'ised Eucharis.— I have sent a Eucharis bulb which, I am afraij, is attactced by the Eucharis mite. 1 should like to know if the mite is the cause of the mis- chief. The plants appeared to be in good health till within the last week or two.— R. J. W., Tht Hirmitarje, The Part; yottln;tltaiii. , i'he Eucharis bulb sent is undoubtedly infested with the bulb mite (Ithizoglyphus eehinops), remedies for which havo been recently given in the columns of The Garden. Auricula shows.— As this scctus to be the usual time for making show fixtures, I would like to make a suggestion to our Scotch friends. There is a considerable number of Auricula growers north of the Tweed, and I think a very creditable show might be got up if the matter is promptly tikon in hand. I would suggest Kdinburgh as the best centre for holding it, and Wednesday or Thursdtiy, May 11 and 1'2, as the best dates. I will undertake to send from thirty to fifty plants — not necessarily for competition. — W. tJTinTOX, .■initfiiUi, BiougU(y Ferrii. Names of plants.—^/. Sondeboxcli.—l, Eriocephalus racemosus ; -2, Osyris abyssiuica ; 3, Indigofera cytisoidea ; 4 n jt reeogni«ucd ; 5, Gerbsia asplenifoha ; 6, Osteospernmm nionilifemni : 7, Lobostemon frutieosus ; S, Hermannia sp. ; '.I, Araphithalea multitlora; 10. Gnidia pinifolia ; II, Bel- iuontia cord.ita ; Pi, Rhus sp. We should be glad to get good seeds of these plants, .and all others named for this eorre- spoudent. '. M'. ;(. -Specimens of Bpidendrum insuffi- cient ; send more det.vils and better examples. Names of fruits.— C. C.—-2, Doyenni du Cornice 14, Beiu-riS de Jonghe ; 9, not recognised; i, Winter Nclis. /. A. IK- Your Pear is Beurru DioL Ro inches diameter at the small end, and only quarter of an inch allowedoft'thegirthforbark, excepting in a few of the largest trees, when half an inch is deducted. We allow '21 per cent, discount on all our sales, which are cash transactions. I am still unable to test " Y.'s " figures as to the cost of removal by rail, for although he professes to deal closely with " details," and invites me to fol- low him, yet he neglects to say to what station in the wide distiict of South Yorkshire this Scar- borough (not Helmsley) timber was delivered I The cost of removal by road from the wood to the station is here between j'd. and .Sd. per foot, or rather less than what " Y," states in his first aiticle. " Y." also says (p. .").'!!) that the " Larch growers in North Y'ork'hire depend largely for their mar- ket on South Yorkshire." Now, I can only speak authoritatively for the estate with which I am connected, and so far from what " Y." states being the case, the opposite is more in accordance with the facts. Only a very small proportion of our Larch is taken to South Y'orkshire; nine-tenths of it goes north into the Cleveland district and county of Durham — The Fouester oy the Di'.m'iimi'.e Estate. Before " Another Forester " indulged in remarks upon other people's "amusing simplicity ' hs would havo done well just to have re-perused his own remarks before committing them to print, and tried to regard his own assumptions of wisdom with a grave face. Ilis little lecture about the Huctuation of prices, a subject familiar to any butcher's boy, he delivers as if the things he writes about had never occurred to anyone before, and all his arguments are based upon that assumption. This is what I call simplicity pure and simple. As it is probable that "Another Forester's " sale transactions are much fewer and smaller than our own, unle;a they are amongst the largest in England, readers may be left to judge whether he or I know our business best. As to the subject under discussion, the price of Larch and its valua- tion in certain districts, I have only to say that I may be a tritle under or above in the carriage rates by road or rail and such like costs, but I am certain that what was left out of the shilling after these were paid was the price the vendor received, for there was no change in prices in the interval between the forester's and the merchant's sales, and the latter did not sell without a profit. There is no " wild guessing " in the matter at all, and " Another Forester's " wild surmises in that direc- tion are therefore quite irrelevant. But the " reckoning-back " jrrccess is not my only ground of calculation. Some of the foresters in thelocalities referred to by me state both the number of trees and feet for sale, and in a sale that happened about a year ago I learned the exact amount of money the lots realised, and had only to reckon the average price per foot or ton straight off. It is no one's business, of course, as to what his neighbour sells at, but when one reads these long rigmaroles about the ditficulties of valuing and knows at the same time what is actually going on, one is apt to lose patience. There is more Larch to be sold where the last came from, and which will probably soon be set out, so I may be able to give you further and more exact particulars by- and-by. — Y'. GATHERING AND STORING TREE SEEDS. The best seeds are of course produced by fully fertile, healthy, vigorous trees growing not too close together in a favourable soil and situation. Very joung trees usually furni.sh a large proportion of barren seed, while very old or weakly trees yitld seeds which are not only difficult to keep, but also produce weak plants. Seeds ought to be ooUected only when they are ripe: such as are not fully ripe when taken off the tree do not possess the germinative faculty in the same degree as ripe setds, and, moreover, lose that faculty iiiucli iooner. The ripe fruits of some species han^ on the trees for a considerable lime, and such one need be in no hurry to harvest; but there are other species, the majority (f the seeds of which, with or without the rest of the fruit, are shed as soon as, or soon after, lipening. Among these are several kinds of deciduous Oaks, Silver Firs, Birch, &c. The collection of such seeds eiidently admits of no delay. Rainy weather ought, whenever possible, to be avoided for the collection of seeds, especially of such as are small ; but this prohibition, as a matter of course, does not extend to such setds as are to be sown at once, or, which comes to the same thing, as cannot under any circumstances be pre-erv(d. Hand-gatheiing from the treea is the most costly method, but is the only one applicable in the case of small or light fiuit, Hich, for example, as Elms Jl'ples, Ash, &c., or of small light seeds that escape from the rij e fruit still hanging on the tree, as those of the Deodar, Silvtr Fir, Birch, &c. The seed- collector must climb to the crown of the tree, with or without the help of a ladder, .as he cin best manage, and with a sack slung over his shoulder. What he cannot reach directly with his hand he mu-t draw to within arm's length of himself by means of a hook attached to the end of a light, but strong .sapling of sufficient length. Branches and bran jhlets break off less easily when drawn upwards than if pulled down- wards ; hence it is always advisable for the collector to climb up to the highest point he can attain and bet>in by plucking off the fruit hanging at the summit of the tree. Gathering seeds or fruits from the cr.jund after they have fallen from the trees is eco- nomical, and applies especially to large, heavy fruit which fall more or less perpendicularly, and which do not break up and allow the enclosed seed or seeds to disperse. To facilitate the fall of the seed or fruit, the branches of the trees may be shaken. When trees marked to fall witLia a year or so are che)3en as the seed-bearers, it may be found inconve- nient or impossible to fell the trees assujn as the fruit ripens. On account of the nature and small size of the fruit and seed, sh.aking the trees and picking the seeds from the ground may also be inapplicable, while hand picking would be unnecess.arily expensive, sir.ce tht-re is no reason fur sparing the fruit-bearing branchlejts and twigs of such tre-ts. The fruit may then be broken off singly or in bunches with the ai i of a strong hook forming a sharp angle of about 30^ firiidy attached to one end of a long sapling. The inside edge of the hook should be sharp and serrated and slightly curved inwards. The hook should be passed over the fruit-bearing branchlet or twig at the point at which it U to hi broken off, and jerked down- wards ; or, ic that does not suffice, it should be twisted round once or twice, by which means the branchle;t or twig, as the case may be, will be firmly caught in it and a single jerk will then suffice to cut the former through. Where small wood has no value, and there is no objection to thinning out the crowns of the trees, branchlets of a certain thickness may be cut off with a billhook, and the fruit then hand-plucked from them. Some trees produce bunches of fruit, the common stalk of which dries up at maturity and early disarticulates from the rest of the branchlet. In the case of seeds having a thick and fibrous cavering the rind must be torn off with the aid of speci.al shears, and in the case of seeds included in a capsule or pod, or between scales, the quickest method, when practicable, is the application of heat, under the action of which the valves of the capsules or pods and the scales of cones open out or disarticu- late, and allow the enclosed seeds to escape. In many cases simple exposure to the sun suffices ; in others, however, a higher and more sustained tem- perature is required in order to bring about the full expanion of the seed vessel. With seeeis having leafy appenlages!, the wholesale removal of the appendages, except one by one with the hand, is not always possible without injury to the germinative power of the seeds ; but whenever practicable, it should be effected. If the seed is hard or tough, friction, more or less rough, suffices to detacli these appendages. When this is the case, a very expeditious method is to nearly, but not tpiite, fill a large stout sack with the seed, and to thresh these or work them violently backwards and for- wards, according to the toughness of the seed, until the appendages are detached or crushed, when tliey can be easily separated by the ordinary process of winnowing. The seeds of many trees have to be plucked before they are quite dry, in order to prevent their being disseminated and scattered far and wide. Other kinds of seeds contain a great deal of moisture even when they fall off naturally. Such seeds should be spread out net more than from 2 inches to 3 inches high in a dry, airy, sunny place, and turned over with a rake twice or thrice daily for a period varying with the kind of seed and the dryness and tempera- ture of the weather. After this they should be piled up higher, ti.e raking being continued as before, but being limited to only once a day. This latter process should go on until the seeds are sufficiently dry. Ex- perience alone can teU when this is the case. It is needless to say that in cold weather the stedt sh mid be removeil under shelter while dew is being de- posited. As regards seeds that are moist even when they are shed naturally, this drying is rea'Iy the com- pletion of the ripening process. W, LIME AS A WOOD-PRESERVER. A NOTE upon this subject in a recent number of the Field has interest as to the possibiUty ef using lime extensively in preserving the more porous of our common wood, such aj the Scotch and Spruce Firs. With any of the processes now in use there is really nothing to be done, as they can only reach large masses of wood, such as railway bilks and sleepers, on account of the expensive plant which has to be laid down. If anything practical is to result in the direction of chemically preserving our common tim- ber, it must be from an exceedingly simple and chea.o process, one in which the apjaaratus can be constructed on the spot without skilled labour and from mate- rials at hand. The modus oprraiidi of the lime process is simplicity itself, and the materials are everywhere at hand. The only point is to be satisfied as to its efficacy. In the miud of the writer referred ta this seems to be satisfactorily established, and he quotes an instance of having preserved some Scotch Fir in this w.ay, and then using it in a mill-loft. This occurred in 1850, and the timber is still in a perfect state. If we had any data as to the length cf time the Scotch Fir would have lasted uniler siniilur condiiions if it had not been preserved, this evidence would have been very e>nclu?ive. As it is, it shows that Scotch Fir, so preserved, is as goad after a lapse of nearly forty years as it was when put there. In weighing the merits and demerits of the system, .an important question is the behaviour of the impreg- nated wood when exposed to (he wet. To anyone looking at the subject from this point riE view, it would seem natural that, by exposure t ) rain, in course of time the preserving substance would be gradually washed out by the same agency it was, in the first instance, soaked or washed into it. It is quite possible there are some readers of these pages who can answer this question from their own experience ; if so, their evieience will be valuable. If lime- impregnated wood will withsta'.d the action of the weather, then it opens up a new use for wood which has hitherto be.-n at a greit discount in anything like permanent structures. If Scotch or Spruce Fir boards, for instance, can be used for weather-boarding with a reai mable expecta- 578 THE GARDEN. [Dec. 18, 1886. tion that they will last for forty or fifty years, the introduclion of the lime preserving process will be a boon. As the length of timber taken up in charging the wood with the solution depends on the size or thickness of the scantling, the time occupied in pre- paring weather-board of an inch or less in thickness would be relatively very short. Before storing away the boards or scantlings in the pit or tank, it is obvious that it is very necessary that they should be cut into the exact form required for use, and in the operation of stacking in the pit should be so laid as to give the least possible chance of being bent out of shape or of warping. Joists or beams would occupy a longer time in gttting thoroughly saturated, butthi-i would be of little moment, as they would not be liable to get out of shape, and a few months can generally be afforded in getting mateiial ready. If there are good grounds for believing it to answer for outdoor as well as indoor purposes, there is no rea?on why fence posts and rails should not be treated. Given a large water-tight tank or pond and a good supply of lime, which, when the quantity to be done is enough could often be burnt upon the place, there is nothing to be done but stack away the wood and supply the lime as wanted. 1 here is just this about it, tiiat arrange- ments will be necessary to empty the tank or pond preparatory to placing tlie timber in it, and also for filling it up with water when the wood is ready. A little ingenuity will, however, overcome this, as there are few places where some e.visting water supply can- not be diverted temporarily to serve such an end. It would not, I take it, do to allow a stream of water to run through the tank or pond, unless thc^re were a series of reservoirs, as the waste of lime would be so great and the solution would never be at rest. D. J. Y. THE DOUGLAS FIR. Abies Doutjusi is now a well-known tree, atd pro- bably the mott popuUir of the many excellent intro- ductions of its original and ill fated discoverer, whose name it bears. The first appearance of the Douglas Fir in Great Britain, says BIr. Hutchison, was about the year 1S27, when it was ra'scd from the seeds of cones brought by Douglas from the banks of the Ciolumbia Uiver, where it abounds in immense tracts, covering the hfty hillsides, and appearing near the summits of the Uocky Mountains no larger than a mere bush, and gradually incre.adng in its proportions until in the valleys and at the foot of the mountain ranges it attains a height of 200 feet, with a stra'ght noble stem fully 10 feet in diameter. It is com- mon also in California, and in Mexico a variety of smaller growth, and with longer leaves of a deeper green colour, is found. In Scotland this Fir has proved perfectly hardy, of very rapid growth, a most graceful tree for ornamental or park pur- poses, and a valu.able timber producer. It has been planted in every cote ivable foil and fitua- tion, and adipts itself to almost any desciiption, provided the drainage of tlie subsoil be porous, so that it does not become " waterlogged." It thiives :it any elevation, and the only drawback is its ten- dency to lose its hading shoot in early spring, or liability to have it broken over by any bird alighting 1 pon its sap-surcharged stem. This is, however, in a treat measure only of secondary importance, for the lapidity with which the Douglas Fir rf pairs the damage is .amazing ; and we do not thiuk, unless in very exposed open situations, where it is liable to receive the full force of the west and south wind?, which are so prevalent in Scotland, that this tendency should be any detriment to its cultivation. There are many other important qualifications, superior to both the Laricio and austriaca, which the Douglas Fir possesses, and which will, we think, tend ultimately to its being preferred by planters genersilly. While we can hardly point to a single specimen of either of the two former-named Pines of fiO feet or CO feet in height in this country, we have instances of the Duugl.is in many places throughout the country of fully that size. At Dropmore, where one of the original setdlings is luxuriating in a naturally poor soil, this noble tree has already attained an altitude of over 100 feet ! In many other situations, both in England and Ireland, we find it, not certainly of the great height of the famous Dropmrre tree, but of large tree dimens-ious, and in all kinds of soil, from sandy light porous earth to deep heavy loam and clayey subsoil. Many instances might be cited showing the adaptability of Abies Douglasi to all sorts of soil-i and situations in Scotland. The tree at Baith, near Kirkcaldy, in ]'"ife, planted by Dougl.is himself, is now a grand specimen, and grows within the influence of the sea-breeze, though in a somewhat sheltered site ; and inland, on poor soil at Dolphin- ton, Lanarkshire, at nejirly 1000 feet .above sea-level, it is thriving in quantities. When young the bark of the Douglas Fir is covered with numerous small bl'steis surcharged with highly aromatic and resinous sap, and breaking one of these, in passing through amongst a group of plants, quite perfumes the air, around. As the tree grows older, the bark becomes dry, and of a greyish and rough appearance, quite different from the younger stages of its growth. The wood is reported to be very durable, tough, elastic, beautifully grained, and susceptible of a high polish. No doubt the utility and beauty of the fibre of the wood in old specimen sections point it out as suited for either constructive or decorative purposes ; and the beauty, symmetry, and gracefully branching habit of the dark green-clad branches and side shoots, combined with its rapidity of growth, render i' ecjually well .ad.apted in the live state for either orna- ment or profitable planting. SEASONABLE WORK. When the weather is dry and open, seeds of most hard-wood trees may be sown in the nursery, choosing a piece of well-worked pulveri.sed soil for the purpose. Young seedlings of Elm, Oak, Ash, Sycamore, &c , may be transplanted from the seedling beds into nursery lines, and cuttings of all deciduous trees should now be put in. As the different plots of ground are cleared of young trees, lose no time in having the ground dug into rough ridges, which will not only keep it dry, but also expose it to the influence of frost, which will renovate and prepare it for the next crop. In places where the soil is of a poor, thin nature, take advan- tage of frosty weather to cart and apply a dressing of gocd loam, in order to improve it. Turn over com- post and manure heaps, so that they may be ready when want'-d. Gather cones of the Larch and Pine tribe, which, as a rule, are generally ripe at this seaeon. The cones of the following species are, however, improved and ripened thoroughly after severe frost, which has the effect of changing them from a green to a yellowish brick colour, namely, the Scotch, Austrian and Corsic.vn Pines, Pinus romana, P. contorta, P. Pallasiana, P. muricata., P. Pinaster, P. Hamiltoni, P. Pinea, P. Pumilio, P. pyrenaica, &c. The cones of P. romana, though of a large size, are alwaj s hid among its dense foliage, so that a person may pass the tree and never observe them, except by searching for them. The seeds may be extracted from the ones during weather th.at is unsuitable for outdoor work, and kept in a dry place till wanted in spring. In collecting Larch cones it is a matter (if importance to gather only such as are produced by fine, well- developed, healthy trees, .and any small cones less than medium size should be rejected, as the seeds of such are small, and produce iiferior plants. As the buds of the Hawthorn expand at an early time of the year, no time should be lost in finishing the formation of new Quick hedges, .and filling up blanks whore necessary, before the buds begin to swell. Finish planting ornamental hedges as soon as possible ; any of the following list of p'ants are suit- able for such a purpose, and may be used according to taste : Holly, Yew, Berbeiis Darwini, Cotoneaster Simonsi, C. buxifolia, Evergreen Privet, Portugal Laurel, common* Laurel, Laurustinus, common Box, Arbor- vit:e. Sweet B.ay, and Sweet Brier. In woodland work, take advantage of mild, open weather to push forward planting operations as vigorously as is consistent with the proper execution of the work. All dry, warm seals should be plantetl in autumn, but stil? argill.aceous soil and deep peat bog which retains an excess of moisture had better not be planted till spring. On such .situations Black Itali.an Poplar, Goat Willow, Huntingdon Willow, Bedford Willow, Aider, and Birch may be planted with success, and as there is always a demand feir this class of timber, it soon turnsinto money. I have sold Alder at SOs. per ton — the purch.aser undertaking delivery from the pkautations himself — the size of the timber being not less than 6 inches in diameter at the small end of the tree. Birch at 12s. 6d. per ton for all shapes and sizes, from branches of half an inch in diameter up to any size. Such being the case, I think proprietors of waste bogs, that produce nothing but Heather and Bog Myrtle, should have them drained and planted at once, and in doing so they would only be consulting their own interest and that of their family. In addition to the hard-wood trees named above, and in ca es where it is desirable to get up cover, the following Conifers may be introduced with the moat good results, naniely, Scotch and Austrian Pines, Pinus Pinaster, P. P.allasiana, P. Pinea, P. excelsa, P. Cembra, the Norway, Douglas, Black American, and Oriental Spruces, Chamfficyparis of kinds, Cu- pressus Lawsoniana, Thuja gigantea, and Sequoia sempervirens. These are a few of the hardiest, but the list is by no means exhausted of trees which we have found to thiive on peat brg. In planting these tiees my practice l)as always been to mix a small quantity of soil with the bog at the time of planting. One of the principal occupations of this month wil' be the felling of heavy tiniber when hands can be spared, and in doing so use the cross-cut saw in pre- ference to the hatchet, which will not only prevent unnecessary w.aste of timber, but also give the timber a better and more marketable appearance when put up for sale. Continue the thinning of young plantations, and allow plenty of room for the development of the trees in early life, which will be in their favour in .after years. In the case of Fir plantations, collect a ([uan- tity of branches in an open place in the vicinity of the wood to be left as a trap for the Pine beetle and Pine weevil, which will begin to breed among them in April, and, as soon as they are observed to com- mence their sub-coitical burrows, the whole shoukl be burned up, which is a wholesale way of getting rid of these pests. As the woods and covert, in most casss, will now have to be shot through, all drains and ditches should be examined, and such as are in want of scorning or repairs of any kindj can now be done wilhout disturbing the game. Gather leaves from roads and walks, and store them up to rot for future use. Newly planted ornamental trees and shrubs should be properly fenced and tied, to prevent wind- waving ; likewise a good mulching round the roots will be benefiuijl. In the case of newly planted half-hardy trees, protection should be provided for such in a time of hard frost — a few branches stuck in round the plants will often prove invaluaVile in severe weather. J. B. W. Abies Nordmanniana. — If Abies nobilis is the best of the new Californian Silver Firs, tljis is undoubtedly the finest of the European or Asiatic species. It is likely at no distant date to supplant the common Silver Fir fe>r ordinary planting, the timber being of better quality, and as it starts later ia growth it is less apt to be injured by late frosts. Its growth is r.ipid and symmetrical, and the foliage of a bright grassy green, which has a very cheerful effect in mid-winter. The colour of this tree varies at different hours of the day ; the leaves, which in sunshine spread out and show the green upper sur- face, cmve upwarels when the sun is off them, and show the silvery lining. Acer platanoides Schwedleri. — The merits of this Maple are, I consider, over-estimated. Its peculiar characteristic, viz , its colour, should be as constant as possible; whereas, in this case the bronzy hue of its new leaves lasts only for a very short time. It usually makes its growth in the spring very rapidly. When the leaves first imfold their colour is deepest and brightest, but this quickly passes away, and they gradu.ally acquire a dusky, unpleasant bre)Wu hue, and finally a dirty green, and, besides, the leaves are rarely perfect, often having broken edges, a peculiarity for which I can scarcely account. I think we are often much too prone to neglect old friends for new ones. — S. THE GARDEN. 579 Ho. 788. SATURDAY, Dec. 25,1886. Vol. XXX. " This Is an Art Which does mend Nature : change it rather ; but The Art itself is Nature."— 5AaA-Mpeare. BOARDED GARDEN WALLS. Havixg had some little experience both as re- gards the erection and utility of wooden walli^, I can endorse all that " T. B." (p. 5(j8) has said in their favour. Where money is plentiful and every part of a domain must be in keeping, by all means build substantial brick walls, and do not forget to cope them well ; but where cash is scarce, or where the owner is unwilling to be convinced that the light will pay for the candle, no one need despair, as the finest Ptaches and P. ars can be grown upon timber fences. Jly first experience of walls made of deal boards carries me back a little over thirty years to a delightful spot made highly interesting, and I should think, profitable, by Mt. Niven, of the Garden Farm, Drumcondra, near Dublin. Fo- reign timber at that time lieing much dearei than it is now, that highly intelligent horticul- turist set up stout sawn Oak posts and rails and nailed thin deal boards against them, making when finished most excellent walls about (J feet in height. Fruit tr^es of all kinds did well, but what struck me most was the collection of young Vines which Mr. Niven grew against them, just such canes as any Grape grower would be de- lighted to have for stocking his vineries. These Vines, to the best of my recollection, were struck from eyes on open- air hotbeils, and planted out the following spiing on slightly raised banks, resting at the foot of walls facing full south. The canes were the thickness of one's smallest finger; short-jointeil, bright as gold, and models of what first-rate Vines for planting should be. Convinced in my own mind that warm resinous t'niber was an excellent as well as a cheap substi- tute for brick, an opportunity a few years later enabled me to put Mr. Niven's system into prac- tice at Eastnor. The walls here built of brick ami (lued, upon which Peach growing had been indifferently cariied out, were not more than 9 feet in height ; consequently the knife as well as the spade came into use soon after the trees got into bearing. Strongly ojiposed to restrictive training, I made up my mind to add a cubit or two to their heiglit, but finding these old hollow foundations would collapse under an additional weight of bricks, I tonk ofl' the coping and raised the wall with 11-inch deals, one on each side Sit on edge and well spiked to blocks to keep them in position. In this way I have made an excellent Peach wall over 12 feet in height, and when I state that I think of adding another deal, j"our readers may conclude that my cro]« of fruit are satisfactory. From a south wall I turned my attention to an old limestone boundary wall, well capped or coped \\ith Ivy, but too cold, al- though facing full west, for Plums to ripen well upon it. Brick facing was suggested, but for certain reasons I decided upon using rough, un- planed led deal boards three-quarters of an inch thick, which I can buy in Gloucester at (S^. (i\. per 100 feet. Home-grown Oak was used for light posts and rails; an 11-inch deal forms the cap and a very important part of the structure, and my first twenty yards of almost useless lime- stone now ripens good Peaches and Nectarines with this advantage, that any given variety is about two weeks later on the west than it is on the south aspect. For training purposes these boarded walls are admirable, and where large numbers of young trees are grown in nurseries surely these shelters would soon pay for them- selves, as a man would nail in half-a-dozen trees whilst fixing the stakes and crosspieces on the old, I may say present, cumbrous system. Again, in these days and within a week's steam of Canada, what grand cordon Apples and Pears might be grown upon them. Indeed, so satisfied am I with the plan, that I now have another GO yards run of stone wall in hand, also facing the west, specially for Peaches. " T. B." suggests iron posts, but the rails must be of wood, and I ques- tion if good Oak would not be the best for posts also. Then, again, he recommends gas tar, liut, excellent as this material is, it mu-t be used wiih care, otherwise mischief may follow, and few, I think, would care to look upon walls of this sombre colour. There are, of course, exceptions to every rule, but in the majority of old places we find the warm lichen-grey or warm brick-red colours prevailing, and it has always been my practice to make new work blend with the old, hj the use of colours with lime and oil or Russian tallow for the foundation. Lime in itself is an ex- cellent wood-preserver, and when good linseed-oil is added, Venetian red, red lead, soot, and other materials for giving tone and colour may be added. This I have always used, and although my first deals are resting on their edges, appa- rently they are as sound as when first put up more thin ten years ago. This is not, however, the best position for timber that is exposed to the weather, neither is it the most convenient for fixing new fences. The first thing to determine is the height, and when the skeleton framework has been securely fixed, the boards should be nailed on in a vertical position. Narrow boards, say 11 inches in width, answer better than wide ones. The ends should not touch the soil, and a broad, throated or undergrooved cap-board, H in. thick and 11 in. wide, should always complete the structure. W. Coleman. £jstHur Castle, Ledbury. Cypress boughs for the old who precede us, as well as bridal sarlauds for the young who remain. Above all, do 1 object to the popular notion that a garden, because flowerless, is necessarily un- interesting. A good garden Is fall of buried hopes and glorious resurrections; of swelling bulbs and rooting seeds of a thousand kinds; it is, in- deed, the birthplace of miracles, which would be even more wonderful if less common, or if we had the power of seeing and of understanding the full and true value of simple things.— F. VV. B. SMALL GARDENS. Snowdrops. — When the wind suddenly veered round to the south-west on the shortest day, and the snow vanished from the flower borders, the one thing which caught my attention was the sudden growth of the Snowdrops. They are now almost an inch above ground, and the sight of their soft grey leaves is most cheering. The popular French name of Pierce Neige is quite justi- fied by the habit Snowdrops have of growing at a low temperature, and especially when the ground above them is covered with snow. After all, there is often, and always in the best of popular names, a deep-laid truth or meaning. Not only does the Snowdrop grow rapidly under the snow, but the converse of this is true also, as anyone who has tried to force Snowdrops in artificial heat will tell us is a fact, all of which simply points an old moral, and shows us somewhat of the varied idiosyncrasies of plant life in the garden. I think it was the sight of Mr. Alfred Parson's Salon picture of "The First Frost " to-day which set me thinking of the waning year. Like all good art, it is simple and true. It is only an old Horse Chestnut tree with uncropped, drooping boughs hanging over the reedy margin of a lake or pool ; but a slender, fur- clad figure in black walking over the carpet of its ruddy brown fallen leaves tells the tale. So also in the garden all art should be true and simple, for a garden worth the name contains far more than the mere beauty- worshipper or the economist can express for us. It contains, indeed, a world of sympathies pecu- liarly its own. Now-a-days it is nob uncommon to find our best artists interested in gardening and expres-ing therein some of their finest thoughts. Art effected by the spade may be as precious, even if not as endurable, as that of the chisel, or the brush, or the pen. A garden supplies food to our minds throughout all our varying moods and \ phases of feeling ; it gives us Laurel wreaths or There is no doubt whatever that small gardens, when planted and attended to with intelligent care, yield more real pleasure even than many large ones. A few weeks ago I visited that of Mr. P. H. Kooke at Wey bridge, and certainly no garden of equal size has ever afforded me so much interest as this did. It was designed and planted by himself ; it contains a few glasshouses, a fernery, and an arboretum, in which are some fine Conifers and flowering shrubs, bordered by her- baceous plants. Bamboos, Arundos, and similar vegetation, the whole forming a pleasing combina- tion of tree, shrub, and flower life. Amongst other matter I noticed a fine example of Magnolia granditlora, about 16 feet high and 10 feet across, the branches of which sweeped the ground. Taxodium sempervirens and variegated Hollies formed distinct features. Penetrating the arbore- tum by means of small winding paths, we found some grand masses of hardy Ferns, such as Scolopendrium vulgare and its varieties, crispurn, crispum hetura, cristatum, and others ; Cystopteria montana, a mass of fronds a yard or more across ; Polystichum aculeatum plumosum, Lastrea Map- plebecki, Polypodium vulgare trichomanoides, several very rare varieties of Athyrium Filix- fiemina, all large and well-grown specimens. Each plant of the Scolopendriums if taken up would fill an ordinary wheelbarrow. Emerging from this shady hardy fernery, we find clumps or belts of trees flanked by herbaceous plants, and in a delightful dell were massive speci- mens of some of the very rarest of hardy Ferns —Mr. Rooke's special favourites. These grew through an undergrowth of Ivy, which set them off to excellent advantage. Beyond this lies the rock garden, in which are many fine examples of rock plants— all beautiful and some rare. Amongst others which I noticed doing well were Androsace sarmentosa, Saxifraga oppositifolia, Meconopsis simplicifolia, Arnebia echioides (the Prophet flower), Polygala Chanuebuxus var. purpurea, Cis- tus crispus, C. formosus and C. algarvensis. As- sociated with these were perfect carpets of Aca?na Nov:c Zelandiif, Omphalodes verna, Hypericum reptans, Alyssum alpestre. Polygonum vaccini- folium, Thymus thuriferus, Arenaria montana, Erysimum alpestre, and Helianthemum tomento- sum. Some of these were from 1 foot to 3 feet across. Ramondia pyrenaica was growing here nicely, as were also Lithospermum petra>um, L. prostratum. Erica Maweana, and many others. Gentiana Aerna was really good— better in fact than one is accustomed to see it in the south of England. Another feature to which Mr. Rooke drew my attention was a large bed of Vincas; with these, though highly interesting, Mr. Rooke wished to plant something to break the monotony and to give colour at different seasons of the year. Ho therefore inserted 4-inch pipe? 2 feet long in an upright position, and filled them to the top with good loam. In these were planted double Whin, Genista hispanica, and various species of Cistus. These have now grown into large bushes, and hang down over the sides of the pipes suffi- ciently to conceal them, an arrangement excellent as regards effect, especially wlien the various shrubs are in blossom. Another matter to which ilr. Rooke pointed with evident interest was some large tubs or barrel ends, that is, a barrel sawn in two. In these were grown Cypripedium spec- tabile, C. Caleeolus, Orchis foliosa, Montbretia Pottsi, &c. The tubs are furnished with handles, and when the plants are in flower they are carried 5S0 THE GARDEN. [Dec. 25, 1886. to wherever they may be wanted, either indoors or out. When the flowering season is over they are again removed to their winter quarters, plunged in ashes, and well top-dressed with ma- nure. The plants have now been in the tubs for many years, and better examples of good growth could not be desired. R. P. Y. NOTES OF THE WEEK. Stephanophysum Baikiei.— This useful Wtst African plant for winter decoration does not find so much favour as it deserves, because it is not service- able in a cut state. It is a shrubby plant, with opposite, somewhat square branches, and roundish, lance-shaped, dark green leaves. The flowers, which are borne in large terminal panicles, are tubular, scarlet in colour, and upwards of 2 inches in length. This plant should be grown from cuttings struck every spring. It comes from low districts bordering on the river Niger. Catasetum Bungerothi.— This new Catasetum is now flowering for the first time in this country with Mr. F. G. Tautz, Studley House, Shepherds Bush. It is at once the largest and most interesting representative of this singular genus. Its large, thick, fleshy, ivory-white flowers have just a tinge of green pervading the sepals and petals ; the lip is ivory-white, cordate in front, with a deep, round cavity at the base lined with orange-yellow. The individual blooms measure upwards of 4 inches across. Ruellia Herbsti. — We have recently seen this fine old plant in bloom in several suburban gardens, and f e w plants are more beautiful, chaste, or bright than it is in a cool stove in mid-winter. It is some- what shrubby, the branches bearing on their summits large heads of rosy purple, tubular blossoms of peculiar shape. The leaves are deep green on the iipper surface, ornamented on each side of the midrib with a conspicuous feathery white border, the under part being red. Like the majority of Acanthads, this forms a more handsome plant when young from cuttings struck annually than when older, and these young plants, moreover, produce the greatest quantity and the finest flowers. It was figured in the Motanical Maijazine under the name of Dipteracanthus Herbsti. Its native country is unknown. Dendrobiutn Dearei. — Some time .ago one of your correspondents noted how long this fine Orchid remains in bloom. If I remember rightly, it was stated that for si.xteen weeks the blooms had remained fresh. I have now a plant of this Dendrobe in flower, and two of the spikes on it opened in the second week in July last, now over five months ago, and it was only within the last week that they began to show signs of fading. Flowers of such purity, substance, and endurance are most valuable, and a striking con- trast to the fleeting beauty of some of the evergreen Dendrobiums.— J. T. Pee, Itivcrston. Th.e great Christmas Rose.— If there is one flower more than another to which the title of "De- cember's Glory" might rightly be applied it is the Christmas Kose (He)leborus niger), and most especially is it appHcable to that form well named niaximus, and sometimes called the Scotch variety. The flowers are produced in twos or threes on stout, erect stems, fully S inches long ; they are 4 inches across at least, and, rising well above the soil, in adilitiun to the natural protection aS'orded by the autumnal leaves lying on the surface of the ground, the broad expanded cups of lovdy whiteness remain unsullied by even a speck of the closely adjacent soil. I ought to mention that the flowers do not all expand at one time, but follow each other in rotation. The foot-stalk is of a lovely marbled pink colour, which colour, by the way, expands in gradually softening tints over the entire upper portion of the sepals, giving to the flower, as viewed externally, a charm- ingly delicate roseate hue that is never met with in the old species. Added to the colour and magnitude of the flowers, we have equally distinct characteristics as regards foliage. The leaves are d(juble or treble the size of the old species, supported on long, stout foot-stalks, and lemarkable for the broad, deflexed character of the lobes — so distinct, in fact, is the plant in every way, that I have no hesitation in say- ing, were it a new introduction, it would receive at the hands of our descriptive botanists a distinct specific title, and none could be more appropriate than Helleborus maximus, omitting the niger altogether. When pure and unsulUed there is no more lovely flower for the decoration of the hair than this Christmas Rose, and not one in a ball-room would ever suspect its humble origin. Though I have written thus enthusiastically about this variety, I do not for one moment wish to disparage the old species itself, or its narrow-leaved form ; though blooming a little later it still comes, and comes naturally, at a time when it has scarcely a I'ival. It is one of the few legitimate December-flowering plants thatareable to stand all sorts of weather. — G. New plants at Ghent.— At the last monthly meeting of the Horticultural Society of Ghent (held on the l.^)th inst.) certificates of merit were awarded to the following : To M. A. ITHaene for Calanthe Veitchi rosea alba; to M. Louis Van Houtte for Cypripedium Leeanum and the variety superbum ; to M. Jules Hye for Cypripedium caudatum roseum splendens, C. politum and C. Ijawrencianum, fine variety ; to MM. Boelens freres for Odontoglossum Alexandra? album, and Dracaena fragrans aurea lineata from M. Louis Desmet-Duvivier. Cultural certificates were awarded for Tillandsia tessellata from Madame Ve. Van Acker-Maenliout, Cycas circinalis from M. B. Spae, and Restrepia antennifera from M. Jules Hye. Honourable mentions were accorded to M. Jules Hye for t'ypripedium tonsum, and 0. sylhetense from M. Jules Hye, and Cycas sinensis from M. Spae-Vander Meultn. Calanthes. — These beautiful deciduous Orchids may now be seen in perfection at The Dell, Egham. The varieties grown are Veitchi, a very deep rose strain, the finest we have seen ; vestita rubra and vestita oculata, two charming kinds — these in all cases have developed some extra fine spikes, on which there are on an average from thirty to forty flowers. Success, says Mr. Ballantine, is mainly due to giving the plants extra heat from the time when the .spikes begin to show themselves until they are in full bloom and keeping them much drier than usual; very little water is given during the flowering time ; the flowers expand much brighter and larger when kept di'y. C. ignea oculata gigantea, a noble variety, w.as also flowering in the same house. Its flowers are large, creamy white, double the size of those of the ordinary vestita with a rich ignea eye. This Calanthe has been flowering since the beginning of July —over six months ; surely a Calanthe of this duration and with its fine flowers must be an acquisition, and when better known largely grown. Christmas Boses.— These are now attracting attention, for the niger forms are in full bloom, and later on we shall have many fine hybrids in bloom. These crosses are generally between Helleborus abchasicus and H. guttatus, and also between H. orientalis and H. niger. Of the types, perhaps, H. niger maximus is the best. It grows 2 feet in height, and has large white flowers 4 inches or li inches in diameter, but requires, as do all the varieties, to be well established before it is seen to advantage. There is also a small variety of H. niger (H. n. minor), but it is scarcely worth growing, excepting in large collec- tions. H. orientalis is a good kind, with pale rose- coloured flowers. The leaves are deciduous and appear with the flowers, and are much divided. H. alichasicus has green flowers, with pale yellow anthers, and requires a well-drained soil and a sunny situa- tion. H. atrorubens has purplish flowers, and does nut bloom until late in March ; whereas the other kinds are generally in perfection by February. H. purpurasceus resembles a dwarf form of the preceding, and does not attain the height of more than 6 inches or S inches. The blooms are purple (as also are the stems) with white stamens, and they measure about 1 \ inches across. An interesting winter garden may be made with the ditferent species and hybrids of Christmas Roses alone, but we must bear in mind that we cannot see them in perfection except when permanently established, and I should say that they require at least two years to become so. I hope that these Christmas Roses (blooming as they do when there is nothing else) may have more attention paid to them, particularly as they force well, in addition to their other good qualities. — O. The public gardens of the world.— The last report of the Montreal Horticultural Society contains a list of the chief public gardens of the world. This list (see pp. .594-5), which we have revised, will no doubt be useful to many of our readers. The report states that a classification of the countries of the world, according to the number of gardens they sup- port, would give the following : — Germany . . . . . . 3l) Italy .. .. .. ..23 France . . , . . . 22 Russia . . . . . . . . , , 16 Aihstro-HuDg.iiy .. .. .. ..14 Groat Britain and Ireland . . .. ..15 Hiiidost.an . . . . . . 7 Scaudin.avia . . . . . . S West Indies . . . . . . . . li Belgium and the United States . . rt each. Australia and Holland . . 4 ,, Cape of Good Hope, Portugal and Switzerland 3 ,, Denmark, Rouniania and Spain .. .. 2 ,, Algeria,Brazil, Canada, Canary Islands, Carac- cas, Ceylon, Chili, China, Cochin China, Ecuador, Egypt, Greece, Guatemala,Guiana, Island of lleunion, Japan, Java, Malta, Mauritius, Natal, New Zealand, Peru, Philip- pine Islands, Servia, Siberia, and Tasmania 1 ,, It will be also interesting to see, from the following classification, how far each of the nations of the world is responsible for these gardens : — England and Colonies . . . . 42 Germany . . . . . . . . 36 France and Colonies . . . . 27 Italy . . . . 23 Russia and Siberia . . . . 17 Austro-IIvmgary . . . . . . 14 Scandinavia . . . . s Belgium, Holland and Colonics, Spain and Colonies, United States . . . . . . !j each. Portugal, Switzerland .. .. .. 3 „ Denmark, Rouraania . . . . . . 2 ,, Brazil, Chili, Ecuador, Egypt, Greece, Guate- m.ala, Jiipan, Peru, Servia . . . . 1 ,, ToUl 206 The Veronica which I showed before the floral • committee at South Kensington on the 7th inst. ex- cited some interest owing to the flowers and foliage having stood 17" of frost. I was asktd to get the correct name of it, as the one I had it under, V. salicifolia, was disputed, A spray was therefore sent to Kew to Mr. Baker, and he has kindly named it, saying that it will not pass muster for a form of V. parviBora, but considers it to be V. ligustrifolia of Allan Cunningham. — Geohge F. Wil.son, IlaUlur- bank, Weyhyidfj*: Heath, Cutting off green leaves. — It is a mistake to cut off the top of any plant as long as it has any vitality in it. In the case of bulbs and tubers, if I am compelled to lift them before the tops are quite dead, I always leave the tops full length, ft r I am convinced that the leaf-sap goes into the bulb and strengthens it ; in fact, one has only to com- pare the size and weight of bulbs lifted early in autumn and those left as late as yrossible, to be convinced that it is the descending sap that aids the growth of the bulb, for it swells but slowly wlrile in full leaf growth. — J. ((. H. Japan Anemones. — Asa contribution to the Japanese Anemone discussion, I wish to say that I think the Japan Anemone must have been known in England before 184."). Some relations of mine of an old Devonshire family have a set of crewel-worked curtains, said to be more than 100 years old. Upon them are worked all .sorts of flowers, some highly conventional, others true to Nature. Among the latter is what can only be a Japanese Anemone, the red kind ; leaves, shape of flowers, stamens, and growth are all like it. As William III. landed at Torbay, might not some of his Dutch followers have introduced it, as the Dutch kirew Japan before that time? — A. J. C, Tiri/fvn/, 7)'oK Camellia Sasanqua (.S'., 6'«(>rHsn/).— All three specimens represent varieties of C. Sasanqua, an uncommon plant in this country. The white is less rare than the pink. AVe have rrot before seen the variety with white flowers tinged with rose. Dec. 25, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 581 A NEW ORLEANS GARDEN. About gardening in New Orleans, and about our own garden in particular, I am sorry to say there is not much to record. Ground being very cheap here, all the best residences, the majority of ■which are wooden, are built upon large " lots," measuring each from 80 feet to 125 feet in front by 160 feet to 250 feet in depth, and in some cases much more. This arrangement allows free ven- tilation and sunlight, and sufficient space for town gardening -where people choose to take ad- vantage of it. There have been but few attempts, however, at artistic effect ; on the contrary, the grounds are planted in the most desultory manner, the main etfect being apparently to get as much into them as possible. Notwithstand- ing, the general effect of these " wild gardens " is decidedly pleasing, and, in consequence. New Orleans has a wide-spread reputation for beauty, in addition to the quaint picturesqueness of the French quarter, about which so much has been the edible Orange, but holds undisturbed posses- sion of its beautiful fruit from one season to another. In addition to Oranges we have Palms, of which there are three indigenous species, and about as many more from abroad which are equally hardy ; also Pittosporums, Magnolia fus- cata. Oleander (pink, crimson, purple, lilac, and white-flowered). Sweet Olive, Smoke Tree, Lau- rustinus, Chinese Azalea, Bottle-brush, Castor- oil, Camellia, Crape Myrtle (Lagerstro'mia— crimson, rose, lilac, and M-hite- flowered), the prince of all flowering trees ; Cape Jessamine (Gardenia florida). Pomegranate, Yucca, Cycas revoluta. Banana, Bamboo, Poinsettia, Agave, Acalypha, Alocasia, and others too numerous to mention. In regard to my own garden, after several years of unsatisfactory work, I laid it out upon what is sometimes called the French .system, i.e., in circles and in portions of circles, and it has proved to be quite a success. It has no walks, For bedding purposes we rely principally upon Pansies, Anemones, Phloxes, Gladioli, and Hya- cinths for early spring ; Portulacas, Pelar- goniums, Petunias, Torenias, Salvias, Asters, Balsams, and Coleuses for summer ; and Chry- santhemums, Dahlias, Zinnias, &c., for autumn and early winter. At present (Nov. iO) the gar- den is all ablaze with Roses, Zinnias, Alter- nantheras, Acalyphas, Poinsettias, Chrysanthe- mums, Acacia corymbosa, perennial Ipomseas, Antigonums, annual Thunbergias, Manettias, &c. For covering trellises and verandahs, we make another large draft upon Roses, such as Mart- chal Niel, Solfaterre, Lamarque, Queen Henri- etta, Gloire de Dijon, Ophirie, and Perle des Jardins ; but in addition to these much use is made of Rbynchospermum jasminoides, Solanura jasminoides, Wistarias, Bignonias, Clematises, Antigonums, Honeysuckles, Ipomreas, and Aris- tolochia elegans. The seed of the Aristolochia was received by Mrs. Richardson some years ago View in L>r. Richardson's garien, New Orleans. Eugr.wed for The Garden from a pUut'jgraiili. said. As our winters are generally short and raikl, and the atmosphere qiiite moist, vegetation is strong and rapid in its progress, so that in two or three years new dwelling-houses, which are never more than two stories high, become im- bedded in dense verdant thickets, which, but for the faw and shears, would soon crowd these structures not only out of sight, but occasion speedy ruin and decay. Our shade trees are for the most part natives, such as Oak (several species), Cj^press, Elm, Catalpa, Sweet Gum (Liquidambar) — probably the most beautiful of all— Plane, Hackberry, Magnolia grandiflora. Pine, Cottonwood, &c. ; to which may be added, of foreign introduction. Tallow Tree (Stillingia sebifera), Privet (Ligus- trum japonicum). Pride of India, or China (Melia Azedarach), Japan Varnish (Sterculia platanifolia), and Ailantus. For ornament the Orange tree is in general use, especially the bitter species, which is not only somewhat hardier than the result being a long, unbroken sward,* which, ' besides its intrinsic beauty, deepens the perspec- tive, and adds very greatlj' to the effectiveness of the water, rockery, and tree I'l'^ntation in the rear. For flowering plants we rely mainly upon Roses, more especially Teas, all of which flourish in the open air without protection, and the dis- play of colour which they produce in March, April, and May is truly magnificent. Even now and until Christmas an abundance of blooms may be cut for house and table decoration. Besides Roses, Cannas — of which Ehemanni is by far the best — Crinums, Hydrangeas, Chinese Hibiscus, Lantanas, AbutDons, Plumbagos, Chrysanthe- mums, and a host of others with which readers of The Garden are familiar adorn the borders. ^ Our best lawns consist of Bermuda Grass (Cynodon Dactylnn ?), which forms a beautiful turf, but unfortunately loses its leaves by the first frost. Has its seed ever been discovered '! without any name, and has been extensively cul- tivated ever since. It requires but little protec- tion in winter, and when killed to the ground shoots up again early in spring. In our pond, which is cemented, we grow several species of Nymphrea, of which devoni- eusis and rubra are probably the most satisfac- tory ; also Nelumbiums (speciosum and luteum), Pontederia crassipes, Limnocharis Humboldti, Pistia, and Trapa. The last, in consequence of its very rapid development, has to be cleared out every few weeks. Last season we succeeded in flowering the Victoria regia without artificial heat, the young plant having been started in the propagating house, and transplanted early in June. For some years past I have been endeavouring to acclimatise some of the sub-tiopical Palms which grow at considerable altitudes in their native countries, and thought that I had succeeded in adding quite a number to our old list until 582 THE GARDEN. [Dec. 25, 1886. last winter, when the extreme cold which we experienced wrecked all my hopes. Only one genus (Sabal) is indigenous to this locality, and of this we have two species, Adansoni and serru- lata ; to this may be added S. Palmetta and Pritchardia iilifera, which belong to the same latitude, the former in Carolina and the latter in California. Two species of Chamiurops, excelsa and Fortunei, and Phcenix dactylifera were naturalised long ago, and of late years Coeos australis has also been found to be quite hardy. To these I had added Pha^nix tenuis, sylvestiis, reclinata, canariensis, spinosa and rupicola, Sabal Blackburniana, Jubea spectabilis, Corypha aus- tralis, Latania borbonica, Kentia Belmoreana, and Rhapis flabelliformis, and by means of such protection as was afforded by stuffing Spanish Moss (TiUandsia usneoides), which hangs in such profusion from our forest trees, between the petioles so as to envelop the crown, all went well for some time. Phoenix reclinata and canariensis and Latania borbonica had already attained con- siderable size, the former furnished with a trunk 5 feet high by 2}, feet in diameter, and the latter with one 3 feet by 12 inches — the admiration of every passer-by. Many of our neighbours, profiting as they supposed by our successful ex- periment, made similar plantations upon a smaller scale, and therefore the part of New Orleans in which we reside had begun to assume quite a tropical appearance. But, alas ! for all our joys and hopes, on the 8th of January, 1886, there came from the far-off Rockies in the north-west a "blizzard," which carried death and destruction not only to all delicate and half-hardy vegetation, but also destroyed many of our indigenous tree.s and shrubs, and even extended its ravages into countries ten or twelve degrees south of us, de- stroying some large plantations of Coffee trees on the east coast of Guatemala. The thermometer registered 1-2° Fahr., and the ground remained frozen for a week — a circumstance which had not happened along this coast liefore for more than sixty years. It was not until the weather became warm that we liegan to realise our losses, and, in some cases, not until the following spring. Suffice it to say, there now survive one Phrenix canariensis, two large Sabal Palmetta, two Cha- masrops, one Cooos australis, one Jubea spectabilis, and several .small Sabal Adansoni and serrulata. Although greatly discouraged, yet, hoping that we may not live to experience such another visitation of northern weather, we have inaugu- rated another similar experiment. I ought to say, in praise of the Sabals, Chamasrops, Cocos, and Jubea, that they stood the severe trial with- out any protection whatever. The length to which my remarks have already run forbids even the enumeration of other plants which succumbed to this terrible frost. The death of four-fll'ths of all the Orange trees in this neighbourhood was, of course, the greatest loss, both on account of their economic and deco- rative value. T. G. Richardson, M.D. NOTES. Flowers op December. — Up to the second week in December we could have made sure of plenty of outdoor Chrysantliemums and other flowers, and even yet with hoary Garrya leaves, each shoot tipped with its soft grey tassels, Smilax sprays, and the berries of the Spindle Tree (Euonyraus europ;ev;s), the fruit and flowers of Arbutus, purple Ivy leaves (Hedera atro-pur- purea), Christraaa Roses and the scarlet, red, crimson, orange, and pale yellow berries of various Hollies, there need be no lack of freshness and colour for the biggest of flower vases, if necessary. But, fond as I am of praising the open-air gar- den, I mu' to 20" of frost. True, the cold has not lasted long, the thermometer rushing up from I'J" to M" within a few days. These short frosts seldom work such sev<;re havoc as those that last longer — or seesaw— upon or among such plants as Tea Roses with pertinaceous persistency ; still they are far too much of a cold thing for the well- being of Tea Roses if any such were caught all unfurnished — that is, unprotected. Neither do these stinging frosts reveal the evils they inflict on the instant ; on the contrary, plants often look as if they had passed through severe frosts with impunity, and not till the sap tries to rush through their branchlets in the spring is the fact revealed that their substance has been ruptured into mere masses of dead tissue, impermeable to fluids and incapable of revival into new life. Early protec tion is the obvious lesson taught by these early December frosts, but with Tea and other Roses blooming through November such lessons are apt to be forgotten. But it is far better to clothe autumnal or winter beauty with a handful of Fern fronds any time in November than run the serious risk of sudden frostbites through leaving tender Roses unprotected too late in the season. But better late than never, and those who may not yet have protected their Teas should not lose a moment in doing so. It would bs a grievous error to reason that because the plants had passed through one severe frost with impunity that others would not cripple them ; for this impunity is more apparent than real, as we have already seen ; and, besides, frost never hardens tender plants ; on the contrary, each freezing leaves them the more susceptible of injury for the next, and so on in succession until such plants as Tea Roses finally succumb to frosts that would hardly have injured them in the least had they been duly and carefully shielded from previous chills— not that overcoddling is desirable, though it is safer far than excessive exposure. One gets almost ashamed to repeat such advice to infinity as to leave the top intact when apply ing protection. The latter not seldom proves the most potent of all protection, and, being posted at the point of danger, is the more efficient on that account ; and yet not a few cultivators, to save time and husband sap in the spring, prune their Teas before protecting them. No practice could be more dangerous, for early pruning fosters early spring growths and it is these first fruits of the first fitful, genial days of spring that in- variably fall victims to the late frosts. D. T. F. have grown into each other. They get next to no pruning, except perhaps now and then a rough going over with the hedge shears. The owner of the place told me that this bed was just as I saw it twenty years ago. In the same garden are huge bushes 6 feet high and fully as wide of a light crimson-coloured sort, and also of a deep red- coloured kind which is new to me. Some time ago I also came across a big bush of a large-spined, big-leaved sort, with very full rosy crimson blos- soms with a paler reflex and a sweet scent. This had no name, and had occupied the position in which I saw it so long, that the oldest inhabitant and the garden records failed to establish any- thing whatever as to its history. Again, I found a very beautiful nameless variety growing only 1 foot or so high, and bearing in profusion most brilliant crimson blossoms. The only white sort I know is Duchi-re, a plant of moderate growth, bearing flowers that open badly. There are hun- dreds of gardens up and down the country in which any of these China Roses would be quite at home, and as permanent subjects they have no equals. What we want, however, is to gather all the kinds together, and get acquainted with them. In a French list before me I find no fewer than twenty-six kinds enumerated, including the green- fJowered one. Does this list of twenty-six include, I wonder, all the known kinds, or are these twenty- six distinct ? Who will tell us something about these old favourites, that will enable us to distinguish them — to know, in fact, the one from the other ? — T. S., Xewry. The Everlasting Rose. — Ought we not rather to write Everlasting Roses, for are there not many more varieties than ordinary folk dream of ? In an old garden the other day I found four dis- tinct deep crimson kinds, one with a peculiar smell like that of a fruit shop, and this plant had grown — so I was told — for full fifty years where I saw it ; still it was in perfect health. There were several forms of pink and rose-coloured kinds also, but in no case was there a name for any of them. More recently in another garden I saw a large round bed of the common pink Monthly iu full flower in this present month of December. This bed consists of bushes fully 4 feet high, which SOME TEA ROSES OF 1S86. I civE below the results of our tests of the new' French Roses grown in our trial grounds in the past season. We carefully noted all the characteristics shown by the plants — of which we had several thousands — with a view to being able to furnish an accurate description of each from personal observation. Of course, one season's trial is not conclusive, and after another year's trial we may find some worthy Rose or Roses ot-her than those we mention, but the following is the result of our experience with them up to date : — CLAiDirs Levet. — A moderately vigorous grower, with dense short growths. Colour, a cirmine rose with a peach centre. This variety produces quantities of buds, but its greatest charm is in the open state. Buds on young plants were somewhat disappointing, but as the plant grew and became established, the open flowers were grand, and warrant us in recom-. mending the variety. In colour it is not unlike Mdme. Watteville, but differs from it in having shorter petals and a larger and more double flower. CoiiTESSE DE Frigneuse. — In colour, charming; in freedom of bloom, second to none, with finelj'- coloured foliage. Buds not unlike those of Ni- phetos in form, being long and of good size. Colour, a charming canary-yellow, with a softer shade on inside of petals. We are so well pleased with this variety, that we are growing it by the thousand. We find it to force finely, and its buds are eagerly sought after. A beautiful Rose for bedding purposes, and a good winter bloomer. Ed.mon'D de Biauzat. — A strong, vigorous- growing Rose, with fine leathery foliage and erect shoots. The petals are very thick in texture, but rather short. Colour, peach, tinged with salmon and pink. We shall have to test it further before recommending it. Marquis Vivexs — Carmine-rose, centre shaded bright yellow, delicate and beautiful in its colour- ing. Not unlike Madame Cusin in colour, but with buds similar in shape to those of Safrano. This variety, from its freedom of bloom and exquisite colouring, is destined to be used extensively by florists for forcing. To the amateur it will be welcome in the bud state for cutting from, but as an open flower it cannot be considered a success. The more we see of this Rose the better we like it. 584 THE GARDEN. [i)Ec. -25, 1886 Flavian Budillian. — Vigorous in growth, with fine, healthy foliage. Colour, soft tender rose, with brighter shading at times. Cannot speak definitely of this variety; will require further trial to determine its standing. SussANE Blanohet. — Colour of outer petals a clear flesh white with deep flesh centre. Perfec- tion itself in colour, and charmingly beautiful. In shape similar to certain varieties of the old Provence Rose; outer petals very large and broad, with short inner petals. Of delightful fragrance. We think highly of this beautiful Rose, and if it continues to preserve the same charming colours and unique form, it will undoubtedly be in great demand. Foliage large, erect in growth ; beau- tiful. Souvenir Victor Hugo. — Bright China Rose, with copper-yellow centre; ends of petals suffused with carmine. A charmingly beautiful combination of colouring, and each colour blends nicely with the other. This variety will take rank with the best, and is a Rose of decided merit. It is not im- probable that it will prove useful for forcing. The evident relationship to Comtesse de la Barthle assures us a free bloomer, and in size and length of bud it is the equal of the best Teas. Of merit. — E. G. Hill, in American Florist. OWN-ROOT ROSES. "T. W. G." (p. 510) states "that the suckers from the base of the plants make their appearance in July just as the flowers are about to open ; con- sequently, if the suckers are left alone, the flowers seem to stand still and never attain their greatest possible beauty, or, if the suckers are sacrificed to the flowers, the plant is damaged for the next season." The first may happen to .some extent, if by greatest possible beauty is meant the highest perfection and largest size for showing, but hardly otherwise, and, besides, the suckers start in June, not July, provided the shoots of the previous season are pegged down, as they ought to be, either the previous autumn or very early in the spring. So treated, I have not found the suckers at the base of the shoots or springing from the root-stocks to practically or sensibly so lessen the supplies of food to the flowering shoots as to cause the blooms on the latter to stand still. On the contrary, suckers and flowers run fairly well abreast, and the latter develop in such numbers and to such perfection as to make own- root Roses by far the most useful for decorative efl'ects in the garden, and for cutting for all purposes, except showing for prizes. Should, however, the suckers of any particular variety, or in any exceptional case, manifest any tendency to an excess of vigour, such may be simply checked in two ways without any damage to the plant for the next season. They may be pegged down to the level of the flowering branches, and this bending from the vertical to the horizontal checks their vigour for a considerable time. A still simpler and better method is to stop the strongest suckers at three or, at the most, six eyes from their base. The one strong shoot will then break into three or more, and as the season advances, and all danger from any excess of vigour has beun grown out of the plants, the shoots from the suckers may be thinned down to such numbers as sufficient sjiace can be found for. One more very important point must be noted here. " T. W. G." writes, " In the case of worked plants, these strong growths from the base of the plant do not appear until the flowers are ex- panded, and hence never interfere with the others." My experience would say that, as a rule, these strong shoots do not appear at all on worked plants. Of course, there are exceptions, but they are so rare, that very few attempts to renew worked plants, tlirough a regular succession of strong shoots equivalent in regularity of develop- ment or in recuperative force to suckers, have proved successful. Neither have I found the difi'erence in time in the appearance of ba^e shoots from v\o.-ked plants and that of suckers anything like so marked as that indicated by "T. W. G." Possibly, how- ever, this rosarian will be able to throw further light on the wide disparity of time in the appear- ance of suckers and base shoots on worked plants, for the subject is one of vast practical importance, as well as of the highest physiological interest. It also seems almost a physical impossibility that the few roots of the Brier and an inch or two of its root-stock should have the power of holding back the Rosea worked upon it for a month or a fortnight. Nay, the power claimed is even more marvellous than this, for it is an elective choice between Rose shoots of difl'erent character, viz., the blooming and growing ones, the former keep- ing time or never getting in advance on own-root Roses, the latter being made through the magic of the Brier stocks to lag behind them. If Brier stocks can do this, then indeed we may readily grant that nothing is impossible to them, not even the making of Rose roots to bloom instead of their tops. D. T. F. New Rose Comte de Paris.— The Jovirnal of the Tuscany Royal Horticultural Society (Florence) publishes a plate of a new Hybrid Perpetual Rose distributed under this name. It is described as super- latively good ; the flowers are large and of a bright red, shading to velvety purple ; the stalks are stroog, so that the blooms are seen to advantage. The blooms, when open are, on account of the regularity of the petals, excellent ; while, in the bud state, they are invaluable for cutting. Altogether "it is a plant that no Rose lover would be without." The name is not well chosen, as there is a Rose already in gardens under the title of Comte de Paris. Boses for a small garden.— Twelve dsvarf plants may consist of three Gloire de Dijon and one each of Cheshunt Hybrid, Abel Carriere, A. K. Williams, Baroness Rothschild, Captain Christy, Charles LefebvTe, Duke of Edinburgh, Victor Verdier, and Prince Camille de Rohan. For walls I should recommend (;!loire de Dijon, Aimi'e Vi- bert. Belle Lyonnaise, Bouquet d'Or, Devoniensis, and Jules Margoctin. In this selection of eighteen plants, I have suggested planting four Gloire de Dijon, for the reason that it is, without doubt, by far the best outdoor Rose grown, and will pro- duce during the season more satisfactory blooms for cutting than any other Rose — which, to my mind, is the chief object. Devoniensis is a more beautiful flower, especially in the bud state, but then the proportion of bloom is about one to six. Aimee Vibert, with its vigorous growth and beautiful foliage, clad in summer with a canopy of snow-white blossoms, is very beautiful, but still not to bo compared in usefulness to (iloire de Dijon, which from May until November yields blooms of excellent quality, shape, and perfume. As regards stocks, have them on the common Brier and plant low, so that they may form " own roots." — J. K. Sunless propagating houses -One of the relics of the past is assuming considerable importance in connection with many Rose-growing establish- ments, says the Ameriran Florist, and to the north- side houses may be attributed no small amount of blame for the degeneracy in the vital energies of the Rose. Let us for a moment reflect on the modus operandi in vogue in many places. Cut- tings of Roses are taken from plants grown in the full blaze of the sun and in a temperature produc- tive of fine growth, and are supposed to be full of life and vigour. The next step is to remove them to a sunless house with top temperature in the forties. This lowering of temperature and avoid- ance of sunshine is considered essential by some of the leading lights in the Rose-growing world. Reflection will show at once the unnaturalness of the whole operation. The change is so sudden, that a check is given to the future plant's action, and granulation is retarded instead of accelerated, and consequently we have that sickly, watery look so prevalent in establishments where this method is practised. Better by far plant your cuttings on a bed with full southern exposure, using light paper shading in the middle of the day, when the sun is hottest, and that for only a limited time after the cuttings are inserted. Ex- perience will prove and common sense will endorse this method as against the practice so commonly employed. Every observing man will see at once the desirability of securing the beneficent rays of the sun to not only preserve, but help along the cutting after granulation has commenced. If we all practised the saucer-and-sun method in rooting our Roses it would be far better with the Rose, especially our forcing varieties. I know I am treading on the toes of many -who profess to know all about Rose propagation, but I am prepared to back old Sol and common sense against all the theories in the world. Flower Garden. TULIP BULB "DROPPERS." As a grower of the Tulip in its florist varieties, and for many years a raiser of it from seed, I have be- come intimately acquainted with the "dropper." It is, however, a form, whether of renewal or of in- crease, which is not adopted by the full-sized flowering bulb. This produces the new one for the following year, upon the radical plate of the old one, while offsets are attached to the same part also, nestling at the base of the folds of the parent bulb. Occasionally an axillary offset is formed at the junction of the lowest leaf with the flower-stem, but never up and down the bulb in the way that the fat Window Onion (Ornitho- galum longibracteatum) or Vallota purpurea pro- duces offsets. Neither is the "dropper " but very occasionally formed by offset bulbs, unless they are very small, say from the size of a Hazel-nut down- wards. It is in the seedling bulb of the Tulip in the years before it blooms that we find the "dropper" as the all but invariable form of re- production. Some "dropjiers" of the larger sort will have an offset or two, and there is very often a tiny bulb left behind on the site of the remains of the old exhausted bulblet. It is entirely owing to the tedious "dropper" that we cannot flower the Tulip from seed in less time than from five to seven years. It might not so much matter if but one " dropper " were produced, although the tube that carries it down is always at the cost of the "dropper's" substance. The loss and delay occur through there being several of these "droppers," varying but little in size in each case, and of which only the largest can be selected, to avoid growing a vast accumulation of what may be but worthless when they bloom. Thus the ad- vance in the seedling Tulip bulb is very small up to the fourth year, by which time some are bold enough to renew the bulb on the radical plate, after which they rapidly attain a flowering size. It is crediting the "dropper" with too much sagacity and too fine an instinct to suppose that it descends in order to place the bulb in a proper deepness of earth. The Tulip is not at all parti- cular to an inch, though from 3 inches to 4 inches is the customary depth of planting. A bulb that may have accidentally been dug in will cheerfully come through P2 inches, and bloom, too. I have planted young seedling bulbs both deej) and shal- low, and always found the "dropper." I have left "droppers" two years in the ground, and found them "droppers" still. They are not soon out of their depth, and can easily avoid that, either by shortening their descent or by the up- ward direction at first of the hollow underground pipe, at the end of which, as in a sac, they are developed. I have unsuccessfully tried to discon- tinue the "dropper" by the experiment of plant- ing two-year-old seedling bulbs so shallow that I could watch the "dropper " shoot appear. I have removed it forthwith, but only to find another one produced, and after the removal of this, another still, till at last I felt obliged to let one go for fear of exhausting the plant. It used to be a practice to offer a formidable check to "drop- pers " in the shape of large broken crocks or coarse drainage materials a little way below the Dec. 188G.] THE GARDEN. 585 Boil. These impediments, however, had no effect beyond that of distorting some of the new bulbs, according as a " dropper" had flattened its nose against a big crock, or had taken a sort of nega- tive impression of a broken brick. "Droppers" start either from the base of the young bulb downwards, or emerge from the top, and then descend, probably regulating their course at first by the way of the least resistance, or the direction in which their shooting point may be laid. But why the young seedling bulb should have no single leading bulb-germ like those ma- ture in size, but several that strive for the mastery ; and why these bulb-germs instead of clustering at a mother's side, as offsets do, should be sent away from home as " droppers," I think we cannot tell. We only know that it is the seedling habit of the Tulip always, and of very small offsets not infre- quently. D. F. Horner. BurtoH-in-Lonsdale. week in December, when a frost-nip spoiled them. I hope that the identity, or otherwise, of these two plants will be clearly established. — T. Smith. best spike measured about a foot in length. The colour of the flowers makes it very desirable. It is apparently rare, though introduced a number of years ago. THE AFRICAN LILY. (AliAPANTHUS UJIBELLATDS.) This fine old favourite is one of the many Cape plants that do good service in English gardens. Though not available as a hardy plant through- out the country, it is in very general use in pots or tubs to stand out in the summer. Its bold, ! massive character, both of flower and foliage, | especially adapts it for association with masonry, hence its most frequent use as an ornament on terraces, steps and entrances. It grows and | Old double yellow Wall- flower.— This is a favourite with cottagers in this locality; in summer bushes of it may be seen laden with golden blossoms, which render the air redolent with perfume. Like many old - fashioned flowers, this possesses somany good qualities, that one won- ders how it could ever have fallen into disrepute. Of course, the comparative mild- ness of the climate on this coast has much to do with its abundance ; it rarely gets injured by frost, and when once planted itlastsforyears, spreading out into large bushes. The soil being natu - rally light and dry favours sturdy growth, which gets well ripened, and its hardi- nessistherebyincreased. Itis readily propagated by means of slipsorcuttings. Theusual plan with the cottagers is to slip off small side, flowerless shoots in autumn, and insert them in a shaded spot where they remain until the follow- ing spring: they are then transferred to permanent quarters. For supplying cut flowers this Wallflower is in- valuable, as its bloom-spikes are large and expand regu- larly. Anyone desirous of growing this really tine plant in cold, wet soil where frost is severe should plant it close to a wall, and take the pre- caution of having a reserve of young plants in a cold frame. In many parts this old-fashioned ^Vallflower has been superseded by the double German variety, but the last is by no means equal to this fine old plant, and it ought to be more generally grown than it is, J. G. , Oo-iport, The African Lily (Agapanthus umbellatus). Engrixved for The Garden from a photogi-aph. flowers admirably planted out in a cold green- house or conservatory where the glistening dark 'green leaves seem to be always in good order. Siphocampylos bicolor.— This is quite hardy The fast-growing roots have great bursting power, at ISewry, planted at the foot of a sunny wall .^id ^^g betide any vase of ordinary pottery in where it never getsany other protection. When | ^^,^^^y (hey are confined ; they are only safe in I first saw the coloured plate of Lobelia Cava nillesi, it struck me as being identical with this Siphocampylos, a plant not frequently met with, though good and ornamental. As a matter of course, it gets killed down annually, but it shoots up again in spring in a very ^igorous manner. It usually attains 4 feet in height, and sometimes, in very genial summers, even more. Its pretty red and yellow blossoms are borne in great pro- fusion, and continue long in beauty ; in fact, this season they kept in good condition until the first wooden tubs strongly hooped with iron. Hedychium carneuin. — Of the various epecies of Hedychium this is one of the best. It has recently flowered in the Cambridge Botanic Garden, and has been much finer than the figures in the Butanical Mtifjazine and Roscoe's " Scitaminese " represent it to be. The flesh or salmon colour of the flowers, too, is much brighter. It grows about 4 feet high; the leaves are lanceolate and almost IS inches lorg ; the PLANTS FOR WINTER BORDERS. A WISE gardener will always make provision for furnishing lawn borders with spring-blooming plants and bulbs which would produce a pretty eft'ect in spring, and also relieve the bare appear- ance of empty beds during the dullest and darkest time of the year, say from November to February, when people are often confined to the house, and the view from its windows is the only one obtain- able. Many of the most effective spring flowers that are annually raised from seed, such as Silenes, Nemophilas, and others, will not stand ordinary winters if sown early enough to fill the beds before frost sets in ; if sown late and the plants are small, they are hardy enough, but beds filled with them are by no means satisfactory until spring growth commences and the bulbs begin to break through the soil. After trying several combinations for producing a cheerful effect from the time the summer bedding plants are removed until the season comes round for re- placing them, I find that the most satisfactory plan by which we can get beds really well furnished and full of brilliant or graceful foliage, supplemented by a mixture of flowering plants and bulbs as the spring advances, is to obtain a quantity of very yf^"j:iy\^^- dwarf well-rooted evergreen -/^^^g^^^^ shrubs, such as Hollies, Rho- r^^^^^^^^fe dodendrons, Euonymuses, Laurustinuses, Laurels, Bar- berries, Aucubas, Heaths, Arbor-vita'S, Cupressus, Ju- nipers, Vincas, and others, and with them fill the centres of large beds or vases quite full, edging with hardy flowering or fine - foliaged plants and bulbs in propor- tion to size. In the case of large beds, an outer edging may be made of Golden Feather Pyrethrum, London Pride, Crocuses mixed ; and a second line may be of Myo- sotis, Silene, &c. , with Hya- cinths or Tulips, and a back line of Wallflowers, with Nar- cissi or Jonquils. Smaller beds should only have one line of flowering plants, and the bulbs should be planted between the dwarf shrubs. These look at all times bright and cheerful, and, being perfectly hardy, defy all weathers. Shrubs are as easily obtainable in any quantity as bulbs, and if shortened back both root and branch in spring, when planted in their summer quarters they will last several seasons, or when too large for this purpose, they may be finally utilised for making new plantations and improving the borders of woodland walks. Sheltered positions might be reserved for Pansies, Daisies, and the earliest harbingers of spring, as in mild seasons they are seldom destitute of floral beauty. G. H. Fuchsia simplicaulis. — This is a very beautiful Fuchsia, somewhat similar to F. dependens. In the Cambridge Botanic Garden it grows close under the roof of a greenhouse, in which its pendulous racemes are very effective. The stems are long and branch 386 THE GARDEN. l5Ut little ; the leaves are large and pass into leafy bracts among the flowers, which are long and Ijright crimson in colour. The petals are shorter than the sepals, while those of F. dependens are ecjual in length. It is a very suitable plant for pillars. Fruit Garden. DWARF APPLE TREES. Wheee there is a possibility of establishing a good orchard of standard trees on the Crab stock this win be found to be by far the most profitable method of growing Apples. One fine tree will frequently produce more fruit than a dozen or more dwarfs, but the latter are not to be alto- gether despised, as they can be made very service- able in small as well as in large gardens, and a few good fruits are better than none at all. We un- fortunately have very few orchard trees, and have to depend principally upon the dwarf or bush- shaped trees which surround aljout one-half of the vegetable garden. Some of the latter have been established upwards of thirty years, and others have been quite recently planted. It is the com- paratively young trees that are the most profit- able, and it is my practice to gradually replace the worn-out, much too deeply-rooted old ones with young ones fresh from the nurseries. We purchase what are known as pyramids, but this shape is rather unsuited to the habit of the Apple, although it answers well for Pears. Our first proceeding, therefore, after planting is to boldly cut out the centre of the tree. This has the effect of diverting the sap to the formation of much stouter .side branches, of which there are usually about fifteen. If there were much fewer, it might be advisable to cut back all the side branches to within 6 inches of the stem, the most weakly ones being the most severely shortened. Sometimes merely shortening one or two of the stoutest branches will be followed by sufficient breaks to complete the number required for the foundation of a good tree. Not being pressed for room, nor very particular about the shape of a tree so long as the bi-anches are evenly distributed, we do not resort to the use of stakes, but those who may wish for well-formed specimens are advised to place a moderately strong and straight stake to each main branch; in this manner a good even double circle of straight limbs may be formed. Fi-om these a few laterals also allowed to extend are sufficient, and a profitable tree is thus formed without much trouble. I readily admit that a well formed pyramid is usually more attractive in appearance than these headed-down trees, but in most cases where the latter plan of training is adopted a maximum of growth and a minimum of fruit are the result. Unless every branch receives the full benefit of light and air little fruit will be produced, and many pyramids bear only on the "outer surface of the tree; whereas a properly managed bush fruits as much on the inside as on the outside branches. Nothing in the shape of summer pruning is now attempted with our bush trees, whether these be -1 feet or V2 feet high ; all the pruning which they receive is done about this time. In the case of young trees only the surplus laterals, or those not required for fui-nishing the future main branches, are cut hard back to within ■2 inches of the starting point, all the rest being retained at full length. Strong well matured wood, if shortened in the old style, only results in the production of still more strong shoots ; whereas If left full length, it not unfrequently forms fruit buds at nearly every joint. Thus trees planted in 1SS3 bore well this year, three and four dozen fine fruits being taken from several of them, and I have noticed that the leading growths, as well as strong laterals, that were reserved full length last winteT- are now well set with fruit buds. No root-pruning has been resorted to in order to bring about this satisfactory state of atl'airs, nor is this often neces- sary when the knife is withheld. Some of the trees are on the Paradise stock, but the majority are on the Crab, and the latter soon become as fruitful [Dec. 25, 1886. as the former, besides being much more robust. When the trees have reached the desired height (many of ours are 12 feet high and 12 feet through) the main branches should be stojiped at the winter pruning, and all lateral growths also spurred back, every main branch eventually becoming well clothed with fruit spurs. In a few instances, where the trees had become unfruitful from various causes, we left several laterals full length, and these have since borne well, also apparently reno- vating some of the more stunted of them, but, as before mentioned, I have more faith in young trees than renovated old ones — unless taken in hand at the roots as well as the tops. Very old trees will not always recover from the effects of rough root treatment ; we have a row here only just recovering from the effects of lifting and re- planting, operations which were to have done them so much good. Twelve years ago my predecessor took every pains -with them, doing one half of the tree one winter and the remainder the next. They were too old for close pruning ; but since I have allowed a thin sprinkling of laterals to re- main, a marked improvement has been the result. I believe in lifting all the trees, no matter in what shape they may be trained, once early in their career, or, say, when they have been planted about three or four years, not so much with the view of inducing fruitfulness as to check the downward tendency of many strong roots. No sub-soils, and especially those of a cold, clayey nature, are suitable as a rooting medium, and trees kept rooting nearer the surface are the most fruitful and the longest to remain in good health. EsPALiEKs. — I have not seen many examples of espalier- trained trees in the western or midland districts, but in the home counties and in North Wales this old-fashioned plan of training Apple trees still finds adherents. It has still much to recommend it, and for small gardens it is especi- ally suitable. A row of trees at the back of herba- ceous borders serves to neatly divide these from the rest of the garden, and besides being fairly ornamental they bear generally heavy crops of good fruit. Then, instead of bush or pyramid trees in a line with and near the principal garden walks, espaliers may be substituted, these en- croaching much less upon the limited garden space. Many nurserymen still supply small es- palier or horizontally trained trees, and these, being duly planted on fairly good garden soil, soon attain a serviceable size. Each probably would have about three tiers of branches I) inches apart, and a strong leading shoot. The latter should at planting time or soon after be shortened to about 10 inches of the topmost pair of branches, and from the young growths eventually resulting, the topmost should be staked upright, and two near to this, and as nearly oppositely placed as possible, should be trained horizontally, the rest being stopped. This should be annually repeated till such times as a height of 4 feet or 5 feet is reached, when no leader should be reserved. Some sup- port the main branches with neat upright stakes placed about IS inches apart, but these stakes, even if tarred or charred at the lower ends, natu- rally do not last long. A wire fence is neater and more durable. In the latter case as many wires as there are tiers of branches are required, and if the trees are planted from 1,5 feet to is feet apart, in the course of a few years a neat and continuous fence of Apple trees will be formed. If espaliers cannot be purchased, a start may be made with maidens. These, having one straight unjjruned growth, will require to be cut back to within !» inches of the ground, the subsequent treatment being exactly the same as that recommended for the older trained trees. JVIany now prefer to start with maidens, as they are found to grow more strongly than the more stunted older trees, and in time to surpass the latter. None of the reserved side branches should be shortened in any way till their limit is reached, but all lateral growth from these as well as the main stem may be lightly stopped in summer, when this can be done with the finger and thumb, spurring them back to within 2 inches of the old wood at the winter pruning. If this treatment is not accompanied with fruitfulness. then root-pruning should be resorted to, though this should not be done till the tree is of good size or has reached its full height, or the severe check necessarily given may stop all further healthy de- velopment. On no account should any strong central shoots be allowed to run up above the horizontal growths, or these will soon attract all the sap from the latter, rendering them com- paratively useless. I ought to add that, if the trees are worked on the Paradise stock, they must be planted not more than 12 feet apart, otherwise gaps will always be observable in the fence. Cordons do not as yet find much favour with gardeners, but they are suitable for all places, and for covering circular trellises and archways they are sometimes tried with very good results. At Sherborne Castle, Dorset, there is a fine lot of horizontally-trained cordons, three lines of them in dillerent heights so as to slope to the front, completely surrounding one of the large quarters of the kitchen garden. Each tree consists of two main branches trained in opposite directions, and three unbroked lines, supported by strong wires, are in this manner obtained. Some of the trees when I saw them were fruited so as to resemble somewhat the proverbial rope of Onions, and the produce was also of a very superior character. It is a simple matter to train these cordons in any direction or form needed, the leading branches being regularly laid in to their full length, and all laterals treated as advised in the case of the espaliers. Any that are inclined to be very vigorous must be root-pruned occasionally, or no fruit will be obtained, and that is one drawback attached to the system, root-pruning in many gardens being necessarily, at least, a bi-yearly operation. Sometimes cordons commence bearing the season following planting, and continue an- nually to bloom and fruit if not damaged by frost. In this case they are liable to become stunted, and will require to be lifted and replanted in fresh and rather rich compost, much of the fruit also being removed early in order to induce a more free growth. Cordons on dwarfing stocks are particu- larly to be recommended to those who may require a quick return for their outlay, or who may wish to form a large collection of varieties. They com- mence to bear at once, and may be planted thickly, or, say, in lines IS inches apart, and for training up stakes or over trellises 15 inches from plant to plant. Selkctio.xs of suiT.^iiLE v.\RiETiES. — For bush, espalier, and cordon trees I have found the fol- lowing most suitable, all being good, well tried varieties, and arranged somewhat in their order of ripening. For dessert purposes we have Beauty of Bath, Irish Peach, Kerry Pippin, Worcester Pearmain, Gravenstein, King of Pippins, Cox's Orange Pippin, Maigil, Braddick's Non- pareil, Ross Nonpareil, Adam's Pearmain, Pear- son's Plate, Court Pendu Plat, Northern Spy, Lamb Abbey Pearmain, Cockle Pippin, and Sturmer Pippin, and, if more than these are wanted, I can recommend Summer Golden Pippin, Wormsley Pippin, Court of Wick, Ribston Pippin, Wyken Pippin, Claygate Pearmain, Newtown Pippin, Nonpareil, and Duke of Devonshire. The best culinary Apples are Carlisle Codlin, Lord Sufiield, Keswick Codlin, Duchess of Oldenburg, Stirling Castle, Emperor Alexander, Golden Noble, Cellini, Lord Derby, Echlinville, Kentish Pippin, Warner's King, Blenheim Pippin, Tower of tilamis, Dumelow's Seedling, Royal Somerset, Alfriston, London Pippin, Winter Greening, Hambledon Deux Ans, and Norfolk Beaufin. W. I. M. Fruit buds. — Seldom have leaf and bloom buds on Black Currant and on Gooseberry bushes shown up so prominently as now. Whatever may be the cause — and it is perhaps due to the very fine and lengthened autumn season which we have had — it will be exceedingly interesting to note next spring what is the result of tliis early development. Whilst some may regard it as indicative of a good crop next year, others may feel that such early budding renders the trees liable to injury from severe weather. On Apple Deo. 25, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 587 trees there is also an early swelling up of fruit buds visible, but that may be the natural result of Bparse cropping during the past year. One advantage of this early plumping up of the buds is that winter pruning can be better done than if the buds were less prominent. Still further, it may be wise with such promise of strong growth before us to prune more freely than is usual, for if the ti-ees are about to carry heavy crops, it .should be our care to assist them by judicious thinning rather before the crop is due than afterwards. The roots are then less distressed and more capable of recuperating during the following year. When trees make gross growth and produce little fruit we find it desirable to furnish some root check, but when heavy crops are produced with, of course, lessened growth, then all possible root action is needful. The very best help in such cases is pruning in good time and mulching with manure. — A. U. RENOVATING OLD VINES. I \VA.s recently asked to look at a large vinery planted mostly with Black Hamburgh (irapes. The Vines were not very old, but a moment's inspection revealed the fact that they were badly managed, especially as regards the training of the young wood. Not only were they badly trained last season, but they had been badly managed from the first. Now Vines, such as those in question, which were certainly not more than twelve years old, could not be called old Vines in need of renovating ; and yet if they were pruned and trained in the same way much longer, the bunches, which were very small, and the Grapes poor in quality, would get gradually smaller and smaller, until their value as a maiket- aHIe commodity would not be sullicient to balance the expense of their culture. The system of train- ing seemed to be thi'S : The rods were led up too thickly in the first place, and by bad management had not broken regularly throughout their length. Some of the spurs were therefore too close to each other, and others too far apart. The pruning had been badly managed ; one shoot from each spur is sufficient, but in this case several growths had been produced and allowed to grow. These, in their turn, were cut back until quite a cluster of growths pushed from each spur ; and nowhere in the hou.se were young rods being trained up to take the place of the old ones, and this in a house about 100 feet long and 24 feet wide. Such a house, if well managed, ought to produce a grand lot of (irapes year after year. But it should be well understood that good management consists not only in pruning properly at the resting season, but far more in training the young growths in the right way after they have been sutiiciently thinned out. I have more than once had to deal with Vines badly trained as well as exhausted, apparently from old age. In one instance the leaves and fruit were quite smothered with mildew, owing to the border being badly drained, an evil further intensified by the rain water being allowed to run from the roof on to the border. The first opera- tion was to provide gutters to carry otf the rain water, and a good tank in which to collect it. As the outside border was in the worst condition that was seen to first, and an examination revealed the fact that it had never been properly made. I had a deep trench dug out parallel with the vinery, and at the part of the intended border furthest removed from the front wall. This was dug out to the depth of .3 feet. The next operation was to fork out the whole of the soil contained in the border, taking care to save as many of the roots as possible. The latter were all tied up against the front wall and covered with mats to keep them fresh. We now put in about G inches of drainage composed of old brickbats; over this was placed some turf with the Grass side down. The com- post, which had been previously prepared, was wheeled in, and the roots spread out at the level of the path. Six inches in depth of the compost were then placed over them, and over all a dress- ing of 3 Inches or 4 inches of decayed stable manure. A drain to carry off superfluous water was also laid down at the outside of the border and parallel with it. The inside border was not disturbed, as it was supposed that the roots there would be required to start the Vines into vigorous growth. Three parts of the old, stumpy, and perfectly useless wood were cut out, its place being supplied during the season with vigorous young canes, made during the first season, the whole length of the rafters. They were also allowed sufiicient space in which to develop laterals, and none of the growths were over- crowded. We had a very few good ti rapes as well as sufficient young wood the first season, and no mildew ; the latter, indeed, never appeared at all, proving conclusively that the precaution of thoroughly cleaning the wood, washing it first with soapy water and afterwards painting it over with similar water thickened with flowers of sulphur was sufficient to destroy this pest. The new bor- der, it may be added, consisted of good material, viz., turfy loam mixed with crushed bones, mortar rubbish, and a sixth part of decayed manure ; this became during the season quite permeated with fresh rootlets. Next season the whole extent of the roof glass was furnished with healthy young wood laden with good Grapes. The inside border required to be done subsequently in the same manner. The training of the Vines during the growing season is a matter of considerable importance, and here I would remark that one lateral or leading growth that has sufficient space for development is worth six that have been over-crowded, but it seems very difficult indeed to impress this fact upon those who have but a superficial knowledge of gardening, and who have no idea that the leaves have important functions to perform. Indeed, I know of one case during the past season in which a person of ordinary intelligence and the owner of a large vinery called upon me to say that as his Black Hamburgh (irapes were not colouring well, he had "stripped oft nearly half of the leaves to let the sun at them." I told him he had committed a grave error in so doing, and on visiting the house I found that the most important leaves on the laterals, those nearest the base, had been removed. Every one of those leaves so ruthlessly sacrificed for the supposed benefit of the Grapes ought to have been preserved with the greatest care. In the first place, the Grapes would not colour so well without them as with them. In the next, it is a fact that they are the most important leaves on the Vine, being essential to the perfect ripening of the fruit, and after that has been removed they are required to aid in the formation of the buds at their base. Indeed, thoso same leaves have been busily employed per- forming both functions all through the growing season, and up to the time when they become yellow and drop off, but not before the work allotted to them has been completed. Their work has been to form and store uj) in the buds at their base the material from which leaves and flowers will be developed next season. Many cultivators know this, but there are scores, nay, hundreds, who do not. If leaves are required for garnish- ing dishes containing fruit, there is always plenty of the right kind on the secondary laterals beyond the Lunches ; none ought to be removed between the bunches and the main stem. Ever since I was an apprentice, no season has passed that I have not had to train and prune Vines of all ages and under widely dif- ferent conditions, and the conclusion at which I have arrived is this : that, with very few excep- tions, the short-spur system of pruning is best — that is, rods trained at 2 feet (i inches or 3 feet apart, with lateral growths on each side and as nearly opposite each other as convenient, the average distance apart being about IS inches. Each of these growths would, if allowed, bear a bunch of Grapes, but it is necessary even with moderate-sized bunches to thin out more than haU of them. In fact, every strong lateral will show three bunches, but two out of the three are re- moved before or at the. time of stopping the laterals ; and here I would specially remark, that all laterals formed subsequently to the first stop- ping should not be allowed to grow until it is necessary to cut them with a knife ; indeed, where Vines are vigorous they grow so rapidly that it is desirable to go o\'er them for the purpose of stop- ping laterals once every week. If this is done, all the stoppings removed would not be more than a handful or two. This does not check the Viiies in the least ; whereas, going into a vinery with a knife and cutting out later growths a foot or two in length at or before midsummer must be in- jurious. The late Mr. Pearson, of CHiilwell, an ardent and successful Vine grower and seedling raiser, believed that it caused shanking in Grapes. One rather important detail is that of renewing the rods. After a time the spurs get unsightly through lengthening out. This is caused by cut- ting back the laterals annually to a good eye, and in order to do this about an inch of young wood is left every year. I have seen some of these rods upwards of twenty years old, and the spurs any- thing but short. We never have any rods more than ten years old. They are cut out before they become more aged, and young ones are put in their place. Some grow one rod only from a root. This ii very well to start with, but after a time it is desirable that two or more should be trained up from one root. The way in which we manage is this. Suppose there is room for ten rods in a new vinery, I would in the first place plant ten V^ines. Every alternate one would be rather heavily cropped the first two or three years, and when they showed signs of exhaustion they would be cut out, but not all at once, as their place would be gradually supplied with the permanent Vines, from which a second rod would be trained up from near the base. J. DoU(:l.\s. GRAPES IN THE OPEN AIR. I AM very much interested in the cultivation of the (irape Vine both under glass and in the open, and few articles appear on the subject in any of the gardening periodicals that escape my notice. I read Mr. CornhiU's paper on the cultivation of Grapes in the open air in Tije Garden with much pleasure, and can endorse all that he has written about the adaptability of many varieties for open-air culture on walls in the southern counties. From my own exijerience, I believe that if Vines in this country received the atten- tion pointed out by Mr. Cornhill in pruning and training, so that the leaves and fruit were fully exposed to the sun's rays at all times, as good Grapes could be grown on walls in many parts of England and Wales as in the neighbourhood of Paris. About 100 yards of the Castle wall here is covered with Vines trained perpendicularly to the height of from 50 feet to GO feet. There are several varieties, but the Chasselas de Fontaine- bleau does best. It is a good bearer, and ripens its fruit to perfection in good seasons. I have gathered bunches of Grapes from these Vines more than 2 lbs. in welglit, each of which are equal in quality to that of any Grape which 1 have seen at the table in France. The Vines are subject to mildew and suffer much some seasons from its effects. It was difficult, from the great height of the Vines here, to apply sulphur effectually to the leaves infected, and therefore I adopted the old-fashioned plan of painting the rods after they were pruned with a mixture of soft soap, sulphur, and lime, and mil- dew has not done harm to any extent since. The Vines in the open vineyard at Castle Coch have not been attacked with common mildew since they were planted, but sometimes they have had slight attacks of Oidium Tuckeri, which seems to burn holes through the tissues of the leaves. The best remedy I find for it is to pick ofi' the affected leaves as soon as it makes its appearance, and burn them. — A. Pettigbew, Cardiff. *„* This is the most hopeful report that we have yet seen of Grape-growing in the open air in England. It would be interesting to hear from Mr. Pettigrew as to the quality of the fruit pro- 588 THE GARDEN. [Deo. 25, 1886. duced in the vineyard at Castle Coch. We believe that in favoured spots, and with such care as the French give at Thomfery, certain Grapes might be ripened, but that does not lessen the danger of persons advising Grape culture generally for the open air in England, because the wisest and oldest gardeners know that it has been attempted a thousand times (vithout success. — Ed. Most people, I think, will admit that, tiking one season with another, but slight hope can be entertained of succeeding with outdoor Grapes north of the Trent, although I have some recollection of seeing (many years ago) ripe Black Hamburghs produced by a Vine in the open air a few miles north from the town of Leicester, but the Vine occupied a sheltered and favourable situation, and the season had been exceptionally fine. Now, however, when glass is so reasonable in price, it is unadvisable to plant the t! rape Vine extensively in the open air in either the northern or southern portions of the country. The Vine is, however, well worthy of consideration as an orna- mental plant, independently of fruit, for as Mr. Cornhill truly says, " A well-trained Vine is at all times pleasant to see," and few plants are better adapted for clothing the front of a cottage or dwelling-house which may face the south than a Vine. Near the ruins of the celebrated monastery at Bury St. Edmunds may yet be seen the terraces where were grown the Vines which produced the fruit from which the monks of old are said to have made excellent wine ; and there is no reason for supposing that the climatic conditions of this locality in those days were in any respect more favourable than they are at the present time. At a much later period, too, than that of the monks, the late Mr. Darkin, of Westgate Street, Bury St. Edmunds, in his unique garden formed on the site of an ancient and extensive chalk pit, long unused, and open to the south, but sheltered on the three remaining sides, managed for years to ripen Grapes of many kinds. The Vines were trained to a high wall facing the south, to the perpendicular surface of the chalk, and also to short stakes like Raspberry canes ; and the wine which he made from fruit thus produced was, and is still considered by connoisseurs to be equal, if not superior, to much of the wine imported from the Continent. This garden also affords a proof that very rich soil is not altogether indispensable to the production of Grapes of excellent quality. There are also other successful growers of Grapes in the open air in this town. And where the walls are low — that is, some 5 feet or li feet high — on which the Vines are trained, a young shoot is brought annually from the base to take the place of that which produced the fruit of the current year, which is annually removed. But in cases where Vines are trained to a high wall, such as that of a building or dwelling-house, what is known as the spurring system is doubtless the best ; that is, training the rods vertically from a horizontal rod near the surface of the soil, at a distance of not less than IH inches from each other. These rods will produce young shoots in abundance, which should be thinned out to the necessary distance apart, retaining the strongest and best placed. These will generally show a bunch at the fourth or fifth leaf, and the shoot should be stopped at the first leaf beyond the bunch. Each shoot with its embryo bunch should be loosely tied to the rod, thus leaving a portion of the wall between each vertical rod ex- posed to the influence of the sun. By this method the brickwork absorbs the heat communicated to it, and parts with it gradually, and a more equable temperature is the result. This mode of training also presents a very neat appearance, and prevents the fruit from coming in actual contact with the ■wall. If, however, fruit of fairly good quality is expected from Vines in the open air, not more than one bunch should be allowed to each shoot, and the berries of each buncli should be carefully thinned out. In this way I have this season (which has not been exceptionally favourable for outdoor Grapes) ripened bunches of Buckland's Sweetwater close upon 2 lbs. in weight. I am surprised to see that the French have so many varieties of hardy (4rapes which have never been introduced to tliis country. Surely English nurserymen will see to this matter before long. If a variety of the Grape Vine exists which in the south of Germany will ripen its fruit in August, it surely ought to do so in the south of England by the middle of October. Might not the Grape of Mr. Cornhill's boyhood have been the Esperione, which is the best black Grape for open-air culture with which I am acquainted ? Indeed, the varieties of Grape Vine which can at presentbe recommended for open-air culture are but few, and may be said to consist of the Royal Muscadine, Black Cluster, and Esperione. Although Buckland's Sweet- water and Black Hamburgh have been mentioned as having ripened out of doors, they cannot safely be recommended to plant in the open air. But let us hope that the list of trustworthy hardy varieties suited for this purpose may soon be considerably extended. — P. G., Bury St. Edmunds. I was pleased to see from the remarks made in The Garden (p. 570) that a practical view of this subject had been taken, a result thoroughly justified by past experience. To advise cottagers to plant Vines out of doors in England as a profitable speculation is a great mis- take. From what source could profit possibly arise ? Inferior Grapes aro practically unsaleable at a profit at the time when these would be ripe ; they cannot be utilised for preserving, and one would hardly recommend a cottager to plant them solely for wine-making. Better plant any fruit at once hardy and productive that can be sold at a remunerative price, or that can be used up as jam. Any cottage walls at liberty would be better covered with Victoria Plums or Red Currants than Vines ; north aspects should be planted with Morello Cherries. I have given outdoor (i rapes a thorough trial near London, and have obtained abundant crops and good sized bunches, but in berry and flavour they were only fit for wine- making. There is, however, one thing as yet untried, and that is thinning the bunches. There are so many things requiring immediate attention just at that particular time, that up to the present I have not been able to try the experiment. Our situation is about as favourable as it well could be for outdoor A'ines. The border consists of light loam well drained, and it lies well up to the sun. It faces the south and south-east, and is well sheltered on all sides. Nevertheless, with all these natural advantages and contemplated thinning, I am by no means sure that we shall have good outdoor (i rapes. — E. B. be desired, that cluster amongst the deep green foliage, and are really interesting and decorative objects, very different from what they were in their best days in tubs, while the labour attending them is greatly reduced. When associated with Camellias, Myrtles, New Zealand Flax, and such plants as flourish in temperate houses, the Orange tree is indeed a noble object, bearing, as it does, three distinct crops of fruit at one time, and blos- soms that rival our choicest Orchids for delicacy of perfume and purity of colour. I would there- fore strongly advise all who have Oranges in tubs, the appearance of which is not satisfactory, or such specimens as one often sees in our public gardens, to plant them out, when they will repay all the care bestowed on them, and the owner will soon be able to gather his own Oranges in abund- ance. When arranged with some of their fresh green foliage attached, Oranges form a by no means unimportant addition to our home-grown dessert fruits. G. Garden Flora. ORANGE TREES AND ORANGERIES. The introduction of fine-foliaged plants to our gardens, especially such hardy ones as Yuccas, which are thoroughly fitted for adorning terraces and parterres, has done much to supersede the Orange trees, which appeared equally out of place, either in the full glare of the terrace or when their defects were partially concealed in their dreary- looking winter quarters. When the old orangery was replaced here by a conservatory, the large beds in it intended for permanent plants provided a good situation for the old occupants of the orangery, some of which had been in their tubs for an indefinite period. The beds were emptied to the depth of 4 feet, and at the bottom we put broken bricks to the depth of IS inches, and covered them with turf to keep the drainage perfect, the re- mainder being filled up with a compost of turf, peat, leaf-mould, and old mortar rubbish. In this the old worn-looking subjects were planted. By keeping up a moist genial atmosiihere, and syring- ing the stems frequently, they soon showed signs of returning health, the Oranges especially send- ing out both flower and wood-buds from the bare hard stem that had not produced a leaf for years. The bloom was so abundant the fol- lowing year, that we picked ofi' thousands in order to concentrate the energy of the plants in the growing buds, only leaving enough for a good crop. These are now ripening as fine fruits as can PLATE 576. CHINESE HERBACEOUS PEONIES. (with a figure 01'' p. ALBIFLORA VAR. ADRIAN.*) The herbaceous Peonies, noblest of hardy plants, yet long neglected in gardens, have within recent years gained the popularity which they deserved. At one time the common European Pseony (P. officinalis) was almost the only representative of this important genus in genera! cultivation. Now one sees the lovely Chinese varieties in nearly all good gardens, and since a few hybri- dists in France have turned their attention to them, we have varieties innumerable of every hue which the Paeony is capable of producing. All, too, are beautiful, and generally combine rich or delicate tints with exquisite fragrance, which vies even with that of a Tea Rose itself. The genus is a large one, and very widely distributed. Paionies occur in various parts of Europe ; one is widely distributed in America, wliile a few are natives of the extreme east, viz., China and Japan, and to the herbaceous species inhabiting this region our present notes are confined, leav- ing the Tree Pteony (P. Moutan) and the Euro- pean species and varieties for comment, when coloured plates will be given lepresenting each section. Nearly a century ago Mr. George Anderson devoted a deal of attention to this genus, and being a keen cultivator as well as a good botanist, he dealt with Pa^onies both from a culfivatoi's and a botanist's point of view. The result of this study of the genus he published in the Journal of the Linnean Society in 1817, and to this day Anderson's monograph may be taken as the basis of all other works, so complete and full of reliable information is it. Sabine also worked with Anderson in producing the Linnean mongraph, and to them jointly gardeners are deeply indebted. Through Anderson many species of Pceonia weie introduced and culti- vated, but no one in after years appeared to pay much attention to the suliject; indeed, several fine species and many charming varieties dropped out of cultivation, and Pa^onies again suftered much from neglect. Until Mr. Baker took up the subject a few years ago, no one had reviewed the genus since Anderson's time. The review of the genus which Mr. Baker published in a con- temporary is the most complete we now possess ; in it he dii'ects attention to various fine species either not introduced or very rare, and only in specialists' collections. To Mr. Peter Bair we are also indelited, not only for hunting up neglected species, but also for introducing others to culti- vation ; in short, he is endeavouring to do with * Drawn for The Garden in Mr. Antliony Waterer'a nursery, Knap Hill, Woking, in June. P^ONIA ALB I FLORA A^DRIAN. Dec. 1886.J THE GARDEN. 589 Pfeonies what he has done with Daii'odils and Hellebores. Of the only three speiies not in his collection he has been promised two, and the third, which is also a Chinese one (P. obovata), he is in a fair way of obtaining. The cultivation of these Chinese Pseonies is comparatively easy ; indeed, a good garden soil not too stiff suits them to perfection. They are, however, voracious feeders, and can stand a large amount of stimulants, liquid and others. They require plenty of water during the summer season ; indeed, the most robust we ever saw were in such a position that they could be flooded when necessary. Position, whether in sun or Bmgle-flowercd P.eonia albiflora. shade, seems to be immateiial, as they flower well under either condition. We once saw a large rough bed of them in a wood on the Surrey hills quite shaded, and fioweiing most profusely. We suggested sunshine, but were told that the flowers stood longer in the shade (often a foit- night or three weeks) than those exposed to sun- shine. Great care is required in lifting or dividing them, operations which had best be resorted to as little as possible when once they are fully established. The following are a few of the best : — P. ALBIFLORA. — This is by far the most fertile of all the hardy herbaceous P;conies in cultiva- tion as regards the production of garden varieties, and next to P. peregrina it is the latest to show flower. In the neighbourhood of London the blooms seldom appear until after the beginning of June. The albifloras, of which there are con- siderably over '200 in gardens, form a distinct set, easily distinguishable from the others by the dark shiny colour of their leaves, and the marked way in which the flowers stand above the tufts of foliage. From officinalis they ditier in having more slender, rounder, and more rigid stems, scarcely grooved, while in officinalis they are deeply six or seven-grooved. The leaves also are much larger, biternate, with broader, smoother leaflets shining on both surfaces. The blooms have also a pleasant smell, which much resembles that of a Narcissus. The stems, which grow 2 feet or .3 feet long, are quite glabrous, generally branching and bearing from two to five large milk- white or pink flowers. They have long been in cultivation in this country, and Lcureiro, in his " Flora Cochinensis,'' states that albiflora is found both wild and cultivated all over the Chinese Empire ; it is therefore probable that many fine varieties of it could be picked up in those dis- tricts where it has been so long an object of ' attention. Anderson has described the following varieties in vol. xii. of the " Linnean Trans- actions," viz. : — P. ALBiFLOEA VAR. VESTALLS. — This was grown by Messrs. Lee and Kennedy as albiflora, and was at that time more common in gardens than the type. It is distinguished by its large white eight- petalled flowers, rarely or very slightly tinged with pink at the base. The leaves, which are broader, are more flat and shining than those of the others, and the stems are darker in colour. P. A. VAR. CAXDIHA differs from the foregoing in hiving its leaves and stalks hardly tinted at all, and the stigmas flesh-coloured instead of yellow. When opening, the buds are pink. It was first discovered in Mr. Knight's nursery at Chelsea. P. A. VAR. TATARICA.— The Original plant of this «'a3 sent from Tartary by Pallas. Its flowers are much larger than those of vestalis, and fuller of petals, which retain a pale pink colour vmtil they drop; stigmas pink. P. A. VAR. STBiRicA. — This is Said to have been tirtt received by the Messrs. Loddiges from Siberia, through Pallas. The leaves are yellowish green ; the flowers pure white, even in the bud ; and it is altogether divested of that purple tint in the stalks and leaves which some others have. Flowers much larger than those of any of the others. P. A. VAR. RUBESiENs — This is a very diminu- tive variety, and its flowers are of the darkest colour. The leaves, too, are small, blunt, concave, or channelled above. P. A. VAR. r.siFLORA. — This was introduced by Pallas. It has very narrow leaves, and is easily distinguished from all others. It has a disposition to produce only a sinjile flower on each stem. The flowers are white, with a pale pink tint at the base ; stigmas dull yellow. P. A. VAR. WiiiTLEYL — This charming variety was introduced by !Mr. Whitley, nurseryman, of Fulham, from China, in the year ISO.S. When well grown the stems are fully 3 feet high. The leaves are rough and less shining than those of any of the others. The flowers are large, very double, with the outside of the petals red and the inner dull straw coloured, the whole becoming nearly white before they drop ofl', and emitting a scent not un- like that of Elder flowers. They appear about the middle of June. P. A VAR. HtTMEi. — This was brought from China in ISIO. It is by far the laigest of all the ^^"n -.^A, Double-flowered Pteonia albiflora. herbaceous P;eonies, its stems sometimes exceed- ing some 4 feet in height. The flowers are quite double, reddish coloured, and almost scentless The stems bear about three flowers each ; leaflets broad, pitted, and invariably rough. P. A. VAR- FRAGRANs. — This fine variety was in- troduced from China, by Sir Joseph Banks, about the year ISOo. It has upright slender stalks, pale green leaves, which are often slightly serrated on the margins. It flowers about the end of June. The blooms are large and double, of a pale rose colour, and very sweetly scented. The centre petals are longer than the outside ones and erect. Since the above varieties were described, florists have been most energetic in adding to the number many really charming and desirable forms, the following being only a few selected, and by no means exhausting the store :— Leouie, lilush Noblissima, full deep rose Piiace Imperial, rose-purple Reine des Fleurs, rich rose Superbissima, purple-crim&on Tlie Queen, blu^h-rose Virgo Maria, pure white W. E. Gladstoue, blush, rose scented Sir G.amet Wolsoley, lose Faust, blush white Adrian (see plate) Carnea elegans, delicate pink ( 'undidissima, blush Madame Calot, one of the finest, a delicate blush Etcndard dvi Gi-aud Homme, brilUant rose, large Fc.^tinc maxima, pure white Grandiflora nivea, white, large Laciniata, very large pure white, one of the best and others with equal mention in detail. merits too numerous to D. K.. WORK DONE IN WEEK ENDING DEC. '21. December 15 to 2L With the exception of the morning of the 16th, when we had 0 U(i in. of rain, the week has been fine throughout, and these last two mornings the frost has been sufficiently sharp to admit of our getting the remainder of manure wheeling and mulching done in the kitchen garden. All our Straw- berry plots are now thickly covered ; Asparagus the same, and so are Raspberries, and Apiicots and Plum borders. We have no more good manure, else Pears, Cherries, and the less vigorous- growing Apples would also be mulched. Trench- ing has gone on without interruption. Some new ground that we are breaking up in which to plant Rhododendrons and Azaleas is covered with Bracken, which so protects it that we can keep on w^ith the digging, no matter how great the frost. Continued the turning of gravel on paths that had got Moss grown, the verges being levelled and cut before the gravel is turned. For the Christmas decorations of the church we are re- sponsible, and as a good length of wreathing is required, we are attempting to do two jobs at once; that is, to serve both church and garden. The latter we are doing by shearing over large bu.shes of Box and Yew, that if not done now would have to be done a few weeks hence, and the sprays that are now being clipped off make the finest wreaths imaginable. Box and Yew, with here and there a sprig of Holly, are simply perfection for the massive stone columns and arches that we have to deal with. The wreaths are made as light as possible, and we make up what they lack in bulk by using a couple on each pillar twisted across each other. The window-sills we do entirely with green Moss and flowers ; of the latter, Christmas Roses, Roman Hyacinths, white Camellias, and white Chrysan- ihemums are amongst the best, both for effective- ness and length of time they continue in good condition. Holly berries are scarce, but Ivy and Cotoneaster are well fruited, and both are excel- lent substitutes for the Holly. We have quite completed the pruning of all bush fruits, and soon as may be the trees will now have a good splash over with fresh slaked lime and soot in about equal proportions, which, besides destroying Moss and Lichen, makes the buds distasteful to small birds that might otherwise destroy the prospects of a crop of fruit next year by picking out the buds. Work in the houses has been much the same as for a week or two past. Flowering plants we keep well freed from decaying flowers. Chrysanthemums we cut down soon as their flowers are over ; nearly all our cuttings are now put in, and therefore a quantity of the old plants that were no longer required for stock has been wheeled to the fire heap, to be burnt up with the prunings from fruit trees, clippings from hedges, and rubbishy leaves that are not worth stacking for hotbed purposes. All tender bedding plants that require strong heat we have arranged on shelves in Pine stoves, and to less tender species in frames we have given all the space possible ; we water them only once a week, and then very carefully. Damp and mildew are the evils to 590 THE GARDEN. [Deo. 25, 1886. avoid if we would safely winter these plants. The cold weather necessitates increased heat in plant- stoves, and with it we have had to be more free with the wateringrpot, but overhead syringing we have quite discontinued, as Calanthe flowers began to spot, and thus syringing did more harm than counter-balanced the little good it did to Ferns, Palms, Draca-nas, and Crotons. Early Peaches are just showing the pink of their flowers, and no further overhead syringing of these will now be done till the fruit has set. Present tem- perature by night, 45° to 50°, and 5° higher by day. The manure on the floor of the early vinery we turn once a week, at which time we take out any forcing plants that may be coming into flower too rapidly, and others are introduced. Callas, Lily of the Valley, Solomon's Seal, a few Tea Roses, and Spiraeas have just now been put in. Tied late Peach trees to trellis; jjruned young Vines, Madresfield Court and (Jros iMaroc, and gave the inside border a regular drenching, as the soil was cracking in all directions ; sowed Tomatoes and Melons ; put another batch of Potatoes in boxes to sprout, to be eventually planted in frames set on hotbeds of leaves and litter, and which is now being made up. H.\nt.s. FKTJITS UNDER GLASS. Cui'UMr.Eiis. So far, although the atmosphere has been heavy, the weather has been very mild, and winter plants have neither felt sudden depressions nor the ill effect of hard firing. How long this may go on it is Impossible to say, but one thing is certain ; pre- parations for the worst must be made, and in no way can a sudden change to wintry weather be better met than by keeping the beds replenished with well worked fermenting leaves and the pro- vision of external covering. This, provided it is never allowed to exclude daylight, not only econo- mises fuel on cold, wet, boisterous nights, but it prevents the escape of moisture, and maintains an even temperature between the foliage and the glass. Cucumber houses, as a rule, are low, com- pact structures, and by no means difficult to cover ; but then the question arises, what is the best material for the purpose? Shutters are un- wieldy. Mats in the morning are generally found where they are not wanted, but oiled canvas, now coming into general favour, both on the score of efficiency and economy, can be pre- pared to fit the roof at a very moderate price. Fruit in December is of little value ; consequently growers for market husband the energies of their plants by cropping lightly and keeping them steadily progressing until the turn of the year, when the quantity they produce in some measure compensates for the low prices now realised. In private gardens a different system prevails ; the space devoted to a few plants may include the back of a Pine stove, or perhaps one or two minia- ture compartments in a forcing range. The demand may not be heavy ; perhaps not more than one fresh young fruit every day ; but the mode of culture must be right, otherwise an acre of glass will not yield what is wanted. Two im- portant items, as I have just remarked, are bottom heat and good covering ; another is thin planting to allow for extension of the young growths ; and the last is a succession of healthy maiden plants for throwing into bearing when old ones begin to fail and require cutting over. The present time is favourable for cutting over, if not a whole house, perhaps a plant or two, as the young growths not only favour root action, but come into bearing when good fruit is scarce, consequently valuable. When plants are so treated, every fruit and blossom and the worst of the old leaves should be cleared away. Those left should then be cleansed from spider by the persistent use of mild insecticides, and the bottom-heat being brisk, a portion of the exhausted or sour soil may be re- moved or replaced with a smaller quantity of sweet, warm compost. Lumps of light turf broken up by hand, a little fibry peat, rough lime rubble, and charcoal, make a suitable winter compost, as the roots lay hold quickly, and tepid water, of which they must have enough to keep them con- stantly moist, passes freely away. A supply of this compost kept constantly on hand can be used little and often as the roots show on the surface, and the stems of plants in pots, after the turn of the year, can be earthed up with great advantage. The enemies to which winter Cucumbers are ex- posed are innumerable, and must be dealt with before they have time to do mischief. Red spider springs up as if by magic after or during a period of hard firing or heavy cropping. For checking this, sulphur in some form is accepted as the best remed}', but a weak solution of soap or Gishurst compound used regularly is an excellent preven- tive. Where these do not produce the desired effect, the roots should be examined, as spider cannot be got rid of whei-e dribbling is made an apology for good watering. (ireen-Hy and thrips are not very active in winter, but the plants being also comparatively inactive, slight attacks soon affect them, whilst heavy smokings frequently prove quite as injurious as the insects. Still, tobacco smoke must be introduced, not in the old- fashioned way, but through the ingenious machine invented by Bloxham ; not in opaque clouds, but little and often before these pests get established. We have had this bandy puffer in use more than a year ; never consumed so small a quantity of tobacco paper, and have never been so free from insects. ^Vhen mildew attacks the foliage, as sometimes happens in badly ventilated pits, a sharp bottom-heat and plenty of tepid water must be applied to the roots, which may be dry or sluggish. The ground ventilators must be kept constantly open to admit fresh and force out vitiated air, and the foliage well syringed with sulphur water or a solution of sulphide of potas- sium by those who know how to use it. Yet one more enemy the winter Cucumber grower has to contend with, and that is canker. The best remedy for this is quicklime and flowers of sulphur well rubbed into the parts affected, but prevention being preferable to cure, rough lime rubble, lumps of charcoal, and other absorbents should be placed about the stems, and provision for the admission of air on or below the level of the bed should not be overlooked. Yomig jitantt. — Where space is limited, and not more than one batch of plants is grown through the winter, it is necessary to get a stock of young ones ready for filling up paps or replenishing a pit early in the new year. These may be raised by means of layers or cuttings from clean, healthy parents, or, an abundance of top and bottom heat being at command, a few seeds may be sown singly in small pots plunged to their rims in a temperature of 80°. If the pieces of light turf from which the fine particles have been shaken is damp, water will not be needed until after the young plants are through the surface, and then it must be given with the greatest caution. A small propagating pit is the best place for this early work, as the plants can then be kept close to the glass, which should be we'l covered every night to maintain an even temperature about the tender foliage. One of the great secrets of success in after-management is repotting in warm soil as soon as the young roots touch the sides of the seed pots, or, better still, transplanting to small cones of light, warm compost. Melo.vs. . Aix-la-Chapelle Bamberg (Uavaria) BerUn— Berlin Botanic Gardens. ,, -University Botanic Gar- dens Bonn (Rhenish Prussia)— Uni- versity Botanic G.ardcns, Brcslau (Silesia) Name of Director or Superintendent. Charles Riv.fere. Dr. R. Schomburgk. F. Cowan. W. R. Guilfoyle, F.L.S. Charles Moore, F. L S. Dr. L. Juranyi. Dr. Jos. T. Rostaf.nski. Dr. Ed. Tangl. Ad. Schwocder. Dr. H. Lcifgtb. Dr. Joh. Feyritscli. Bon. c'e Jaborncg;; (iamscncgg. Dr. Aug. Kauitz. Dr. Th. CicfieJski. Dr. M, Willkomni. Prof. A. Fekete. Raimondo Touiinz. Dr. A. J. Kerne/. Fr. Antoire. Dr. H. Van Ueurck. Frangoia Cre] in. Dr. J. J. Kictx. Dr. C. Malaise. A. Glaziou. Prof. II. P. rudi.ill.iw. H. Willpiet. Prof. MacOwan. J. C. Smith. Edward Tidmar.-h. j Dr. Henry Trimen. Prof. F. Philippi (P.lr). C. Ford. Or. L. Pierre. Prof. Eug- Wanning. Tyge Rothe. Prof. R. P. Al. Scdiio. Gastinel Bey. Dr. M. Lieutau'l. Ch. Naudin. F. Paillot. J. Commc. Eugt;ae Vioillard. Comte d'Kpremcjnil, Dr. Laguesse. J. B. Vcrlot. Em Ic Davrillon. V. Meurein Dr. Ant. Magnin. Prof. J. K. Planchon. Prof. G. Le Monuio ■. Dr. EcorcliHi-d. M. Rossignol. Prof. Maxime Cornu. Dr. Barallier. Emm. Blanche. C'harlts Magnier. J. B. Chabiiud. Dr. Uominique Clos. Prof. David Bar..sl y. Dr. M. Debcy. Dr. Funk. Dr. A. W. Eichler. Dr. S. Schwendener. Dr. Ed. Strasbiu'ger. Dr. H. R. Goeppert, Deo. 25, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 5:) 5 Locality of Garden. Name of Director or Superiuteudent. Qermanv — COtlliilUfd. 1 Brunswick (HruD&wick)— Bjta- nic Garden of the Polytechnic School Dr. W. Blasius. Carlsriihe (Baden) J. Pfister. Cologne (Rhenish Prussia) . . Prof. -J. NieprascTik Darmstiidt (Hesse) . . . . Dr. Leopold Dippel. Dresden (Saxouy) Dr. Oscar Drude. Erlangeu (Bavaria) . , Dr. Max. Reess. Frankfort-ou-Main (Hcsse-Nas- Eau) Dr. H. Th. Geyler. Fribourg (Baden) Dr. F. Ilildchrand. Giessen (Hesse) Dr. H. Hoffman. Goerlitz (Silesia) Dr. R. Peck. Guttingen (Hanover) . . . . Dr. Cumte Herni. do Solms-Laub.ich. Greifawald (Pomerania) . . . . Dr. J. Mimter. Halle-upon-SuUe (Saxony) . . Dr. Greg. Kraus. Hamburgh Dr. H. G. Rcichenbich. Heidelberg (IJAden) .. .. Dr. E. Pfitzer. Herrenhau'cn (Hanover) . . Herm. Wendlaud. .Tena{Saxe-C'-)burg) .. .. Dr. E. Stahl. Kiel(Schleswig-Hulstein) , , Dr. Ad. Englcr. Konigaberg Dr. Robert Caspary Leipzig (ciaxony) Dr. Schenck. Marbourg(Hesse-N:issA")) .. Dr. A. Wigand. Muuden {Hanover) . . Dr. X. J. 0. MuUcr. Munie'h(Bivaria) Dr. C. G Von Naogcli. Munster (Westphalia) . . Dr. O. Brefeld. Potsdam (Urandiinburg) . . Dr. Juhlke. Rostock (Mecklenbuig) .. .. Dr. Jean Roeper. Strasburg (Alsace-Lorr.iiue) . . Dr. Ant. De IJary. Tharand (.-axnny) Dr. Fred. Nobbe. Tubingen (Wurtemberg) . . . . Dr. W. Pfcffer. Wurzburg (Bavaria) . . Dr. Jul. Vou Sachs. Great Biutain and Ireland IJ. Birmingham (England) . . W. B. Latham. rambridgo (England) .. i R. L Lynch. Crystiil Palace, Sydenham .. W, G. Head. Hull j P, MacMahon. Liverpool J. Richardson. London (England) —Chelsea Bo- j tanic Gardens . . ' Thos. Moore. Loudon (England) -Royal Boti- Prof. W. T. T. Dyer. nic Gardens, Kew . . . . (Curator, G. Nicholson.) London (England)— Royal Beta- : nic Society Gardens, Regent's Park W. Sowerby. Loudon (England)— RoyiU Horti- cultural Society Girdena, S. Kensington A.F.Barron. Manchester (England) .. .. Bruce Findlay. Oxford Dr. J. Biylev Bilfour. (Cur.itnr, \V. ISixter.) Sheffield J. McEw.ng. Dublin (Ireland) — Royal Botanic Gardens of Giasnevin . ... F. W. Moore. Dublin (Ireland)— Trinity Col- lege F. W. Buibiige, F.L.S. Belfast (IreLand)-Royal Belfast IJjtanic Gardens R Mothsrell. Edinburgh (Scotland) — Royal Botanic Gardens Dr. A. Dickson. (Curator, R. Lindsay.) Glugow ■ ... R. BuUen. GREEre— 1. Athens Dr. T. de Heldr^ich. Guatemala— 1. Guatemala . . ,. Dr. Francesco Abella. Guiana — 1. Georgetown G. S. Jenman. Caracvas Dr. F. Ernst. F.L.S. Holland -4. i Amsterdam ' Prof. C. A. J. A. Oude- I mans. Groningcn Prof. P. De Bo r. Leyden Dr. W. F. R. Surin^ar. Rotterdam J. F. Wilke. Utrecht Dr. N.W. P. Rauwenhoff. Indl\n Empire— 7. Bangalore (Madras) . . . . j CoL W. L. Johnson. Bombj.y A. Shuttleworth. Calcutta- Royal Bj'auic Gar- I dens Prof. G. King. Darjeeling (Bengal) .. .. G. Gammie. Ganish Kind (Pounah) . . .. G. W. Woodrow. Madras I Prof. M. A. Law.son. Ootacamud Mr. Jamieson. Pondicherry. . . . .. ' Saharaupur (Bengal) . . J. F. Duthic. Italy— 23. ) Bolot^na . . . . , . . . i Cagliari . . . . I Dr. P. Gennati. C.iserta . . .. | Dr. N. Terraceiano. Catania .. .. .. Prof. Fr. Tornabsue. Fen-ara . , . . j Dr. Cams Massalungo. Florence . . . . Dr. E. Beccari. Genoa. . . . . . Prof. Frei. DeU ino. Luc 2a .. ., Dr. C. Bicchi. Messina . . . . . . Prof. A. Borzi. Milan Prof. Fr. Ai'disione. Modeua . . . . Dr. A. Mori. Naples . . . . . . Dr. J. A. Pasquale. Padua . . . . , Cav. Dr. P. A. Saccirdo. Palermo . . . . , ' Dr. Aug. Todaro. Parma . . . . . . . . Prof. J. Passerini. Locality of Garden. Name of Director or Superintendent. Italy — coiitlnu^d. Pi) via . . Perugia Pisa . . Porticl Rome . . Siena . . Turin . . Venice Jai'AN — 1. Tokio — Koiskekowa Bota lic Gardens Java— L Buiteuzorg . . Malta— 1. La Valette . . Mauritius— 1. Port Louis . . Natal— 1. D'Urbau New Zealand— 2. Christchurch Wellington . . Pehu- 1. Lima . . Philippine Islands— 1. Manilla (Luzon) PouTrr. \L — 3, Coimbra Lisbon Oporto Reunion, Island of— 1. St. Denis Roumasia— 2. Bucharest Prof. J. Briosi. Prof. Al. BruFchi. Dr. J. Arcaugcli. Dr. Horace Comes. Dr. R. Pirrotta. Prof. Att Tassi. Prof. G. Gibelli. Sen. Ruchinger. Prof. K. Do. Dr. M. Treub. Dr. Gavino Gulia. J. Home. Mr. Kelt. J. B. Armstrong. Dr. J. Hcct >r. ;issy . Ru.-i5IA — 10. Dorj).at (Livonia) . . Helsiiigfora (Finland) Ka^-au (Kazin) KUarkoff Kiev . . Moscow Nikita (Crimea) Odessa Orel Ouman (Kiev) Penza (Penza) St. Petersburg — Imperial Bo- tanic Gardens St. Petersburg —University Bo- tanic Gardens Tiflis Woronesch . . Warsaw Scandinavia- 7. Christiania (Norway) Giictenburg (Sweden) -Horticul- tural Society's Botanical Gar dens . Lund . . Stockholm (Sweden) — Gardens of the Royal Academy of Agri- culrure Stockholm — Royal Gardens of Higa St ickholm — Swedish Society of Horticultural Botanic Gardens Upsala Servia— 1. Belgrade Sibbbia— 1. Tomsk Spain— 3. Barcelona Madrid V;ilencia Straits Settlements -1. Singapore Switzerland— 5. Basle Berne . . Geneva Soleure Zurich Tasmania— 1. Hubart Town United States— 5. Brookliue (Mass.)— Arnold Arbo- retum of Harvard College Cambridge — Harvard College Bot.inic Gardens Lansing (Michigan) — Botanic Garden of State Agricultural College St. Louis (Missouri) Washington ( D.C.)— U.S. Uept. of Agriculture Gardens .. WE-iT iNDIrS-O. Havana (Cuba) Jamaica Port of Spain (Trinidad). . St. Pierre (Martinique)— Colonial Botanic Gardens Dr. Mig. dc los Rios. Seb. Vidal y Solcr. Dr. J. A. Hienriques. Prof. J. de Andrade Cor\'o. Dr. F. de S. G. Cardoso. y\. Richard. Dr. Brandza. D.-. A. Fetu. Dr. Ed. Rusaow, Dr. S. O. Lindberg. ProL N. W. Sorokio. Dr. A. D. Pitra. Dr. .J. Schmalhaupcn, Dr. J. Goro5chankin. Mr. Basarow. Dr. L. Reinhard. P. G. Tretjakoff. Prof. L. Scrobicbewski. L. Loutchinsky. Dr. Ed.deRegeL Prof. Andr.; B^Otoff. Prof. W. Scharrcr. Dr. J. E. Fischer. Dr. A. F. dc Wal Ihom. Dr. F. C. Schiib.d.r. Prof. C. Lovegren. Dr. F. W. C. Aresch-.ig. E. Lindgren. Prof. M. A. Werner. M. A. Pital. Dr. Th. M. Frie.'i. Dr. Jos. Pancic. I ' Mr. Schestakoff. I A. Chaves. ' Dr. Miguel Colmciro. , Dr. Jotc Arc7alo Bica. J. Cantley. I Dr. H. Vojhting. I Dr. L. Fischer. ! Dr. J. Miiiler. , J. Probst. F. Abb.t. Prof. C. S. Sargent. Dr. G. L. Gjodale. Dr. W. J. Beale. H. J. Sbaw. W. Saunders. J. Lachaume. W. Fawcett, F.L.S. J. Hart. M. Thierry. Garden in the House. PLANTS FOR HOUSE DECORATION. During winter, and especially at this season, great numbers of plants are required for house decoration, and no one should object to this use of them, seeing how much they beautify the different sites assigned to them. So much are we accustomed to seeing and admiring well-grown plants in front halls, corridors, dining-rooms, drawing-rooms, and in other positions, that we really think a house desolate without them, and for this reason, as well as on account of the know- ledge that plants thus employed are much more appreciated than those always kept where grown, that we never demur at any reasonable request for decorative flowering or tine-foliaged plants. Many are under the impression that a few days' sojourn in a house proves most injurious to plants so employed, and sometimes this is the case, the rubbish heap receiving many that h.-we been ruined either from the effects of gaa, neglect, or too long a stay in a darkened corner. Those who grow the plants, or someone equally e.\-perienoed, ought also to attend to them when in a house. Over-zealous and inexperienced persons are apt to be too free with the watering-pot or jug, a daily saturation quickly ruining a jjlant. Many under- gardeners are also very reckless in this respect, both giving too much and too cold water. Some of the most effective decorative plants have to be taken from plant stoves, and, therefore, when in a cooler atmosphere they ou'ht to receive less water than usual rather than more of it, and it ought always to be .slightly warmed. Even cool-house plants require less water than usual in much -darkened rooms, where they are often placed, and where they suffer when watered daily almost as badly as stove plants. Not a few stands are water-tight, and unless a little judgment is exercised, the plants may soon be standing in water. Our plan is to change most of the plants every Saturday morn- ing, those to be introduced being properly mois- tened at the roots before they are taken into the house. About three times during the ensuiijo- week all are caiefully examined, and if approach- ing dryness a little water is given. No house or window plant ought to stand in tins or saucers partly lillei with water, yet such is too often their lot, and this is bound to soon ruin them beyond recovery. Nor, on the other hand, should they sutler from want of water, though they are more likely to recover from this check than they are from being over-watered. It is really surprising how long some plants, notably the Maiden-hair Fern, will remain healthy either in a window or in a fairly light position, provided no cold draughts of air or water are given them, and they are carefully watered. Several other Adiantums, notably palmatum, gra- cillimum, assimile, Capillus- veneris (of which magnificum is the best form), mundulum, Law- sonianum, formosum, and Williamsi are very serviceable for house decoration, and will keep fresh for a long time. The same may be said of Pteris serrulata and its various crested forms. P. tremula. Asparagus plumosus scandens, and such Palms as Areca Baueri, Chamterops, Kentia aus- tralis, Latania borbonica, Phitnix dactylifera, and Seaforthia elegans are all good for house decora- tion, and these and other kinds mentioned are available for those who may only possess a green- house or cool conservatory in which to grow them when not required in the house. Pans or pots of Selaginellas are very effective in the house ; and I know instances where they are kept near a window all the year round and always look fresh. For this purpose I can recommend S. Kraussiana (denticulata) and its golden and silver forms Wildenovi and stolonifera. I know a case in which a handsome plant of the Filmy Fern (Todeasuperba) has been grown in a large pan under a-bell-glass for six years, and it annually improves. It stands under a stained-glass window at the end of the principal staircase, and being frequently watered and never allowed to become very dry overhead, it 596 THE GARDEN. [Dec. 25, 188B. is always attractive in appearance. Begonias of the Rex type are also good house plants, and everybody must know what a good servant Ficus elastica is. Of greenhouse flowering plants Arum Lilies prove the most difficult to kill, and under fairly good treatment plants in 7-inch pots will flower freely in a window. Cyclamen persicum also thrives and blooms well under similar con- ditions; but Chinese Primulas are apt to lose colour, and present a miserable appearance unless much favoured. Cinerarias are not easily kept clean. Cypripodium insigne will last on a table, not far from the light, longer than any other flowering plant, provided always it does not suffer from want of water. Epiphyllum truncatum, or Crab Cactus, as cottagers prefer to term it, will, if not over-watered or over-potted at any time, flower beautifully in a window, and the old Cactus speciosissimus is still a favourite for house deco- ration. W. I. CHRISTMAS FLOWERS. The dead season is now almost banished from our gardens. The Orchids are a host in themselves. Forced pot plants ad libitum consist of Deutzias, Lilacs, Valley Lilies, Azaleas, and these are but samples of the flowers of the season which every day become more numerous and brilliant and fragrant ; for among the latter, what flowers at any season can match the fragrance of the Violet, Valley Lilies, and early Narcissus, single or double'; Where frames and sheltered warm nooks abound, ^'iolets are almost as plentiful, and gene- rally far larger and more fragrant, in December than March. Christmas Roses, too, add a special purity and richness to the flowers of the season where these abound, and form a charming com- bination with Ijrilliant Poinsettias in dinner- table or other arrangements. There Is something specially pleasing in thus crowning the Christmas festivities, and preparing to deck the infant brow of the yet unborn year with the delicate tenderness, fragrance, and sweetness of pure and beautiful flowers. Dust and care, toil and sorrow, disappointment and loss will come all too soon ; and hence it is well to start with our fairest, sweetest, and best. When all without is frost- bound and bitten, or hidden behind the yellow veil of winter's foul fogs, the other side of the glass should wear its sunniest looks and its brightest apparel. It is winter without, though there is a strange beauty, a powerful fascination, in the fair rime frost that so richly clothes each branchlet and twiglet, and clothes all the trees with beauty. But it is impossible to imagine a richer contrast to a world thus bejewelled In pearls than a brave dis- play of colour under glass. Who loves a garden should love a greenhouse too, and there are few better methods of proving our love than the tilling all such with beauty, especially in the time of winter. To enjoy all this with the thermometer down to 12°, a liberal amount of artificial warmth is needful ; and fortunately plants are not now nearly so easily injured by any excess of heat as they are after the new year, so that now a com- fortable atmosphere of from 45° to GO*' may be en- joyed among our beautiful flowers under glass without damage to the plants in bloom. With the outside world frost-bound it is poor enjoyment at the best to shiver among our favourite flowers. I have seen many such cases where the stoker would have given more pleasure than a fresh batch of plants from the forcing pit or intermediate house — the latter is what all conservatories should be during the cold season. Just now they may safely bear more for a month or so towards the comfort of their owners in the matter of heat than merely providing for the safety of the plants. HORTUS. Some years ago I was very much pleased with the excellent effect produced by means of the common English Ivy alone, that an amateur friend used to employ in a great variety of ways, for decoration, and especially for filling hanging baskets both indoors and out, the windows being draped with elegant shoots from plants growing in the smallest possible root space. Since that time I have em- ployed Ivies for baskets, for brackets, and bal- conies, and with excellent efi'ect. Anyone who has not tried them can have little idea of the variety of form and colour to be found amongst these common hardy plants, and the smaller the root-space the better do they display their varie- gation. The golden blotched vaiiety, that only produces a few golden leaves at wide intervals apart when planted in rich soil, becomes beauti- fully variegated when starved at the root, and some of the silver variegated sorts are equally in- teresting. The large-leaved kind called Hedera maculata, that in rich soil assumes a dull white variegation, is very much improved by basket culture, and the best of such hardy subjects is that they impart a cheerful look to a dwelling- house at a time when other less hardy plants need the shelter of heated glass structures. For lining the base of hanging baskets nothing is equal to the Stonecrops ; they look fresh and green at all times of the year, except when covered with white or yellow flowers.— J. Cr., Hantf;. Room plants. — I was much interested in reading Mr. Douglas's description of the exhaus- tion and subsequent renewal of the bulbs of the Amaryllis. Allow me to ask him whether a simi- lar process takes place with regard to other bulbs In Vallota, for instance, which flowers at the end instead of the beginning of its leaf growth, has the bulb to be renewed after flowering and before going to rest ''. If so, it appears to me that late flowering must be injurious to it. I cannot suc- ceed with Vallota as a room plant, though every care is taken as to watering sutfiolenLly, but not over much. It loses its leaves and dwindles away, the roots dying. Yet my next-door neighbour grows it admirably, keeping it in a room without fire and even exposing it to a white frost. It also flourishes and multiplies in cottage rooms in Derby- shire. Imantophyllum miniatum, on the other hand, grows and flowers admirably with me in a window which it never leaves. — A. Johnson, Blarkhealh. Trees and Shrubs. Ivy in hanging' baskets. — Amongst the very best plants for filling wire baskets that are hung up in corridors, verandahs, and other exposed places all the year round are some of the many beautiful varieties of Ivy, especially those with very small foliage and graceful trailing shoots. TREES AND SHRUBS FOR THE SEASIDE. In many cases the soil near the seaooast is sandy, and few things, indeed, will grow luxuriantly in it, but the impression is very common that sandy soil produces a great many roots, and so it does ; but it does not promote a robust top-growth so strong and healthy as to resist storms to any extent, and this is one reason why seaside vege- tation is so stunted. The remedy is to give more attention in planting by introducing new and good soil to the roots, or mixing some heavy material up with the sand. Manure, too, is beneficial, and may be applied largely, especially in the form of top-dressings, at the present time. This applies more particularly to trees planted at the outset without manure and are now in a half-starved condition. In planting, the manure should be introduced in the operation, and it is a good plan to trench it down to the depth of several feet, as this induces the plants to root deeply, and thereby resist the pressure of the wind ; in fact, seaside trees should never be planted in shallow soil, as the roots will only run along the surface, and when the plants become large and present a large suiface to the wind, they almost invariably get blown over ; and this leads me to remark that beautiful as tall, well-furnished trees are in parks and inland, those of a tall-growing habit should never be planted on the seaside, or anywhere ex- posed to the high sea winds. Such trees may grow for a time, and even give promise of be- coming handsome specimens ; but this is only temporary, as they are blown down before gaining anything like maturity, and then the vacancy they leave behind them makes their owners wish they had confined themselves to dwarf and robust- growing subjects. This is the secret of successful seaside planting everywhere, and, speaking from experience and observation, I would advise planters to confine themselves mainly to the following plants: — The evergreen Euonymuses merit special atten- tion, as they are free rooting plants of compact growth. Excepting, perhaps, the Ivies, there is no class of variegated Evergreens to equal them in attractive colours, and they succeed admirably on the very margin of the sea. They may be used as hedges, planted as isolated specimens, or trained up a wall, and in every instance they will remain fresh and healthy from year's end to year's end. The Escallonias, especially E. maciantha, are excellent for the seaside. Their leaves are very pretty, and salt spray or strong gales do not injure them in the least. They are much of the same habit as the Euony- muses, and may always be planted with them. The Aucuba does not always thrive well on the sea- coast, and it is not recommended. The Arbutus is amongst the tall-growing seaside trees, and it does very well if sheltered by others, but we have had it injured when fully exposed, and although remarkably pretty when in flower, and showy above all berry-bearing plants when in fruit, I would only plant it to a limited extent on the margin of the sea, but a mile or two inland it may be more freely used. The Cotoneasters all do well near the sea, and as they are so very ornamental in berry at this season, they should be planted freely as wall plants, and to associate with other subjects. Few open-air shrubs are more valuable than Myrtles, and it is much in their favour that they can be safely classed amongst seaside plants ; in- deed, they grow much more luxuriantly near the sea than inland, and I know of many fine speci- mens in Wales that are frequently drenched with the spray from the sea. The Sweet Bay is another favourite that can be recommended as coming under this heading. Its leaves are valuable in many ways besides placing the plant in the fore- most rank of Evergreens. In the early summer it becomes a mass of yellow flowers, and by the autumn it often droops under a heavy load of purple berries. The Laurustinus is not sur- passed in its adaptability of withstanding the weather on the nearest borders of the sea, and, apart from its being a pretty evergreen bush, it is wreathed in white flowers from November until April or May. None of the Conifera^ are very meritorious in this respect, as they are all so much inclined to ascend. The Austrian and Cor- sican Pines are amongst the best of their class to weather the storms, and I would limit the Pine tribe to these two. Common varieties of Fuchsias grow and bloom profusely near the sea, and they should be included in all collections. Gorse is one of the hardiest of all, as it is squatty in growth and is never killed, but it is rather common. It does well for a margin to more choice subjects. The (Judder Rose is more valuable, as it is a very beautiful flowering shrub, and its droopingor curving habit of growth prevents it from being injured by the wind. The Privets are all ex- tremely hardy, and may be planted freely, and the Sea Buckthorn is another which should not be forgotten. J- Mum. Leycesteria formosa. — This is a capital plant for the shrubbery border, remaining, as it does, attractive for a great length of time. Towards the end of the summer the inflorescence appears in the form of long tassels, and as the flowers fade they are succeeded by black berries, which, with their pecu- liarly bronzy-coloured appendages, are curiously pretty. Leycesteria is not quite hardy in all places ; it is, therefore, desirable to plant it where it is some- what sheltered. It is, however, merely the young wood that gets injured, and that only during very severe frost. By judicious pruning at the end of March, when some of the old wood should be cut out Dec. 1886.] THE GARDEN. 597 and some of the young branches shortened back, very handsome plants may be obtained. The pruning should never be done until the winter is past.— S. CLETHRA ARBOREA. SiiKUBs which blossom naturally in autumn are few and far between, but Clethra arborea is a con- spicuous exception. It flowers with remarkable profusion in October and November. In some tree lists it is classed amongst hardy shrubs, but it would not, I apprehend, prove hardy in all parts of the country. \Ve have four bushes of it here, but [none of them are left out during the whole of the winter. They are grown in large square boxes like Orange trees, and are moved out in summer and are indoors in winter. The largest of them is '20 feet in height and 10 feet through, and very bushy. The others are about G feet in height, and the whole of them flower with the greatest free- dom. Their blossoms, which are almost pure white, are produced in upright clusters or little racemes, which extend about li inches above the leaves, and the flowers emit a fragrance almost as sweet as that of Lily of the Valley. In fact, this Clethra is commonly called the Lily of the Valley tree, and it well deserves the name, as the blooms are very much like those of the Valley Lily. They are exceedingly pretty on the tree, and very effec- tive when cut and arranged in glasses. Tlie flowers, indeed, are admired by everyone, and the plant merits attention, as it is easily grown and capable of making a good return for the labour devoted to it. It may be placed in the open air in April, and allowed to remain there until tlie end of November. It will bloom in tho open air, but rough autumn winds are apt to spoil the blossoms, and before this occurs it should be placed under cover. It grows freely in a mixture of two parts loam, one part sand, and one part half-decayed manure. It is not liable to be attacked by insects ; indeed, I never saw one on it. It requires large quantities of water at the root when growing, but in winter it may be kept rather dry. After flower- ing it forms a great many seed pods, which should be removed. Some of our plants are very much root-bound, but that is rather an advantage than otherwise, as it prevents them from making too much wood, and causes them to produce a wonder- ful amount of bloom. J. Mum. Sambucus racemosa. — The scat'.et-fruited El- der is very seldom found in British gardens of such a size as to display its beauty. When laden with its large dense cymes of fruit, " which resemble miniature bunches of Grapts of the most brilliant scarlet," the tree truly presents a splendid appearance. Planted in open, dry situations it dots not seem to thrive pro- perly, but in a rather damp, cool spot it soon attains a considerable size, and fruits freely. For the wood- land walk or the wild garden, where low-growing shrubs keep the ground shaded and cool about its roots, the scarlet Elder grows as freely, and would, perhap', attain as large a size as our common native Elder, Sambucus nigra. S. racemosa is widely dis- tributed throughout Central and Southern Europe, and in some of tho alpine valleys makes a splendid show with iti masses of brilliantly coloured fruits. Like most of the Elders, it sports freely, and a cut- leaved form and also one with variegated foliage are in cultivation in continental gardens. Azara microphylla. — Though it can only be safely proi,oimced as perlectly hardy in very favoured localities, this South American shrub is such a beau tiful JjVergreeD, that it is well worth the protection of a greenhouse, for it is one of those subjects that can be kept outside during the summer, and in the winter are available for the decoration of the conservatory, or for indoor furnishiug in places where the more delicate plants might be injured by draughts or cut- ting winds. The glossy character of the foliage of this Azara is a considerable advantage when em- ployed in this manner, as the accumulation of dust which sooner or later collects on room plants can be reidily removed by the syringe. The Azaras are all ornamental evergreen shrubs, natives of South America; but the most graceful is A. microphylla, in- troduced a few years ago. It is a regular-growing shrub, reaching a height of 6 feet or S feet, with the branches arranged in a fan shaped mnm. (Stc.id's Exors., D.ilton ) Deo. 25, 1886.] THE GARDEN. 599 WOODS & Forests. ENGLISH FIREWOOD. Fire? made of resinous woods are harmless and useful enough in the open forest, but in dwelling- liouses they are both disagreeable and dangerous. But we are in nowise bound to the use of the Pine tribe, as among the commonest of onr native trees we have excellent firewood. It is cLioaed by some, I know, that Yew makes the best firewood, but this, on account of its scarcity, is quite out of the questior. Therefore in the first group I place Ash, Beech, Maple (this is seldom to be had in any quantity in the form of cirdwood). Oak, and Elm. There are comparatively few placts where one or tlie other if these kinds are not to be foand, and in many tie whole of them. The cloix must be controlled by the wojds in most abundance, but, on the whole, I r'gird those consumers living in Beech districts as being the most favouted in the matter of firewood. This is certainly so if the ease with which it ignites when seasoned is taken into the reckoning. Ash is equally good, except that it ia less abundant, coaimauds a higher price, and the corresponding poitions of the tree which, in the case of Beech are of little value for anything but firewood, can generally be sold at a figure which would make it bad economy to burn it. Oak in such counties as Sussex, where it predominates, is naturally the chitf firewood. In other counties where Elm is plentiful, it is a wood largely used ; it is, however, more suited for keeping up a constant fire than for igniting it. There is quite another group formed by the kinds which do not usually grow to timber size, and which, instead of being subdivided by beetle and wedge, are of such small dimensions as to require to be bound t"gether for convenience of removal and stacking. The very small branches of trees are, of course, treated in the s.ame way. Chief among these smaller woods, then, for firewood occurs the Hazel, the Hawthorn, the Blackthorn, and the Willow. The list-namtd, perhaps, is not usually ranked a^ a firewood, but, judiciously used, makes a very good fire. With re- gard to the Thorns, with the very small branchts there is the disadvantage of the crackling sound they emit. With the larger and more solid poitions thi< objection does not exist. The sourjes from which these different firewoods may be drawn are many, but for such as come under the heading of cord-wood, the larger branches of trees is the chief. The precise amount and size tf the wood which will go respectively to the fire and to the merchant will be regulated according to the supply of firewood wanted and the smallest size s.ale- able in the market. With the larger trees, such as Ash, Beich, Oak, and Elm, except in special cases, it will be found that there is very little to be gained by selling .anything under 6 inches in diameter. Where the trees are very gross in growth, or have begun to die back from the branches, it will be often advisable to cut up much larger sizes for the fire. If the wood is burnt on the open hearth, so much the better, as it will only be necessary to saw it into lengths of fr^m 18 inches to 2 feet or so. Generally, however, the dimendoES of the fireplace will not admit of such a simple method of preparation. In this case the cross-cutting and cleaving must either be done upon the spot where the trees f.aU, or in the wood-yard or shed. When the wood is prepared for sale, there is a good reason for cleaving it in the open field or forest, but when it is for home consumption, it is obviously a saving of labour to remove the logs entire and for the work of preparation to be completed where the wood has to remain until wanted for consumption. Here may be added a word as to seasoning and preserva- tion. To judge from the way in which firewood is commonly dealt with, it would seem that no such processes are necessary. For due economy they are, and it is highly desirable that if a suitable building i-i not at hand, the stack in which the wood is placed should be thatched, or in some way covered and kept dry. 'i'he proper preparation and care of firewood is a thing which would repay a little more atten- tion than ii usually given it. The preparation is perhaps better understood than the care of it after- wards. This applies to the fagot or small wjod, as well as to the cord or larger cleft wood. The first season it may perhaps be neglected, but if it is likely that it will not be used during the current year, some pri caution must be taken to keep it dry. If kept dry the second and third year, the cleft wood especi- ally will burn so much the better ; but if left exposed, each month after the first season will tell detri- mentally. After removal from the woods to the place where it has to be prepared or stacked, it matters but little at what time it is prepared, pro- viding it is fairly dry weather. It very often happens, however, that the time when firewood is cleft is when it is so excessively wet that no other occupation can be followed. Where, therefore, a building, no matter how rough, can be had, it is well to get a supply of the logs as they come from the forest put in whilst they are dry. This is much more important when the place of storage is a close building than when it is a stack. In the latter case the stack is merely roofed, and the air has the opportunity of penetrating e\ery portion of it. With a close build- ing the moisture must remain, and consequently decay sets in. Considering that fagot wood is as easily built into stacks as Corn sheaves, and that the cleft cordwood can be just as easily manipidated where there are no buildings of suHicient extent to contain the main stock of firewood, there is no excuse for getting it spoilt. The slope of the roof can be formed of the same material as the body of the stack, and all that is wanted is a few inches of rough thatch. This, so long as it keeps out the bulk of the rain, will ar.swer all that is reipured of it. It need not be straw, as Reeds or Sedge (Jrasses, or, in fact, anything of the sort which may be within reach, will be just as satisfactory as the most costly material, and fagots m.ay be put above the cjrdwood stack to keep olfthe wet. — U. J. Y. *,* The way our English trees, native and com- monly cultivated, burn is a very interesting subject, and we shall he grateful for any notes readers may send on it. More about the way each particular tree burns is required, and the age at which it burns best. For instance, what are the burning qualities of such very common trees as the Spruce and the .Scotch ! They are often considered almost useless as firewood, and yet we have seen old roots of Scotch give <)ut a flame richer and prettier than from any other tree, or from the best coal. The many old Apple trees of poor sorts, are they useful as fuel ? And our Field Maple and Sycamore and the common Ijime, only to name a few of the commoner trees in cultivation. — Ed. OUR TIMBER SUPPLY. It is a pretty general belief that timber merchants never consider, or care a straw, about the state of the timber supply in this country so long as they can get hold of just enough to keep their yards and mills going from year to year. In many instances this may be so, but a few days ago I happened to be in the company of some members of the trade who introduced the question quite spontaneously. The subject was, therefore, dis- cussed, I do not say very deeply, but still enough to show that those whose ocoupatioa it is to consume our forest products are not altogether insensible to the other side of the business. For the most part, I must confess they seemed but little acquainted with what has been done in the past, or is being done now in the direction of calling attention to the matter by means of the press; but all seemed ready to admit the necessity of bestowing more thought on the future. From this the discussion turned to timber as a paying crop, and instances were quoted which had come under the personal notice of the parties present where large amounts had been realised otf what had previously been useless ground, and other cases were cited where the cost of replanting had reached very nearly to what the matured crop of timber had sold at. One portion of the company seemed to think that we need be under no apprehension as to where timber is to come from, as when it is exhausted here there would be unlimited supplies from abroad. On entering this phase of the inquiry I referred to what the foreigners themselves say. It may not directly bear upon what is or may be grown here, but there is one thing which I think calculators of how long different countries' supply will last generally overlook, and that is, as soon as the value of timber becomes appreciably enhanced through approaching scarcity, different materials will at once be substituted for purposes for which timber is now so greatly used. Take America, for instance, whence a great deal of alarmist literature on vanishing forests comes. So long as timber can be had for little beyond the work of clearing, where labour is a considera- tion, it will, no doubt, continue to be very largely used in building and similar operations, but as soon as a difficulty comes in of getting enough and at suitable figures, some other material will be brought into use which will gradually, but surely, supplant timber as the price rises and it becomes more scarce. I do not think this is likely to happen in the near future, but if the time does CDme when the tinxber supply is really within a measurable distance of exhaustion, fome such natural remedy will step in and restore the balance by affording time for new supplies to mature The instance in our country which most clearly bears this out is perhaps the substitution of iron and steel in ship building. Had the supply of timber continued sufficient, or more than suffi- cient, for the needs of the navy, it is extremely doubtful whether much would have been heard of any other material. Directly this is likely to fail the necessity arises for some other product which will take its place, and this is found in iron. According to many leports, there is now more Oak in the market than can be profitably disposed of, and this is the natural outcome of what occurred a generation or two ago, when, concurrently with the discovery of new products to take the place of timber which had become scarce and dear, a new era of planting commenced. The demand is reduced and the supply increased, and in this way in the course of a generation or two the balance is restored. In the discussion which has led to these remarks, we did not get upon this particular line of argument, but it seems to mo that in many respects it is a true one. Simply left alone, the recuperative powers of Nature are marvellous, and in more than one district I know where heavy cuttings have from time to time taken place, there seems but little diminution in the supply. If the view which I have taken be sound, it is the forester's duty merely to preserve and replenish the kinds of trees which he knows to be the mo.'rt scarce, and leave each other description to come in for attention as the necessity arises. At the present moment, upon these lines it is clear that the Ash is the one tree the supply of which needs to be increased, and this has often been urged when the question has been looked at in a totally different aspect. J- HOW TIJIBER IS VALUED. I AM not at all anxious to have the last word in this discussion, nor do I with to misrepresent matters in the least ; far from it; but I must say either the "Forester on the Duncombe Estate ' or myself are very far out in our calculations. Your correspondent is not quite straightforward in his replies. The dispute as to prices between him and I does not refer to sales he may havj transacted "a few weeks ago," or since this dis- cussion commenced, but to sales anterior to that and during the past few months, or year, we may say. The present winter's sales are irrelevant as yet, but I will deal with the Duncombe Park prices for these also before I finish. I saw one of the purchasers the other day who bought some of the Larch near Ilelmsley (which I understand was taken to that station), and 1 asked him the question again about prices paid early in the sea- son, ai we know each other intimately, and his reply was, " about 4d. per foot as far as I can re- collect, and it cost from 1 hd. to 3Ad. to lead it to the station." Now this figure correspondents reasonably with the rates of delivery in this neigh- bourhood about the same date, and corroborates what I have asserted. The Duncombe Park 600 THE GARDEN. [Dec. 23, 1886. forester knows perfectly well, I have no doubt, what lots I allude to, and yet he attempts to evade a plain question relative to them by quoting recent prices that nobody but himself at present knows anything about. But let us examine these recent prices of his, Sd. and 9d. — felling not allowed for, I notice — and 1 believe his estate fells all and sells the timber fallen and lotted, which entails much expense which is not deducted either. But let that go. It appears that " nine- tenths " of his Larch goes to Durham and the Cleveland district, where at present trade is duller than here, not to mention the fact that the carriage from Helmsley cannot be much, if any, less than it is to South Yorkshire. By the time his timber gets to Dur- ham stations it will have reached consumer's price and have still to be delivered by the purchaser at a profit. And all this we are apparently expected to believe is going on when the vendors of Larch in the Durham and the Cleveland districts, or near I there, are delivering Larch eighty or ninety miles I distant at the other end of the country for Is. per i foot to the consumer. In other words, the Cleve- | ■ landandDurhamconsumersarecarryingLarchfrom the south for which they must be paying from 1 r>d. to ISd. per foot, while the Larch from their own ! neighbourhood is passing their door at half that price, probably for want of a market at home ! Does anybody believe it, especially considering the depressed condition of the Larch trade owing to the constantly increasing supplies of prop wood from abroad, delivered at the pit mouth all over Yorkshire at about 8d. per foot ? The station, I may add in reply to the Duncombe Park forester, where the Is. per foot Larch (from North York- shire, or near the border of Durham) was delivered is close to Sheffield, and it was delivered at two separate works. Let not the reader forget that all this discussion relates to the difficult art of valuing as portrayed by some of your corre- spondents, but which recent revelations show con- sists, on some large estates, in felling and lotting the trees and selling them to the highest bidder — a mysterious art truly. Y. MATERIALS FOR FENCES. Apkopos of " T. B.'s" remarks upon the use of wood with iron supports for garden fences, I have seen such supports used for light paled fences round allotments and the like, but I doubt, unless the posts were very strong, whether it would answer for anything so high as 10 feet. The sug- gestion, however, is worth consideration, and is capable of being adapted in other ways. A height of 4 feet or 5 feet would be quite as much as would be likely to answer well with light iron supports, as the wind pressure above this would be so great. For heights above this the following plan, I believe, would be better. Build brick piers at intervals of say 10 feet, which would make a square bay or panel. This distance could, of course, be varied, but I give it as an illustration. Cement angle iron rails into these piers, and if necessary have a sup- port in the centre of the bay. To these angle iron rails, which of course would be drilled before for the purpose, fix IJ-inoh or Iw-inch Elm boards, and when dry, tar them in the same way as would be done with the Spruce. The brick piers would be built with their greatest thickness at right angles to the line of fence so as to resist a side thrust, and the angle irons fixed as nearly as may be to the outside — in fact, just far enough from the back edge of the pier to allow of sufficient hold for the rail and for the boarding, which would be fixed on the outside, to finish level with the back edge. In this way each panel would be sheltered by the pier standing well out into the border, and if at any time a coping was wanted to further protect the trees or whatever may happen to be growing upon the fence, some boards could be kept for the purpose which would rest each end upon a pier, and on the top of the wood fence for the whole distance. The piers would, of course, be also available for stretching any protecting material across the bays in front of the trees, as they would have the advantage of standing a greater distance into the garden than in the case of the ordinary wall. Constructed in this way there would be the disadvantage of the angles of the iron standing out from the inside. This could be obviated by fixing the rails as nearly as possible to the back edge of the pier, but with the angles reversed and boarded inside. The drawbacks of this plan are that it would afford a foothold on the outside and would reduce the width of the pier on the inside. Other adaptations would suggest themselves ac- cording to circumstanC3s, as there seems no good reason why brick alone should be rigidly adhered to. D. J. Yeo. 4 -■^^A^>llg»»»P-: ■r(UJi^!<:>/Hi\ r^